Times of Oman - April 19, 2016

TUESDAY

April 19, 2016 11 Rajab 1437 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’

MORNING MINUTE

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 49

Our aim is to see that Oman has restored its past civilisation and has occupied its great position among its Arab brothers in the second half of the 20th Century, and to see the Omani citizen living in happiness and dignity in his land.

| 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified rti tifie fied C Co Company omp mpaan ny | Ch C Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: haaiiirm rrm maan n //E E Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

D O H A TA L K S

RIGHTS COMMISSION

‘Deadlock on crude output to have little impact on Oman’

HM issues two Royal Decrees MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said yesterday issued two Royal Decrees.

Royal Decree No. 23/2016 amends the name of the Human Rights Commission.

Article (1) states that the name of the Human Rights Commission quoted in Royal Decree No. 124/2008 shall be replaced with “Oman Human Rights Commission”.

Article (2) cancels all that contradicts this decree or contravenes its provisions.

Article (3) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced on its date of issue.

Royal Decree No. 24/2016 appoints the members of Oman Human Rights Commission. >A6

BABA UMAR

babaumar@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s crude oil prices fell to $37.81 per barrel on Monday, as reported by the Dubai Mercantile Exchange, after oil producers failed to agree on production limits.

Experts, however, say the impact in the drop will not be significant in the Sultanate.

“I think prices will remain stable,” Suresh Kumar, research head at Al Maha Financial Services, told Times of Oman.

“Kuwait and the United States have cut down costs. Also, it is due to the supply and demand ratio. When production goes up, prices fall,” he said.

On April 13, the price of Oman Crude Oil Financial Contract, DME Oman, for June deliveries closed at $40.56 per barrel on the Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME). DME Oman crude oil is a benchmark for pricing crude oil by those nations that produce it.

EARTHQUAKE

HM sends condolences MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent two cables of condolences to Emperor Akihito of Japan and President Rafael Correa of the Republic of Ecuador for the victims of earthquakes which had recently hit their countries .

In his cables, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to Emperor Akihito and President Correa, families of the victims and the people of Japan and Ecuador. -ONA TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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365 teams to take part in Times quiz

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A total of 365 teams from 20 schools in Oman are set to compete with one another during the mega prelims. >A4

Commercial use of residential units

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Residential buildings can now be used for commercial purposes under certain conditions. >A5

MEET OMAN’S SOLE OLYMPIC TORCHBEARER Oman’s only qualifier for the Rio Olympics will carry Sultanate’s hopes to Brazil

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Talks to end a civil war and Saudi-led intervention in Yemen will not begin on Monday as planned. >A9

Al Harthi is training hard for Rio in Bahrain and wants to return to Oman only after the Olympics

Qualified for world’s biggest contest just one month after his mother passed away

REGION

Talks to end Yemen civil war delayed

On the occasion of the 2nd National Day, 1972

An ex-footballer who discovered his athletics skill by chance by outrunning the ball

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: This August the eyes of the world will watch as the Parade of Nations opens the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Amid the sea of flags carried into the Maracanã Stadium will be one somewhat lonely, but incredibly proud, man holding Oman’s standard aloft.

Meet the Sultanate’s sole Olympic torchbearer, Barakat Al Harthi, who broke into the Olympics following his victory at the Military World Games in South Korea in October last year. He sprinted to 100m victory in South Korea. >A6

Saudi-Iran tension Talks among Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) faltered in Qatar after oilproducing countries failed to reach agreement over limiting production. Saudi Arabia announced it would not restrain its production unless other producers, including Iran, agree to a freeze. Iran, however, did not attend the meeting.

“Interestingly,” Kumar said, “Kuwait’s crude production

Oman offers to bridge Saudi-Iran gap in oil output talks >B1 dropped by more than half on Sunday, as thousands of its oil industry employees began an open-ended strike over the government plans to cut wages.”

“The output fell to 1.1 million barrels a day, which will help oil prices remain stable,” he said.

Price likely to rise Kumar added, “The worst is behind us. From $26 the oil price rose to $40 and by this year we hope that it will be around $50 a barrel.” Others say the deadlock in the Qatar talks is bad news for all oil-producing nations.

“It is certainly bad news for all OPEC countries. The failure of reaching an agreement is depressing. In some sense, it will affect the global economy,” N. Gurumurthy, a Muscat-based financial expert, told Times of Oman. >A6

AL BURAIMI INCIDENT

Abandoned girl to stay at care home Times News Service MUSCAT: In case no relative of the abandoned girl child shows up, she will be kept at the child care centre permanently until somebody offers to foster her, the Director of the Child Care Centre in Oman said.

The girl abandoned in a public park in Al Buraimi was transferred to the Child Care Centre in Muscat, said the Ministry of Social Development.

Many social media users have offered to foster the child and shown sympathy towards her.

A citizen has offered via Twitter an OMR1,000 award for the person who can find the abandoned girl’s parents.

However, the Ministry of Social Development said it’s too early to hand over the little girl to a foster family.

According to the law, she will be kept at the centre until all legal

procedures are over. She will be later kept at the ‘Al Wifaq’ Care Centre.

There are criteria to be followed to foster a child, and those who are interested must contact the Child Affair Department at the Ministry of Social Development, the ministry said.

The unidentified girl is about two years old, said the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

CELESTIAL PHENOMENON

Mercury’s transit across Sun to be visible HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com

Art exhibition to boost Oman, India ties

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MUSCAT: People in Oman will be able to observe the transit of Mercury across the Sun on May 9, the Oman Astronomical Society (OAS) said.

This will be a rare event, as it takes place only 13 times in every century, with Mercury moving near the centre of the Sun, according to OAS. The phenomenon will be visible in the Muscat governorate before sunset at 6:36pm.

Mercury will first touch the Sun at 3:11 pm, and will enter the Sun’s circle at 3:14 pm. However, astronomers in Oman have advised people not watch the event with naked eyes.

“It is never safe to watch the transit without taking special precautions as it can cause damage to the eyes,” said Saleh Al Shidhani from OAS. He stressed that observers should use telescopes

RARE EVENT: This will be a rare event, as it takes place only 13 times in every century, with Mercury

moving near the centre of the Sun, according to OAS.

with a sun filter to safely enjoy viewing the little planet travel in front of the Sun. According to Al Shidani, the event can be witnessed in all parts Oman. “We are planning to have a gathering at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Nizwa and Bausher to watch the event,” he

added. The Oman News Agency (ONA) reported that the little planet will cover only 0.6 per cent of the Sun’s size.

According to sciencealert.com, the transit of Mercury occurs when Mercury passes between the Sun and Earth, and this takes place only about 13 or 14 times

every 100 years. This year, the planet will take around eight hours to make its glorious way across the Sun. However, people in Indonesia, Australasia and eastern Asia will not be able to see the astronomical event. The last three transits occurred in 1999, 2003 and 2006.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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The decision is clear in stating that every employee must cancel such contracts, so that there will be no conflict of interest Muscat Municipality official

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Muscat Municipality staff get a month to end personal contracts ERIK PRINS

erik@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Employees of Muscat Municipality have a month to give up any personal contracts they have with any company, a circular

by Muscat Municipality stated.

The circular, issued on the authority of Mohsin bin Mohammed Al Sheikh, Chairman of Muscat Municipality and published on the Arabic Twitter account of Zaajel News on Sunday, stated that any employee who fails to give up his interests in any company within a month’s time will be referred to the Public Prosecu-

tion, as this is considered a crime in the law protecting public funds and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Fighting corruption An official of Muscat Municipality told the Times of Oman that the circular is part of efforts to fight corruption. “This is part of the government’s efforts to fight corruption. The decision is clear in stating that every employee must cancel such contracts, so that there will be no conflicts of interest,” he said.

He said failing to give up interests in companies is against the law. “Those who do so will be re-

ferred to a specialised unit in the Public Prosecution [Public Funds Affairs],” he said. The official said that the order from Muscat Municipality is based on a Royal Decree, which covers the entire government and which forbids all government employees to act as a mediator or representative of a company which activities coincide with the work of the employee.

The circular further referred to the law saying it is forbidden for any government staff to act as a mediator between the government and a company, which includes offering help to companies in getting licences or permits.

VISIT TO GERMANY

‘Regular passport holders need Schengen-visa’ Times News Service MUSCAT: Germany’s Embassy in Muscat has clarified that regular passport holders will still need a Schengen-visa to travel to Germany.

“Referring to recent reports in the press on the Omani-German visa agreement signed on the March 2016, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany wishes to clarify that the agreement applies only to diplomatic, service and special passports and regular passport holders will still need a Schengen-visa to travel to Germany,” it said, in a statement on Monday.

Ratification awaited It also said that the agreement has not yet entered into force as the ratification process is ongoing. “In view of the upcoming holiday season it is advised to book an appointment well in advance of the date of travel for travellers wishing to visit Germany,” it added.

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DECISIONS

Expats need to pay OMR10 for verifying fingerprints Times News Service MUSCAT: Expatriates will now have to pay OMR20 for a no-conviction certificate and OMR10 for verifying fingerprints, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has stated.

The other new fees include OMR10 for certificates of good conduct for Omani citizens, OMR10 for yearly issuing of authorization cards for company representatives for documentation purposes and OMR20 for the annual registration and renewal by contractors, advisory offices in exports, logistics, services, adviM I N I M U M WA G E

Pharmaceutical firm hikes wage of Omani staff Times News Service MUSCAT: Starting from May 2016, the minimum wage for all Omani workers employed at the Oman Pharmaceutical Products company, will be OMR430, including those who will be employed in the future.

Work environment In a bid to create a suitable and stable work environment for the national workforce, the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) has signed an agreement with Oman Pharmaceutical Products to increase the minimum wage of Omanis, who are currently employed in the company and the ones who will be hired later.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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sory studies and technical work.

This was stated in a decision issued on Sunday by the ROP on the authority of Hassan bin Mohsin Al Shraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs.

Another decision Another decision issued on Sunday imposes fines on illegally carrying firearms, ranging from OMR40 to 100 depending on the type of firearm. Failing to renew licences for a firearm will cost OMR40 for individuals and OMR150 for shooting clubs.

Handing over a weapon to an-

other person will invite a penalty of OMR50 and anyone who carries a silenced weapon risks a fine of OMR100.

The fine for being in the possession of ammunition of not more than 50 bullets without licence will be OMR60. In addition, the fine for failing to renew the licence for selling weapons and ammunition will be OMR200.

The ROP has also introduced fines for using fireworks. A fine of OMR100 will be imposed on anyone who uses fireworks, even in a sparsely populated area or in a public place.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016 The mega prelim stage is where the teams would have to raise the bar and recognise the fact that they are now competing with teams that have all qualified for the quiz from their respective schools Giri Balasubramaniam, Quizmaster

OMAN TIMES OF OMAN INTER SCHOOL QUIZ CONTEST

365 teams from 20 schools set for TOOISQC mega prelims Times News Service MUSCAT: A total of 365 teams from 20 schools in Oman are set to compete with one another during the mega prelims of the Times of Oman Inter School Quiz Contest (TOOISQC) today.

About 730 students in both junior and senior categories are eagerly waiting to clinch a place in the final, which will be held at the City Amphitheatre on April 21.

To be held at the Indian School Ghubra, the mega prelims will begin at 4pm and the contestants are advised to arrive before the assigned time. Junior teams are requested to report at the venue by 3.30pm and the senior teams are expected to arrive by 5.30pm.

Top teams One top team from each school will participate in the final conducted by quizmaster Giri Balasubramaniam on Thursday night.

The participating schools are Al Ghad Al Mushriq Private School, American British Academy, Bangladesh School Muscat, Bangladesh School Sohar, Indian School Darsait, Indian School Ghubrah, Indian School Ibra, Indian School Ibri, Indian School Maabela, Indian

School Muladha, Indian School Muscat, Indian School Rustaq, Indian School Salalah, Indian School Seeb, Indian School Sohar, Indian School Sur, Indian School Wadi Kabir, Modern International School Oman, Pakistan School Muscat, Pakistan School Sohar. Around 3,000 students participated in the prelims, which were conducted at six centres in the Sultanate.

Raise the bar Commenting on the mega prelims, quizmaster Balasubramaniam said, “The mega prelim stage is where the teams would have to raise the bar and recognise the fact that they are now competing with teams that have all qualified for the quiz from their respective schools.” “I am looking forward to the mega prelim and another trip to my favourite country outside India,” he added. He also had some advice for the junior and senior teams in the contest. “The junior teams should not hurry and avoid silly mistakes, while the senior teams should try and look beyond the questions and work out the answers,” Balasubramaniam said.

Summing up the experience of conducting the prelims, and speaking on behalf of the prelims’

quizmasters, Saldanha said, “Finally, now that we are done with the prelims and looking forward to the mega prelim, I do want to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all the teachers and principals of the various schools.”

Enjoying the experience “Efforts that they have put in are reflective of the results produced by the teams. It is also heartening to watch the children enjoying the experience. I hope it has been a good experience for all the participants and here’s wishing everyone the very best for the mega prelims,” he added.

TOOISQC 2016 is powered by Creme 21. Its major sponsors are R&B, Muscat Pharmary, Pocari Sweat, Denim, Indomie, Al Mudhish and Suroor. The co-sponsors are Kwality Ice Creams and Chiko.

The official host is Radisson Blu Hotel, Sohar and the official rent-a-car is Sixt rent-a-car, while Travel City-Travel Point is the travel partner. Venue sponsors are Relaxo, School Mate, Malabar Gold and Al Rawabi. Gift sponsor is Oman Phone. Other sponsors are Lakhoos Exchange, Al Nahda, Oasis, Sapil, Hoshan Pan Gulf, Parker Pens, and Nabil.

MEGA PRELIMS: To be held at the Indian School Ghubra, the mega prelims will begin at 4 pm and the contestants are advised to arrive before the assigned time. Junior teams are requested to report at the venue by 3.30 pm and the senior teams are expected to arrive by 5.30pm. – File photo

Oman ready to tackle locust threat in north

S O C I A L I N N O VAT I O N P L AT F O R M

Knowledge Oman seminar to focus on innovation in tourism Times News Service MUSCAT: Knowledge Oman, will host a seminar, focusing on the theme Enterprise and Innovation, will review entrepreneurship in Oman’s tourism sector on April 26 at 6.30pm at The Lounge.

Ali Al Rahma, Vice President of KO, said, “Knowledge Oman seminars indulge in sharing knowledge and developing various sectors in Oman.” “The first seminar of 2016 is focused on the tourism industry. We have a very diverse panel, which will enable the crowd to enrich their knowledge and hopefully make a positive impact in developing the tourism sector,” noted a statement by Seminars at Knowledge Oman.

Desert locusts in Yemen, where conflict is severely hampering control operations, are posing a potential threat to crops in the region, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) announced recently

D I G I TA L S O C I E T Y

PESTS: Such insects pose a threat to agriculture as each female locust can lay 300 eggs Mahmoud

Al Nabhani, director of crop protection at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. – File photo HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman is all set to combat swarms of desert locusts coming from Yemen, which will possibly arrive in the spring breeding areas in the northern parts of the Sultanate, according to Mahmoud Al Nabhani, director of crop protection at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF).

“Such insects pose a threat to agriculture as each female locust can lay 300 eggs,” Al Nabhani said, adding that swarms of locusts could also cover a distance of 100 to 200 kilometres in a day and eat corps double their body size.

Desert locusts in Yemen, where conflict is severely hampering control operations, are posing a potential threat to crops in the region, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) announced recently. Al Nabhani also said the

The seminar will host two panel discussions, the first on mapping the tourism sector by understanding its past, present and future direction, and the second panel will discuss mapping opportunities for SMEs in the tourism sector, including those gaps to be overcome and opportunities to be innovative.

The panel sessions are moderated by Rumaitha Al Busaidi and Sami Al Asmi. Panelists include representatives from both the public and private sector, along with SME participation.

Attendees have the opportunity to interact directly with panelists, based upon their experiences and background in tourism in Oman, as well as interacting with SMEs in the tourism sector.

locusts’ outbreak could be attributed to the conflict in Yemen.

“Earlier, the authorities in the neighbouring country were able to combat the swamps before they could reach farther areas,” he stated. “However, the Locust Combat Centre in cooperation with MAF has deployed manpower and latest technology in preparation for the situation,” said Al Nabhani, adding that the swarms are heading towards the interior parts of Yemen.

Groups of juvenile wingless hoppers and adults, as well as hopper bands and at least one swarm had formed on the southern coast of Yemen in March, where heavy rains associated with tropical cyclones Chapala and Megh fell in November 2015.

FAO is currently mobilising support in order to respond to

the situation. Nevertheless, as survey and control operations are presently limited by the lack of security, the population of locusts is expected to increase further, giving rise to more adult groups and swarms that are likely to move along the coast and into the interior, possibly reaching spring breeding areas in central Saudi Arabia, northern Oman and southeast Iran, the FAO reported.

“These countries should take the necessary precautionary measures,” said the statement.

Technical teams FAO is assisting technical teams from Yemen’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for conducting field survey and control operations in infested coastal areas, as part of the agency’s continuing support for the country’s lo-

cust control efforts. In Northwest Africa, hundreds of small hopper bands formed in the southern part of the Western Sahara in southern Morocco and hopper groups formed in adjacent areas of northern Mauritania, according to FAO’s Locust Watch.

Control operations Ground control operations are in progress in both areas, having treated 5,000 hectares (ha) in Morocco and nearly 700 ha in Mauritania during March.

Two aircraft are currently on standby in southern Morocco.

During April, adult groups and perhaps a few small swarms could form and move to spring breeding areas south of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria. Strict vigilance is required in all areas.

Omantel now offers free wi-fi at The Walk Times News Service MUSCAT: A free wi-fi service is now available to the 10,000 daily visitors at Al Mouj Muscat’s The Walk in a tie-up with Omantel.

“People come to The Walk for many reasons, for quick catch ups over coffee, business lunches, special family dinners, to enjoy the outstanding entertainment, browse the speciality boutiques, pop into convenience outlets, or just to soak up the atmosphere and relax with friends. Our aim is to make sure every visit to The Walk is a great experience, whatever the purpose of the visit is, and for that reason, we are constantly innovating and adding new elements and

aspects. The Walk’s free wi-fi is the latest progression in this development to create great moments for everyone,” said Nasser Al Sheibani, acting CEOof Al Mouj Muscat.

“At Omantel, we are really pleased that many visitors to The Walk will now be able to enjoy free wi-fi, whether they are strolling on the boulevard, or dining. In a digital society, wi-fi access to urban destinations is becoming an increasing norm around the world and our network in Oman is rapidly growing to cater to this demand. We believe that through mobility and connectivity services, our society will be transformed,” remarked Samy Ahmed Al Ghassany, Omantel’s chief operating officer.

E N G L I S H E D UC AT I O N M A NAG E M E N T C O M PA N Y

A’soud Global School Muscat set to open doors in September Times News Service MUSCAT: The English Education Management Company (EEMC) has announced the opening of its first school in the Sultanate of Oman.

The A’soud Global School (AGS) Muscat will open in September 2016, admitting pupils from prekindergarten (KG) to Grade 6 and in the successive years will grow to an Upper Prep and Senior School preparing pupils for iGCSE’s and A-Levels. Andrew Hurst, principal, AGS Muscat, expressed his enthusiasm about the opening and highlighted that the school will nurture excellence while conserving culture and tradition in line with all Al Najah schools in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region.

He said, “AGS Muscat will offer

its pupils a vibrant and challenging learning environment, with a distinctive British independent school style, that reflects the values and dynamic culture of the Sultanate of Oman. With a team of highly experienced British, International and Arabic teaching and support staff, the school will develop independent and enquiring minds, aiming to turn out young men and women, with the capability of achieving their aspirations— both academically and morally.

This will ultimately enable our pupils to respond to the rapidly changing world in which they will pursue further study and work.”

Located next to the Seeb Souqina purpose-built campus, AGS Muscat will educate pupils aged three to 18 years within state-ofthe-art facilities, including spa-

zon Kids International Nursery located in Al Mouj, Muscat. Al Najah Education provides the academic know-how and operational services for both these institutions.

JOINT VENTURE: English Education Management Company is a joint venture between the Muscat Overseas Group and the Al Najah Education LLC to invest into and manage education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman. -Supplied photo

cious and stimulating classrooms, outdoor multi-games courts, swimming and splash pools, a football pitch, an indoor multipurpose sports hall, a library, ICT room, music room, art and drama room and laboratories.

EEMC is a joint venture between the Muscat Overseas Group and the Al Najah Education LLC to invest into and manage education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman. AGS Muscat is the second venture of EEMC after the Hori-

Continued support Shailesh Dash, chairman of Al Najah Education, said, “We are grateful to the Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman for this opportunity and look forward to their continued support in our future endeavours. With the launch of AGS Muscat, Al Najah Education is taking a significant step towards integrating horizontally and vertically within the MENASEA education space.”

Himansu Mohapatra, general manager, Al Tamman Holding (a Muscat Overseas Group company) commented, “With the success of

Horizon Kids International Nursery, we are determined to continue our quest, through AGS Muscat and the new school opening in Duqm in September 2018, to impart holistic education to nationals and expatriates in Oman.”

Al Tamman Holding is part of the Muscat Overseas Group, focussing on social infrastructure development and lifestyle projects.

Meanwhile, Al Najah Education LLC is a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based investment company, managed by Al Masah Capital Limited, which invests and manages education assets throughout the MENA and South East Asia (SEA) region. Al Najah Education currently owns 26 institutions in four cities across three countries in the MENASEA region—the UAE, Oman and Singapore.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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Commercial use of residential units allowed with riders Muscat Municipality allows conditional commercial use of residential buildings

Times News Service MUSCAT: Residential buildings can now be used for commercial purposes under certain conditions, the Muscat Municipality announced on Sunday.

Speaking to the Times of Oman (TOO), a senior official of the Muscat Municipality explained that the announcement was made because of a confusion that had arisen over commercial use of residential buildings.

“There has been a lot of confusion between residential and commercial use in some areas and there have been requests to improve the situation in busy areas with a large population,” he stated.

He added that this requires a regulation which allows the issuing of permits for using a residential building for commercial purposes.

Under these conditions, the buildings of the Old Muttrah area can be used for commercial purposes, as government offices or headquarters of embassies, due to the location of Muttrah Souq, and its status as a trade and tourism attraction.

However, the building owners cannot change the shape of the building or add floors so as to preserve the urban layout and ensure the privacy of the residents of the neighbouring buildings.

These buildings will also re-

CLEAR CUT: There has been a lot of confusion between residential and commercial use in some areas and there have been requests to improve the situation in busy areas with a large population. – File photo used for illustrative purposes only

main residential, except in the case of approval by the Ministry of Housing to change their use.

Specific areas Residential buildings should also be allowed in all the streets of the Muscat governorate so that they can be used as kindergarten and nurseries, institutions or for related activities for people with special needs, private schools (first cycle) and Quran schools, embassies and diplomatic missions, except consulates of countries that have large communities residing in the Sultanate, and women’s beauty salons, for the privacy of women if their conditions are met.

“This includes conditions that the business owner should be Omani and the business shall be registered within the general authority for small and medium enterprises,” the announcement said.

The announcement also per-

mitted use of residential buildings for commercial purposes in several areas in Seeb, Quriyat, Amerat, Bausher, Azaiba, Ghubrah, Al Khuwair, Al Ansab, and many more places.

The Muscat Municipality official, however, said the exact number of residential buildings that can be used for commercial purposes is not known.

“There are streets where buildings can be used for a number of activities, such as in Bosher, Muttrah and Seeb, as stated in the announcement,” the official told TOO. Permit required “If an owner wants to use his residential building for commercial purposes, the Muscat Municipality will give him a permit,” he said, adding this was discussed during a Municipal Council meeting, which endorsed the following recommendations.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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HM receives thanks MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia in reply to His Majesty’s condolences cable on the death of Prince Bandar bin Saud bin

Abdulaziz Al Saud. In his cable, King Salman expressed his thanks for His Majesty the Sultan’s noble feelings and sincere prayers, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased’s soul in peace and protect His Majesty against all harms. -ONA

Indian art exhibition to boost cultural ties An exhibition named,

DECREE

‘Beyond the Realm

< FROM

A1 Rights commission Article (1) appoints the persons listed below, in their capacity as representatives of the departments stated in Article (1) of the abovementioned Royal Decree No. 124/2008, as members of Oman Human Rights Commission as follows: Dr. Issa bin Said bin Sulaiman Al Kiyumi as Chairman, Yusuf bin Abdullah bin Nasser Al Afifi as Deputy Chairman, and the following persons as members:-Neimah bint Jameel bin Farhan Al Busaidiyah, Sheikh Ali bin Hamad bin Saif Al Kalbani, Is’haq bin Jumaa bin Hamoud Al Kharousi, Dr. Hamad

We are looking to make the people of Oman familiar with some aspects of Indian culture through contemporary Indian art Indra Mani Pandey, Indian ambassador

bin Hamdan bin Saif Al Rabi’ee, Yahya bin Abdullah bin Mubarak Al Amri, Dr. Hissah bint Abdullah bin Said Al Badiyah, Dr. Amal bint Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Hashmiyah, Dr. Sheikh Shihab bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Jabri, Eiman bint Mohammed bin Abdunnabi Macki, Mohammed bin Said bin Mohammed Al Hinai, Dr. Nasser bin Saif bin Nasser Al Shamsi and Fahd bin Ahmed bin Hamad Al Jabri.

Article (2) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced on its date of issue. -ONA

of Beauty’ was organised under the aegis of Indian Embassy in Oman in collaboration with the Omani Society

BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK: Indian envoy Indra Mani Pandey and Sheikh Hamad bin Hilal Al Ma’amari, undersecretary at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture opened the exhibition. – O K Mohammed Ali

of Fine Arts

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: “We are looking to bring Indian Contemporary Art to Oman,” said Sanjoli Singh, who represents the Nitanjali Art Gallery of India in Oman.

Nitanjali is organising an exhibition of Contemporary Indian art at the Omani Society of Fine Arts.

“We want to bring good Indian Contemporary Art to Oman and we also want to take good Omani artists to India,” Singh told the Times of Oman (TOO).

An exhibition named, “Beyond the Realm of Beauty” was organised under the patronage of the Indian Embassy in Oman in collaboration with the Omani Society of Fine Arts. The exhibition features the contemporary paintings of prominent Indian artists for the first time in Oman.

Indian ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, along with Sheikh Hamad PRODUCTION CUT

A1 Meeting in June < FROM

He noted that OPEC nations are meeting in June to again attempt to decide upon a cap on oil production, and “one could only hope for some kind of breakthrough.”

“It looks like there is no end in sight where prices will stop,” he added.

Meanwhile, industry observer Joice Mathew, research head for United Securities, believes there is a chance that oil prices might again fall in the next few days.

“It may go further down to $35 to $36 a barrel. It could drop in the coming days. But we should look at many other aspects, as well,” he told Times of Oman.

“On Monday, there is a different contract (futures) coming up. Essentially, we will see new positions being created in a second contract, which might see oil touching to $42 a barrel again,” Mathew added.

bin Hilal Al Ma’amari, undersecretary at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture for Cultural Affairs, officially opened the exhibition on Sunday.

According to the Indian Ambassador, the exhibition aims to create awareness about contemporary Indian paintings among the people of Oman.

“We are looking to make the people of Oman familiar with some aspects of Indian culture through contemporary Indian art,” Pandey told TOO. “Cultural ties between the two countries form an integral part of the historic relationship between India and Oman,” he added.

According to Ridhi Bhalla, representative of the Nitanjali Art Gallery from India, they are trying to get a good representation of Indian contemporary art.

“Our whole idea is to represent Indian art in its totality because it’s so versatile with its genres and techniques,” she told TOO. Speaking about plans to take Omani artists to India, Singh said,

“Through the Omani Society we are looking to take some of the female artists to India to exhibit their works in India and to hold talks, which are going on and we hope it will happen at the end of the year.”

Excellent support “We also want to continue this kind of exhibition every year with different artists and we are getting excellent support from the Embassy of India, so we hope it will go on,” she added.

The ambassadors of other friendly countries in the Sultanate also attended the opening of the exhibition.

Paintings of 18 artists have been featured in the show, including Ram Kumar, F.N Souza, Satish Gujral, Amiya Bhattarcharya, Ch Gandhi, Laxman Aeley, Ramesh Gorjala, Rohit Sharma, Seema Kohli, Shyamal Mukherjee, T. Vaikuntham and Vinay Sharma.

According to the exhibitors, many of the works are inspired by the Indian subcontinent and

explore unconventional painting techniques, such as mixed media and acrylic on canvas, as well as multi- patterned paintings.

Speaking about some of the paintings exhibited Bhalla said, “Laxman Aeley’s series of untitled paintings feature figures in black and white and the series has become more intense, has been forced to stand alone, and is no longer partially obstructed by colour. “The painter’s muse has been the life of poverty-stricken men and women from villages against the backdrop of their homes,” she added.

According to her, one of the highlights of the exhibition is the work if T. Vaikuntam.

“Through his unique style, which ranges from vibrant washes to stark pen on paper; he examines the lifestyle of village women from the Telangana region with their omnipresent bindis and draped in colourful sarees that highlight their dusky skin,” Bhalla said.

“Stylizations of his paintings are a perfect tribute to Indian classical dance and reminiscent of temple frescoes,” she added.

According to the exhibitors, another attraction of the exhibition is the work of Ramesh Gorjala.

He portrays traditional Indian heritage and culture, through sensitive and detailed mythological portrayals of various Indian gods and goddesses.

“Gorjala works with a delicate and intricate technique, using a palette dominated by gold, red and green creating a rich and natural feel in each of his paintings,” Bhalla said.

“Moods that he is able to create and convey add an antiquated, yet contemporary dynamic to his work,” she explained.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Oman LNG delivers aid to improve life of disabled Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman LNG recently delivered 905 wheelchairs and other types of aid to the Oman Association for the Disabled to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities.

Over the last five years, Oman LNG has invested more than OMR800,000 towards improving living standards for individuals supported by the Oman Association for the Disabled, a non-government association set up in 1995 to provide support, education and recreational activities for people with disabilities.

Oman LNG is committed to healthcare and social improvements, and continues to find ways to assist associations to help people across the Sultanate.

The donated equipment included 595 wheelchairs, 50 electric beds,60 hearing aids, 100 commode chairs, and 100 air cushions with pumps.

HELPING HAND: Oman LNG is committed to healthcare and social improvements of disabled. Photo-Supplied

The equipment was handed over to the association at the Omani Women’s Association in Qurum, Muscat, attended by Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister Of Civil Service, Khalid bin Abdullah Al Massan, representing Oman LNG, and Yahya bin Abdullah Al Amri, President of the Oman Association for the Disabled.

“Oman LNG understands the importance of partnering with the community, and we are happy to continue playing our role as an establishment that offers resultoriented support as a way of improving the quality of life for everyone in the country,” said Sheikh Khalid Al Massan, Chief Executive Officer of the Oman LNG Development Foundation.

C A R R Y I N G S U LTA N AT E ’ S H O P E S

A1 Al Harthi to fly Omani flag in Rio < FROM

He bagged the Sultanate’s first gold in the competition with a record of 10.16 seconds, which qualified him for the greatest athletics contest on earth.

He will be flying the Oman flag as he is the only qualifier. Though there are chances that the Sultanate may get wild card entry in four other disciplines. The Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) was formed and recognised in 1982, and the Sultanate has competed in eight summer Olympics so far but has never captured a medal.

‘Feel a lot of pressure’ “As I am the only one from Oman so far, all eyes will be on me. I feel a lot of pressure that is why I have to do something special, and I am sure everyone in the country has pinned hopes on me to get a medal.”

But, the 27-year-old married man from Ibra says he is trying to set realistic goals for himself.

“I am not thinking of a medal now as the competition is tough.

Initially, I will be fighting for my entry into the semis, that is my

first dream. When I get into the semis, I have to think of the goal after that. If I think of the medal from now, I might end up nowhere and my coach also thinks that this is the best for me.”

Breaking into the Olympics was a massive success for Al Harthi and something he did not believe he would attain. “I had not hoped that I could make it to the Olympics because I was without a coach for the entire year before South Korea. During the time, I just trained myself very hard, practiced as much as I could. When I was in the United States, I had a coach there, John Smith, with whom I practiced and worked very hard.

After the United States, Al Harthi trained at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Oman, all by himself and only after South Korea, he got another coachYanko from Bulgaria.

“For me South Korea was a dream come true. However, I have to admit that I was extremely serious about it because my mother had passed away only a month be-

fore that and I wanted to give her a special tribute. I was upset but I wanted to make it happen and ever since I qualified, all I think of is Olympics.”

Wild card Oman is still hoping for wild card entries in shooting, swimming, horse riding and tennis, an official at the Oman Olympic Committee has confirmed. In tennis, Oman is relying on Fatma Al Nabhani, who currently ranks 367th in the world and has the challenge of breaking into the top 300 if she wants to qualify for the Olympics this year.

