Times of Oman - May 19, 2015

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‘Give them a break’ ally take a rest during the break.

Many companies fail to provide that but we have raised the issue with the authorities,” Saud added.

The regulations on occupational safety and health at facilities governed by the Labour Law issued by Ministerial Decision No. 286/2008, Article 16, prohibit the employment of workers at construction sites, or in open spaces, during periods of high temperature, particularly from 12:30pm to 3:30pm in June, July, and August.

Health of workers being the top priority, eminent people have called for early announcement of mid-day break, as temperatures across the Sultanate hover around 46 degree Celsius

SAFETY CONCERNS: A worker quenches his thirst at a workplace in the searing heat. - Photo: A R Rajkumar

REJIMON K

Mohammed Al Khaldi, board member of General Federation of Oman Trade Union (GFOTU), told Times of Oman.

On Sunday, the temperature in Fahud was 48.2 degree Celsius, in Qran it was 47.5, in Mudhaibi it was 46.4 and in Rustaq it was 46.1.

“The summer is not early. In the coming days the temperatures in the coastal areas will be a little bit low but in the interiors it will be above 40 degree Celsius,” an official from the Oman met department said.

The maximum temperatures recorded on Monday in Muscat, Ibri and Rustaq was 40 degree Celsius.

Usually, the mid-day break, from 12.30pm till 3.30pm, for workers is announced for three months starting from June by the Ministry of Manpower to ensure occupational health and

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Workers toiling under blazing temperatures should be given their official mid-day break based on the weather not on the calendar.

That was the message on Monday from the trade union leaders, construction company owners, medics and embassy officials as the temperature hit 46 degree Celsius in many parts of Oman.

“Yes, it should be in accordance with the weather and climate conditions. There should be great flexibility. The lives of workers are more important than anything else. All heavenly religions, international laws and treaties stipulate that there should be respect for human life and not to put money or work in the first place among the priorities,” S H O P P I N G D E S T I NAT I O N

Oman Avenues Mall opens

safety of workers. “Workers in the oil and gas and industrial sector, are the most affected. We from the GFOTU visit the work site and emphasise the importance of safety of workers,” Khalidi added.

A trade union leader from the oil and gas sector also sounded the same opinion.

“Mid-day break should be announced depending on the climatic conditions. We feel that announcement should not be made on a certain date,” Saud Salmi, chairman of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) trade union and chairman of oil and gas sector unions, said.

“Moreover, the authorities concerned should also ensure that mid-day break is followed strictly. And the companies should also provide proper shelter where the workers can actu-

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Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Avenues Mall, the Sultanate’s newest shopping destination, was opened to the public on Monday. Yusuff Ali, MA, managing director, Lulu Group, along with other key members of the Lulu management, was present during the inauguration.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Gogi George, head of the development and leasing department for Lulu Group, Oman, said the mall could accommodate more than 200 brands under its roof. >A5

Muscat: Oman Air has placed an order for six Dreamliners and will be taking delivery of its first plane later this year, according to a top-level official of Boeing.

“The airline has placed its trust in Boeing’s aircraft over the years and in 2011 placed an order for six Boeing 787-8s at the Dubai Airshow. Boeing and Oman Air’s relationship extends over 14 years when Oman Air ordered its first 737-700 in 2001,” Marty Bentrott, vice president, sales, The Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, told the Times of Oman.

Oman Air said in December that the state-owned airline would increase its fleet strength to 55 planes by 2017 to enhance its destinations to 50. The airline is investing heavily in fleet, new destinations and products to withstand competition.

Bentrott said that the 7878 aircraft would support the airline in its long-term growth strategy to expand and modernise its fleet with newer, more

Marty Bentrott, vice president, sales, The Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

fuel-efficient planes.

The first Dreamliner, which is expected in September this year, will be used for starting a new service to China, said an Oman Air spokesperson.

“In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 provides airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, with 20 per cent less fuel and emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

The key to the exceptional performance of the 787 Dreamliner is a suite of new technologies, including advanced composite materials, systems, aerodynamics and engines,” said Bentrott. >A3

SHINAS BEACH

Search on for missing child Times News Service MUSCAT: Search operations by the Oman Coast Guard and the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) are on to find a child who was swept away at the Shinas beach.

A helicopter of the ROP has also joined the search along with Oman Navy personnel and citizens.

