Times Of Oman - March 19, 2015 by Muscat Media Group

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THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 /28 Jumada Al Ula 1436 AH timesofoman.com

AGAINST SAUDI ARABIA

Oman condemns Swedish foreign minister’s statements MUSCAT: Oman’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the statements made by the Foreign

the internal affairs of the sisterly KSA; a violation of the international laws and the norms of relations among countries.

Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden before the Swedish Parliament against the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The ministry said that it condemns such statements and consider them interference in

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Give us female only taxis, say women

It affirmed that such statements will have negative reﬂection on the relations between Sweden and the Arab countries. — ONA See also >B1

‘Need to set up a taxi company’

AV I AT I O N

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

AIRFARES FROM MUSCAT TO...

elham@timesofoman.com

(In Omani rials)

Fares

Mumbai

Discount

Lean season Peak season

Amount

Kochi

300 120 350 130

Delhi

170

Dhaka

Islamabad

280 120

Colombo

Male Istanbul London

Milan

230

77%

230

66%

170

300

220

57%

110

39%

100

45%

It would be a good idea to introduce female taxi drivers in Oman for the comfort of women, says the Women’s Guild in Oman

134

146

280 174

450 250

100

350 240

130

370 420

Source: Travel agencies

500

49%

310

140

Washington

52%

166

340

MUSCAT: With the lean season drawing to an end promotional fares are being withdrawn and airlines have started raising the prices of their tickets. “No more promotional fares for the passengers,” said a country manager of an airline which operates seven ﬂights a week to Muscat. Travel agents said that with school examinations set to conclude by month-end, Indiabased airlines have started with-

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com 69%

29%

35%

16% Graphics

Airlines begin to hike fares as lean season nears end Times News Service

drawing the lowest fares pushing up airfares. “The fares will be a little more from this month-end as the number of seats in the lower classes will come down,” Riyaz Kuttery, Jet Airways general manager for Oman said. However, for some carriers, the lean season will continue till May, 2015. “We will be offering promotional fares till May 31, and after that the prices will increase by 10 to 20 per cent,” said Rajan Jayraman, country manager of Kuwait Airways. >A6

MUSCAT: Introducing taxis with female drivers can help shield women from harassment, says the Women’s Guild in Oman (WGO), joining calls by female passengers who demand safer cabs. Susan Flower, the president of WGO, says that she has heard of women being accosted by male drivers and it would be a good idea to introduce female taxi drivers in

Oman for the comfort of women who do not wish to ride taxis with men. “In Dubai they have female taxi drivers with vehicles clearly identiﬁable as having female drivers,” she told Times of Oman, noting that certain cultures would feel more at ease with a female driver. “I have not personally been in a taxi as a woman by herself, however, if I walk along the street, often taxis pass and beep their horns which I consider a form

In order to end misconduct towards women in taxis, she says that taxis should be metered and be made to display official ID badges in the front and rear of the vehicle and there should be a process whereby women can report taxi drivers for inappropriate behaviour.

“The practice of randomly picking up customers and sharing taxis should be prohibited, particularly where there are women passengers, and women should be able to sit in the backseat in comfort,” she said. >A7

OMAN

Tourist arrivals increase 18% in January

International tourist arrivals in Oman rose 18% in January this year to 512,324 compared to a month earlier, thanks to better ﬂight connections and lower oil prices. Statistics available with OAMC, the company that manages Muscat and Salalah Airports, show that the two airports handled 933,000 passengers in January 2015 compared to 84,8400 passengers in December last year. >A5

OMAN

REGION

HSBC Oman credit card repayments

Tunisian museum attack kills 19

Gunmen in military uniforms stormed Tunisia’s national museum, killing 17 foreign tourists and two Tunisians on Wednesday. >A8

HSBC Oman has changed its credit card repayment procedures from March 6, the bank has said. This will help customers better manage repayments, it added. >A6

Omantel to present Times of Oman School Quiz Oman quiz, ‘Pickbrain’ said, “The highs for me are clearly the emergence of new teams and talent. The quiz has now become a movement across schools for kids to read more or at least keep their eyes and ears open to developments around them.”

Times News Service

While the ﬁnal of the Times of Oman Inter School Quiz Contest is slated for Friday, April 24 at the City Amphitheatre, the mega prelims will be held on April 22. The preliminaries will start from April 15. Like last year, the Times of

of harassment. I have however been told of many stories by female domestic workers who have had horriﬁc experiences in taxis where they have been forced to sit in the front and physically abused by not only taxi drivers but also by other male passengers who have been permitted to share the taxi,” said Flower.

MUSCAT: A taxi company needs to be established in Oman to deal with issues related to taxis and further regulate this sector, says a member of the Muscat Municipal Council. Mahmood Al Shahwarzi, representative of Muttrah at the Muscat Municipal Council, believes that the whole taxi system in Oman has to be reviewed and revised and taxi drivers should be required to meet stricter criteria. He said that there is a need for the establishment of a taxi company to deal with issues related to taxis, apart from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Muscat Municipality, which are currently handling these matters. There should be stricter regulations regarding the type of the car used as a taxi and an age limit should be set for taxi drivers to ensure the safety of the passengers, he said. >A7

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

I N T E L L E C T UA L S T I M U L AT I O N

MUSCAT: Omantel will present the popular Times of Oman Inter School Quiz Contest (TOOISQC). “Omantel is proud of its continuing association with the Times of Oman school quiz,” said Mohammed Hassan Al Lawatia, events manager, Omantel, the pioneer total communications solutions company. He added, “It is an ongoing part of Omantel’s commitment to the resident community to encourage such forms of intellectual stimulation, especially among school children. We hope that the success of the event continues, and brings knowledge and happiness to the hundreds of participants as well as thousands of people who enjoy watching it.” Appreciating the gesture, Quizmaster Giri ‘Pickbrain’ Balasubramaniam said, “It is nice to know that Omantel is a patron of the school quiz again. I have observed globally, that responsible, reputed corporations often support educational initiatives.” “Telecom and connectivity are the modern drivers of learning and development and our future generations are powered by these,” he said.

ISO 9001:2008 Certiﬁed Company

Oman will hold the inter school quiz in two categories - junior (grade 8 and below) and senior (grade 9 to 13). Accordingly there will be two sets of prelims, mega-prelims and ﬁnals for the two categories. About hosting the Times of

Fantastic platform He also added, “This is a fantastic platform created by the Times of Oman. It is also important for parents to help their kids cultivate a liking for non-academic reading and browsing, not only from a quiz point of view but from an information appreciation point of view.” “Enquiries and registrations are pouring in from different schools and students. We are certain that the event will be a success this year too,” said a spokesperson for the TOOISQC. Entry forms for the quiz are already being printed in the Times of Oman newspaper. The quiz is open to two-member teams from all international and private schools and any number of teams from a school can take part. Each team will have two students from the same school. For more details email on quiz@timesofoman.com.

Solar Impulse-2 lands in Varanasi

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

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ROP AND CUSTOMS

More than 1,380 vehicles imported via border posts Times News Service MUSCAT: In all, 1,389 vehicles were imported through Buraimi and Musandam borders between March 8 and 14, according to the North Batinah Customs Department. This comes after the implementation of a new system for registering imported vehicles via border posts in co-operation with the Directorate General of Traffic. The number of vehicles that were imported via North Batinah stood at 1,148. At the Buraimi border post 234 vehicles were brought in, and at Musandam the number was seven. Fake notes Two nationals were arrested for selling fake GCC currencies in North Sharqiyah governorate. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) received 11 complaints of fake GCC currencies being circulated in the wilayats of Bidyah, Ibra and Sinaw. The two accused would target petrol stations and hypermarkets to use these currencies. L E G I S L AT U R E

State Council clears drugs law provision MUSCAT: A report by the Legal Committee on provisions of the Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law has been approved by the State Council. The approval came at the regular session of the Council held under the chairmanship of Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council. The report had been referred by the Council of Ministers after taking into consideration the inputs of members of the State Council and maintaining coordination with Majlis Al Shura. It also discussed the report of the Social Committee on the draft law for regularising pharmacists’ profession and pharmaceutical institutions. It was decided to complete the discussion of the same draft law at the 11th regular session, scheduled to be held on March 31. -ONA

DRUG HAUL: Three nationals, two men and a woman, were arrest-

ed on drug trafficking and abuse charges in Sohar wilayat.– ROP

Two held for arson The Investigation Department of the Shinas police station has identiﬁed the two culprits who set the vehicle of an Omani alight in the Wilayat of Shinas recently. The two accused admitted that they had committed the crime using a ﬂammable substance in front of the victim’s house. The accused also confessed that they did it in retaliation over an earlier dispute with the victim. Drug sellers arrested The Combating Drug Department arrested three nationals, two men

and a woman, for drug trafficking and drug abuse in the wilayat of Sohar. The accused were arrested in Sahilah area of Sohar following a tip-off. Around 30 tablets were recovered from the accused. Similarly, two Asians were arrested for peddling drugs in Araqi area of Rustaq wilayat. The police recovered 166 capsules of heroin from the accused. One of the accused had also entered the country illegally. In another case, two nationals and an Asian were arrested for drug trafficking and drug abuse in Saraa area of Buraimi.

OMAN

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

OMAN

Omani-inspired art exhibitions for three months, from March to June, portraying the beauty of the Sultanate’s landscapes

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Artists capture Oman’s beauty Everything (on display) at the show is for sale. The original paintings can also be bought separately at a higher price

TARIQ AL HAREMI MUSCAT: There will be three Omani-inspired art exhibitions from March to June, portraying the beauty of the Sultanate’s landscapes. Over the three months, they will promote it in the eyes of the art enthusiasts and collectors. The exhibition series titled Time to be Enchanted, Desert Dreams, and Spirit of Oman is being organised at Crowne Plaza, Muscat. “The aim is to be inspired by Oman’s beauty,” said Sami Jaffer, one of the event organisers and photographer, whose exhibits, among others, are being displayed. “All my inspiration comes from the landscapes of Oman, and particularly the clouds these days,” he added. His modern/abstract pictures are on display at the exhibition and all pieces are for sale ranging from OMR30 to OMR100.

ART TREAT: The exhibition series is set to start this month at Crowne Plaza, Muscat.–Supplied photos

“Everything (on display) is for sale. We are doing print sales so the prices are low and there are a limited number of prints,” he said. “The original paintings can also be bought separately at a higher price,” he added. Sami got into photography due to his interest in ﬁlms which was born from writing and poetry.

When asked about the other artists, he said, “The painter and writer both worked very closely together at different locations to make drawings and paintings inspired by the landscape of Oman or by some of the things His Majesty has done. These are things they appreciate about the country.”

INFRASTRUCTURE

Tender Board okays major plans MUSCAT: Tenders worth OMR 4,980,247 were awarded by the Tender Board on Wednesday at its meeting held under the chairmanship of Dr Rasheed bin Al Saﬁ bin Khamis Al Hraibi, for the following development projects: Rehabilitation of Al Batinah road (Liwa-Shinas) in North Al Batinah Governorate (OMR 3,655,029.) Additional works to renew the

lease contract for the building of the Public Prosecution in Al Khuwair (OMR245,970.) Additional works to provide quantity surveying for the National Museum project (OMR 43,068.) Additional works for the supply of technical cadres for the National Centre for Statistics and Information (OMR349,980.) Additional works for the provi-

sion of maternity services at the private hospitals for the cases referred by Sohar Hospital in North Al Batinah Governorate (OMR 686,200.) Meanwhile, Salalah Tender Committee held a meeting yesterday to review the technical analysis of tenders for the design and construction of internal roads in Sahlnout,Thumrait, Shleem and Halaniyat Islands.– ONA

T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

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OMAN

Tourism grows 18% in January International tourists arrivals in Oman

More than half of these passengers are tourists. It is a record for one month, in terms of tourism. We are proud that we have reached this milestone, said an official from state-run OAMC

SALEH AL SHAIBANY saleh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: International tourists visiting Oman increased by 18 per cent in January this year to 512,324 compared to a month earlier, thanks to better flight connections and lower oil prices. Statistics available with the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC), the company that manages Muscat and Salalah Airports, show that the two airports handled about 933,000 passengers in January 2015 compared to 848,400 passengers in December last year. “More than half of these passengers are tourists. It is a record for one month, in terms of tourism. We are proud that we have reached this milestone due to better flight connectivity since we opened Phase One of the new Muscat Airport in November,” an official from state-run OAMC told the Times of Oman. Muscat Airport serves 28 scheduled airlines operating 545 flights a week travelling to 27

Statistics available with Oman Airports Management Company show that there has been an increase in passengers arriving in Oman thanks to better ﬂight connections and lower oil prices.

18% 933,000 848,400 Increase in international tourists in January

Passengers in January 2015

Passengers in December 2014

Source: Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC)

destinations from Muscat. The Sultanate is aiming to become a major transit route in the Gulf countries, competing with Dubai, when the new Terminal Building in Muscat Airport is completed. Currently, the airport is handling about 7 million passengers a year but with the completion of the new terminal building, 12 million passengers will pass through it annually. Lower international oil prices have also helped to bring in more tourists, according to aviation experts. “Jet fuel is cheap now and airlines have reduced prices. The result is that air travel from major airlines at the moment can afford to be competitive in terms of fares,” said Sabri Al Faraj, an expert of International Air Transportation Association (IATA) based at Muscat Airport. Most of the tourists to Oman

Graphics

are from Germany, Switzerland, Japan and the Gulf countries. However, Chinese tourists have been visiting Oman more frequently in the last two years. However, Oman needs to lower hotel tariffs to be more competitive to further boost the number of tourists in the country, he said. “Oman has very expensive hotel tariffs compared to most countries. Tourists like to come to Oman because of the natural beauty and history. However, the country will beneﬁt more if hotels reduce room tariffs a bit. At the moment, an average tourist does not stay for more than three days because it is too expensive to stay longer,” explained Al Faraj. Oman’s 2,100-kilometre long coast line is the longest beach in the Gulf country which attracts many tourists to come for scuba diving, snorkelling, dolphin watching or turtle nestling.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

OMAN PRESIDENT-ELECT

Ithraa chief heads for Namibia MUSCAT: Representing His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Dr Salem bin Nasser Al Ismaily, Chairman of Ithraa, will attend the inauguration ceremony of Namibia’s President-elect Dr HageGeingob, to be held on Saturday. Dr HageGeingob, and his party, the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), won victory in December’s presidential and legislative elections. -ONA

The full peak season will start from the end of May and will go on till the end of the Eid holidays Sami Muctar, country manager of Ethiopian Airlines

HSBC revises credit card payment system The HSBC has

Dr Salem bin Nasser Al Ismaily

revised the calculation method of the minimum monthly repayment due on credit cards

STAFF REPORTER MUSCAT: HSBC Oman has changed its credit card repayment procedures from March 6, said a statement from the bank. “We are revising the way we calculate the minimum monthly repayment due on your HSBC credit card and the manner in which

your repayments are applied to your HSBC credit card. This change is being implemented by HSBC Bank Oman S.A.O.G in an attempt to help you better manage repayment of your outstanding balance,” said the statement from the bank, adding that the extent of the impact will depend on customer’s specific payment pattern. The current calculation methodology for monthly minimum repayment on HSBC credit card is calculated through various procedures such as the total of any flexible instalment plan monthly payment, any amount in excess of customer’s credit limit, any relevant insurance premium and for each purchase, cash advance, balance transfer or easy cash the first OMR 10 or 5 per cent (whichever is higher) of the balance of that category of transactions on customer’s account. The minimum amount due may also include any unpaid mini-

mum amounts from the previous billing periods. Since March 6, the total of any flexible instalment plan monthly payment has been taken into account any amount in excess of customer’s credit limit; any relevant insurance premium and for each purchase, cash advance, balance transfer or easy cash the first OMR10 or 5 per cent of the balance of that category of transactions on customer’s account or the total monthly interest and fees charged, including annual membership fee (whichever is higher). The minimum amount due may also include any unpaid minimum amounts from the previous billing periods. The application of a customer’s payment to categories of balance were in the following order, where fees and charges come first followed by finance charge/interest, easy cash, cash advances, balance transfer and purchases.

The new allocation of the customer’s HSBC credit card repayments will be calculated as payments received from the customer are applied to pay off the minimum payment shown on customer’s statement of accounts; then the remaining balance on customer’s statement of accounts and then items not yet included in customer’s statement of account. Categories of balance “We apply the customer’s payment to categories of balance in the following order from highest interest to lowest interest plan after clearing the minimum repayment amount which includes fee and charges, ﬁnance charge/ interest and outstanding principal balance comprising different categories of balance e.g. easy cash, cash advances, balance transfers etc. from highest interest to lowest interest plan,” says the statement. H O L I D AY S E A S O N

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Air fares

A1 set to rise in May Travel agents say that on any flight, the first eight seats go for the lowest fare and the last eight for the highest fares

Riyaz also said that this competitive pricing helps them attract flyers during the lean season, adding, “The number of passengers goes up heavily due to this competitive pricing.” Sami Muctar, country manager of Ethiopian Airlines, advised people to book in advance for their vacation. “The full peak season will start from the end of May and will go on till the end of the Eid holidays,” he said. He also said, “The airline booking systems of today allow you to book tickets months in advance. The earlier you book, the less you pay.” One-way ticket rates On any flight, the first eight seats go for the lowest fare and the last eight for the highest fares. “Generally, a one-way ticket to Mumbai, India, costs between OMR30 and OMR40. But at its peak it can go up to OMR150 for a one-way economy class ticket,” said a travel agent. Most Asian expatriates prefer to spend the school summer breaks in their native countries while some opt for travel to Europe and the Far East. European cities like London and Paris remain the favourite holiday destinations for most citizens while Dubai is the main shopping stop, according to travel industry experts.

T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5 In co-operation with DB International, this MoU will allow us to design and set up a specialised training programme for railway engineering students and technicians in Oman Dr. Ing. Tobias Effey, head of training and smart solutions centre at GUtech

VA R I O U S I N I T I AT I V E S

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‘Strict rules should be in place’

In addition, he noted that educational programmes and courses should be developed for taxi drivers to teach them how to deal with passengers. “Sometimes you see an old women taking a taxi and the taxi driver does not even get out of the car to help her.” Al Shahwarzi also said that special areas should be designated for taxis to prevent traffic and stop taxi drivers from parking and stopping wherever they wish to. “Some taxi drivers also take four passengers in the back seat, which is against the law and is very dangerous as the fourth passenger is not insured.” He also said that strict rules should be in place to prevent the use of tinted glass by taxis, and taximeters should also be installed. Salim Sultan Al Abri, expert of tourism initiatives at the minister of tourism’s office, said that establishing a taxi company will restrict drivers, who always prefer to work independently, and will lead to a decrease in their income. Bringing technology to taxis to help them save time and fuel is the best option and will beneﬁt them more, he said.

Pact to train Omanis for railway jobs MoU was signed between GUtech and the DB International at GUtech in Halban, last week

Times News Service MUSCAT: Special training programmes for Oman’s developing railway sector will be created after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between GUtech and the DB International GmbH, the international frontrunner of the German Railway, Deutsche Bahn DB at GUtech in Halban, last week. Thousands of jobs in 260 categories will be created for the 2,135-kilometre long national railway project. Due to the railway project in Oman, that will connect all GCC countries, there is a demand for specialised training keeping in mind the future. Railway engineering students

“In co-operation with DB International, this MoU will allow us to design and set up a specialised

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

A1 Safety training for < FROM

taxi drivers vital

The president of WGO also suggested that all taxi drivers should be made to go through some form of formal training before being allowed to operate as a taxi driver. “This should include refresher training on road safety and awareness (including where it is safe to stop on the roadside) and the importance of professional behaviour towards all passengers, no matter whether male or female.”

I thought they have no bad intention and just want to interact, but it became annoying and I realised that when I answer their ﬁrst questions, they keep asking me more,” she told Times of Oman. Mina, another expatriate, says that although she dresses modestly and behaves in a serious manner when traveling in a taxi, she has experienced misconduct by several drivers.

Commenting on the possibility of having women-exclusive cabs in Oman, Mahmood Al Shahwarzi, representative of Muttrah at the Muscat Municipal Council, said that it can be considered only after the taxi system is regulated further. According to him, different aspects of this issue should be considered, including how strong the demand is. The Ministry of Tourism recently revealed plans to introduce ‘tourism smart taxis’ at 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, which will be equipped with the latest technologies and devices that will allow for advance booking, smart communications, tracking, taxi meter charging, billing and service monitoring. Training will be part of the initiative.

“Once I took a shared taxi at night, at around 8 o’clock, and the front seat was empty, so I sat in the front. When other passengers got out of the car, the diver started touching my legs. I was so shocked that I just removed his hand and forced him to stop the car. I was in such a frightened mood that I could not even note down the car’s plate number,” she said.

Speaking to Times of Oman, Salim Sultan Al Abri from the Ministry of Tourism, who is the expert of tourism initiatives at the minister’s office, said that the ministry has a ‘responsibility’ to develop all taxis and not just those in hotels. “That is why we have already started from our sector, from hotels. It will give us an experience to extend to all taxis.”

Lady taxis for Salalah Asked if the ministry has any plan to introduce women-only taxis, Al Abri said, “We are in talks with Al Raffd Fund to do it in Salalah, but still we are in the ﬁrst step.” Female passengers complain of harassment by some taxi drivers in Muscat, calling for an end to inappropriate gestures and personal questions that make them feel unsafe and uncomfortable. While acknowledging that there are also ‘decent’ taxi drivers, women passengers complain that their privacy is breached from time to time, with some accusing drivers of making advances to them.

Governing laws Article 269 of the Omani Penal Code states that anyone who harms the dignity of an individual shall be sentenced to imprisonment from ten days to six months or a ﬁne not exceeding ten rials. Sonia, a 25-year expatriate who uses taxis frequently, says that she knows some good taxi drivers but many others start asking her personal questions as soon as she gets into the taxi. “When I was new to Oman, I used to answer their questions as

In an email to Times of Oman, one reader wrote that once his ﬁancée called a taxi driver to pick her up and since that day, the taxi driver has kept calling her almost every day at any time he wishes. “This is so disrespectful and unacceptable. I contacted him and asked him to back off, otherwise I will make a complaint. He was too rude to me and I just hung up the call. I made a complaint to the police for his number and guess what? The police is not following it up and my case has totally disappeared!” Maryam, who has been living in Oman for the past ﬁve years, said, “I am dependent on taxis for transport and sometimes have to take a taxi three times a day. While there are some drivers who behave respectfully, others ask me so many personal questions.”

“First I thought there is something wrong with me, but then I saw the same questions being asked from other ladies travelling with me and realised that it is a widespread problem,” she added. Maryam says that even some taxi drivers insist that she should take their number and even ask her to give them a missed call after noting down the number. “Out of dozens of taxi drivers whose services I have used, I only trust one and call him whenever I need to go somewhere.” Saeed, a taxi driver, says that unfortunately many taxi drivers are not educated, cannot speak English and do not know how to interact with the passengers. “I have heard of some cases of women being harassed by taxi drivers in Muscat and other wilayats. I have seen that taxi drivers have more respect for Western passengers and allow themselves to treat other nationalities in any way they want.” When Saeed travelled to Singapore, he was surprised by the knowledge of the taxi drivers and really appreciated the way they treat the passengers.

training programme for railway engineering students and technicians in Oman.” said Dr. Ing. Tobias Effey, head of training and smart solutions centre at GUtech. The training programme will be held at GUtech Campus in Halban.

“Through this agreement with DB International we will also be able to send highly qualiﬁed students and local faculty for on-thejob training in facilities belonging to the German Railway,” said Dr. Hussain Al Salmi, deputy rector for administration and ﬁnances of GUtech. The German Railway or Deutsche Bahn AG is one of the world’s leading passenger and logistics companies and operates in 130 countries. The company’s railway activities in Germany, with about seven million passengers and 1,138,000 tons of freight transported daily is its core business.

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 We heard a loud explosion, thought it was a tanker that exploded, then saw it was a trailer that blew up Abu Ziad, a witness

REGION TRUCK BLAST

Blast near Iraq-Kuwait border leaves three dead, 5 wounded BASRA: Three Iraqis were killed on Wednesday when a boobytrapped truck exploded in Iraq near the border with Kuwait, Kuwaiti news agency KUNA reported. The agency quoted Talib Al Hosuna, a local Iraqi official as saying that ﬁve other people were wounded in the explosion at a garage near the main road about 12 km (7.5 miles) north of the Safwan border crossing with Kuwait. Civilians killed Police sources in Iraq said the victims were civilians who died in an explosion from a truck trailer parked in a rest area some 10 km north of the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr. Iraqi authorities have been

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enforcing heightened security measures at the port, where no large vehicles are allowed in or out, the police sources said. A witness said the explosion occurred in the morning aboard a trailer truck with license plates from Anbar province in western Iraq, where militants from the IS operate. The witness, who identiﬁed himself as Abu Ziad, said he was eating breakfast with other driv-

ers at the rest area when a driver pulled in, disconnected the trailer and drove away. “We heard a loud explosion, thought it was a tanker that exploded, then saw it was a trailer that blew up,” Abu Ziad said. The Iraqi government has been battling militants who have seized large swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria. Kuwait has been trying to reassure its citizens that the border with Iraq is secure. Earlier this week, the Interior Ministry’s top border security ofﬁcial led journalists on a tour of the area and said that there had been no sign of any breach of the border with Iraq. — Reuters

SET FOR ACTION: Police officers are seen outside parliament in Tunis on Wednesday. European Union

foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said terrorist organisations were behind the attack. – Reuters

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the dead in the attack on the Bardo museum, says Prime Minister Habib. Security personnel storm the building, kill two militants and free other hostages

TUNIS: Gunmen in military uniform stormed Tunisia’s national museum, killing 17 foreign tourists and two Tunisians on Wednesday in one of the worst militant attacks in the country. Visitors from Italy, Germany, Poland and Spain were among the dead in the noon assault on the Bardo museum near parliament in central Tunis, Prime Minister Habib Essid said. Security forces stormed the former palace around two hours later, killed two militants and freed other tourists held hostage inside, a government spokesman said. One policeman was killed in the police operation. European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said terrorist organisations, who have become particularly active in neighbouring Libya, were behind the attack. “The EU is determined to mobilise all the tools it has to fully support Tunisia in the ﬁght against terrorism,” she added.

Prime Minister Essid declared in a national address: “All Tunisians should be united after this attack which was aimed at destroying the Tunisian economy.” Television footage showed dozens of people, including elderly foreigners and one man carrying a child, running for shelter in the compound, covered by security forces aiming rifles into the air. High-profile target The attack on such a high-profile target is a blow for the small North African country that relies heavily on European tourism and has largely avoided major militant violence since its 2011 protests to oust former leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Tunisia’s adoption of a new constitution and staging of largely peaceful elections had won widespread praise. Authorities did not immediately identify the gunmen. But several militant groups

have emerged in Tunisia since the uprising and authorities estimate about 3,000 Tunisians have also joined fighters in Iraq and Syria -- raising fears they could return and mount attacks at home. “Two terrorists disguised in military clothes got into the parliament building, then the museum where they attacked tourists. Nineteen people were killed including 17 foreign tourists. Twenty-two tourists are wounded,” the prime minister said. “Two militants opened fire on the tourists as they were getting off the buses before fleeing into the museum,” one Bardo employee told Reuters at the scene. An official at the Italian foreign ministry in Rome said two Italians had been wounded in the attack. About another 100 Italians were in the area and had been taken to safety by Tunisian police, authorities added. The museum is known for its collection of ancient Tunisian artifacts and mosaics and other treasures from classical Rome and Greece. There were no immediate reports the attackers had copied IS group militants in Iraq by targeting exhibits seen by hardliners as idolatrous. — Reuters

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Solar Impulse 2 plane arrives in Varanasi SCAN THIS TO VISIT

ARTICLE, VIDEO, PHOTO GALLERY

Solar Impulse 2

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

arrived in Varanasi, touching down shortly after 8.30pm local time after over 14 hours of ﬂying, according to its official Twitter handle

VARANASI: Solar Impulse 2 landed in the city of Varanasi on Wednesday for an overnight stopover after its pilot launched an angry attack on Indian bureaucracy following a lengthy hold-up in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state. Bertrand Piccard, one of the two Swiss pilots of the solar-powered plane, said he and his team had been frustrated by delays over paperwork in Ahmedabad city in the western state of Gujarat. The plane landed in Ahmedabad last Tuesday from the Omani capital Muscat after completing an initial sea crossing in its epic bid to become the ﬁrst plane to ﬂy around the world solely powered by the sun. The single-seater had been due to leave on Sunday for a short

PERFECT LANDING: Solar Impulse 2 lands in Varanasi after a 14hour ﬂight from Ahmedabad on Wednesday. -Courtesy solarimpulse.com

flight to the city of Varanasi before heading onto neighbouring Myanmar on Thursday. But the plane, flown by co-pilot Andre Borschberg, could only leave on Wednesday morning after delays blamed on bad weather, while Piccard’s support team remained stuck at Ahmedabad airport hours after takeoff. “The delay is (because) of administration, papers, stamps,” Piccard told reporters at Ahmedabad airport. “I’m not here to accuse anybody. I just say that since the last five days we are trying to get all the stamps and every day (they) say tomorrow,” said Piccard. “Since five days we are desperate to get all the stamps and we still have stamps missing.” Solar Impulse 2 arrived in Varanasi, touching down shortly after 8.30pm local time (1500 GMT) after over 14 hours of flying, according to its official Twitter handle. Piccard’s team needed to arrive in Varanasi ahead of Solar Im-

BONHOMIE

pulse 2 to coordinate its landing. The team had posted pictures on Twitter of themselves at Ahmedabad airport looking anxious and miserable, before ﬁnally getting the go-ahead to leave hours later. Another picture shows a smiling Piccard holding up his passport with stamps in it. Piccard’s comments risk embarrassing Modi, who has vowed to cut bureaucratic red tape in promised reforms to revive India’s economy after storming to power at general elections last May. Modi, who was the chief minister of Gujarat before becoming premier, wants to attract more foreign companies who have long complained of encountering bureaucratic nightmares in India. Modi supporters have often touted Gujarat’s business-friendly policies as a model for success that should be replicated nationally. Kiran Mazumadar Shaw, chief of Indian biotechnology comAIR-TO-AIR MISSILE

Astra missile successfully launched

PROTEST: Farmers gather at Jantar Mantar to protest against the land acquisition bill, in New Delhi on Wednesday. - PTI

Sonia writes to Hazare, vows to oppose land bill NEW DELHI: Congress President Sonia Gandhi has expressed her agreement with the concerns of Gandhian Anna Hazare on the NDA government’s land bill and vowed to oppose it at all fora. Sonia on Tuesday wrote a letter to the social activist in reply to his earlier missive and referred to the protest march to President House by the representatives of 14 parties on the issue. Leaders of 14 political parties led by Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday marched from Parliament to Rashtrapati Bhavan against amendments to the land acquisition act. “I have got your letter dated March 14 in which you have talked about your doubts about the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment)

Bill, 2015. “I am in agreement with your views that the Ordinance of the NDA government and the amendment bill, which is now before Parliament, is not in the interest of farmers,” Sonia wrote. Asserting that Congress will oppose this bill on all fora, Sonia cited the protest march by parties and President’s intervention into the matter as an example of their opposition to the bill. “I want to assure you that our ﬁght on this issue will continue,” Sonia said. The exchange of letters between Congress President and Hazare have come amid signs of some bonhomie between the party and the Gandhian, with Hazare sometime praising Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for his role in getting the Lokpal bill passed by Parliament. - PTI

BALASORE (Odisha): India’s indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, Astra, was successfully launched from a Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft on Wednesday. “The missile was successfully tested to hit a simulated target at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, in Odisha today,” ITR Director M. V. K. V. Prasad said. The missile was tested to prove the manoeuvring capability against a simulated target and also to validate various subsystems. All the subsystems like propulsion, navigation, guidance as also the smooth separation of the missile from the aircraft have been proved, Prasad said. The all-weather, state-ofthe-art missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) can engage and destroy enemy aircraft at supersonic speed. The 3.8 metre long Astra is the smallest of the DRDOdeveloped missiles and can be launched from different altitudes. It can reach up to 110 km when fired from an altitude of 15 km, 44 km when launched from an altitude of eight km and 21 km when fired from sea level. The last trial of Astra was conducted from a naval range in Western sector on May 4, 2014, and it was also successful. - PTI

pany Biocon, took a swipe at Modi’s government following the pilot’s tirade. “Hope (the government) heard the solar plane’s pilot commenting on bureaucratic delays n cumbersome paperwork... Red tape and petty officialdom are stalling progress,” she wrote on Twitter. An airport official in Ahmedabad blamed the hold up on Piccard’s failure to get his passport stamped when he initially landed. “It is mandatory to go through certain processes in a foreign country,” the official, who declined to be named,said. The team behind Solar Impulse 2, which has more than 17,000 solar cells built into its wings, hopes to promote green energy with the circumnavigation attempt. Ridiculed by the aviation industry when it was first unveiled, the venture has since been hailed around the world, including by UN chief Ban Ki-moon. Muscat was the first of 12 planned stops on the plane’s journey around the world from Abu Dhabi, with a total flight time of around 25 days spread over five months. The sea legs pose the greatest challenge for the Solar Impulse team as any loss of power over the water would leave the pilot with no alternative but to bail out and await rescue by boat. - AFP

ELECTION COMMISSION

Now ballot papers to have candidates’ photographs NEW DELHI: To avoid confusion in the minds of the electorate in constituencies where namesakes are contesting, the Election Commission has decided that ballot papers will also carry pictures of the contestants besides their names and party symbols. An EC direction to all Chief Electoral Officers of states and

UTs said that for elections to be held from May 1, 2015 onwards, the ballot papers, postal ballot papers and ballot papers to be displayed on EVMs will also carry the photographs of the candidates. The EC has noted that there are many cases where candidates with same or similar names contest from the same constituency. - PTI

A10

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

W E AT H E R

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

12.20pm 3.45pm 6.22pm 7.32pm 4.57am

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334 Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666 Muscat Pharmacy Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635 Atlas Pharmacy Ghubra: 24503585; Ruwi 24811715 Muscat Region Al Hashar, Ruwi1 24 Hr Br. Tel. 24537080 Muscat, Al Sarooj. Tel: 24695536 Belqees, Al Khoudh (OIB) Tel. 24535398 Belqees, Ma’abelah. Tel: 24454624 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah. Tel. 23291635

CLEAR to partly cloudy skies over most of the Sultanate with chance of isolated rain over governorates of Musandam and north Al Batinah and chance of convective clouds development and thundershowers may associate with hail and fresh winds over AlHajar mountain and adjoining areas during afternoon may extend to coastal areas of Oman Sea. Chances of late night to early morning low level clouds and fog patches along southeastern coast. EXPECTED WIND: Wind will be northerly to northeasterly light to moderate along Oman Sea coast while wind will be Southeasterly light to moderate. SEA STATE: Slight along most of the Sultanate coasts with maximum wave height of 1.25 metres. HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming poor during thundershower and fog formation. THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Clear to partly cloudy skies over most governorates of the Sultanate. Chance of convective clouds developments and thundershowers over Al Hajar mountains and adjoining areas. Chance of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches along southeastern coast.