Al Harthi’s entry into the athletics was just a chance. He was a footballer and played for a couple of clubs in Oman.

However, in 2006, when he was about 18 years old, his football coach advised him to try running after seeing his great speed.

“In football, sometimes I was running faster than the ball, so my coach asked me to do some running and I remember that in my first competition I came first. Later, I was sent to a training camp in

Europe by the Oman Athletic Association.”

Although it was his last year at school and the final exams were about to take place, Al Harthi made a decision to join the training camp instead of staying back and giving the exams. That decision got him into some problems with his parents but later everything was sorted out.

Al Harthi has been training hard for Rio 2016. He has been training at a camp in Bahrain with his Bulgarian coach for four months now and in 12 days time, he will travel to Bulgaria for a few competitions and some practice, after which he will go to Cuba for a month’s time, as the weather in Cuba and Rio is almost similar.

Al Harthi will probably not come back to Oman because he wants to focus on Rio more than anything else now. “If I come back in the middle, I will get into my comfort zone, which is something I don’t want at the moment, I want to finish the training and compete for the Olympics before returning to my country.”

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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OMAN A R A B PA R L I A M E N T

S TAT E C O U N C I L

Oman hailed for hosting Libyan statute body

CAIRO: Arab Parliament hailed the role of the Sultanate in hosting sessions of the Libyan Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA), which concluded with a consensus among the Libyans to draft the Constitution.

In a statement that was circulated at the end of the 4th session at Arab League yesterday, the Arab Parliament urged the

Libyan brothers to go ahead in implementing the articles of the agreements, which were reached in Al Sukhairat in the Kingdom of Morocco on December 17 last year.

It also welcomed the good steps of the Presidential Council for the National Accord Government, which started its operation from Tripoli. -ONA

Number of Omanis in private jobs falls A marginal drop of 0.3 per cent has been registered in the month of March, according to the latest National Centre for Statistics and Information data

MUSCAT: Number of Omani nationals working in the private sector registered a marginal 0.3 per cent drop in March 2016 compared with figures for February, according to the latest bulletin published by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). As of March, Omanis employed in the private sector stood at 209,608, as against 210,272 in the previous month.

Female workers Significantly, the report shows that as of March, less than a quarter of the total Omanis working in the private sector were females whose numbers stood at 50,817.

A great majority of them drew a salary of OMR325 to OMR400, with their numbers standing at 63,881 in March and logging a 1.9 per cent drop compared with February figures. In contrast, as many as 7,767 Omanis in the private sector were entitled to a hefty salary of over OMR2,000, but their numbers declined 0.1 per cent over the period.

The fall in Omani workers was prominent in the Governorate of North Al Batinah at 0.8 per cent, with numbers dipping to 38,703 in March from 39,006 logged in

February. However, Al Wusta recorded a 1.3 per cent rise — the highest rate of increase among the governorates — in the number of Omanis working in private firms, taking the number to 1,444 in March.

Dhofar registered a 0.5 per cent rise in Omani workers at 13,134, while Musandam saw numbers falling 0.1 per cent to 1,152. In Al Buraimi, Omanis employed with the private sector declined 0.2 per cent to 3,665.

The governorates of Al Dakhliyah and Al Dhahirah posted a 0.3 per cent decrease in the number of Omani workers, which fell to 24,610 and 9,379 respectively in March as against February.

South Al Sharqiyah The Governorate of South Al Sharqiyah recorded a 0.8 per cent increase in Omani employees in the private sector at 12,827, whereas the numbers fell 0.6 per cent in South Al Batinah at 19,980.

Meanwhile, the number of Omani employees remained more or less the same in North Al Sharqiyah with numbers hovering over 12,960-plus.

Omanis with a salary in the range of OMR400 to 500 posted a decrease of 1.2 per cent to 48,095, even as those earning OMR500 to OMR600 increased by the same percentage to touch 21,949. Those drawing a salary of OMR600 to OMR700 rose 0.6 per cent to 15,428, while the increase was 1.5 per cent among those salaried OMR700to OMR800.

Nationals employed with the private sector with a salary of OMR800 to OMR900 and OMR900 to OMR1,000 registered a rise of 0.6 per cent and 1.6 per cent to reach 6,935 and 5,386 respectively over the period. Staff salaried OMR1,000 to OMR2,000 on the other hand posted a marginal increase of 0.1 per cent to 19,640, the report says. -ONA

Anti-money laundering law draft discussion Times News Service MUSCAT: State Council plans to discuss a Civil Society proposal and the Anti-Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Acts draft during an upcoming meeting.

State Council will be in session from April 19 to 20, with civil society organisations’ proposal and the draft for the Anti-Money Launder-

ing (AML) and Financing of Terrorism Acts high on the agenda.

The meetings, chaired by Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, will be held in the presence of honoured members and the SecretaryGeneral of the Council, who will focus discussions during the first day on the proposal submitted by the Committee on Culture, Information and Tourism for “civil so-

ciety organisations from a legislative and regulatory perspective.”

The agenda includes a letter from the Council of Ministers regarding a proposal of the Council on “the reality of Omani press laws and a legislation governing their work and mechanisms.”

The Secretariat’s report on activities of the Council for the period between the sixth ordinary

session and the seventh regular session will also be looked into.

The eight session, to be held on the following day, will discuss the draft of the Anti-Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Acts,” in response to a referral by the Council of Ministers, the report by the Shura Council and the Legal Committee at the State Council.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

SPECIAL

Gaziantep, which was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize this year for its humanitarian initiatives, hosts more than 50,000 Syrians in local refugee camps set up by the government. Hundreds of thousands of refugees live in the province and its surrounding towns.

SYRIAN CHILDREN

HOMELAND BECKONS: Syrian refugee children stand at Nizip Container City 2, managed by the government’s

emergency and disaster arm. It was opened in 2013 and shelters 2,579 children in the camp. According to the United Nations, more than half of all Syrian refugees are under the age of 18 and most have been out of school for months, if not years, undoing 10 years of progress in education for Syrian children. – Rejimon K/Times of Oman

EAGER TO GO HOME

Even though safe from the many dangers of war that lurk in Syria, refugee children at the Nizip Container City 2 in Turkey struggle with the reality of being refugees and miss their homeland

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com GAZIANTEP: Five years ago, Mohammed Sherzad, all of 12 years of age, with a thick mane of blonde hair and deep blue eyes, sought shelter at the Nizip Container City 2 in Turkey, some 160kms from his war-torn Syrian town of Aleppo, along with his parents and brothers.

Today, he still struggles with the reality of being a refugee and misses his homeland, even though he is safe from the many dangers that lurk in Syria.

“I feel I am a caged person here.

My movements are restricted. I don’t want to be here. I miss my hometown. I miss my cousins and friends. I will go back,” Mohammed, who lost his cousin in the war, said.

“I agree that we are safe here. I am not threatened by any blasts or firing, but I want to play freely.

Here, the guards stop me from going here or venturing there,” Mohammed, who struggled along with his family to reach the Nizip camp, said.

Mohammed and his family had approached a different camp in Gaziantep, the southern Turkish province bordering Syria, but were refused entry and had to trudge a risky route to Nizip.

“Some of my family members managed to get a medical report stating the urgency for us to get an entry into some refugee camp.

DREAM OF GOING BACK: Abdis

Esmail, an 18-year-old Syrian boy who is in charge of the camp library at Nizip Container City 2 in Turkey. – Rejimon K/TIMES OF OMAN

That helped us to be accepted into this camp. But it is five years now.

Now, I am a grown up, and I want to be free. I want to go back,” Mohammed added.

Abdis Esmail, an 18-year-old Syrian boy who is in charge of the camp library, being one of the educated and grown-up refugees, had his own story of fleeing and struggle but he also wants to go back one day and rebuild his town.

“I did my pre-university course in Syria, and am preparing for a degree course while being here in the camp. I want to be an engineer and return to my country to help rebuild it,” Esmail, who narrowly escaped a woman suicide bomber attack in his locality, said.

Amar, another Syrian boy who lost his cousin in an attack, also expressed his wish to return.

“We have classes here. We have computer labs here. We have a playground, too. But can all of these replace my hometown? I miss my hometown playground and friends. After coming here, I even miss that freshly-baked Syrian bread’s aroma,” Amar added.

According to the United Nations, more than half of all Syrian refugees are under the age of 18 and most of them have been out of school for months, if not years, un-

doing 10 years of progress in education for Syrian children.

Nizip Container City 2, managed by the government’s emergency and disaster arm, was opened in 2013 and shelters 2,579 children in the camp. That number was around 50 per cent of the total refugees in the camp, as of April 12, 2016. The camp has learning and recreational centres. However, one cannot but help notice that Syrian children are getting Turkishised as they learn Turkish songs, listen to Turkish stories.

Rita Sefir, a Lebanese journalist, who noticed Syrian children learning to dance to the tunes of Turkish songs, expressed her worries of a race losing its own culture.

“Getting Syrian teachers is a hurdle for us. However, we try our best to provide education to the children. There are few Syrian teachers in the camp,” an official from the camp, who declined to be named, said.

More schools An official from Gaziantep province headquarters, which hosts 10 refugee camps, said they are planning to open more schools for the refugee children.

“Providing them better education is our priority. We see them

as guests, not as refugees,” added Halil Uymaz, vice governor, Gaziantep Province.

Gaziantep, which was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize this year for its humanitarian initiatives, hosts more than 50,000 Syrians in local refugee camps set up by the government. Hundreds of thousands of refugees live in the province and its surrounding towns.

Last week, shells fired by rebels hit southern Turkey, the fourth such cross-border incident in less than a week, which raises concerns of more people fleeing Syria.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said following the renewed fighting between the IS militant group and armed opposition groups in Northern Aleppo, at least 30,000 people have been forced to flee.

According to the HRW, Turkey’s border remains firmly shut a year after the authorities started rejecting all but the most seriously injured Syrians.

International aid workers in Turkey say IS advances on April 13 and 14 have forced out at least half the camps’ 60,000 residents.

Reportedly, they have fled to other camps, to the Bab Al Salameh camp on the Turkish border and to the nearby town of Azaz.

Three of the camps – Ikdah, Hara-

meen and Al Sham – are now completely empty of the 24,000 people previously sheltered there.

Quoting the head of Ikdah camp on the Turkish border, the HRW said IS had taken over the camp, which sheltered just under 10,000 people, early on April 14, fired shots in the air, and told residents to leave.

“The whole world is talking about fighting the IS, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall,” said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher at the Human Rights Watch.

An op-ed page editor at Sabah said they can’t say how the unrest will be resolved and the influx of migrants be handled.

“We expected the unrest to last for two years only, but it has been five years now. We have been urging the global community to set up a no-fly buffer zone inside Syria, but nobody is listening to us,” the editor added.

Turkey is home to more than 2.5 million refugees from Syria, making it a country that is hosting the largest displaced Syrian population in the world, being the nearest destination for millions fleeing the war.

Only a small fraction of them – 269,672 according to the Prime Ministry’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) – live in refugee camps, while others live in cities all across the country, from border cities like Gaziantep to Istanbul in the northwest.

“Funds are not the biggest problem while handling the incoming migrants’ issues, it’s the manpower. We try our best to provide the best care for migrants,” said Dr Fuat Oktay, AFAD President.

On the streets of Istanbul near the Grand Bazzar, Syrian families asking money for food is now a common sight.

Inside Syria, the United Nations estimates there are 6.5 million displaced people in besieged or hardto-reach areas, of whom many live in dire need in abandoned buildings, open spaces and in informal camps mainly in the north near the border with Turkey, where there are few or no services available.

The United Nations data also reveals that currently, more than 4.7 million registered Syrian refugees have fled the violence in their home country, just like Mohammed, Amar and Abdis.

Those who remain in the Middle East face bleak conditions, lack access to critical services and have no right to work. Some families are resorting to very negative strategies to cope with limited resources, such as eating less, marrying off girl children and sending children to work as exploitative labourers.

According to the UN, it will take $7.7 billion to meet the urgent needs of the most vulnerable Syrians in 2016 and it predicts that there could be 4.7 million registered Syrian refugees by the end of 2016 — the worst exodus since the Rwandan genocide 20 years ago.

Last December, the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution that supports international efforts to seek a political solution in Syria.

No one wants such efforts to succeed more than, perhaps, Mohammed Sherzad. It’s young like him that Syria will need the most when bombs stop exploding. “I look forward to that day, every day.

That’s what gives me the courage to live through all this,” said the strapping young man, ruffling his blonde mane, his blue eyes shining with hope.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

REGION

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Yemen peace talks in Kuwait delayed by ongoing fighting Delegations representing Yemen’s Houthi group and the party of ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh have yet to head to Kuwait for the talks

KUWAIT: Talks to end a civil war and Saudi-led intervention in Yemen will not begin on Monday as planned, the warring sides said as fighting persisted despite an announced ceasefire.

Delegations representing Yemen’s Houthi group and the party of ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh have yet to head to Kuwait for the peace talks, citing heavy combat and Saudi-led air operations.

“There’s no point in going to Kuwait if there’s no respect for the ceasefire,” a senior official in Saleh’s General People’s Congress party told Reuters on Monday.

The UN-brokered truce went into effect on April 11.

Saudi Arabia and some Gulf Arab allies joined the war in March last year to back Yemen’s government after it was pushed into exile by forces loyal to Saleh and the Houthi movement, also called Ansarallah. Previous United Nations-mediated talks in

READY FOR BATTLE: Pro-government forces sit on a heavily armoured vehicle in Sanaa on Sunday. – AFP

June and December failed to end the Arabian Peninsula war, which has killed about 6,200 people, about half of them civilians.

Fighting and air strikes persist on several battlefronts throughout the country, especially in the contested southwestern city of Taiz and the Nehm area east of the capital Sanaa.

The UN envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, urged the

two parties remaining in Sanaa to commit to the talks and travel to Kuwait. “The next few hours are crucial ... I hope that Ansarallah and the General People’s Congress do not miss this opportunity that could save Yemen the loss of more lives and put an end to the circle of violence that has engulfed the country.”

Two Yemeni officials from the country’s Saudi-backed

C A M PA I G N A G A I N S T M I L I TA N T S

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government said the opposing delegations would likely arrive on Tuesday.

“Representatives from Saleh’s party and the Houthis are looking for excuses to delay their arrival at a precise time, but it’s expected that they will arrive later in Kuwait on Tuesday,” one of the officials said.

Peace talks face an array of obstacles, from the proliferation of

warlords to the deepening of a security vacuum that has allowed Al Qaeda insurgents to seize territory and opened a path for IS militants to launch attacks.

Unrepresented in the Kuwait talks, Yemen’s once-independent south is rife with secessionist fervour, and tens of thousands of protesters rallied for independence in the port city of Aden for a second day on Monday. — Reuters

IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL

Kerry to meet Zarif today WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State John Kerry will meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in New York on Tuesday to discuss implementation of the Iran nuclear deal, American and Iranian officials told Reuters on Monday.

“Yes, they’ll meet tomorrow in New York,” a US official said.

Iran and six major world powers clinched the nuclear agreement in July 2015, allowing for the easing of some sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union and United Nations in return for Tehran putting long-term curbs on its nuclear programme.

Tehran has complained it has been unable to secure access to the global financial system despite the lifting of sanctions.

It has called on the United States to do more to remove obstacles to the banking sector.

Meanwhile, Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, urged Obama to “definitively” rule out any sanctions workaround that might provide Iran direct or indirect access to the US financial system or dollar.

“Instead of helping the regime get richer, the administration should hold it accountable for its continued ballistic missile tests, egregious human rights violations and support for terrorism,” the Republican congressional leader said in his strongest statement yet on the issue.

Ryan said he was concerned there were “at least four workarounds” that would allow Iran access to the US currency, including dollar-denominated transactions, dollar-clearing, dollar-based conversions and dollar-related foreign currency transactions. — Reuters

NAT I O N AT WA R

Syrian opposition asks UN to halt peace talks in Geneva

SURPRISE VISIT: US Defence Secretary Ash Carter and Iraqi Defence Minister Khalid Al Obeidi

stand for their country’s national anthems as Carter arrives at the Ministry of Defence in Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday. – Reuters

US to send more troops to Iraq, escalating war on IS BAGHDAD/ARBIL: The United States will send more troops to Iraq, potentially putting them closer to the frontlines to advise Iraqi forces in the war against IS militants.

Also on Monday, a member of IS’s war council and two aides were killed in northern Iraq on Monday by US and Kurdish commandos in the second helicopter raid in two days in the area by a US-led coalition, Kurdish security sources said.

US Defence Secretary Ash Carter made the announcement on Monday during a visit to Baghdad during which he met US commanders, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi, and Iraqi Defence Minister Khaled Al Obeidi.

About 200 additional troops will be deployed, raising the number of US troops in Iraq to about 4,100, a senior US Defence official said. The Pentagon will also provide up to $415 million to Kurdish peshmerga military units.

Carter did not meet Kurdish leaders in person during his visit, but spoke with the president of the Kurdish region, Massoud Barzani, on the telephone.

Monday’s announcement is the move in the past several months by the United States to step up its campaign against the hardline group. US special forces are also deployed in Iraq and Syria as part of the campaign.

Iraqi forces - trained by the US military and backed by air strikes

from a US-led coalition - have since December managed to take back territory from IS, which seized swathes of Iraqi and Syrian territory in 2014.

The new US troops will consist of advisers, trainers, aviation support crew, and security forces.

Most of the new military advisers are expected to be army special forces, as is the case with the approximately 100 advisers now in Iraq. The advisers will be allowed to accompany smaller Iraqi units of about 2,500 troops that are closer to the frontlines of battle, whereas now they are limited to larger divisions of about 10,000 troops located further from the battlefield.

That will allow the US military to offer quicker and more nimble advice to Iraqi troops as they try to retake Mosul, the largest Iraqi city still under IS control.

But by placing them closer to the conflict, it could leave them more vulnerable to enemy mortars and artillery.

Authorised The United States has also authorised the use of Apache attack helicopters to support Iraqi forces in retaking Mosul, Carter said.

The United States had originally offered the Apaches to the Iraqi government in December. The Iraqis did not take up the offer then but did not rule out their use.

The United States will also deploy an additional long-range

rocket artillery unit to support Iraqi ground forces in the battle for Mosul, Carter said. There are two such batteries already in place in Iraq.

Meanwhile, a statement by the Kurdish regional security council said Monday’s raid south of the Iraqi city of Mosul killed Suleiman Abd Shabib Al Jabouri, also known as Abu Saif.

As a member of the militant group’s war council, the statement said, he had been responsible for offensives in Makhmour, 80km (50 miles) from Mosul, where an Iraqi army push launched last month has stalled.

In a separate operation on Sunday, troops from a US-led coalition landed a helicopter north of Mosul and seized at least one IS member from a vehicle, witnesses and Kurdish security sources said. The force quickly took off again with their captive, the sources told Reuters.

“It all happened in less than 10 minutes,” said a witness of the raid in Badush district, around 20km (12 miles) northwest of Mosul, the largest Iraqi city still in the hands of IS. A spokesman for the US coalition could not immediately be reached for comment on the latest raid. He previously declined to confirm or deny reports of the earlier raid.

A news agency that supports IS said the militants had thwarted the earlier raid in Badush. — Reuters

BEIRUT/GENEVA: The mainstream Syrian opposition asked the United Nations to halt peace talks on Monday and rebel groups launched a new offensive against government forces, accusing the world body of bias in favour of President Bashar Al Assad.

The opposition’s coordinator at the Geneva talks, Riad Hijab, said earlier it was unacceptable for talks to go on if the government and its allies pushed on with sieges and bombing civilian areas, echoing recent criticism of government offensives elsewhere.

Only three delegates met UN envoy Staffan de Mistura for talks on Monday, instead of the usual 15, after a letter signed by unspecified “armed revolutionary factions” said de Mistura and the government were trying to put forward “half-solutions”.

“We asked for the postponement of talks, only a postponement until the conditions are right for a resumption of negotiations,” Mohammad Al Aboud, a member of the negotiating team, told Reuters.

Another member of the opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) confirmed the decision but asked to remain anonymous.

Both sides have accused one another of breaking a February 27 partial truce deal, which does not include IS or Al Qaeda’s Nusra Front and which began to unravel as fighting escalated near Syria’s second city Aleppo this month.

The cessation of hostilities was meant to provide a breathing space for talks to end the conflict via a political transition for Syria but a second round that began last week has made little headway.

Fierce attack On Monday, rebels launched a fierce attack against government forces in Latakia province, which lies on the Mediterranean coast, and made separate advances further east in Hama, while there were heavy government air strikes in Homs province to the south.

Rebel groups early in the day announced a new battle against the government and its allies which

they said was in response to ceasefire violations.

The Latakia and Hama assaults appeared to be that battle, with some of the groups that made the announcement involved in the fighting, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. A Syrian military source confirmed intense fighting in the area. “Today they attacked in the northern Latakia countryside in several areas, in violation of the cessation of hostilities agreement, and also in the northwestern Hama countryside,” the military source said.

The Observatory reported that in northern Homs province heavy government air strikes killed four people, and said the death toll was expected to rise, with more people wounded.

Mohamad Al Shamsi, a doctor in the Homs area, told Reuters there had been at least 10 air raids from early morning on Rastan and nearby Deir Foul and Al Houla. Schools had been evacuated and hospitals shut. — Reuters

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

INDIA

Since the government has shown its commitment to support industry and considering that recent RBI policy stance to kick-start investment and credit cycle can have positive impact on India’s economy in the coming months, WPI is likely to move upwards Sunil Kanoria, Assocham president

S T R E A M L I N E TA X C O L L E C T I O N

In need of cash, India chases $117b in elusive back taxes NEW DELHI: India’s finance ministry is asking for regular progress reports from tax collectors and has set a date for an amnesty to pay off arrears on undeclared domestic assets, as the government intensifies efforts to meet its ambitious deficit target.

A series of announcements in recent weeks aims to streamline tax collection in a country where the tax-to-GDP ratio, at 16.6 per cent, is among the lowest among emerging economies.

Only about one in 18 earning individuals pays tax. Arrears now amount to some $117 billion, roughly four times what they were six years ago. Yet one tax official estimated only 15-20 per cent of that was realistically recoverable, with many major debtors simply unable to pay.

Lower target Even the lower target would take years to achieve, he said, given India’s sluggish legal process. Tax officials may go increasingly after entities they think can pay, with possible repercussions for longrunning disputes between the government and companies such as Vodafone and Cairn Energy.

The need for money is pressing. In the federal budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley stuck to an ambitious pledge of reducing the fiscal deficit to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product from 3.9 per cent, and improved tax collection could help meet that target.

“The finance minister asks almost every week how much tax arrears have we recovered,” said a senior finance ministry official, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media on tax issues.

Hasmukh Adhia, the top bureaucrat in charge of revenue and a long-time aide of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is driving the effort, officials said. Adhia did not respond to an interview request.

“The government has to recover the arrears in any case from the taxpayers from whom it is due,” finance ministry spokesman D. S. Malik said.

Jaitley faces big spending demands, including paying for a 24 per cent wage hike for nearly 10 million government employees and pensioners this year.

Tax arrears amount to about 6 per cent of India’s $2 trillion GDP and are more than the govern-

major tax demand in the last 10 years. Modi’s government is trying to modernise the system, tax experts said.

For example, tax officials have been told to not appeal tax tribunals’ decisions involving dues of up to 1 million rupees, and Jaitley has offered to settle outstanding tax disputes out of court, although it comes with conditions.

He has promised not to invoke a contentious rule on retrospective taxes, at the heart of a bruising dispute with Vodafone, in future.

AMBITIOUS PLEDGE: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the federal budget, stuck to an ambitious pledge of reducing the fiscal deficit to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product from 3.9 per cent, and improved tax collection could help meet that target. - PTI file photo

ment’s market borrowing target of $90 billion this fiscal year.

In fiscal year 2015/16, authorities recovered nearly $5.2 billion, according to tax department data as of February 29. But they also raised new tax demands of over $18 billion. Some current and former finance ministry officials said they were reluctant to reach set-

tlements or write off losses even when it was clear the money was lost, fearing political retribution and corruption investigations.

Instead, they said they made new demands for back taxes to be paid, raised targets and left others to clean up the mess.

One official said he did not know of a single decision to write off a

Amnesty to taxpayers “We want people to clean up their taxation issues,” Jaitley said last month, while warning of “sleepless nights” to evaders using offshore accounts. He also offered a three-month amnesty to taxpayers, starting June 1, to pay off taxes on undeclared domestic assets. A similar scheme announced last year to declare foreign assets yielded recovery of less than $1 billion in extra taxes.

Amit Maheshwari, a Delhibased corporate tax consultant, said the government could do little to settle past tax disputes, but was trying to reduce future litigation.

India seeks support of China, Russia to fight terrorism position they have taken on UNSC 1267 Committee,” Sushma said.

In her media statement, she also said that she and the Russian and Chinese foreign ministers had a productive exchange of views on the situation in the Middle East.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in a media statement following the 14th Russia-IndiaChina (RIC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that international terrorism remained the foremost threat to international peace and security ONE FOR THE ALBUM: From left: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey

Lavrov and Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj pose before their meeting in Moscow, Russia, on Monday. - Reuters/Maxim Zmeyev

MOSCOW: India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said that she looked forward to working with her counterparts from Russia and China in the fight against terrorism after she took up with the Chinese foreign minister the issue of Beijing vetoing New Delhi’s move in the UN to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar.

Sushma said in a media statement following the 14th RussiaIndia-China (RIC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that international terrorism remained the foremost threat to international peace and security.

“I stressed the need to craft an effective global strategy to counter terrorism, including at the UN. I look forward to working with

both my colleagues, in this regard,” she said.

Answering a question in press conference after the RIC meeting, she said that all three countries — India, Russia and China — have been victims of terrorism.

“It is natural for us that we unite to lead the world in our fight against terrorism,” Sushma said.

“To do this, it is important that we give up the distinction between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ terrorists.

We will also need to give up the tendency to differentiate between ‘my terrorists’ and ‘your terrorists’,” she said.

The external affairs minister stated that a terrorist was a terrorist, one who committed crimes

against humanity and not against any nation.

Bilateral meeting “We must adopt this principle.

And today at the RIC meeting, I put forward these views quite frankly before my two counterparts from Russia and China,” she said. Sushma also referred to her bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier in the day, during which she raised the issue of China vetoing India’s bid at the UN to ban JeM chief Masood Azhar.

India approached the UN in February to include Azhar in the UN Security Council’s 1267 sanctions list, in the aftermath of the

Pathankot airbase terror attack.

In the strike in early January by JeM terrorists, seven Indian security personnel were killed.

However, China asked the UN sanctions committee to keep on hold the Indian move, saying that Azhar did not meet the UN criteria to be banned as a terrorist.

India has voiced disappointment at the “technical hold” put on its application to include Azhar in the UN sanctions list.

“I would also like to tell you that in the morning today, I met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and in that meeting also I said to him that if we want to fulfil our commitment to fight terrorism together, then we must rethink the

Commitment “We all stressed our commitment to support democratic, pluralistic and peaceful forces in order to restore stability in the region,” she stated.

“We also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and agreed that it was important for the international community to remain engaged and support the Afghanistan Government in its development and reconciliation efforts and in defeating terrorist forces.”

On the issue of UN Security Council reforms, the external affairs minister said she once again urged both Russia and China to take the lead in ensuring that the inter-governmental negotiations (IGN) process in the UN advanced swiftly.

“India’s permanent membership of the Security Council is long overdue and this anomaly needs urgent rectification,” Sushma said.

She said that she, along with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Wang, had an exchange of views on various groupings, including BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). India assumed the chairmanship of BRICS this year.

“We look forward to active participation of both Russia and China in various activities that we have planned throughout the year and throughout India,” Sushma said, adding that India looked forward to welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Goa in October for the BRICS summit. - IANS

“The government is trying to project an investor- and taxpayerfriendly regime.” Some Rs 4.4 trillion in outstanding tax dues are owed by companies and the remaining 3.3 trillion by individuals, tax department data obtained by Reuters show. Last year the government told parliament that just 17 people owed the government 2.14 trillion rupees, with each more than Rs10 billion in arrears.

Among them is Hasan Ali Khan, a businessman who raised racing horses for a living. In 2007, tax officials raided his offices in Maharashtra state for not filing returns since 2001, and charged him with tax evasion and money laundering violations. They also slapped a back tax demand on Khan of nearly 370 billion rupees. After a near decade-long battle, which saw Khan imprisoned for more than four years, the tax tribunal cut his liability to 30 million rupees.

In the ruling on February 29 the tribunal said tax authorities did not have evidence of his income to back their demand and should reassess his case. Khan was not available for comment. His lawyer said he planned to appeal the new tax demand. - Reuters IMD

‘Anti-cyclone behind heatwave in east India’ NEW DELHI: An anti-cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, coupled with high temperatures in central India, is leading to a heatwave in eastern parts of the country where mercury has shot up over 40 degrees Celsius.

“Central India usually gets heated up in April and as May approaches, north-west India too starts heating up. The heat is passed on to other regions, which is why east India gets heated up,” Director General of India Meteorological Department Laxman Singh Rathore said.

“Currently, there is an anti-cyclone (circulation of winds around a region of high atmospheric pressure) in the Bay of Bengal. This is not allowing advection which means, the sea breeze that helps in cooling the temperatures is not (flowing towards the land) happening. The combined effect is leading to such (heatwave) conditions,” Rathore said.

As per IMD data, several places, mostly in the east Indian state of Odisha and the south Indian states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have recorded temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.

“Heatwave conditions continue to prevail at a few places over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jharkhand and isolated places over Gangetic West Bengal, Haryana, Delhi and Chhattisgarh,” the IMD said.

“On April 19, heatwave conditions are very likely at a few places over Telangana, Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, at isolated places over Vidarbha and Marathwada in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal and north interior Karnataka,” the IMD cautioned. However, the IMD has forecast heavy rains in some parts of the north-east on Tuesday. - PTI

WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX

Inflation negative for 17th month; contracts 0.85% in March NEW DELHI: Continuing the deflationary trend for 17th month, WPI inflation was at (-)0.85 per cent in March but may inch up gradually in the coming months on growing pressure on food and vegetable prices.

The Wholesale Price Indexbased inflation rate in March was marginally higher at (-)0.91 per cent in February. In March last year, it was (-)2.33 per cent.

This is the 17th straight month since November 2014 when deflationary pressure persisted.

Food inflation stood at 3.73 per cent in March compared with 3.35 per cent in February, showed official data released on Monday.

Inflation rate for vegetables came in at (-)2.26 per cent in March, while for cereals and pulses it was at 2.47 per cent and 34.45 per cent respectively. India Rat-

ings said that although prices of oil and manufactured items are expected to remain benign and keep the pressure on WPI inflation low, the same cannot be said about food inflation over the next few months despite the prediction of an above than normal monsoon.

“Prices of cereals have shown some escalation in March and with summer season setting in there will be pressure on vegetable/fruit prices to rise. As a result, WPI inflation is expected to move into positive territory next month but will remain in low single digit in the foreseeable future,” said Sunil Kumar Sinha, Principal Economist, India Ratings.

The inflation print in the fuel and power segment was (-)8.30 per cent, and for manufactured products, it read (-)0.13 per cent in March. Onion and fruits saw

easing of prices, with these sub-indices falling by 17.65 per cent and 2.13 per cent, respectively.

Industry body Assocham said that although predictions of weather department are in favour of the ongoing Rabi season, policymakers should contain the upward price pressure if it surfaces in the coming months.

“Since the government has shown its commitment to support industry and considering that recent RBI policy stance to kick-start investment and credit cycle can have positive impact on India’s economy in the coming months, WPI is likely to move upwards,” Assocham President Sunil Kanoria said. Pulses have shown upward price pressure continuously for the past six months and policymakers should check and address this issue through supply

side responses, Assocham said.

The January WPI inflation has been revised lower to (-)1.07 per cent from the provisional estimate of (-)0.90 per cent.

The Reserve Bank mainly looks at retail inflation data while firming up its monetary policy stance.

Retail inflation in March fell to a six-month low of 4.83 per cent.

RBI earlier this month cut the key policy rate by 0.25 per cent and projected retail inflation to be around 5 per cent this fiscal.

It had said there were uncertainties over unseasonal rains, the likely spatial and temporal distribution of the monsoon, the low reservoir levels by historical averages, and the strength of the recent upturn in commodity prices, especially oil.

The Meteorological Department, later, forecast an above- normal monsoon for this year. - PTI

DEFLATIONARY TREND: A labourer stacks sacks of flattened rice on

a handcart at a wholesale market in Kolkata,on Monday. Continuing the deflationary trend for 17th month, WPI inflation was at (-)0.85 per cent in March but may inch up gradually in the coming months on growing pressure on food and vegetable prices. - Reuters

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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INDIA

Rahul Gandhi flays Modi, Mamata on poll promises Rahul said Mamata’s inability to keep her promises prompted Congress to fight against her in the Assembly polls

RAGHUNATHGUNJ/NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi on Monday took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying both make promises but fail to fulfil them. The Congress vice president also targeted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo over corruption in the state in the light of the Saradha scam and the Narada sting operation against her party leaders.