Efforts are under way to locate the child, the PACDA tweeted.

Oman plans to have new address system

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Temperature forecast In Celsius degree Tue. 19 Fahud

43.8

Wed. 20

Thur.

21

43.3 42.2

42.2

Rustaq

40.5

Sohar Monthly average in the past

Muscat

40

37.2

Source: weather.com

Fri. 22

41.1

41.6 40

40

39.4 38.8

39

37.2 Graphics

Flexible hours A construction company managing director who had given midday break facility to his workers last year depending on the weather conditions, said the ministry should discuss the issue seriously and make the dates flexible.

“We did it last year by ourselves. We don’t want to put our workers in trouble by making them work when the temperatures are high. This year we will do the same. If the weather conditions are not good for workers, then we may provide them relaxations,” Ahmed Hamoud Al Shabibi, managing director of Al Shabibi Global LLC, said.

Meanwhile, an official from Bangladesh embassy also said that in many countries, the work timings are adjusted according to the weather conditions.

“If the ministry makes the midday break announcement flexible according to the weather conditions, it would be a great relief for the poor workers,” the official added.

A construction worker, who didn’t wanted to be named, said that it has become quite difficult to work under present conditions. >A6

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SAUDI ARABIA

HM receives greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in reply to His Majesty’s congratulatory cable on his appointment as Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

In his cable, Prince Mohammed expressed thanks for His Majesty’s sincere feelings and prayers, wishing His Majesty the Sultan good health and happiness and Omani people further progress and prosperity. -ONA TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Avoid mobile bill shock

1

Travelling is fantastic but you have to use a different mobile network to the one you use at home. >A4

REGION

Iraqi militias move in

2

A column of 3,000 militia fighters arrived at a military base near Ramadi as Baghdad moved to retake the city that has fallen to IS. >A7

MARKET

Bank Nizwa decision

3

Bank Nizwa said it is withdrawing its proposal for a merger with United Finance. Shares of United Finance dipped by 0.78%. >B1

A2

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Fewer planned plots in Oman during last year SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY READ

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Times News Service MUSCAT: There was a 16 per cent decline in the number of planned plots in the Sultanate in 2014, which stood at 53,912, as compared to 64,154 in 2013, figures released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) show.

Statistics bulletin The Population and Construction Statistics Bulletin issued recently by the NCSI stated that among the governorates, Al Batinah South acquired the lion’s share of planned plots during

Residential usage receives lion’s share.

Planned plots of land in the sultanate exceed 53,000.

Number of granted plots exceeds 29,000.

OMAN AIR

A1 Better experience for passengers < FROM

“We have also improved the passenger experience with large, dimmable windows, cleaner and more humid air, a lower cabin altitude, more overhead space for bags and a smoother ride to increase comfort and convenience,” he added. Over the course of its relationship with Boeing, Oman Air has ordered a total of 20 Boeing aircraft, these include 737-800s, 737-900ERs in addition to the 787-8. Eight aircraft have been delivered to date.

Since its establishment in 1993, Oman Air has witnessed excellent growth and has played a major role in making Muscat an important traffic hub in the Middle East.

Boeing is now focussed on ensuring that the aircraft programmes that are currently in the development phases such as the 787-10, 777X and 737MAX are on track and each of these build on the successful 777, 737 and 787 family of aircraft.

With the 737MAX, Boeing will build on the Next-Generation 737’s popularity and reliability while delivering customers unsurpassed fuel efficiency in the single-aisle market.

The new 737 MAX combines the best of new technologies in engines, aerodynamics, flight deck and cabin interiors with the best in proven performance and market coverage.

Fuel efficient planes Bentrott said that the 737 MAX would have the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle airplane.

The 737 MAX 8 will deliver 8 per cent lower costs per seat than its future competitor because of its fuel efficiency and maintenance advantages.

Also, since flight delays and

cancellations cost the airline money, the 737 MAX has built on the 99.7 per cent schedule reliability record of the existing 737, ensuring that airlines keep flight operations and maintenance operations running on schedule.

“Development of the 737 MAX is on schedule with the first flight scheduled for 2016 and deliveries to customers beginning in 2017. Already a market success, the 737 MAX has more than 2,713 orders globally from 57 customers,” said Bentrott.

The 787-10 is the third and longest member of the super-efficient 787 family. As a stretch of the 787-9, which in turn leverages the 787-8, the 787-10 will fly more passengers and cargo farther, with unprecedented efficiency.