HOSPITALS 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 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 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128,

OMAN Max 27 Min 21

Max 29 Min 22

Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570

MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099

MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp ﬁsh market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, SatWed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday - 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm. National Museum Ruwi: Tel: 24701289, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Sohar Fort Museum: Tel: 26844758, Open from Saturday to Wed: 8 to 1:30pm Thurs: 9am to 1pm Muscat Gate Museum: At Al Bahri Road, Muscat open from Sat to Wed 8am to 2pm

ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401 Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443

Max 26 Min 18 L O N G D I S TA N C E B U S T I M I N G S ( O M A N N AT I O N A L T R A N S P O R T C O M PA N Y S A O C ) * S U B J E C T T O C H A N G E

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Max 29 Min 17

Max 29 Min 20

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30

Max 29 Min 19

Max 32 Min 18

MALAYSIA: A young girl plays in an artiﬁcial waterfall on a hot day

in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Malaysia is currently experiencing a hot and dry weather spell. — AFP

Max 29 Min 22 —www.met.gov.om

WORLD

Max 6 Min 0 Max 3 Min -5

Max 27 Min 11 Max 5 Min 0

Max 30 Min 22

Max 23 Min 15

Max 32 Min 20

Max 32 Min 22

Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh Athens Baghdad Barbados Beijing Berlin Boston Brussels Buenos Aires Cairo Chicago Colombo Copenhagen Dublin Frankfurt Harare Hong Kong Istanbul Jerusalem Johannesburg

Max

Min

31 24 30 24 23 23 14 27 28 18 10 3 8 30 22 8 31 8 10 11 29 25 7 14 24

23 20 22 17 20 17 8 11 23 4 2 -4 3 23 7 2 24 3 4 3 19 20 7 7 15

Kuala Lumpur Lisbon London Madrid Manila Mexico City Miami Moscow New Delhi New York Oslo Panama Paris Perth Prague Rio de Janeiro Santiago Seoul Singapore Stockholm Sydney Taipei Tokyo Toronto Vienna

Max

Min

32 16 3 13 32 22 26 5 27 6 7 21 11 24 11 27 19 17 32 7 30 28 16 3 11

23 11 -5 7 22 12 21 0 11 0 2 17 5 14 1 24 12 6 23 2 22 20 10 -2 3

EVENTS

Ooredoo celebrates 10th anniversary by hosting a musical concert by Shankar, Ehsaan Loy and Carmen Soleiman at Oman Automobile Association today. Gates open at 5.30pm. Tulu drama Medime to be staged on April 10 at the Grand Hall, Al Falaj Hotel, at 6.30pm. Talent Hunters Oman to host Musical Journey IV ‘Romance’ on April 4, at the Grand Hall, Al Falaj Hotel, at 7pm. Entry is by invitation only. SAI Group presents Times of Oman Open Essay Writing & Poster Making Competition 2015 on April 11, 18, 25 at different venues. Last date for submission of entry forms is March 31.

Art of Living holds Yoga Festival 2015 at Marah Land, Qurum on Saturday March 21 from 6pm-9pm. Free entry to all. Don Pasquale opera by Gaetano Donizetti on March 19, 21 and 23 at 7pm at Royal Opera House Muscat. Times of Oman Inter School Quiz Contest (TOOISQC). The ﬁnal of the quiz is slated for Friday, April 24 at the City Amphitheatre, the mega prelims will be held on April 22. The prelims will start from April 15.

TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi

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

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

20:50

To Yanqul (Route 54) 14:30 Nizwa 14:30 Yanqul

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi

08:55 11:40 20:20 14:55 17:40 19:20 22:15

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

Daily

TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

10:25

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 06:00 Nizwa 06:00 Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 08:00 Nizwa 08:00 Al Araqi

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 15:40 Nizwa 15:40 Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 06:00 Ruwi 14:30 Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (Route 62) 12:30 Fahud 12:30 Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (Route 100) 07:00 Salalah 20:00 10:00 Marmul 20:30 10:00 Salalah 23:30 19:00 Salalah 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (Route 100) 07:00 Ruwi 19:50 10:00 Marmul 13:15 10:00 Ruwi 22:30 19:00 Ruwi 07:30

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:50

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00

Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (Route 102) 15:00 Salalah 07:00

Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily 07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily LISTINGS 07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 07:30 Sohar 07:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 15:30 Sohar 15:30 Ruwi

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily 16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily 16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

LISTINGS

CINEMA SCHEDULE

BAHJA CINEMA Insurgent (3D) (Adventure/ Sci Fi) Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, 7:00, 9:15, 11:30 PM (PG12) Insurgent (2D) (Adventure/ Sci Fi) Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, 2:30 PM (PG12) The Gunman (2D) (Action/Crime) Cast: Javier Bardem, Sean Penn (15+) 4:45, 9:30, 11:45 PM Run All Night (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris 9:30 PM Cinderella (2D) (Adv/Drama) (PG) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell 3:45 PM Winx: The Mystery of the Abyss (2D) (Animation) (PG) 2:00, 3:15, 5:45 PM Suite Francaise (2D) (Drama)(PG12) Cast: Michelle Williams, Kristin Scott Thomas, Margot 7:30 PM The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2D) (Comedy I Drama) (PG) Cast: Michelle Williams, Kristin Scott Thomas, Margot 5:00, 7:15 PM The Lazarus Effect (2D) (Horror)(12+) Cast: Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass 11:45 PM

The Gunman (2D) (Action/Crime) Cast: Javier Bardem, Sean Penn (15+) 7:30, 9:40 & 11:45 PM Gold Class: 2:15 & 9:00 PM Insurgent (2D)(Action/Crime) (PG12) Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort 11:45 AM

Insurgent (3D) (Sci-Fi/Thriller (PG12) 9:30 PM & 11:45 PM Gold Class: 4:30 PM & 11:15 PM Cinderella (2D) (Adventure) (PG) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Richard 11:00 AM & 5:30 PM Run All Night (2D) (Action) (15+) 7:30 PM Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris, Joel Kinnaman Winx: The Mystery Abyss (Animation) (PG) 10:15 AM, 2:00 PM & 3:45 PM Crazy Beautiful You (2D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Lorna Tolentino 3:15 PM The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2D) (Comedy/Drama) (PG) Cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy 1:00 PM & 5:15 PM Gold Class: 6:45 PM

SCREEN 1 Dilliwali Zalim Girlfriend – Hindi (Comedy/Romance) Cast: Divyendu Sharma, Jackie Shroff, Prachi Mishra, Ira Dubey 2.30, 5.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM SCREEN 2 NH 10 – Hindi (Suspense/ Thriller ) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Ravi Jhankal, Darshan Kumaar 3.30, 9.15 PM Badlapur – (Action | Drama) – 15+ Cast: Varun Dhawan, Huma Qureshi, 6.30, 11.30 pm

SCREEN 3 Badlapur – (Action | Drama) – 15+ 3.30 pm Run All Nighht (Action) – 15+ Cast: Genesis Rodriguez, Liam Neeson 9.00 PM NH 10 – Hindi (Suspense) – 12+ 6.30, 11.30 PM

Run All Night – 2D (15+) (Action) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris 3:15, 11:15 PM Cinderella – 2D (PG) (Adventure) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell, 3:30 PM Insurgent – 2D (PG12) (Adventure) Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel 5:15 PM Insurgent – 3D (PG12) Adventure|SciFi | Thriller Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Theo James 7:00, 9:30, 11:45 PM The Gunman – 2D (15+) (Action) Cast: Javier Bardem, Sean Penn 3:00, 7:25, 9:15, 11:30 PM Winx Club : The Mystery of the Abyss – 2D (PG) Animation 3:45, 5:30 PM The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – 2D (PG) Comedy |Drama Cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy 5:15, 9:00 PM Suite Française – 2D (PG12) Drama |Romance | War Cast: Michelle Williams, Kristin Scott Thomas, Margot 5:30, 7:30 PM The Lazarus Effect – 2D (12+) Horror | Thriller

Cast: Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass 7:30, 11:45 PM Dilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend – 2D (TBC) Romance | Comedy Cast: Divyendu Sharma, Jackie Shroff, Prachi Mishra 9:30 PM

The Gunman – 2D (15+) (Action) Cast: Javier Bardem, Idris Elba 3:00, 5:00, 9:15, 11:30 PM Insurgent -2D (PG12) (Adventure) Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Theo James 5:00 PM Insurgent – 3D (PG12) (Adventure) 7:15, 9:30, 11:45PM The Lazarus Effect – 2D (12+)Horror, Thriller Cast: Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, Evan Peters 3:30, 11:45 PM Dilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend – 2D Romance, Comedy Cast: Divyendu Sharma, Jackie Shroff, Prachi Mishra 7:00, 9:30 PM Winx Club : The Mystery of the Abyss – 2D (PG) Animation 3:00, 4:30, 6:00 PM Run All Night – 2D (15+) Action, 7:30 PM

Insurgent (3D) (Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel 5:45, 9:30, 11:45 PM The Gunman (Action) (15+) Cast: Javier Bardem, Sean Penn 3:40, 7:15, 11:30 PM

The Lazarus Effect (Horror | Thriller) (12+) Cast: Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, Evan Peters 8:00 PM Winx Club : The Mystery of the Abyss (Animation) (PG) CP# 4:15, 5:45 PM Dilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend (Hindi) (Romance | Comedy) (TBC) Cast: Divyendu Sharma, Jackie Shroff, Prachi Mishra 9:15 PM

Winx : The Mystery of the Abyss (2D)(PG) (Animation) 11:00AM, 2:15, 5:45PM Insurgent (2D)(PG12) (Adventure) 2:40PM Insurgent (3D)(PG12) (Adventure) 9:15, 11:30PM The Gunman (2D)(15+) (Action) 5:00, 7:05, 9:40, 11:45PM Run All Night (2D)(15+) (Action) 12:30, 9:30PM Cinderalla (2D)(PG) (Adventure) 12:15, 3:45PM Dilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend (2D) 7:20PM The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2D)(PG)( Comedy/ Drama) Cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith 11:30AM, 7:15PM Crazy Beautiful You (2D)(PG12) (Drama/Romance) Cast: Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo 3:15PM Suite Française (2D)(PG12)(Drama) 5:15PM The Lazarus Effect (2D)(12+) (Horror/Thriller) 1:45, 11:30PM

Run All Night ( Action/Crime) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed haris 10.00 p.m CP No: 668 (15+) Lazarus Effect (Horror/Thriller ) Cast: Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass 4.00, 8.00, & 11.55. p.m CP No: 749 (12+) Suite Francaise: ( Drama/Romance ) Cast: Michalle Williams, Kristin Scott Thomas, Margot Robie 2.00 & 6.00 p.m. CP No: 747 (PG12) Winx Club: The Mystery Of The Abyss (Animation) 2.00 & 6.00 p.m. CP No: 748 (PG ) Insurgent (Action/Sci:Fic) Cast: Shailen Woodley, Ansel Elgot 3.45, 7.30, 9.45, 11.55 pm CP No: 746 (PG 12)

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

STARS CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Fireman (Mal) (Act \Thriller) Cast: Mammootty & Nyla Usha 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30pm Cinema Main Kakki Sattai (Tamil) ( Com\Act) Cast: Shiva Karthikeyan, Sri Divya & Prabhu 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30pm Cinema -2 NH 10 (Hindi) (Action\Thriller) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Deepti Naval & Neil Bhoopalam 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45pm Cinema – 3 Temper (Telugu) (Act) Cast: Jr Ntr, Kajal Agarwal 3:45pm Cinema-4 Picket 43 (Mal) (Act) Cast: Prithviraj, Javed Jafry 6:45 & 9:45pm Cinema -4 Next Change: 100 Days Of Love (Mal )

For More Information 24789032, 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

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CBI to probe Bengal nun rape case West Bengal chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the case was being transferred from local police to the CBI given the ‘sensitivity’ of Friday’s attack on the nun, who was raped during a robbery at a convent

KOLKATA: An Indian state government under pressure over the rape of an elderly nun said on Wednesday it was handing over the case to the country’s top investigators after coming under ﬁre over the lack of arrests. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the case was being transferred from local police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) given the “sensitivity” of Friday’s attack on the nun, who was raped during a robbery at a convent. “Police are making their best efforts,” Mamata, the state’s top official, said on Twitter. “(But) considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the case, I have decided to entrust investigation of the case to CBI.” She also pointed to West Bengal’s close proximity to Bangladesh as a reason for the shift, amid local media speculation that the robbers may have ﬂed across the border. The referral came just hours after the head of the Catholic church in India demanded swift justice for the nun, who is in her 70s and who needed surgery after the rape. While local police have taken several people in for questioning, no one has been formally arrested over the incident, which

has again highlighted the frightening level of rape in India. After visiting the victim in hospital as well as the convent where she was attacked, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis voiced frustration at the lack of progress in the investigation. “I would like to request the authorities to ensure justice is done,” said Cleemis, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. “The sisters have forgiven but justice (should) be made visible and such acts should not happen again,” he told reporters in the town of Ranaghat. “I understand that the process has begun... but I’d like to request the chief minister (Mamata) to adopt a faster approach and ensure justice is meted out at the earliest.” The nun was attacked around midnight when a gang of robbers broke into the convent near Ranaghat and ransacked the premises. Although police have launched a gang-rape inquiry, officers say only one person assaulted the nun, who is expected to be shortly released from hospital. A CBI spokesman said the national government, including the home ministry, must approve West Bengal’s request that it take up the case before it could act. - AFP

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INDIA WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

DON’T WASTE A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY LIKE OMAN.

Plastic takes 1,000 years or more to break down

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T IME S O F O MAN

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

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Bibi has forfeited right to represent all Israelis

srael’s election has done a lot to reveal the challenges facing the country and the intentions of the men who seek to lead it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s outright rejection of a Palestinian state and his racist rant against Israeli Arab voters showed that he has forfeited any claim to representing all Israelis. Netanyahu, with two years to go in his current term, called the election in December for reasons that are still unclear. He expected to win an easy victory and then ended up fighting for his political life in a bitter battle with Isaac Herzog, the leader of the new centre-left Zionist Union alliance and son of a former Israeli president. Netanyahu showed that he was desperate, and craven, enough to pull out all the stops. He promised that he would never allow the creation of a Palestinian state, thus repudiating a position he had taken in 2009. His behaviour in the past six years — aggressively building Israeli homes on land that likely would be within the bounds of a Palestinian state and never engaging seriously in negotiations — has long convinced many people that he has no interest in a peace agreement. But his recent statement laid bare his duplicity, confirmed Palestinian suspicions and will make it even harder for him to repair his poisoned relations with President Obama, who has invested heavily in pushing a two-state solution. Netanyahu added to the ugliness of the campaign when, during the voting, he said in a video on social media: “Right-wing rule is in danger. Arab voters are streaming in huge quantities to the polling stations.” This outrageous appeal to hard-line voters implied that only he could save Israel from its enemies, including the country’s Arab citizens, who represent 20 per cent of the population and have long been discriminated against. There were signs that Arab Israelis were turning out in somewhat higher numbers, apparently to vote for the Joint Arab List, a coalition of four small parties. Netanyahu’s demagogy further incites the rage that has torn the country apart. There were other inflammatory moments in recent days. Netanyahu claimed that nefarious foreign sources were trying to overthrow him and also promised to build more settlements, which most of the world consider to be illegal. Earlier this month, he made a subversive speech before Congress to castigate the Obama administration for seeking a nuclear deal with Iran, but that seems to have done little to enhance his support in Israel. In his desperation, Netanyahu resorted to fear-mongering and antiArab attacks while failing to address the issues that Israelis said they were most worried about, namely the high cost of housing and everyday living in Israel. Although the economy has grown, the country has experienced widening income disparities and is now one of the most unequal societies in the advanced world. - The New York Times News Service

DIPLOMACY

US-UK friction over China is unwarranted JIM O’NEILL

Shocking human cost

hris Grayling arrived at the British Ministry of Justice determined to shake up an overstretched and underperforming prison system. Part of his motivation was ﬁnancial. Prisons are feeling the sharp edge of austerity measures and have suffered budget cuts of 24 per cent — equivalent to £900m — over the lifetime of the coalition. In other words, close to £2,000 less is being spent on individual offenders than ﬁve years ago. As the Commons Justice Select Committee argues, it is impossible to cut so deeply without having a damaging impact on standards and safety behind bars. The steadily growing rates of suicide, self-harm and assaults — as well as the disclosure that “hit squads” of specialist officers are being deployed more regularly to calm tensions in jails — are ample proof of the connection between funding and operational viability. Grayling’s response to the relentless squeeze has been to champion a “benchmarking” programme under which the budgets of publicsector prisons are driven down to match their private-sector counterparts. He has also supported a building scheme to replace crumbling Victorian jails with lower-cost modern equivalents, which will see a 2,100-inmate prison open in 2017 in Wrexham. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that rehabilitation will be all the harder to achieve in a vast penal warehouse designed to achieve economies of scale. Grayling has also betrayed his susceptibility to provocative headlines, suggesting that prison regimes are too lax by toughening the rules on the temporary release of inmates, on earning privileges, and even on when “lights out” happens — none of which steps are conducive to inmates’ wellbeing. The Justice Secretary has repeatedly spoken of his determination to cut reoffending levels. But it appears that his legacy will be to leave prisons in an even worse state than he found them. - The Independent

If crude prices remain low the effect will be ruinous This refers to the news story, Expats to bear the brunt if oil jobs axe falls (March 18). If oil price remains low Oman will not be able to take up new projects. Further, the country’s balance of payment will become so tight that it will have less foreign exchange to import enough medicines, machineries and provisions. Paying expatriates will need foreign exchange. Hence the government of Oman will then have to either regulate ﬂow of foreign exchange by devaluing the currency or adopt other means. Such a measure will result in a situation in which working in Oman will not be lucrative at all. This will force many expatriate workers in Oman to leave the country. Most construction companies will automatically wind up and expatriates

and citizens working there will lose jobs. Varghese Samuel Muscat

Focus should be to protect interests of the citizens This refers to the news story, Expats to bear the brunt if oil jobs axe falls (March 18). That’s not ‘scapegoating’. It is the dynamics of business. Kick out the foreigners so the locals don’t suffer. This is the way business works everywhere except in the United States. Miçháél Thómpsoñ South San Francisco, California

Omanis should be given preference over expats This refers to the news story, Expats to bear the brunt if oil jobs

America’s reluctance — and that of France, Germany, and Italy — to give the emerging powers an appropriate voice in the established international financial institutions is counterproductive. It drives the creation of new parallel institutions such as the AIIB and the New Development Bank, founded in 2014 by the BRICS countries

hen the United Kingdom announced earlier this month that it had agreed to become a founding member of the Chinaled Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), most of the headlines focused not on the news itself, but on the friction the decision had caused between the UK and the United States. The White House issued a statement urging the British government to “use its voice to push for adoption of high standards.” And one senior US administration official was quoted accusing the UK of “constant accommodation of China, which is not the best way to engage a rising power.” In fact, it is the US that is advocating the wrong approach. In the UK, the diplomatic spat served as an occasion for the British press to air criticism from those who believe that the government should adopt a stronger stance on China. For example, they say that the government should have spoken out more forcefully in support of last year’s pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, and that it should not have distanced itself from the Dalai Lama (as it seems to have done) during Prime Minister David Cameron’s visit to China in 2013. The UK does need to stand up for itself, but there is no reason for it to become confrontational about internal Chinese matters — especially in the case of Hong Kong, where it lost its standing when it agreed to return the city to Chinese control in 1997. The US, too, would be wise to stop resisting the fact that the world is changing. The US Congress has yet to ratify a 2010 agreement providing China and other large emerging economies greater voting power in the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. In the meantime, the agreement has become obsolete; China’s economy has nearly doubled in size since the deal was struck. America’s reluctance — and that of France, Germany, and Italy — to give the emerging powers an appropriate voice in the established international ﬁnancial institutions is counterproductive. It drives the creation of new parallel institutions such as the AIIB and the New Development Bank, founded in 2014 by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). In the coming days, I will be visiting China in my role as Chair of the British government’s Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, and also as a participant in the Boao Forum for Asia, an event similar to the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos. I hope to encourage Chinese policymakers

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Charity sees the need not the cause GERMAN PROVERB

to make the fight against antimicrobial resistance a priority when China chairs the G-20 in 2016. And though I am not the British ambassador, I will be happy to state my belief that the UK government was wise to join the AIIB, and that the US administration, in voicing its opposition, was not. China’s $10 trillion economy is bigger than those of France, Germany, and Italy combined. Even if its annual output growth slows to seven per cent, the country will add some $700 billion to global GDP this year. Japan would have to grow at something like 14 per cent to have that type of impact on the world. For anyone who wants to engage in global trade, it is thus vital to identify what China wants. In the case of the UK, this obviously includes finance (as well as sports, music, fashion, and perhaps health care). The UK is simply being smart when it promotes its own interests by cooperating with China. One of the few positive consequences of the 2008 financial crisis was the elevation of the G-20’s global role; in principle, it is a far more representative forum for international leadership than the G-7 ever was. There is, however, a downside to the G-20’s emergence: the large number of participants can make it difficult to reach agreements and get things done. A new G-7 needs to be created within the G-20, thereby providing China with a degree of influence that reflects its economic weight and requires it to assume a commensurate proportion of global responsibility. Space at the table for China could be obtained if the eurozone countries, signalling their commitment to the common currency, agreed to surrender their individual seats in exchange for one representing the entire monetary union. The US, too, would finally have to accept China’s heightened global role. Later this year, the IMF will recalibrate the weights in its unit of account, the so-called Special Drawing Rights, which comprises a basket of currencies that currently includes the US dollar, the euro, the British pound, and the Japanese yen. According to almost every economic and financial criterion, the SDR basket should now include China’s renminbi. The US would be wise to not oppose such a move. Otherwise, it would risk accelerating the decline of the established international financial institutions. Similarly, the US Congress should ratify the agreed changes to the governance of the IMF and the World Bank. By founding the AIIB and the New Development Bank, China and other emerging powers have signalled that they will not wait for their voices to be better heard. And decisions like that of the UK — and France, Germany, and Italy — show that they are not alone. - Project Syndicate

axe falls (March 18). Well, Oman is a country of the Omanis and if their government decides that the citizens should not suffer, I think it is a perfectly reasonable decision and policy. The Omanis reserve the right to be employed over and above the foreigners. Muneer Hussain Muscat

day it is a tale of harassment and frustration for such people. Taxi fare is abnormally high in Oman, especially in Muscat. Many, not all, taxi drivers demand ridiculously high fare. We have waited too long for metered taxis and now is the time we should be given that. Heba Mustafa Seeb

Wait for metered taxis in Oman has been a long one

Sri Lanka failed to set any target for South Africa

Plan to introduce smart tourism taxis in Oman is good but the question is what about the people who live here in the country. We have long been waiting for taxis with fare metres. Isn’t that important as well? People who are living in this country, but do not own a private transport are forced to depend much on taxis. And every

Sri Lanka against South Africa in the first quarter final match of the ICC World Cup 2015 were not even a shadow of what they were in the league round. Choosing to bat first on a new wicket against the South African pace attack was a mistake. They also failed to set any target. T. V. S. Murthy Al Khuwair

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

T I MES O F OM AN

T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

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PERSPEC IVE Millions of Palestinians under The hidden Israel’s control could not vote talent of I

sraeli citizens went to vote for their next government in a country often labelled as “the only democracy in the Middle East”. Unfortunately, however, approximately 4.5m Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza have no say in deciding which Israeli political party will control every aspect of their lives. The Oslo Accords in the early 90’s divided the West Bank into areas A, B and C. Area A is controlled by the Palestinian Authority (PA), Area B by both the PA and the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and Area C solely by the IOF. In reality, control over the everyday lives of Palestinians in each of these areas is controlled by the IOF. And it is done brutally. Movement is rigidly controlled, access to resources is denied and Israeli military incursions into villages and towns are frequent. Palestinians see violent settler rampages on a daily basis, which often involve the burning of agricultural land and physical assaults on anyone who gets in their way. In Gaza the situation is even worse. Even though they’ve elected their own government, Hamas, these Palestinian lives are quite literally at the whim of Israel and the political games it plays. The summer of 2014 saw over 2,000 Palestinians in Gaza being massacred and much of the infrastructure ﬂattened. In order to qualify for building materials to rebuild their homes, Palestinians have to surrender their house coordinates to the IOF. This means that they can be targeted with precision missiles whenever the next Israel-Palestine war breaks out. What’s more, Israel has even been accused on putting Gazans on a “diet”, and of controlling the exact number of calories entering the strip during the Gaza blockade that took place between 2007 and 2010. The 1.7m Palestinians inside Israel who are enfranchised are faced with a dilemma when it comes to voting. They are damned if they do and damned if

YARA HAWARI

The 1.7m Palestinians inside Israel who are enfranchised are faced with a dilemma when it comes to voting. They are damned if they do and damned if they don’t. Although they have citizenship, it is on a nominal basis, and there is an entire body of Israeli laws designed to discriminate against them

they don’t. Although they have citizenship, it is on a nominal basis, and there is an entire body of Israeli laws designed to discriminate against them. Their situation is one of an internally colonised people and the type of occupation they face, although subtle, is very real. There is a vocal and historic movement among Palestinian citizens of Israel that advocates for the boycott of the elections. For many of these people, to vote is to normalise apartheid and legitimize the current regime. They see boycott as an act of solidarity with their brothers and sisters in the West Bank and Gaza. However, some believe in changing the regime and ending the occupation from within, and this year we have seen something unprecedented: a joint Arab list. This list comprises of four main Arab political parties inside Israel. It is predicted that this joint list is likely to be the third largest slate in the Israeli Parliament. Indeed, even Netanyahu seems worried that the Arabs are taking up their right to vote, and has been using it to fear monger Israeli Jews into voting for his party. For the Palestinian citizens of Israel the voting debate is a serious one, and despite their differing stances both camps are adamant that Israel is not a democracy. A state that exerts its control over a people by means of a decades-old illegal occupation is not a democracy. And neither is a state that declares itself only for Jews and ignores the rights of the indigenous nonJewish people. Israel doesn’t belong to all its citizens and those under its control. It is an ethnocratic, settler colonial state that ﬂouts international law on a daily basis by oppressing the Palestinians in varying states of occupation. And it does so with European and American complicity. The shinning beacon of democracy in the Middle East? Far from it. - The Independent

The challenges of raising a child in Aleppo

ear and worry are my constant companions, never leaving my side when I’m at home or when I go to work. This is because of the continuous deadly shelling in Aleppo, where I currently live. You never get use to that sound, its power and then the haunting silence afterwards, followed by the cries of the injured. Two years ago I was sitting on our balcony with my daughter, singing songs, when suddenly we were rocked by a powerful explosion. We froze. I watched my daughter’s face grow paler and paler, and then we heard the screams of a woman. The shell had landed on the pushchair of her two-year-old daughter, and her husband’s leg had been blown off. So when I go to work, I ask myself, “Will I reach my job safely today?” I’m 37 years old. I married in 2010 in Aleppo, and have three children, two daughters and a baby son. In 2012 my husband lost his job — the factory where he was working was destroyed in the ﬁghting. So now I am the breadwinner for my family, employed as an aid worker, with one of CAFOD’s partners in Syria.

MARIANNA

Every day people leave Aleppo. My relatives have left for many corners of the world: America, Sweden, Germany and Australia. My husband’s family have gone to Lebanon and America. But often the elderly do not want to leave. We have around 20 elderly people, aged from 75 to 90, living alone in our neighbourhood. We all try to keep an eye on them. They are determined to carry on, to stay with their memories in their country, the only one they have known. But how can I not feel angry when I see an elderly person struggling to carry a gallon of water? We also fear the sniper’s bullet. At my daughter’s nursery a ﬁve-year-old boy was playing in the garden, just a few feet from her, when suddenly he fell down. A stray bullet had hit him in the head. After his death his family could not stay in Aleppo: they went to another city in Syria. One of the nursery nurses was so devastated that she couldn’t continue working there. My daughter kept that horriﬁc experience inside herself for many days. One day my husband asked how her day was at nursery, and who she had played with.

She answered in four words: “A boy fell, blood.” How can I not feel angry at what she has seen? But Aleppo is such a painful place that many could tell equally horrific stories. I don’t have time to think about the future. All I think about it is how to get water, light our lamps, get gas bottles for cooking, wash our clothes, find nappies and milk for our babies. Everything is expensive. The winter is harsh. I clasp the hands of my children and rub them between my adult hands to keep them warm. But we are lucky — we have a roof over our heads. There are many in Aleppo without shelter. Like every mother anywhere in the world, I want to protect our children, I want to feed them, I want to take care of them when they are ill, and I want to tell them that a beautiful and exciting future awaits them. Our greatest fear is seeing humanity disappear. Without respect, without love for each other, we will not bring an end to this conflict. Peace, peace, peace. We need peace to chase away our fear and worry. - The Independent

Steve Jobs JOE NOCERA

he relationship between journalists and Steve Jobs could often be fraught, but there were always a handful of reporters he liked and trusted. They included John Markoff of The New York Times; Steven Levy, formerly of Wired magazine (he’s now at Medium); Walt Mossberg, the long-time technology columnist for The Wall Street Journal (he’s now at Re/ code); and Brent Schlender of Fortune. They had all been on the technology beat seemingly forever, and they had known Jobs for decades. As Schlender writes in “Becoming Steve Jobs,” the forthcoming book he co-authored with Rick Tetzeli, he first met Jobs in April 1986, eight months after the Apple co-founder had been ousted by John Sculley, then Apple’s chief executive. Jobs, who had started a new company called NeXT, was 31. Schlender, who had just joined The Wall Street Journal’s San Francisco bureau, was 32. During the next quarter century, Schlender conducted “more than 150 interviews and informal conversations” with Jobs. He wrote cover stories for Fortune about Apple, some of which Jobs liked, and some of which he hated. On oc=casion, he visited Jobs at his home in Palo Alto, Calif. What began as a subject-journalist relationship evolved into something deeper — “a long, complicated and mostly rewarding relationship,” as Schlender characterises it in the book. So it is not a huge surprise that Schlender — and his friend Tetzeli, a former Fortune deputy managing editor — would see Jobs in a different light than most. (Disclosure: I worked with Schlender and Tetzeli during my decade at Fortune.) After Jobs died, they write, the coverage reflected “stagnant stereotypes.” On the one hand, “Steve was a genius with a flair for design,” whose powers of persuasion were such that he could convince people that the sun rose in the west and set in the east. On the other hand, he was also “a pompous jerk,” who humiliated employees and “disregarded everyone else in his singleminded pursuit of perfection.” It is Schlender’s and Tetzeli’s contention that Jobs was a far more complex and interesting man than the half-genius/half-jerk stereotype, and a good part of their book is an attempt to craft a more rounded portrait. What makes their book important is that they also contend — persuasively, I believe — that, the stereotype notwithstanding, he was not the same man in his prime that he had been at the beginning

of his career. The callow, impetuous, arrogant youth who co-founded Apple was very different from the mature and thoughtful man who returned to his struggling creation and turned it into a company that made breath-taking products while becoming the dominant technology company of our time. Had he not changed, they write, he would not have succeeded. For Schlender and Tetzeli, the crucial period was the most overlooked part of Jobs’s career: The years from 1985 to 1997, when he was in exile from Apple and running NeXT. As a business, NeXT was a failure. Begun as a company that was going to bring affordable yet superior computers to the higher education market, it eventually had to abandon the hardware side of the business and become a pure software company. The point that is normally made about NeXT is that when Jobs returned to Apple, he brought with him the NeXTSTEP operating system, which became the foundation for a new generation of Macs and was a critical component of the company’s revival. Every bit as important, though, was that Jobs brought his core group of executives with him to Apple, and they stayed with him for years. At the same time he was running NeXT, Jobs also owned Pixar, the animation studio he bought from George Lucas. It took years before Pixar came out with its first full-length movie, “Toy Story.” During that time, he saw how Ed Catmull, Pixar’s president, managed the company’s creative talent. Catmull taught Jobs how to manage employees. When Jobs returned to Apple, he was more patient — with people and with products. His charisma still drew people to him, but he no longer drove them away with his abrasive behaviour and impossible demands. He had also learned that his ideas weren’t always the right ones, and he needed to listen to others. Perhaps the most important example of this was the App Store. Jobs had initially opposed allowing outside developers to build apps for the iPhone, but he did a quick about-face once he realised he was wrong. The App Store has been hugely important in making the iPhone perhaps the most profitable consumer electronic device ever. Jobs has long been hailed as one of the great creative minds of modern business. His genius for creating products and his marketing flair have also been rightly hailed. All of that comes through in “Becoming Steve Jobs,” but so does something else: He was a great manager. You can’t build a great company if you aren’t one. - The New York Times News Service

Solar eclipse Challenge to European power grid

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Greatest total eclipse: 09:46:46 GMT Duration: 2 mins 47 secs Path width: 462.6km

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Nations generating less than 10MW by 2013: Poland, 4.2; Latvia, 1.5; Ireland, 1; Estonia, 0.2 Never look directly at solar eclipse with naked eye, binoculars, cameras or telescopes without specialised solar ﬁlters Source: Wire agencies

Graphic News /

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TODAY IN HISTORY

1903

The French explorer La Salle is murdered in by his own men while searching for the mouth of the Mississippi, along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. On the death of William III of Orange, Anne Stuart, sister of Mary, succeeds to the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland. The US Senate ratiﬁes the Cuban treaty, gaining naval bases in Guantanamo and Bahia Honda.