“Mamataji had promised to wipe out corruption in the state.

But, when corruption took place in front of her, she took no action,” Rahul said, addressing election rallies in Raghunathgunj and Kandi in Murshidabad district.

“In fact, the party had gone from Saradha scam to Narada scam,” he added. Referring to the sting operation against TMC leaders, he said, again no action was taken in Narada against them by her.

“During election time now, Mamataji said, she will take action but why no action was taken earlier,” he asked. Rahul said Mama-

CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi with West Bengal Congress Committee President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury during an election campaign rally at Kandi in Murshidabad on Monday. - PTI

ta’s inability to keep her promises prompted Congress to fight against her in the Assembly polls.

“Five years back, Congress had supported TMC as Mamataji promised to bring parivartan (change), usher in development, give employment to the youth and improve law and order.”

“But, a day after becoming chief minister, Mamataji had changed and forgotten the promises made to Congress and the people of the state,” he said during an election meeting here.

“Mamataji had promised to set up factories and provide jobs to the youth who are going to other states. But, no factories were set up. So, we did not support her. We are fighting to defeat her,” he said.

Rahul said, the prime minister had coined the ‘Make in India’ slogan with a promise that the youth will get employment but there were no signs of that.

“The people have voted him but no employment was given to the youth. Mamataji also promised to give employment to 70 lakh peo-

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ple but nothing has been done,” he said and asked the crowd, “Is there a single person who got a jobs?”

Rahul also charged that both Modi and Mamata did not do anything for the farmers.

Referring to the Congress-Left alliance, Rahul said, “When our alliance government will come after the election, it will take action against those who indulged in corruption, who were involved in the Saradha scam. It will also give employment to the people and help the bidi workers.”

Rahul also asked the Congress and Left workers to fight together.

Congress is fighting the election in alliance with the Left.

“Fight together, I am with you”, he said, adding, “Our government is going to be there.”

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday poked fun at Rahul Gandhi amid suggestions of an alliance of Opposition parties against the saffron party, wondering what will be the Congress vice president’s fate in such a formation.

After Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gave a call for such an anti-BJP front and Congress leader Digvijay Singh also spoke in its favour, BJP said, it was anyway fighting these parties “who are working in tandem to derail the (Narendra)Modi government’s development agenda”.

“Digvijay Singh has said so. Another Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad also spoke about unity (of non-BJP parties). This is basically an assembly of frustrated and disappointed parties who have been exposed by the Modi government.”

“They had been so far working behind the scene against the government. Now, they have come out in open. But, what will be the role of Rahul Gandhi in such an alliance? Congress chief Sonia Gandhi should clarify it,” BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

He also noted that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad had earlier said that he would work at the national level and Kumar would take care of Bihar. “Laluji should also speak about his ally Nitish’s national ambitions,” he said. - PTI

GOVERNMENT

‘Kohinoor given to East India by Punjab rulers’ NEW DELHI: The 108-carat unique Kohinoor diamond, estimated to cost over $200 million, was neither stolen nor “forcibly” taken by British rulers but given to East India Company by the erstwhile rulers of Punjab 167 years back, the government on Monday told the Supreme Court (SC) which wanted legal remedies to be kept open to get it back.

“Kohinoor cannot be said to be forcibly taken or stolen as it was given by the successors of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to East India Company in 1849 as compensation for helping them in the Sikh wars,” Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar told a bench headed by Chief Justice T.S. Thakur.

On his part, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma ruled out any action by his ministry to bring back the Kohinoor.

He told reporters that if any call on the matter needs to be taken, it will be at the diplomatic level.

The apex court then asked whether the government was willing to stake a claim to the Kohinoor, one of the most valuable diamonds in the world.

Demand The Solicitor General told the apex court that the demand to get back Kohinoor has been raised time and again in Parliament.

“If we claim our treasures like Kohinoor from other countries, every other nation will start claiming their items from us. There will be nothing left in our museums,” the Solicitor General said.

He said, this was the stand of the Ministry of Culture while the response from the Ministry of External Affairs, which is also a party, is awaited. - PTI

B I L AT E R A L R E L AT I O N S

India attaches highest priority to ties with China: Parrikar BEIJING: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said that India attaches highest priority to its ties with China, allaying Beijing’s concerns over New Delhi’s any tilt towards the US in view of its decision to sign an agreement with Washington to share military bases.

In a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan, Parrikar said, “India attaches highest priority to relations with China and was committed to further developing friendly and cooperative relations with China.”

Allaying China’s concerns over India’s decision to sign Logistics Support Agreement with the US, Parrikar told the Chinese leader

that India pursued autonomous policy to further its national interests and there is no change in it.

“India is committed to further developing friendly and cooperative relations with China,” he told Chang. Parrikar later met China’s highest military official Gen Fan Changlong, the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, which is the overall commanding body of the 2.3 million strong military. It is headed by President Xi Jinping. The Defence Minister would meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday and later, visit Chengdu, the headquarters of the recently integrated western command military which has jurisdiction over entire borders with India.

While the two countries discussed expediting efforts to establish hotline between the two military headquarters and more confidence building measures like opening of more border points for interactions with troops on the grounds, Parrikar reiterated India’s stand for demarcation of the 3,488-km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) which was proposed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China last year.

China, however, expressed reservations over such a move.

Terming the recurring incidents of Chinese troops entering what India claims as its territory as “transgressions not incursions”, Parrikar said, clarity over LAC will

MONEY LAUNDERING CASE

ED to seek Interpol arrest warrant against Mallya NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) will soon seek an Interpol arrest warrant against businessman Vijay Mallya, based on a non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued on Monday by a

Mumbai court in a money laundering case.

Red Corner Notice Officials said, the agency will soon write to the global police body,

through the Indian nodal office of the Central Bureau of Investigation, to get issued a Red Corner Notice against Mallya. Mallya had left the country on March 2 and is said to be in the UK at present. - PTI

bring down tensions between the troops on both sides which aggressively patrol the areas to assert their control.

“We are insisting it should be done in order to really ensure a very stable border...because all the issues take place because of perception,” he said.

Marking the LAC is “one of the preconditions of smooth border operations. Without that everything goes by perceptions...which has caused problems sometimes”, he said. The issue was expected to be further discussed during the 19th round of boundary talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi here this week. - PTI

ELATED: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar being received by

his Chinese counterpart General Chang Wanquan at the People’s Liberation Army headquarters in Beijing on Monday. - PTI

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READERS’ FORUM Hope ‘Sound of hope’ will be screened in all schools This is to extend my heartfelt appreciation of the news Omani girl’s film takes up cause of hearing impaired (April 17). Buthaina Al Kindi’s short film Sound of Hope should be able to teach us the lesson of the hour, love can hope where reason would despair. The promising director who made such a short film just for her school project must be promoted if not for her directorial faculty, surely for her choice of subject.

Sound of Hope will be screened hopefully in all schools in Oman to reach its message to everybody out there – especially to those bullying classmates of the otherwise able Scan this QR code sister of Buthaina and their likeminded to send letters to the light-minded ones.

Readers’ Forum, — Gautam Ghosh-Dastidar, Wadi Kabir containing not more

ALBERT R. HUNT

There is a second critical contest in the 2016 United States elections: The battle for control of the Senate.

Republicans, pessimistic about their presidential prospects, feel an urgency to hold onto the Senate.

They have a 54-to-46 advantage in the chamber now, but more than twice as many of their seats are at stake in this cycle

than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Lobby out to earn millions in name of climate change efforts This refers to the story, Anti-cyclone behind heatwave in east India: IMD (April 18). This and many other extreme weather conditions across world show climate is changing fast and mankind does not know what to do. A climate change lobby has taken over the environmental effort in order to earn millions of dollars. It is unbelievable these people are willing to destroy life as know for a few bucks. — Sami Khan, Seeb

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com I don’t think anyone should write their autobiography until after they’re dead.

SAMUEL GOLDWYN

Breaking free from use of fossil fuels globally T

here has never been a better time to break free from fossil fuels. Recordbreaking global temperatures, plummeting fossil-fuel prices, historic investments in renewable energy, and global pressure to honour climate pledges are all coming together to create the ideal setting for this world-changing shift.

The shift could not be more urgent. The United Nations climate agreement forged in Paris last December reconfirmed the level of 2°C above pre-industrial levels as a hard upper limit for global warming, beyond which the consequences for the planet become catastrophic.

But it also included commitments to “pursue efforts” to limit warming to 1.5°C. Judging by the latest data published by NASA, achieving that lower limit should be viewed as an imperative.

The new data confirm that 2015 was the hottest year on record, and show that the global run of record-breaking temperatures continued through the first two months of this year. According to NASA, global temperatures in February were 1.35°C above average, based on a 1951-1980 baseline.

Fortunately, the privileged position of fossil fuels already seems to be weakening. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global greenhouse-gas emissions and economic growth have already decoupled, with global energy-related CO2 (the largest source of human greenhouse-gas emissions) having remained at the same level for the second year in a row. This means that fossil fuels are no longer the lifeblood of our economy.

It seems that the precipitous decline in oil prices – by two-thirds over the last 18 months – has not, as many feared, encouraged increased consumption. What it has done is deal a major blow to the profits of fossil-fuel giants like Shell, BP, and Statoil.

Coal is not faring any better. Following China’s announced moratorium on new coal-fired power plants at the end of last year, Peabody, the world’s largest coal company, recently filed for bankruptcy protection in the US, after it could no longer make its debt payments, partly because of waning demand for coal.

Meanwhile, renewable energy sources are

receiving record amounts of investment – some $329.3 billion last year, according to research from Bloomberg New Energy Finance. As a result, a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable future, powered entirely by renewables, is starting to become a real option.

Yet there is still a long way to go. Most governments are still clinging, to varying degrees, to destructive fossil fuels, with their volatile prices and devastating environmental impact, even as this dependence destabilises their economies.

Those committed to addressing climate change – from international organizations to local communities to individual citizens – must urgently build on the momentum acquired over the last year, by maintaining strong pressure on governments and companies to pursue the policies and investments needed to complete the break from fossil fuels. Just as a warming planet puts us all at risk, scaling up action early benefits everyone. And it is up to everyone to hold leaders accountable to their promises, and to science.

Global movements such as Break Free have been exemplary in this regard. By backing campaigns and mass actions aimed at stopping the world’s most dangerous fossil-fuel projects – from coal plants in Turkey and the Philippines, to mines in Germany and Australia, to fracking in Brazil, and oil wells in Nigeria – Break Free hopes to eliminate the power and pollution of the fossil-fuel industry, and propel the world toward a sustainable future.

Recognising the scale and urgency of the challenge ahead, Break Free is prepared to intensify its peaceful resistance against new and existing fossil-fuel projects.

The key will be the strength and bravery of communities demanding that we keep fossil fuels in the ground and instead build a healthier and more just world, in which everyone has access to sustainable energy.

The world is closing in on a historic shift in our energy system. To accelerate progress, we must confront those who are profiting from climate change and defend the interests of ordinary people. Next month’s mobilisations against fossil-fuel projects are an important step in the right direction. The struggle finally to break free from fossil fuels is a global one. Nobody can afford to ignore it. - Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES APRIL 2001 Exhibition on unique traditional settlement MUSCAT: The deterioration of the physical fabric of many deserted oases and the Omani settlements are a cause of great concern. This may be one of the reasons why a study and documentation on Manah, a deserted Omani settlement, assumes prime importance. The study, which was done by Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, a lecturer in architecture at the School of Architecture and Building Engineering, University of Liverpool, is a detailed documentation and the theme of an exhibition which was inaugurated by Sayyid Saud bin Ibrahim Al Busaidi, minister of education, yesterday.

TODAY IN HISTORY INVITATION TO WRITERS We invite our readers to write articles on topics related to Oman. The articles should not exceed 800 words.

Send us your article along with your picture to akhtar@timesofoman.com

PICTOGRAPH GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCTS NON-PETROLEUM ACTIVITIES: FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION Total end of September (Million rials)

2015

2014

-463.7 -489.4

5.5%

1764: The English Parliament bans the American colonies from printing paper money.

1927: In China, Hankow communists declare war on Chiang Kai-shek.

1934: Shirley Temple appears in her first movie.

1971: Russia launches its first Salyut space station.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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PAKISTAN Helicopter gunships strike gang’s island hideout in major offensive Military action in Shawal ends

The operation involving more than 2,000 security forces has been ongoing for two weeks as the Chotu gang is holding 24 hostages

LAHORE: Pakistani helicopter gunships on Monday pounded the island hideout of an armed gang that has been holding 24 hostages on a 10-km (six-mile) long island in the centre of the Indus River, media and army sources said.

The operation involving more than 2,000 security forces has been ongoing for two weeks and the army’s push to deploy troops, artillery and helicopter gunships is an unprecedented use of force by the military in Punjab, which is the political power base of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

“We (army) had given the Chotu gang until 2 p.m. today to surrender but they did not abide by the deadline,” said a military official based in the district of Rajanpur in southern Punjab where the battle is taking place. “Now there is no option left but a full-scale operation, which has started.”

It was unclear just how many members of the Chotu gang, blamed for hundreds of cases of kidnapping for ransom, murder and robbery, were trapped on the island, but police said their families were believed to be accompanying them.

Pakistan’s largest news net-

MILITARY ACTION: In this photograph taken on Thursday, Pakistani policemen pose as they prepare to take part in an operation against alleged criminals in Rajanpur district in southern Punjab province. - AFP

work, Geo News, also reported that a full-scale operation had been launched. TV footage showed army commandos firing machine guns at the island and gunship helicopters flying overhead.

The army’s publicity wing announced that General Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmed, the most senior commanding officer in the area, had arrived earlier in the day “to

O L D P R O PAG A N D A

see preparation for impending operation against criminals”.

While Pakistan’s attention has for years been focused on the Taliban and Al Qaeda threat on the Afghan border in the remote northwest, militants and criminals have quietly expanded their influence and won recruits in the country’s heartland of Punjab.

At least six police officials have

been killed in the battle for the island, launched in a sweeping crackdown after a Taliban suicide bombing killed 72 people in Lahore, the provincial capital, last month.

Policemen A police spokeswoman said policemen were among the 24 hostages.

The battle was taking place near

Rajanpur, one of the poorest districts in Punjab, where the Panjnad River flows into the Indus, Pakistan’s lifeline. Previous military crackdowns have focused on the lawless tribal regions where the Taliban and other militants are based.

Paramilitary Rangers also launched a crackdown on criminals in the violent southern port city of Karachi in 2013. — Reuters

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army has announced the completion of last phase of full-scale military offensive in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) after terrorists were driven out of strategic Shawal Valley.

Army Chief General Raheel Sharif made the announcement while visiting the forward positions in NWA on Monday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that Raheel lauded the troops for the successful completion of Shawal operation. He acknowledged exceptional achievements, courage, determination and sacrifices of troops in achieving the objectives.

He, however, emphasised on consolidating the gains and resettle temporary displaced persons (TDPs) back in their areas to the best of our abilities.

He directed to undertake large scale combing operation immediately to seek out terrorists, their sleeper cells and facilitators in areas other than Fata and enhance reach of the law enforcement agencies. — Express Tribune

N E W PA N D O R A’ S B O X

‘Allegations against State-run institutions have offshore Altaf are baseless’ accounts: Transparency International KARACHI: In a bid to counter demands made by Mustafa Kamal to ban the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a senior party leader on Monday rebuffed ‘baseless’ allegations against Altaf Hussain.

“Allegations levelled against MQM supremo and party’s senior leadership are baseless, [and are] aimed at shrinking the party’s vote bank, which is not an easy task,” Rabita Committee convener Nadeem Nusrat said while addressing a press conference via a video link from London.

The senior MQM leader said decades’ old propaganda was being rolled out against the party to malign its image in public. “Despite false allegations and negative media coverage, people have always put their trust in MQM supremo,” he said. “But still some ‘unknown people’ are being given undue media coverage.”

Discrimination Nusrat alluded to a number of historical events during his speech, which, he said, were reflective of the discrimination being carried out against the party. “[The] MQM was created as a result of the deprivations of poor Urdu-speaking people and has since been subjected to discrimination,” the party convener said.

“Baseless allegations are being put against a political leader who enjoys popular support of the masses.” Nusrat claimed un-

Altaf Hussain

due pressure was being exerted against party leaders, who were being forced to quit the MQM and join the PSP. Appeal He appealed the country’s top civil-military leadership, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif to intervene in the matter and stop ‘baseless’ propaganda against the party.

The senior MQM leader also demanded an end to a ban on speeches of the party chief, saying he should be given a chance to clarify himself.

The address came hours after MQM’s provincial lawmaker Ashfaq Ahmed Mangi joined Kamal’s bandwagon. — Express Tribune

KARACHI: After politicians, government institutions are also found to have offshore accounts.

Transparency International Pakistan has opened a new Pandora’s box relating to the government’s offshore accounts.

Expressing concern at the delay over the Panama leaks probe and formation of a commission, Transparency International Pakistan has called for a ban on opening offshore accounts and bringing assets invested in offshore companies to Pakistan.

In an exclusive talk to Express News, the head of Transparency International Pakistan divulged that Pakistan’s state-run institutions also have offshore accounts.

He said that Pakistan International Airlines Investment has offshore Island in British Virgin Island and the beneficiaries of such accounts are those who run them, not the national air carrier.

He went on to say that K-Electric (KE) was also established with the offshore investment.

Transparency International Pakistan said that if the government is serious about the Panama leaks investigation, then it should, in the first phase, order the closure of offshore accounts.

Adil Gilani said that Transparency International Pakistan has been reiterating for the past 16 years that the money earned from corruption and tax-evasion is being used for terrorist activities.

REVELATION: The head of Transparency International Pakistan said that the Pakistan International

Airlines Investment has offshore Island in British Virgin Island and the beneficiaries of such accounts are those who run them, not the national air carrier. — AFP file photo

He added that if the country is to be saved, then the corruption to the tune of billions of rupees must be stopped. In reply to a question, he said that Sindh is involved in 80 per cent corruption of the entire country.

Gilani said steps should be taken on war footing for the country’s socio-economic development. He also praised Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif for the country-wide crackdown against extortionists, terrorists, and target

killers, adding that he is playing a key role in the stability and security of the country. He urged the army chief to withdraw his decision of retiring at the stipulated time and cleanse the country of corruption. — Express Tribune

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

ASIA

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Earthquake leaves Japan rattled, markets slip, factories shut down About 30,000 rescue workers were scouring the rubble for survivors and handing out food to those unable to return to their homes following the quakes which struck Kyushu island from Thursday

TOKYO: The Japanese share market fell more than 3 per cent on Monday after a series of earthquakes measuring up to 7.3 magnitude struck a southern manufacturing hub, killing at least 42 people and forcing major companies to close factories.

About 30,000 rescue workers were scouring the rubble for survivors and handing out food to those

NATURES’S FURY: Rescuers guide dogs to search for victims buried in a landslide due to the recent earthquakes in the village of Minami-Aso in Kumamoto prefecture on Monday. Rescuers intensified efforts on Monday to find 10 people still missing in a devastated village, with time running out more than two days after Japan’s double quake disaster. - AFP / Kazuhiro Nogi

unable to return to their homes following the quakes which struck Kyushu island from Thursday.

The biggest hit near Kumamoto city early on Saturday.

“There are still missing people.

We want to make further efforts to rescue and save people and prioritise human lives,” Prime Minister

Shinzo Abe told parliament, adding he aimed to declare the region a disaster zone to free up reconstruction funds.

The Nikkei stock index ended 3.4 per cent lower, hit by a stronger yen and as investors weighed the impact of the disaster on manufacturers’ supply chains and insurers.

Factories for major manufacturers including Toyota, Sony and Honda were closed, disrupting supply chains around the country.

Japan’s atomic regulator declared three nuclear plants in the region safe, giving a degree of comfort to a country deeply scarred by the Fukushima nuclear disaster of

2011 that was sparked by an earthquake and tsunami.

All commercial flights to the damaged Kumamoto airport were cancelled and the bullet train service to the region was suspended.

Food was in short supply as roads remained cut off by landslides.

Evacuees made an SOS signal out of chairs at a school playground, hoping to catch the attention of supply helicopters, Japanese media reported.

“Yesterday, I ate just one piece of tofu and a rice ball,” said the mayor of one of the areas affected.

“What we’re most worried about now is food.” Of more than 500 quakes hitting Kyushu since Thursday, more than 70 have been at least a four on Japan’s intensity scale, strong enough to shake buildings. The Kumamoto region is an important manufacturing hub and home to Japan’s only operating nuclear station.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the government would “take all the necessary measures” to support companies affected by the disaster and the economy more broadly, including tapping into reserve funds of ¥350 billion($3.24 billion).

Abe said a sales tax increase next year would go ahead barring

a financial crisis or major natural disaster, without elaborating on whether the quakes qualified as such a disaster.

On the stock market, Sony Corp and Toyota Motor led the sharp falls among manufacturers, dropping 6.8 per cent and 4.8 per cent respectively. Nissan Motor and Honda Motor both lost about 3 per cent. Insurers and utilities were also sold, with nuclear plant operator Kyushu Electric Power slumping nearly 8 per cent.

Toyota said it would suspend production at plants across Japan after the quakes disrupted its supply chain. Electronics giant Sony said its Kumamoto image sensors plant would remain suspended. One of the company’s major customers for the sensors is Apple. Honda said production at its motorcycle plant in southern Japan would remain suspended through Friday.

The Kumamoto government said 42 people had been killed and nine were missing. Thirty three people have been confirmed dead in Saturday’s quake and nine in the smaller tremor just over 24 hours earlier. The government said about 190 of the injured were in serious condition and some 110,000 people had been displaced. - Reuters

LABOUR REFORM BILL

Australia parliament rejects bill, likely triggers July election SYDNEY: Australia’s parliament voted down a labour reform bill on Monday, handing conservative Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull the excuse he has sought to dissolve both houses and hold a general election in July.

In an outcome that was unexpected only in terms of how quickly it was reached, the Senate voted against the government’s proposal to reinstate a building industry regulator, 34 votes to 36.

Turnbull was expected to address the lower house later on Monday and formally dissolve parliament and call for an election on July 2, media reported.

Hamstrung by a Senate dominated by minor parties and the main centre-left Labour party, Turnbull used the rare “double dissolution” manoeuvre — only possible after a bill has been rejected by the Senate twice — to clear both government houses and put the entire legislature to a poll. When Turnbull recalled parliament last month from a seven-week recess, it was only the fourth time in more than 50 years a government has used that measure.

Turnbull said then that if the bill failed to clear the Senate he would call an election for July 2.

The bill had been widely expected to be blocked in the Senate, where opposition lawmakers depicted the proposed construc-

tion watchdog as a covert attack on unions, but Turnbull pursued it nonetheless since he has sought a reason to call an election amid sliding opinion polls and a deadlocked upper house.

Support Opinion polls showed support for the ruling Liberal Party-led coalition lingering at its lowest level since Turnbull assumed office last September.

Support for the coalition was 49 per cent, a Newspoll found on Monday, on a two-party preferred basis where votes for minor parties are redistributed to the two main blocs according to preferences.

Turnbull retained his lead as preferred prime minister over Labour leader Bill Shorten.

But his popularity has waned amid perceived dithering over tax reform, a rejection of calls for an investigation into major banks and planned cuts to spending on hospitals and schools.

The sagging polls and likely early election will add pressure on Treasurer Scott Morrison to issue a voter friendly budget on May 3.

But analysts said Morrison faces a difficult task of addressing a ballooning budget deficit of about A$40 billion ($30.67 billion) this year while shoring up electorate support. - Reuters

CYBER HEIST

‘Bangladesh identifies 20 foreigners in $101m heist’ DHAKA: Bangladesh on Monday identified at least 20 foreigners from China, Sri Lanka and the Philippines for their alleged involvement in the $101 million cyber heist from the nation’s foreign reserves, in one of the world’s biggest ever bank theft that embarrassed the government.

The Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) investigation also found evidence of negligence

by Bangladesh Bank officials, according to CID Additional Deputy Inspector General Shah Alam.

“The names of 20 Filipino, Sri Lankan and Chinese nationals came up during our official visits to the countries regarding the heist. We might again visit the countries but we cannot disclose the names right now for the sake of the investigation,” Alam told reporters here. A 16-member team of the CID returned after their visit to the Philippines and Sri Lanka to collect information on the heist,

adding that details on the outcome of the visit will be made public later on, Alam was quoted as saying

by Dhaka Tribune.

CID said, they do not want to disclose information whether any Bangladeshis are involved in the reserve heist incident.

On the negligence of central bank officials, the CID official said, investigators are now trying to find out whether it was out of criminal intent or because of their incompetence.

The hacking took place on the night of February 4, using information stolen through the malware, which sent a total of 35 transfer orders to New York’s Federal Reserve Bank where Bangladesh’s central bank has an account. Bangladesh last month said that unknown hackers had stolen $101 million of which $81 million entered the Philippines and the rest went to Sri Lanka to be used in casino business. - PTI

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

WORLD

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BRAZIL

Rousseff vows to fight impeachment after defeat in lower house BRASILIA: Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s government vowed on Monday to fight impeachment after the lower house of Congress delivered a humiliating defeat that paved the way for her likely removal from office months before the country hosts the Olympics.

In a vote late on Sunday that sparked jubilation among Rouss-

eff’s foes, the opposition comfortably surpassed the two-thirds majority needed to send the leftist president for trial in the Senate on charges she manipulated budget accounts to boost her reelection in 2014. Surveys of lawmakers published by newspapers suggest that the opposition has the votes it needs to win a simple majority in the Senate next month to open

a trial against Rousseff, at which point she would be suspended from her post. She would be replaced by Vice President Michel Temer as acting president and he would serve out Rousseff’s term until 2018 if she is found guilty.

“The president will not be disheartened and will not stop fighting,” Attorney General Jose Eduardo Cardozo told a news con-

ference in the early hours of Monday, citing Rousseff’s fight against Brazil’s former military dictatorship, during which she was imprisoned and tortured.

The government has said it will fight on several fronts by challenging the vote in the Supreme Court, organizing street protests against impeachment and seeking to secure the votes in Senate to block a

trial. “If someone thinks she is going to bow down now, they are fooling themselves,” Cardoso said.

Brazil’s Bovespa stock index was flat at midday on Monday, after rallying more than 20 per cent this year on hopes that impeachment would spell an end to 13 years of leftist Workers Party rule.

The central bank intervened to prevent a sharp rise in the cur-

rency, offering up to $4 billion in derivatives at an auction. The real weakened to 3.53 per dollar, while yields on rate futures fell.

The impeachment battle, waged during Brazil’s worst recession since the 1930s, has divided the country of 200 million people more deeply than at any time since the end of its military dictatorship in 1985. — Reuters

Ecuador quake toll rises to 350 At least 2,068 people were also injured in Saturday’s 7.8 magnitude quake, which ripped apart buildings and roads and knocked out power LOOKING FOR SURVIVORS: Rescue workers search the rubble af-

ter a 7.8-magnitude quake in Gauyaquil, Ecuador on Sunday. – AFP

PEDERNALES/PORTOVIEJO: The death toll from Ecuador’s worst earthquake in decades rose to 350 on Monday while traumatised survivors rested amid the rubble of their homes and rescuers dug for survivors in the Andean nation’s shattered coastal region.

At least 2,068 people were also injured in Saturday’s 7.8 magnitude quake, which ripped apart buildings and roads and knocked out power. Giving the new tally of fatalities from the city of Portoviejo inside the disaster zone, President Rafael Correa told Reuters he feared the number would rise even further. “Reconstruction will cost billions of dollars,” he also said, chatting with victims and appearing deeply moved as he toured the shattered town in the OPEC nation whose economy was already reeling from the global slump in crude oil prices.

Further north, in the beach locality of Pedernales, survivors curled up on mattresses or plastic chairs next to flattened homes.

Soldiers and police patrolled the hot, dark streets overnight while pockets of rescue workers plowed on. At one point, firefighters entered a partially destroyed house to search for three children and a man apparently trapped in-

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side, as a crowd of 40 gathered in the darkness to watch. “My little cousins are inside. Before, there were noises, screams. We must find them,” pleaded Isaac, 18, as the firemen combed the debris.

Tents sprang up in the town’s still-intact stadium to store bodies, treat the injured, and distribute water, food, and blankets.

Survivors wandered around with bruised limbs and bandaged cuts, while those with more serious injuries were evacuated to hospitals. While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, the disaster is dreadful news for Ecuador’s economy, which was already forecast for near-zero growth this year due to plunging oil income. The energy industry appeared largely intact although

the main refinery of Esmeraldas was closed as a precaution. However, exports of bananas, flowers, cocoa beans and fish could be slowed by ruined roads and port delays. The quake could also alter political dynamics ahead of next year’s presidential election.

The government’s response seemed relatively speedy, with Vice President Jorge Glas flying into the disaster zone within hours and Correa coming straight back from a trip in Italy. But some survivors complained about lack of electricity and supplies, and aid had still not reached some areas. About 230 aftershocks have rattled survivors, who huddled in the streets, worried the tremors could topple their already cracked homes.

“We’re scared of being in the house,” said Yamil Faran, 47, surrounded by some 30 people in a street in Portoviejo. “When ... the aftershocks stop, we’re going to see if we can repair it.”

About 130 inmates in Portoviejo took advantage of the destruction and chaos to climb over the collapsed walls of the low-security El Rodeo prison. More than 35 had been recaptured, authorities said Sunday night. — Reuters LINKS TO GULEN

Turkish executives among 100 detained ISTANBUL: Executives of a major Turkish company were among 100 people detained by police on Monday over allegations of funding the movement of cleric Fethullah Gulen, a foe of President Tayyip Erdogan, state media said.

The raids were the latest police operations targeting thousands of supporters of the USbased cleric, accused of leading what prosecutors described as a “Gulenist Terror Group” trying to overthrow Erdogan. Gulen denies the accusations.

Two board members of the Dumankaya construction group were named by state-run Anadolu Agency among those taken into custody. Dumankaya said in a statement that its board members had been invited to police headquarters to provide information.

Anadolu said the police operation, focused on Istanbul, was launched across nine provinces and 101 people have so far been taken into custody, with prosecutors having issued arrest warrants for 140 people under the probe.

Those held are accused of charges of membership and funding of a terror group and spreading terrorist propaganda, it said. — Reuters

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

OMAN OIL PRICE FALLS

MARKE

Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME) said that Oman oil price (June delivery) reached $37.81. The DME statement on Monday said that the price of Oman oil declined $2.20 from the price of last Friday, which was $40.01. — ONA

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Muscat 5,659.93 - 75.21 - 1.31%

Dubai 3,525.44 + 3.90 + 0.11%

Abu Dhabi 5,289.68 - 26.79 - 0.50%

Saudi Arabia

6,424.90 + 12.53 + 0.20%

Kuwait 5,289.68 - 26.79 - 0.50%

Bahrain 1,126.56 + 3.28 + 0.29%

Qatar 10,231.52 + 42.30 + 0.42%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.27 Pound ........................................... 1.82 Indian Rs ............................. 172.80 Pak Rs ....................................267.24 Bangla Taka......................200.84

Indian Rs ................................... 172.75 Pakistan Rs .............................. 271.75 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 203.35 Bangla Taka................................... N/A Phil Peso .....................................119.79

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......15.80

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........ $37.20 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........ $37.00 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$39.06 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$36.35 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$40.89 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$38.25

Oman offers to bridge SaudiIran gap in oil output talks Producers should still work on reaching a deal, Oman’s Oil and Gas Minister said, offering to facilitate discussions, that scuttled a planned crude output freeze.

DOHA: Oman, the biggest nonOpec oil exporter in the Arabian Gulf, offered to narrow differences between Saudi Arabia and Iran that scuttled a planned crude output freeze.

Futures fell as much as 6.8 per cent in New York, the biggest intraday drop since February 1, after 16 countries failed at a meeting in Doha to limit their production in an effort to reduce a global glut.

The outcome of the Sunday summit was disappointing but not a surprise because Iran wasn’t involved in the talks and Saudi Arabia insisted on Iran’s inclusion in the freeze, Oman’s Oil and Gas Minister Mohammed Al Rumhy told Bloomberg TV. Producers should still work on reaching a deal, Rumhy said, offering to facilitate discussions.

“Oman has a good relationship,

by the way, with everyone, not just Saudis and Iran, and we are prepared to see what is good for all of us,” he said. One suggestion to advance the talks that wasn’t considered at the Doha meeting is to set the cap based on maximum production, he said.

“The reality is in the fields.