The airplane’s operating economics will be unmatched — 25 to 30 per cent more fuel efficient than airplanes it will replace and more than 10 per cent better than anything being offered by the competition for the future. Development continues on track, with first deliveries planned for 2018. As for the 777X, the plane builds on the 777 which is already a passenger favourite.

“The 777X will be the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jet in the world, with 12 per cent lower fuel consumption and 10 per cent lower operating costs than the competition,” he noted.

The family includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X — both designed to respond to market needs and customer preferences. Boeing launched the airplane in November 2013 at the Dubai Airshow with 259 commitments from four customers and production of the 777X is scheduled to begin in 2017, with the first delivery targeted for 2020.

OMAN

Sultanate plans to have uniform address system No road name will be repeated in a governorate, but it may be used in others, explained Dr Khalifa Al Barwani, CEO, NCSI

TARIQ AL HAREMI

2014 with 12,833.

Al Batinah North was second with 10,246, followed by Dakhiliyah with 9,451. Dhofar and Al Dhahirah had 5,477 and 5,455 plots, respectively.

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tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman is all set to adopt a uniform address system, wherein no road or street name will be repeated in the same governorate, it was announced in Muscat on Monday.

Addressing the media, Dr Khalifa Al Barwani, CEO, National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), who is also the head of the address committee, said that the uniform address system

programme is currently in the implementation stage.

“Currently we are using maps to electronically implement the project, and thereafter, we will physically implement the street names and addresses,” he said.

The new addresses will use a number and street name to pinpoint the location of a building.

“The road name will not be repeated in the governorate, but it may be used in others. Every road and street will be named,” explained Dr Khalifa.

“We have formed a committee dedicated solely to come up with street names,” he added.

The new addresses will be used in Muscat, Sohar and Salalah and the exercise is planned to be completed before 2020.

He also informed that Oman plans to conduct an e-census to replace the existing form of population survey.

Addressing the media, Dr Khalifa revealed that e-census will provide the nation’s statistics in 2020.

Replacing the traditional method of gaining information for the census, the e-census’ methodology will be adopted.

“The census will not follow the traditional way of gathering information. The high committee will decide how it is done,” said Dr Khalifa.

The e-census will cover population, buildings and businesses, just to name a few.

When asked about the cost of gathering information for the e-census 2020, he mentioned that the 2010 census was worth OMR20 million whereas a budget has not yet been set for 2020.

In September 2014, on the launching of the brand identity of NCSI, Khalifa had said, “We are preparing a number of new surveys and census, and there is a strong support from the Supreme Council for Planning to conduct the 2020 electronically using advanced data capturing methods.

This is considered a turning point with regard to census projects.”

Dr Khalifa had also noted that extensive online availability of social, economic and environmental statistics made available by the NCSI via their website, mobile applications and social media portals, is a virtual gateway of information which is helpful for researchers, governmental and private institutions.

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TUE S DAY, MAY 19, 2 015

OMAN E D UC AT I O N

Career fair opens at Muscat College MUSCAT: It was a time for career assessment as career fair for private colleges opened at Muscat College yesterday. The opening ceremony of the two-day fair was opened under the patronage of Dr. Hamad bin Said Al Oufi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The fair has been organised by seven private colleges — Oman Tourism College, Muscat College, College of Banking and Financial Studies, Modern College of Business and Science, Mazoon University College, Arab Open University and Middle East College. -ONA

Travelling is fantastic but you have to use a different mobile network to the one you use at home, which means that everything you do, calling, texting or browsing, is charged at a different (typically higher) rate.

Simon Baldwin, Director of Consumer Marketing at Ooredoo

ADVICE

How to avoid mobile bill shock while roaming

O

Simon Baldwin

ne of the great things about living in Oman is the variety of things to do. The mountains are great, the sea is beautiful and the wadis are spectacular. Sometimes, however, a change of scenery is welcome, which brings us onto another of the great things about living in Oman…. It’s close to some other wonderful countries.

Travelling is fantastic but you have to use a different mobile network to the one you use at home, which means that everything you do, calling, texting or browsing, is charged at a different (typically higher) rate.

If you don’t control this usage, especially data, then prepaid I PA I N I T I AT I V E

Seminar to focus on innovation in government MUSCAT: Good practices in the field of innovation in government institutions will be discussed at a seminar set to open here today.