1920 The US Senate rejects the Versailles Treaty for the second time.

1944 The German 352nd Infantry Division deploys along the coast of France.

Graphics

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OPINION POLL FROM OUR ARCHIVES COMPUTER, TELECOM EXHIBITION IN APRIL

MUSCAT: The Oman International Trade And Exhibitions will organise the 10th international exhibition for computer and telecommunications (Comex 2000) from April 24 to 27. The annual exhibition will be held for the 10th successive year under the auspices of the Ministry of Telecommunications. Ahmed bin Saleh bin Abood, the company’s executive manager, said Comex 2000 was the largest information technology exhibition in the Sultanate.

Are there enough skilled Omani oil workers to replace expats? Visit timesofoman.com to cast your vote

LAST POLL RESULT Yes

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11.8%

Can't say

Do you think that people in Oman have been waiting too long for metered taxis?

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 Now Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz is on our hit list and today’s activity is our start Muhammed Khurassani, Taliban spokesman

PAKISTAN

Death-row convict’s family makes emotional mercy plea SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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Lawyers for Shafqat

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

Hussain say he was just 14 in 2004, when he was burnt with cigarettes and had ﬁngernails removed until he confessed to the killing of a child. He is set to be hanged on Thursday

MUZAFFARABAD: The family of a Pakistani man charged as a child with murder and due to be hanged made heartrending appeals to the government on Wednesday, complaining of a ﬂawed justice system that allowed months of torture to extract a confession. Lawyers for Shafqat Hussain say he was just 14 in 2004, when

AGAINST EXECUTION: Members of Pakistani civil society hold placards as they take part in a protest against the execution of teenager Shafqat Hussain, in Islamabad on Wednesday. — AFP

he was burnt with cigarettes and had ﬁngernails removed until he confessed to the killing of a child. He is set to be hanged on Thursday. Pakistan on Wednesday hanged nine people, taking to 21 the number of executions in the past two days, for a tally of 48 since an unofficial moratorium on capital punishment was lifted in December.

Twelve were executed on Tuesday. “For God’s sake don’t deprive me of Shafqat, he is my last child. He is innocent,” his mother, Makhani Begum told a news conference in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir, where Hussain comes from. “Oh, my Allah, save my Shafqat from falling victim to injustice,” she wailed, raising her hands in prayer.

Hussain’s brother, Manzoor, begged for a change of heart. “I request them, in the name of Allah, and in the name of humanity, to stop his execution,” he said. The death sentence cannot be used against a defendant under the age of 18 when the crime was committed. Testimony obtained by torture is also inadmissible.

“He was burnt by cigarettes, subjected to electric shocks,” Manzoor told Reuters. “Police kept a 14-year-old boy in custody for four months and 14 days (before extracting a statement). “...And we are going through this ordeal because we are poor. If Shafqat had a name like Sharif or Zardari, he would be roaming freely.” Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif lifted the moratorium on December 17, a day after Pakistani Taliban gunmen attacked a school and killed 134 pupils and 19 adults. Investigation Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had promised an investigation into Shafqat Hussain’s age, but his lawyers say neither they nor the family were contacted. “We are going to the Ministry of Interior again today,” Shahab Siddiqui, from Justice Project Pakistan, the legal group representing Shafqat Hussain, said. “We are bringing evidence and want to ask what else they need.” —Reuters

INSURGENCY

One polio worker killed in northwest PESHAWAR: At least one polio worker was killed and another injured on Wednesday when Taliban gunmen attacked the team in Pakistan’s volatile northwest region, a day after a similar attack on medical workers that claimed two lives. The gunmen ﬁred at polio workers as they administered polio drops to children in the Kamangara area of Nawagai tehsil near the Pak-Afghan border, said Assistant Political Agent (APA) Nawagai, Fayaz Ali Sherpao. One polio worker died on the spot while another was injured, Sherpao added. The injured worker was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Claimed by Taliban The Taliban took responsibility of the killing. The attack on the polio team on Wednesday comes just a day after a polio team in Mansehra was attacked. One woman health worker and a policeman were killed in Tuesday’s attack. The polio team in Mansehra was vaccinating children on the second day of a three-day anti-polio drive in the district when they were attacked. Pakistan is one of only three countries where the crippling disease remains endemic. — PTI

CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTS

SETBACK: Pakistani supporters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement celebrate the news that MQM leader Altaf Hussain has been released on bail following his arrest, during a protest in Karachi on June 7, 2014. On Wednesday, police charged Altaf over comments made after paramilitary rangers raided the party’s offices in Karachi. — AFP ﬁle photo

Altaf probed for issuing threats KARACHI: Pakistani police have begun investigating the chief of Karachi’s main political party over threats he allegedly made toward law enforcement agencies after a raid on the party’s headquarters last week. The charges are related to comments made by Altaf Hussain, who leads the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) from self-imposed exile in London, after paramilitary rangers raided the party’s offices where they seized a “huge quantity” of weapons and arrested activists, including one accused of murdering a journalist. Angry response The raid, in which one activist was killed, sparked an angry response from the party with workers shutting down large parts of Pakistan’s biggest city.

In an interview with the private TV station Geo, Hussain condemned the raid and made what the paramilitary Rangers force said were veiled threats against them. “The officers that raided my house, they belonged to the Rangers. They were, and they are now, the past,” he said according to an official complaint registered by the paramilitary force. Not likely Police officer Tariq Dharejo told AFP on Tuesday that his force had registered anti-terror charges against the party chief. But the charges are not thought likely to yield immediate action or extradition requests against Hussain, who has lived in London since ﬂeeing a military operation against his party in 1992 and is a British citizen. — AFP

T I R A H VA L L E Y

34 militants killed in ‘precise’ strikes PESHAWAR: Pakistani air strikes on Wednesday killed 34 militants in the country’s lawless northwest, near the mountainous border with Afghanistan, security officials said, but residents put the toll at 20. Fighter jets pounded positions in the Tirah Valley in the Khyber region, west of the city of Peshawar, in “precise” strikes”, the military said in a statement. “The local population had ﬂed their homes and villages when the operation was launched against the terrorists,” an official told Reuters. Another security official said those killed belonged to the outlawed Taliban Pakistan and an al-

lied group, Lashkar-e-Islam. “In precise aerial strikes in Tirah, Khyber Agency, 34 terrorists were killed today,” the military said in a statement. In a statement, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the killing in Peshawar on Wednesday of a district president of the ruling Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N), headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Taliban spokesman Muhammed Khurassani said the group had targeted members of the small Awami National Party, the former ruling party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. “Now PML-N is on our hit list and today’s activity is our start.” — Reuters

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WORLD

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

Syria downs US Predator over espionage fears Syrian state media reported late Tuesday that air defences had targeted a US surveillance aircraft over Latakia province, a coastal stronghold of President Bashar Al Assad

DAMASCUS: Syria’s military said on Wednesday that it had downed an American drone over suspicions it was spying, in what would be its ﬁrst attack on an aircraft in the US-led coalition battling extremists. A military source, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said the drone was not immediately identiﬁed as being American but added that it was shot down as a hostile aircraft. “As soon as it entered Syrian air space, we considered it to be gathering security and military information on Syria’s territory,” the source in Damascus said. “The aircraft entered areas where IS is not present,” he added. Syrian state media reported late Tuesday that air defences had targeted a US surveillance aircraft over Latakia province, a coastal stronghold of President Bashar Al Assad. Without specifying a location or timing for the incident, state

The US military confirmed losing communication with a Predator drone over Syria on Tuesday and said it was looking into claims the aircraft was shot down

media published a series of closeup photos showing what they said was the mangled wreckage of a small aircraft. The US military conﬁrmed losing communication with a Predator drone over Syria on Tuesday and said it was looking into claims the aircraft was shot down. At about 1740 GMT, “US military controllers lost contact with a US MQ-1 Predator unarmed remotely piloted aircraft operating over northwest Syria”, a US defence official said in an email. “At this time, we have no information to corroborate press reports that the aircraft was shot down. We are looking into the incident and will provide more details when available.” If conﬁrmed, the incident

would be the first time Syrian forces have attacked a US aircraft since the international coalition began its raids against IS in Syria in September. Damascus is not participating in the coalition’s strikes, although its own aircraft also target IS, but has so far refrained from taking action against the foreign planes involved in the operations. It has been critical of the coalition, warning before the strikes began that it would consider them an attack on Syria if they went ahead without the government’s consent. After the first raids on September 23, Damascus said it was notified ahead of time, though Washington has ruled out actively cooperating with Assad’s government on the attacks. How Obama will act Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said last year that Washington had pledged its raids would not hit the Syrian army, though he added that Damascus was sceptical of the commitment. “Do we trust this commitment? For now, we realise that President Barack Obama, for domestic reasons, wants to avoid war with Syria,” he told Lebanon’s Al Akhbar newspaper. “But we do not know how Obama will act under mounting pressure.” The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said the drone was shot down in Al Maqata, a village near the provincial capital of Latakia. “There are no opposition fighters or extremist groups anywhere in that area, but there is a large presence of regime forces,” said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman. — AFP

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THUR SDAY, MAR CH 19, 2015

MARKE

Islamic banking not expensive: Official Bank Nizwa CEO said that many misconceptions about Islamic banking need to be corrected along with other wrong notions

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Islamic banking is not necessarily more ‘expensive’ than conventional banking and this misconception needs to be corrected along with other wrong notions about Islamic banking, said a senior official at Bank Nizwa. As Islamic banking in the Sultanate is set for robust growth, Bank Nizwa, Oman’s ﬁrst dedicated Islamic bank, has launched a pioneering educational platform entitled ‘Islamic Finance Knowledge Series’, which aims to raise the community’s awareness about Islamic banking across the Sultanate of Oman. In a session held on Wednesday for mediapersons, Jamil El Jaroudi, the bank’s chief executive officer, noted that there are many misconceptions about the concept of Islamic banking, and the new initiative is seeking to address them.

REMOVING MISCONCEPTIONS: Jamil El Jaroudi said that one mistaken belief is that it is more expensive to obtain ﬁnancing from an Islamic bank than a conventional bank, which is not necessarily true. – Supplied photo

Jamil El Jaroudi said that one mistaken belief is that it is more expensive to obtain financing from an Islamic bank than a conventional bank, which is not necessarily true. Different institutions price themselves differently based on various factors such as the operation costs and the structure of the institution, he said, adding that it has nothing to do with the concept of Islamic banking. As an example, he said that when Bank Nizwa entered the market, the interest rate on housing loans available in the market was 6.5, 7.5 and 8 per cent but Bank Nizwa started offering housing financing for 25 years at 4.99 per cent. “So we were definitely not more expensive than the conventional banks,” he added. Some banks later lowered the rate as a result of Bank Nizwa being in the market, he added. However, El Jaroudi said people

should not lose sight of the fact that one Islamic bank and the others are not necessary the same. Transparency Highlighting the importance of ‘transparency’, the official said that some banks advertise and say that the rate is 3 per cent but if you read carefully, it is mentioned ‘only for the ﬁrst three months.’ Also, they say that it is not based on a declining balance so the true rate ends up higher in the end. Echoing a similar view, Ashraf Nabhan Al Nabhani, general manager of corporate support at Bank Nizwa, who attended the session, said that all the mechanisms and procedures of Bank Nizwa are ‘transparent’ and there is no ‘hidden charge’. All religions During the event, Mohamed Noranuar bin Sajari, senior manager of sharia structuring at Bank Ni-

AGREEMENTS SIGNED

OMR71m Saudi financing for Duqm zone, fishing harbour MUSCAT: Oman signed two agreements worth of OMR71 million with Saudi Fund for Development to develop projects in Duqm. The two agreements are related to a grant for financing two projects — the development of infrastructure in the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZD) and the construction of a fishing harbour in Duqm. The agreements is part of the approved Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) programme for financing some development projects in the Sultanate. Saudi’s share in the programme stands at OMR960 million. The agreements are part of a series of agreements that will be funded by the consolidated Gulf programme and Saudi as a member. The first agreement, worth OMR17.3 million for the development of Duqm free zone infrastructure development, aims at developing the zone, which is the gateway of logistic supply for the GCC region, as well as marine and aviation hub. It is also a centre for high value-added export-based manufacturing industries, such as fish processing and petrochemicals. The second agreement, worth OMR53.7 million for the construction of fishing port and fish processing complex, aims at developing the fisheries sector and make optimum utilisation of the

SIGNING CEREMONY: The two agreements were signed by Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, minster responsible for ﬁnancial affairs, on behalf of Oman government and Eng. Yousef bin Ibrahim Al Bassam, deputy chairman and managing director of Saudi Fund for Development. – ONA

abundant ﬁsh resources in the wilayat of Duqm. The two agreements were signed by Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, minster responsible for ﬁnancial affairs on behalf of Oman government and Eng. Yousef bin Ibrahim Al Bassam, deputy chairman and managing director of the Saudi Fund for Development. Fishing harbour Al Balushi said the first agreement is related to the finance of the first stage of the fishing port and the fishing industries complex in Duqm.

He added that the second agreement is related to financing the first stage of the infrastructure in Duqm economic zone. Present at the signing ceremony included Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, chairman of Special Economic Zone Authority in Duqm (SEZAD); Eid Mohammed Al Thaqfi, Saudi Arabian ambassador to Oman; Nasser bin Khamis Al Jashmi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; Dr Hamad bin Said Al Aufi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for Fisheries, and a officials from both countries. – ONA

zwa, said another misconception is that Islamic banking is only relevant to Muslims, while it covers a larger investor and depositor base and is intended for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Also, some people think that the products are too complicated while a sequential execution process is in place, he said. In addition, he noted that in Islamic banking, money is a conduit and not a commodity, and all transactions are compliant with Sharia. Terminology In his presentation, the official also sought to promote awareness about the terminologies used in the context of Islamic banking, which are different from those used in the conventional banking sector, to prevent wrong usage by the media. For example, he said that in Islamic banking, ‘profit rate’, ‘rental rate’ or ‘indicative profit rate’ is used instead of ‘interest rate’ or ‘pricing’, and ‘finance’ or ‘financing’ is used instead of ‘loan’, ‘borrow’, or ‘borrowing’. He added that ‘late payment charges’ is used instead of ‘late payment interest; ‘tenure’, ‘rental period’, or ‘investment period’ are used instead of ‘tenure’; ‘takaful’ is used instead of ‘insurance’ and ‘home financing’ or ‘car financing’ is used instead of ‘home loan’ or ‘car loan’. Also used is ‘bank’s financing’ instead of ‘bank’s credit’ or ‘bank’s loan’; ‘investment account’ instead of ‘time deposit’ or ‘fixed deposit’; and ‘sukuk’ instead of ‘bond’. El Jaroudi noted that Islamic banking has the potential to reach OMR5 billion in assets by 2018.

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SOFT LOAN EXTENSION

Abu Dhabi Investment extends Oman and Emirates’ soft loan Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman and Emirates Investmemt Holding received an extension from Abu Dhabi Investment Company for repaying its soft loan. Oman and Emirates Investment Holding said that the approval for the extension of the government soft loan (due on October 29, 2014) is up to November 1, 2025.

The outstanding loan amount of Dh71.47 million will be repayable in six annual equal installments starting from November 1, 2020. Oman and Emirates Investment Holding group has achieved a net proﬁt of OMR503,917 last year, against OMR3.07 million for the previous year. But the parent company has recorded a net loss of OMR1.15 million against a net proﬁt of 270,543 in 2013.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

MARKET MSM index recovers

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 6,238.88 .............. 6,223.50 ................... 6,232.77 ...................6,222.88....................9.89 ................... 0.16 Financial Index .....................................7,594.78 ...............7,553.53 ....................7,583.23 ................... 7,555.30..................27.93 ................... 0.37 Industrial Index ....................................8,410.40 ...............8,376.39 ................... 8,400.21 ...................8,376.39................. 23.82 .................... 0.2 Services Index ...................................... 3,463.94 ...............3,456.45 ...................3,460.09 ................... 3,459.59....................0.50 ................... 0.01 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................978.57 ...................977.15 ....................... 977.17 .......................977.69.................. -0.52 .................. -0.05 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 20,572,400..................6,795,952 ..................1,516 ............... 14,773,810,046 ................20 ......................13 .................... 15 .........................48

The top gainer was Al Anwar Holding, up by 4.84 per cent, while Al Izz Islamic Bank, down

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

by 3.41 per cent, was the top loser ISIN ..................................................SECURITY NAME ...............................................................................................VOLUME ..............TURNOVER...................TRADES ...........OPEN PRICE............. HIGH....................LOW...............CLOSE PR. ..........PREV. CLOSE..........DIFF (RO) .................DIFF %......................LAST PR...............LAST BID.....................LAST OFFER .................MARKET CAP ........PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: MSM 30 Index rebounded to close on a positive note at 6,232.77 points, a gain of 0.16 per cent. The MSM Shariah Index declined 0.05 per cent and closed at 977.17 points. Al Anwar Holding was the most active in terms of volume, while Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of turnover. The top gainer was Al Anwar Holding, up by 4.84 per cent, while Al Izz Islamic Bank, down by 3.41 per cent, was the top loser. As many as 1,516 trades were executed in the session generating a turnover of OMR6.79 million with more than 20.57 million shares changing hands. Out of 48 traded securities, 20 advanced, 13 declined and 15 remained unchanged. At the close of the session, Omani investors remained net buyers to the tune of OMR1.66 million worth of shares, followed by GCC & Arab Investors at OMR381,000. Foreign investors sold stocks amounting to OMR2.05 million. Financial Index closed at 7,583.23 points, up by 0.37 per cent. Al Anwar Holding, Al Madina Investments, Gulf Investment Services, Al Sharqia Investment and Oman & Emirates Holding increased by 4.84 per cent, 3.17 per cent, 2.07 per cent, 1.91 per cent and 1.63 per cent respectively. Al Izz Islamic Bank, Oman United Insurance, United Finance, Bank Dhofar and Ominvest declined 3.41 per cent, 3.13 per cent, 0.68 per cent, 0.57 per cent and 0.43 per cent respectively. Industrial Index gained 0.28 per cent to end the day at 8,400.21 points. Al Jazeera Steel, Al Hassan Engineering, Oman Fisheries, Gulf International Chemicals and Galfar Engineering increased 3.97 per cent, 2.52 per cent, 1.56 per cent, 1.15 per cent and 0.69 per cent respectively. Voltamp Energy and Oman Ce-

ments decreased 2.94 per cent and 0.39 per cent respectively. Services Sector Index closed on a ﬂat note at 3,460.09 points, up by 0.01 per cent. Oman National Engineering, National Gas, OIFC and Ooredoo increased 3.31 per cent, 2.79 per cent, 2.43 per cent and 1.16 per cent respectively. Port Services, Renaissance Services, Al Jazeera Services, Al Batinah Power and Omantel decreased 1.68 per cent, 1.55 per cent, 1.18 per cent, 0.56 per cent and 0.29 per cent respectively.

REGULAR MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 7,582,470 ...1,973,949................... 471 ........... 0.257 ...........0.263 ...........0.255........... 0.260 .............0.248 ............0.012 ............. 4.839 ................0.262..............0.262...................0.263 ..................33,930,000.........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS .......................... 17,500 ...............5,484..................... 10 ............0.316 ........... 0.316 ...........0.312 ........... 0.314 .............0.302 ............0.012 ............. 3.974 ................0.312 ............. 0.304...................0.312................... 39,217,959 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ........................................9,010 .................. 586........................2 ........... 0.065 ...........0.065 ...........0.065........... 0.065 .............0.063 ........... 0.002............. 3.175.................0.065..............0.065...................0.068...................13,464,840 .........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .............................................................12,446 ...............5,509........................8 ........... 0.460 ...........0.460 ...........0.436........... 0.442 .............0.430 ............0.012 ............. 2.791 ................0.440..............0.440...................0.450................... 20,138,145 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 625,409 ..........131,659..................... 98 ........... 0.206........... 0.215 ...........0.206 ...........0.211 .............0.206 ........... 0.005............. 2.427 ................0.209..............0.207...................0.209 ................. 42,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 2,119,199 ....... 312,868...................124 ............0.147 ........... 0.150 ...........0.144........... 0.148 ............. 0.145............ 0.003.............2.069 ................0.145 .............. 0.145...................0.146.................... 8,708,796 ..........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ............. 67,194 .............10,750..................... 10 ............0.164 ........... 0.164 ...........0.158 ........... 0.160 ............. 0.157............ 0.003..............1.911.................0.158 ..............0.148...................0.158...................13,843,200 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 490,000............61,313.....................42 ............0.126 ........... 0.127 ...........0.121 ............0.125 ............. 0.123............ 0.002............. 1.626 ................0.122.............. 0.121...................0.122...................15,234,375 .........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 4,421,180 ...2,403,764................... 213 ........... 0.540 ...........0.554 ...........0.540........... 0.544 .............0.536 ........... 0.008............. 1.493 ................0.542..............0.542...................0.552................ 1,187,382,374 ......0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 149,341 ..........104,539.....................22 ........... 0.700 ........... 0.700 ...........0.700........... 0.700 .............0.692 ........... 0.008..............1.156.................0.700..............0.700...................0.704..................455,660,961........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 376,925 ........... 99,094.....................42 ........... 0.264 ...........0.265 ...........0.259........... 0.263 .............0.260 ........... 0.003............. 1.154.................0.259..............0.253...................0.259....................5,523,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 126,500 ............18,509.....................20 ............0.147 ........... 0.148 ...........0.145 ........... 0.146 ............. 0.145.............0.001 ............. 0.690 ................0.145 ..............0.144...................0.145...................38,488,339 .........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ................................................. 1,270,000......205,740........................8 ............0.162 ........... 0.162 ...........0.162........... 0.162 ............. 0.161 .............0.001 ............. 0.621 ................0.162 ..............0.162...................0.163...................41,081,580 .........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 265,700 .........122,860.....................24 ........... 0.462 ...........0.468 ...........0.462........... 0.462 .............0.460 ........... 0.002............. 0.435 ................0.462..............0.460...................0.462 .................114,042,268........0.100 OM0000001889............SALALAH MILLS.......................................................... 62,250 .............92,713........................5 ............1.490 ........... 1.490 ...........1.485 ........... 1.490 ............. 1.485............ 0.005............. 0.337 ................1.485 .............. 1.485...................1.500................... 71,762,965 .........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ..................................... 4,525 ............... 1,421........................1 ............0.314 ........... 0.314 ...........0.314 ........... 0.314 .............0.314............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.314 ..............0.312...................0.314..................382,711,835 ........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 205,000...........26,640........................6 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.128........... 0.130 .............0.130............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.130 ..............0.127...................0.130................. 260,040,663 .......0.100

Saudi stocks drop Saudi Arabia’s stocks fell to a sixweek low as record United States oil stockpiles stoke fears a global supply glut will worsen. The Tadawul All Share Index, the main gauge for the world’s biggest oil exporter, retreated 2.2 per cent in Riyadh to 9,095.98, the lowest since February 11. Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic), the world’s largest petrochemicals maker by sales, led the slump with a 4.8 per cent slide. The company has lost 12 per cent in four days of declines. Brent crude lost 0.5 per cent to $53.25 per barrel, bringing the decline this week to 2.6 per cent. Oil has renewed its slide following a slump of almost 50 per cent in 2014, amid speculation that a slowdown in US drilling isn’t enough to shrink a global oversupply. US production and stockpiles have continued to expand from 30-year highs even as companies have pulled a record number of rigs from the country’s oil ﬁelds. “The obvious reason is oil and the slide in Saudi equities is initiated by fresh declines in oil prices,” Mohammed Al- Suwayed, a Riyadh-based ﬁnancial analyst and partner at market- analytics company SPT Investors, said by phone on Tuesday.

OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY........................................... 200 ..................380........................2 ........... 1.900 ........... 1.900 ...........1.900............1.910 ............. 1.910............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.900.............. 1.720...................1.900..................171,327,000 ........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ................................... 15,970 .............31,853........................3 ............1.995 ........... 1.995 ...........1.990............1.995 ............. 1.995............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.990............. 0.000...................2.200 .................189,525,000........0.100 OM0000002572 ...........OMAN OIL MARKETING ............................................. 1,117 ...............2,491........................2 ........... 2.230 ...........2.230 ...........2.230 .......... 2.230 .............2.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.230............. 0.000...................2.230 .................136,643,250........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................. 50,000 ...............5,250........................3 ............0.105 ........... 0.105 ...........0.105 ........... 0.105 .............0.105............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.105 ..............0.104...................0.109...................21,000,000.........0.100 OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA ...............................................29,150 ............ 24,486........................3 ........... 0.840...........0.840 ...........0.840 .......... 0.840 .............0.840 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.840..............0.840...................0.844 ................ 134,400,000 .......0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 207,000 ............39,275..................... 10 ............0.189 ........... 0.190 ...........0.189 ........... 0.190 .............0.190 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.190..............0.189...................0.190..................217,360,000........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................ 1,000 ..................380........................1 ........... 0.380 ...........0.380 ...........0.380........... 0.380 .............0.380 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.380..............0.380...................0.390 ..................83,983,800.........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 400,150 ......... 688,157..................... 62 ............1.720 ........... 1.730............ 1.715 ............1.720 ............. 1.725 ............-0.005 ........... -0.290 ...............1.720 ...............1.715...................1.720 ................1,290,000,000......0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ............................................................16,200 ...............8,304........................3 ............0.514 ........... 0.514 ...........0.512 ............0.512 ............. 0.514............-0.002 ........... -0.389 ...............0.512 ..............0.510...................0.514..................169,406,828........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 111,084 .............51,409..................... 10 ........... 0.460 ........... 0.472 ...........0.460........... 0.462 .............0.464 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.431................0.460..............0.460...................0.472..................155,575,266 ........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ..............................................................35,520 .............12,432........................2 ........... 0.350 ...........0.350 ...........0.350........... 0.350 .............0.352 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.568 ...............0.350..............0.342...................0.352..................470,134,775 ........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 157,200............ 22,769......................11 ............0.145 ........... 0.145 ...........0.144............0.145 .............0.146............-0.001 ........... -0.685 ...............0.145 ..............0.144...................0.145................... 39,876,917 .........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................45,550 .............15,254......................14 ........... 0.336 ...........0.336 ...........0.334........... 0.334 .............0.338 ...........-0.004 ............-1.183................0.334..............0.330...................0.336...................20,442,227.........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES .......................................74,750 ............ 28,405......................14 ........... 0.380 ...........0.380 ...........0.380........... 0.380 .............0.386 ...........-0.006 ............-1.554................0.380..............0.380...................0.384 ................. 107,195,893 ........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ........................ 29,000 ...............8,468........................7 ........... 0.292 ...........0.292 ...........0.292........... 0.292 .............0.297 ...........-0.005 ........... -1.684................0.292............. 0.290...................0.292 .................. 27,751,680 .........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY .....................................................14,949 ...............5,920........................3 ........... 0.396 ...........0.396 ...........0.396........... 0.396 .............0.408 ...........-0.012 ........... -2.941 ...............0.396..............0.390...................0.406 ..................23,958,000.........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE .................................91,000 ............ 28,210........................8 ............0.310 ........... 0.310 ...........0.310........... 0.310 .............0.320 ...........-0.010 ............-3.125................0.310 ..............0.294...................0.310...................31,000,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 19,084,489.....6,550,840 .......... 1,264 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......34........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PARALLEL MARKET ................................................................................................................................................................................. OM0000001152 ............OMAN NATIONAL ENGINE. INVT. ..................... 64,900 ............20,208......................12 ............0.312 ........... 0.312 ...........0.310........... 0.312 .............0.302 ............0.010 ..............3.311.................0.310 ..............0.306...................0.310...................24,960,000 ........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING....................................29,623 ............... 3,621........................7 ............0.122 ........... 0.123 ...........0.122........... 0.122 ............. 0.119 ............ 0.003............. 2.521 ................0.122.............. 0.119...................0.122.................... 9,175,376 ..........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 116,650 ............... 7,585......................11 ........... 0.066 ...........0.066 ...........0.065........... 0.065 .............0.064 ............0.001 ............. 1.563 ................0.065..............0.064...................0.065....................8,125,000 ..........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .................................................. 90,175 ............ 53,226................... 159 ........... 0.586 ...........0.600 ...........0.586........... 0.590 .............0.586 ........... 0.004............. 0.683 ................0.590..............0.588...................0.590 ..................29,500,000.........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ....................... 40,000 ...............6,680........................5 ............0.167 ........... 0.167 ...........0.167 ............0.167 ............. 0.166.............0.001 .............0.602 ................0.167 .............. 0.159...................0.166.................... 5,010,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002101 ............OMAN FIBER OPTIC ...........................................................50 .................. 263........................1 ............5.255 ........... 5.255 ...........5.255........... 5.250 .............5.250 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................5.255..............5.255...................0.000 ..................32,938,584.........1.000 OM0000002580 ...........OMAN EDU. & TRIN. INV. HOLDING...................... 1,000 ...................137........................1 ............0.137 ........... 0.137 ...........0.137 ........... 0.142 .............0.142 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.137 .............. 0.135...................0.137 ....................9,940,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 487,504 ............41,441.....................20 ........... 0.085 ...........0.086 ...........0.085........... 0.085 .............0.085 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.085..............0.084...................0.086..................127,500,000........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL.............................................. 40,200 ...............3,296........................4 ........... 0.082 ...........0.082 ...........0.082........... 0.082 .............0.082 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.082..............0.082...................0.085...................14,350,000.........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 183,355............ 33,004........................8 ............0.180 ........... 0.180 ...........0.180........... 0.180 .............0.180 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.180..............0.180................... 0.181 .................. 128,593,141 ........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.................................................11,599 .............27,142........................3 ........... 2.340...........2.340 ...........2.340 .......... 2.340 .............2.345 ...........-0.005 ........... -0.213 ...............2.340 .............2.225...................2.345 .................223,369,836........1.000 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................. 45,000 ...............8,075........................7 ............0.180 ........... 0.180 ...........0.178 ............0.179 .............0.180 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.556 ...............0.178 ............. 0.000...................0.179 ..................120,804,850 .......0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK................................................15,000 ............... 1,275........................2 ........... 0.085 ...........0.085 ...........0.085........... 0.085 .............0.088 ...........-0.003 ........... -3.409 ...............0.085..............0.083...................0.088...................85,000,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,125,056 ......205,954.................. 240 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......13........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS MARKET ........................................................................................................................................................................................ OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ......................................... 362,855 ............39,159......................12 ............0.108 ........... 0.108 ...........0.106........... 0.108 .............0.108 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.106..............0.106...................0.109...................34,521,409 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 362,855 ............39,159......................12 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

- United Securities/Bloomberg News

SOHAR REFINERY

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex sheds 114 points; rupee flat MUMBAI: The S&P BSE benchmark Sensex ended lower by 114 points to 28,622.12 on fresh selling pressure mainly in power, IT, capital goods and auto sectors amidst mixed Asian cues ahead of the Us Federal Open Market Committee’s two-day policy meeting. The Sensex resumed higher at 28,766.87 and firmed up further to 28,806.97 on initial strong buying on the back of good foreign capital inflows. However, it dropped afterwards to 28,546.76 on fresh selling before concluding at 28,622.12,

showing a loss of 114.26 points of 0.40 per cent. The CNX 50-share Nifty also declined by 37.40 points or 0.43 per cent to ﬁnish at 8,685.90. Investors across the globe remained cautious as the Federal Open Market Committee kicked off a twoday policy meeting, which will be followed by a statement from Fed chair Janet Yellen later. In global market, Asian stocks ended mixed, tracking a mixed ﬁnish on Wall Street overnight over when Federal Reserve rates.