Most of us have peaked, with the exception of maybe one or two, so if we say look, everybody is producing at a maximum level, let’s try to agree on where we are now and then move forward.”

Producers should try to get consensus on a freeze by the time Opec meets in June, Rumhy said.

“Hopefully those who were not on board yesterday will be on board

by June. From now on until June, we would be working on trying to convince everyone else that the freeze is the right way to do it.”

— Bloomberg News

FUNDING PROJECTS IN DUQM

FINANCING FOR PRIVATE SECTOR: The signing of this MoU is part of Sezad’s efforts to encourage the private sector to invest in Sezad and overcome financing difficulties faced by investors, especially small and medium enterprises sector. - Supplied picture

Duqm port signs financing deal with Oman Arab Bank Times News Service MUSCAT: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed

by Yahya bin Said bin Abdullah Al Jabri, Sezad Chairperson, with Oman Arab Bank (OAB).

Under the MoU, OAB will provide financing services to private sector companies and institutions that are developing projects within the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (Sezad).

The agreement was signed

by Rashad bin Mohammed Al Zubair, OAB Chairman and attended by Amin Al Husseini,

Oman Arab Bank, chief executive officer.

The signing of this MoU is part of Sezad’s efforts to encourage the private sector to invest in Sezad and overcome financing difficulties faced by investors, especially small and medium enterprises sector.

The MoU encourages cooperation between Sezad and OAB to facilitate procedures the investors should follow for funding their projects carried out in Duqm.

Under this MoU, Sezad will convey the offers received from

OAB to investors, companies, and institutions wishing to invest in Sezad.

OAB will provide many services for investors. In the field of corporate banking, the bank will provide various types of financing needed by the companies including trade finance, term loans, housing loans, financial and investment consultancy of all kinds, electronic banking services, and many other services.

Through its cooperation with banking institutions, Sezad seeks to encourage investors to localise their projects in Duqm.

SHARIA-COMPLIANT PRIZE

alizz islamic bank launches its latest financial product MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Growth of Islamic banking in Oman is an incredible phenomenon says an official of the alizz islamic bank.

“Islamic banking has been introduced in the Sultanate some years ago and the achievement in the short period is unbelievable,” Mohamoud Barre Dulaeh, head of product development in the alizz

islamic bank told Times of Oman on the sideline of the launch their latest financial product called ‘Bushra’, a Sharia-compliant prize savings account.

Growing fast “When we look into the other countries it took some period but in Oman it’s going faster than we expected,” he added.

According to him, Islamic banking is different from conven-

* Rates as of Apr 18 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

* Rates are as of Apr 18 Source: Bank Muscat

tional banks. “Islamic finance is not like the conventional banks and it needs some time to establish into a full fledge way because when we launched it in Oman it has no track record so the people should understand how it works,” Dulaeh explained.

He also said that the alizz islamic bank has taken lot of initiatives to make the people in the Sultanate aware of Islamic Banking. > B4

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......15.20 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............149.50 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............140.50 * Rates as of Apr 18 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

C A P I TA L M A R K E T AU T H O R I T Y

Non-audit services of audit firms restricted by regulator A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s market watchdog Capital Market Authority (CMA) on Monday said that auditors are allowed to provide only three non-audit services for their audit clients, against 13 such services allowed earlier.

However, they can provide all their services to companies that are not their clients.

The market regulator said that audit firms are now allowed to carry out three non-audit services - audit related services, taxation advisory services and investigation of matters arriving from auditor findings or observations – to their audit clients, according to a CMA circular.

Across the globe, regulators are putting increased emphasis on the independence of auditors. Accordingly, the CMA has reviewed a circular issued in 2009, which allowed 13 non-audit services for their clients.

Under the new regulation, audited-related services that are allowed for their clients now include review of interim financial information reporting required by law, reporting on government grants, reporting on regulatory grants and reporting on internal financial

NEW REGULATION: The CMA has already forwarded the new regulation to all listed companies, funds and audit firms and the new regulation becomes effective from today. - Times file picture

control when required by law.

Likewise, taxation advisory services are subject to certain criteria. Auditors are also allowed to investigate matters arriving from auditor findings or observations related to audit of financial statements or misappropriation.

The CMA has already forwarded the new regulation to all listed companies, funds and audit firms and the new regulation becomes effective from today. As many as

130 companies are listed on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM).

The market regulator also said that the maximum fee on non-audit services should not exceed 25 per cent of average audit fee paid by the client (company) for the last three years.

Any violation of this regulation will attract penal action by the regulator, which include suspension or even cancellation of licence of the auditor.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

MARKET Value of Middle East deals decline by 40% A total of 13 M&A deals were announced in Mena region in the first quarter of 2016 valued at $1.5b compared to $ 2.5b in the similar period of 2015

Times News Service MUSCAT: A total of 13 mergers & acquisitions (M&A) deals were announced in Middle East and North African (Mena) region in the first quarter of 2016 valued at $1.5 billion, according to Mergermarket, the world’s leading news and intelligence service for M&A. Number of deals is the same as in the first quarter of 2015, but total deal value has declined by 39.7 per cent from $ 2.5 billion, indicates the roundup of Mena M&A activity in the first quarter of 2016, ahead of its Middle Eastern M&A and Private Equity Forum, to be held in Dubai on May 16.

Mergermarket identifies the telecommunications sector as the most targeted in the Middle East, entirely as a result of Saudi Telecom Company’s $494 million acquisition of Kuwait Telecommunications – the highest valued deal of the quarter.

Kirsty Wilson, global research editor at Mergermarket, commented: “The UAE attracted the highest number of deals during the quarter, with the announcement of seven deals totalling

IN LIMELIGHT: Deal value in the telecommunications sector grew significantly, totalling $494

million in the first quarter of 2016, compared to $223 million in the same period last year. - File photo

$447 million. The highest valued UAE deal of the quarter was the $292 million acquisition of ecommerce platform Souq.com by Standard Chartered Private Equity limited, Baillie Gifford and International Finance Corporation, in a funding round that valued the company at $1 billion.”

Construction sector Deal value in the telecommunications sector grew significantly, totalling $494 million in the first quarter of 2016, compared to $223 million in the same period last year. Other sectors that experienced considerable growth were construction, which recorded $135 million in the first quarter compared to $41 million for the same period in 2015, and transport, with deal value totalling $90 million in the first quarter, compared to $ 21 million in the same period last year.

Will Seivewright, corporate/

M&A partner at Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla, based in the UAE, commented: “Cross-border M&A in the first quarter of 2016 has continued to be very busy across the Middle East, following a record-breaking 2015 for crossborder M&A globally and regionally. The food and beverage and telecommunications sectors have been particularly active across the GCC, and notwithstanding the low oil prices and macroeconomic uncertainty, companies have continued their strategic expansion and/or consolidation plans.”

Forum “The region remains attractive to cash rich international private equity investors and given the current healthy pipeline of both M&A and private equity related deal activity, we expect this trend to continue into the next quarter,” he added.

Mergermarket’s upcoming

Middle Eastern M&A and Private Equity Forum will be attended by leading Mena transaction professionals, who will examine deal trends in the region as well as share ideas on the outlook for M&A in the Middle East.

The forum will be hosted in strategic partnership with Baker & McKenzie, EY, Standard Bank and Instinctif Partners. The Forum will be followed by Mergermarket’s inaugural Middle Eastern M&A Awards, which will recognise transaction advisory achievements across a range of sectors including consumer, mining and utilities, industrials and chemicals, medical and biotech, real estate, and financial services.

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OIL GLOOM

Saudi working to limit impact of subsidy cuts RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will limit the impact of subsidy cuts on its citizens as the world’s largest oil exporter overhauls its economy for the post-oil era, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.

The government is developing a mechanism to provide cash to lowand middle-income Saudis who rely on subsidies, Prince Mohammed said in an interview. Under the previous system, 70 per cent of the subsidies benefited high income people, he said.

“We don’t want to change the life of the average Saudi,” the prince said. “We want to exert pressure on wealthy people, those who use resources extensively.”

Past rulers of Saudi Arabia have largely avoided seeking additional revenue from the public. A survey released this month found that 86 per cent of Saudi youth think electricity and fuel should be subsidised by the government, and last month’s water price increase led to a flurry of complaints reported in local media.

Non-oil revenue As producers from Oman to Venezuela feel the pinch in global energy markets, Saudi Arabia has raised prices for gasoline, electricity and water to rein in spending.

Including future cuts, the subsidy restructuring is expected to generate $30 billion a year by 2020, part of a broader plan to raise non-oil revenue by $100 billion to reduce the kingdom’s reliance on crude.

The prince also suggested that cash handouts may reduce consumption. “Let’s say the international price for electricity is 1,000 riyals and you only pay 50, we will give you the 1,000 riyals and increase the price of electricity,” he said.

“You will have two options: You either spend the 1,000 on electricity bills like you used to, or you can

lower your electricity consumption and use it on something else.”

While higher gasoline and electricity prices were implemented without affecting ordinary citizens, the new water tariff was applied in an ‘unsatisfactory’ way that will be rectified, the prince said.

Post-oil era “Honestly speaking, what happened wasn’t in accordance with the plan that we’ve approved,” he said. “Now, we are working diligently on reforms within the Water Ministry so that things will be in accordance with the agreed plan,” he said, without providing details.

Prince Mohammed is leading the biggest shake-up of the economy since Saudi Arabia’s founding.

A comprehensive plan to prepare the kingdom for the post-oil era will be announced on April 25, the prince said.

Creating jobs One component will be the National Transformation Programme, to be announced a month to 45 days later, which focuses on ways to boost economic growth, create jobs, attract investors and hold government offices more accountable. The plan to transform Saudi Aramco from an oil company into an energy and industrial conglomerate, as well as the future of the Public Investment Fund, will also be included, he said Other Gulf nations, including Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, are also scaling back subsidies and other welfare payments to cope with declining oil revenue.

Ssaudi officials say low oil prices have allowed the government to push through reforms that would have been taboo when prices were high. “We have our own programmes that don’t need high oil prices,” he said. - Bloomberg News

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex gains, rupee rises MUMBAI: Market kept its winning momentum going for the fourth straight day as the Sensex soared nearly 190 points to end at 25,816 — a fresh over three-anda-half-month high — as investors lapped up Infosys’ upbeat revenue forecast and industry-beating net profit for January-March.

Mood has turned for the better following positive macroeconomic data, including a cooling inflation and a forecast of an above-normal monsoon this year, kindling hopes of a higher growth and more policy easing by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

To add to the good news, wholesale price-based inflation in March remained in the negative zone for the 17th month in a row

at (-)0.85 per cent even as prices of some food articles, mainly pulses, turned costlier.

The NSE Nifty took back the psychological 7,900-mark. IT, realty, technology and FMCG stocks led the charge, with widespread gains. Throughout the session, trading stayed positive. The Sensex ended higher by 189.61 points, 0.74 per cent, at 25,816.36 — its highest closing since January 1 this year.

The 30-share Sensex had gained over 952.91 points in the past three sessions. The NSE Nifty closed at 7,914.70, up 64.25 points, or 0.82 per cent.

The second-largest IT services company, Infosys, was the clear winner as it shot up 5.70 per cent

to close at a fresh 52-week high of Rs1,238.80 after it posted 16.2 per cent rise in net profit at Rs 35.97 billion for the March quarter.

Rupee recovers The Indian rupee on Monday recovered by nine paise against the American currency to close at 66.55 on fresh selling of dollars by banks and exporters in view of weakness in greenback in the overseas market.

Persistent foreign capital inflows in view of sustained rise in equity market also boosted the rupee value against dollar, a foreign exchange dealer said. The rupee resumed higher at 66.63 as against Wednesday’s level of 66.64 per dollar. - PTI

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

B3

MARKET New branch of Oman Qatar Insurance opens The new full-service, one-stop branch at Avenues Mall, now offers a full range of personal insurance products (car, home, and travel insurance INAUGURATION: The branch was inaugurated by Ali bin Fahad

Al Hajri, Qatar’s ambassador to the Sultanate, in the presence of other company officials. - Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: To cater to the growing market demand, Oman Qatar Insurance Company (OQIC), premier insurer in Oman and a subsidiary of Qatar Insurance Group, on Monday announced the opening of a new branch at Muscat’s leading Avenues Mall.

The timings of the new branch will be from 10am to 10pm between Sunday ando Wednesday and from 10am to 11pm between Thursday and Saturday.

The new full-service, one-stop branch, now offers a full range of personal insurance products (car insurance, home insurance, and travel insurance) to existing and new customers residing in the Greater Muscat area.

The new branch will also enhance Oman Qatar Insurance Company’s service levels in the areas of motor claims intimation facility with initial survey.

The branch was inaugurated

by Ali bin Fahad Al Hajri, Qatar’s ambassador to the Sultanate, in the presence of Salem Al Mannai, deputy group president and chief

executive officer – QIC Mena region; and Ewen McRobbie, chief executive officer of OQIC “I would like to congratulate OQIC on the successful opening of its branch at Avenues Mall. Not only would the new branch facilitate employment and boost the local economy, but would also provide distinct service benefits to its customers residing in the Greater Muscat area,” Ali bin Fahad Al Hajri said, During the inauguration.

Extensive network “It is a great pleasure to have Ali bin Fahad Al Hajri join us for the inauguration of our new branch.

As part of our strategy to expand our reach to new customers and to better serve our existing customers, we’re building an extensive network of branches across Oman. With the opening of this branch, we are now well placed to offer a range of insurance solutions to meet the needs of the residents of Muscat,” said Salem Al Mannai.

“Opening of the newest branch

of OQIC at Avenues Mall aligns with our objective of reaching out by establishing a local presence in the heart of Greater Muscat and by being part of the local business life in Oman,” said Ewen McRobbie.

“The new branch provides customers with improved access to our products and services and allows us to enhance further our understanding of our customers’ insurance needs. We welcome our customers to this new branch and look forward to a long and successful relationship,” Ewen McRobbie added.

Established in 2004, Oman Qatar Insurance Company offers conventional insurance products and believes in delivering innovative retail solutions for home, travel and car insurances to every segment of its customer base.

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CONFERENCE

Petrochemical firms in GCC told to focus on supply chain Times News Service MUSCAT: With Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tripling its production capacity between 2004 and 2015, petrochemical producers in the region should focus on supply chain efficiency in order to retain export market share, said the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), ahead of the Supply Chain Conference in May. Regional chemical output in plastics, fertilisers and other products are primarily destined for overseas markets.

In 2015, about 80 per cent or 70.6 million tonnes of petrochemicals were exported.

“In just over a decade, the GCC’s petrochemical industry has expanded its capacity from 38 million tonnes in 2004 to 142.1 million tonnes in 2015,” said Dr Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, secretary general of GPCA. “At 9.5 per cent per year, this production growth is second only to China, with more and more diversified products being produced in the GCC. As capacity expansions continue, and an estimated 40 additional products are introduced from GCC petrochemical producers till 2020, the supply chain will have to adjust.”

“We can already see the direct

impact of product expansion on the supply chain, resulting in the emergence of business- to- business style logistics industry that includes road, shipping and port facilities, with further expansion plans in railways in the near future,” he added.

Port infrastructure New and improved port infrastructure in the region includes Qatar’s New Port Project, Yanbu Port in Saudi Arabia and Jebel Ali Port and Khalifa Port in the UAE. Port expansions are expected to

continue into 2016, as the new $7billion mega-port near Qatar’s Mesaieed Industrial Zone is set to open this year, and port construction continues in Kuwait.

However, there are some serious challenges the region has to overcome including current economic conditions, port congestion, complicated customs procedures, under invested infrastructure and stalled free trade agreement negotiations with the major economic blocks like the European Union.

“Improving logistics facilities are well within the remit of the region’s petrochemical companies: petrochemical producers should also up their investment in training and education of their workshop and partner with regional universities and colleges to bridge the current gap between academia and industry, said Dr Al Sadoun.

To support regional players in this endeavour, the Gulf countries is set to host its 8th Supply Chain Conference in Dubai, UAE. Held on the theme, ‘Supporting downstream development — creating supply chain linkages’, the conference gathers speakers from petrochemical companies, railways and consultancies explore synergies between the GCC’s chemical industry and the emerging logistics infrastructure in the region.

B4

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

MARKET MSM index ends lower

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................ 5,732.11 ...............5,659.85 ................... 5,659.93 ....................5,735.15................-75.22 ...................-1.31 Financial Index .....................................7,306.77 ................7,170.51 .................... 7,170.78 ....................7,326.31..............-155.53 .................. -2.12 Industrial Index ....................................6,921.68 .............. 6,895.94 ................... 6,898.68 ...................6,953.04................-54.36 .................. -0.78 Services Index ...................................... 3,203.56 .............. 3,162.20 ................... 3,162.20 ................... 3,195.54................-33.34 .................. -1.04 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................862.08 ..................855.98 .......................855.99 ...................... 863.39.................. -7.40 .................. -0.86 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 14,728,792..................2,280,286 .....................837 ............... 16,664,476,787 .................. 3 ..................... 33 .................... 10 .........................46

Monday's top gainer was United Finance, up 2.31 per cent while Oman Fisheries was the

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, APRIL 18

top loser, down 8.00 per cent ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: The MSM30 witnessed heavy profit taking to close at 5,659.93 points, down 1.31 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index declined 0.86 per cent to close at 855.99 points. Galfar Engineering was the most active in terms of volume while Al Anwar Holding led in terms of turnover. The top gainer was United Finance, up 2.31 per cent while Oman Fisheries was the top loser, down 8.00 per cent.

A total number of 837 trades were executed on Monday, generating turnover of OMR2.28 million with 14.7 million shares changing hands. Out of 46 traded securities, three advanced, 33 declined and 10 remained unchanged. At the session close, GCC & Arab investors were net buyers for OMR122,000 followed by Foreign Investors for OMR109,000 while Omani Investors switched to net sellers for OMR231,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index had strong loss of 2.12 per cent to close at 7,170.78 points. United Finance, up 2.31 per cent was the only sector gainer. Gulf Investment Services, Al Sharqia Investments, Al Madina Takaful, Al Madina Investments and Global Financial Investment declined 6.92 per cent, 5.88 per cent, 5.41 per cent, 4.84 per cent and 4.58 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index ended negatively at 6,898.68 points, down 0.78 per cent. Oman Fisheries, Galfar Engineering, Al Hassan Engineering, Al Jazeera Steel and Gulf International Chemicals declined 8.00 per cent, 5.38 per cent, 3.80 per cent, 3.51 per cent and 2.96 per cent respectively.

Services Index declined 1.04 per cent to end the session at 3,162.20 points. Al Batinah Power and Al Suwadi Power gained 1.93 per cent and 1.42 per cent respectively. Al Jazeera Services, Renaissance Services, Sembcorp Salalah, Port Servic-

es and National Gas lost 5.66 per cent, 5.15 per cent, 3.45 per cent, 3.10 per cent and 3.07 per cent respectively

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

OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .......................................................34,606 .............. 4,602........................4 ............0.129 ........... 0.134 ...........0.129............0.133 .............0.130............ 0.003.............2.308 ................0.134 ..............0.134...................0.139...................43,398,324.........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER..................................................58,724 .............12,371......................13 ............0.210 ........... 0.212 ...........0.210............0.211 .............0.207 ........... 0.004............. 1.932 ................0.212..............0.212...................0.215..................142,401,248........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 285,199 ............61,319..................... 10 ............0.215 ........... 0.216 ...........0.215 ............0.215 .............0.212 ........... 0.003..............1.415.................0.216 ..............0.216...................0.218..................153,597,363 ........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ............................................................. 700 .................. 749........................1 ............1.070 ........... 1.070 ...........1.070 ........... 1.070 ............. 1.070............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.070 .............. 1.025...................1.060................. 214,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ...................................................................... 37,441 ............. 18,721........................2 ........... 0.500 ...........0.500 ...........0.500........... 0.500 .............0.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.500..............0.500...................0.520 .................317,895,444 ........0.100

Saudi stocks drop Saudi Arabian stocks led declines across most Gulf Arab equity markets as investors await the outcome of a gathering of major oil producing nations in Doha.

The Tadawul All Share Index dropped 1.5 per cent, the most in two weeks. Dubai’s DFM General Index lost 0.7 per cent as the Bloomberg GCC 200 Index, which tracks the largest and most liquid shares across the sixnation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), retreated 0.8 per cent.

Abu Dhabi’s ADX General Index extended gains a seventh day, adding 0.5 per cent.

At least 16 nations representing about half the world’s oil output, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, are gathering on Sunday in the Qatari capital to discuss limiting production in a bid to shore up prices.

Equities in the GCC are tied closely to the price of oil, which generates the bulk of government revenue in the region. “Investors are apprehensive about taking new positions before the results of the meeting,” said Nabil Farhat, an Abu Dhabi-based partner at Al Fajr Securities. “We might see a spike in prices in either direction depending on the results of the meeting.”

Brent crude, a benchmark for half the world’s oil, has dropped three days in the lead up to the meeting, and closed last week at $43.10 per barrel.

Dubai’s benchmark measure has gained 12 per cent this year, sending its relative-strength index to 71 on Thursday, above the level of 70 that signals to some analysts a security may be overbought. It closed at 67.

OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 128,318 ..........202,569..................... 23 ............1.580 ........... 1.585 ...........1.565 ........... 1.580 .............1.580............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.575 .............. 1.575...................1.580................1,185,000,000 ......0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ................................................... 364,721...........153,188..................... 26 ........... 0.420 ...........0.422 ...........0.420........... 0.420 .............0.420 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.420..............0.420...................0.440 ..................25,410,000 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 1,299,212 .......159,701..................... 34 ............0.115 ........... 0.130 ........... 0.115 ............0.123 .............0.124 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.806 ...............0.123 ..............0.122...................0.125...................14,990,625 .........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 305,000 ........... 84,770........................8 ........... 0.274 ...........0.278 ...........0.274........... 0.278 .............0.281............-0.003 ........... -1.068................0.278..............0.272...................0.278...................82,347,404.........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 712,394 ..........111,247......................16 ............0.154 ........... 0.158 ...........0.154 ............0.156 ............. 0.158............-0.002 ........... -1.266 ...............0.158 .............. 0.156...................0.158..................247,351,104 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .................................................. 33,813 .............13,487......................17 ........... 0.402 ...........0.402 ...........0.396........... 0.398 .............0.404 ...........-0.006 ............-1.485................0.400............. 0.400...................0.404 ..................20,895,000.........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 422,063 ......... 165,339..................... 36 ........... 0.394 ...........0.394 ...........0.390........... 0.392 .............0.398 ...........-0.006 ........... -1.508 ...............0.394..............0.392...................0.394 .................978,530,101 ........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 400,000...........40,000........................4 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.100........... 0.100 .............0.102 ...........-0.002 ............-1.961................0.100..............0.100...................0.102..................200,031,279........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 122,500 ............30,655........................5 ........... 0.253 ...........0.253 ...........0.250........... 0.250 .............0.255 ...........-0.005 ............-1.961................0.250..............0.250...................0.253................. 424,800,350 .......0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO.........................................................................20,199 .............14,656........................3 ............0.728 ........... 0.728 ...........0.724........... 0.724 .............0.740 ...........-0.016 ........... -2.162 ...............0.724..............0.724...................0.728..................471,283,623........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 122,000 ...........25,044........................4 ........... 0.206...........0.206 ...........0.202 .......... 0.205 .............0.210 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.381 ...............0.202 .............0.201...................0.204 ..................41,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,100,805 .......233,211................... 101 ............0.214 ........... 0.214 ...........0.210........... 0.212 .............0.218............-0.006 ........... -2.752 ...............0.211 ..............0.210................... 0.211 ...................31,815,900 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 180,961 .............47,366..................... 27 ............0.261 ...........0.264 ...........0.261........... 0.262 .............0.270 ...........-0.008 ........... -2.963 ...............0.264..............0.263...................0.265....................5,502,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .............................................................43,501 .............13,730..................... 10 ........... 0.324 ...........0.324 ...........0.312 ............0.316 .............0.326 ...........-0.010 ........... -3.067 ...............0.320..............0.314...................0.320 ..................17,380,000 .........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 125,000 ............27,348......................11 ............0.218 ...........0.220 ...........0.215 ........... 0.219 .............0.226 ...........-0.007 ........... -3.097 ...............0.220 .............0.218...................0.220 ..................20,813,760 .........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................... 81,495 .............21,333......................17 ........... 0.264 ...........0.264 ...........0.260 .......... 0.262 ............. 0.271............-0.009 ........... -3.321................0.260..............0.256...................0.260 .................386,392,694 .......0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH................................................16,050 ...............4,045........................1 ........... 0.252 ...........0.252 ...........0.252........... 0.252 .............0.261............-0.009 ........... -3.448 ...............0.252..............0.252...................0.260 .................240,552,131 ........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ....................... 30,000 ...............2,487........................4 ........... 0.084 ...........0.084 ...........0.082........... 0.083 .............0.086 ...........-0.003 ........... -3.488 ...............0.082..............0.082...................0.084 ...................2,490,000..........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 317,988 .............52,321..................... 37 ............0.165 ........... 0.166 ...........0.162 ............0.165 ............. 0.171 ............-0.006 ........... -3.509 ...............0.163 .............. 0.163...................0.165 ...................20,608,163 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE .................................59,000 .............15,340........................2 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.260 .......... 0.260 ............. 0.271............-0.011 ........... -4.059 ...............0.260..............0.254...................0.259...................26,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 630,000 ............78,730..................... 10 ............0.124 ........... 0.125 ...........0.124............0.125 ............. 0.131 ............-0.006 ........... -4.580 ...............0.125 ..............0.124...................0.125...................25,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 109,500 ..............6,487........................9 ........... 0.056 ...........0.060 ...........0.056........... 0.059 .............0.062 ...........-0.003 ........... -4.839 ...............0.060..............0.060...................0.062 ..................12,221,932 .........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 249,552 ............55,193..................... 25 ........... 0.227 ...........0.227 ...........0.220 .......... 0.221 .............0.233 ...........-0.012 ............-5.150................0.220 ............ 0.220...................0.225 ..................64,233,876.........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 2,321,110 ......203,558................... 101 ........... 0.086 ........... 0.091 ...........0.085........... 0.088 .............0.093 ...........-0.005 ........... -5.376 ...............0.091 ..............0.091...................0.092 ..................25,518,296 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 266,500 ............ 18,710..................... 26 ........... 0.070 ........... 0.071 ...........0.070........... 0.070 .............0.074 ...........-0.004 ........... -5.405 ...............0.071 ..............0.070...................0.071...................12,250,000.........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ........................................... 25,200 ...............6,301........................4 ........... 0.256 ...........0.256 ...........0.250........... 0.250 .............0.265 ...........-0.015 ........... -5.660 ...............0.250............. 0.244...................0.256................... 15,301,068 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 876,518.............98,391..................... 69 ............0.114 ........... 0.115............ 0.111 ............0.112 ............. 0.119 ............-0.007 ........... -5.882 ...............0.112 ...............0.111................... 0.112 ...................10,080,000.........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 224,780 ............27,295......................17 ............0.121 ........... 0.127 ...........0.120............0.121 .............0.130............-0.009 ........... -6.923 ...............0.125 .............. 0.121...................0.125.................... 7,120,029 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 11,004,850.......2,010,262 ............677 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......33........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING .....................................10,000 .............. 3,200........................1 ........... 0.320 ...........0.320 ...........0.320........... 0.320 .............0.320 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.320..............0.320...................0.374....................1,920,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED ..................................................850 ...................185........................1 ............0.218 ........... 0.218 ...........0.218........... 0.220 .............0.220 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.218 ............. 0.000...................0.218................... 17,787,000 .........0.100 OM0000002101 ............OMAN FIBER OPTIC .........................................................140 ..................640........................1 ........... 4.570 ...........4.570 ...........4.570........... 4.570 .............4.570 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................4.570.............. 4.115...................0.000 ..................32,973,089.........1.000 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ........................................................92,398 .............13,814......................11 ............0.150 ........... 0.150 ...........0.149 ........... 0.150 .............0.150............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.149 ..............0.149...................0.150..................219,390,219 ........0.100 OM0000001855 ............MAJAN GLASS ............................................................... 11,000 .............. 2,090........................1 ............0.190 ........... 0.190 ...........0.190........... 0.190 .............0.194 ...........-0.004 ........... -2.062 ...............0.190............. 0.000...................0.196.................... 7,984,427 ..........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE..................................................... 66,200 ................7,613........................9 ............0.115 ........... 0.115............ 0.115 ............0.115 ............. 0.118 ............-0.003 ........... -2.542 ...............0.115 ...............0.115................... 0.117 ...................30,672,292.........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ....................34,382 ............... 1,169........................4 ........... 0.034 ...........0.034 ...........0.034........... 0.034 .............0.035 ...........-0.001 ........... -2.857 ...............0.034..............0.033...................0.034 ...................2,890,000..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 656,752.............38,196......................13 ........... 0.059 ...........0.059 ...........0.058........... 0.058 .............0.060 ...........-0.002 ........... -3.333 ...............0.059..............0.058...................0.059...................58,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 153,000 ............11,624......................21 ........... 0.079 ........... 0.079 ...........0.073........... 0.076 .............0.079 ...........-0.003 ............-3.797................0.075..............0.074...................0.076.................... 5,715,808 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,314,844 .........95,211..................... 37 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.074 ...........0.072........... 0.072 .............0.075 ...........-0.003 ...........-4.000 ...............0.073..............0.073...................0.074................. 108,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 1,381,690 .........96,021..................... 58 ........... 0.070 ...........0.070 ...........0.069........... 0.069 .............0.075 ...........-0.006 ........... -8.000 ...............0.069..............0.068...................0.069....................8,625,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 3,721,256 ...... 269,763................... 157 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ...... 11........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS AND SUKUK MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ............................................. 1,269 .................. 129........................1 ............0.102 ........... 0.102 ...........0.102........... 0.102 .............0.102 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.102..............0.102...................0.106...................32,603,553 .........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ........................1,417 ...................132........................2 ........... 0.093 ...........0.093 ...........0.093........... 0.093 .............0.093 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.093..............0.093...................0.096...................30,147,030 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: ...................................................................................... 2,686 .................. 261........................3 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

— United Securities/Bloomberg News

WA L L S T R E E T

ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK

US earnings recession that began in third quarter of 2015 set to continue NEW YORK: As earnings season shifts into high gear next week in what is expected to be the weakest US quarterly results reporting period since 2009, the hope among some is that this is as bad as it’s going to get.

The US earnings recession that began in the third quarter of 2015 is expected to continue until the second quarter, with profits slated to fall 2.2 per cent — not as bad as the nearly eight per cent drop expected in the first quarter.

Reporting ramps up next week, with results from top tech names Alphabet International Business Machines and Intel, as well as a host of consumer names including Starbucks, Yum Brands and Coca-Cola.

Cautiously optimistic strategists are pointing to the modest rebound in oil and other commodity prices, a softening dollar and slow-but-steady growth in the US economy as reasons to expect an improvement in earnings.

The first quarter, should it come in as expected, would mark a third straight quarterly decline in earnings and a fifth straight fall in revenue. Going forward, year-overyear comparisons should improve, said Richard Bernstein, chief executive and chief investment officer at Richard Bernstein Advisors in New York.

“All it takes is you just don’t replay 2015,” said Bernstein, who thinks the low point of the profit downturn may have been at the end of last year, based on trailing four-quarter data. He is overweight sectors he considers sensitive to the profit cycle - energy, materials, financials and technology.

US oil prices, at around $40 a barrel, are well off their mid-

MANY PRIZES: alizz islamic bank will be offering several cash

prizes through the new ‘Bushra’ account. — Shabin E/Times of Oman

B1 'Attractive cash < FROM

prizes offered'

The S&P 500 has recovered from a sharp early-year selloff and is up 1.8 per cent year to date, while its price-to-earnings ratio is above its long-term average. - Bloomberg file picture

February lows near $26, while the US dollar index is down 3.7 per cent from a year ago and US unemployment is now near an eight-year low.

Turnaround in profits A turnaround in profits would blunt one of investors’ biggest worries, an ongoing weak earnings cycle. The S&P 500 has recovered from a sharp early-year selloff and is up 1.8 per cent year to date, while its price-to-earnings ratio is above its long-term average.

Still, the market is 2.5 per cent below its May 2015 high, and there are plenty of concerns keeping investors from becoming too upbeat at this point. Just 28 per cent of investors surveyed this week by the American Association of Individual Investors expect higher stock prices in the next six months,

below the long-term average of 39 per cent. Analysts currently project a 7.8 per cent decline in firstquarter earnings, according to Thomson Reuters data, and Goldman Sachs analysts say forecasts are still too optimistic.

“Company guidance for Q2 is likely to be negative, leading to lower EPS forecast,” they wrote in a research note. They noted that about 20 per cent of S&P 500 companies tend to report forward guidance, and the percentage of companies lowering expectations has increased over time, hitting 83 per cent during the final three months of 2015.

“We expect negative 2016 fullyear EPS revisions will continue as managements once again issue negative warnings guidance for the new quarter,” they wrote.