The 8th Gulf seminar on “Innovation in Government Institutions: Experiences and Practices,” will be opened tomorrow (Tuesday) at Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa under the patronage of Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service.

The two-day seminar is hosted this year by the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), in cooperation with the GCC Secretariat General.

Sayyid Zaki bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Director General of IPA said that this seminar comes to put forth and discuss the good practices in the field of innovation in the government institutions.

He pointed out that IPA aims to achieve the optimum benefit of the seminar at the Sultanate’s level through the participation of some government institutions in the Sultanate, including the Research Council, which will present some working papers that meet the goals of the seminar. -ONA

customers often find they have no credit left pretty quickly and postpaid customers get a shock when the bill arrives.

Constantly consuming data In these days of smartphone dependency we sometimes forget that our app-packed phones are constantly consuming data even when we are not consciously using the device. Even receiving a WhatsApp message, for example, will consume data and mean that you are charged because of this.

Unless you are not at all worried about the cost, you need to take some action.

You can: • Switch your mobile to ‘flight’

mode and use free WiFi where it’s available. This is great if you only want to use data.

• Turn off roaming data. You’ll still be able to make a receive calls but not use the internet.

• You can use a local SIM. Great for making local calls or browsing but you’ll be using a different number so people will find it difficult to get hold of you.

• My favourite option, however, is to opt into a roaming bundle which most operators offer nowadays. These bundles offer calls, texting and data at incredibly reduced rates. Once you’ve used your quota you have to buy another bundle to continue roaming. Brilliant for keeping in contact with everyone

as your number doesn’t change and brilliant for managing costs because usage is capped.

Happy travels.

The author, Simon Baldwin is the Director of Consumer Marketing at Ooredoo. He has plenty of useful insights and tips that are easy to understand and essential in today’s mobile connected world. This columns series provides some tips and tricks for all telecoms users; whether browsing or streaming, using apps or travelling and more. If you want to control costs, get a better picture of how things work or even need tips on security and safeguarding, these columns are for you.

Life’s lessons for Takatuf scholar The Takatuf Scholars programme seeks to give bright young Omanis skills needed in a global world. For the next three days, Times of Oman will introduce its readers to three of them

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SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: After two years at a boarding school in England, Omani student Amna Mohammed Jaffer has learned both practical and academic skills that will prepare her for the next step in her life, attending University College London.

Amna is just about to graduate from Epsom College, an elite school in Epsom, Surrey, south of London, where she has been studying thanks to a Takatuf Scholarship. Not only has she learned a lot from her classes, which were

Amna Mohammed Jaffer

more demanding than her Omani curriculum, but the experience taught her how to be independent and look after herself by doing her own laundry and cooking.

“It was quite challenging at the beginning. Classes were quite difficult…and I did get very homesick when I first got here. But it has given me an idea of what it is like to live abroad and be independent, living without someone doing everything for you,” Amna told Times of Oman in a video interview from her dorm room.

Amna is from the very first group of Takatuf Scholars, who began with a month-long summer residential programme in 2012.

The 30 students who participated learned skills such as critical thinking, using ITC to enhance their studies, and team work.

“The programme was amazing because they basically in-

troduced you to all the basics of what was called the core competence of a 21st century student,” Amna explained.

Following the summer programme the students had a number of individual assignments to work on throughout the year, juggling their schedules to fit them in with their school work. After graduating from the Takatuf programme, Amna and several other students were given scholarships to attend international boarding schools in countries like Canada, the USA, and the UK. Amna had been offered an international government scholarship for university but she decided to accept the Takatuf scholarship and complete two more years of high school in England, which would mean she wouldn’t need to do a foundation year at university.

Though it meant an extra year of studying, she says it was worth it.

“You realise it’s not about when you do things, but how much you benefit from it,” Amna said.

As well as improving her chances of getting into a top university, the experience also opened Amna’s eyes to the world. Epsom College has students from many different countries which helped her learn about cross-cultural communications, too.

“It’s enlightening in a way. I don’t only meet British people. I have also of Malaysian friends, people from Hong Kong, and Russia. You learn things from them every day, and a lot of stereotypes have been broken,” she said, adding that she gets to tell them about Oman, and, as the only student who wears a headscarf, about Islam.