Rupee ends ﬂat The Indian rupee on Wednesday ended almost ﬂat against the dollar at 62.69 ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy statement that could shed light on the timing of interest rate hikes. The rupee resumed slightly higher at 62.68 per dollar as against the last closing level of 62.70 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market. It hovered in a limited range of 62.6175 and 62.78 before concluding at 62.69. - PTI

Orpic achieves 4 million man hours without loss time injury Times News Service MUSCAT: Health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) has been of paramount importance in Sohar Reﬁnery Improvement Project (SRIP) execution and is being closely monitored by top management of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor and Orpic’s team. More than four million manhours have been achieved without loss time injury. Most of the detailed engineering activities are nearing completion, and the company’s team which was deputed to Korea has been mostly demobilised to site. All orders for critical and major items have been placed and manufacturing is progressing well. Procurement activities are progressing as per schedule and bulk material has started arriving at site. All of the project’s major construction subcontracts have been awarded and construction activities have picked up during the last three months. The current total manpower at site is around 5,000 out of which 17 per cent are

Omanis in different disciplines. The completion schedule for SRIP is 36 months. “The physical progress as of January 2015 achieved on the Project EPC activities is 41.4 per cent against schedule of 38.3 per cent,” said Musab Al Mahruqi, chief executive officer of Orpic. Site visit Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) organised a site visit to local community members to learn about the latest updates of the company’s multi-billion dollar Sohar Refinery Improvement Project. The event was attended by governor of North Al Batinah, walis, local dignitaries, Orpic’s CEO and senior management. The project comes in response to the growing need to upgrade the refining capability of the in order to further maximize the value of Omani crude oil. At the same time it will significantly bring environmental improvements to the company’s activities. The engineering, procurement and construction contract

of SRIP has been awarded in November 2013 to a joint venture consisting of Daelim Industrial and Petrofac International on lump sum turkey basis. Sohar Refinery Improvement Project has recently gathered further momentum after award of all construction subcontracts and the start of mobilisation of those subcontractors to the project site. SRIP will have five new units — Vacuum distillation unit, hydrocracker unit, delayed coker unit, isomerisation unit, and bitumen blowing unit. After completion of SRIP, the constraints in the existing Sohar Refinery will be tackled and additional quantity of much needed high value middle distillates will be produced in order to meet the naphtha demand of desired quality for the aromatics plant in a cost effective manner, improve RFCC feed quality with respect to CCR and metals, meet polymer grade propylene demand of the polypropylene plant, produce bitumen to meet country requirement, and produce additional gasoline and diesel.

T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

MARKET BULLION MARKET

Gold set to regain sheen as Asian demand seen doubling MELBOURNE: Gold demand in Asia is set to double by 2030 and boost prices to a record as investment and jewellery purchases climb, according to Australia & New Zealand (ANZ) Banking. Demand from retail and institutional investors will jump to almost 5,000 metric tonnes a year by 2030 from 2,500 tonnes, analysts including Warren Hogan and Victor Thianpiriya said in a report. Prices may rise to more than $2,000 an ounce by 2025 and to $2,400 by 2030, they said. The bank says it supplied more than 20 per cent of China’s gold imports last year. Bullion is trading near the lowest level since 2010 and last year

posted the ﬁrst back-to-back annual drop in 14 years as assets in exchange-traded products contracted, the dollar strengthened and United States equities surged. Demand in India and China, the world’s biggest buyers, will total 900 tonnes to 1,000 tonnes each this year and central banks will buy at least 400 tonnes, according to the World Gold Council. “The bedrock, the anchor of our views of increasing demand for physical gold will come from rising incomes in Asia,” Hogan, chief economist at ANZ, said on Wednesday. “Gold is going to have that investment role and it’s going to become more prominent.” While the bank has a short-term

Wednesday. Prices rose to a record $1,921.17 in 2011 and fell to a fouryear low of $1,132.16 in November.

target of $1,100, prices will increase through 2030 on growing wealth in Asia, rising investment by money managers and expanding holdings at emerging- market central banks, the bank said. If

China’s shift to a more open economy is bumpy and global ﬁnancial instability continues, the price may surge to $3,230, it said. Gold for immediate delivery was at $1,147.61 in Singapore on

Al Reem Creative joins hands with Grayling The agreement will offer 360-degree communications solutions and stateof-the-art digital marketing services

BOOSTING COMMUNICATIONS: Grayling has expertise in

in the Sultanate

handling inward investment, crisis management, transport and aviation sector, said Lord Chadlington, chief executive officer of Huntsworth and chairman of Grayling. – Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: A strategic agreement was signed between Al Reem Creative, a leading Omani media company better known as Brand Infiniti, and Grayling, a leading global public relations firm. The new partnership, which will offer 360-degree communications solutions and state-ofthe-art digital marketing services to government agencies and businesses operating across Oman, was ratified in the presence of leading dignitaries from Oman’s government and business community on Wednesday evening.

“Brand Inﬁniti is incredibly excited about our partnership with Grayling, one of the world’s leading public relations companies. Our objective is to work together to bring the best creative skills and the highest standards of customer service to Oman. We aim to help companies and government harness new visual technologies, so that they can connect with their stakeholders and customers in more exciting, compelling and memorable ways,” said Khalid Said Salem Al Wahaibi, chairman of Brand Inﬁniti. Grayling has expertise in handling inward investment, crisis

management (especially in handling data hacking issues), transport and aviation sector, Lord Chadlington, chief executive ofﬁcer of Huntsworth plc and chairman of Grayling, told journalists at a press conference. Local talent development “A key objective for us is to also develop local talent here in Oman and we have an active programme to engage, encourage and employ Omanis with a passion for the creative industry,” added Al Wahaibi. “Business opportunity has led us to Oman. We are committed to a strong and successful partner-

ship with Brand Inﬁniti, Oman’s most technologically advanced and inventive creative business. Our clients from other Middle East markets want us to service them in Oman and we have several successful mandates already underway. Our new Oman operation will help us provide a more comprehensive offering to clients across the Middle East and to international clients with growing needs in one of the most interesting countries in the region,” said Lord Chadlington. With an international awardwinning creative team and extensive technical resources, Brand Inﬁniti is fast becoming the leading media solutions provider in Oman with the capability to integrate creative content with the latest visual technologies. The team has the knowledge and experience to maximise the delivery of brand communications across all available and relevant channels for private and government sector organisations operating in Oman.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

Central banks Rising incomes in Asia will increase gold demand as people purchase more jewellery and continue to channel savings into gold for cultural reasons, according to the ANZ report. Bullion demand may also expand as aging investors boost holdings in defensive assets and the development of Asia’s ﬁnancial systems increases funds under management, Hogan said. Central banks may add to holdings to diversify reserves and shore up conﬁdence in newly

ﬂoated currencies, he said. Governments globally added 477.2 tonnes to reserves in 2014, the second-biggest increase in 50 years, according to the Londonbased World Gold Council. Central banks have increased reserves for the past ﬁve years, a reversal from two decades of selling since the late 1980s. ANZ’s forecasts include China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The bank says it handled the equivalent of 12 per cent of global primary production last year, making it one of the world’s biggest physical gold distributors. - Bloomberg News

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

FEATURE 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88

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16% of children aged 6-19 years are overweight

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 Obesity is estimated to reduce life expectancy by up to 7 years.

8 7

6 5 4 3

Obese employees miss an extra 1.1 to 1.7 days of work a year compared to their normal-weight counterparts.

2 1

A GROWING URGENCY TO WORK OUT PLANS TO REDUCE OBESITY WHICH IS AFFECTING THE AMERICAN ECONOMY

25 26 27 The CDC considers adults obese when their body mass index, which takes into account weight and height, is 30 or higher.

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

43% of America will be obese by 2030

43 44 45 46 47 48

s a panel of scientists considers ways to help Americans trim down, unpublished research shows medical expenses linked to being extremely overweight have skyrocketed. Experts say the damage is augmented by reduced productivity, wider gender and income inequality and even higher transportation costs. While the biggest consequence is still on an individual’s wellbeing, “there are some signiﬁcant economic costs associated with obesity,” said Ross Hammond, a senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution in Washington. “Unfortunately, it’s not an outcome that’s rare anymore.” Some 35.7 per cent of Americans 20 to 74 years old were obese in the period from 2009 to 2012, according to the latest ﬁgures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. That’s up from 31.1 percent a decade earlier and 13.3 percent in 1960-1962. The CDC considers adults obese when their body mass index, which takes into account weight and height, is 30 or higher. As a result, there is growing urgency to come up with plans to check the trend. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, the panel of scientists that counsels government agencies, last month recommended that sugary drinks and foods be taxed to reduce their consumption. The report, released on February 19, went on to advise that the revenue generated could be used to promote healthier behaviour or subsidise the cost of fruits and vegetables. “This really is a situation that’s beyond business as usual,” said Walter Willett, a professor and chair-

90 72 71 70 68% of Americans are either obese or overweight

69 68 67

66 65 64 63 62 61 60 59 58

man of the department of nutrition at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts. “We have to think about serious interventions that go beyond the norm.” Unaddressed, the costs could continue to mount, with healthcare expenses being the most direct economic consequence. Widespread obesity raised medical-care costs by $315.8 billion in 2010, according to John Cawley, an economics professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. That amounted to about $3,508 a year for each obese person, the latest available data showed. The expenses, which include doctors’ appointments, hospital stays, prescription drugs and home health care, were up 48 percent from 2005’s $213 billion after adjusting for inﬂation, the researchers found. The ﬁndings, to be published later this year in the journal PharmacoEconomics, represent the combined work of fellow researchers Chad Meyerhoefer, Adam Biener, Mette Hammer and Neil

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106

107

55 54 53 52 51 50 49

This really is a situation that’s beyond business as usual. We have to think about serious interventions that go beyond the norm.” Walter Willett A professor and chairman of the department of nutrition at Harvard University

108 109 110 111 112 113 114

Wintfeld. Chronic illnesses linked to obesity, such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as stroke and cancer, are expensive to treat, Cawley said. Moreover, the costs are usually paid by private and public health insurance, meaning that leaner people are subsidizing those with less healthy diets, he said. “All of us are paying these costs.” While such spending doesn’t directly reduce economic growth, it does represent a shift in priorities toward health care and away from things such as business investment in other industries that could boost output down the road. Obesity also poses problems in less direct ways. Excessive fat is correlated with an increase in absenteeism from work because of health issues, said Tatiana Andreyeva, director of economic initiatives at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at the University of Connecticut in Hartford. That costs the nation about $8.65 billion a year, Andreyeva found with fellow researchers Joerg Luedicke and Y. Claire Wang. Obese employees miss an extra 1.1 to 1.7 days of work a year compared to their normal-weight counterparts. “The employee is most likely getting paid for it, but there was no work done on it, and there was a cost to the employer,” Andreyeva said. Diminished productivity is a major source of drag on the economy as it leads to higher production costs and a less competitive workforce, she said. That could worsen a recent slowing in efficiency as the 18- month economic slump that ended in June 2009 prompted companies to curb spending on more sophisticated machinery and time-saving devices such as faster computers that help boost productivity. Output per hour has climbed by an average 1.3 percent a quarter since the recession ended, compared with 3 percent in the decade through 2005. On an individual level, obesity also can limit how much workers earn and what types of occupations they take on, research shows. Morbidly obese women, or those with a body mass index greater than 40, in occupations that involve interacting with other people will earn about 5 percent less than their normalweight counterparts, according to a study by Jennifer Shinall, an assistant professor at the Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville, Tennessee. That more than offsets a wage premium that generally exists in such ﬁelds, Shinall found. Furthermore, obesity’s effects may fall disproportionately on those who can least afford it, Shinall said. Minority and lesseducated workers are more likely to be overweight, compounding the wage difference that already exists for those groups in the workforce, she said. Black workers -- almost 1.5 times as likely to be obese as white employees -- in full-time jobs reported median earnings of $263 a week in the fourth quarter, according to data from the Labor Department. That compares with

Americans spend $155 on fast food per family per month

156 155 154 153 152

Dozens of obesity related illnesses lead to nearly $150 billion dollars in annual medical costs.

151

35.7% of Americans between 20 and 74 years old were obese in the period from 2009 to 2012, that’s up from 31.1% a decade earlier

150 149 148 147 146 145 144 142 hours spent by americans playing video games instead of excercising

143 142 141

140 139 138 137 136 135 Obesity prevalence was the highest among children in families with an income-topoverty ratio of 100% or less then found to be lower in children in families with an income-topoverty ratio of 131% or larger

134

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130 129 128 127 126 125 124 123 122 121 120 119 118 117 116 115

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$349 for whites. The costs of obesity also manifest themselves in less obvious ways. Heavier people use more gasoline and jet fuel to move from place to place and require the support of stronger infrastructure. As many as one billion additional gallons of gasoline are consumed each year transporting overweight and obese Americans, according to research from Sheldon Jacobson and Douglas King at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. That would amount to about $2.5 billion, according to the average cost of regular gasoline as of March 3. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will host a public meeting this month on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s recommendations, and will accept comments though April 8. The resulting policy document -- the eighth edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- is expected to be published by the agencies toward the end of 2015. The taxation lever isn’t a cure-all for the obesity problem, Cornell’s Cawley said, since consumers may just substitute one unhealthy product for another. And some early efforts to curb consumption, such as the 16-ounce limit on soft drinks sold in restaurants and movie theaters backed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, owner of Bloomberg News parent Bloomberg LP, have failed at ballot boxes or in courtrooms. “It’s a misreading of the evidence to think that a modest tax on a narrow category of food or drinks would have a substantial impact on calories or weight,” Cawley said. “It would probably have to be a broader and bigger tax to really change people’s behavior, and I don’t know whether that’s politically feasible.” Nonetheless, in combination with other policies such as increasing physical activity and improving access to quality food, a multifaceted approach that includes a ﬁnancial lever could make a difference, Harvard’s Willett said. An obesity rate of less than 5 percent would be ideal, while one around 10 percent would be realistic, he said. A genetic predisposition to being overweight afflicts only about 1 percent to 2 percent of the population, he said. “It looks like we are starting to make a little dent in the problem, but we have a huge way to go,” Willett said. - Bloomberg News

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A 5-foot-4 adult would be classiﬁed as obese if he or she weighed 174 pounds or more

173 174

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More than 190 people aged under 65 died as a direct result of their obesity in 2009, while it was judged to be a contributing factor to death in a further 757 cases.

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T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

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Home Centre offers a variety of gift options Home Centre’s selections for Mother’s Day comprise useful and vibrant merchandise that is sure to ﬁnd immediate resonance with your mother

MUSCAT: As Mother’s Day comes around once again, Home Centre, the region’s leading home decor brand, spoils you for choice with a variety of great gifting options that will make the day truly special for that most amazing woman in your life — your mother. Home Centre’s selections for Mother’s Day comprise useful and vibrant merchandise that is sure to ﬁnd immediate resonance with your mother. From warm and colourful dinner sets, ﬂoor and table lamps to endearing art, fondue sets and photo frames — Home Centre has put together an endless range of options to light up her smile on this special day, says a press release.

“At Home Centre, we are always looking at ways to make home décor reﬂect a precious emotional connect, because your home and family are who you are. Mothers are truly special people — your best friends forever. Our Mother’s Day display in-store features everything your mum would fancy - the latest kitchen accents, bedroom and

M A S E R AT I I TA L I A N N I G H T

PA R T I C I PAT I O N

OOC supports SQU career fair MUSCAT: Oman Oil Company (OOC), the Sultanate’s energy investment arm, participated in the annual Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Career and Training Opportunities Fair, held during March 10-12, at the Grand Hall of SQU Cultural Centre. OOC’s presence at the fair is in line with its efforts to provide jobs and training opportunities for the Omani youth in order to enhance their abilities, skills and prepare them for the labour market, says a press release. During the event, OOC introduced its international graduate development programme known as ‘The Oxea Graduate Development Programme’ which boards fresh graduates from diverse specialisations; such as Engineering, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain and Information Technol-

living room décor or those quirky little accessories that will immediately endear you to her heart,” said, Michelle Dinsmore, Head, Visual Merchandising at Home Centre. Home Centre offers the ﬁnest furniture, furnishings, home accessories, kitchenware and gift ideas at exceptional value in terms of choice and price.

ogy. The prospective graduates will attend an intensive training programme in OXEA plants in Germany and USA for a minimum duration of two years to develop certain skills required in their professional career. Upon completion of the programme, graduates then could potentially join future OOC developments in Oman such as Duqm projects. Saleh Al Musalhi, Head of Corporate Affairs, said: “Our presence at the career fair is to provide the students an opportunity to interact directly with the companies, understand their requirements and share current and future job opportunities. It is an excellent platform for both students and organisations to network and discuss opportunities relating to career and development programmes.”

ENHANCED SAFETY

Alfardan holds test drive event Higer Star school bus: A safe choice for school children MUSCAT: Alfardan Motors, the official importer of Ferrari and Maserati in Oman, recently organised a test drive event at its showroom located in Meydan Al Azaiba, offering a number of clients and representatives of the media an opportunity to test drive Maserati’s full range of lavish models. The event captivated owners and luxury car enthusiasts through the exceptional performance and sophistication of the Maserati Ghibli and QP. As Italian theme met Italian brand, attendees experienced a true reﬂection of the sporting heritage represented by Maserati over the last 100 years, says a press release. “We are delighted to host our Italian Night, a magniﬁcent cannot-miss experience and true celebration of all things Italian. Alfardan Motors is always striving to exceed clients’ expectations, therefore we hosted this spectacu-

lar culturally-themed evening to offer a tatse of Italy, not only with an exquisite selection of food, but also the opportunity for enthusiasts to drive an Italian nameplate and test the impressive handling of a Maserati ﬁrst-hand,” said

D E M O N S T R AT O R A I R C R A FT

Muhanad Abualia, Manager of Alfardan Motors Oman. Since opening its ﬁrst showroom in 2012, Alfardan Motors has provided a world-class service to the growing number of luxury car and motorcycle clients in Oman.

MUSCAT: One of the fastest developing bus manufacturers in China, Higer Bus Company is well known for its innovation and precision in research and development. It is popular globally across continents in Europe, America, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, says a press release. “Higer Star school bus is the only school bus in Oman to have an ABS system - Antilock braking system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to maintain tractive contact with the road surface according to driver inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and avoiding uncontrolled skidding. This is a great safety feature especially when children are involved,” a senior spokesperson of Towell Auto

Centre (TAC) comments. “If your child travels to school by bus, it is important to make this journey as safe as possible for everyone. Apart from ABS, Higer buses also have a host of other enhanced safety features such

as bottom ﬁxed/top sliding glass window, safety look-down mirror, school bus stop plate, camera for inside view with foldable monitor, school bus warning lamp ensuring safe transit for school children,” the spokesperson adds.

I TA L I A N C U I S I N E

Theme nights take centre-stage at O Sole Mio

Dornier 228 tours Oman MUSCAT: RUAG Aviation, in partnership with the Aflag Group, introduced the Dornier 228 multi-purpose to Oman at a private reception for senior members of the Royal Oman Police (ROP), Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) and Ministry of Tourism as well as representatives from the private sector at the Al Mouj Golf Course, hosted by Philippe Erni, RUAG Aviation Director of Sales and Sheikh Khalid Al Khalili, Aflag Group Chairman. RUAG Aviation also flew demonstration flights over three days for the ROP, RAFO and Ministry of Tourism key personnel as well as representatives from the private sector, says a press release. The Dornier 228 is currently deployed in a number of different roles worldwide including special mission aircraft for maritime and border patrol, pollution monitoring, military utility and training and in the USA, as a sightseeing aircraft for tourism in the Grand Canyon and other areas. “It is with much pleasure that we welcome the new Dornier 228 to Oman, a next generation version of the iconic aircraft that was successfully operated by DG Police Aviation for over two decades,” Khalid noted. The Comfortable 19-seater Dornier 228 has a number of distinct features like high payload transport, special mission sensor platform, renowned short-field performance, hot and high performance and unprepared airfields. The Dornier 228 is excellent to handle, proven reliable, efficient

and highly productive. “RUAG is owned by the Swiss government and the Dornier 228 is manufactured by its subsidiary in Germany and is honoured to have been invited to present the new generation Dornier 228 which can enhance the capabilities of Oman,” stated Erni. “No other aircraft can perform surveillance flights more efficiently than the Dornier 228. The borders of the Sultanate and the EEZ can be supervised in the most costefficient ways” added Erni. On the military side, the Dornier 228 is the ideal training aircraft for transport pilots. With its state-ofthe-art cockpit, young pilots learn to handle a modern glass cockpit and the Flight Management System, as well as crew coordination. Simultaneously, the aircraft can be used as transport aircraft with a payload up to two tonnes. A flight hour on the Dornier 228 costs only a fraction of the costs of other comparable transport aircraft. As used in the USA, the Dornier 228 is the ideal sightseeing aircraft, with each seat being by a window. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Shaikh Khalid explained, “The Dornier 228 would complement the development of a new tourism sector with scenic flights in Oman whilst creating top engineering and management jobs. Furthermore, the passenger version can link the airports of the Sultanate in a hub-and-spoke system (with Muscat and Salalah being the hubs) and creating jobs all over the country.”

MUSCAT: O Sole Mio has carved a niche for one of the best outlets for Italian food. It is now introducing a Steak Night every Saturday and a Seafood Night every Sunday; each offering select dishes cooked to perfection that will have the customers coming back for more, says a press release. On Saturdays, the chefs get busy creating the best steaks in town, just the way each customer would love. Prepared from the freshest meat grades, one can choose between Porterhouse, Rib-Eye, Rib Roast or Short Loin and have it prepared well done, rare medium or rare. Ask for your favourite sauce to accompany the dish. The set menu includes a starter along

with a selection of the steak and dessert along with a complimentary drink. Each of the dishes in the set menu has been thoughtfully selected to complement each other and is served in a relaxed, warm atmosphere by friendly and professional staff. “One of the focal points is to en-

sure that the steak is grilled to the perfect degree to suit the guest’s tastes. Those who come in for a steak night are looking for a perfect steak and that is what we aim to deliver consistently,” said Lawrence D’sa, general manager, Four Seasons Tourism. On the other hand, if you are a seafood fan, you can dive into the newly introduced seafood buffet every Sunday night. The set menu includes a starter with a complimentary drink and dessert. But the centre-stage is reserved for the ﬁsh – choose between prawns, salmon, sea bass, tuna, kingﬁsh, hamour, scallops or catch of the day and the chef will construct it to your preference along with a

sauce that you would favour to accompany it. “The introduction and selection of the theme nights is to offer a wider choice to the customers; at the same time we wanted to keep the pricing competitive at OMR16 nett and cut no corners on quality. This is what our patrons expect of us and that is a winning combination that we would not want to compromise on,” added Lawrence. Another surprise is the Monday Escape night that is not be a theme night but will offer a fourcourse meal that will only comprise of select dishes that are the chef’s signature dishes along with a complimentary drink — all for just OMR19 nett! ENERGY BASED HEALING

MUSICAL SHOW

Seminar held on Pranic Healing

Muscat Malayalees FB group celebrates third anniversary MUSCAT: Muscat Malayalees Facebook collaborative forum celebrated its third anniversary in the presence of thousands of its members. It could be the ﬁrst of its kind, in the history of Oman, that a group having nearly 14,000 members, gifts a grand musical show in lieu of celebrating the 3rd anniversary, says a press release. The function started at 7pm when Rakesh Vaipooru the group admin along with the chief guest Salem Al Abri lit the lamp. Under the great anchoring by Dr Jithesh Master, together with

the talented artists the function was a treat to the audience. The programme also witnessed the honouring of Ritika Nair, GCC Winner of Radio Asia 1269 AM SKY Sangeetha Varsham Reality Show by Kalamandalam Sudha G Nair, on behalf of Muscat Malayalees. Along with music show, there was comedy skit hosted by Lulu Malarwadi Club and cinematic dance by White Roses Dance Institute, all enthralled the audience and irrespective of age group the entire audience was seen in dancing mode. Since this group is formed

through Facebook the programme coordinators followed a dress code of blue and white, being the Facebook colour. Men wore blue shirt and white dhotis and women wore blue sarees. Dubai Gold gifted gold coins in a lucky draw and Stronglight too joined to gift various appliances in lucky draws. All those who came for the show were in high spirits as they got a splendid feast of music, comedy and dance. The programme was organised by Desert Technology and led by the group admin Rakesh Vaipooru, Amirtpal and the admin team.

MUSCAT: Muscat Energy Healing Centre, which promotes energy based healing modality ‘Pranic Healing’, organised a seminar recently. The seminar ‘Your Health is in Your Hands’ put an emphasis on how simple hand movements can literally heal your physical and energy body to keep you healthy. The seminar started with a presentation by Philippe Georgiou, a senior consultant with Ministry of Tourism and very experienced Pranic Healing Instructor, about concepts of physical body and energy body, deﬁning the sources of energy available in the universe and stating the principles on which Pranic Healing works. He made all the attendees feel their own energies with simple focus and hand movements, says a press release. On the spot healing was demonstrated by Paru Negandhi, a trained physiotherapist and senior Pranic Healing instructor. A lady from audience who suffered from shoulder pain was given healing on stage who later shared her experience about feeling the energies and relief from pain in mere 10 minutes of healing. Two other ladies, Maryam and Dina shared their own experiences about receiving healing and how learning Pranic Healing has helped them in their day to day life.

THU RSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

ROUND-UP BankDhofar ties-up with various outlets Special offers include exclusive discounts that range between 10 per cent and 50 per cent when using BankDhofar debit or credit cards

MUSCAT: BankDhofar has recently announced new tie-ups with various outlets where customers can enjoy exclusive discounts and special offers when using BankDhofar debit or credit cards. A wide array of products and services is available to BankDhofar customers in the Sultanate and the United Arab Emirates, ranging from hotel services, health

and wellness outlets, dining, boutiques, travel, leisure and entertainment, says a press release. Faisal Hamad Al Wahaibi, DGM - Retail Banking Division, elaborated on the several beneﬁts offered to BankDhofar card users. “In line with our vision to be the best bank in the Sultanate and the wider Gulf region, and as part of our efforts to provide the best customer experience, we work constantly to expand our outreach and cater for the customers’

needs and requirements wherever they are. BankDhofar has excelled in banking experience with its full-ﬂedged collection of products and services, and to further boost that we tied-up with different outlets across Oman and the UAE,” he said. Special offers include exclusive discounts that range between 10 per cent and 50 per cent when using BankDhofar debit or credit cards. The diverse range of services available to BankDhofar card

NAT I O NA L I N I T I AT I V E

Confident Group roadshow today MUSCAT: Confident Group, the rapidly thriving, accredited conglomerate, headquartered in Bangalore with its operations spread across India and overseas as well, will be hosting a roadshow from today onwards till March 24 at Haffa House, Ruwi, Muscat, says a press release. Confident Group is diversified into nine verticals, namely- infrastructure, hospitality, aviation, entertainment, education, health care, golfing, retail and international trading. The projects completed and those in pipeline are of gigantic proportions. The group is proudly deploying the 127th project within the infrastructural sphere. It currently includes gated communities of townships, villas, apartments, commercial towers, malls, software towers and parks, hotels and resorts. Confident Group is transforming the dream of quality living spaces into reality and is accredited with the ISO 9001:2008. The group knows the pulse of the customers well and every effort is focused to ensure total customer satisfaction.

In the major cities of Kerala Confident Group is spreading the happiness of confident living through its remarkable projects. Confident Leo, the well designed apartment project is just 3km away from Info park, Kochi. Confident Indus and Confident Pride are yet other luxury apartment project in the heart of Cochin city. In Bangalore, the company offers villa plots, villas and apartments at very affordable rates. Confident Group has got the largest and widest choice of approved villa plots in Banglore. Entering into the lifestyle industry Confident Group has recently opened a 20,000 square foot Parfum Monde showroom located on Dubai’s most prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road is poised to become the number one destination for the connoisseurs of fine perfume and luxury. The newest addition to Dubai’s list of the biggest and the largest, Parfum Monde will be your one-stop superstore for the widest and the most exclusive range of premium and luxury perfume brands.

PA R T N E R S H I P

Jotun Paints participates at Omani products expo in Sohar MUSCAT: Jotun Paints Oman recently participated in the Omani products’ campaign ‘Omani 2015’ with the biggest and most attractive stall at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Sohar. This was in line with the ongoing ‘Origin Oman’ campaign aimed at promoting and creating awareness of locally manufactured products, says a press release. There was an overwhelming response to the Jotun stand with visitors enquiring about the innovative, weather-resistant and longer-lasting Jotun range of products. Several visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region also showed keen interest in the products at the Jotun stall. A visitor to the Jotun stall said, “Jotun Paints, has always been my ﬁrst choice. I always rely on this locally manufactured Omani product of international standard. I have painted my entire house with Jotun paint and I have recommended it to my relatives and friends too.” Jotun Paints Oman have their plant at the Rusayl Industrial Estate. A massive state-of-the-art factory is underway in the same area. Organised by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates

users also include, but not limited to, cash withdrawal in OMR (AED & USD in some ATM’s), requests for mini statement, balance inquiry, self-fund transfer, third party transfer, card-less cash withdrawal. Additionally, BankDhofar has an extensive network of Cash Deposit Machines to further ease transactions such as cash deposit in OMR, bill payment (water, electricity, internet and phone bills), mobile phone top-up, donation to registered charities that maintain an account with the bank, credit card payment, American Express card payment and cheque deposit. Aspiring to be the best bank in the Gulf, BankDhofar is committed to provide its customers with the best banking experience. Today BankDhofar is one of the fastest growing banks in the Sultanate, with a strong presence in Corporate Banking, Consumer Banking, Treasury and Project Finance. The bank has an extensive network of branches across the Sultanate, in addition to ATM and CDM facilities located in all parts of Oman.

PROPERTY DEVELOPERS

(PEIE) in cooperation with Silver Star Corporation, this national initiative is a part of a series of Omani product exhibitions to spread awareness on high quality, locally manufactured products. The ‘Omani’ campaign encourages consumers and organisations to buy freshly-produced products bearing the ‘Origin Oman’ logo, promote national

pride in the manufacturing industry and highlight the economic importance of buying Oman made products by creating employment opportunities, reducing carbon emissions and saving on transportation costs. Jotun Paints Oman supports this valuable national initiative and is committed to providing the best in Omani products to customers.

New Japanese restaurants to open across Oman MUSCAT: Sumo Sushi & Bento, the UAE’s original family-friendly Japanese restaurant founded in the UAE and expanding globally, is to open three new restaurants in Oman following the signing of a new franchisee Naranjee Hirjee Catering. Sumo Sushi & Bento is the original, Japanese, family dining franchise with 12 restaurants across the UAE and Bahrain. In 2000 it was the UAE’s ﬁrst Japanese casual dining restaurant, launched by four Dubai-based entrepreneurs, based on their shared values of family, and the bonds made around the dining experience, says a press release. Alpha Maiava, Franchise Sales and International Growth Manager for Sumo Sushi & Bento International said: “Sumo Sushi & Bento is a unique, UAE concept established by our founders’ passion for high quality and healthy Japanese cuisine. “Over the last 15 years we have expanded across the UAE, Bahrain and now into Oman, building a franchisee network who embody our ideals of creating a happy environment for customers to dine, and our colleagues to work. We are delighted to welcome NaranjeeHirjee & Co into the Sumo Sushi & Bento family.” The ﬁrst restaurant is scheduled to open by mid-2015.

As a result of this agreement with NaranjeeHirjee.com, there will soon be 15 Sumo Sushi & Bento restaurants in the GCC distributed across the UAE, Bahrain and Oman. Naranjee Hirjee charts its history back more than a century and today manages a portfolio including commodities, fast moving consumer goods, lifestyle and tableware products, restaurants and more. It remains an independent family business and continues to expand within the

Sultanate of Oman. “We are quite excited with the idea of partnering with Sumo Sushi & Bento for Oman. We see the market trends changing in Oman with the demand for more Japanese cuisine within the casual dining segment. “This will also be a great asset to our constantly growing portfolio of restaurants and other related businesses within Oman,” said, Amit Sampat, Director, Business Development at Naranjee Hirjee & Co.