Also worrying some investors,

cash flow has declined for S&P 500 companies in the past year, making it harder for them to buy back shares. Buybacks help boost earnings numbers on a per-share basis.

Bit of optimism One narrow bit of optimism: analysts’ negative revisions in estimates may be bottoming out.

Estimates for the first quarter dropped by 3.1 percentage points from the beginning of December to mid-January, but estimates for the second quarter fell just 0.9 points from March 1 to now, Thomson Reuters data shows. “We don’t believe we’re likely to see an inflection in earnings (in the second quarter), but the overall rate of change is more likely to moderate,” said Eric Wiegand, senior portfolio manager at US Bank’s Private Client Reserve. — Reuters

“We introduced several products to attract the public, we use the social and print media and we also have some CSR activities to make people aware of Islamic banking. alizz islamic bank will be offering several cash prizes through the new ‘Bushra’ account, from weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual draws.

Bushra account is approved by the Sharia Supervisory Board.

According to the Moosa Al Jadidi, Deputy General Manager and Head of Retail Banking, prize on the draws will be given to the winners from the bank’s funds, not from the account holders’ funds. This launch comes within the pursuit of Alizz Islamic Bank to provide its clients with superior and innovative financial solutions through a diverse range of Sharia-compliant savings options. ‘Bushra’ prize savings account is based on the Islamic principle of ‘Mudaraba’, where a Mudaraba contract is signed between the client and the bank.

“In the contract, the client acts as a capital provider, while alizz islamic bank acts as the ‘Mudarib’,” Al Jadidi, said.

According to him, alizz islamic bank offers an array of benefits for the ‘Bushra’ account holders, such as a minimum average deposit amount of as low as OMR100, as well as a free debit card to facilitate their daily transactions. Holders of this account will also receive free services such as online banking, phone banking, and SMS alerts for every transaction. Besides a quarterly profit payment, maintaining a minimum weekly average balance of OMR100 or more will give the account holder an opportunity to enter a weekly draw organized by the bank, with a weekly reward of up to OMR3,000 for three winners, or OMR1,000 per winner. “An account holder’s chances of entering the draw will depend on their average account’s balance during the draw period,” Al Jadidi explained.

“This account gives clients the ability to increase their wealth.

We aim to provide our clients with low-risk high-yield investment and savings solutions, and we ensure that meeting all their needs, with utmost transparency, is made priority,” he continued.

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B5

GHEDEX 2016

O M A N I S AT I O N C A R E E R FA I R

Connect with over 30 potential employers at OCF MUSCAT: The Omanisation Career Fair (OCF) also commences today and will take place until April 21 from 9:30am-1pm and 4:30pm-9pm at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

As Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and most comprehensive career fair, OCF will be showcasing over 30 lead-

ing companies from across the spectrum of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private and public sectors and throughout the Gulf region.

The fair offers Omanis the chance to market themselves to potential employers, meet with career counsellors on a personal level, and gain valuable information about

current vacancies and upcoming opportunities in the Omani job market, says a press release.

This event is supported by reputed names in the industry such as The Zubair Group, Orpic, and Oman Air as lead sponsor; Ajyal and Al Raffd Fund as gold sponsor; NAHI, Unilever, Phoenix and

MHD as silver sponsor and many more exhibiting companies.

Seminar sessions will be held at OCF 2016 on all three days. These seminars are free of charge, so visitors are encouraged to attend them to gain insight on programmes, procedures, courses and choices being offered by various institu-

Global Higher Education Exhibition begins today ing a higher-studies destination, be it within the country or abroad.

Ghedex is a high-proďŹ le higher education event where every student must take full advantage of when undertaking career plans and choosing a higher-studies destination, be it within the country or abroad

MUSCAT: Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading Global Higher Education Exhibition Ghedex commences today and will take place until April 21 from 9:30am-1pm and 4:30pm-9pm.

Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education and organised by OITE Trade Fairs, Ghedex will be inaugurated

by Sheikh Saad bin Mardhoof Al Saadi, Minister of Sports Affairs at 7pm at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

Top-notch universities Attracting students from across the Sultanate of Oman, Ghedex 2016 will provide students and parents the option of choosing from among 200 top-notch universities and colleges from over 25

countries, out of which 170 educational bodies and institutions make up international participation and 30 makes up local participation, says a press release.

Participating countries at Ghedex include Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Canada, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America besides the Sultanate of Oman.

Ghedex is a high-profile higher education event where every student must take full advantage of when undertaking career plans and choos-

Ghedex informative talks Informative talks will take place on April 20 and 21. Topics to be covered will be: Future needs for Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The digital transformation, Distance learning and technology, Technology as the game changer, Education synergy with employment and from human resources to human capital.

Well-renowned speakers from public and private sectors will be sharing their knowledge with attendees like Amira Abdullah Al-Busaidy, Sr. Project Specialist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SAS Centre for virtual reality, Digital Society Development Division, ITA; Hamed Salim Al Shukairi, director of Digital Services & Initiatives, Ministry of Education; William Spindloe, director Asia PaciďŹ c, IHRDC; Peter Wadsworth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; director of Educational Technology, ABA; Mohammed Abdulsattar Al Balushi, Physics teacher, Ministry of Manpower; Issa Al Balushi, director of employment service, Ministry of Manpower; Dr Ramin Mohajer, adviser on Human Resource Development to the CEO, ITA and many more.

These talks will be free-to-attend so visitors are requested to do

attend these informative talks.

Seminars at Ghedex Morning and evening seminar sessions will be held at Ghedex 2016 on all three days from 9:30am-1pm and 4:30pm-9pm. These seminars are free of charge, so students visiting Ghedex are encouraged to attend them to gain insight on various, programmes, procedures, courses and choices being offered by various institutions. These include presentations by OAAA, Public Authority of Social Insurance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PASI, Riverwaves, JISSER, Bayt.com, The Student Campus, Education USA, MOE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NCGC, British Council and IMTS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dubai.

Sponsors Ghedex 2016 is supported by Austrade, British Council, Embassy of the United States-Muscat, EducationUSA, Amideast, OAAA and National Career Guidance Centre.

Sponsors for Ghedex include Education in Ireland, Majan College, Sohar University and Dhofar University as lead sponsor; Military Technological College as platinum sponsor; ICEM and Caledonian College as gold sponsor and California State University, DAAD and Royal College of Surgeons Ireland as silver sponsors.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

ing their ideas with students and general public. Speakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; panel includes Anisa Mohammed, Yousuf Salim Al Adawi from PASI, Alexandra Pascu from Riverwaves, Dr Anna Scopaz, Dr Hamadi Dhoau from OAAA, Huda Al Farsi from JISSER, Walid Mahdi Mussa from Bayt.com and many more.

GERMAN INSTITUTION

DAAD joins Ghedex as silver sponsor MUSCAT: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) joins Ghedex 2016 as silver sponsor.

It is the organisation of German institutions of higher education and their student bodies, dedicated to internationalising German academia. The organisation provides students, researchers and teachers access to the best study and research opportunities available through a wide range of scholarship programmes. It promotes transnational cooperation and partnerships between

universities and serve as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;National Agency for EU Higher Education Cooperation.

The aim of DAAD to take part in Ghedex is to encourage outstanding young students and academics from Oman to come to Germany for study and research visits and to maintain contact with them as partners lifelong.

In Ghedex, it will be giving information about admission requirements, different types of universities and degrees (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate) in Germany.

BEST ACADEMIC ROUTE

IEC Abroad to offer its consultancy services MUSCAT: IEC Abroad is a successful UK-based international education consultancy, established in 2006.

Currently, it is one of the leading consultancies in the international education sector â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with offices in Manchester, Jeddah, Riyadh, Bangkok and Chennai.

It will ďŹ nd the best academic route for every student and ensure that their transition to high-

er education is smooth, simple and enjoyable. IEC Abroad places over 1,500 students each year onto accredited English language and degree programmes.

IEC Abroad has extensive experience in helping students from the Gulf who are interested in: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; (!&#-"Ĺ&#x2014; )/,- Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; )/( .#)(Ĺ&#x2014; )/,- Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ( ,!, / . Ĺ&#x2014; )/,- Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; )-.Ĺ&#x2014; , / . Ĺ&#x2014; )/,- -Ä&#x201E;

US UNIVERSITY

Manipal University, Dubai comes to Oman MUSCAT: Manipal University (MU), Dubai is a branch campus of Manipal University, India, one of the largest private universities in the country enrolling over 25,000 students across disciplines.

Manipal University, India is home to some of the ďŹ nest institutions of academic excellence including Kasturba Medical College & Manipal Institute of Technology.

Manipal University established its presence in Dubai, UAE in the year 2000. Since its inception, Manipal University Dubai has grown into a leading multi-disciplinary university in the Middle East attracting students not only from UAE but from across the GCC and the rest of the Middle East and Africa region. At present, Manipal University, Dubai enrols over 2,000 students from over 40 nations across the globe.

This year the university is participating in Ghedex exhibition.

Similar to its mother campus back home in Manipal, the Dubai branch campus of Manipal University offers students a variety

tions. These include presentations by OAAA, Public Authority for Social Insurance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PASI, Riverwaves, JISSER, Bayt.com, The Student Campus, Education USA, MOE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NCGC, British Council and IMTS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dubai.

During these seminars wellknown speakers would be shar-

of disciplines to pursue their undergraduate and post graduate courses under engineering & information technology, management, bio technology, interior design & architecture and media & communication. All the degree programmes offered at Manipal University Dubai are awarded by Manipal University India. The qualiďŹ cations acquired are hence recognised across the globe.

Manipal University Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic state-of-the-art campus spreads over 750,000 square feet in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and houses purpose

built classrooms, cutting edge laboratories in engineering, biotechnology and information technology and is also home to some of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best studios and workshops for programmes in media & communications and interior design & architecture. The campus also houses a sprawling library, cafeteria, abundant indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, including an athletics track, tennis courts, gym and ďŹ tness centre.

Manipal University Dubai has a dedicated Placement and Internships Cell providing excellent career opportunities for all students

TEACHING AND RESEARCH UNIVERSITY

and graduates. The university has developed deep industry collaborations with various organisations for internships and projects.

In addition to the advantages that Dubai as a geography and its economy provides, the students can ďŹ nd the following differences when compared with the campuses in India Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ./ (.Ĺ&#x2014; #0 ,-#.3Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; 2*)sure to a multi-cultural environment that helps in the holistic development of the student Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ./ (.-Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014; . % Ĺ&#x2014; #(. ,(-"#*Ĺ&#x2014; projects as a part of their course with multinational corporations as well as industry leaders which will help them get accustomed to the practical challenges at the workplace Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; **),./(#.3Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014;- %Ĺ&#x2014;$) Ĺ&#x2014;*& ment in this geography in challenging roles as well as at attractive remuneration levels Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ./ (.-Ĺ&#x2014; ! .Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; '/ "Ĺ&#x2014; 1# ,Ĺ&#x2014; platform to showcase their talent whether it is in academics, sports or other extra-curricular activities through various inter-collegiate events.

Colorado Denver varsity to be part of Ghedex 2016 MUSCAT: The University of Colorado Denver is a fully accredited, highly ranked academic and health sciences institution that welcomes international students from 130 countries.

Whether you are interested in urban design, business, engineering, pre-med, pharmacy, or a degree you have customised from one of the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 140+ undergraduate or graduate degree choices, your educational experience will be supported through outstanding student services.

As a partner with International Admissions, the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ESL Academy not only prepares you in English language proďŹ ciency, it also supports your success as a University of Colorado Denver student. Many choices for housing are available, all easily within walking or public transportation distance.

Denver, Colorado, is home to one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best international airports, one of its strongest city

economies, and is a great place to gain an exceptional education.

In Ghedex, it would like to meet graduate, undergraduates and ESL students. It will be offering over 140+ degree programmes though 13 schools and colleges, the University of Colorado Denver offers unlimited opportunities! Popular programmes include bioengineering, sports management, popular music, 3-D animation, architecture, public health, and criminal justice.

For years, the University of Colorado Denver has welcomed students from Oman and has continued on into successful careers or advanced study programmes.

The University of Colorado Denver is excited to participate in the Ghedex event, meet students, parents and hear about the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; educational goals, and help students take the ďŹ rst steps in planning for a rewarding educational experience.

STENDEN UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

Ghedex brings renowned Cardiff Reputed Dutch university comes with University of UK to Sultanate hotel, tourism management courses MUSCAT: Ranked 5th in the UK for Research Quality (REF, 2014) and top 125 universities in the world (QS World Rankings 2015/2016), Cardiff University is recognised as one of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading teaching and research universities.

The university is looking to maintain its link in Oman through Ghedex 2016.

Founded in 1883, the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breadth of expertise in research and research-led teaching encompasses: the humanities; the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology.

Teaching at Cardiff is informed by world-class research. Cardiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roll of honour includes: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; 1)Ĺ&#x2014; ) &Ĺ&#x2014; ,#4 Ĺ&#x2014;1#(( ,Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ÝßĹ&#x2014; &&)1-Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; )3 &Ĺ&#x2014; ) # .3 Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; & 0 (Ĺ&#x2014; &&)1-Ĺ&#x2014; ) Ĺ&#x2014; ." Ĺ&#x2014; )3 &Ĺ&#x2014; Academy of Engineering Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂżĹ&#x2014; &&)1-Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; ,#.#-"Ĺ&#x2014; '3

Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ßßĹ&#x2014; &&)1-Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; '3Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014; Medical Sciences Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ýßĹ&#x2014; '# # (-Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; emy of Social Sciences Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂżĹ&#x2014; / (Ä&#x201C;-Ĺ&#x2014; ((#0 ,- ,3Ĺ&#x2014; ,#4 -Ĺ&#x2014; 95% of graduates enter employment or professional training/ postgraduate study shortly after graduating (HESA Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey 2013/14).

In recent years, substantial investment has been made in the University estate, including the building of a third science and innovation campus. The university has 16 libraries and 25 IT suites and is a Wi-Fi-enabled campus.

Cardiff Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students and staff are drawn from throughout the world, attracted by its international reputation and commitment to innovation and excellence.

Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 24 leading re-

search universities. International students comprise some 13 per cent of the total student population for 2014/15. Sunday Times Good University Guide 2013 praised Cardiff University as 'one of the best institutions in Britain'.

Unusually most of the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student accommodation is within easy walking distance of lecture theatres, libraries and the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union, saving our students time and money.

Networked computers offering a wealth of software applications are available to every student; there is a dedicated Graduate Centre providing support and facilities for postgraduates.

The university is the largest provider of adult education in Wales, with continuing and professional education providing several hundred courses in venues across South East Wales.

MUSCAT: Stenden University of Applied Sciences with its main campus in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands will be exhibiting in Ghedex 2016.

It is a dynamic and truly international institute with approximately 11,000 students out of which 25 per cent is coming from outside the Netherlands. It hosts the largest hotel management and tourism management studies in Europe. It also offers management studies in the ďŹ elds of leisure, business, logistics, retail and media and entertainment in English. All bachelor programmes include a compulsory internship to establish a great link with the working ďŹ eld.

In Ghedex, the university would be seeking those students who are planning for their bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programme.

It offers variety of courses in

bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programme like applied business administration, information technology, hospitality management, logistics management, leisure management, media & entertainment management, teacher education, tourism management. Its masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programme is focused on hospitality and service management, tour-

ism and leisure studies.

Stenden University is exhibiting in Ghedex as it thinks that it is the best way to reach out to talented youngsters from Oman who are looking for quality overseas education. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big opportunity to meet and inform students personally about the courses and programmes the university is offering.

B6

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

ROUND-UP Bank Muscat sets benchmark in Premier banking with customer-centric strategy

Providing personalised service

Marking a long-standing and strong relationship with clients, the Premier banking strategy is a step into the future banking in Oman, reflecting the bank’s commitment to expand innovative services to clients and remain the nation’s bank of first choice

catering to the complex financial needs of clients, the Premier banking segmentation reflects the customer-centric

Abdulnasir Al Raisi

vision of the bank

DGM – Premier Banking MUSCAT: Offering a host of global banking solutions, exclusive benefits and rewards Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, has redefined Premier banking service.

Providing personalised service catering to the complex financial needs of clients, the Premier banking segmentation reflects the customer-centric vision of the bank, says a press release.

Abdulnasir Al Raisi, DGM – Premier Banking, said: “Marking a long-standing and strong relationship with clients, the Premier banking strategy is a step into the future banking in Oman, reflecting the bank’s commitment to expand innovative services to clients and remain the nation’s bank of first choice. With global financial expertise, the bank has adopted smarter strategies to stay ahead in business and provide a distinct experience for Premier banking clients.”

Al Raisi added: “Aimed at elevating Premier banking service to unparalleled heights, the bank serves all Premier customers of the bank - Private, asalah Priority and al Jawhar Privilege banking – through one department. Committed to further enhancing banking services to the premier segment, the bank’s strategy focuses on customer service and benefits with dedicated Relationship Managers, exclusive centres and online services. The differentiated and specialised banking experience distinguishes Premier banking clients from competitors.”

Bank Muscat, through Private Banking, is one of the few banks in the Sultanate catering to the needs of High Net-worth Individual / Ultra High Net-worth Individual segment, offering exclusive banking and investment services.

As the HNI segment is becom-

ing more sophisticated and global in its requirements, the Private Banking team constantly endeavours to remain a cut above the regional banks and match up to its global peers.

Along with the best of banking services, including exclusive debit card, credit card, cheque book, which are unmatched in the Sultanate, Private Banking provides an exceptional breadth and depth of wealth management solutions.

The investment offerings provide exposure to most global markets and asset classes, through a robust execution platform and administered through experienced dedicated relationship managers.

The wealth management solutions span across most developed and emerging markets, not restricted to the US, the UK, Europe, China, India, South East Asia, Latin America and the GCC. Clients can take exposure to most markets through the Private Banking platform by investing in different financial instruments like bonds, equities, exchange traded funds, mutual funds and alternates. The segment has tie-ups with reputed global private banks to provide tailored investment solutions for

more financially savvy investors.

The bank also facilitates the best of real estate offerings from destinations of choice for clients to invest through tie-ups with global counter parties of repute.

Besides addressing the regular investment needs of clients, the segment addresses wealth protection, which is another important aspect of Private Banking, by offering exclusive insurance products covering property, jewellery, artefacts and household items.

Ensuring complete client confidentiality at all times, the wealth management solutions are offered to clients as per their risk appetite and comfort. asalah Priority Banking provides a differentiated and specialised banking experience characterised by a profound understanding of clients’ preferences. Forming a strong franchise that distinguishes it from competitors, asalah Priority Banking meets the requirements of the rapidly growing customer segment with focus on recognition, rewards and solutions which have set a benchmark for personal and relationship based banking in Oman. asalah customers are served by

qualified Relationship Managers (RM) at exclusive asalah Priority Banking centres in select branches across the Sultanate. Leveraging its unmatched nation-wide branch presence, Bank Muscat offers asalah Priority Banking services across all regions through the largest network of 27 asalah centres.

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

The asalah membership comes with Bank Muscat’s commitment to delivering value. Personalised premium products and upgraded services come with preferential pricing, thereby multiplying the value of asalah membership and reducing the cost of transactions.

Benefits include exclusive asalah Platinum debit card, unlimited and complementary international airport lounge access, asalah Entertainer app featuring amazing deals on fine dining, travel, leisure, entertainment, beauty and numer-

ous ‘buy one get one free’ offers / e-vouchers plus new and monthly offers throughout the year covering hundreds of world class brands in over 15 countries. asalah clients are also entitled to personal accident insurance, airport transfer in Muscat, preferential rates, competitive foreign exchange rates, fee waivers and discounts on a range of transactions like remittances, standing instructions and pay orders. The bank also offers Oman’s first and exclusive premium Visa Signature credit card for asalah Priority Banking customers.

In the vibrant world of privilege banking, the distinctive identity says it all as al Jawhar Privilege Banking was introduced recently to serve the bank’s core customer segment. Designed around the unique lifestyle and banking requirements of the largest customer segment, al Jawhar is the first-of-its-kind privilege banking service in Oman. al Jawhar value proposition is based on three pillars of commitment to customers - recognition, convenience and experience that form the imprint of premium products and services. al Jawhar clients are entitled to express ser-

vice at select branches and more than 100 upcoming discount offers on al Jawhar cards covering retail outlets, restaurants etc.

The value proposition of recognition places al Jawhar customers in a league of their own. Notably, al Jawhar Platinum debit card is the key to a world of exclusive services.

Adding value, al Jawhar credit card benefits include airport lounge access and free travel insurance.

Premier Banking maintains close relations and reaches out to clients with a monthly newsletter covering the latest global, regional and local economy updates in addition to all important developments in the bank.

Bank Muscat has lined up exclusive high value al Mazyona monthly, quarterly and year-end prizes for the Premier banking segment.

The Private Banking clients are eligible for all al Mazyona prize draws. The exclusive prizes earmarked for asalah Priority banking customers include two monthly prizes of OMR50,000 each, two quarterly prizes of OMR250,000 each and the year-end jackpot prize of OMR500,000 for one customer. The bank also offers special prizes to Al Jawhar Privilege Banking customers, including two monthly prizes of OMR25,000 each and two quarterly prizes of OMR50,000 each. Premier banking customers can participate in all other al Mazyona weekly, monthly, quarterly and special prize draws offering a total prize money of OMR10 million.

Al Raisi said: “Bank Muscat Premier banking pays much attention to customer service excellence with world class products and services.

The bank will continue to focus on providing customers across Oman with special banking facilities and services that meet their personalised needs, aspirations and goals.”

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More than 90,000 visit 26th edition of Comex The show featured 100 participants from Oman and other countries exhibiting cutting edge technologies in the telecommunication and IT sector

MUSCAT: The 26th edition of Comex – the leading IT, Telecom and Technology exhibition concluded recently.

The expo was inaugurated by Dr Ahmed bin Salim Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Telecommu-

nications in the presence of Sayyid Taimur bin As’ad bin Tariq Al Said, assistant secretary general for Communication, The Research Council, Oman and Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamoud Al Busaidh, deputy secretary general at State Council.

The show featured 100 participants from Oman and other countries exhibiting cutting edge technologies in the telecommunication and IT sector. Key participants were Omantel, GBM, Oreedoo, Awasr, Microsoft, Huawei, Oman Computer Services, Al Zubair Telecommunications, OBM, Lenevo, Kaspersky, Bahwan Mart, Panasonic, and Samsung in addition to many well-known companies in Oman such as MG Group, Telecom Oman and Oman Phone, says a press release.

Over 2,500 business visitors and more than 90,000 consumer visitors attended the five days event.

The exhibition’s main theme this year was built around Internet of Things (IoT) and its current and

future applications such as smart home, smart banking, digital education and e-tailing.

During the event, an exclusive print coverage was given to business exhibitors in Times of Oman and Al Shabiba newspapers after exclusive partnership with them.

This exclusive coverage was in front of 500,000 print readership, 1,000,000 online viewership and 612,383 social media audience.

Comex Smart Talks was introduced first time this year with the theme ‘Smart gateway to growth & innovation’, it was powered by Telecom Oman. The main sessions during smart talks were IoT, Smart City, Enhancing tourism through ICT, Banking innovation and e-tailing.

It was there for first three days of the event in which 20 renowned local and regional speakers shared their ideas and knowledge in front of over 75 delegates.

Comex Demo Zone was another feature that was introduced first

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time this year in which the opportunity was given to companies to showcase their products and services by giving live demo of them in front of 90,000 visitors.

Companies like OBM, Vision Solution, FANAP, Panamax, United young generation, Takween IT, MG Group and many more were part of this and demonstrated their products and services.

Aside from business section, visitors also enjoyed great deals on mobiles, tablets and electronics of their interest in Comex Shoppers. For first, time a Lazer demonstrations and hands-on gaming experience was introduced which attracted huge number of visitors.

Next year Comex would be taking place in newly built Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre for which the dates will be announced soon. This will definitely give opportunity to more companies to exhibit in this prime ICT exhibition and it will also accommodate more visitors to visit the event.

6% SURGE

MGM sees footfall increase in first quarter of 2016 MUSCAT: Muscat Grand Mall (MGM) — the Sultanate’s most dynamic retail and entertainment destination saw an increased number of visitors in the first quarter of 2016, as compared to the same period last year.

Over the first three months of the year, MGM saw over 2 million visitors, owing to the extensive shopping choices it offers as well as the exclusive events that the mall is popular for organising, says a press release.

Hassan Jaboub, general manager of Tilal Development Company commented: “The 6 per cent surge in visitor arrivals and the growth in retail sales are indicators not just of the popularity of the mall but also of Muscat as a preferred destination for shopping and lifestyle experiences.

This year, we are focusing on enhancing the retail options at the mall and are also looking forward to the opening of the new expan-

sion until which will add 130 new brands to the mall.”

The second phase for the Tilal Complex, which includes the mall, is expected to see MGM retail capacity double in size, with additional parking space and entertainment options.

With 130 new retail outlets being added to the mall, the development will raise the profile of the mall as well as create a world-class shopping and entertainment destination for the people of Oman and visitors to the country.

As one of the most popular lifestyle hubs in the downtown Muscat area, MGM has been offering a wealth of choice and convenience for shoppers and residents, as part of a combined leisure experience for the past four years. In 2015, the mall saw more than 9 million visitors during becoming one of Oman’s top shopping destinations.

C H I L D S A F E T Y C A M PA I G N

BankDhofar extends support to national symposium SALALAH: Within the framework of its community outreach and social development initiatives, BankDhofar extended its support to the national symposium ‘Community Partnership for Safe Childhood’ that was organised by the Ministry of Education at the Directorate General of Heritage and Culture in Salalah.

The symposium was inaugurated recently by Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar, and was attended by Dr Madiha Al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education, members of the State Council and Majlis Al Shura, as well as a number of child psychologists, so-

cial workers, child health experts, officials from the Ministry of Education, teachers and parents.

The symposium highlighted the importance of providing safe and healthy environment for children to grow. Participants also discussed the importance of cooperation between schools and parents in order to positively contribute to the cognitive, emotional and physical growth of children. Furthermore, discussions focused on sustainable efforts and schemes that promote child safety among all segments of society and emphasise on the common responsibility towards children. Taking proactive steps to support the cause, BankDhofar announced its

long term initiative for child safety in line with the symposium, ‘Our Children..Our Responsibility’.

“This strategic campaign aims at bringing together collective efforts by various public and private sector institutions, as well as non-profit organisations, to reinforce child safety,” said Sami Omar Al Zadjali, executive manager - Marketing & Corporate Communications at

BankDhofar. “All our social initiatives and community involvement activities come in line with our strategy to reinforce our role as an integral component of society. We, as a socially responsible Omani organisation, spare no efforts to participate in and promote initiatives that contribute to the wellbeing of society and strengthen ties between its members,” he noted.

R E WA R D I N G C A R E E R

Orpic conducts local recruitment campaign MUSCAT: Orpic recently conducted a massive local recruitment campaign based on its ongoing business expansion as well as its approved manning plan for 2016.

Conducted over two days, the recruitment drive which was held in Muscat generated tremendous response with over 217 prospective candidates being interviewed, says a press release.

Orpic is undergoing a major transformation especially with the three strategic growth projects - Sohar Refinery Improvement project (SRIP), Muscat Sohar Product Pipeline (MSPP) and Liwa Plastics Industries Complex (LPIC), which are scheduled for commissioning over the next four years. In view of the same, the recruitment campaign has been

undertaken to not just create jobs but to provide a challenging and rewarding career to bright young talented minds.

Orpic firmly believes in supporting the national In-Country Value programme and hence believes in nurturing and developing Omanis to take on roles in line with the company’s long term strategic growth plan. Over time,

Orpic has trained several Omanis to take on positions across different internal disciplines. Over the next few years, Orpic will aim at recruiting several competent national cadre to operate the current and upcoming plants.

Nofal Al Saidi, GM – Human Resource Services, said, “We are entering an exciting future wherein Orpic will soon transform into an

international player in the global petrochemicals marketplace.

Now is the time we require highly talented applicants to bolster our existing teams and work with the largest projects. Our mission is to serve Oman with pride and people are our number one asset.

“We are always on the lookout for passionate people who will grow with our business.”

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Stress on new system to create future stars Oman Sports Conference also stressed on the need for good governance, and financial independence and transparency

A. SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The 2016 Oman Sports Conference, organised by the Ministry of Sports Affairs, concluded at Grand Hyatt on Monday with the speakers stressing the need for good governance, financial independence and transparency and to build a new system, based on the success of the current athletes, to create the stars of the future.

The day-long event, which forms part of the annual Oman Sports Conference and Exhibition, was officially inaugurated by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of the Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Saadi, and saw the participation of local as well as international experts.

Among the speakers to share their views and experiences were Oman’s own sports stars — footballers Ali Al Habsi and Imad Al Hosni, motorsports star Ahmad Al Harthy and sprinter Barakat Al Harthi.

Speaking at the end of the conference, Fahd Al Raisi, Director General of Sports Development and Welfare at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, revealed the details of the recommendations made by the speakers during the day’s proceedings which were largely divided into four sessions — Sports management, Sports funding, Display of successful youth in sports and The importance of youth sector as a foundation for sports system.

According to Fahd Al Raisi, one of the recommendations was to have good governance which will in turn give the much needed confidence to both the government and

EXPERT TALK: Ahmad Al Harthy, centre, speaks as fellow sports stars Imad Al Hosni, left, and Barakat

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HM’s Cup final in Sohar on April 30 MUSCAT: The final match of 2016 His Majesty’s Cup Football Championship will be played at the Sohar Sports Stadium on April 30.

According to information provided by the Oman Football Association (OFA) on Monday, the match to be contested by Saham and Al Khabourah will kick off at 7.15 pm.

Hassan Al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, will preside over the final match and hand over the coveted trophy and the other prizes.

Al Harthi look on during Oman Sports Conference at Grand Hyatt on Monday. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman IPL

the private sector to support sports.

The need for more authority for the sports organisations is another point stressed by the speakers with the primary objective of giving more control in making decisions in chalking out plans and strategies for the development of sports. However, the most important recommendation was regarding the sports funding with the experts stressing the need to reduce the dependence on traditional sources like government and to generate own funds through private sector involvement and investment initiatives.

The other major suggestion, which came after the session on ‘Display of successful youth in sports’, was to build a new system based on the model of the current successful sportspersons to create future stars.

This particular session was moderated by Hameed Al Bloushi, producer and presenter at Al Kas Qatar Sports, and saw Omani legend and English Championship side Reading’s goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi (in a video conference from the United Kingdom), fellow football star Imad Al Hosni, renowned racer Ahmad Al Harthy and star sprinter Barakat Al Harthi sharing their experiences with the participants.

Ahmad Al Harthy spoke about his journey, the stumbling blocks, the hardships he has to undergo and the sacrifices he has to make to reach where he is today.

The Omani racing star also spoke on how the right kind of support from all concerned, the supportive family and most importantly the fans kept him going and how he evolved as a better professional sportsperson and a better human being.

Ali Al Habsi, meanwhile, spoke about his successful journey to the English Premier League via Nor-

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wegian league stint with Lyn while Imad Al Hosni spoke about his experience of playing in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Belgium leagues.

The day’s proceedings began with ‘Sports Management’ session moderated by Khaled Al Hachani, Minister’s Advisor for Sports Planning at the Ministry of Sports Affairs. The key speakers of the sessions were Prof. Emmanuel Bayle from Institute of Sports Science at the Lausanne University and Dr. Atef Abdallah Al Ruwaidan, Director of Al Hussain City for Youth.

Prof. Emmanuel Bayle spoke on ‘Governance of sport federations: new stakes for new practices’ and Dr. Atef Abdallah Al Ruwaidan spoke on ‘Sports Management: Evaluation criteria and Indicators of success’.

The second session, moderated

by Jirayr Habibian, Sports Lawyer and CAS arbitrator, dealt with ‘ways to enhance sports funding and diversify sources in non-profit sports organisations’.

The fourth session, which was also moderated by Al Kas Sports’ Hameed Al Bloushi, dealt with the importance of youth sports sector as a foundation for sports integrated system, institutions and structures management concerned with youth sector, strategies in preparing youth and the role of private sector in youth care.

Ivan Bravo, General Director at Qatar’s Aspire Academy, speaking on ‘Institutions and structures management in youth sector’, detailed about how the academy has made massive contribution to the

youth development. Referring to the number of Aspire graduates making it to the Qatar’s age group football teams and national teams to represent at Olympic Games, he indicated that considering the initial investment ‘on yearly basis pay off is good’.

He also revealed how the Academy is contributing and sharing their knowledge with their constant research on new methodology in sports training.

Tim March, regional manager at Fundacio FutbolNet Barcelona, spoke about how his organisation is involved in promoting positive values through football.

David Graham, CEO of Oman Sail, spoke about the role of the private sector in youth care.

Referring to the success of the Oman Sail schools, David Graham detailed how his organisation is able to involve private sector in delivering great success among the youth.