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OMAN

Lulu Group plans to open five more hypermarkets in the Sultanate Times News Service

The five new malls in Oman will be located in Sinaw, Rustaq, Bidiyah, Suwaiq and Sohar Yusuff Ali, MA, managing director, Lulu Group.

Lulu kick-starts the much loved Mango Fest

KING OF FRUITS: The Mango Fest started on May 18 and will continue for 12 days at all the Lulu branches in Oman. – OK Mohammad Ali

MUSCAT: It’s time for mango lovers to relish their favourite fruit as top pick of the world’s mangoes will be on display at the Lulu Hypermarkets from today.

This annual summer festival that celebrates the king of fruits is back, and mango lovers are waiting to get their hands on this tropical fruit that Lulu proudly displays each time. The Mango Fest started from May 18 and will go on for a good 12 days at all the Lulu branches in the Sultanate.

The fest was inaugurated by J S Mukul, Indian ambassador to the Sultanate, at the Lulu Bausher branch alongside Yusuff Ali, MA, managing director, Lulu Group.

The inauguration also witnessed an elaborate cake-cutting ceremony. Well connected with growers both nationally and internationally, Lulu Oman has over 101 astounding varieties of mangoes, which elicits unbridled joy from lovers of this fruit.

The distinct aroma of the fruit is bound to entice shoppers even if they just stroll down the aisles.

A display as alluring as the succulent taste, the exclusive niche dedicated to the mango fest showcases a wide diversity of choice with vibrant hues of green, yellow and orange. Some of the most popular varieties currently on display are Alphonso, Badami, Langra and Totapuri. The best of this much loved fruit is carefully selected and sourced from Oman, India, Kenya, and Thailand in addition to Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Brazil.

Ghana, Vietnam, Uganda along with Mexico and Sri Lanka also bring their varieties here. Oman, of late, has also seen a marked rise in the cultivation of mangoes, making the local produce a preferred choice amongst the Omani market. Bringing in a festive feel to the campaign, the Mango Fest will

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“These will come up at Sinaw, Rustaq and Bidiyah in addition to Suwaiq and Sohar,” said Ananth AV, regional director of Lulu Oman. Yusuff Ali also claimed that the retail sector business is not affected by the dip in oil prices.

“The governments of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have plans in place to ensure that they will not be affected by the oil price fluctuations. So, the retail sector and other sectors are not affected,” he said.

Lulu is one of the largest retail chains in Asia and the biggest in Middle East, with 115 outlets in the GCC countries and one in India. He also said that the new mall will have more than 200 outlets, including several global brands.

“A definite thrill for those seeking new fashion tags as well as those ready to experiment with new labels, the Oman Avenues Mall will bring brands never showcased in Oman before,” he said.

Partnering with one of the most successful retail delivery specialists, Vindico Retail, that has delivered more than 4,000 shops and restaurants over four continents, the Oman Avenues Mall houses some of the most sought after and popular names in the industry.

O M A N AV E N U E S M A L L O P E N I N G

PROMOTION

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Lulu Group is planning to open five more hypermarkets in Oman, said a top official of the group.

Talking on the sidelines of the soft opening of the $200 million Oman Avenues Mall managed by Lulu, Yusuff Ali, MA, managing director, Lulu Group, said that they would be opening a large number of hypermarkets for shoppers in Oman.

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have sampling booths where shoppers can get a taste of the different varieties of the fruit.

Shoppers can stop by for a quick bite and give into the pure indulgence of this fruit. The fest also offers various processed and packed mango products ranging from jams, pickles, pulps and chutneys in addition to cakes and a variety of other products.

“The Mango Fest is an annual festival that we wish we could have the year round as the response has always been overwhelming. Every year, our customers look forward to this festival, where they are given the choice to enjoy the very best varieties from the world over,” said Ananth A V, regional director of Lulu Oman.

“We take this opportunity to import the best, while our local growers give us delicious home grown varieties. These fests help us to connect to our customers on a more personal level. The king of fruits has always remained a favourite all over the world and the onset of its season surely calls for a reason to celebrate,” he added.

The 600,000 plus shoppers who patronise Lulu daily are a true testament to the popularity of the Lulu brand. Lulu in Oman, has since its inception, invested heavily on nurturing and developing the local talent pool which has helped the group to achieve the success it enjoys today. Lulu Hypermarkets are immensely popular with all their customers for the unique shopping experience they provide at each and every store of theirs.