ACCOLADE

Lexus RX bags Best Resale Value award again MUSCAT: Lexus RX was the ﬁrst luxury vehicle to pioneer the hybrid technology. Lexus RX has since its introduction made waves across the automotive industry with its superior engineering, powerful and rewarding driving dynamics, engaging features, technologies and more. For the fourth straight year, the Lexus RX450h Hybrid has successfully defended its Best Resale Value Award in the Hybrid SUV/Crossover category, says a press release. The 2015 Best Resale Value Awards are based not on a feeling or a guess or a simple calculation, but instead on what we consider to be the best research and analysis process in the industry. kbb. com’s resale value projections

take into account current vehicle data, sales data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition within vehicle segments, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book’s team of market and pricing analysts. The Lexus RX450h is a gaselectric hybrid version of the RX350 crossover sport-utility

vehicle. By any standard, it has been a smash success for Lexus since it first launched as a 2006 model. A significant number of Lexus SUV buyers have opted for the “hybrid upgrade,” making the Lexus RX450h the most popular hybrid sport utility in 2012. After leaving the original RX hybrid series dormant in 2009, Lexus came back in the 2010 model year with the 450h, which offered more power and significantly improved fuel economy. Mechanically, this is the same vehicle as its previous model. The gas-electric RX450h features a 3.5-litre V6 Atkinsoncycle engine (a more fuel-efficient version of the conventional fourstroke Otto-cycle engine) that is rated at 245 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque.

The front-drive model’s hybrid powertrain employs two motorgenerators. One is an engine-driven generator that operates as an engine starter and can charge the battery pack or power other electric motors as needed. The second is a 167-horsepower motor that works with the gas engine to deliver power to the front wheels. Total output of this pairing is 295 horsepower. Peak output for the RX450h’s gas engine and electric motor occur at different rpm ranges. In Oman every Lexus vehicle comes with special beneﬁts and privileges such as six years unlimited extended mileage protection and Lexus Prestige Club Card that offers 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA.

T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

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Toyota honours Saud Bahwan Auto with excellence awards I take this opportunity to gratefully acknowledge the close cooperation and excellent support extended to us by Toyota Motor Corporation, without which our achievements would not have been possible, said Mohammed Saud Bahwan, chairman

MUSCAT: At a special ceremony held recently, Hisayuki Inoue, Senior Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation honoured Mohammed Saud Bahwan, chairman, Saud Bahwan Automotive with three excellence awards – ‘Gold Marketing Award’ for sales performance; ‘Outstanding Customer Service Award’ for customer satisfaction activities; ‘Overall Diamond Marketing Award’ for excellent performance both in vehicle sales and customer service, says a press release. Speaking on this occasion Hisayuki Inoue said, “I would like to congratulate Sheikh Mohammed Saud Bahwan for this praiseworthy achievement. Saud Bahwan Automotive has indeed produced great results with its innovative marketing and customer care initiatives. These have resulted in Toyota enjoying impressive sales in Oman, despite challenging market conditions.” “I also compliment chairman for his strong leadership and strategic investments in the development of infrastructure, as well as human resources,” he added. Applauding the group for setting new standards in customer care he said, “We

WELL DONE: Mohammed Saud Bahwan receiving the excellence

rate SBA as one of the Top 5 distributors, worldwide and greatly appreciate SBA’s commitment to customer satisfaction, which is reﬂected in all your actions. We are fully supportive of SBA’s policy to stay close to customers, fulﬁl their expectation and keep improving on customer service. We are very happy that SBA is the winner of the Outstanding Customer Service

Award for its achievements in the area of Parts and Service.” Accepting the prestigious awards, Mohammed Saud Bahwan said, “I take this opportunity to gratefully acknowledge the close cooperation and excellent support extended to us by Toyota Motor Corporation, without which our achievements would not have been possible. I am particularly grate-

S AV E G O L D

ful to Inoue and his team for their steadfast support and guidance at all times "— for which I convey my sincere thanks.” “I would also like to thank my valued customers, without whose support this would never have been possible. While receiving these awards is a matter of great honour, our efforts are ultimately directed towards the goal of ‘Customer Satisfaction No. 1’.

And towards providing them with a unique ownership experience,” he added. Commenting on the challenges ahead he said, “2015 is expected to be one of the most challenging years for us. However I am conﬁdent that with TMC’s strong support and our proactive action, we will emerge even stronger at the end of this challenging period.”

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Malabar Gold & Diamonds introduces unique scheme MUSCAT: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the leading jewellery retailer launched ‘Gold Purchase Scheme’, giving their customers a unique opportunity to save gold every month equivalent to equal monthly instalments for a maximum period of 24 months. The scheme lets the customers buy gold jewellery in a planned manner, allowing them to make a minimum payment of OMR30 per month or multiples of it in equal monthly instalments, which will be credited to the customer’s account in the form of gold, based on the prevailing gold rate, says a press release. The customers can avail gold jewellery of their choice with special discounts up on maturity of the scheme. Customers who duly remit the agreed monthly instalments for the duration of the scheme can avail a gift voucher worth OMR40 for each scheme with instalment amount OMR30. Gold coins and bars are excluded from this scheme.

PRIZED POSSESSION: The prestigious awards.

award from Hisayuki Inoue. – Supplied pictures

The customers who discontinue from the scheme before the completion of the term can still avail jewellery for the amount they had paid. However, they will not be eligible for gift vouchers in such cases.

Gold jewellery purchased through this scheme can avail their unique exchange offers and buyback policies. The jewellery chain also offers lifetime free repair and maintenance service for all its products.

The scheme lets the customers buy gold jewellery in a planned manner, allowing them to make a minimum payment of OMR30 per month or multiples of it in equal monthly instalments, which will be credited to the customer’s account in the form of gold

TSC conducts blood donation campaign MUSCAT: In line with corporate social initiatives, The Sultan Center (TSC) conducted yet another successful blood donation campaign. The event was held at the retail chain’s Al Qurum branch, drawing participation from employees as well as shoppers who stepped forward to voluntarily donate blood, says a press release. Mahmoud Sheikh, Marketing Manager at TSC Oman reiterated the company’s commitment towards community initiatives such as blood donations. He said, “At TSC we support social endeavours with the objective to touch lives and in this case, save lives. We thank our clients and employees for partaking in the selﬂess act of donating livesaving blood that will no doubt go

a long way to ensure blood reserves at the National Blood Bank do not drop to low levels.” This blood donation camp was supported by regular donors; in whose presence motivated other potential donors to come forward and partake in this noble act.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

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Bank Muscat rewards ‘partners in progress’ at 10th Annual Awards AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, presented the awards to senior executives of winning institutions and companies covering a total of 34 categories ranging from government services to automobiles, airlines, telecommunications, hotels and hypermarkets

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the ﬂagship ﬁnancial services provider in the Sultanate, marked a milestone in celebrating the 10th Annual Partners in Progress Awards ceremony as merchant partners were honoured for outstanding contributions to card business in 2014. AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, presented the awards to senior executives of winning institutions and companies covering a total of 34 categories ranging from government services to automobiles, airlines, telecommunications, hotels and hypermarkets, says a press release. The Landmark Group won the special award for Outstanding Retail Group as winners from the government sector for special contribution in growing card payments were the Ministry of Housing, Muscat Municipality, and the Ministry of Regional Mu-

nicipalities and Water Resources. The Royal Oman Police won a special award in recognition as the pioneer in promoting electronic payments in the government sector as well as the frontrunner of egovernance in the Sultanate. The Special Merchant Contribution awards were won by Muscat Duty Free, Oman Oil, Carrefour and Oman Investment and Finance Company (OIFC). The award in recognition of contributions to e-commerce, which is gaining importance in Oman, was won by Muamalat LLC. Aimed at promoting electronic payments in all parts of Oman, a new award for best merchants in the interior regions was introduced this year. The winners are Al Qabil Gifts Markets in Firq, Oman International Container Terminal in Sohar and Al Romaizan Gold & Jewellery in Sur. The 2014 Partners in Progress (PiP) award winners include Ooredoo (Telecommunications), Emirates Airlines (Airlines), Badr Al Samaa (Medical services), AXA Insurance (Insurance), Areej Muscat (Perfumes and cosmetics), Home r Us (Furniture), EXTRA (Electronics), Saud Bahwan

Automotive (Automotive sales and Services), Elegant Rent A Car (Car rentals), Apparel International (Clothing & fashion), Al Fair (Supermarkets), Pizza Hut (Casual dining), Kargeen Café (Restaurants), Al Lilac Beauty Centre (Beauty salon & spas), Damas (Jewellery), Horizon Fitness & Beauty (Health & ﬁtness centres), Bahwan Travel Agencies (Travel and Tourism), Muscat China Commercial Centre (Building material suppliers), Crowne

Plaza (4 Star hotels), Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa (5 Star hotels) and Lulu Hypermarket (Hypermarkets). AbdulRazak Ali Issa said: “Bank Muscat is proud to celebrate the 10-year journey together and joint successes with merchant partners. The year 2014 was an exciting as well as challenging period for the bank’s Cards and eBanking team as merchant partners recorded a 36 per cent increase in card transactions volume and

‘ I K R A’ I N I T I AT I V E

merchant outlets network grew by 22 per cent. In line with the egovernance initiatives by the government, the outstanding growth in card payment reﬂects that electronic payment is fast becoming the preferred mode of secure payment in the Sultanate.” In 2014, the bank continued its journey of enhancing the electronic payment infrastructure in the country. The bank introduced a state-of-the-art internet payment gateway – Cyber Source. With proven credentials and a strong fraud control system, Cyber Source is well equipped for processing e-commerce and mcommerce transactions. The bank also signed an agreement with the Information Technology Authority (ITA) to facilitate Cyber Source for government services. The bank recently introduced a dual SIM Mobile Terminal which helps overcome mobile network coverage issues in the interior areas. The bank’s Internet Protocol terminals have also reduced transaction processing time at large volume merchants. The bank is working on a system whereby merchants will be able to obtain enhanced data from

PoS machines. It will also serve as a communication tool between merchants and the bank. Reﬂecting the bank’s leadership position, steps to grow the acquiring business in interior regions resulted in a 57 per cent growth in merchant sign-ups, attesting that preference for electronic payment is increasing throughout the country. Tariq Atiq, AGM – Cards & eBanking, said: “Bank Muscat has one of the most competent human resources available in the payments industry. It is this ‘dedication’ and ‘commitment to service’ that has made Bank Muscat the preferred electronic payment service provider to the nation. Our ability and ﬂexibility to adapt, innovate and provide customised payment solutions have made us unique in the market.” Bank Muscat commenced card acquiring operations in 2002 and since then has crossed many milestones to become the largest acquirer and issuer of cards in Oman. As the leading electronic payment service provider in Oman, Bank Muscat has deployed over 12000 PoS terminals across the country to support e-payment and continues to expand rapidly.

FOCUS ON WOMEN

Zubair Corporation launches public libraries MUSCAT: As part of ‘Ikra’ initiative which aims at establishing libraries in hospitals and other public buildings, The Zubair Corporation has launched public library areas at the Royal Hospital in Muscat. The locations for the library zones were selected in cooperation with the administration of the hospital to achieve the outmost benefit for the staff as well as the hospital visitors. The launch of the libraries come as part of The Zubair Corporation’s strategic vision to promote and support local Omani writers and their publications and book titles. The initiative will also enhance the reading habits in the local community and will encourage people to spend more time reading, says a press release. The ‘Ikra’ (Arabic word meaning ‘to Read’) initiative, was officially launched at the Bait Al Zubair Theatre earlier this year and is one of a series of community-based initiatives from the Social Advisory Committee at The Zubair Corporation. The initiative was unveiled in the presence of Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair, Managing Director of The Zubair Corporation, and a number of Omani writers and prominent personalities drawn from the local literary scene, in addition to members of cultural institutions. Ibrahim Al Salmi Social Communication Managerat The Zubair Corporation said: “The ‘Ikra’ initiatives comes as part of our strategies and goals to achieve communication and to contact and develop the community as part of our CSR practice. The first step of this vision was in establishing the Social Advisory Committee which is assigned with the task of studying the needs of the society from different perspectives, and accordingly adopt the programs and projects.” “We started first at Royal Hospital with libraries including a total of 200 books. The books in the libraries are classified according to various topics and fields. These libraries will be followed with the launch of other public libraries, as we have already started coordination with other organisations.”

SUCCESS STORY: Issues covered by conference speakers ranged

from awareness about mental health, leadership roles, women empowerment, etc. – Shabin E./ TIMES OF OMAN

The launch of the libraries comes as part of The Zubair Corporation’s strategic vision to promote and support local Omani writers and their publications and book titles The Social Advisory Committee at The Zubair Corporation consists of a group of talented and committed Omanis who are active in their local communities, especially in the field of volunteer work and community based initiatives. The committee studies the different aspects and needs of the Omani community and finds ways of providing support in cooperation with the private sector. The recommendations are then discussed and studied in accordance with specific agreed-upon criteria. ‘Ikra’ initiative is one of the recommendations that aimed to enhance the cultural aspect in the community as well as to support Omani writers, and to encourage individuals to read. Yaqoub Al Khanbashi, an Omani writer and a member of Social Advisory Committee at The Zubair Corporation noted, “Omani Society welcomes such social initiatives, especially the cultural ones, as they have a positive impact on the community. The goals of Ikra are compatible with the goals of the official institutions which are

concerned with improving literacy levels and educational outcomes. Therefore, establishing public libraries is a good idea that will encourage people to spend their time in reading, and everyone is aware of the importance of reading in building the human being intellectually.” “Starting at Royal Hospital and moving to other hospitals later, the initiative not only encourages patients and visitors to the hospitals to spend their time reading, it also promotes and supports local Omani writers and their publications and book titles. The initiative aims to enhance the concept of reading among the public and we are pleased that The Zubair Corporation is supporting the idea. This program will be a start for a number of other initiatives in this year.” Dr. Qasim bin Ahmed Al-Salmi, General Manager of Royal Hospital said: “We appreciate this initiative of The Zubair Corporation, which contributes in raising awareness on the importance of reading, and spending free time in reading to expand the knowledge.

The Royal Hospital welcomes such partnership with the private sector. We are pleased to create the suitable environment for implementing different initiatives. The ‘ikra’ initiative comes in line with the hospital’s vision and goals towards investing the time of our staff, patients and visitors with something beneficial.” Asma Al Lawati, Head of Public Relations Department at Royal Hospital said: “The initiative comes as part of the integrated roles of the community-based systems. The Zubair Corporation in cooperation with the administration of Royal Hospital aim to raise awareness within the Omani society on this issue and to promote talented Omani writers. The patients, visitors and staff will all benefit from this initiative”. Badriya Al Bulushi, Public Relations Officer at the Royal Hospital noted: “Ikra initiative will raise awareness on the importance of spending time reading, and also encourages the visitors to widen their knowledge through reading in various topics. The libraries will also give readers the opportunity to get to know talented Omani writers. So far we have seen encouraging reactions from the staff as well as the visitors to the success of the initiative. We will put in our efforts to guide the visitors and the staff to the libraries to achieve the highest benefit.”

Conference celebrates inspiring journey of extraordinary women MUSCAT: Addressing the need to provide role models to inspire individual women from all walks of life, the 3rd edition of the Extraordinary Women Conference which took place yesterday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Muscat stressed the possibility for women to achieve success if they have the determination to succeed and beat the odds, says a press release. “All of us are on a journey through this walk of life, however some journeys stand out more than others given the odds and obstacles faced by the individual. What we hope to achieve through EWC is putting attendees in the shoes of women who have remained strong and undefeatable on their journeys, thus conveying the message of hope and success to all women in Oman. “Omani women are capable of many achievements on both a personal front and professional level so what better way to illustrate this fact than with women inspiring other women through their success stories,” said Zahiya Al Nudiri, Delegate Sales Executive, Intevents. Keynote presenters at the conference who enlightened attendees on the steps needed to be taken to create one’s own ‘in-

spiring journey’, in keeping with the main theme of EWC included Sayyida Basma Al Said, Founder of Whispers of Serenity, Specialist in Mental Health; Seeniya Biju, Chief Operating Officer & Country Head, Aster Raffah Hospitals & Clinics; Muriel De Saint Sauveur, International Market & Comm Agency Director-Paris, Mazars-France; Latifa Al Bimany, Global Standards Manager, HSBC; Dr Asma Siddiki, Education Management Consultant and CEO of Alpha1Education; Lateefa Alwaalan, Founder of Yatooq ; Maria Jamal Mahdaly, Co-Founder, Rumman; Raha Moharrak, First Saudi Woman to conquer Everest Peak and Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Radio Presenter, Merge 104.8/ Aquaculture Expert/ Al Hosn Investment Company, Sultanate of Oman. Issues covered by conference speakers ranged from awareness about mental health, leadership roles, women empowerment, and importance for pursuing academic excellence to working women excelling in the corporate world, managing work conﬂicts/ office politics, and entrepreneurial/personal success stories of women from both a local and global perspective.

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THUR SDAY, MAR CH 19, 2015

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SOUTH AFRICA THRASH SRI LANKA, ENTER SEMIS

JP Duminy took a hat-trick as South Africa’s bowlers set up a crushing ninewicket World Cup quarterﬁnal win over Sri Lanka in Sydney on Wednesday denying a fairytale farewell for Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. >C5

Bahrain on top, Oman second as GCC Women’s Games conclude On the ﬁnal day of the Games, Bahrain added to their gold haul by winning the Bowling Masters title while Oman won a silver and a bronze

MUSCAT: Bahrain bagged one of the two gold medals on offer on the ﬁnal day to emerge overall winners as the curtains came down on the fourth GCC Women’s Games on Wednesday. Oman, who won a silver and a bronze on the concluding day, ﬁnished second in the overall standings while the UAE settled for third place in the medal table. The 11-day Games concluded with a colourful ceremony at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex with Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Saadi presiding over the proceedings.

THE FINAL MEDAL: The UAE team, left, and Oman after the ﬁnal match of the volleyball competition at the SQSC on Wednesday. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

During the ceremony, the Games flag was handed over to a representative of Qatar, who will play host to the fifth edition of the games. On the final day of the Games, Bahrain added to their gold haul by winning the Bowling Masters title while Oman won a silver and a bronze.

In the Bowling Masters competitions, which saw the top eight bowlers of the Games vying top honours, Nadia Al Awadi took the gold ahead of Kuwait’s Hanadi Al Mazil while Oman’s Aisha Al Sibani settled for bronze. In volleyball, the ﬁnal competition of the Games, the UAE team defeated Oman for the gold while

Bahrain took the bronze. Speaking ahead of the closing ceremony, Oman Women’s Sports Committee Saada Al Ismaili said the fourth edition was the best so far in the history of the GCC Women’s Games. “It was a huge challenge because we were hosting the biggest Games so far in terms of number of sports

as well as the number of athletes and officials,” she said. “We are delighted because we have been very successful both on the ﬁeld as well as the organisers. Our athletes did the country proud by winning by bettering our medal tally from the last Games. And as organisers we have hosted the best Games,” she added.

While stating that Omani women’s sport as whole has gained from the experience of hosting the event, she said: “Now we can expect even better performance from our athletes in the next edition in Qatar. “And our preparations for the ﬁfth edition of the Games will start now,” she added.

OMAN CRICKET

FOOTBALL

OFA gears up to host Caledonians win second place behind Ahli Bank AFC U23 qualifiers MUSCAT: Oman Football Association (OFA) are gearing up to host the Group A qualifying competition of the 2016 AFC Under-23 Championship. According to a press release issued by the governing body of the Sultanate’s football, all arrangements have been made to organise a successful tournament. Oman hosts the five-team Group A competition from March 23 to 31. The participating teams, besides Oman, are Iraq, Bahrain, Lebanon and Maldives. The group winners as well as the five best runners-up from 10 groups will qualify for the AFC U23 Championship. The AFC U23 Championship finals will serve as the qualifiers for the 2016 Olympics with top three

qualifying for the Summer Games. Meanwhile, the OFA informed that the AFC had already sent a list of officials, the tournament observers and the referees who will be officiating the matches. The teams are scheduled to arrive in the capital on Saturday. All the matches will be played at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. Oman will take on Bahrain in the inaugural match on March 23 while Maldives face Lebanon on the same day. Fixtures: March 23: Bahrain vs Oman; Maldives vs Lebanon. March 25: Lebanon vs Iraq; Maldives vs Bahrain. March 27: Iraq vs Maldives; Oman vs Lebanon. March 29: Oman vs Maldives; Bahrain vs Iraq. March 31: Lebanon vs Bahrain; Iraq vs Oman.

RUNNERS-UP: Caledonian College celebrate their victory.

MUSCAT: Caledonian College recorded a thrilling four-wicket last ball win against Trust Oilfield Services in an Oman Cricket organized I Division T20 match. Invited to bat first, Trust Oilfield Services scored 172 for the loss of nine wickets in 20 stipulated overs. Opening batsman Shahid Mohammed led the way with a top score of 51. Other major contributions came from Talal Al Balushi (28 not out) and Wajid Akram (25). Skipper Danish Zakria claimed three wickets while Bilal Yunus bagged two. Caledonian College who were required to improve their net run rate to clinch top honours failed in their bid when they got to their target scoring 175 for six wickets at the end of the 20th over. Valuable contributions came from

Mohammed Shafeeq (49), Mohammed Sohil (48) and Danish Zakria (25). Ahli Bank with 12 points from seven games and a net run rate of 1.575 claimed the I Division title with Caledonian College settling for runners-up with a net run rate of 1.013 with 12 points from seven games. Dhofar Automotive were expunged from the tournament for walking out in their match against Ahli Bank during the weekend. Brief scores: Trust Oilﬁeld Services 172 for 9 in 20 overs (Shahid Mohammed 51, Talal Al Balushi 28 n.o., Wajid Akram 25; Danish Zakria 3/28, Bilal Yunus 2/27) lost to Caledonian College 175 for 6 in 20 overs (Mohammed Shafeeq 49, Mohammed Sohil 48, Danish Zakria 25). Points: Caledonian College - 2 (7 games, 12 pts), Trust Oilﬁeld Services - Nil (7 games, 8 pts).

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

SPORTS FORMULA ONE

Van der Garde settles dispute with Sauber LONDON: Dutch driver Giedo Van der Garde recognised his hopes of racing in Formula One were over on Wednesday after Sauber paid “signiﬁcant compensation” to end a contract dispute. “We have reached a settlement with Sauber and my driver contract with the team has been ended by mutual consent. As a passionate race driver I feel sad and am very disappointed,” he said. The 29-year-old was Sauber’s reserve last season and had a deal to race in 2015. However, the Swiss team signed Brazilian rookie Felipe Nasr and Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson instead.

Van der Garde said he had always dreamed of becoming a topnotch driver but “I know my future in Formula One is probably over”. Legal action to enforce the contract culminated in a Melbourne court finding in his favour ahead of last weekend’s Australian GP. “My sponsors paid the sponsorship fee related to the 2015 season in its entirety to Sauber in the first half of 2014. Effectively it was my sponsor’s advanced payments that helped the team survive in 2014...I am not at liberty to discuss details but Sauber paid significant compensation to avoid honouring the contract they had with me.” - Reuters

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Trott back in England team for Windies tour The South Africaborn batsman was recalled by ECB as part of a 16-man party for a threematch Test tour of the West Indies

LONDON: Jonathan Trott was on Wednesday named in the England Test squad for the ﬁrst time since having to withdraw from the 2013-14 Ashes series with a stress-related condition. The South Africa-born batsman, 34, was recalled by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as part of a 16-man party for a three-Test tour of the West Indies starting next month. “Jonathan Trott produced some outstanding performances for Warwickshire last summer, scoring ﬁve centuries, and also made an unbeaten double hundred during the recent successful England Lions tour,” said national selector James Whitaker in a statement. “He is a player of proven international pedigree, and we are delighted to welcome him back into

WELCOME BACK: Trott, ‘a player of proven international pedigree’.

the squad,” he added. All-rounder Ben Stokes was also included, along with the uncapped trio of Durham fast bowler Mark Wood, Yorkshire spinner Adil Rashid and Yorkshire opening batsman Adam Lyth. Captain Alastair Cook returns as well, having been left out of the 50-over squad for the ongoing Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where England crashed out in the ﬁrst round. Lyth is likely to compete with Trott for the right to open the batting alongside Cook after Sam Robson was dropped.

CRICKET

Trott flew home from Brisbane 16 months ago and had to abort an attempted return to first-class cricket last year before flourishing with Warwickshire in the second half of the 2014 season. It earned him a call-up for the second-string England Lions’ tour of South Africa and he impressed as captain on his return to his native country, scoring an unbeaten double century against South Africa A in Paarl. Eight of the players from the World Cup squad retained their places, but injured pair Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes were not

included as they recover from respective side and foot problems. “This series marks the start of a busy period of Test Match cricket for the England team, and I am sure that Alastair and the players will all be keen to build on the success they enjoyed last summer against India,” Whitaker added. “Adam, Adil and Mark are all players who have performed impressively over the last 12 months — and they will now have an opportunity to push for a regular place in the Test side’s starting line-up.” Lancashire paceman James Anderson stands to win his 100th Test cap in the ﬁrst Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, which starts on April 13. England, knocked out of the World Cup by Bangladesh last week, play host to New Zealand in May and June before resuming hostilities with Australia in a home Ashes series. The squad: Alastair Cook (capt), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Chris Jordan, Adam Lyth, Liam Plunkett, Joe Root, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott and Mark Wood. England itinerary: April 6-7: 2-day warm-up St Kitts; April 8-9: 2-day warm-up St Kitts; April 13-17: 1st Test Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua; April 21-25: 2nd Test Grenada National Stadium, Grenada; May 1-5 3rd Test Kensington Oval, Barbados. - AFP

24 TEAMS

Al Hail CT all set for Qurum Football Team organise T10 tourney to host sevens football MUSCAT: After the resounding success of their inaugural T10 Hardball Cricket Tournament and MRI Softball Cricket Tournament, Al Hail Cricket Team are gearing up to organise the ﬁrst Multi-nation T10 Hardball Cricket Tournament on Friday. The matches will be played at Al Hail Cricket Team Ground in Mabellah. The eight-team tournament will see participation of

Newrest Wacaso, Rajgarh XI, All Omani, Dhofar Automotive, Al Fairuz, Super Star, OHI and RAHRC. Each innings will be limited to 10 overs-a-side. According to the organisers, there will be a number of exciting prizes on offer for participating teams. For further details contact the organisers at alhailcricketteam@yahoo.com or 92828786 or 99623536.

MUSCAT: Twenty-four teams will battle for top honours at the Sevens Football Tournament to be organised by the Qurum Football Team (QFT) on Friday. The tournament, to be played on knockout format, will take place at Oman Sports Club in Al Khuwair. Tournament co-ordinator Noushad, speaking after the draw ceremony, said: “The tournament is a humble attempt to boost the role of sports in our daily lives. “Qurum Football Team was

started by a group of young, enthusiastic expatriates from India who shared a common passion for football. QFT is also part of certain charitable and educational activities in our society.” Mohammed Iqbal, a member of the organising committee, said: “The Sevens Football Tournament will be the right platform for expatriate teams to show their talent.” “We are really optimistic that the tournament will be a very exciting one,” he added.

T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

TODAY TOMORROW

INDIA V BANGLADESH (7:30AM OMAN TIME) AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN (7:30AM OMAN TIME)

SPINNERS RULE JEAN PAUL DUMINY

3 wickets for 29

*World Cup hat-trick

IMRAN TAHIR

4 wickets for 26

*Man of the match

MATCH REPORT ON

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Sanga walks away happy, says team in a good place Although his hopes of playing in a third successive World Cup ﬁnal and ﬁnally winning one have been dashed, Sangakkara thinks the future for Sri Lankan cricket is bright

SYDNEY: Kumar Sangakkara bid farewell to limited overs cricket on Wednesday, disappointed with a World Cup quarterfinal defeat but happy that Sri Lanka were in a better place than when he came into the side in 2000. The elegant lefthander scored 45 runs against South Africa to take his tournament tally to 541, including his record four successive centuries, but it never looked like being enough as Sri Lanka were blown away at the Sydney Cricket Ground. “It’s disappointing to lose but to win against a side like South Africa we have to do really well,” he told reporters. “If you take our innings, it was a lot of stop starts, but a lot of wickets falling together ... We weren’t good enough today. “Someone has got to lose in a quarterfinal. It’s a do-or-die situation. Disappointments are a part of our career, and you just take it on the chin and move on.” The 37-year-old, who will continue playing tests, departs having accumulated 14,234 one-day runs — second only to Indian great Sachin Tendulkar — and the greatest number of dismissals by a wicketkeeper. Although his hopes of playing in a third successive World Cup final and finally winning one have been dashed, Sangakkara thinks the future for Sri Lankan cricket is bright. “We have a lot of people in the dressing room who would have learned a lot from this World Cup,” he added. “I think the team is in great hands. Angelo Mathews has been such an impressive leader right throughout. We’ve had a few injuries this tour, but if you look at the players we have, you can’t but be positive about the future.

I definitely think Sri Lankan cricket has progressed leaps and bounds from where we started and from where I started, and I have no fear about the future of Sri Lankan cricket. I think our guys will do very, very well Kumar Sangakkara Sri Lanka

“I deﬁnitely think Sri Lankan cricket has progressed leaps and bounds from where we started and from where I started, and I have no fear about the future of Sri Lankan cricket. I think our guys will do very, very well.” Sangakkara’s fellow former captain Mahela Jayawardene, also 37, is also calling time on his one-day career after the tourna-

ment, bringing an end to a career in which he has scored 12,650 runs in 448 matches. “He’s going to be sorely missed,” Sangakkara said. “I’m sure he’s going to be thoroughly disappointed today, but also, sometimes there is a bit of relief, as well, when your career ends. The high-pressure situations, the warmups, the ice baths, the recovery sessions, all of

that, all repeated over 16, 17 years can get a bit much.” Sangakkara was clearly speaking also for himself and, looking down at the tape bound around his battered ﬁngers, said he had no regrets about deciding to walk away. “Retiring from cricket is not about form. I feel that the time is now and it’s right,” he said.