The Ministry of Sports Affairs annual event will continue with the three-day exhibition, which will be officially opened at the Oman International Exhibition Centre on Tuesday.

Oman Cricket to participate Meanwhile, Oman Cricket informed that the Sultanate’s cricket body will be participating for the first time in the Exhibition.

“In what has been a momentous year for Oman Cricket, which has seen the game scale incredible heights in both international and domestic fronts, we are eager to share our experience and impart our passion and enthusiasm to all patrons visiting the exhibition.

We urge the public to come to our booth and show us your excitement and zeal for development of Cricket in Oman,” an Oman Cricket statement said.

Warner powers Sunrisers to victory over MI HYDERABAD: Leading from the front, skipper David Warner smashed an unbeaten 90 to single-handedly steer Sunrisers Hyderabad to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on Monday.

Batting first, Mumbai lost wickets at regular intervals and could manage only 142 for six in 20 overs. Ambati Rayudu (54) was the top scorer for the visitors.

In reply, Warner struck seven boundaries and four sixes, as the home side comfortably chased down the total, posting 145 for three in 17.3 overs.

Chasing 143, the home side got off to a disappointing start losing opener Shikhar Dhawan (2) in the very first over. He was clean bowled by Tim Southee.

But his opening partner and skipper David Warner used his experience to good effect and he was well supported at the other end by Moises Henriques (20) as the duo struck an important 62run partnership for the second wicket before Henriques was dismissed in the 11th over to hand Mumbai some hope of getting back into the game. Hyderabad were then 66 for two.

But Warner held on to take his team over the line in style.

Southee (three for 24) was the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai.

Earlier put in to bat, the defending champions got off to disastrous start, losing debutant hard-hitting batsman Martin Guptill (2) in the first over itself to have the team on the backfoot.

His opening partner Parthiv Patel (10) also departed in the fourth over after striking two boundaries to leave the team struggling at 23 for two.

From there on, Ambati Rayudu (54) and skipper Rohit Sharma (5) held on for a couple of overs to help the team reach 40 for two in the powerplay. But a big confusion between the two saw the skipper being run out in the eighth over to leave the team in a spot of bother at 43 for three.

Despite the wicket, Rayudu played positively along with Jos Buttler (11) to take the team to a stable position.

Later, Krunal Pandya (49 not out) played positively. But the 63-run partnership for the fifth wicket came to an end as Rayudu was dismissed in the 18th over to put a halt to Mumbai Indians’ scoring rate.

Brief scores: Mumbai Indians 142/6 in 20 overs (Ambati Rayudu 54, Barinder Sran 3/28) lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad 145/3 in 17.3 overs (David Warner 90 n.o.; Tim Southee 2/24). - IANS

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Dhoni is best Indian captain under pressure, says Nehra NEW DELHI: Hailing Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the best Indian captain in “pressure situations”, veteran pace bowler Ashish Nehra expressed his regret of not responding to feelers that the skipper had sent him to make a Test comeback in 2009, which would have helped him play more than the 17 matches.

Nehra has made a remarkable comeback albeit in the shortest format and his stupendous performance in the World T20 led to his selection in the ‘Team of the Tournament’.

“Right from my debut under Mohammed Azharuddin (in 1999), I have played under so many captains but when it comes to remaining cool and delivering under pressure, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the best. I have not seen anyone who can remain so cool under pressure,” Nehra said during a TV show.

‘Could have played more Tests’ Nehra’s biggest regret is that he could not play more than 17 Tests. “In 2009, Dhoni and the then coach Gary Kirsten had asked me if I would like to make a Test comeback. I was around 30-31 then and should have responded positively but I was not very sure.

When I look back, only two years back, at the age of 35, I had played six four-day matches in six weeks.

So when I look back, I feel I should

Ashish Nehra

have played more than 17 Test matches,” the pacer said.

Questioned on comparison between Dhoni and Saurav Ganguly, under whom Nehra had played some of his best cricket, the leftarm seamer said: “When we played under Saurav, guys like myself, Yuvraj, Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan were all very young. For us Sourav’s wish was our command as he had much more experience than all of us. If Dada said that something needs to be executed, we knew it had to be done.

“When I made a comeback under Dhoni in 2009, I was more matured and I knew more about my bowling and also could understand and relate to Dhoni’s philosophy of captaincy. So it has also been an enjoyable experience under Dhoni.”

‘Dhoni doesn’t lose cool too often’ Asked if ‘Captain Cool’ of late is becoming edgy to criticism,

Nehra backed his skipper.

Dhoni had lost his cool to a query from a scribe after his team won by a run against Bangladesh, while he took a sarcastic dig at Indian media while inviting an Aussie journalist to sit beside him after India’s semifinal loss against West Indies at the World T20.

“How many times have you seen Dhoni lose his cool. It’s also about how you ask a particular question.

On personal front, what is being written in papers has never bothered me as I don’t read them or watch news on television. I don’t even watch cricket on television.

I rarely give interviews or press statements,” he said.

Nehra did not give any direct answer to the query about why he was out in the cold post 2011 World Cup win but reminded that injury and fitness are two entirely different concepts that the people normally mix up. “I sustained four fractures in my hand while fielding during the semifinal match against Pakistan. But one needs to understand that being injured does not mean you are unfit. Injury is getting hit, sustaining fractures but fitness is a different aspect.

“In these four years, I may not have played international cricket but I was playing domestic cricket during that phase,” said Nehra. - PTI

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Punjab face tough test against KKR On paper, KKR are overwhelming favourites against Punjab with a more balanced outfit but reputations count for little in the shortest format as most of the contests are won on the day

MOHALI: Having notched up their first victory against Pune Supergiants, an upbeat Kings XI Punjab face the all-round might of two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders in an Indian Premier League cricket tournament encounter, here on Tuesday.

While KKR have four points from three games with two wins under their belt, Kings XI opened their account with a six-wicket win against Pune on Sunday.

On paper, KKR are overwhelming favourites against Punjab with a more balanced outfit but reputations count for little in the shortest format as most of the contests are won on the day.

Expect an interesting battle between KKR’s much vaunted batting line-up against KXIP’s bowling which has looked disciplined during their last match against Pune on a two-paced wicket.

So there could be some intriguing smaller battle within the battles.

How Gambhir tackles Mohit Sharma’s slower deliveries or how Sandeep Sharma can stop Andre Russell from hitting those towering sixes.

BATTLE READY: Kings XI Punjab players celebrate during the match against Rising Pune Supergiants in Mohali. – AFP

It will also be a challenge for KXIP spinners like Axar Patel as KKR is one side which has quality batsmen against slow bowlers.

For Knight Riders, the best part about their journey since Gambhir taking over in 2011 is the amount of consistency that they have shown over the years.

Not only have they won the title twice in 2012 and 2014 but more importantly have stuck with their core group of players in thick and thin during these years.

Skipper Gambhir, opener Robin Uthappa, Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine have all settled down in their respective roles in the past few years giving them a dangerous look despite the absence of a huge star in the ranks of a Kohli, Dhoni or AB de Villiers.

They have been more or less clinical in their two wins against Daredevils at home and Sunris-

ers in an away game. The loss against Mumbai Indians could be attributed more to Rohit Sharma’s individual brilliance backed up nicely by Jos Buttler’s pyrotechnics.

The best part about KKR’s campaign so far has been Gambhir’s form as he is on top of the run-getters’ table with 192 runs at a healthy strike-rate of 125.49.

He has been playing the role of sheet anchor to perfection as he has forged a good opening partnership with Robin Uthappa.

Uthappa’s 81 runs in three matches may not look big in terms of volume but in both the wins, his contributions have been 35 and 38.

While it may not actually be a cause of worry, the nine-wicket win against Daredevils and eightwicket win against Sunrisers but KKR’s middle-order has not been put to test during the three matches that they have played. - PTI HOCKEY

FIH announces new structure for Year 2019 NEW DELHI: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) today announced a new annual global home and away league, to be launched in 2019 involving the world’s leading hockey nations, which will replace Hockey World League (HWL) semifinals and finals and the Champions Trophy.

FIH also decided that Champions Trophy — held once in two years since 1978 — will be scrapped and the 2018 edition in Amsterdam will be the last.

“Designed to provide a regular calendar of must-see events played in packed stadia across the world throughout the year, a new annual global home and away league involving the world’s leading hockey nations will complement the World Cup and Olympic Games,” FIH said.

“This system will see international teams play against opponents once at home and once away each year in this league.

Following several months of competition, the top ranked teams will then qualify for a stand-alone grand finale which will determine the winners.

For those nations not in the home and away league, the next tier of competition will remain similar to the current World League Round 1 and 2 events, played over two year cycles. — PTI

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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Kohli and ABD are great fun to watch, but RCB need unlikely heroes off and on

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hen Quinton de Kock gloved a slow short ball to wicketkeeper Kedar Jadhav going for a pull in the 19th over, Shane Watson just stood there clapping. With 10 more balls remaining in the innings from which the Delhi Daredevils needed eight runs, the game was not hopelessly over at that stage to offer the rival a round of applause almost in gloomy submission to the inevitable, unpleasant destiny.

Watson was acting not in resignation. Nor was he nodding his head overawed by an incredible show of power-hitting. It was a spontaneous expression of genuine appreciation of poetry written in tranquility in turbulent times.

At five feet five inches, there was nothing monstrous about the physical aspect of de Kock’s game.

He scored just three sixes, spread over 51 balls from the first over to the penultimate, all hit with sweet timing. The first one came off the first ball of the ninth over, which incidentally was the first six in the Daredevil s’ chase, and the last off the fifth ball of the 14th over. That was an unbelievable way of going after an imposing total.

Apart from the three sixes hit by de Kock, there was just another, scripted

by Karun Nair late in the innings (in the 17th over), in the Daredevils’ successful chase of the 192-run target.

Compare this to the seven brutal hits over the rope by the RCB, the eventual losers, and you get a picture of calmness displayed by de Kock. “Just one or two sixes were needed”—that’s how de Kock presented his game plan after the match. How unbelievably simple.

The normal way to go about chasing a total that required almost 10 runs an over in T20 cricket is definitely aerial, especially in the first six overs, which could help set the pace, grab the momentum and make things ideal for the monstrous hitters in the death overs. That’s how the Sunrisers tried to work it out in the first match when pitted against a massive total of 227 posted by the RCB at the same venue, when David Warner smashed three sixes inside the first six overs and two more before he was out in the ninth. The Sunrisers fell 46 runs short of the target.

Does that mean the best way forward when chasing a big target is beating the de Kock trail?

It depends on what sort of guys a team got to

School Olympics winners honoured by Omantel Over 4,250 participants seen in the playoffs across

The normal way to go about chasing a total that required almost 10 runs an over in T20 cricket is definitely aerial wage their war. With guys like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Brendon McCallum and Aaron Finch in the top order, we get to watch fireworks exploding in midair right from the word go. In that sense, it’s actually the limitations of the Daredevils that worked in their favour. Like how getting hit for 21 runs in the 16th over helped skipper Zaheer Khan come up with the back-of-a-length strategy executed brilliantly by Chris Morris and Mohammed Shami to put the brakes on the RCB in the death overs.

Possibilities open up for the RCB right from the moment Kohli and Gayle walk out to open the innings and the momentum is built/ maintained/improved whether one or the other opener walks back to the dressing room early. There is ABD. There is Watson.

There’s Sarfaraz. Unfortunately, there is nothing much after that.

On Sunday at M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore only two of the top five guns failed to boom and the team had a par score on the board — but their bowlers couldn’t deliver the goods.

What happens when two or more in the top order fail?

The top-heavy, bottomweak team, whose fortunes are heavily linked to how Kohli, Gayle and ABD fare, and who hadn’t made it to the final in the last two seasons despite the three guys entertaining the fans, seem stuck in the familiar flourish-flop rut. They might need unlikely heroes — Sarfaraz Khan in the first match in batting, for example — now and then to change the course of destiny.

The writer is a freelance contributor based in India.

All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

Oman and more than 171 winners announced at the awards ceremony

MUSCAT: Continuing its commitment towards supporting communities within the Sultanate and to create a positive environment to help the nation’s youth achieve their full potential, Omantel conducted honouring ceremonies following the third edition of the Omantel School Olympics.

With 171 winners across various sports categories, the 2016 championships were the largest and most successful iteration yet of the Omantel School Olympics sporting initiative.

The awards ceremonies took place on April 12 for girls and April 13 for boys at the Sultan Qaboos TENT PEGGING

Egypt emerge ITPF world champions

MUSCAT: Egypt won the second edition of the International Tent Pegging Federation (ITPF) World Cup while Oman settled for the fourth place at the world championship organised in Cairo.

According to information received here, the Egyptian team won the teams’ competition with 767 points. The second place went to South African (758) and Iraq (703.5) took the third place.

The Sultanate’s squad, who bagged a silver and a bronze, settled for the fourth place with 689 points. They were followed

by Sudan (673.5), India (669.5), Yemen (650), Jordan (629), Aus-

CHESS

First two ‘Play Anand’ contenders spotted at Indian School Al Seeb

MUSCAT: The first of the ‘Play Anand’ Qualifiers were organised at the Indian School Al Seeb (ISAS) with the International Chess Academy of Oman (ICAO) spotting the first two young contenders to challenge five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand in a simultaneous exhibition match.

Indian chess legend Anand will be visiting in Muscat from May 12 to 17 on an invitation from the ICAO and under the sponsorship of Al Zawawi Group’s Al Alawi Enterprises.

The ICAO is organising ‘Play

Anand’ Qualification tournaments in different schools to select the best students who will be challenging Anand in a simultaneous exhibition match to be played at the Avenues Mall on May 13.

From the first qualification

Stadium in Bausher, and were attended by prominent guests and officials from the Ministry of Education and Omantel. The chief guest for the girls’ ceremony was Sayyida Sana Hamad Albusaidi, Adviser to the Ministry of Education, while Sheikh Mohammad Hamdan Altoubi, Adviser to the Ministry of Education honoured the boys’ ceremony with his presence.

Central to Omantel’s ongoing commitment towards the nation’s youth and to support various sporting activities in the local community, the company recently announced its partnership with the Ministry of Education for this unique event. The objective of the Omantel School Olympics is to motivate students from different schools to meet, socialise and en-

tournament at ISAS on Saturday, Jenal Pereira (5/5 points) and Nyan Raj (4.5/5 points) finished on top and clinched their spot for a lifetime opportunity to play against Anand.

ISAS Principal Nagesh Kelkar and his team of teachers were behind this success tournament.

The tournament was organied by the International Chess Academy of Oman represented by International Chess Master Ismael Karim and Ruqaya Al Balushi, Arbiter of International Chess federation.

tralia (594), the UAE (471) and Great Britain (471) in that order.

The ITPF’s Omani chief Mohammed bin Issa Al Fairuz handed over the trophy the Egyptian team during an impressive closing ceremony, which was also attended by Sheikh Rashid Ahmed Al Shamsi, of Majlis A’Shura and vice-chairman of the Oman Equestrian Federation, and a number of members of the State Council and Majlis A’Shura.

During the ceremony, the Oman Equestrian Federation was awarded an Order of Appreciation for the role it plays in the support of the sport.

gage in friendly competition and in doing so foster friendships, reward achievements and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Commenting on the success of the Omantel School Olympics, Manager Corporate Social Responsibility at Omantel, Laila Mohammed Al Wahaibi noted, “We are very pleased to work alongside the Ministry of Education to make the vision of the Omantel School Olympics a reality. It gives us great joy to see what an immense success it has been this year, with more than 4,250 contestants taking part across different Governorates in the Sultanate and 470 contestants in Muscat. As part of our innovative 3.0 transformation strategy, we work closely with groups within the community and

focus on making meaningful contributions to the advancement of youth. It is our firm belief that events such as the School Olympics will nurture healthy competition, become a platform for new talent to shine.”

Laila Al Wahaibi also mentioned, “On behalf of the entire Omantel family, I would like to thank all the children who participated in the School Olympics..”

The 2016 edition of the Omantel School Olympics focused on five different sports, namely — athletics, swimming, badminton, chess and table tennis.

The competition forms part of a wider program of Omantel social responsibility activities designed support to invest in youth talent within the Sultanate.

C4

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

SPORTS Champions Assarain maintain clean slate

CRICKET

Batting first, Assarain put on 175 for five CHAMPIONS: Victorious ISM Under-16 team with school princi-

in 20 overs. In reply,

pal and officials. – Supplied photo

Enhance managed

ISM clinch U-16 MCCC-Max Talent series title MUSCAT: Indian School Muscat (ISM) won the Under-16 Muscat Cricket Coaching Centre (MCCC) Max Talent Cricket Series 2016 organised at the Al Amerat cricket ground.

According to a statement received from ISM beat Indian School Wadi Kabir (ISWK) by 69 runs to win the series for the second straight year.

Six teams — ISM, ISWK, ISS, MCCC, MAX-TALENT (UAE), BOC — took part in the series.

The teams were divided into two groups and was played in a 25over format.

The U-16 series also saw Parithosh Bhatt of ISM win the best all-rounder award.

However ISM finished runnerup in the U-13 series with ISWK winning the title. The 20-over format series also saw the six

Six teams took part in the Muscat Cricket Coaching Centre organised tourney teams taking part with ISWK’s Aman Present winning the best all-rounder award. Max-Talent (UAE) won the Under-11 series with ISM finishing runner-up.

Asitya Guru of ISM won the best all-rounder award.

Meanwhile, the victorious ISM team was honoured by the school recently along with other school achievers in the Oman Clusters events. The Principal and sports committee convener were present on this occasion to motivate these students.

to scored 107 for eight in 20 overs

MUSCAT: Premier Division T20 champions Assarain maintained a clean slate with a 68-run victory over Enhance at the Ministry of Sports Affairs ground last Friday.

Batting first, Assarain put on 175 for five in 20 overs. Suraj Sampath top scored with 47 and was ably assisted by Dikanshu Negi (39). In reply, Enhance managed to scored 107 for eight in 20 overs. Mehran Khan top scored with an unbeaten 36. Dikanshu Negi claimed three wickets for Assarain.

Meanwhile, team manager Vinu Mathew said: “We are very proud of this achievement as it is for the first time ever a team in Oman at the Premier level has maitained a clean slate in the T20 league.”

Brief scores: Assarain 175/5 in 20 overs (Suraj Sampath 47) bt Enhance 107/8 in 19.5 overs (Mehran Khan 36 n.o.; Dikanshu Negi 3/12). Points: Assarain - 3, Enhance – 0.

OCT Seeb win In an Al Ansari Group of Compa-

OVER THE MOON: Members of the victorious Assarain team pose for a group photo after their win over Enhance. – Supplied photos

nies-sponsored B Division match, OCT Seeb recorded a 16-run win over Uday Khimji at the Municipality Ground IV. Batting first, OCT Seeb put on 163 for five in 20 overs. Majid Hussain top scored with 78. Faraz Ahmed claimed two wickets for Uday Khimji.

In reply, Uday Khimji were bundled out 147 in 19.4 overs with Aadil Abbas top scoring with 47.

Samir Othman claimed four wickets for Uday Khimji.

Brief scores: OCT Seeb 163/5 in 20 overs (Majid Hussain 78; Faraz Ahmed 2/27) bt Uday Khimji 147 in 19.4 overs (Aadil Abbas 47; Samir Othman 4/26). Points: Uday Khimji – 0, OCT Seeb – 2.

MATCH HEROES: OCT Seeb stars Majid Hussain and Samir Othman.

RUGBY

Mercedes-Benz Barbarians crowned overall champions

GAME ON: A match in progress during the MRFC Mercedes-Benz Touch Tournament. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Mercedes-Benz Barbarians defeated a stubborn challenge from England to lift the MRFC Mercedes-Benz Touch Tournament.

The tournament was a resounding success with 12teams with over 140 players taking part.

This annual event is a way to introduce people to MRFC and the sport of rugby in a friendly atmosphere. The games were played in high spirits but hotly contested.

France 1 took the honours in

the Shield event, the third placed competition.

Ireland 2 ran out winners in the Bowl, while in the main event it was the Barbarians all the way.

The event was further proof of the role that MRFC plays within Muscat.

In his statement to the media, MRFC official Conor Quaid said: “The Club’s continued growth can only benefit the social life of the city. Muscat Rugby Football Club would like to take this opportu-

nity to thank Mercedes-Benz for the sponsorship of the event, and look forward to their continued support.”

The twelve teams were divided into three groups with Group 1 comprising of Canada, Ireland 1, Mercedes-Benz Barbarians and New Zealand.

England, France 2, Scotland and Somalia formed Group 2, while the teams in Group 3 were South Africa, France 1, Ireland 2 and Sohar.

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

Dining WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

A H S

â&#x20AC;&#x153;H

What to do when you start your week with a serious Tex-Mex

craving? Whether eaten at a restaurant or whipped up at home, a cheesy, spicy plate of nachos is just the thing to make your stomach salsa.

Nachos Night-Out

Story Swati Dasgupta

appiness is a plate full of nachos, while I laze in front of the television evision watching my favourite rugby match,â&#x20AC;? said a very dear friend once when I had d asked him the most common question tion on life and not on food. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d asked ed him, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing that at makes you really happy?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I grinned ned at his witty reaction, the ďŹ rst time in my life Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d heard such a response. esponse. It was this answer that peaked eaked my curiosity about the appeal eal of this beloved snack, leading me to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;happy world of nacho loversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. oversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

I soon was convinced of the corelation between ween happiness aand nachos, so much so that anywhere I ďŹ nd people ople munching on a plateful, I can n feel the increase in the

happiness quotient. While a platter of crispy tortillas alongside well melted yellow cheese and jalapenos is a common way sliced jalapen mon wa nachos, the real fun creto enjoy nachos n is cr cheesy masating your own crispy, c sy ma terpiece. Have it with whitee beans bean tomatoes. Or wit with and sun dried to olives, and a dollo dollop chicken, black oliv of sour cream. top Whatever you cchoose to to it with, the charms of crunch crunchy tortillas soft by llas made slightly sligh b undenihot, melted cheese is unden go ffor able. So skip dinner and a Or a plate of nachos this week. eek. O make a pan-full for yourself yourself to enjoy on the couch as you u watch watc your favourite programme.

Like vourite programm me. Lik me my friend, you too might ju just ďŹ nd ust ďŹ n your happiness on a nacho o plate. plat

Buffalo Wings and R Rings chicken nachos.

Go for: Buffalo chick These tortilla chips aare covered with buffalo chicken, tomatoes, chedjalapenos, onions, and melted me dar cheese. ese. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topped with bleu cheese and nd served with salsa. sa Contact: t: +968 2494 9424 Location: B Behind Mall, hi d Al Masa M Qurum

Sombrero Go for: Red bean nachos. These corn chips are served with cheddar and ranch sauce, topped with jalapenos, and layered with kidney beans and onions.

Contact: +968 2469 2343 Location: Gallery Muscat Mall, near ABA, Al Khuwair

Pavo Real Go for: Nachos chicos. It is corn tostaditas as topped with chicken or beef and refried beans, bean melted cheese, and sour cream.

2603 Contact: +968 2460 260 Plaza, MQ Location: Al Madinat Pl

TGI Fridays fajita Go for: Chicken fa j nachos. It is crisp tortillaa topped with chargrilled chicken n breast along with cheese, onion, n, pepper, and sliced jalapenos.

Contact: +968 8 2448 8899 Location: Near thee City Seasons Hotel, Al Khuwair

Eat Street Go for: Eat Street nachos. These are nachos topped with beef, grated cheese, salsa, sour cream, and lots of jalapenos.

Contact: +968 9848 8 4849 Location: Al Noor Plaza, MSQ

Make a Batch

CHICKEN NACHOS ACHOS Ingredients Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂźĹ&#x2014; )( & --Ĺ&#x2014; "# % (Ĺ&#x2014; , -.-Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;ĂźĹ&#x2014; )( & --Ĺ&#x2014; "# "# % (Ĺ&#x2014; , -.-Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; "# "# % (Ĺ&#x2014; , chopped Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ăź. -*Ĺ&#x2014;0 ! . & Ĺ&#x2014;)#& Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ăť.-*Ĺ&#x2014; 3 (( Ĺ&#x2014;* ** ,Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;),Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014;. -. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ăť.-*Ĺ&#x2014; 3 (( Ĺ&#x2014;* ** ,Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;), Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014;* % .Ĺ&#x2014; ),(Ĺ&#x2014;.),.#&& -Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ßÿú!Ĺ&#x2014; " - Ĺ&#x2014; & ( Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ä Ä&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ&#x2014;!, (Ĺ&#x2014; "#&&# -Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;-&# (Ĺ&#x2014; "#&&# -Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;-&#

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â&#x20AC;&#x201D;swati@timesofoman.com ati@timesofoman.com

Slider Station Go for: Dynamite nachos. It is corn tortillas topped with tomatoes, cilantro, onion, cheese, and sliced jalapenos.

Contact: +968 2469 8990 Location: Oasis by the Sea, Shatti Al Qurum

Blueberry Gardens CafĂŠ Go for: Irish nachos. In p place of baked pota-tortillas, crispy sliced bake ed pota toes are used for this dish, w which is ba-topped with mince meat, b beef ba con, jalapenos, and cheese.

Contact:: +968 9904 0559 Cont Location: 18 November Str Street reet Cafe Mexicano no clas-Go for: Nachos platter. This Th his cclas sic is tortillas with choice off melted mel jalapeĂąo cheese sauce or ccheddar ched cheese served with refried d bea beans, guacamole, and sour cream.

Contact: +968 8 2449 7374 Location: 18 November Str Street reet

CHOCOLATE NACHOS Ingredients Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂźĹ&#x2014;.-*Ĺ&#x2014;!,)/( Ĺ&#x2014; #(( ')( Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂźĹ&#x2014; /*Ĺ&#x2014;1"#. Ĺ&#x2014;-/! , Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ&#x2014;Ăł)/,Ĺ&#x2014;.),.#&& Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂźĹ&#x2014; /*Ĺ&#x2014;' &. Ĺ&#x2014; /.. , Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014; /*Ĺ&#x2014; ") )& . Ĺ&#x2014; "#*Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ăź.-*Ĺ&#x2014;-"),. (#(!

Preparation Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; , " .Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014;)0 (Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ ĂżĹ&#x2014; !, -Ĺ&#x2014; C. Mix cinnamon into the sugar in a bowl and keep aside. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; % Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;' &. Ĺ&#x2014; /.. ,Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; brush on both sides of the tortilla. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014;#.Ĺ&#x2014;-*,#(%& Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; #(( ' (Ĺ&#x2014;#.Ĺ&#x2014;-*,#(%& Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; #(( ')(Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; )( )(Ĺ&#x2014; ( cut sugar mixture and then cu ut each eac tortilla into 6 to 8 wedges. Place sheets them onto the baking shee ets in a single layer. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; % Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;.),.#&& -Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;*, % Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;.),.#&& -Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;*, Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; , heated oven until the edges edgees are lightly browned, 10 to 12 tortillas minutes. While the tortilla as are baking, melt the chocolatee and saucepan shortening in a small sauc cepan over low heat. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; *, Ĺ&#x2014;" & Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;.),.#&& Ĺ&#x2014;1 ! -Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; *, Ĺ&#x2014;" & Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;.),.#&& Ĺ&#x2014;1 1 ! -Ĺ&#x2014; 1 ! onto drizzle nto a serving plate and dr rizzle mix-with half of the chocolate mix ture. Place the remaining tortilla t drizzle wedges on top, then drizzl le with the remaining sauce.

Recipe courtesy o of food.com

C6

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

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

CINEMA SCHEDULE

@AZAIBA

@ PANORAMA MALL

SUR Fan (Hindi, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi, Mariola Jaworska, Ileana D’Cruz 3:15, 8:15, 11:15 PM

@ RUWI

BAHJA CINEMA

Jackson 7:00, 9:00PM

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

BURAIMI The Squad Aka (ANTI GANG) -2D (Action, Drama) Cast: Jean Reno, Alban Lenoir, Caterina Murino 11:45PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman

The Jungle Book (3D) (Adventure | Drama| Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley.

3:00, 5:00, 6:15 PM

SHATTI Fan (Hindi| Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 2:30, 5:30, 8:30, 10:00 & 11:30PM

Theri (Tamil) (Action) (12+) Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu 7:00 PM

Fan (Hindi, Thriller) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi, Mariola Jaworska 5:15, 8:15, 11:15PM

Criminal (Action | Crime | Drama) (15+) Cast: Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot 9:55, 11:55 PM

The Jungle Book (3D) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley.

4:30, 7:30PM

SOHAR Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice– 2D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3:00PM

Criminal Cast: Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot 5:15, 6:30, 9:30, 11:30PM

The Jungle Book - (3D) Adventure | Drama| Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:15, 5:15 & 7:15PM

The Jungle Book – (MX4D) (PG) Adventure Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 & 9:30PM

Criminal (Action|Crime | Drama) (15+) Cast: Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot 2:45, 7:45, 9:15 & 11:30PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (3D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 5:00PM

Theri (Tamil) (2D) (Comedy | Action) (12+) Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth, Prabhu 7:00, 8:55 PM

The Jungle Book (MX4D) (Adventure | Drama| Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 & 9:30PM

Criminal – 2D (15+) Action|Crime | Drama Cast: Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot 1:00, 9:30, 11:45 PM PANORAMA MALL Fan - (Hindi| Thriller) - VIP LOUNGE (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 2:30, 5:30, 8:30 & 11:30PM

Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (3D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 9:00 & 11:30PM

Destination

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

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

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

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

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

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

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

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

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

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

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

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

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

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

31 25

11.45 13.30 14.00

Mr. Right (Action / Comedy / Romance) Cast: Anna Kendrick, Sam Rockwell, Tim Roth 6.00 PM CP No: 1094 (15+)

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Theri (Tamil) (Action & Drama) Cast: Vijay & Samantha 3:00, 6:30 & 9:30PM Cinema Main Fan (Hindi) (Action\Thriller) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan & Ileana D’Cruz 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema -2 Darvinte Parinamam (Mal) (Comedy \ Drama) Cast: Prithviraj & Chandini Sreedharan 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 PM Cinema -3

Criminal (2D) (15+) (Action| Crime | Drama) Cast: Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot 2:15, 4:30, 6:45, 9:00, 11:30PM

Sardaar Gabbar Singh ( Telugu) ( Action) Cast: Pawan Kaltan & Kajal Aggarwal 3:45 PM Cinema -4

The Squad Aka (ANTI GANG) (2D) (15+) (Action | Drama) Cast: Jean Reno, Alban Lenoir, Caterina Murino 2:45, 11:55PM

Maheshinte Prathikaram (Mal) (Comedy) Cast: Fahad Faasil & Anusree 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -4 Next Change: Kali (Mal); Sarrainodo (Telugu)

Theri (2D) (12+) (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Amy Jackson 8:30PM

Programmes are subject to change WITH LOVE

0

Minimum

SARA TALAL AL ZADJALI April 19, 2014

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

60-20%

ROFAIDA YOUSAF ABDULRAHMAN AL ZADJALI April 19, 2014 Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

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

06:00 06:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Daily

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

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

10:25

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

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

Ruwi

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

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

07:00

Theri – 2D (Romance, Comedy) (12+) Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Amy

Criminal (Action / Crime / Drama) Cast: Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot 2.00, 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 PM CP No: 1101 (15+)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

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

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

Fan (2D) (PG12) (Thriller) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 3:00, 6:00, 9:00, 11:15PM

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

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

Theri (Action) - Tamil –12+ Cast: Vijay, Samantha, Amy Jackson, Prabhu 6.45, 9.45 PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

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

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

The Squad Aka (ANTI GANG) – 2D (Fantasy, Horror, Thriller) (15+) Cast: Jean Reno, Alban Lenoir, Caterina Murino 5:15, 11:45PM

WEATHER

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

SALALAH The Jungle Book (3D) (PG) (Adventure | Drama| Family) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 1:00, 4:30, 6:30PM

Fan-2D (Crime, Drama, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi, Mariola Jaworska 2:45, 6:00, 8:00, 11:00PM

Fan (Hindi) (Drama / Thriller) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Waluscha De Souza, Shriya Pilgaonkar 1.00, 3.45, 6.30, 9.15 & 11.45 PM CP No: 1100 (PG12)

Theri (Tamil) (12+) Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Amy Jackson 8:45PM

The Dead Room – 2D (Horror, Thriller) (15+) Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Thomas Jane, Kate Bosworth 10:00, 11:55 PM

The Jungle Book – 3D (Adventure, Drama, Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:15, 5:45, 7:30PM

Screen 3 Rocky Handsome (Action/ Thriller) –12+ Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan 3.45 PM

Theri (Tamil) (2D) (Comedy | Action) (12+) Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth, Prabhu

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Screen 2 The Jungle Book (2D) (Adventure) –PG Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba 3.45, 6.45, 8.45, 10.45 PM

Sardar Gabbar Singh (2D) (Comedy|Action) (PG12) Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Kajal Agarwal 6:10 PM

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

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

RUWI Screen 1 Fan (Thriller) –PG12 Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi, Ileana D’Cruz 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

Darvinte Parinamam (Mal) (2D) (Action | Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran 9:00 PM

The Squad Aka (ANTI GANG) (2D) (Action, Drama) (15+) Cast: Jean Reno, Alban Lenoir, Caterina Murino 11:45PM

Fan (Hindi| Thriller) (PG12)

The Jungle Book (3D) (Adventure) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 PM

Rocky Handsome (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan 3:45, 11:45 PM

Criminal (Action|Crime | Drama) (15+) Cast: Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot 2:30, 8:45 & 11:15PM

Criminal– 2D (Action, Crime, Drama) (15+) Cast: Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot 3:00, 5:15, 9:30, 11:45 PM

7:00, 8:55 PM

Fan (Hindi) (2D) (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi, Ileana D’Cruz 2:45, 5:40, 8.30, 10:00, 11:30 PM

The Jungle Book - (3D) Adventure | Drama| Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 2:45, 4:45 & 6:45PM

Fan – 2D (PG12) Hindi| Thriller Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 3:30, 6:30, 8:15, 11:15 PM Gold Class – 3:15, 8:15, 11:15 PM

Fan (Hindi| Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi, Ileana D’Cruz 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

AZAIBA Batman vs Superman:Dawn of Justice (3D) (Action |Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3:45, 11:45 PM

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 3:00, 4:30, 6:00, 7:30 & 10:30PM

MUSCAT GRAND MALL The Jungle Book – 3D (PG) Adventure Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 12:15, 2:15, 4:15, 6:15 PM Gold Class – 6:15 PM

Dept time

12.11pm 3.38pm 6.35pm 7.48pm 4.24am

Daily Daily Daily

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

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

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

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

PHARMACIES (ROUND THE CLOCK) Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334 Apollo Medical Centre,

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

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya 24787766, 24787780

Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al Hayat International Hospital, Al Ghubra 22004000, 94267068/97049520 Al Hayat Clinic, Al Hail 22009455

AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE BRIEFS

PHOTO: WIRES

New Saraydan Turkish CafĂŠ Concept Launched from Abu Dhabi

Start your Day with Fun If you ďŹ nd your family is in a breakfast rut, it may be time to switch things up and add some excitement to those early hours.