It is a pleasant and novel variation from the usual, run of the mill super markets.

Heralded as the fastest growing retail chain in the world, the multi-faceted business conglomerate, known for its customer friendly approach and value-added offers, bears the stamp of variety, modernity, quality and friendliness. With a group of well trained staff.

< FROM

A1

‘Mall to set retail benchmark’

“Today we are having a soft launch of the mall where around 60 brands were opened to the public,” he said. By October, he hopes all the outlets will be opened for Oman residents other than the cinema.

“Around 40 per cent of the brands will be present for the first time in Oman,” he said.

The five-storeyed mall with 80,000 square metres of leasable area, a wide variety of retail stores and a host of facilities, is home to a mix of local, high-street and posh international brands.

“We have around 3,400 parking bays divided equally between the basement and the surface parking to help shoppers. It is located at the junction of the GhubraBausher signal,” he added.

The mall was recently renamed the Oman Avenues Mall keeping in mind the local centric population and patrons for the mall.

“We are expecting around 40,000 to 50,000 people every day and will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” he said.

A symbiotic blend catering to the needs of shopping enthusiasts on the one hand and entertainment seekers on the other, the mall showcases an array of new as well as prominent brands from across the world.

“There will be also the largest indoor entertainment area, which will have the largest cinema houses in Oman,” said George.

Talking about the new brands he said several new ones will be opening outlets in the mall including Glossip Milano, Bottega Verde and Boots UK Limited, a leading pharmacy chain in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and many others.

A large food court with popular names serving cuisine from all over the world, to a well-equipped play area for the comfort of children, the mall has amenities to suit the needs of all shoppers and also includes the existing 20,000-square metre Lulu hypermarket for all the daily needs.

The mall will also have extensive facilities for party halls, a convention centre and one of the largest health clubs in the Sultan-

FACTS

OMAN AVENUES MALL

Opening hours 10 to 10

5

storeys

Area

80,000 square metres

Outlets

80

Expected footfall

40,000 TO 50,000

first time in Oman

people every day

3,400

parking bays

16

200

fast food shops

brands

8

11

coffee shops

restaurants Graphics

ate. “With more and more retailers set to open their stores in the near future, we promise to keep alive the same excitement and allaround buzz that the grand opening saw. It gives us the confidence that the Oman Avenues Mall is going to set a benchmark in the retail mall sector. Not only will it be a one-of-a-kind shopping destination for customers, but it will also provide a strong platform for brands from across the world to get due recognition in the Oman

Photos by OK Mohammad Ali

market,” said Yusuff Ali, MA. “Under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the kind support of the Omani government, Oman has proved to be an excellent land for growth of new business ventures and we are honoured to be humble contributors to this nation’s economy. Oman’s

economy is shaped by strong domestic demand and economies of scale. The sustained inflow of tourists and the diversified growth strategies outlined by the government will continue to energise the economy, and the Oman Avenues Mall will play a key role in driving the retail sector,” he added.

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TUE S DAY, MAY 19, 2 015

OMAN QUEEN ELIZABETH II

We want to show the ability of the theatre. It’s important to show what is provided for people Khalid Al Busaidi, Royal Opera House Muscat’s official photographer

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H E AT E X P O S U R E

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HM receives thanks cable

A1 Plea to announce the mid-day break soon

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth in reply to His Majesty’s greetings cable on her birthday.

In her cable, Queen Elizabeth expressed her utmost thanks to His Majesty the Sultan and Omani people. -ONA

“Many of our colleagues are finding it difficult. Today also one of our colleagues fell down due to dehydration. We request the government to announce the midday break soon,” the worker said.

One Muscat-based medic said that there has been an increase in the number of workers coming with sunburn problems and heatrelated ailments.

“We are getting more and more patients who are suffering from heat exposure. Majority of the cases are dehydration ones,” Dr Shibu Mohammed, a dermatologist, at Badr Al Samaa Hospital in Ruwi, said.

In 2014, during the mid-day break period, the ministry had inspected 700 facilities and fined 172 for violating the rule. And in

2013, the ministry fined close to 35 companies.

Article 118 of the Labour Law states that violators would be penalised either with a fine not less than OMR100 and not more than OMR500, or a jail term of not more than one year, or both, and also that repeated violations would lead to the penalty being doubled.