“I’ve tried to give everything I have when I’ve played the game, the game goes on. You can’t hold onto it and people shouldn’t be too sentimental. “I think a lot better players and greater players have gone, and the game has gone on and there are new players who take the mantle, and in my case it won’t be any different.” - Reuters

R E PAY I N G

Grateful Tahir happy to repay South Africa SYDNEY: South Africa stormed into the semifinal of the World Cup and nobody was more pleased than their Pakistan-born spinner Imran Tahir who conjured up a special performance for his adopted country on Wednesday. Tahir, who turns 36 later this month, claimed 4-26 to mow down Sri Lanka’s middle order in the quarterfinal at the Sydney Cricket Ground. In an otherwise pace-heavy attack, Tahir and JP Duminy shared seven wickets between them to help skittle out Sri Lanka for 133 and the Proteas romped home in 18 overs for a comprehensive nine-wicket victory. “I got everything from South Africa. I always feel I have to pay the country back,” the journeyman leg-spinner said after collecting his man-ofthe-match trophy. “I’m just really pleased and honoured to be part of this team, playing with some great players. I’m just trying to do my role really. It’s an absolute honour and I’m really loving it. I really don’t know what to say. I’m pleased that all my hard work paid off today, what I was thinking about this game and stuff. So yeah, really glad.” The 15 wickets he has taken in the tournament has made him the most successful South African bowler in the tournament. It also meant his post-wicket celebration of running onto the outfield with outstretched arms has become quite a frequent sight these days. Tahir denied he rehearsed it. “I don’t practise for that... that’s how I play my cricket,” he told the post-match news conference. “I played a club game in Stoke and I took a very good catch, and I think I ran out of the ground, so they had to always tell me which way is back to the ground. I was on the road, I don’t know where I was. It’s a true story. I’m just not trying to make it up,” he added. South Africa captain AB de Villiers lauded the spinners. “They came in a really crucial stage. We bowled seams first 1415 overs. Most teams introduce spin before then, especially teams that don’t have that fifth bowler option in a front line bowler,” de Villiers said. “We always knew JP was going to have to bowl probably 10 (overs). So for two of them to come on against a subcontinent team in a crucial stage and really perform like that gives a lot of confidence.” - Reuters

C O M M E N TA RY

Expect India to take their place in semiﬁnals

ith a group stage performance that handsomely did justice to their tag of ‘defending champions’, India surely start as strong favourites to advance from their quarterfinal meeting with Bangladesh at the MCG. The venue itself would have triggered a good vibe within the Indian camp. Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have all scored centuries at MCG over the summer, with Dhawan’s knock setting up a comprehensive win over South Africa in the group stage of the World Cup. The ‘drop-in’ pitch that’s been used at the MCG should once again be a batsman’s paradise and that should be enough to tell you what either skipper will look to do if the toss goes their way. Bangladesh are playing their first ever World Cup quarterfinal, so they certainly have nothing to lose. I felt they played with that sort of approach against England too, and we know how that turned out. The Tigers will also be drawing inspiration from the knowledge that they have beaten India in a World Cup before. Four players from the present squad, skipper Mashrafe Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal were on the field at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of

Bangladesh are playing their first ever World Cup quarterfinal, so they certainly have nothing to lose. I felt they played with that sort of approach against England too, and we know how that turned out. The Tigers will also be drawing inspiration from the knowledge that they have beaten India in a World Cup before Spain eight years ago, and you can bet they’ll be sharing anecdotes of that historic night with their current teammates. No one can deny that

they’ve come a fair way forward since 2007. Indeed, this tournament itself has seen them make steady progress from one game to the next. Remember that the England game was as good as a knockout clash, and Bangladesh would have every reason to be delighted at the way they dealt with the pressure moments. Mahmudullah and Rubel Hossain were two players who stood out in that game. The former, especially, has been in imperious form with the willow, following up on a crucial half century against Scotland with back to back tons against England and New Zealand. For Bangladesh to post a good total, you just sense a bulk of the responsibility lies on Mahmudullah’s shoulders. But he and the others will be up against an Indian bowling attack that has really surprised many, including yours truly. This was a department I could see India struggling in based on what I saw during the tri-series. But the likes of Shami and Yadav sure have come alive since the tournament began while Mohit Sharma has made the most of his late inclusion. All said and done, you’d expect to see India take their place in next week’s second semiﬁnal at Sydney, but not for nothing has cricket been referred to as a ‘funny old game’ down the years. - PMG

T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

Perfect Proteas sail into semis Victory meant the Proteas had, after several heartbreaking reverses that started at the SCG with a rainaffected semiﬁnal loss to England in 1992, ﬁnally won a knockout match at the World Cup

SYDNEY: JP Duminy took a hattrick as South Africa’s bowlers set up a crushing nine-wicket World Cup quarterfinal win over Sri Lanka in Sydney on Wednesday. Sri Lanka, who won the toss, were bowled out for just 133 on a good Sydney Cricket Ground pitch. After South Africa’s pacemen reduced Sri Lanka to four for two, leg-spinner Imran Tahir (four for 26 in 8.2 overs) and off-spinner Duminy (three for 29 in seven) made sure the Islanders’ innings never got out of first gear. South Africa, so often labelled World Cup ‘chokers’, completed an emphatic win by finishing on 134 for one with 32 overs to spare. Quinton de Kock, who had managed just 53 runs in six previous innings this World Cup, was 78 not out after hitting the winning boundary — his 12th four — off paceman Lasith Malinga. Faf du Plessis was unbeaten on 21. Victory meant the Proteas had, after several heartbreaking reverses that started at the SCG with a rain-affected semifinal loss to England in 1992, finally won a knockout match at the World Cup. They will face the winners of Saturday’s match between New Zealand and the West Indies in an Auckland semifinal on March 24. No fairytale South Africa’s win meant there was no fairytale farewell for Sri Lanka batting greats Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, for whom this was their last one-day international before retirement. The pair, key members of the Sri Lanka side that lost the 2007 and 2011 World Cup finals, had been desperate to finish with a flourish. But Sangakkara’s record-breaking run of four successive ODI hundreds finally came to an end although the left-hander, who plans to continue in Test cricket, topscored with 45. Jayawardene, who has already bowed out of the five-day format, could only manage four on Wednesday. Sangakkara and fellow lefthander Lahiru Thirimanne (41) put on 65 for the third wicket But otherwise there was little batting resistance on a good pitch, with Sri Lanka — the 1996 World Cup winners — losing four wickets for two runs in nine balls as they slumped to 116 for eight. South Africa’s bowlers, often overshadowed in ODI cricket by their more celebrated batsmen, dominated Sri Lanka from the start. Kusal Perera, promoted to open the innings, fell for three when he edged Kyle Abbott and was brilliantly caught left-handed, at the second attempt, by de Kock as the wicket-keeper dived in front of first slip. Tillakaratne Dilshan was then out for a seven-ball duck, edging fast bowler Dale Steyn low to du Plessis at second slip. Thirimanne, who struck five

CELEBRATION: South African cricketers congratulate bowler Imran Tahir, centre, after taking the wicket of Sri Lankan Thisara Perera. – AFP

‘Choke’ is on you, says de Villiers SYDNEY: South Africa captain AB de Villiers threw the tag of “chokers” back in the face of the team’s critics following their World Cup quarterfinal rout of Sri Lanka on Wednesday. The Proteas were in dominant form, triumphing by nine wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground as they finally won a World Cup knockout match at the sixth time of asking. “I think we liked being called chokers, so we’ll just keep that tag and move along as long as we keep winning,” said de Villiers. “We didn’t come all this way just to make it to the semifinals,” added the skipper, not required to bat on Wednesday after making a stunning 162 not out against the West Indies on his last SCG appearance during the pool stage. South Africa’s victory over Sri Lanka was all but assured after they dismissed the 1996 champions and runners-up at the last two World Cups for just 133. De Villiers lost the toss but, following good

HAPPY ENDING: South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, left, hugs teammate Faf du Plessis after he hit the winning boundary. – Reuters

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fours, exited when he chipped an easy return catch to man-of-thematch Tahir. The Pakistan-born spinner then had Jayawardene mistiming a pull to short mid-wicket. Sri Lanka, the reigning World Twenty20 champions, were now 81 for four in the 24th over. There was no recovery, with Duminy dismissing Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews — one of

several batsmen who contributed to their own dismissal with a poor shot — and then, at the start of his next over, recording the ninth World Cup hat-trick. Duminy had Nuwan Kulasekara caught behind for one and debutant Tharindu Kaushal lbw for a golden duck on his ODI debut In the midst of Duminy’s treble, Tahir removed Thisara Perera as Sri Lanka’s collapse continued. Sangakkara was caught at deep third man off fast bowler Morne Morkel for 45 off 96 balls, including just three fours, before Tahir dismissed Malinga to wrap up the innings in a mere 37.2 overs. - AFP

SRI LANKA K. Perera c de Kock b Abbott T. Dilshan c du Plessis b Steyn K. Sangakkara c Miller b Morkel L. Thirimanne c and b Tahir M. Jayawardene c du Plessis b Tahir A. Mathews c du Plessis b Duminy T. Perera c Rossouw b Tahir N. Kulasekara c de Kock b Duminy T. Kaushal lbw b Duminy D. Chameera not out L. Malinga c Miller b Tahir Extras (b-4, lb-2, w-7, nb-2) Total (all out, 37.2 overs)

3 0 45 41 4 19 0 1 0 2 3 15 133

‘Don’t show weakness’ “It means a lot to us,” said de Villiers of South Africa’s victory. “On the other side, it means absolutely nothing. You’re going to have to start over again. We are committed to the fact that we’re not going to show any weakness.” Reflecting on Wednesday’s display in the field, de Villiers said: “I wouldn’t say it’s the best, but definitely the most important performance in the most important game to date. “The way Dale (Steyn) and Kyle (Abbott) started off and then Morne (Morkel) who followed with a lot of heat, and then obviously the two spinners. We just worked really

well as a bowling unit. “It’s never easy to play Sri Lanka, especially in World Cup games. They’re a tough team to beat, so I’m very chuffed with what we’ve achieved, and I’d like us to enjoy this victory tonight and move on tomorrow.” Rounding off a perfect evening for South Africa, previously struggling 22-year-old opener Quinton de Kock who made 78 not out as the Proteas won with a huge 32 overs to spare. “We all go through patches like he did in this tournament,” said de Villiers. “We’ve all been in dark spaces, and I think he has been in this tournament.” Meanwhile, de Villiers dismissed talk South Africa might suffer a mental let-down at the sheer joy of ending their World Cup knockout hoodoo. “Luckily, we didn’t have to work too hard physically, it wasn’t that strenuous, and there’s plenty of time for recovery from whatever stress we took into it (the match). “It was just a really good team effort,” he added. - AFP

Fall of wickets: 1-3 (K Perera), 2-4 (Dilshan), 3-69 (Thirimanne), 4-81 (Jayawardene), 5-114 (Mathews), 6-115 (T Perera), 7-116 (Kulasekara), 8-116 (Kaushal), 9-127 (Sangakkara), 10-133 (Malinga) Bowling: Steyn 7-2-18-1 (1w); Abbott 6-127-1 (1w); Morkel 7-1-27-1 (2nb, 2w); Duminy 9-1-29-3 (2w); Tahir 8.2-0-26-4 (1w); SOUTH AFRICA H. Amla c Kulasekara b Malinga 16 Q. de Kock not out 78 F. du Plessis not out 21 Extras (lb-4, w-12, nb-3) 19 Total (1 wkt, 18 overs) 134

Did not bat: R Rossouw, AB de Villiers, D Miller, JP Duminy, D Steyn, K Abbott, M Morkel, I Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Amla) Bowling: Malinga 6-0-43-1 (2nb, 3w); Dilshan 2-0-10-0; Kulasekara 1-0-13-0; Kaushal 6-0-25-0; Chameera 2-0-29-0 (1nb, 8w); T Perera 1-0-10-0 (1w) Result: South Africa won by nine wickets Man of the match: Imran Tahir Toss: Sri Lanka Umpires: Rod Tucker, Nigel Llong TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

work by the Proteas’ pacemen, leg-spinner Imran Tahir took four for 26 and off-spinner JP Duminy’s haul of three for 29 included a hat-trick. South Africa now face a semiﬁnal in Auckland on March 24 against the winners of this Saturday’s match between New Zealand and the West Indies.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Bangladesh to battle odds & crowd Melbourne’s big Indian community and army of travelling fans will be in force at the MCG to cheer Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team into an eighth match, just as they were for the match against South Africa

MELBOURNE: Playing ‘fearless’ cricket has been Bangladesh’s warcry at the World Cup but courage alone will not be enough to upset India and their army of blue-clad fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground where the teams play their quarterfinal on Thursday. After a listless leadup to the tournament, reigning world champions India have turned into a juggernaut, winning all six of their pool matches and drawing as much admiration for their bowling and fielding as their renowned batting prowess. Bangladesh, for all their chutzpah, will simply be happy to be playing off for a semifinal, having never previously made it to the knockout rounds. While the term ‘surprise package’ hardly credits the Tigers’ impressive tournament, Bangladesh were fortunate to take a point from a washed-out pool match against Australia and met an England side with morale at rock-bottom. Perhaps more impressive than knocking out England was pushing New Zealand in the dead rubber loss. Batsman Mahmudullah’s second consecutive One-day International ton against New Zealand’s quality attack was complemented by another disciplined effort by the bowlers, underlining the strides they have made since being flayed by Sri Lanka in their second completed pool match. Captain Mortaza Mashrafe will need his rejuvenated seamers to heap pressure on India’s powerful batting lineup early or it could be a long, noisy day at the MCG. “We know that 95,000 people will come to the ground and most of them will be Indian supporters, but as a professional cricketer I have to concentrate on cricket so have to handle it,” Mashrafe told reporters on Wednesday. “Obviously, Bangladesh supporters will be there so we cannot ask for equal but we’ll be fine.” Bangladesh have won only three one-day internationals in 28 against India but two have been at major tournaments. The last was at the 2012 Asian Cup, which followed a shock win at the 2007 World Cup. For a team whose place in the top tier has forever been ques-

Raina says settled India ready to ‘express themselves’ MELBOURNE: India are settled, in winning form and are well accustomed to Australian playing conditions for their pressure World Cup quarterfinal with Bangladesh at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, batsman Suresh Raina said on Wednesday. The defending champions have won all their six group matches, bowled out their opposition in the process taking 60 wickets, and are ready for the knockout rounds, starting with Thursday’s quarter-final. Raina, whose unbeaten 110 helped India chase down Zimbabwe’s 288-run target for a hard-fought six-wicket win in their concluding pool game in Auckland last weekend, says the Indians are ready to “express themselves.” It’s been a marathon buildup for India in defence of their World Cup crown, starting last November for their win-less Test and one-day matches in Australia. But the rewards appear to be coming for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team, brushing aside allcomers in Pool B and now with modest-performing neighbouring Bangladesh blocking their way to a likely semifinal with co-hosts Australia or Pakistan next week.

All the games in quarterfinals are going to be in pressure situations. We just need to go there and play to what we have in the dressing room Suresh Raina Team India

“We’ve spent a lot of time in Australia for the last four and a half months now so it’s like we ‘re used to the conditions more than other teams,” Raina told reporters. “People are really pumped up for the quarterﬁnals. We have done really well in the last six games. “It’s the quarter-ﬁnal stage now, you don’t have much room for error. You just need to do

everything right, whether you’re bowling, batting or fielding. “The main World Cup is going to start tomorrow.” Ninth-ranked Bangladesh have made the quarter-finals for the first time after beating England, Scotland and Afghanistan along with a rained-out point with Australia. “You can’t take Bangladesh lightly, they have done well

against India, especially in the Champions Trophy and we lost against them in the 2007 World Cup and we lost against them in the Asia Cup,” Raina said. “So their players have been playing a lot of cricket in the Indian Premier League. They know how to play one-day cricket now.” But Raina said it is down to India to reproduce their skills

tury helps chase down modest target) Beat Zimbabwe by six wickets (Unbeaten 196run stand between centurion Raina and Dhoni bails India out) Top performers so far: Dhawan (337 runs): Has batted himself back into form and will have to continue the good work, especially with opening partner Sharma struggling for consistency. Shami (15 wickets): Has impressed in World Cup debut with his ability to bowl at a lively pace and clever use of the bouncer. Key to beating Bangladesh: Though the batting line-up looks formidable, India will have to guard against complacency against an opponent who kicked them out of the 2007 World Cup. *** BANGLADESH Captain: Mashrafe Mortaza

Coach: Chandika Hathurusingha Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza, Imrul Kayes, Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Arafat Sunny, Mominul Haq, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Shafiul Islam Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Beat Afghanistan by 105 runs (Mushfiqur and Shakib show fashion easy win) Match abandoned v Australia Lost to Sri Lanka by 92 runs (Poor bowling and they succumbed in huge 333-run chase) Beat Scotland by six wickets (Strong batting display to chase down 319-run victory target) Beat England by 15 runs (Mahmudullah ton leads to memorable victory) Lost to New Zealand by three wickets (Mahmudullah hits hundred in spirited fight) Top performers so far:

and the rest will take care of itself. “All the games in quarterfinals are going to be in pressure situations. We just need to go there and play to what we have in the dressing room,” he said. “We have played a lot of matches against them and we just need to play positive cricket, we need to be more disciplined. We need to bowl well. We need to field with energy.” Raina, who believes he is a more mature cricketer after playing a limited role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, said he is prepared to bat at number four or five in the order. “It depends on coach and captain what they are asking me to do,” he said. “We always have a lot of meetings before the main games about what sort of bowling attack they have and what sort of batting I have to do with the tailenders. “At number four I need to spend more time at the wicket so I can play strokes later on. I think I’ve done that really well in the last couple of years. “So whatever the team needs me to do it I need to prepare myself because at the end when India win that’s more important than me batting at four, five, six.” - AFP

FA C T B O X

Bangladesh captain Mortaza.

tioned, Bangladesh’s 2007 upset in the Caribbean did more to reshape the tournament than any other result in recent decades. India’s unexpected demise in the first round caused financial carnage for broadcasters and the tournament was subsequently re-jigged to ensure cricket’s most bankable team would be guaranteed a minimum six matches. Melbourne’s big Indian community and army of travelling fans will be in force at the MCG to cheer Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team into an eighth match, just as they were for the match against South Africa. A crowd of 87,000 turned the venue into a deafening cauldron for the Proteas, who froze to be overwhelmed by 130 runs. Bangladesh made their debut at the ground against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament and were embarrassed by an abysmal fielding display. They arrive a far different team to the rabble that were thumped

INDIA Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni Coach: Duncan Fletcher Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Stuart Binny, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ambati Rayudu, Akshar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Beat Pakistan by 76 runs (Kohli ton secured win against arch-rivals) Beat South Africa by 130 runs (Dhawan’s hundred and some tight bowling sunk Zimbabwe) Beat United Arab Emirates by nine wickets (Ashwin spun web around UAE in a small chase) Beat West Indies by four wickets (Shami led a strong bowling display to beat West Indies) Beat Ireland by eight wickets (Dhawan cen-

by 92 runs by the Sri Lankans, though, and have nothing to lose. A defeat for India by their subcontinental neighbours, who they have long dictated to both on and off the field, would be an unthinkable humiliation, however. “People are really pumped up for the quarter-finals,” India batsman Suresh Raina told reporters. “It’s the quarter-final stage now, you don’t have much room for error. You just need to do everything right, whether you’re bowling, batting or fielding.” The winner will bid for a place in the final against either Australia or Pakistan, who play their quarterfinal in Adelaide on Friday. - Reuters

Mahmudullah (344 runs): Sits fifth in the run-scorers’ list with two centuries and a fifty against his name after group stage. Rubel and Shakib (7 wickets each): Rubel’s four-wicket haul against England was crucial to their maiden quarter-final appearance. Shakib has also been a pillar for the team, both with the ball and the bat. Key to beating India: They will have to bowl and field with a lot of discipline against India’s vaunted batting line-up and Tamim, Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur will have to shoulder the batting responsibility. *** Head-to-head Total played: 28 India won 24, Bangladesh won 3, no result 1 Never played each other at MCG Last match: Was washed out at Mirpur on June 19, 2014

HAVING SOME FUN: Virat Kohli, left, and Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni sharing a light moment during a training session on eve of the quarterﬁnal against Bangladesh. – AFP

T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

Cricket is a game of numbers, of runs and wickets, averages and strike rates, all examined in mindboggling detail.

ut for Pakistan's Umar Akmal and Haris Sohail, the crucial ﬁgure is the one on their backs. They are just two players whose superstitions have inﬂuenced their choice of shirt numbers at the tournament. Akmal wears the number three jersey rather than his regular squad of number of 96. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper/ batsman, who has handed over the gloves at the World Cup to Sarfraz Ahmed after a poor stretch of form behind the stumps, said he acted on the advice of his 'Pir' or spiritual adviser. However, he didn't get off to the best of starts with the bat at at the World Cup, dismissed sed for nought against old rivals India dia before mak-

ing a tournament best of 59 against the West Indies. Oddly, Sarfraz, who is not known to have sweated too much over his shirt number — 54 incidentally — has thrived in his two games, scoring 49 against South Africa, and taking six catches, before hitting an undefeated 101 opening the innings in the crucial win over Ireland on Sunday. Surprise call-up Haris Sohail changed his number to 89 instead of 80 and has enjoyed knocks of 70 against the UAE and 36 in the game against India. He was also out for nought against West Indies and managed only three on Sunday in the Ireland game. His change of shirt number did little for his composure after claiming he had seen a ghost in his Christchurch hotel on the eve of the competition's two-match warm-up series against New Zealand. Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema said Sohail was “visibly shaken” and spent the rest of the night in the coach's room. oom. One of his Twitter tter followers wrote: “You've You've faced down Shaitaan (the devil), the Kiwis should be easy. Best wishes.” Another Pakistan stalwart, Mo--

hammad Hafeez was reported by local media as having “run from pillar to post” to get the shirt number eight used by former Pakistan captain, Inzamam-ul Haq. Maybe Hafeez should have walked rather than run as an ankle injury forced his withdrawal from the World Cup. Fragrance Meanwhile, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led India to the 2011 World Cup, wears the number seven because he was born on the seventh of July -- the seventh month. “It's just that I always felt seven was very special for me. So it is not superstition. I just love the number seven,” said Dhoni. “It is a very neutral number according to astrologers. It doesn't have a very positive side or a negative side. It is all about yourself. If you have a positive mind and if you are working hard then the results will be in your favour,” said Dhoni. He has also named his own brand of fragance “7 by MS Dhoni.” Australia introduced shirt numbers in international cricket in the 1995/96 season while the ﬁrst World Cup to feature numbered jerseys was the 1999 edition in

England. The number 10 is a hugely symbolic shirt in football, worn by greats such as Pele, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. In cricket, legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar wore the number ten as does Pakistan's Shahid Afridi at this World Cup.Numerologists associate 10 with energy. “There is no reason why I wear number 10,” said Afridi. “I just like this number.” Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, who became the ﬁrst batsman to score four consecutive hundreds in one-day cricket at this World Cup, wears the number 11 which numerology associates with wisdom. South Africa captain AB de Villiers wears 17 — he was born on February 17 and made his Test debut on December 17. Indian numerologist Sanjay Jumaani said most cricketers are aware of what they consider to be their lucky numbers when they choose shirt numbers. “All cricketers wear their respective lucky numbers on their jerseys, barring a few,” said Jummani, on whose advice former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag once decided to sport a numberless shirt to overcome poor form. — AFP

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Pakistan ready to cope without X-factor Irfan The lanky 7 foot, one inch paceman suffered a fracture to his hip bone and was ruled out of the remaining World Cup matches

ADELAIDE: Pakistan coach Waqar Younis described Mohammed Irfan as the team’s X-factor but insisted they can still defeat Australia despite the giant seamer being ruled of the tournament with a stress fracture of his pelvis. The lanky 7 foot, one inch paceman suffered a fracture to his hip bone and was ruled out of the remaining World Cup matches, including Friday’s mouth-watering quarterﬁnal against the four-time champions at the Adelaide Oval. “It’s unfortunate that we lost Irfan just at the wrong time,” said Waqar on Wednesday. “It’s a huge loss. He was an X factor for us but we have got to live with it.” Waqar refused to accept that Irfan had not been rested adequately. “This injury could have happened a long time before, so we can’t say that it happened two days ago, it’s not easy for us but we have to cope with it,” said Waqar. “I am pleased with the performance of the fast bowlers — Wahab Riaz has taken responsibility and has been delivering and so has Rahat Ali. We have ben approaching the games very well in the entire tournament. We had a poor start at the beginning but we came back well. “The bowlers know what to do and they are doing well. Look at the

STAYING BRAVE: Pakistan coach Waqar Younis insists Pakistan can still ﬁght despited Mohammed

Irfan being ruled out.

‘Ajmal option available’ KARACHI: PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan has said that the option of ﬂying out off-spinner Saeed Ajmal to Australia for the cricket World Cup was available if Pakistan

bigger picture, look at what happened in the recent past, losing so many bowlers and some good spinners for other reasons so it’s tough but we are handling that well.” Pakistan’s preparations for the World Cup were badly hit when their ace spinner Saeed Ajmal was suspended due to an illegal bowling action in September last year. It got worse when spinning all-

reached the semiﬁnals. Khan said that Ajmal could replace the injured Mohammed Irfan. “If we reach the semiﬁnals a replacement will be sent and it could be Ajmal,” he added. - PTI

rounder Mohammed Hafeez was also banned for his action before he injured his calf while pacemen Junaid Khan had to be withdrawn from the 15-man squad a month before the start of the World Cup with a leg injury. Waqar did not rule out playing leg-spinner Yasir Shah in place of Irfan on Friday. Shah took 12 wickets in Paki-

stan’s 2-0 Test series win over Australia in the United Arab Emirates last year — their ﬁrst win over the opponents for 20 years. “We have discussed Shah but we will look at the pitch and if it’s conducive then we will see how it goes,” said Waqar, who added he was not worried about facing a tough opponent like Australia. “Look, we are in a situation where we cannot worry too much. We need to go out and do the best we can. It’s a big game, a quarter-ﬁnal of the World Cup and we all are very pleased to be here. We know Australia play very aggressive cricket and we have to match that.” Waqar said Pakistan needed to be positive. “We can beat Australia but for that we have to be very positive. We have beaten them in the past, even in the last World Cup (2011) so we can do that again if we play to our strengths.” - AFP

History of conflict for Australia & Pakistan ADELAIDE: Pakistan and Australia go into Friday’s World Cup quarterfinal burdened by a history of tension, setting the stage for an explosive contest at the Adelaide Oval. Pakistan’s head coach Waqar Younis admits previous matches between the two teams have been hard-fought and he expected another tough contest for a place in the semifinals. “I won’t call Australia bitter rivals but there is a fierce rivalry that should provide for a high-intensity game,” Waqar, one of the game’s great fast bowling exponents, told AFP. “We respect each other but do not give an inch on the field of play.” The hostilities began in 1981 when Pakistani great Javed Miandad almost came to blows with Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee during a Test match in Perth. Lillee appeared to have deliberately obstructed Miandad who was about to complete a single and the volatile Pakistani pushed the bowler and threatened to hit him with the bat. Lillee kicked Miandad before the umpires and fielders intervened to stop things from getting out of control. Lillee was fined, but the incident led to acrimonious verbal duels between the two teams for the rest of the series. Miandad remembered the incident as the worst of his career. “It is hard to forget,” said Miandad. “We have that history of bitter Test matches but I suppose this is part and parcel of cricket.” It was Miandad who in 1988 suggested Australia should “pack their bags and

go home” from Pakistan after controversial umpiring forced the Australians to react sharply. The most notorious incident between the two nations came about on Australia’s tour to Pakistan in 1994 when Shane Warne and Tim May alleged then Pakistan captain Salim Malik offered them bribes to underperform in the Karachi Test. Mark Waugh also went on record to say Malik had asked him to underperform in a one-day match in Rawalpindi. The allegations forced the Pakistan government to conduct a judicial inquiry which heard testimonies from, among others, the three players in Australia before Malik and paceman Ataur Rehman were banned for life. Six top players, including Waqar, spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed and Waqar’s pace partner Wasim Akram, were fined. Pakistan losing to Australia in a one-sided final of the 1999 World Cup held in England also became the basis of another match-fixing inquiry by the Justice Karamat Bhandari commission, but all the players were absolved of any wrongdoing. The 2003 World Cup also saw a bitter end to the match between the two countries at Johannesburg. Pakistan wicket-keeper Rashid Latif was reported to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a racial slur on his Australian counterpart Adam Gilchrist. ICC match referee Clive Lloyd conducted an inquiry but Latif faced no action as evidence was inconclusive but it left a bad taste between the two set of players. - AFP

SCRIPTING A DREAM FINISH

Veteran Shahid Afridi wants happy ending to 19 years of ups and downs ADELAIDE: Pakistan’s superstar all-rounder Shahid Afridi on Wednesday vowed to bring the curtain down on his 19-year One-day International career by scripting a happy ending with a World Cup triumph. The 35-year-old will quit the 50-overs game after the World Cup and he wants his fifth appearance at the global showpiece to be a memorable one. “I want to do what the team demands,” Afridi told AFP, ahead of Friday’s quarterfinal clash against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. “I want to live up to the expectations from the fans and I think that will help the team win. I want a happy ending and I am confident that Pakistan will give its best against Australia.” Afridi admits that Pakistan’s trademark unpredictability could prove to be their secret weapon against Australia having reached the quarter-finals thanks to a four-game win streak which followed two dismal opening losses. “Pakistan is one team which can beat any team and can lose to any team and it has been like this for several years, but everyone knows that on our day we can do the best,” said Afridi, who needs five more wickets to complete 400 in one-dayers. That would make him the only player in all one-day

I want to live up to the expectations from the fans and I think that will help the team win Shahid Afridi Pakistan

cricket to have scored 8,000 runs and taken 400 wickets. But his current bowling form is disappointing, having taken only two wickets in six World Cup games. “The atmosphere is very good in the dressing room, every player backs the other and the players gel together as they know the value of this tournament.” Afridi said he wants to see younger players coming through to take his place in the team once his career ends. “I have not thought about anything other than calling it a day because I think new players should

come to the fore, players who have done well at the domestic level and will carry Pakistan cricket forward,” said Afridi, whose career famously began with the fastest hundred in one-day cricket. Playing only his second game, Afridi hit a 37-ball hundred — then a world record — against Sri Lanka in Nairobi, Kenya in 1996. That record was broken by New Zealand’s Corey Anderson with a 36-ball hundred in 2014 before it was bettered again by South Africa’s AB de Villiers who hit a 31-ball century against the West Indies in January this year.

Afridi admitted his career has had its share of ups and downs but has been highly enjoyable. “Playing for 19 years is more than enough. Like any other career it had bad and good times but I played for Pakistan for such a long time which I had never thought would happen,” he said. “Playing ﬁve World Cups is a big thing. You perform and you don’t perform, you come under pressure because there are a lot of people who expect a lot from you. That has been part of my career but it has been highly enjoyable.” - AFP

SECTION

SIGHT & SOUND

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

TURNS

WHEN IT WAS pointed out that this year marks the 20th anniversary of Nickelback’s formation, singer Chad Kroeger quickly - and fiercely - disagreed. “That’s not true!,” he insisted, laughing. “I like to say 16 or 17.” Kroeger was speaking by telephone from eastern Pennsylvania, where the Canadian rock quartet was rehearsing for its current tour in support of its eighth album, No Fixed Address. There are, he acknowledged, “some discrepancies” when math is applied to Nickelback’s history. “See, we kind of got together in ’95, but we didn’t really record anything,” said the 40-year-old Kroeger, who borrowed $4,000 from his father for recording expenses and recruited his brother, Mike, to play bass and friend Ryan Peake to play guitar, with drummer Daniel Adair joining in 2005. “I don’t think we played our first show till somewhere in ’96, maybe. “So, OK, maybe it’s 19 years!” However many it’s been, there’s no question that they’ve been successful ones for Kroeger and company. Since its first album, Curb (1996), the Vancouverbased Nickelback has sold more than 50 million records worldwide, debuted five consecutive albums at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and shot eight singles to the

top of the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Nickelback’s touring show is among the strongest in contemporary rock, reliably ﬁlling arenas, amphitheatres and even the occasional stadium around the world. Those are enviable achievements for any band’s entire career, much less for one that’s still an active concern. Kroeger, who in 2013 married fellow Canadian singer Avril Lavigne, said that it’s been nothing less than “a whirlwind... a roller-coaster ride.” “With the inception of every band, it’s ‘All right, we’re going to be around for 30 years,‘” he said. “The fact of the matter is, there’s a lot of external factors that play into how long you’re going to be around, and we’ve just been incredibly lucky. “When we started off, I used to think that it all makes sense that these things are happening to us, that all these things are lining up, it’s just hard work,” Kroeger continued. “But it’s not, and the longer I get to be in this, on this roller-coaster ride, the more I realise that the stars truly do have to align in order for this to happen the way it’s happened for us. “It’s been amazing, and we just want to make sure that we can continue the ride for as long as we possibly can, because this is a good gig!” The ride hasn’t been entirely smooth.

STILL IN IT FOR THE FUN OF IT Nickelback has never been a critics’ favourite - far from it, in fact. In 2011 a football fan in Michigan started a wellpublicised petition drive to revoke the group’s booking for the halftime show of the annual Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit, and the band has endured a particularly hateful diatribe about its creative shortcomings from Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney. Rather than being bothered, however, Nickelback’s members have learned to take the slams in stride and even have poked fun at their reputation occasionally. “We just decided that we’re going to have fun with it too,” Mike Kroeger explained. “I would imagine that it would

be very frustrating for somebody who is trying to get us to be upset to learn that we actually don’t take this seriously at all, and we’re just having a good time doing what we do.” There are plenty of fans who like what they do, of course. No Fixed Address debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 when it was released in November, while also topping the Rock, Hard Rock and Alternative album charts. New makeover The album marks Nickelback’s move to a new record company, Republic, after spending its entire previous career with Roadrunner Records. The process of making the album didn’t change markedly - “We just tried to write the best songs we could,” Chad Kroeger said - but the group deliberately pushed its music in new directions, both stylistically, with the funky She Keeps Me Up, and lyrically in the topically tinged Edge of a Revolution. “We just want to try something we’ve never done before,” Kroeger explained. “Up till now we’ve always just tried to be heavier with the rock songs and more melodic with the melodic songs, and now it’s, ‘OK, not everything has to be left and right. Why can’t we go forward

and back a little bit?’” She Keeps Me Up,’ he noted, was written with friends Jacob Kasher and Josh Ramsay. Edge of a Revolution, which was a No. 1 rock-radio hit, was another “fresh breath of air,” Kroeger said. “Any time we get to write about something, stylistically or thematically, that we haven’t done before, it feels good, like, ‘Ah, this is new!’” He prefers to call it “more of an eyeopener,” though, rather than political commentary as such. “You know, we’ve done songs about wanting to make the world a better place, like When We Stand Together (2011) and If Everyone Cared (2006),” Kroeger said. Mostly, as Nickelback tours the world into 2016, Kroeger hopes that the band’s experiments on No Fixed Address will allow it to keep pushing the edges of the proverbial envelope, never abandoning the meat-and-potatoes rock on which the quartet built its reputation but still ﬁnding new musical directions to explore. “So it’s nice when we can create these songs and these different moods,” Kroeger concluded, “and our albums and the show can ebb and ﬂow with all these different emotions. That’s really a blessing that we don’t take for granted.” -Gary Graff/ The New York Times News Service

C 1 0 THU RSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

ETCETERA

e learned the saxophone when he played jazz immortal Charlie Parker. He became proficient on the accordion for his Oscarwinning role as Uganda dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland. Now 53-year-old Forest Whitaker faces his biggest-yet musical challenge – to handle a trumpet convincingly as Louis Armstrong in Satchmo, a new movie he not only stars in but also directs. “I have been taking trumpet lessons for months,” Forest says. “Obviously I play nothing like Louis, but I insisted on blowing my own trumpet in the movie as a sort of tribute to the great man. I’ve always been a jazz fan and Armstrong became my hero when I first began listening to music. After all, he changed the whole history of jazz. “I like to think I play some of the simple stuff quite convincingly...and leave it to real jazzmen to help me with the rest!” After nearly 25 years as an underrated Hollywood actor, Forest is finding it hard to accept all the hype that goes with being a superstar. “The good thing is that I should be able to do some really good work from now on and as lot of doors are opening which were closed before,” he says. For instance, he is to write, direct and star in the movie version of the best-selling novel The Shack. He’s also starring with Christian Bale in Out of the Furnace, is in talks for a role in the hit franchise Taken 3 as well as the blockbusters Fall from Grace and Southpaw. In The Shack he plays a father trying to come to terms with the death of his daughter who was abducted and killed. Already there is talk that the movie might get Golden Globe and Oscar nominations, but Forest remains unimpressed by celebrity hype. “My wife and family are all that matter to me apart from my work. None of us are into being celebrities,” he says. In fact, Forest is now a celeb, whether he likes it or not - his portrayal of Idi Amin was hailed as one of the best movie performances for years. To prepare for the part, Forest gained more than 50lbs in weight, and learned to speak Amin’s language well enough to convince some Ugandans that he came from their country!