A

great way to start your day is to add breakfast to your morning routine. But as we all know, routines can get dull fast, especially after youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been eating the same breakfast for a few months. Here are a few new ideas to brighten up everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s morning.

Get the Whole Family to Cook Getting everyone in the family to help out in the kitchen is easy, especially on weekends, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love feeling more involved. The next time you make breakfast, ask your children to help you. Enjoy connecting as a family and building memories you will all cherish for years to come.

Set Up a Pancake Bar Make a weekend breakfast extra special by setting up a short-order pancake station in your kitchen.

Offer different ďŹ&#x201A;avours of pancake mix, set out chocolate chips, sliced fruit or any other ingredients to create special pancakes that appeal to your family. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to top each pancake with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream and,

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

of course, warm syrup. If you use a microwavable syrup bottle, like Hungry Jack, you can microwave the whole bottle and pour hot syrup straight onto your pancakes with no mess.

Host a Breakfast Lottery Do your children complain about having to eat the same thing every day? Surprise them with a special breakfast lottery. Have ingredients on hand for several breakfast entrees, like pancakes, waffles, or crepes. Put the names of each breakfast item in a hat and make whichever one you draw. This makes for an entertaining and suspenseful breakfast.

Yield: Six 4-inch pancakes Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Ingredients

Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014; /*Ĺ&#x2014;* ( % Ĺ&#x2014;'#2 Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ă˝Ä&#x17E;ĂžĹ&#x2014; /*Ĺ&#x2014; )& Ĺ&#x2014;1 . , Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂžĹ&#x2014; /*Ĺ&#x2014;,# ).. Ĺ&#x2014; " - Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; -.Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;ĂźĹ&#x2014;-' &&Ĺ&#x2014;& ')(Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; )1 , Ĺ&#x2014;-/! ,Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014;! ,(#-" Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; 3,/*

Preparation

In a medium sized bowl, stir pancake mix, water, ricotta cheese and lemon zest together until mostly smooth with a few small lumps. Fry on a lightly greased non-stick skillet until golden brown. Serve with powdered sugar and warm syrup. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Courtesy of Laurenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Latest blog

Try a New Recipe When it comes to breakfast kebabs, the possibilities are endless. Mini pancake kebabs are a lively twist on a classic breakfast. All you need for this recipe, is a pancake mix, syrup, kebab skewers and your favourite pancake toppings. Cook small, cookie-sized pancakes on a griddle.

Then, stack them on skewers with toppings like fruit and peanut butter. Top each kebab off with a drizzle of warm syrup.â&#x20AC;&#x201D; BPT

With a promise to surprise and delight, and a grand opening beďŹ tting the presence of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambassador to the UAE, a new and dynamic culinary concept has been launched recently from Abu Dhabi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saraydan Turkish CafĂŠ. Saraydan meaning â&#x20AC;&#x153;from the palaceâ&#x20AC;?, promises an authentic cafĂŠ, restaurant, and bakery experience, inspired by Ottoman palace cuisine to suit both the sweet and savoury palate. The unique food and beverage concept, say its owners, Retailistic, the retail arm of Mubarak and Brothers Investments (MBI), will see strong immediate demand in Abu Dhabi, followed by likely expansion across the UAE, and later the GCC and beyond. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that everyone loves good Turkish food, but that not everyone fully appreciates the wide variety and truly authentic tastes of centuries-old Turkish cuisine, and this new level of authenticity is what Saraydan is able to deliver in an informal yet tasteful environment,â&#x20AC;? said Banu Tas, Vice President, Asset Management & Retail, at MBI. Saraydan provides traditional Turkish food, from the recipes of Turkish grandmothers hundreds of years ago. Contributing to its authenticity is that every aspect, from the ingredients and Ottoman inspired interiors of the cafĂŠ, to the chefs who have been prudently handpicked from Turkey.

Saraydan has recently added an extended menu (in English and Arabic), a delivery service and catering to corporate and party functions. The ďŹ rst outlet has opened at DeerďŹ eldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mall in the Khalifa City A/Shahama area of Abu Dhabi, a rapidly growing vibrant community which includes 150,000 people living nearby, as well as some of the 500,000 cars that pass by on the Dubai-to-Abu Dhabi highway every week.

The art of fusion sushi at Mori Sushi in Dubai This month, the charismatic old world charm of a sultry Sao Paolo will meet Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pulsating horizon of scenic skyscrapers and skyline for the very ďŹ rst time in the form of Mori Sushi. Mori Sushi promises the kind or larger than life fusion sushi and exotic ďŹ&#x201A;aming grill ďŹ&#x201A;avours you would come to expect in a city with the worlds largest, well, everything. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many restaurants aim to please by catering to what is expected; other restaurants push the boundaries of creativity. Mori Sushi is the latter,â&#x20AC;? shares Osama Heikal, Managing Partner, Mori Sushi. The atmosphere at Mori Sushi is one many places revile to create but none can replicate. It incorporates the ancient philosophical idea of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;feng shuiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in its design; creating a versatile dining experience that evolves from day to night and an atmosphere that is harmonious despite its vibrant and lively patrons. The simple and minimalist design allows the focus to be on the food and the energy of its guests â&#x20AC;&#x201C; allowing for a complete sensory experience. Their ability to make each and every customer feel completely at home has led to its following that is as diverse as it is loyal. Mori Sushi is bigger than your typical dining experience. Its traditional Japanese dishes are expertly infused with just the right amount of Latin ďŹ&#x201A;avour; providing a deliciously fresh interpretation on its Japanese-Brazilian fusion twist. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sushi bar specialising in contemporary takes on sushi, sashimi, nigiri and temaki. Its robata-grilled bites will transport your senses into a realm of captivation with each and every plate that leaves its kitchen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; arriving with the indescribable handcrafted skill that only a true sushi master could provide. Try the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scallop Saladâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; infused with perfectly ripened cherry tomatoes or the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Avocado Caterpillarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; carefully rolled to perfection. The very ďŹ rst bite will ďŹ re a synapse to your brain and leave you begging for one mori bite. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;lifestyle@timesofoman.com

C8

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

LIFESTYLE

Sweet and juicy, peaches are known to be a real summer delight. While we all like to eat them raw, why Boil two cups of water. Blanch peaches till tender and put them in ice water. Once cooled, drain well, peel the skin and remove the pits. In a blender take the peaches, 1 cup water, 1 cup apple juice, 1/4 cup honey, 1 lime zest and juice, salt and pepper, and blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for two hours. Serve the chilled soup garnished with mint.

Preheat oven to 200°C. Cut the peaches, around six, in halves and remove pits. Take 11/2tsp lemon juice, add 1tsp sugar and toss the peaches in it.

Arrange the peaches, cut-side up, in a baking dish and roast till tender. Normally it takes around 20-25 minutes.

not get innovative with scrumptious peach recipes?

Take 2tbsp vinegar in a pan, and stir 2tsp sugar. Add 1 cinnamon stick and few cloves and boil. Take six to eight diced peaches, put them in pint jars.

Pour the syrup from the top and ďŹ ll the jar. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. Seal the jar and let the syrup marinate with the peaches.

Take two ripe bananas and cut them into slices. Take two peaches, a handful of strawberries, 1 cup of almond milk, and few ice cubes. Place the fruits in a blender with the almond milk and ice and blend until smooth. Add more almond milk if you are looking for thinner consistency.

Take 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves, 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2tsp vinegar, 1tbsp honey, and 1 cut shallots and blend. Season with salt and pepper. Combine cut peaches and tomatoes in a bowl and toss to coat with the dressing.

Top with feta cheese.

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

VACANCY

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CARGO

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FOR RENT Contact : 95399988, 24942600 Email - property@ikhtiar.om Showroom 2 Side Facing I CBD OPP. B.M. Showroom Space I CBD OPP. B.M. Office With Partition I CBD OPP. B.M. Flat 3 BHK I MBD Nr.Sheraton Flat 2 BHK With Terrace I MBD Nr.Sheraton Flat 1 BHK - 2 BHK I MBD Nr.Sheraton Small Offices With Partition I MBD Nr.Sheraton Villa 4 BHK+M.Room+S.Pool I Qurum 29 Nr. MSQ Flat 2 BHK I Khwair 33 Nr. Maya New building - Maintenance company provided- Caretaker Cleaner - A.C.- Multiple Elevators- Central settelite system Good Parking Space

COMEX 2016 VISIT US AT STALL

N.O: 1629 Printers, Laptops & PC’s, CD’s, DVD’s & Flash Drives & Cartridges

All HP, Epson, Canon, Lexmark, Samsung Cartridges also available.

Ruwi: 24 792 792 Sohar: 2684 2420

GOOD PRICE!!!

GOOD PRICE!!!

GOOD PRICE!!!

Available on very GOOD prices

GOOD PRICE!!!

GOOD PRICE!!!

GOOD PRICE!!!

RENT

GOOD PRICE!!!

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T U E S DAY, A P R I L 1 9, 2 0 1 6

SECTION

GOOD PRICE!!!

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T U E S D AY, A P R I L 1 9, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

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

FOR RENT

Top Finish New- Res-5 apartments- 2 bhk/maid room 550/450, 3 bhk- 550, 1 BHK-350 2. Al Kuwair New 3 bhk, posh. Kit.fur,s.pool-700, 3 bhk +maid,ind.villa-650/3. Wadi Kabir 1/2 bhk-250/300/350 4. Al Kodh Villa 5 Bhk- Compounded 550/5. Qurum(Comm) Sama Center-Brand New 114/122/129 sq.mt 6. Azaiba (Comm) 'h dĞĐŚ ďůĚŶŐͲ ͘ ͬ͘ŇŽŽƌŝŶŐͬĐĞŝůŝŶŐ

FOR RENT

1. Qurum

Tel: 24571962/63 Mob: 94289050/ 95495281 Email: samain009@yahoo.com

DĂĚŝŶĂƚ ^ƵůƚĂŶ YĂƐ ͗^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵͬKĸĐĞ Ăƚ 'ƌŽƵŶĚ &ůŽŽƌ͕ ϯϰϬ ^Ƌ Mtr. Facing main Road HAR Complex MSQ : 2,3-BHK Flats and 2 & 3 BHK villas with

ͬ ͕ĐĂƌ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ͕ ^ǁŝŵŵŝŶŐ WŽŽů ;'ĂƚĞĚ ŽŵƉůĞdžͿ Qurum : 6 BHK villa with garden, split Acs, shaded car parks, servant rooms DĂďĞůůĂ ͗ Ϯ ,< &ůĂƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ;ďƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐͿ Darsait : 1 & 2-BHK Flats with AC & Shop Ruwi : 2-BHK & 3-BHK Flats and shops Al Amerat : 2 & 3-BHK Flat , 3 & 4-BHK Villa with A/C

For viewing please call 99466729, 99316410, 92841690, 91313271, 24694088 or email us on :hartc@omantel.net.om

*Tourist visa arranged

FOR RENT

Quality Warehouses for rent at Mizfa 550 sqm to 3400 sqm.

IN RUWI 1 BHK – SPILT A/C, BUILT IN WARDROBE &CENTRALIZED GAS. SPACIOUS 2 BHK.

Contact : 990 49 722

Contact 99332291 / 96046951

Good spacious, 5 bedroom villa at Ghubrah North new 1,2 BHK flats Ruwi Rex road. Contact: 99369081

Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Dar sate Tel : 00 968 95158570

3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent.

18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi.

Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use. OMR 295/- month.

Call 94477222

Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Mutrah.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Duplex villa in QURUM 29. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Office & 2B/R with 3 toilets directly from owner, near Dolphin Complex Bausher.

Contact 92158031 1, 2. 3.BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 4 BHK villa in Azaiba.

Contact 99792181 200 & 300 sqr mtrs office space in MBD (Ruwi). Contact 99792181 2 BHK Office space in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 Flat for rent in South Mabela.

Contact: 95331177 / 95230355 2BHK spacious flat with 3 toilets in Ruwi, Mumtaz area.

Contact: 95110215 / 92862290 7 rooms villa attach bath at Azaiba 18th November Road.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact – 97007934 / 92609232

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flat in Wadi Al Kabir 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 family hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms. Contact: 99277787

Room for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis hotel, very big. R.O 180/-.

Contact: 95724975

2BHK at Mawaleh near Sadiq Al Amin Mosque. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

2 B, 1Bathroom & 1K in Al Azaiba (Behind Zubair Showroom).

RO340/- Call: 98989054

A small villa for rent at Azaiba, near Al Meera hypermarket. 2 bedrooms, 2 toilets, kitchen, sitting room and dining room, including curtains and air conditioners.

Contact 99766920

Ware houses in Hay Aseem Barka, 11000 m2 near round about new Beach road at Al Khoud location open store with office. #92959129

7 B/R en-suite villa for rent/lease with ac, 1100 OMR per month, location: al khuwair opp. safeer plaza hotel. Contact : 93389107 Brand new double bed room flats with two and three toilets, split ac, elevators available at Al Khoudh next to Al koudh health center.

Contact 99022675 Office space small in Azaiba.

Contact: 99428143

Flat for rent in Wadi Kabeer near India Primary School 2B & 1K. Contact: 92222922

Flat for rent in Ruwi, Mumtaz area 2 bedrooms. Contact: 24291500 / 91409667

1BHK at Hamriya near Muscat Pharmacy & 2 BHK at Mawaleh near Mosque Sadiq Al Amin. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

Villa for rent Al Zahiya Muttrah, 5 rooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen & big compound. Contact: 91163611

Shops / flats available in Honda Road, Ruwi & Mabellah Industrial area. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448 Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346 2BHK Ghala, new bldg with A/C, 325/- R.O. Contact: 99024730

Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

1+2+3 BHK Al Khuwair.

Contact 99024730

Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Available - fully furnished 2 bedroom apartment ( 12 nos) & fully furnished studio flats (10 nos) -location near Sohar Port Contact : 94532131

Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35)#94051789 / 97201688

1 BHK in Azaiba. Contact: 99385835 / 99428143

1000 sqm Industrial space with office and accommodation, near Grand Mosque, Ghala. #99364938

Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Flats in Qurum. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

New flat at Al Wadi Al Kabir.

Contact: 96130797 / 92130703

Offices in Ghala. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

2BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi. Contact: 99269751 Flats, shops and store for rent in Ruwi, MBD & Mumtaz. Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

T U E S DAY, A P R I L 1 9, 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

Available - Fully furnished labor camp and executive accommodation - ready for occupation-location near Sohar Port - Contact 94532131 2BHK flat shops / ware house space available for rent behind new ROP building at Honda road.

Contact 91165807 2 BHK / 1BHK near Machi Market Ruwi. R.O 200/- & 225/-.

Contact: 99354771 Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569 2BHK Wadi Kabir R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045 Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580 New Rent house in Mabela.

Contact: 99880841/96053220 1 BHK near Medical Darsait R.O 170/-. Contact: 95076261 2,200 sq mtr factory area & 800 sq mtr store with 8 accommodation rooms and 10 office cabins available for rent in Barka industrial area. Contact 91398381 / 80 / 78, email - agsan2005@gmail.com 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241 Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street. OMR 330 Monthly.

Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/in AL Khuwair. Contact 95154331 New building Wattayah main road, showroom & office space.

Contact 94300909 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 3BHK in Qurum P.D.O high 350/Monthly. Contact: 99342661 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. contact 99342661 Four bedroom two floors luxurious and spacious residential villa in Al Hail North, near to the sea and Oman oil. Each room has its own bathroom. It has splits A/C’s and shaded car park. OMR 750 monthly.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

FOR RENT

ACC. AVAILABLE

For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842

Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.

Contact 96234708

2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir. #97167857

New flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes, 1 living room, 2 bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets, every rooms with split A/C high quality finishing rent per flat is R.O 340/- .

Interested candidates please contact 00968 92225523

FOR SALE Restaurant for sale (Indian, Chinese, Arabic food ). contact 91181765 / 95411354

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 165 Thousand. # 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

ACC. AVAILABLE Sharing bachelors accommodation available in Rex Road, Ruwi.

Contact 94442157

Shop for sale in Mabela Sanayya-3 suitable for any business.

Contact : 96653000

Sharing accommodation one attached hall, small kitchen, A/C, Internet R.O 140/- E& W at Al Khuwair. Contact: 99382008

Pharmacy in prime location in Muttrah Souq. Contact: 95803883

Single room available near Darsait Lulu. Contact: 92120626

Dental Clinic for sale in Seeb.

Contact: 96373097 / 92882209

Furnished flat near ABA American School near Madinat Qaboos Rent R.O 650/- P.M. Contact : 99335100

Coffee shop for sale in Al Khuwair 33. Contact: 92994415 Villas in Al Khoud.#95056808 / 97201688 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 95056808 / 97201688 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. # 92881849 / What`s up No 97290565 Furniture and other treatment items for Ayurvedic clinic. Contact 97986525 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale#99273774/ 99202278 Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos can be sent 95865457 A well running pharmacy for sale at prime location. contact 99627621, 93240949 Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430 Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278

Furnished single room available for Executive bachelor or small family in Walja near Honda Road Ruwi. Contact 99016546 Big room available with AC, toilet, Kitchen at Al Hail Highway roadside preferred south Indians.

Contact: 92968292 Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794 Separate entrance furnished bedroom with attached bath and kitchen for Executive bachelor in a villa opp. Star Cinema.

Contact: 99314807 Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90.

Contact 96524717 Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah. #99336776 Small old house for rent in Al Ghoubra. Contact : 97165972 Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan village. Contact 93687466 Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. CONTACT 96202458/96761960

Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 93049849 Single room B/K sharing Mumtaz area. Contact: 95212017 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested pleasecontact 92680041 Mr. Altaf

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

ACC WANTED Looking for a villa in Amerat area.

Contact : 95405033

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

MV SALE

DRIVING

NRI

Nissan Pathfinder 2012 model.

Contact: 99467005 / 92552328

INDIAN RAILWAYS

Forklift caterpillar 5 ton, 2006 model. Contact: 99467005 / 92552328

Ticket Reservation Hotel & Bus Tickets

Hyundai Veracruz 2011 model for sale, 4 WD color black 7 seater with engine capacity 3775CC, automatic – Steptronic with GPS. Contact 97203784 Nissan Sunny, White, 1.6, Automatic 2010, 76,750 KM, excellent condition, regular service at Nissan Service center for RO 2300 contact – 96530052 Nissan sunny, year 2000, km 190k, expat lady driven in good condition, RO 700 negotiable. Suzuki alto, year 2008, km 127k, expat driven in good condition RO 600 negotiable. Call or whatsapp immediately 968-98898273

Star Travel 92820665 / 24711734

FOR HIRE

1 B/R - 890 S.FT fully furnished flat at Best Western Quepem.

Contact: 97094797

FH Volvo 40 feet flat trailor available for rent. Contact: 95120774 For rent Backhoe Loader Volvo BL71 long term. Contact: 99257975 Quality concept trading LLC Crane rental daily monthly cranes available for rent at attractive prizes Contact: 92870992

BUYING Buying cars for cash.

Contact: 90202090 Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

D4

T U E S D AY, A P R I L 1 9, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT ARCOP & Partners

SITUATION WANTED SIT.WANTED

LOOKING FOR SALESMEN

(Middle East)

Engineering Consultants LLC

- Required urgently young & dynamic - Junior Sales Persons with a valid - Oman Driving license for a reputed printing and graphics company.

looking to hire minimum 3 years experienced Omani Civil Engineer, for upcoming building projects in Ibri & Buraimi. The candidate must be capable of independently handling the works, as a consultant. Resident engineer stationed at site.

Interested candidates to forward their CVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with all the details to careers@arcop.co.om or fax to 24493446.

Contact: 96260078 / 96532284 Email: info.alsaj@gmail.com

REQUIRED ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Having B.E. in Electrical Engineering Min. 5 Years Experience in Oman With Driving License and Valid C.E.P License Contact : 95697401 Send CV to: cemec@omantel.net.om

Looking for Accountant for Cosmetics Industry having experience in retail and inventory.

Contact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 24704636 Email : saadest@omantel.net.om

CANADIAN CO.- FREE CONSULTANCY FOR LEGAL JOB - For Hotel Staff, Construction Staff, Medical, Gas & Oil Staff.

- Free recruitment - free tickets, accommodation, work visa, contract for 2 (two) years.

Contact : 93392630 Send CV on muslimatservices@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE CA ďŹ nalist Indian with 7 years experience having D/L & NOC looking for Senior Accountant / Chief Accountant position.

Contact 98097009 Email: rameesnm@gmail.com ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in ďŹ nance.

Contact 99284193 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement. contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com 10 yrs of Oman experience capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable placement in senior sales / business development position.

Contact : 98987654

ADMIN ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Indian, 20 years experience in Oman as personal assistant / office manager / administrator seeks change of job with release Contact: 99168054, mbkishore@hotmail.com

Required Temporary

Instructor Required Accountant with minimum 4 years experience.

Email: telljobs@gmail.com

for summer camp Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;

Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022;

ADMIN We are looking for Public Relations Officer. Contact: 99855604

For further details kindly contact Mr.babu 99380374 or fax 24593277

DRIVER Wanted driver. Contact: 91025698

DESIGNER Looking for a female fashion designer to work at Al Bawwab Textiles in Shatti Al Qurum.

Contact : 94029940

DOMESTIC HELP Wanted female Muslim cook for family at Qurum, visa available.

EDUCATION Parameters required in the following disciplines mathematics science neighborhoods physics.

Send CV at the following Email: aleithar@hotmail.com

ENGINEER/MECHANIC. Engine cylinder head technician required immediately for guide changing, seat changing, seat cutting & valve lapping. call or whatsapp immediately 968-98898273 Required Civil Foreman, Carpenter Foreman & Automobile foreman.

Contact: 99453617 Email: alsawarillc@gmail.com Required Hydraulic Mechanic.

Contact 95251213

MEDICAL Urgently required Nurses for Al Hayat International Hospital : Omani Female Nursing Assistants, Female Nurses (Filipino preferred) with or without MOH license. Contact: 00968 94267068 / 97049520, Email: pradeep.ratnagiri@ alhayathospital.com Urgently placement for female Staff Nurse & Pharmacist clinic at Samail. Send CV : Email: saemomar@gmail.com, Contact 95498105 Urgently required female Staff Nurse (two) with or without M.O.H license, good package. Contact after 5:00 P.M on Mobile: 99253650 or send C.V on dr.kamalsaqib@yahoo.com Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com Urgently required female Gynecologist D.G.O or M.C.P.S with minimum 3 years of experience, with or without M.O.H license, very good package. Contact after 5.00 P.M on Mobile: 99253650 or Send C.V dr.kamalsaqib@yahoo.com

MEDICAL GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with DataďŹ&#x201A;ow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

MISCELLANEOUS Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Vansalesman (water), Helpers. Candidates with Omani driving license preferred. Contact 99273774/99202278

SALES / MARKETING Urgently Required: Construction Company Purchaser- with experience in Oman and with NOC for immediately join. Interested candidates may call us to our office telephone: 0096824696584/24696585 or fax: 00968-24605955 or email us to sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Need salesman with driving license, having two years experience. Contact: 92891888 Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proďŹ cient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & ďŹ&#x201A;exible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area ďŹ&#x201A;uent in English.

Send CV to marketingpr2016@ gmail.com Salesman for a printing press.

Contact: 99498949 Looking for Salesman with experience in vegetable and fruits sales, good conduct, ďŹ&#x201A;uent in English.

Should have driving license. Email CV on: info@eigllcoman.com Contact - 96339339 Urgently required Sales Executives, Operations Executive import & export, for a reputed freight forwarding company in Muscat candidates with Oman D/L and minimum 2 yrs experience in similar ďŹ eld preferred. Interested candidates may send C.V to r ecruitment.oman@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ ďŹ nance ďŹ eld. On visit visa.

Immediately available. CONTACT 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com 28/male/MBA - ďŹ nance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.#90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Part-time Accounting up to ďŹ nalization, Auditing, Taxation and Project Finance assistance - 91044655

SITUATION WANTED SIT.WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Accountant Indian male with 7 years up to ďŹ nalization Tally & accounts receivable SAP R/3, good knowledge of payroll having Oman D/L, NOC. Contact: 00968-93733996 Email: thmsb182@gmail.com Indian female 24 years MBA ďŹ nance & HR, B.Com Computer application currently working temporarily as Secretary & Admin available in Oman on family visa looking for suitable career.

Contact: 93839846 Email: abniesumny92@gmail.com Indian female MBA in ďŹ nance currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement in Accounts.

Contact: 92896110 Email: anoopodiyan@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs, Graduated with specialization in Accounting 2 years experienced C.A.CPT completed. #94628086 / 97315091 Indian male well experienced in Accounts ERP, TALLY 9 & Admin NOC available looking for a suitable job. Contact: 92650835 A young CA (ACA & ACCA qualiďŹ ed) with 4 years experience in one of top audit ďŹ rms in UK & KSA seeks suitable placement in Oman.

Contact: Kamran: hkamran112@ gmail.com. +44 7480 1196 74. +968 93595050.

Audit and accounts 5 years experienced male/25 with SAP, Tally and peachtree knowledge available for suitable placement.

97190575.

ACCA QualiďŹ ed, 26 female with 3 years work experience looking for suitable position in Accounting / ďŹ nance. Contact: 91322423 Male, 33 yrs, 14 yrs experience in Marketing, ďŹ nance & accounts ďŹ nancial services, transaction processing, investment banking seeking suitable openings.

Contact: 94697386 Sudanese female Accountant excellent knowledge, MS Office, can work under pressure.

Contact: 97200130 Young ACCA ďŹ nalist with Hons. degree in applied Accounting from Oxford Brooks with three years experience with valid Oman driving license looking for immediate placemen. Release NOC Available.

Contact: 92851056 M.Com Accountant three years experience three star hotel Tamil Nadu India, immediately available. Contact: Contact 92831400/96051737 Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394

Indian male , 29 B.com ICWA (pursuing) 7 years experience in accountant / audit with valid Omani D/L seeking for suitable placement, NOC available. #94706954 Email: ajurn33@gmail.com Indian CA, Male, 34 yrs, having14+ Yrs exp. in A/Cs, ďŹ nance, auditing, consultancy and knows SAPB1,Tally ERP. Valid Oman D/L .Currently working in Oman. NOC available.

Contact: 94704800, Email: omanjobca@gmail.com.

Male Accountant M.Com (ďŹ nance & accounts) having 3 years experience in accounts looking for available job on visit visa.

Contact: 94648575 QualiďŹ ed and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. #93953613 , Email allen.mathew83@gmail.com Male CA ďŹ nalist B.Com having 5 years experience with big four audit ďŹ rms looking for suitable job on visit. Contact: 92230543 Email: m.naveednaseer@gmail.com CMA & CIA qualiďŹ ed ďŹ nance professional with 13 years of me experience in FMCG industries as well as various other industries available for immediate permanent job openings. #94543660 Accountant 8 Years experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 ACCA ďŹ nalist with 2 years of experience in a Construction Company as an Accountant in United Kingdom here on visit visa for 3 weeks from 12 April - 3 May. Contact: 99171627 Part time accountant, up to ďŹ nalization, looking for job after 5 pm (location prefer - MSQ to Al Hail).

Contact: 95694737 MBA ďŹ nance from Pakistan with 4 years experience in Accounts & ďŹ nance department currently in Muscat on family visit visa, 27 yrs.

Contact: 90590037 Email: numanaslamcfo@gmail.com, nouman_aslam2006@yahoo.com Filipino Male, 24 Years Old.. looking for job, have experience in Cargo & Logistics/ Rent a Car/ Real Estate/ Finance & Accounts/ customer service and as Travel Agent. Hard working and with good computer and communication skills having Omani driving license. GSM: 95370052 Jordanian Senior Accountant 15 yrs experience in Oman ďŹ nance & accounts. Contact : 92881223

Indian male â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MBA (HR) & Engineering graduation with total 10 years of experience in HR & Admin ( 3 yrs of Oman Exp.) along with hands on experience in technical bid submission for all Government & PDO tenders ready to join immediately with NOC. Contact: 91240251/ Email; kvaradhan@hotmail.com Indian male, 28 MSW, 5 yrs exp Office Operations, Administration, Public relation & counseling on visit visa. Contact: 90652428 / smbinil@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, MBA HR,BBA. One Year Administrative/Accounts experience, looking for suitable placement, on visit visa Contact: 90653362 Indian / female, 26 yrs, MBA with 3 yrs experience in HR / Admin marketing customer relations currently in Muscat on visit visa. Contact: 97205038 Email: priya.3july@gmail.com Indian Male 19 years (8 Years in Oman) well experienced in HR / Admin in Oil & Gas, Construction ďŹ elds with Oman D/L seeks suitable position. Release / NOC available call: 92854993.

Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 Indian female with nearly 10 years experience in administration & HR, seeking for a suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact: 99242841 B.Com 3 years business process outsourcing. Contact: 94657273 Indian male, 25, 4+ years of experience as an Office Administrator looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92600859 Email: sm24blue@gmail.com Teacher female 27 yrs, MCA 5 yrs experience in teaching in India currently on visit visa seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 96709509 Email: viyannifd@gmail.com Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Supervisor / Cad Draftsman with Oman light driving license 10 years experience in carpentry ďŹ eld. Contact: 95962384 Free lance /part time autocad works (ARCH/ MEP) 2D/3D PH: 97103168 Piping designer with 14 years experience working with PDO, OXY for 10 years NOC available.#92582356 Revit autocad d/man , diploma cert attsd. exp salary 200-acco. ph: 9227 9784 Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please #96489798, (+974) 66653780.

DRIVER Heavy driver available.

Contact: +968 96449233 Temporary light driver.

Contact: 99053510 Light Duty Driver, 3 years 6 months experience. Contact: 95768440 Young Bangladeshi driver with 3 years experience available.

Contact: 93143027 L/Driver, having 11 years experience in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact 96373904 Light driver 9 years experience looking for job. Contact: 95827886 Looking for a job as driver experience 9 years in Oman, Language Arabic / Hindi / English. Contact: 92517532 Need job for Driving.

Contact: 94375896 Light duty driver 4 years Oman exp seeks placement.

Contact: 98726383 Driver, exp 1.5 years, Language English, Arabic & Urdu, license light. Contact: 96011572 / 94484181 Experience driver looking for job.

Contact: 95113612 Light vehicle driver with 5 years exp looking for job.

Contact: 92171166 Light driver Pakistani wanted job.

Contact: 94182695 8 years experience in Oman.

Contact: 95587206 Light duty driver, 3 yrs Oman experience seeks placement.

Contact: 91362475 Light driver looking for job 4 yrs Exp in Oman. Contact :92681457 Bangladeshi male light driver exp 16 years need job. Contact: 99165961 Driver 3/6 years experience, I have 2 years experience out door sales man in led light, Pakistani, Oman experience 6 years.