FOREST WHITAKER Satchmo (In production)

RENO WILSON Bolden! (2015)

ANTHONY COLEMAN Louis (2010)

ALBERT EVERETTE Jazz Seen: The Life and Times of William Claxton (2001)

LOUIS E. ARMSTRONG Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)

Actors who impersonated Louis Armstrong on the silver screen

He also insisted on spending several months in Uganda talking to Amin’s relatives, girlfriends, cabinet ministers and generals. “I had to try to understand the man before I could play him convincingly.” In real life, Forest Whitaker is a quiet family man happily married to former model and actress Keisha whom he met on the set of the movie Blown Away. They have four children - Ocean, Autumn, Sonnet and True. Forest is a vegetarian, a black belt in karate and also studies yoga. “Keisha is a gentle soul,” Forest says. “But there’s no doubt she runs the show in our house. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Forest Whitaker was born in East Texas, son of a teacher and an insurance salesman. He was a college football star but was prevented from turning professional by injury and became an opera-singer instead. An agent spotted him singing in opera... and offered him a role in a football movie! Over the years he has become something of a legend for the way he immerses himself in his characters. He learned to play pool for Paul Newman’s The Colour of Money, learned the saxophone to portray Charlie Parker in Clint Eastwood’s Bird and met violent criminals when preparing for Diary of a Hit Man. He also spent time in police departments when he joined the top TV crime series The Shield and in hospitals when he joined ER as a patient suffering a paralysing stroke. “How can you do a convincing job unless you talk to people who actually do these things in real-life?” he says. Despite all the praise that has been lavished on him since winning the Oscar, Forest most treasures the reaction of his 17-year-old son Ocean. “He just grabbed me and said he was so proud of me,” Forest remembers. “That was a truly golden moment.” Otherwise the reaction to the Oscar in the Whitaker household was pretty low-key. “We only live nine blocks from where the ceremony was held,” Forest says “and my ﬁrst reaction was that the family could stroll round to the presentations. But Keisha pointed out that it was probably a once-ina-lifetime award and that we should do something special. So I agreed that we could go by taxi!” — John Graham/Tony James Features

T H U R S DAY, MAR C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

C11

ETCETERA H O L LY W O O D

Jude Law welcomes daughter ACTOR JUDE LAW and his 23-year-old former girlfriend Catherine Harding have welcomed a daughter. “I can confirm the arrival of Jude Law and Catherine Harding’s daughter. Both are delighted and continue to ask that their privacy and that of their child be respected,” Law’s representative told eonline.com. No other details about their little girl, including her name, have been revealed. Jude Law, of The Grand Budapest Hotel fame, began gearing up for fatherhood in October with he and the singer expecting their child together in the spring. While they are no longer in a relationship, they are both wholeheartedly committed to raising their child. This is the first child for the pair, but the fifth child for Law, who has three children by exwife Sadie Frost — son Rafferty, 18, daughter Iris, 13, and son Rudy, 12. He also has a daughter Sophia, 5, with Samantha Burke.-IANS

The girl who’s taken 30 years to be famous! For decades Lucinda Williams struggled to be a country music star. Now suddenly she’s been discovered as an ‘overnight success’!

he’s been hailed as the biggest new star on the US country music scene, has won three Grammy awards, voted America’s best songwriter by Time Magazine readers and offered contracts worth at least $5 million. All of which brings a wry smile to the lips of blonde singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams. “I like the ‘biggest new star’ bit,” she says. “In fact I’ve been waiting to be discovered since 1981!” An astonishingly youthful and beautiful 62-year-old, Lucinda Williams has been seeking stardom for 30 years before she ﬁnally got the fame, money and recognition her faithful fans knew she deserved. Her last album, Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone, was top of the country music charts for a month and her new one, due out next month, has advance sales which should send it straight into the top ten. There’s also a stadium tour later this year and a possible Hollywood movie. Nothing about Lucinda Williams ﬁts the conventional success story. She’s a country blues singer from a privileged background - her father, Miller Williams, was a college professor and one of America’s most successful poets.

But at 16 Lucinda was singing in backstreet clubs in her home town of New Orleans and travelling throughout the south performing Delta blues and jazz. Critics raved about her music but found it hard to categorise and the same applied to record companies. “No one knew how to market me,” he remembers. “I fell through the cracks between country music and rock. “Every record label came to see me play but then they turned me down. I learned my craft where I could for ten years, singing, playing guitar and paying my dues. “I’m proud of being from the south. People used to think it was all rednecks and hillbillies. But everybody wants to be from the south these days...” She eventually made two albums for a tiny record label, but sales could be counted in hundreds. After briefly working in New York’s Greenwich Village clubs, Lucinda Williams returned to Texas and finally to Los Angeles in 1984. “For the next five years I wrote and sang songs but life was really hard,” she remembers. She met and married pop drummer Greg Sowders. “He was a nice guy but when we first met he was always away on tour. When he stayed at home that

was the end of the marriage — we found we had nothing to say to each other!” Career graph Her career was pretty rocky too, with no record companies showing any interest and gigs drying up. Then Robin Hurley, West Coast boss of Britain’s Rough Trade record label, heard a tape of Lucinda’s songs and signed her to make an album. Typical, she says. “All those Americans heard me but it took an English punk label to sign me.” Songs from the album, Lucinda Williams, were snapped up by other stars - Emmylou Harris covered Crescent City and Tom Petty did a hit version of Change the Locks. Suddenly, after years in the musical wilderness, Lucinda Williams became an “overnight success.” Today she lives in a two-storey smart town house in Nashville. “It’s nice, but it’s not really me — it’s too neat and tidy and I can’t see myself staying long. Anywhere I’ve ever lived, I’ve always had one foot out the door!” Since her marriage, Lucinda hasn’t had much luck with men. A fiancé, poet Frank Stanford, committed suicide, a four-year relationship ended when the man died of liver

failure and another boyfriend was murdered. Recently she ended a five year relationship with rock bassplayer Richard Price. “I like being on my own,” she says. “But I suppose it won’t be long before I find myself in yet another disastrous relationship!” With unaccustomed money from record deals and the forthcoming tour, Lucinda Williams has finally become the undisputed queen of country rock. It’s taken a long time. But if the money men expected a well behaved new star who would do as she was told, they’ve had a shock. “I haven’t sold out,” Lucinda says. “I won’t be commercial or wear what people want me to wear. “I grew up with a long history of rebels in my family — it’s in my blood...” Critics are tipping her to win yet another Grammy award. “I forget about albums as soon as they’re finished,” she says. “I like to make changes. I’ve just sacked the band I’ve had for ten years just because it was time to try something new. And why has it taken her 30 years of struggle and heartbreak to find fame? “I’m a late bloomer, I guess,” says Lucinda Williams. It’s hard to think of a better explanation. — Judson Bennett/ Tony James Features

C 1 2 THU RSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

ETCETERA

SISSY SPACEK RIDES THE NEW WAVE How can you tell when you’re ﬁnally grown up? For Sissy Spacek, the moment came on the set of Bloodline, the new Netﬂix series debuting soon

“I

t was blazing hot,” said Sissy Spacek, who plays the mother of a large and troubled family on the show. “Everyone else was in shorts and a T-shirt. I was the only one on the beach in long pants, long sleeves and a ﬂoppy hat.” The Oscar-winning actress is 65, but she looks decades younger, which she attributes to attitude. “I like to live my life with as few regrets as possible,” Spacek said, speaking by telephone from a New York hotel. “It’s all about clean living.” That doesn’t mean that she doesn’t age, of course, a fact that was driven home to Spacek on the Bloodline set. “I do remember meeting my grown children on the series for the ﬁrst time,” she said, laughing. “I thought to myself, ‘Oh, my God, they’re grown men!’ For a minute I worried, ‘Will I look old enough to be their parent?’

“Then I saw the first two episodes and called my husband and said, ‘The good news is that I look like their mother. The bad news is that I look like their mother!’” Bloodline casts Spacek as Sally Rayburn, the matriarch of a family of hardworking hotel owners in the Florida Keys. When the troubled eldest son, Danny (Ben Mendelsohn), comes home for the 45th anniversary of his parents’ hotel, he threatens to expose the family’s dark secrets and shameful past. Linda Cardellini, Kyle Chandler, Chloe Sevigny and Sam Shepard co-star. For Spacek, the fact that this was a Netflix series, rather than a film, wasn’t even part of the equation. “I just loved this idea,” she explained. “I loved that this family ran an inn. I live on a farm, and I know what it takes to keep everything going, which is very similar to running an inn.

“I also related to the character of Sally because, like me living on the farm, she is a woman who always has something to do,” the actress continued. “There are things that need to be done, and she does them. Never a dull moment. I have the same life on the farm. I’m your woman to jump right in there.” Her own family life is, fortunately, not as troubled as her character’s. “Sally is a mother who had her children young,” Spacek said. “There are issues with the oldest child. It’s like that ﬁrst pancake - you’ve got to throw out that ﬁrst pancake. She never wants to give up on her oldest son. She keeps hoping that maybe he will still reach his potential. Maybe he will, maybe not. “I also really embraced the idea that these are blue-collar people who do all the work themselves,” she continued. “The mother has worked so hard to

keep the family close, but then the kids grew up and life changed. Many women face a new life with grown children and I found that interesting. “Of course this is heightened, because it’s also a psychological thriller with lots of delicious secrets.” She also embraced the chance to work with Shepard, an actor and a major playwright who also is an old friend. “Sam and I have known each other for 40 years,” Spacek said. “We’ve been dear, dear friends. It was a real luxury to work with him, and such a gift to act with someone where you share that kind of history. It was so exciting when he arrived on the set. It felt like family. I was also in awe of Kyle, who is such a joy,” she added. “We have wonderful scenes together. The gene pool in this family is incredible!” As for filming on location in the Florida Keys, count Spacek as a fan - with

one reservation. “This series felt like a movie because the show is quite cinematic,” she said. “We have these big, beautiful night shots slogging through the mangroves in Florida.” When she’s not working, Spacek said, you can ﬁnd her taking long walks on the farm to clear her head and stay healthy. “I was a runner for my entire life,” she said, “and now I’m a walker. I do Pilates and eat right, plus I get a lot of sleep. I don’t drink much, stay out of the sun and live plain. Life bungles us up. It’s good to get the stress out any way you can.” At 65, the actress said, she’s still looking forward to the future. “It has been interesting exploring my sixth decade,” Spacek said. “You kind of have to surrender yourself and say, ‘OK, this is what I am now. Let’s ﬁnd out who this person is.’” — Cindy Pearlman/ The New York Times News Service

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

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

RENT

VACANCY

CARGO

T H U R S D AY, M A R C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

FOR RENT

OFFICES FOR RENT Premium offices to let a very good location on the main road very close to Zakher Mall, Al Khawiar. Business Center has offices with sizes of 50m2, 110m2, 180m2, 207m2, 230m2, 437m2. Showroom also available at Business Center, Area 500m2 with central A/c. Offices with Central Air-conditions, Security System with CCTV cameras, and Security presence in the building.

Contact: 97377355 / 97307476, Email id: aaleem@ggcoman.com

We have 1BHK , 2BHK flats & office available in Mabela 7, brand new building main road, 1BHK RO 175/- , 2BHK RO 220/- only. Contact 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2050 sqm land in Ghala 800 sqm constructed Warehouse and other area open land. Prime location near Coco Cola Ware house very nice place. # 93782735 / 99208033 We have flats, offices, villa, shops & ware house for rent in Ghubra, Azaiba, Bousher, Ruwi, Mumtaz , Darsait, Mabela. #93782735 / 99208033 Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabir, 2 rooms & 3 toilets next to Platinum Gym. Contact 99210008 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. Electricity and boundary wall will be provided. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Flat with 2 bedrooms and big hall in Mawalih near King burger R.O 310/-. Contact 99886099 2BHK Apartment available at Al Khuwair 33. Contact 94057023 2BHK /3BHK apartment available at Qurum, near PDO Gate-2. Contact 94057023 2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ AZAIBA, 2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 33, 1 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair, 3 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 25. 5 B/R Fully Furnished villa @ Madinat Al Ilam. For Daily, Weekly, monthly or Yearly contract. Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC 99249069 / 99436312/92888376, Email: info@alshahiintl.com Villa sharing rooms at Al Khuwair. Contact 94638876

We have 150 sqm office in Ghubra main road prime location already glass partition done. Office with pantry & 2 washrooms. Contact 9378235 / 99208033 We have 2 BHK flat & 100 sqm office & 60 sqm shop for rent in Ghala brand new building. Contact 93782735 / 99208033 2 BHK commercial & residential flat at Honda road. Contact 98087644 / 99795241 2BHK flat for rent Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Mosque. Contact 97007939 / 92629232 2 bed room, 3 toilets 120 sq. mtr fully furnished parking near Star Cinema 450/- OMR / monthly. Contact 91778735 Available industrial open land 25,000 m2 and 450m2 of 2 Nos, covered ware house in Al Rumais and two shutter shops 70 m2 each in Mabellah, near Oman oil petrol pump station and MAC Donalad. Contact 99318152 Email ahastco@gmail.com 1BHK available Ghubra near Al Maha INT Hotel. Contact 99269751 Spacious 2BR flat in MBD. Contact 99713489

2 Bedroom ﬂats at prime location of Azaiba Contact: 92197959

2BHK with split AC in W.K behind Sana Fashion. Contact 96708000

New building near the Bousher Al Misfah high way, with showroom, offices, and shops. Great for banks, medical clinics and companies 95202430

2BHK in Al Ghubra near Indian School. Contact 96708000

Commercial Villa in Al Khuwair with Private Parking’s,7 Rooms Hall and Reception and Kitchen #95202430 Shop in Wadi Kabir & Azaiba. Contact 99024730 House for rent in Al Amerat Madinat Al Nahda consists of 3 bedrooms and 3 toilet & 2 Majlis away from school one kilometer. Contact 99351337 2 bedrooms ﬂat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. #92584715 / 24700120 2BHK Wadi Kabeer R.O 325/- & 300/-. Contact 92144045 2BHK & 3BHK in Al Khuwair. Contact 99024730 Room for rent for family or working lady at Mabella Sanaya. #94330490 Flat 4 rent south Al Mabelah. Contact 95331177 / 95230355 2BHK Al Khuwair 350/- . Contact 92144045

2 bedroom flat in Al Ghubra near Oman oil 18 November Street. OMR 330. Monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Big flat first floor in villa Al Ghoubrah South, 3BHK hall living room with split a/c family only 525/- R.O. Contact 92479515 Foklift 7,5,3 Ton with driver – 99424338 200 Sqr mtrs office for Rent in CBD. Contact 99792181 1, 2 & 3 BHK in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181 2 BHK flat in Azaiba.#99792181 Store or Labour camp in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99792181 Villa Bosher behind Dolfeen near Muscat Hospital 5BHK hall living room with split a/c for family only 650/- R.O . Contact 92479515 New flat Al Athaiba behind Al Meera market, 4BHK hall, Kitchen, 5 bathrooms for family only first floor villa 550/-R.O .Contact 92479515

Villas & ﬂats. Contact 92144045 3BHK Wattaya. Contact 92144045 2BHK at Honda road Ruwi. Contact 99224748 / 99332297 New Building in Mutrah, 2 B/D room Flat + Setting Room,3 Baths+ Kitchen with split unit Ac’s. Behind Khimiji’s main office/opposite to Oman House Call 99419712

Available furnished Office in Al-Khuwair near Centerpoint. Contact 92870771 2Bedroom centrally Air conditioned ﬂat at CBD. Contact 94460790 / 24714625

1BHK with A/C Ghubra R.O 275/-. Contact 92144045 Brand new deluxe ﬂats located near Seeb ﬂyover on the right band side of the main road coming from the Seeb palace round about, 2 bedrooms family, hall, kitchen, 3 toilets with split unit ACs. Contact 97755586

Flat at Darsait. Contact 99326879 1 bedroom attached toilet in Al Khuwair bachelors/ family R.O 140/-. Contact 95154331 Deluxe 1 bedroom ﬂat, ideal for ofﬁce / residence at Qurum near PDO. Contact: 97721313 / 95070421

Industrial /commercial shops at Wadi Kabir 4 x 5.6 x 4.6 MTR height. Showroom with mezzanine & office at Al Noor Street near Switz bakery & Al Masa hall corner building all on roads & parkings in front of shops & show room. # 99065900 or 99354975 2 BHK Mumtaz. Contact 92144045

Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970

Room for rent Honda road. Contact 92540125/ 97605342/ 94053366

NEW WAREHOUSE For rent at Ghala New Warehouse for rent at Ghala Ind. Area. 578 & 1170 approx sqms Near Hotel Al-Madinah Holiday, Ghala. Container can enter. Immediate access to roads & highways. # 92078090

1 Bedroom attached toilet Al Khuwair area only for ladies or husband and wife without children. Contact 9:00 pm to 7:00 am 95765719

Bachelor villa at Ansab. Contact 98458542 1BHK new bldg with A/C curtains near Khimji Mart MBD. Contact 99061408 / 99024039 Flats & shops for rent at MBD, Wadi Kabir, AL Khoud & villa at Azaiba. Contact 93994401/02/03

85 SQM shops in Ruwi only on 350/- OMR. #95122188 / 96441499 Single room with A/C having separate entrance for non –cooking Indian Executive, near Rawasco, Al Khuwair rent 130/including (W& E). Contact 2888691/95397442/97201100 Spacious 2 BHK ﬂats in Ruwi MBD area only on 350/- OMR. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499

Villa 2 bed rooms, hall, sitting room in AL Hail south R.O. 320/Monthly. Contact 93993354

Industrial Land in Misfah. Contact 93009999

1 Bed room in Al Hail south R. O 160/- Monthly. Contact 93993354

Villas & ﬂats at Ansab. Contact 98458542

Flat Wadi AL Kabeer, 2BHK, sitting room, 3 bathroom balcony split /AC 300/- R.O Contact 99324402

Beautiful office space available in Ruwi MBD area only on 2/- OMR per sqm. # 95122188 / 96441499

T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

M.V. FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Vitara 2013. Contact 99336093 Suzki SX4 2012. Contact 99484342

Shop for sale near Al Maha Hotel Ghubra, area 68.40 sqm with 2 shutters, single shop also available. Contact 96642007 / 98867936 Running Medical Centre on sale in Salalah. Owner shifting to Muscat. Contact 92872202.

Fully furnished office 46 sqr mtrs near Markaz Al Bahja. #99607788 Dental clinic for sale in Seeb area. Contact 96903341 2 Prime Movers Man 2008 with 40 ton petrol tank each working at the moment in Al Maha. Price OMR 35 Thousand each. Tel: 97000155 or 92688692 Latest EDExcel AS & A level textbooks for sale. Contact 99016532 Running beauty parlor for sale in Barka Souq with license & visa. Contact 92168729

Building Material shop for sale at Suwaiq A running 5 shutter building material shop with two paint machines available for immediate sale. Also available warehouse and yard at the same place. Interested parties please contact the following numbers: 93223382 / 99874936 2 Prime Movers Man 2008 with 40 ton petrol tank each working at the moment in Al Maha. Price OMR 35 Thousand each. Tel: 97000155 or 92688692 New Panasonic 500 Ansi lumens dip projector pt –D 5000. Contact: Hari 92138468 Window A/C. Contact 96441670

New restaurant with 6 clearance at Wadi Hatat near Bank Muscat for sale. Contact - 91324412

FOR RENT Deluxe 3 bedroom apartment for rent in Mumtaz area for more information. Contact 99336263 If require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send messages through Whatsapp or call – 99376454 Furnished room available on Seeb share with small family for couple working ladies. Contact 96996938 3BR top class fitting flat ideal for top executives Mumtaz area, Ruwi. Contact 91287824 Flats and shops. Contact 93009999 1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for Ware house workshop. #24700120 / 925 Flat Wadi AL Kabeer, 2BHK, sitting room, 3 bathroom balcony split /AC 300/- R.O Contact 99324402 Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat. Contact 99349526

Readymade garment shop with furniture. Contact 99386170 Building material shop for sale in Al Hail. Contact 98003111 Shop at good location in Darsait. Contact 98523634

Coffee shop for sale a well running coffee shop for at Wadi Kabir Sanaya. Contact 94159356/91039293 5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each. Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Restaurant for sale well running with open area and good parking area. 3 new clearance also in Wadi Kabeer near Mars hyper market. Contact 99656863 Commercial registration with excellent name Grade A for business software for sale. Contact 92959251 23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka. OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 New barber shop on sale at Misfah. Contact 93833107

Ready mix concrete for sale. Contact 99054673

Shop for sale Honda road. Contact 94053366 / 97605342 Land for sale residential commercial and residential and tourist and industrial, and hotels for sale in Muscat (Al Khuwair and the Qurum, and crushed stone, and Bowshar, and spite and Gala heights, and the heights of the airport) to deal with the buyer. Contact 99070093

Clinic required, One Established new Clinic in Muscat, with Valid License & Clearance is required to purchase interested Parties can contact 91283188 or send your inquiries to mohamedsfarah@hotmail.com

ACC. AVAILABLE Single room behind main Indian School Wadi Kabir. Contact 99376454 Single room attached bathroom separate entrance near Rex Road Kolivada . Contact 99870317 / 98218453 Acc. available bachelor separate bathroom sharing, kitchen R.O 60/near Oman house. Contact 98796982

Dental Clinic with license for sale in Sohar. Contact 92816015

Room for rent Muttrah near Oman house looking for Executive working lady one room attached bathroom, sharing kitchen. Contact 94136102

AVAILABLE Established Restaurant for rent with sponsorship. Contact 97628242

22KV Generator – 99424338 Expat leaving. Treadmill/gym items/Fridge/Washing machine/ Sofa(4 set)/wardrobe (4 door)/4burner stove/grill/ AC(window) other items for immediate sale. 95293535

WANTED

3 floor building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Shop for sale at Ruwi. #99103077 Shop for sale near Al Hail petrol pump.# 93314300 / 93937185

Mazda 6, 2007 full options, Manual gear, excellent condition very low mileage, 76,000 km only, alloy wheels, accident free dealer maintained. Price 2,300 Only. # 93642176

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

BUYING/SELLING Looking for purchase of Used Portable Compressor (350 CFM, 7 Bar Pressure) powered with Diesel run Generator. Kindly Contact 99014686 or operation@khancogroup.com

One bed room ﬂat with hall for rent in Al Khuwair area near Radisson blue hotel. Contact 97646492

A big room available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- Rial per month including W+E. #99495131 Fully furnished single room available in CBD area. Contact 92162623 Spacious room with attached bath available for Executive bachelor in Ruwi near Al Maha Filling Station. Contact 98290299

Mercedes 500 S 2001- dark blue -250,000 kms valid 30/12/2015 good condition R.O 1,900/-. #94056332 Isuzu 3.5 ton truck model 2013 MK done 20000 REG with full insurance valid up to 18.11.2015. Serious buyers only Contact 99332625 / 99312060

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished room with bath at Al Khuwair. Contact 99224185 Family sharing accommodation available in Al Khodh.# 98292798 Sharing accommodation available in Muttrah near Khimji Mart for family only with A/C & attached bath room. Contact 95450743 Single room available with A/C for non cooking executive bachelor at Hamriya R/abt. (on main road side, Opp. Apollo Hospital). #91673718, 98232567 Sharing family accommodation in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99335057 Room for SRI LANKAN Executive at Al Khuwair.TEL 96536307 Furnished M. bedroom with attached bathroom and (2 no) rooms with sharing bathroom n kitchen available from 1st April for E. bachelor in N Azaiba area behind Muscat Bakery, with sea view. #-95450250

Dodge Nitro 4.0 ltr engine 2007 model 130000 kms, red colour, registration valid for one year. RO.2700/-. Contact - 91251966 Toyota Camry white 2011 km -51000 R.O 4800/-.# 99561562 Porshe Cayenne – S- 2004 white 165,000 kms, valid 30/12/2015 very good condition R.O 4,750/-. Contact 94056332 Nissan Sunny 2012 model 71000 km, automatic, 1600cc white, price R.O 2750/-. Contact 98523634 Mercedes 55CL –AMG -200, black -124,000/- kms, valid 23/9/2015, excellent condition R.O 2, 800. Contact 94056332 Lincoln – Navigator 4WD -1998silver and black – 200,000/- kms valid 25/12/2015, good condition R.O 1,600. Contact 94056332

FOR HIRE Foklift 7,5,3 Ton with driver – 99424338 Hire Generators, Air conditioners. Contact 98927220 Running truck wash for rent in Ouhi Sunia Sohar. Serious people can. Contact on 97864747 50 seater bus with PDO speciﬁcation for rent or lease. Contact 99839898

DRIVING

Sharing Executive bachelor at Wadi Kabir. Contact 97940331 Furnished room for Executive bachelor at Ruwi. Contact 92435784

Single room attached bathroom with kitchen near Riyam park Muscat RO 70/-. Contact 95094028

1B/R available for bachelors in REX ROAD, Ruwi. Contact 99889590

Furnished Room with attached bath for Indian Bachelor in Al Falaj area Ruwi & sharing room lady in Wadikabir. Call 95941515

Gubrah furnished room, attached bath dish TV, WIFI, kitchen available for Executive single person, couple. Contact 99658689

Furnished room for small family / EXE. Bachelor at Rex Road (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil). Contact 92873832

Room in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors free WIFI, Advance deposit. Contact 95934642

LOST Tanka Prasad Khatri has lost Nepalese Passport No. 07938789. Finder please handover to ROP

T H U R S D AY, M A R C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiﬁeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE ACCA-UK +2.5 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit. Looking for job in Accounts /Finance /Internal Audit. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree. Gsm: +968-95459488 Email: mr.shoaibaslam@gmail.com ACCA-UK, B.Sc (OBU-UK) having 2.8 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit. Looking for job in Accounts/Finance department. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree. Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook. com, Gsm: +968-95459936 FCCA- Qualiﬁed from UK with 9 years of experience in Big 4 & Top 30 UK ﬁrms. Currently working as Manager Finance & Accounts for more than 2 years. NOC available, please contact 9259 3748

ACCOUNTANCY

12 years Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for suitable placement. Contact 97385562

Experienced omani/non-omani accountant. Send cv-career@ayadmn.com

American B International relations seeking position in ﬁnance HR, Administration or any suitable position. Contact 95560225 Email: sanyieha@gmail.com

ENGI./ELECT./TECH.. ADVOCATE Law ﬁrm office at Shatti al Qurum looking for Indian legal advisor minimum 5 years experience in Oman . please Contact :99772277 sereen38@gmail.com

ADMIN Omani PRO with minimum 5yrs experience. Send cvcareer@ayadmn.com Wanted PRO male Omani with 2-3 years experience and frontline associate male / female for reputed telecom brand retail stores. Apply to career@rechargeoman.om. Contact 94006462 / 94538465

ACCOUNTANT Required an Accountant with experience in Tally, D/L in Oman, NOC, for a construction company doing MOE projects. Contact 94148220. Send CV to alrkhadev@hotmail.com

BEAUTICIAN Urgently required beautician, visa available. Contact 97172334 Required female to work in beauty center at Al Azaiba. Contact 94470321

Urgently required for leading company, Land Surveyor, Electrical technician, MEP foreman, Camp Boss. Fax: 24478522 E-mail: gh1.careers@gmail.com Required HVAC Engineer, and Electrical Engineer, minimum 4 to 5 years experience with driving license. Send CV to nationalhvac.mep@gmail.com fax: 24799442 Looking for Assistant Workshop Manager, Automobile Engineering with minimum 4 years experience in vehicle modiﬁcation works. Contact: 97441935 Local Construction Company looking for Civil Engineer Indian nationality. If interested Email: mohad.amer@hotmail.com or Contact 92817182 Wanted Auto Electrician with ITI or diploma qualiﬁcation. Interested can send C.V on hilat.tech@gmail.com or contact 98983951 / 98668697 Required MEP Engineer with minimum Diploma or degree 5 yrs experience & with driving license. Fax : 24478522, Email : gh1.careers@gmail.com Wanted Mechanical Engineers with min. 5 yrs experience. Apply with bio data to hr_oman1@yahoo. com, immediately.

CATERING MEDICAL Personal Chef needed for work in home and boat. Must be fantastic chef and willing to do housekeeping/ cleaning also. email cv: alibadawy@gmail.com Waiter /waitress for restaurant. Interested candidates send CV to email: omanhari@yahoo.com, Contact 95892831 Chef / cook (Muslim) required with at least 3 years experience. Experience in cooking (Arab European and Indian). Please send your CV to email address info@albatnapp.com Contact 99202531 Experience cook for Omani family 1Nos. Contact 99228046 Email: oman518@gmail.com Shawarma /BBQ/Tandoor /helper wanted. Contact 95529970 Required urgently Yemani Cook. Contact 99443236 muscat@oigoman.com

DOMESTIC HELPER Full-time housemaid needed for family of 4 in Azaiba. Contact 95123244 Housemaid required for Keralite family Cont 92729883 Wanted full time Keralite housemaid at Al Khuwair. Contact 93267065

EDUCATION Maths, Physics, Chemistry Teacher urgently required to teach 2 students of 12th standard . Teacher’s experience preferred. Contact 99360489 *Classiﬁed Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Wanted LAB Technician and female Nurse for a 25 years old poly clinic at Ibri candidates who have passed their prometric examination can also apply. Contact 93828382 Email: zahrathalmahrami@gmail.com Urgently require for the Polyclinic in Sur. positions, General practitioner, (GP) Pediatrician, Gynecologist, Orthopedics, Physiotherapist, Lab technician, with MOH license, or without license. ContactGSM, 968 99567864 mail: alrawdahpolyclinic@gmail.com Wanted labs Technician to work in a polyclinic. Candidates who have passed their prometric examination can also apply. Attractive salary offered. Contact 91173571 Wanted female Nurse for Skin clinic in Muscat. Must have MOH license and NOC. Mail to clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com Required Nurse for a reputed clinic in Suwaiq. Contact 26861077 / 99605906 / 92801446 Require GP doctors and Staff Nurse for a medical centre in Mabela. Contact 95200180, amanammc@gmail.com Urgently required an Orthodontist with MOH to work at a reputed Dental Center in Muscat. Contact 968 99694723, Email : dr.bdohc@gmail.com Urgently required Pharmacist. Contact 94200385/ 95206905/ 97433142 Email: anitho@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Wanted Salesman with driving licence and car. Gsm : 98805474 or email id: jobssales2015@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Wanted Sales or Marketing Executive degree or master degree. Interested can send C.V on hilat.tech@gmail.com or contact 98983951 / 98668697 Experienced Sales Supervisor in FMCG especially gulf area. Experienced Salesman in FMCG. Send cv-career@ayadmn.com Cleaning Services Company requires Marketing Managers with minimum 5/8 years Gulf experience with valid Oman driving license. Interested candidates send CV to email: omanhari@yahoo.com, Contact 95892831 Sales Man required with driving license knowledge of air conditioner and spare parts. Send CV to nationalhvac.mep@gmail.com fax: 24799442 Required M/F Marketing person part time exp in event management with strong communication read / write and knowledge of music & dance industry for an Institute. Mail: window4job@gmail.com Required Commercial Assistant having minimum 3-5 years of FMCG experience for a leading FMCG company in Muscat. Having Omani driving license is preferred. Interested candidates may send their resume at sunnex3@gmail.com Looking for Experienced Omani/ Expat Sales Executive for Web Application Sales. Email mctjobs@gmail.com Urgently required an excellent grade construction ﬁrm based in Muscat has immediate vacancy for Marketing Executive minimum 5 years experience with D/L. Email your CV to info@omannc.com Required delegates female Marketers in Advertising. Car & experience are required. To contact only the afternoon time on - 94021722 Required promoter for promoting Perfumes in shopping centre please. Contact 95663682 or send CV atugt15@gmail.com

Required Kitchen Designer – Outdoor Sales Consultant :Qualiﬁed candidates must have a work experience of min 5 years in Oman with a valid omani driving license. Interested Candidates please send in your CV’s to amritharajeev345@gmail.com Wanted experienced Sales Executive for FMCG with valid Omani driving license. Contact 98099914 wasim@alliusie.com

Indian Male, 27 yrs MBA (Fin), SAP, 4 Yrs Exp in Finance Seeking Suitable Job with a Reputed Firm Currently on Visit Visa Contact No. 9535 6100 Looking for part time accounts job please contact:95573856 & 99183135. Part time Accountant up to ﬁnalization looking for job after 5 pm location Qurum Al Khoudh. Contact 92917574

Sales Executives needed for marble & granite company with minimum one year experience with driving license. Good looking Indians only. Email: anas@kenzostone.com / nabil@kenzostone.com

Accountant / Accounts Assistant with 7 years experience in Indian accounts like taxation, ﬁnalization of balance sheet, good knowledge in Tally ERP9 & MS Office, Currently on visit visa looking for immediate joining. Contact 94362799

Salesman Wanted for outdoor sales of ceramic items and building materials. Should have similar 2 years experience, driving license and NOC. Call 99332547

Accountant Indian male B.COM / MBA 9 years experience in Oman up to ﬁnalization. NOC available, can join immediately. Contact 94134085/ muscatoman95@yahoo.com

Required Salesman, Tailor, and Barber. Contact 96964767

CA with 8 years Experience (6 in UAE & Oman) in A/cs ,Finance & Audit ,Contact: :98707434 / casmart007@gmail.com

Looking for Qualiﬁed and experienced Sales Executives in industrial and mechanical ﬁeld items & building materials. Please send your CV to slayhawk@yahoo.com Marketing Executive for printing press, minimum 2 years experience with D/L. Email: arshedkm@gmail.com

SECRETARIAL / OFFICE Required female Office Secretary with well computer knowledge. Send CV to nationalhvac.mep@gmail.com fax: 24799442 Qualiﬁed personal Secretary required to work in a private ﬁrm. Please send your resume to majancom@omantel.net.om Wanted for immediate appointment : Male Secretary, HR Personnel with minimum 5 yrs experience for all posts. Apply with bio data to hr_oman1@yahoo.com immediately

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED

SL Accountant male 5 years experience in Oman up to account finalization, accounting software’s tally etc having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact 95764075 Email: arshaad18@gmail.com Accountant: Indian Male 29 years, 7 years experience in Oman seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Administration, Purchase (Release Available) Ph. 97614351 Email:vijayapalanbinu.aniyan@ gmail.com Indian male 35 years M.Com, 8 years in Oman out of 13 years experience in accounts up to finalization having NOC and Oman D/L. Contact 98407501 Seeking for a job on Indian male aged 23 years qualification are BCA bachelor & computer application & accountant 1 years experience. Contact 95386434 Email: mohammedshanid5@gmail.com CA Finalist having big four experience of more than three years seeking suitable position currently on visit visa. Contact 94663269 Email: rizwan_ravian@yahoo.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Part time Accountant with 15 years exp in Accounts, ﬁnance, audit tax management. Contact 95857199 India Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to ﬁnalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placement. Contact:93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com B.Com India. Languages : English, Hindi & Malayalam. Contact 92954613 Indian M.Com Finance exp 1 year now in visiting visa. Contact 96970734

Indian Male, 25 yrs currently in Oman on visit looking for suitable vacancies in accounts, B.Com completed 1 yr experience. Contact 92024380 Female with MBA ﬁnance, ﬁnancial and tax professional four and half years of experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations. Contact- 99792457 Email: msparveen1@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA 2 yrs experience in Accounts, Admin & HR on visit visa. Contact 92045306

Accounting up to ﬁnalization, auditing & contact for tally ERP software Contact– 91720465

Indian male, 32 years, M. Com. 7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/ﬁnance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. #98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com

Pakistani male, 25 yrs, MBA Finance, 1.6 yrs exp in Accounts seeking placement in Accounts, Administration or Business Management. Contact 92651927 / 94250149

Indian male- B.Com/B.Ed/15 years Exp – 5 in Oman, seeks job in Accts/Sales/Logistics have NOC and Oman D/L with car. Contact – 92919625/93511425/ 93424828; Email- seshadricpioman@gmail.com

Indian female, 23 years B.Com Graduate having 2 years experience has accounts + office assistance , good working knowledge in tally, MS Office, SAP. Contact 97669156 Accountant 25 years experience M.Com Accounts up to ﬁnalization 14 years in Oman. NOC release available. Contact 99640490 email: mathutb@gmail.com Indian male BBM 23 yrs having 2 yrs experience seeking suitable job in accounts, admin, HR, Operation Coordination logistics etc. Contact 97623267 Accountant: a well experienced Indian male, M.Com, more than 20 years experience in accounting ﬁeld (GCC & India), looking for job as accountant or accounts manager in oman. presently working in India and ready to join immediately. Contact :99087175 Indian male 26 years, with 4 years experience in accounts and administration looking for suitable placement. Contact 93008891

Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Onsite Tally Training, Inventory Management Contact : 96975454, email : ibfcoman@hotmail.com Accountant 35 years B.COM with experience in Oman urgently seeking suitable job Accountant/ Ass. Admin / HR valid driving license & NOC. Contact + 968- 99176112 Email : aamirjaved24@hotmail.com Indian Accounts / Audit assistant with 2 years of experience currently on a visit visa looking for suitable job openings. Contact: 94677338, 97041086 Email: ajeeshkcy1989@gmail.com Indian male, B.Com, Accountant – 6yrs exp in Oman, NOC availableReady to join.contact: 98162671 ; email: prasanths3@gmail.com Indian male 32 years M.B.A, 5 years experience as Accountant in Qatar and 3 years experience in Marketing and Purchase department valid Qatar license is advantage, seeking suitable placement. Contact 93011814 Mail: shajusr@yahoo.com Accounts part time works up to finalization, monthly report, balance sheet and finalization works. Contact 96247295 Indian male 22 yrs B. Com Graduate 1 year exp in Accounts, currently on visit visa. Looking for suitable job. Contact – 94341848 / Email – mohdhaji7272@gmail.com Indian female 28 MBA (HR) B. Sc, 3+ years exp India & Oman HR/Admin looking for suitable placement. Contact 95619537 Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting . NOC available. Contact 96209331 Indian male, B.COM, currently in Oman on Visit Visa, Urgent seeking suitable Job Accountant / Administrative/ HR dept. have 6y. UAE experience, Valid Driving License, Knowledge of Internet ,Tally ERP9, Microsoft Office. MS EXCEL, immediately available. Contact +968-92718733 , Email : sahashankar@gmail.com B.com doing CA Accounts/ office job male now working in Oman Noc, release available. Contact 92715465 Email: alsabathehm@gmail.com Indian female B.com CA Inter 3 years internship completed 2 years accounting experience currently on visit visa seeking for suitable job . Contact 94682798/95736496 Email: giby2605@gmail.com Male, total 17 years experience in India & Oman - India - 9 years & Oman - 8 years In the field of procurement, material controller and accountancy - Local release available (Noc) Cont no. 91680124 , 98606546

ARCHI./ DRAUGHTSMAN Indian male, Autocad draughtman with 2 years of experience currently working in oman.seeking suitable placement.NOC available. Contact: 94123480 Email: fahadhundred@gmail.com Female Architect 3.5 years experience looking for job, having experience in Oman AutoCAD and sketch up. Contact 96146645 Email: anjuovil@gmail.com Indian male, 1 and half years experience in Indian, Using Total station, Auto level and Auto Cad , seeking suitable placement. Contact 95140761 / 99208290 Email: binu.brijiv@gmail.com Architect (B. Arch) 3 years experience in 2D/3D CAD and construction detailing for design consultancies seeking suitable position in reputed ﬁrm. Contact 99083386 Email: nitish.nadaraajan@gmail.com Autocad D/man, Civil Engg Diploma 3 yrs, Gulf exp in architectural, structural, interior, security systems, knows 3d , NOC available. Contact 98225740 Auotcad knows 3D,REVIT, MAX Ph : 97103168 AutoCAD operator, Indian male 3 yrs experience in Auto CAD 2D & 3Ds Civil Draftsman, MAX and Photo shop, presently on visit visa seek suitable placement. Contact 91764358 Email: mohdsiraj02@yahoo.com

T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ADVERTISING

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

Indian Male, 28 years, have Omani driving license. NOC available, seeks job. Phone: 96245690

Indian male BE/B. Tech in computers 2 years experience on DBA on visit visa. Contact :93048527

Business Development Officer cum Branch Head, young Indian male, MBA, around 5 years experience in reputed multinational company (MNC) looking for suitable position in Suwaiq, Sohar area.Contact 92700670 Email: fardhaan@gmail.com

Omani citizen searching a job in the ﬁeld of computer Especially in data base professional in operating oracle SQL , PL/ SQL , form6i , Report 6i . Contact 96977368 Email: talaloml@yahoo.com

ADMIN/HR Indian female with excellent communication skills, confident, dedicated to work and enthusiastic. Knowledge about ms office. Has 6 years of experience in customer service, telecommunication, HR.Looking for immediate placement. Contact # 97348819 Indian female 6 years experience in finance HR/ & Administration (M.Com) with Oman D/L or family joining visa. Contact 99796847 Email: rabitha.05@gmail.com Indian male 32 yrs MBA.HR marketing, 6 yrs experience in FMGC products looking for a suitable job. Contact 92954827 Over 14 years of Gulf experience in Admin /HR /Logistics, fluent in Arabic & English with D/L, looking for suitable position. Contact 95824598 Indian male, well experienced in Administration supervisory, business development, front office Administrations & good computer skills seeking Supervisory / Secretarial / Front Office Administrative jobs. Contact 92145973 Email: ubaidpt99@yahoo.com Indian male having 2+ years Oman experience seeking suitable job opportunity...currently working as HR coordinator in a reputed company in Oman. Contact : 93671437 alluarun777@gmail.com Noc available MBA in Marketing and HR seeking suitable jobs. Contact 91250149 Email: hameem.husain@gmail.com Indian female MBA (HR) with Good computer proficiency and 3 years of experience. Holding Oman Driving License. Contact:-93554207 humanresourceoman@gmail.com Wanted job as Administrative, Assistant, Supervisor 10 yrs exp. Contact 99014612

DESIGNER Modular kitchen designer with 4 years Bahrain /Dubai experience plus 10 years AutoCAD, 3D, Photoshop& 20-20 Fusion. Contact +968-96467673, cristobabu@gmail.com Keralite Bachelor professional building designer with AutoCAD, 3D Max & Accounts. #96535497, email : bhaviwky90@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECHNICAL BE Petroleum Engineer - 23 years, 1 year exp (6 months offshore), previously done 2 onﬁeld internships in Oman. Seeking suitable placement. Valid HSE PDO passport and Oman driving license holder. Contact: 97384353, wnehri@gmail.com BSc Civil Engineer over 19 years experience in construction ﬁeld with project management skills, seeks suitable placement NOC available & can join immediately. Kindly Contact: 92198264 Email: mdrana1970@gmail.com Looking Part time Job in HVACContact - 93198128 Quantity Surveyor (Civil Building) looking for Part time job Contact no:-94391712 E-mail addressinayathhussain@yahoo.com 11 and Half years experienced Civil Diploma holder seeks placement with D/L, CAD & site experience. Contact 93420930 Civil Engineer having 4.5 yrs experience in building construction, looking for suitable placement valid D/L available. Contact 91253392

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian Mechanical Engineer 27 years experience in Oman for 8 years with Omani driving license looking for job change. NOC available. Contact 92986079 for short and long term contracts. Area of experience oil and GAS. Contact 92986079 Electrical Engg B.E 6+ yrs in Oman exp in ELP projects, LV , 11KV, 33KVOHL , UGC & DCRP requirements available with release/NOC valid D/L join immediately. Contact: 97601836 Email: sidm4u@gmail.com Elet Engr (13+yrs exp.) Diploma presently working as Site Engr HV & LV OHL, U/G having NOC & valid Oman D/L . Contact 96274568 / 95129698 Indian B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, 26 yrs, 4 yrs experience in HVAC/MEP. Contact 94669629, rajeevhpd15@yahoo.com 25 years old Indian male BE in Electronics and Communication / NEBOSH presently working as Safety Officer in reputed company in India looking for suitable placement. Contact India: 0091- 9605114343 Email: harishharinarayan@gmail.com Indian male, 24 years, BE Computers Science & Engn, worked as Network Engn/Network Analysis, well versed with CISCO devices. Smart, conﬁdent and good English command, ready to join ASAP, available on Contact 99797616 / 94208353 Email: abrar_met@hotmail.com Sudanese Electrical plants equipment Engineer with 3 years Diploma degree of Electrical Engineer have 5 years experience in building constructing industry operation installation maintenance asphalt crushers stone plants and automation systems. Contact 94549609

MBA Admin CRM exp female Indian. Contact 92135280

D.A.E Civil Engineer Pakistani male, Diploma 3 years full experience 10 years, 6 yrs exp in Oman & Pakistan exp 4 years looking for good job in ﬁrm. Contact 92286164

Indian female B.Com with excellent communication available for immediate joining full time or part time in HR & Admin coordination. #98460262

Elet.Engr 9+ yrs exp Noc available can join immediately. Contact 99148940 Email: jobluk.om@gmail.com

B. Sc Civil Engineer with 5 years experience and valid Omani driving license and PDO driving and safety license and OSHA safety license looking for suitable job. Contact 92548097

Young Indian male with 5 years Muscat experience in admin, purchase & Masters from UK seeks placement. Possess driving license. Contact 94400671

Civil Engineer B Tech, Site Engineer Experienced, Drafting on Visit Visa Ph : 91642050

Sudanese chemist resident, 3 years experience in chemical industry. Contact 97399073

Quality Assurance Design, BTech Elec, MBA (TQM) , IT Infrastructure(WLAN , TETRA) Security systems(CCTV AACS),Project control Engineering, Document Control / CAD Managing /Change management, Exp in Major projects, NOC available Ph : 99506977

Sudanese Graduate with 3 years Diploma in Civil Engineering have 5 years experience in building construction industry materials, speciﬁcation & testing. Contact 96995670

CATERING Arabic conti Indian B.B.Q salads Gulf experience 10 years looking for good opportunity. NOC available. Contact 97004585 / 95451027 Indian cook, Tandoori cook, male, 32 yrs, having 4 yrs of experience in Muscat in India, looking for a cook job in Hotel. Contact 93753523 / 98744307 / 92175119.

DRIVER Light Driver having own visa looking for job as driver. # 92303692 Light driver looking for job. Contact 96913836 Light driver looking for job. Contact 96694393 Driver available in Ruwi. Contact 97460056 Light driver with car available. Contact 95520696 Light driver with car 7 yrs experience. Contact 91553628 / 95667138 Light driver 8 years experience in Oman. Contact 95927422 Light driver. Contact 91376612 Light duty driver with 3 years experience in Oman +5 years in Saudi Arabia speaking Hindi Arabic English. Contact 96088707 Light driver job. Contact96756014 Light driver looking for job. Contact 92791678 Light driver looking for job. Contact 91376612 LV Driver- 2 yrs Exp-know English- Contact 95292064

Electrical Engineer looking for job NOC available. Contact 96347995 B/Tech B.E Civil nearly 3 years Indian male. Contact 93850875 Indian Male 10 years experienced CIVIL ENGINEER having Omani driving license looking for suitable placement. GSM 94194399 (Shiblyrock@gmail.com) Indian Female, 24, UK Graduate - MSc Digital Communication Network Engineering with B.Tech Electronics and Communication holding a Valid Omani Driving License, looking for suitable placement (Presently on Visit Visa). Contact No. : 95408113 Civil Engineer Diploma and AutoCAD having 2 yrs experience in India seeking suitable jobs. Contact 95476430 Civil Engineer having four and half years experience in building construction, looking for a suitable placement valid D/L available. Contact 91253392 Experienced female Electrical Engineer. Contact 93800906 Store In Charge: Indian male having 6 years experience in Oman seeking suitable position, Now in India Contact: 93211256, India:+91-76114979, krishnamohanap2000@gmail.com Indian male, having 10 yrs experience in CCTV (AV Technician), ﬁre alarm, EPABX, all types of electrical work seeking suitable placement, presently on visit visa. Contact 97948198 / 99356393 Email: srinivasparipelli@yahoo.com

B.Sc Electronics, Tech, C.C.T.V, Security System Saudi exp 2 years total 10 years exp now on visit visa Indian. Contact 97364750 Email: bijumonjk1@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Diploma) with exp. looking for placement. Contact 95200650 Indian male Mechanical Piping Engineer (BE) Done NDT course fresher on visit visa looking for job. Contact 97359171 Diploma in Architect 2.5 years experience in Oman having driving. Contact 92967404 Electrical Engineer B.E Engineer, 6 years experience in Dubai, Bahrain with G.C.C. professional licenses holding GCC driving license. Contact 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com . Civil Engineer 4 years exp (3 in Oman as a Quantity Surveyor & planning engineer for road works & bridges in a big project) ﬂuent in English & Arabic. Contact - 93477660 B.Tech electronics & instrument, Indian male having 4 years exp in oil & gas ﬁeld one years experience in Saudi, looking for suitable vacancy. Contact 98854946 Email: alfredtjose@gmail.com

Aircraft Maintenance Technician with one year experience seeks suitable placement. Contact amaljohn2002@gmail.com Project Engineer, civil engineer BSC, Building Construction 5 Years Exp in Oman ﬂuent Arabic, English and good Hindi .Contact - 97858589 B.Tech Mechanical Engineer (Automobile)&Diploma in QC with 2yrs experience in oil & gas company seek suitable placement job currently on Visit Visa. Contact no.96071081, 99214308 , Email: rahulvarikkat@gmail.com BE/EEE Electrical Engineer Indian male 25 years having 2.5 years experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact 00968-96522624 / 92770316 contact India +91- 9994024477 / 9597539520 Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in Industrial Automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement. #92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 11 years exp in oil & gas industry. Contact - 95928035 Telecom Engineer with 4.5 years Oman experience looking for a suitable opportunity, interested even in Marketing also. Possess valid Oman driving license. Contact 94145460 DAE (Civil) having 3.5 years Experience 2 years from Oman with driving licences, seeking for suitable position in Construction ﬁeld NOC and release available . Contact 96968554 Email: mehranahmad26@yahoo.com 24 years Indian female diploma in computer science and engineering now on visit visa seek suitable placement. Contact 96314974/99107369 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp. Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, Gulf Exp in Design and Manufacturing Ph: 97097688 Diploma of Associate Civil Engineering, Diploma of AutoCad, having 3.5 yrs experience, 2 yrs experience of Oman in Building Construction, valid transferrable ID Card. Contact 94378581 Indian male, 26 yrs B-Tech (ECE) with MBA in Marketing / HR looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 30 January 2015. Contact 93754428, email : shijosirius709@gmail.com

EDUCATION Indian Female (M.Com, B.ED) 2Yrs Experience in teaching seeks suitable placement . Specialization in ( Accounting, Business studies, Human resource management, Economics). Presently in Visit Visa Status. Contact:97342709, Email: sininair27@gmail.com 1 year experience in teaching all subject to KG classes, currently working as a teacher in Oman, seeking suitable placement, Family visa. Contact 92178304 / 99036256

HOSPITALITY Indian female (Aviation and hospitality management) with excellent communication skill, conﬁdent, dedicated to works and enthusiastic and 1 year experience in admin department looking for immediate placement . #93351256 email : hinakhan.hk88@gamil.com

IT Civil Engineer with 12 years Experience Looking For Job. Contact 98162295 Generator maintenance in charge with 4 yrs experience with Cummins, caterpillar, kirloskar and voltas. Contact - email: shibinmundakkal@gmail.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847

Indian male Graduate (BSc. IT) 25 years new on visit visa in Muscat. 1 year experience in Accounts looking for suitable position. # 95752827 Email: mhdfsrn@gmail.com Male Omani National, 27 years, holding Master in IT - Computer Sciences Engineering (India) and Master in Robotic Intelligency (Spain), looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 99211549. 3G , 4G Welding lead man Indian male, 33 years, having 15 years experience in American company, UAE and India, seeking for suitable placement. Contact 92122468 Email: shaji11@gmail.com IT Support Engineer Indian male with 6 years experience in system Admin/ IT support seeking suitable placement. # 94549589 / 99817516 Indian male Graduate IT Engineer Hardware networking MCITP, CCNA RHCE 3 years of experience on visit visa seeking job. Contact 94647824 Email: azharpo@gmail.com Indian male 25 B.Tech (IT) Engineer 2.5 yrs exp in hardware networking. Currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact – 94359564

BE. Mechanical Engineer with 2 years’ experience in Mechanical piping execution, Seek suitable placement job currently on Visit Visa, Contact no: 9843 9656, 9526 5739, Email: pavithomas@rediffmail.com Indian male M.Tech MBA, 24 years experience working as Country Manager seeks employment. Contact 92279972, NOC available. Purchase Manager with 14 years experience in construction industry with valid D/L & NOC . # 92884811 Email: bati.rajesh@gmail.com Qualiﬁed Manager: (12+ yrs. Oman Exp.) Vast knowledge in A/c & Admin, Costing, Banking, Credit Control, Insurance, International Purchase/Logistics & Finance, With D/L looking for suitable position. Contact 93826090 Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE Indian male more than 10 years Gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin (employees visa processes), Secretarial and purchase coordination with good computer skills. Having Driving license and NOC available. Looking for suitable placement. Contact 99709336

IT Prof, MCA having 6+ yrs exp, seeks suitable position. Contact 94543668

Indian female with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement. Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com

Hardware specialist B.Tech M.Tech electronics with 10 years experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations. Contact 91289459 Email: shrn.shrf@gmail.com

Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs. 5 years experience in Muscat. Immediately available for joining. Contact: 92139298

B.Tech IT Professional, Indian Male with 3 yrs of Exp. In System Admin, IT Support, Networking, Installing Active Directory, DHCP, DNS,RAS, conﬁguring maintaining and managing servers, conﬁguring cisco routers, Exp in handling SQL database, With Valid Driving Licence. Contact - 968 98863507

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Welder, 3G, 6G, TIG, Exp in Fabrication , Gulf Exp Ph : 97103168 Care taker, Gulf Exp knows Hindi, Arabic Ph: 94238840

SALES / MARKETING MEDICAL Staff Nurse working in muscat. Looking for new opportunity. Release / NOC letter available. #99433415

Indian Salesman having over 10 years experience in shop and outdoor; knows Hindi & Arabic; looking for opening in sales ﬁeld. Contact 94432608

Female Dentist Indian, 28 years Dental Surgeon, 3 years of experience, Oman prometric passed with 64%, looking for a suitable placement in Muscat region. Contact 91377681 Email: hashmisarwat@gmail.com

15 years experience Indian male looking for job in storekeeper, counter sales having valid GCC driving license seeks suitable placement. Contact 99052817

Pharmacist with MOH License and NOC available for placement in Hospitals, polyclinics, warehouses etc. either in Muscat or in and around Nizwa. Contact 99617610

Indian M.27 B.Com, 5 yrs exp sales & customer relation, MS Word, MS Office, Excel on visit visa. Contact 95612321 Email: jkadavil@gmail.com

Medical- Indian female, 27 yrs, masters in hospital administration, fellowship in HTA studied in a super specialty medical sciences and research center in India and done project in an established hospital in sultanate of Oman. Contact 93200827, 91026506

Indian male 25 yrs M.B.A having More than 2 years experience in sales & marketing good communication skills Looking for a suitable job. Contact 92152913 email: May4senthil@gmail.com

Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378 Female pharmacist with 3 years experience and MOH license currently in Oman, CONTACT 92455124

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female 25, BFT with excellent communication skills, conﬁdent, dedicated to work and enthusiastic. 5 yrs experience in merchandising and fashion marketing. available on family visit, seeking for a suitable job. Contact 96990368, simmy.missy@gmail.com Logistics Officer, Experience in Store keeping. Contact : 99505934

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

Hardware and Network Technician with 6 years experience one year in Oman, good experience in security systems and net work cabling looking for suitable placement.. Contact 96365220

Restaurant /Catering Manager – Operations with 21 years experience with 2 years in Saudi is available on visit. Contact 98894682

Indian male MBA (marketing & IT) with 1 yr exp looking for suitable placement presently on visit visa. Contact 97327997 Email: irshad.alimc@gmai.com

Indian female with nine years of experience in 5 Star hotels as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager looking for a suitable placement in a reputed Star hotel. Contact: 91219787

Young female, having experience of working in Oman with expertise in the field of Event Management, Advertising, Marketing and Hotel Management. Currently on a visit visa. Seeking for a suitable Job. Contact 96153578 MBA fresher, with fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam, looking for suitable job. Currently in Oman on visit visa. Mob : +968-93730345 Indian male 30 years DME 4 years experience in building material outdoor sales, NOC available with valid Oman D/L. Contact 92447574 Email: shijophilip84@yahoo.in IND M 29 2 yrs exp in dales in Oman seeks suitable placement in back office support, sales, store keeper. NOC available. Contact 91797372 Indian male 23 with 2 years Oman experience looking for suitable placement in sales and marketing. NOC available with valid D/L. Contact 96392009 Looking for suitable placement in outdoor marketing field with 6 years experience valid Omani driving license. Abundant experience of local market can handle independently with positive attitude. Contact 99432807

T H U R S D AY, M A R C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

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SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED

COMPUTER

SALES / MARKETING 23 years Indian male commerce Graduate on visit seeks suitable placement - 2 years experience in sales /marketing. #91278637 / Muzammil Indian male 34 years, having 5 years experience in Saudi as Safety Officer looking for suitable jobs in this ﬁeld. Contact 94349820 Indian male, with 8 yrs exp in Sales Operations & accounts handling, expert in SAP & ERP applications seeks job. Contact 93345990 Indian male, B.Com Graduate, good experience in purchase, worked in SAOC company seeks suitable position. Contact 93219971

CLASSES

18 yrs Oman experience in building materials seeking suitable placement, NOC available Contact 93105775

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

BUSINESS

Indian male 9+ years experience in GCC and Indian in hardcore sales and customer service looking for buffer opportunity, holding valid Oman driving license visit visa. Experience shipping, banking, safety products (PPE) Contact : 97132606 Indian Male having 7 yrs in experience in Oman Sales & Marketing Ofﬁce Automation Printer, Copier, MFP, IT products & Stationery. Looking for Suitable Placement NOC Available Contact :9738474

MANPOWER

Split & window unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact 99557080

Indian Male, 7 yrs experience in building materials trading having Oman D/L, immediate release available. Contact 98676713

Coffee shop business partner required. Contact 95212017

Indian male, B.Com, 20 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing having UAE light D/L looking for suitable post. Contact +91 9946699062, email : sajim40@gmail.com

GOOD NEWS

Corporate Communication Professional, smart, quality English writing, double Masters, Oman exp in Corporate, Internal &Marketing Communication, CSR Programs, PRs, Ads, Events, Campaigns, Customer Relations. Immediately Available, Release. # 91229392

NRI Investments, insurance and pension plans from SBI life (State Bank of India group). Contact 95778431

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

Air conditioning split A/C, Ducted split & package A/C, maintenance & installation. Contact 98667326

Indian male, graduate with 7 years experience in hospitality industry, sales & marketing .M.B.A in human resource management. #92115860

Indian male, 25 years, now on visit visa in Muscat. One year experience in accounts, looking for suitable position. Contact:95752827, Email id: mhdfsrn@gmail.com

AC service repair and maintenance. Contact 95356877

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807

Indian male, 15 years experience in managing department stores, in Karnataka, India, looking for placement.# 93086105 or 99016546

Sri Lankan, female, 25 years, Graduate in Management, possessing 6 years experience in banking, ﬁnancial, administration and risk management. Currently on a visit visa seeks suitable immediate placement. Contact 93462521. wathsala.perera1@yahoo.com

Window & spilt unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 96236476

Grade -1 tender board construction LLC Company looking for joint ventures on a larger scale or partners who can invest 70% of the capital. Email: civilprojects57@gmail.com

Cheapest prices all types window, curtains and Blinds. Contact 99539521

Canadian Manpower Co. Recruiting Construction, Hotel, Medical, Gas & Oil Staffs - 2 years contract, work visa, tickets, accommodation. Free recruitment. Please send CV to margholdingoman@yahoo.com, www.margholdingimmigration.com, 93392630 Available construction workers, hospital staff with Oman parametric, housemaids Indian, Uganda. Contact 9629417/98408488 Email: alkubratrading@gmail.com

NRI Brand new 3BHK for sale, 4 cents, 1600 sq ft, Vastu based contemporary style with modular kitchen house in Thirumala, Trivandrum. Contac 0091- 9447159105, E Mail : bijursmct@yahoo.com

Taimour Ayurvedic Clinic, Ruwi offers genuine & effective treatment for back pain, paralysis, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, osteoarthritis, joint pains, sinusitis, migraine, allergic problems, varicose vein and all other health related problems. Kerala massage and rejuvenation package available. For details please contact: 92197920/ 24799689 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis IDEAL , CARE Ayurvedic Clinic 18 November street, Azaiba. Contact 99639695 / 99117987 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 , www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com

Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970 Cleaning services, carpet & sofa shampooing, marble restoration (grinding) and polishing, pest control, fogging service. Contact 99448057, 95401996 Cheapest Prices, all types window, curtains and blind. Contact 99539521 Computer service/ AMC/ Networking. Contact 91339882 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

We offer you the business services maintenance of buildings and villas for paint and carpentry and decoration works and installation of material awater Broof and cleaning services building management and leasing of real estate . Contact 99070093 Cold store freezer, chiller A/C installation and maintenance. Contact 92279370 Door to Door Computers repair specialist laptop software Website cartridges. Contact 99199376 Water prooﬁng ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 GULF INTERNATIONAL LLC. all kind of pest control. Contact 92326955 Pest control & cleaning services professionals in pest control service bedbugs treatment, rodent, treatment, snake treatment and termite treatment, pre and post construction. Contact 93098450, 96408964, fax : 24472116 A/C maintenance split A/C servicing. RO. 10 only. # 94217681/ 99210141

MATRIMONIAL Keralite RCSC parents invite alliance from RCSC boy Graduate Post Graduate 26/29 their daughter 23/167 B. Tech. Contact 97112038 / 24493497 32 yrs old Nadar Executive is working in Oman for last 8 years require bride from same caste. Contact 95892831 Alliance seeking from Hindu Keralite girl for a widower age 47 yrs having female child (10 yrs) working in automotive corporate Muscat as Manager. Contact 96082694 / 99379956 Alliance seeking from Menon/Nair parents of professionally qualiﬁed grooms for a B.Tech graduate girl hails from Palakkad (23, Makeeram – 1 dosham), presently working in Dubai and staying with parents. Please contact +968-92146800. Preference to Palakkad, Trichur & Malabar side boys. Tamil Muslim parents looking for boys from good reputed family B.S.C smart, 23 yrs.Contact 99443236 after 6 pm Keralite Syrian Christian Parents seeking alliance from any Syrian Christian Denominations Graduated working girls preferably in Oman or UAE for their son MBA 29/175-born brought up in Muscat working in a reputed organization. # 97226324 email: m4proposal@yahoo.com We are looking for a Muslim Girl for our son interested parents or daughter May. Contact 97664009

Pest Control Treatments, Termites, Cockroaches, Bedbugs. Contact Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99344723

Hindu Ezhava family, settled in Muscat looking for suitable groom working within Oman for their daughter 25 yrs (MBA) working with a reputed company in Muscat. Contact : 98689663

Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970

Male Nurse Keralite Christian RC Boy, Age 28 Years, Inviting Proposals. Contact: 93657535

House shifting. Contact 99708138 House shifting packing. Contact 99657644, 98518013

T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

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

TOURS

RENT A CAR

TRANSPORTATION School Transportation :96581664 Transportation. Contact 98505294 Transportation. Contact 99664703 Picking and drop.Contact 96743215

RENT A CAR

Transportation. Contact 98518979 Transport to ISWK. Contact 93172589 Transportation available. Contact 95570429 Transportation. Contact 91379976 Pick & Drop any time. Contact 97014786 Pick & drop anytime in al Khuwair. Contact 99764307

NRI

Spacious, 2BHK ďŹ&#x201A;at for sale at Hebbal Bangalore. Contact 96263157

T H U R S D AY, M A R C H 1 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Indian, Arabic, Chinese dishes, BuďŹ&#x20AC;et Lunch (On Friday) Indoor & Outdoor, Catering, Party hall available Take Away & Home Delivery

Party booking & sugges ons 99320065, 99341643

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