Contact: 94565993 / 92627855 Family driver available.

Contact 92943094

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement.

Contact : 99739415 / 92091528

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. ARCHITECT Architect exp.7 years, 4 years in GCC Architectural design interior sites 3D Max AutoCAD, Photoshop.

Contact: 93238813 Email: mohammedbardab@gmail.com

CATERING Indian Cook, Tandoori cook, Chinese cook experience in India looking for cook job in hotel and restaurant. The candidate is in India. Contact: 98744307 / 79831260

B. Tech Mechanical Engineer having 3 years experience in maintenance & commissioning experience in an engineering services company on visit visa looking for suitable. Contact 91106765 Email: tamooraslam123@yahoo.com Indian male 22, Chemical Engineer residing in Oman looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92379181 Engineer I have driving license of Oman I need job of driving.

Contact: 95980506

T U E S DAY, A P R I L 1 9, 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Indian male, 25 yrs, Accountant, 2.5 yrs in Finance & Accounts, MBA Finance & HR, exposure in SAP, Tally, ERP 9 on visit visa.

Contact 96715420 / 91265020, Email : jijosrgo@gmail.com, simonjosephjc@gmail.com

Sales & Marketing specialist with 16 yrs experience in Oman in MNC retails telecom lubes construction related industry handled various projects, holding valid Oman driving license, release available.

Contact 96960991

Indian male, MCA (Post Graduate) fresher

seeking suitable placement anywhere in Oman, now on visit visa.

Contact 92319677, Email : ismabsc@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Mechanical Engineer with 2 years experience and valid Omani driving license seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97411523 Email: malvindevachan@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer (B Tech) Indian male with 1 year experience on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact : 90510800, Email : muhammedjaseem07@gmail.com

Civil Engineer, 6 yrs experience with Omani driving license, local release available. #91693008

Electrical and Electronics Engineer looking for a job & interested in any available role Nationality Sudanese have valid visa for 2 years. Contact 97304565

An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Building Site Supervisor since 2010 in Oman with Omani D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91507828 Electrical Engineer (B.E) 8+ yrs experience, NOC & release available with valid D/L. #968 94374735 Indian male, Technical Sales Manager, B.E Mech, with 11 years exp in Automotive Eng & Industrial Maintenance with Oman D/L seeks suitable job. On release to join immediately – 92880593 An electrical & electronics engineer awarded from Sunderland University with an experience in access central eyewear & rebranding of petard elations facilities have a valid visa up to year & half.

Contact: 91347567 Egyptian lady have BA in Electrical power & machines & did some training looking for job in any company. # 95935181 / 91112193 Graduate Civil Engineer having 19 years Gulf experience seeks immediate employment in reputed firms in Muscat NOC available.

Contact: 99446786 / 93251306 Female Electrical Engineer, excellent knowledge, Graduated with distinction, can work under pressure. Contact: 98133281 Mechanical Engineer (UK), 4 yrs exp in technical, Sales Engineer in Oman having valid GCC license looking suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 97612297 Email: ymirzall@caledonian.ac.uk Electrical Engineer having 8years experience with valid driving license (NOC available) Ph#91293519 Email: nomee987@gmail.com Indian female M.Tech in VLSI Design B.Tech in electronics with valid IELTS score 6.5 now in family visa experience in teaching & and admin. Contact: 90195131 Email: chinj.89@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 yrs, experience HAVC firefighting CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.in D.A.E (civil) Engineer + safety course (OSHA & IOSH), 5 years experience in infrastructure work looking for suitable placemen. #97658602 Mechanical Engineer is looking for a job vacancy Graduate of Malaysia, 7 years of work experience in oil & Gas fluent in both Arabic & English. Contact: 95569430 Electrical Engineer 6 years experience in Oman experience in MEDC / projects valid D/L. Contact: 91249329 Structural Engineer, ME, with 2 yrs exp proficient in ETABS, STAD, SAFE & Prokon, seeks job. # 050-9984535 B.E Mechanical Engineer, 24, one year experience as Production Shift Engineer, achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP, presently in Oman on visit visa, looking for a suitable placement. Contact:95065955 Email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com

Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement, Mob:97061817, Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com Road Engineer 10 years experience in Oman. Contact: 91274706 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711

An experienced Chartered Accountant with over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change.

96491030

Contact 97351649, Email : advocatesharaf@gmail.com

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian female staff nurse with parametric passed 10 years experience looking job Muscat regain.

Contact: 95851590 / 91510137

Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 9227 9784

Indian female (MSC – Microbiologist) seeking suitable job.

Contact 96791162 / 90618567

Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com Indian female Project Engineer 15 yrs experience in Project Management Quality database management data analytics marketing business development haying Omani driving license seeks suitable placement presently on family visa having Omani experience.

Contact : 95783792

Indian Bsc Female Nurse with 6.5 years exp, 4 years in KSA. Passed Oman Pro Metric with 69%, completed data flow. Presently in Muscat in visit visa looking for a suitable placement. Contact 94744900, 94742834, jincyalphonese@gmail.com

MBA (Marketing) Sales & Marketing Executive with 4 years of experience in Sales & Business Development in FMCG sector is looking for best opportunity in Muscat at present available in Muscat on visit visa.

Mail: akbarshareef786@gmail. com,GSM:95840153.

Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. conatct 95792820

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE MISCELLANEOUS Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements. NOC available. Contact: 920 66 523 BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com

Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761

MISCELLANEOUS Bachelor in Hotel Management Having 13 years experience in Catering Industry in all aspects of Operations with D/L looking out for a suitable placement. #90654826 Email: mailingsaikiran@gmail.com

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED LABOUR Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Graduation, tool and die engineering & tool designer, have two and half years experience in pess tool and moulding , I know CAD, CATIA , PRO-E software’s now in Oman.

Contact: 95287978 Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in Indian (MRF Tyres) holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer with 15 yrs Exp in steel fabrication, quality, design, material estimation, sales engineering.

Contact: 97093241, Email: abdelmuhssin@gmail.com Diploma in Civil Engineer having 8 years experience in Oman with driving license, internal release available urgently. Contact: 95387537 / 90524700 Civil Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male 24 yrs having 1+ year experience in Industrial construction with good communication skills and software knowledge, looking for suitable position available on visit visa. Contact: 968 - 99779538 / 98694939 Email: arunsathyan92@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Structure Engineer 3 years looking for job in reputable company AutoCAD, Etabs, Staad Pro Omani driving license available. Contact: 97906770 Engineer with 4 years experience in Oman in telecom operations looking for a suitable opportunity have valid driving license interested in marketing also.

Contact: 98513495 Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. contact:98921022 Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Engineer Civil & M. Arch (RED) Indian (F) 25 yrs, B.Tech (Civil), now pursuing M. Arch - RED (Real Estate Development final semester thesis) completing by June 2016, now available till 15th of April on visit visa seeks suitable placement in Oman. Contact: 968- 92743004 Email: tina.navya199ann@gmail. com NDT / QA / QC Supervisor / Radiographer DAE Mechanical piping- vessel LPG Bozer Storage tank inspection experience 10 years.

Contact 96954202 Email: nasirarain86@yahoo.com

An Electrical engineer with 4+ yrs of experience in Electrical network (MT, LT) with professional computer skills seeking for work.

Contact: 99841736 / 93955381/ +149922698343 Email: e.kmmh@hotmail.com Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit. PH:93837973 Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. Contact 96570891

IT INDIAN FEMALE, 23 years, BSCCS Diploma in IAD graphics, well knowledge in computer applications 6 months experience presently in Sohar seeking suitable placement. Contact: 96670907.

Email: ammuch.4@gmail.com Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact: 98660672 B.Tech (IT) experience in Networking server & desktop management in corporate environment looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92954613 9 years of Software Test Consulting and business analysis experience in various CBS (Core Banking Solutions) and other Banking related solution implementations with deep understanding of Islamic Banking. Completed CDIF CIMA Diploma in Islamic Finance and ADIF - Advanced Diploma in Islamic Finance conducted by CIMA, UK. NOC available. Contact: manivannanbalaji@gmail.com GSM: 9393 8086 Omani 26 (M) Seeks placement 6 yrs experience IT specialist.

Contact 99025044 IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact 94672759 Female 24 yrs, 3 years in IT programmer now in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact: 96350234

MANAGER Finance manager 22 years Oman experience available with NO. Contact: 91335205/91302906 Purchase/Planning & Logistics Manager, MBA (Finance), 14yrs. Oman Exp. with D/L, NOC available, looking for suitable position. Contact : 93826090, jskanchan01@gmail.com Egyptian male 36 years Warehouse Manager, 7 years in Sultanate of Oman, 1 year in UAE, and 3 years in Egypt. Contact: +968 97200468 Email: ayman_mano1979@yahoo.com

Indian Lawyer Oman experienced BA, Arabic, LLB, MBA Knows English, Arabic with over 9 yrs in legal field, now working as a legal advisor in Muscat, seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact 95986767

Male QC inspector Mechanical, NDT 20 years experience valid Oman D/L , release available.

Contact: 91001104

B. Sc Civil Engineer 27 yrs, Oman experience as Project Manager, Structural Engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC / local transfer available.

Contact : 99349578 Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com

Qualified Certified Management Accountant (CMA-USA) and cost and management accountant (ACMAIndia) with over 25 years experience in Sultanate of Oman in finance, banking and administration is seeking a suitable placement. NOC available.

Electrician with plumber and A/C tech, with D/L. Contact: 95600418 S.T.P Operator 20 years experience in Oman. Contact: 93089468

SALES / MARKETING Indian male (25) MBA / MMS (Marketing) on visit visa valid UAE driving license exp 2 yrs sales / marketing.

Contact: 98089262 Indian male, 29 years BSc, Graduate, with Omani driving license and 7 years of sales experience in home appliances, IT products, mobile and traffic safety equipments currently working on employment visa, NOC available seeking for suitable placement immediately.

Contact 97890607 Email: ashrafambar@gmail.com Indian male 31, BBA Muscat born, fluent in English above average Arabic, experience in Sales, Marketing , customer service sectors ranging from FMCG to real estate, with NOC, seeks suitable placement. Contact: +968 93870938 Experience Sales Executive Muscat 13 years, KSA 9 years, with Oman driving license & KSA. Contact : 93508287 / 90701036 Sales experience of 2 years driving license diploma holding in wireless networking. Interested in Marketing, Accounts and Salesman. Contact: 98668151 Wants a suitable job as Salesman & have driving license. Wants a job with good salary & have 6 years of experience & can speak in English, Arabic and Hindi. #94162434 24 years experience Sr. Manager NT professional as Profit centre head. Industry electrical trade looking for a suitable position in Oman / UAE. Contact: 91195418 Email: ab_9616@gmail.com Indian male 29, BHM, 3 yrs exp in Oman in sales with D/L NOC. Contact: 92594055 Indian male 23 years BSc Computer Science on visit visa seeking job opportunities for suitable placement. Contact: 92740543 Email: aneep93@hotmail.com

Tea boy looking for job Name: Man Bahadar Contact No. 97859837 Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 ,5 year experience in HR .#+968 91467576.

Indian Female, M.Sc Computer Science, Seeking suitable placement in Muscat Area.

Contact : 98660672 Indian male network cabling technician (19-years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact 0091-8089909265 (India), E mail: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian female, MBA, Diploma in Aviation & Hospitality mgt (IATA), having 4 yrs of exp, on family visa seeks job in Oman. Contact-9910 4529, 95679557, e-mail-jkramya91@gmail.com Pakistani male having 7 years experience in General Salesman having valid D/L Looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97216830 Email: asim-samb5@yahoo.com Indian female, M.Sc Computer Science, Seeking suitable placement in Muscat Area. GSM : 98660672 9 yrs exp Site Engineer in Civil & Shade Structure. 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job. #93790601 LAND SURVEYOR: Male, more than 12 years’ experience in land/pipe line surveying in Oman and UAE. Looking for suitable placement.

NOC available. #91215843 Marketing Communications Coordinator Indian, 25 years GCC experience in Media, Advertising & Marketing ATL + BTL branding. Contact: 93031168 Email: arn14256@gmail.com Indian male physiotherapist with 3 years of experience, with (moh license and NOC available. seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99767528, 91317863 Indian, 32 years, passed M.A. English M.Sc Psychology, DHM & B.Ed in English with 4 years experience seeking for part time or full time job. Contact: 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com

Indian male B.com 10 years experience in Oman stores & warehouse, immediate job with NOC. Contact: 95192733, email: sammathew2004@yahoo.co.in

27 years old Indian male looking hospitality jobs in Hotel. Experience in customer service, front desk, housekeeping supervisor, captain, cashier,guest relation manager.

Contact. +968-90351742Email. samubaid6@gmail.com

BE (Mech) MBA (UK) 32 yrs male having 7 yrs exp in Oil & Gas product / project Marketing looking for suitable placement in GCC. Contact: + 968 91104381

27 yearsold Indianmale looking Jobs in documents Collection executive.Experience in collection executive. Contact. +968-90358068 Email wasimsaif04@gmail.com

26 yrs Indian male MBA Marketing Sales / Marketing Executive, 3 yrs experience now available in Muscat on visit visa seeking placement for immediate joining.

Contact: 95978874 Email: ansariafsar550@gmail.com

Indian male, 26 years old BA Graduate having 1 year experience in accounts finance field. Looking for suitable Job On visit visa immediately available.

Contact 9565 9415 Anishkhan991867@gmail. Com

ELECTRONICS ENGINEER Indian/ male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Communications,ITI,1.7 Years experience as Service Technician in India. On visit Visa, Looking For a Suitable Placement.

Contact :92794176, E-mail:prathyushkp9@gmail.com B.Tech, MBA currently working in India in Bank. Contact: +918939857146 Email: sebimathew87@gmail.com Pakistani male 23 years old experience in travel agency - ticketing looking for a suitable job, NOC available. Contact: 93253759 Accountant cum cashier available.

Contact: 98002428 Indian with 3 years for experience in sales and marketing fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam looking for suitable job.

Also hold valid Driving License, currently in oman Mob : +968-93451439 HSE Engineer, Indian male, 4 Plus years exp. in Oil & Gas, Working in Shclumberger, NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. #krish.569@gmail.com, Mobile- +91 9867016808 Indian male Physiotherapist with MOH license and NOC looking for suitable job. Contact: 92617235 Indian Male, 40 Years, B. Com, having 10 years experience in Oman, Tally &ERP- looking for suitable placement ( Local release and Oman driving license available.

Tel- 92469789 Indian Male 42 year’s, MBA, Sr. Material controller having 12 years experience in Oman with reputed companies. Having Oman driving License, Seeks suitable replacement immediately. Available NOC. Cont. 00968-92944026, Email – charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN Indian/male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Comm,1.7 Years experience as Service Engineer in India. On visit Visa, Looking For a suitable placement. Contact : 92794176 E-mail:prathyushkp9@gmail.com Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement.

Contact 99514286 ELECTRONICS ENGINEER Indian/ male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Communications,ITI,1.7 Years experience as Service Technician in India, on visit Visa, looking For a Suitable Placement.

Contact :92794176 , E-mail: prathyushkp9@gmail.com Indian male Kerala, B.com & B.PE. Currently on visit visa, looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store keeper etc. Ready to join as early as possible. Contact:-93301023, email:- sajith3969@gmail.com Female Dentist with MOH license and NOC, 7 years experience 2 yrs out of them in Oman looking for a job. Contact 97401243 Electrical diploma Engineer Indian male 22 years, 2 years experience in control panel contact 93047707 adilm89@gmail.com IT System Administrator 6 yrs experience, male, Filipino Desktop, Laptop and printer Support, Backup administrator, Router and switch Network, Server Administrator. +968 94134295 Female dentist with MOH license and NOC ready to join 7 years experience 2 of them in Oman.

Contact 97401243 Indian male 28 years B.com, MBA 4 yrs experience in accounts / finance currently in Oman on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 93460277 Email: shineraj786@gmail.com Having 10 years exp. in Admin & HR in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com

D6

T U E S D AY, A P R I L 1 9, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

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

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/COMP./WEB.

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Male 42 year’s, MBA, Sr. Material controller having 12 years experience in Oman with reputed companies. Having Oman driving License, Seeks suitable replacement immediately. Available NOC. Cont. 00968-92944026, Email – charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in Pharmacist M. Pharm working in Oman for 2 years with MOH license Data flow completed. #98399415 NOC available, Indian Male - MBA (HR) and B.E (E.I.E) with total 9 years of experience in HR & Admin and Business Development (3 yrs of Gulf exp.) can join immediately - 91240251 / kvaradhan@hotmail. com M. Sc Computer Science – 2 year Experience – in India, looking suitable Placement. Email:-elvisgt6@ gmail.com, Mob:-+91 9497482305 (INDIA), Oman:-98291626.

Indian, 30 years, B. Com with 2 years Oman experience in Tally ERP-9 available in Muscat seeking suitable positions. # on 95186652 ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN Indian/male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Comm, 1.7 Years experience as Service Engineer in India, On visit Visa, looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 92794176, Email:prathyushkp9@gmail.com B-tech Civil with honours, Civil Engineer (structures) Experience more than six years. #91431483. Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. CONTACTkrish.569@gmail.com contact +91 9867016808 Indian male Network cabling technician ( 19-years gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian Pediatric consultant, md with 20 years experience and wife gynecologist md with 15 years plus experience seeking opportunities with reputed hospitals in Muscat. deemaild@gmail.com PROCUREMENT OFFICER, Indian-Male 34yrs,M.Com with 14 yrs work Exp.(8 yrs in Oman) working in Construction Co LLC( for ROAD,CIVIL,ELECTRO-MECHANICAL & Others Projects ) and having valid LT D/L, NOC available & ready to join within a monthM:94064650, Email: nagauae@gmail.com 14 years experienced light driver with valid Oman license looking for suitable job. Contact 99442481 Indian male: 24 years, diploma in computer science and B.E(CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeking for the suitable job. Contact: 91170912, Email id: sales2@witoman.com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience, seeking for part time job. mobile no: 0096899070584. email: remluvp@gmail.com Sudanese male, 5 years experience in warehouse management and logistics services#90644186 Civil Engineer (roads and structures) Education B. Tech Civil Engineering with honours experience more than six years.

Contact no 91431483 ,Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com

Indian male 6 years exp in different field, with valid Oman driving license. Languages known Hindi, English, looking for any job(Driver for executives). Contact 98696795 HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years Experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger.

NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE, contact krish.569@gmail.com Mobile- +91 9867016808 Experienced B.Com graduate + IATA Diploma holder looking for Accounts/Admin/Travels related job. Mob. 91142997. NOC available .

Indian male B.A degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 years experience as restaurant & catering manager in Oman & Saudi with V/L Oman D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 92100141 MBA Graduate (Indian male 26 years) having 2 years experience in Qatar as admin assistant looking for suitable placement. contact 93041141 Email: mahinmehboob@gmail.com Indian female, MBA with 9 yrs of experience in finance & procurement currently on family visa looking for suitable position in finance & supply chain.

Contact 95622568 Draughtsman, 15 years’ experience, Indian male currently in Oman looking for suitable position.

Gsm – 95358115, 96977289, Email : pillairp41@gmail.com Indian Female living in Ghubra Muscat near Emirates Shopping Center. 20 years of experience in Teaching. Able to handle all subjects till grade 6. Need suitable job.

Contact- 94406552 PART TIME ACCOUNTANT available, well experienced in accounting up to finalization. knowledge in tally also. contact. 92643875 Chief Accountant 25 years experienced looking for part/ full time accountant job. Contact: 95598477 / 98803439 Indian male,16 years Oil & Gas experience ( Down Hole Tools ), 3 years in Oman, Dip. Mechanical Engineer, Having D/L and NOC. Email – jajisuni@yahoo.com, Mob : 965 956 18.

Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job.

Phone:91997605. email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail. com 8 plus years of experience in Events /Marketing Communication /conferences / Trainings / Media representation. Having UAE D/L. seeking Suitable Placement: Contact: 95792820. suheal.ma@outlook.com Indian Male,Kerala,B.COM & B.PE having 13Years of Physical Education Teacher experience. Currently on visit visa Looking for a suitable job. Contact:- 968 94106834. email:-akhilrajkj@gmail.com.

14 years experience in 5 star hotel as sales manager in UAE & INDIA on tourist visa looking for suitable opportunity please contact mobile contact 91305978 Indian male with 1 yr exp looking for job in I.T as Web developer, presently in Muscat on visit visa. #92312978

Admin Assistant. Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). GSM. 00968-98404122, Email - panduru.jeevankumar@ gmail.com Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 and half year experience in HR .

Contact : +968 91467576 .

Indian Female, 24 MA Eng. Litr with 2 yrs experience in teaching & 14 months in Administration cum Secretary, Currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92613704/99260702, Email:rohinis2010@gmail.com

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

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

Indian male, 8.5 yrs experience, B.Com Graduate with GCC exp & valid driving license looking for better job opening in Muscat.

Contact: 92609935 / 94771365 2 years experienced male seeking job related to safety. M. Tech in HSE, MSc in Environmental Science and IOSH certified. #94653264 Female Junior Architect Graduated from School of Planning & Architecture, Vijayawada. Excellence in Autocad, Sketching & Modelling. Internship - KHAM Designs, Bangalore. Presently with Atulya Architects & Associates. Email saatvika.frozenmusic@gmail.com #00968-94057427.

Sri Lankan Male 34 BSc. (Physics) 5 years experience as a site manager and administration supervisor in Oman with valid D/L looking for a suitable position. contact 99153061 or v.chandramohan@yahoo.co.uk Mechanical Engineering 6 years experience. contact 00968-998907110091 9841867534 Email: sayed.fortuner88@gmail.con Indian male 37 YEARS, BSC COMPUTER SCIENCE having More than 8yrs of experience with well exposure in PDO, DALEEL & OXY as IT SUPPORT / DESKTOP SUPPORT ENGINEER. Seeking suitable placement. Contact rangaraj_vck@ yahoo.co.in / 968-99758320 B.Com Graduate with 4 year experience as an Accountant in Oman. Also have Oman Driving License. Best fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi& Malayalam. Looking for Job. Currently in Oman. #+968 93943448, murshid4u@gmail.com Diploma(Electrical Engineering) From Government polytechnic.

Age 27years, 6 years Experiance in Maintenance, troubleshooting and managing and Technical in substation as a Electrical Engineer.

Seek suitable placement. Contact GSM- 92995899, (a.abbas31@gmail.com) MBA Indian male 2 years experience in firefighting & security systems sales & marketing. Seeking suitable job. Contact – 90634050 Sr Material controller, having 13 years experience in material controlling in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). # 00968-92944026, Email charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in Indian/male (25)/ MBA/2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 96914068, E mail: mailanasap@gmail.com

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. CONTACT 98294551 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

SITUATION WANTED 32year Indian Male MSC,MBAHR having 8yrs Exp(HR / Payroll / Admin) with Oman valid DL. Seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact:00968-99322978 6 YEARS EXPERIENCE HR/Finance Indian female[29Years] MBA. On family visa, Seeking suitable placement-93908191, email:aswathi.wnd@gmail.com Indian Female Electronics System Eng. UK Graduate. Programmer Micro Controller Robot, Eng. Analysis, Instrumentation & Control, Eng. Projects, Integrated Circuit Eng., Electrical and Fluid Drives, Analogue Electronics, Wireless Systems. Seeking suitable post. Contact: 97848075, s.dinesh1508@gmail.com Indian, BE Mechanical Engineering with 1 yr exp as service Engineer, looking for suitable positions. Contact-90637918, E mail: aquasharath@gmail.com Senior Accountant, 5 yrs Oman, 10 yrs UAE experience in manufacturing & construction valid D/L immediately available. Email: irfan_syed2000@hotmail.com, call: 95389018 Commercial or Operation Manager 18 yrs in Oman – finance, purchase, sales, HR & Admin exp. #99044724.

E mail: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com Male ,MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with oman D/L & NOC, Hospital ,Pharma ,Herbal ,FMCG, F&B Markeing ,construction A/c & sales , 93379044 HSE Engineer, Indian male, 4 plus years experience in oil & gas, working in shclumberger Nebosh, ISOH & NDT certified, M. Tech in HSE. contact-krish.569@gmail. com mobile- +91 9867016808 BE Mechanical Engineering with one year experience now on visit visa, looking for suitable positions. #90637918 / 99335742,email: aquasharath@gmail.com Electronics service Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement. #99105043

Indian/male (25)/ MBA /2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa. available for immediate joining. #96914068, email: mailanasap@gmail.com Indian male network cabling technician (19 years Gulf experience), seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian male, Kerala B.Com & B.PE, looking for suitable Job in Sales, Accounts, Admin etc.#93301023 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com SOFTWARE DEVELOPER, Indian Male, 24 years, B.Tech in computer science.3Years of experience in technical support, software development, troubleshooting and managing, seek suitable placement. # GSM- 98184170 Indian male 31 yrs with over 10 yrs sales & marketing exp seeking suitable placement NOC & Oman D/L available in audition have proficiency in Arabic language.

Contact: 95760969 Looking for QHSE – Manager / Asst. Manager job, Indian Male – 39.Yrs, With 17.Yrs Experience & NOC, NEBOSH – UK, MR – ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001, HSE Trainings, Audits, Pls Contact – haree. krishnan9944@gmail.com B.A. in Accounting, Experience: 5years of Business/Accounts tutoring and 2 years of Accounting License: 70914186. #96389047, Email: sharanizareen@gmail.com Indian male at a Managerial position having 12 yrs exp in sales & marketing, Property Management looking for a suitable position, MBA qualified with Oman driving license. NOC available. #98125226 Indian male BE Mechanical Engineer having 6 yrs exp in piping and structural construction work, looking suitable position, release available. contact 96115463email: jijoraju085@yahoo.com Admin Assistant, Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available).

GSM. 00968-98404122, Email panduru.jeevankumar@gmail.com

Export Manager/DM Indian Male 38 Yrs B.Sc /CIPET 13 Yrs Experience in Business Development &Production with Oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact : 97221058 / 92058065, E-mail : ckabdulmajeed@gmail.com HSE Engineer: 3.8 years experience in Oil & Gas. NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE,B Tech in Mechanical Engg.

CONTACT-krish.569@gmail.com, Mobile- +91 9867016808 B.Com Graduate with 4 year experience as an Accountant in Oman.

Also have Oman Driving License.

Best fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi & Malayalam, looking for Job. Currently in Oman.

Cont: +968 93943448, murshid4u@gmail.com INDIAN MALE, 26 years, BBA graduate, seeks suitable position in automotive spare parts, Have 3 year experience.

Contact 96026400, Email: bineeshpn@gmail.com Master’s in Petroleum Geology looking for relevant job ready to join ASAP, valid drivers license.

Email : mehdi.poorjahangiri@ gmail.com Bangladeshi male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job. contact 91997605, email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail. com 25 years, male B.Com and insurance Graduate with 6 year experience looking for an opening in accounts, finance or operations related only. Driving license and NOC available. Contact95236312. and Email: lilommca@gmail.com Indian Male,B.Com & Diploma Logistics & supply chain management 2years experience looking for job in Accounts/logistics field.

Presently on Visit Visa. Software knows MS office & Tally7.2 .

Contact :93884951Email:mehreenraiz@gmail.com IT/Telecom Manager, BE, MBA 13+ Years of experience, Valid Driving License. Available immediately.

Phone: +91205211, Email: ghulamqasimali@gmail.com

T U E S DAY, A P R I L 1 9, 2 0 1 6

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

KTT&CO LLC Customs Clearance thru Bayan System ( AIR & SEA CARGO) Freight Forwarding (both import & export) by giving best freight rates to Customers. Road Transportation, Delivery of all types of goods (within Oman). Contact : Tel : 24713288 & 24711071 ; GSM : (99597129 (MR. KISHORE

TOURS

TOURS

Moon Travel L.L.C

Saudi Arabian Government approved agent

Umrah Package by Road & Air Bus Departures- Apr 19, May 03, 17 & 31.2016 Ramadan Schedule - Jun 06, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 & 30.2016 Contact: Tariq Al Balushi - 99218069 Ahmed Maseehuddin - 99353611, Oĸce: 24790746/24706217

RENT A CAR

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman.

Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTED SIT.WANTED Indian male network cabling technician (19-years gulf experience) Seeking for suitable placement. Contact 0091-8089909265 (India) email: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian Engineer, B. Tech (Mech), MBA, MLM (Master of Labour Management), 23 yrs experience, 5 years in Oman in the positions of Operations Manager and Plant Manager with Oman Driving License seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 99744612. E-mail: deleepkumarpk@gmail.com Indian Male 47 years MBA-Operations Management with total 25 Yrs exp inclusive of 9 yrs in Oil & Gas sector in Oman, having valid Omani D/L & NOC available , seeks challenging position in SCM/ Logistics/ Procurement in any Sector. GSM-94236414. Mail id – jayamurli@gmail.com BBA MBA.Male, Indian Human Resource/ Administration/ Office work1 Year Experience Knowledge in MS-Office, Photoshop Searching for suitable job E-mail: antonyshajan11@gmail.com.

Contact: +91 9655469680 +91 8754086178

Structural Engineer Education B-Tech in civil Engineering, Work Experience More than 6 yrs contact +968-91431483 E-mail: mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. # 99839898

TRANSPORTATION Transportation available on rent 10 ton Hiap Trailers. #94207475 / 95649231/ 97982842 Transportation. Contact 99508282

Indian Female Accountant, now in Oman on Visit Visa, looking for suitable placement, #94250871 Indian Female MBA Finance, 6 years Oman experience as account looking Full time/part time accounting Jobs. #99044292 Indian Male B. Tech, 10+ years of extensive work experience in various aspects like Computer Networking, Technical Support, Management and Engineering with good communications, interpersonal and technical skills seeks suitable opportunity. Now in Oman on Visit Visa GSM : 9489 8009, Email : bios4u@gmail.com Indian male, accountant 2 year experience doing accounts in Tally and Excel. Searching for suitable job. Contact: subbayan_r@gmail. com GSM: +918098637908 Indian male 26 years MBA finance, seeks suitable placement. #92715032 / ajisd@yahoo.com

Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact 94087276 Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact - 99012165

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

RENT A CAR

Best Rates for Saloon Contact: 97869042 / 95730550 sales@modernreem.com

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T U E S D AY, A P R I L 1 9, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

WĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů Θ BƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ăůů ŬŝŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƉĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ MĂƌďůĞ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJͬ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ϵϴϴϭϰϳϯϯ ͬϵϴϴϭϰϳϰϬ ů ,ƵƐŶ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ >͘>͘

CATERING SERVICES

Investment Required

We do industrial catering service, Canteen / mess, 3 times packed meals and all types of catering events.

Minimum OMR 500,000 to transfer 5 Excavators big + 5 Tippers 2015 Astra, working on good profitable Excavation projects. Assured income 36 %.

Contact: 92188777 / 99249899

98867530 / 99120532 engrfaheem@hotmail.com

Split & window A/c installation & maintenance specialist package & ducted units. Contact 98667326 Split A/C servicing R.O 10 only.

Contact: 94217681 /99210141 All MEP & Civil shop drawings.

Contact : 93070771 Email : designjob2014@gmail.com

SERVICES

Cleaning Services, Sofa, carpet shampoo old house or new house.

Contact: 92179395

We Provide Cleaners, Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC Contact: 99344723

MATRIMONIAL

PALEST CONTROL TABA SERVICE LLC

Nair boy working in Muscat, age 32 & H 165 cm, seeking alliance from Nair/Nambiar girls, especially from kannur & kasaragod, Manger visa with family status.

Contact: 99855397

100% Professional Aīordable Rate !!!

Ants, Rodent, & cleaning On monthly, Harmless & Odourless

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 We do building maintenance all kind of works. Contact 99247663 A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. #99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact 96236476

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723 House shifting. Contact 99708138 CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975

MANPOWER

Nair boy Alleppy dist, 25 Revathy 175 Cm, B.E Mech 3 yrs in Oman as planning Engineer seeks alliance.

Contact: 94232342

CALL - 91464586

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

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. contact 24793614/ 99314807 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing.

Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.

Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130

30 yrs, Kottayam working in Saud Bahwan Automotive L.L.C Oman.

Contact: 93049433 / 99613914 Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman. #968 98267338, 0091 9287215726 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact 96059801.

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

LOST Mohammad Rejaul has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AC 1698750.

Finder please handover to ROP. Nasir Masih has lost Pakistani passport No DR 0845981.Finder please handover to ROP. Asif Ali Ahmed has lost Pakistani passport No DZ 1818581. Finder please handover to ROP. Mst Juthi has lost Bangladesh passport No BE 0011631. Finder please handover to ROP. IT is notified for the information that my original qualifying examination certificate of main Secondary Examination of year 2014 and Roll No 8107907 issued

by CBSE has been actually lost.

Amian Mohammed Naim P.O. Box 214 PC 118 Wattaya Oman or Contact: 97201629