HEAT-RELATED AILMENTS: There has been an increase in the number of workers with sunburn problems. - Photo: A R Rajkumar

ROHM photographer reflects on top events The exhibition includes 45 pictures taken by Busaidi at the ROHM since he began working there in September 2012

SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Moments from operas, ballets, concerts and more as captured through the lens of the Royal Opera House Muscat’s official photographer, Khalid Al Busaidi, were revealed to the public at an exhibition of his work on Monday evening at the Opera Galleria.

The exhibition, called “Music Reflections,” was inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd Al Said, Assistant Secretary General of the Deputy Prime Minster Office for Cabinet Affairs and

REFLECTIONS: The exhibition, titled ‘Music Reflections’, was inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd Al Said, Assistant Secretary General of the Deputy Prime Minster Office for Cabinet Affairs and Member of the Board of Directors of the ROHM. - Photo: Khalid Al Busaidi and Times of Oman

member of the Board of Directors of the ROHM. It includes 45 photographs Khalid has taken at the ROHM since he began working there in September 2012.

“You can’t have a show without music, and the reflection is in my camera,” Khalid told Times of Oman, in an interview about his work.

The exhibition highlights the great variety of performances that take place on the ROHM’s stage, from opera and classical concerts,

to jazz, Arab and world music, and a variety of dance.

“We want to show the ability of the theatre. It’s important to show what is provided for people,” Khalid explained.

He says he tried to choose images that would interest a variety of people, from photographers who will appreciate his vision and technique, to music and dance fans who will enjoy the scenes from the productions.

“I want everybody to enjoy the

show,” he said. Khalid said he loves his job because it is unique and he likes that there is always something new happening at the ROHM which keeps him inspired.

Meeting the artists motivates him, too.

He often transfers the images to his phone after he’s taken them and shows them to the artists, who often ask for copies.

“The ROHM name and my name go all over the world,” Khalid commented.

Sayyid Kamil, who is a great supporter of arts in Oman, said “It’s an honour to see we have such amazing local talent when it comes to photography in Oman.

What Khalid was trying to do today was build a bridge between the art of photography and the art that’s shown in the opera house.”

Sayyid Kamil added that he hoped people would see the diversity of the productions at the opera house in Khalid’s images and be encouraged to attend in future seasons.

“We’re very honoured to have Khalid here with us in the opera house because he reflects a lot of the performances that sometimes people didn’t have the chance to see,” he said. “Music Reflections” will be on display at the Opera Galleria until May 31.

UNIQUE EVENT

A dozen ensembles set to perform at Rhythm Festival created with hands, feet, tools, other objects, and a lot of imagination.

The final concert brings together groups from Oman, Tajikistan, Mexico, India, Guinea and Senegal, and Japan to focus on the “Sound of Rhythm.” No doubt everyone in the audience will be tapping along with their infectious music.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Exhilarating rhythms from around the world will be featured at the Royal Opera House Muscat’s International Rhythm Festival, a unique event which will held on May 19, 21 and 23.

The festival will be complemented by a free, ticketed International Rhythm Symposium on May 20.

The lively festival brings together 12 ensembles from 11 different countries. Each of the three evenings will feature a different theme, including “Rhythm and Body” on May 19, “Rhythm Without Musical Instruments” on May 21, and “Sound of Rhythm” on May 23.

“Each of the ensembles and musicians are totally different, but they are all entertaining and extremely energetic. I encourage people to come to all three concerts, as they will show different types of rhythm and from global contexts,” said Umberto Fanni, ROHM’s artistic director and acting director general.

On the first evening, groups from Oman, Austria, Japan, the USA and Spain will take to the stage showcasing a variety of drumming and percussion styles that also feature the importance of the human body. A prime example is the Wadaiko drumming

Exhilarating rhythms from around the world will be featured at the Royal Opera House Muscat.

from Japan, which requires incredible physical fitness from those who practice it.

Second concert The second concert will include ensembles from Austria, Guinea and Senegal, India, the USA, Spain and Germany, who will create impressive rhythms without using instruments. They will demonstrate the many ways in which drumming sounds can be

Participating ensembles The participating ensembles include Al Rauwah Art Band from Oman, Austria’s Volkstanzkreis Fischbach, Japan’s Gonna and the Royal Guard of Oman Drum Corps, in addition to Be The Groove from the USA, Spain’s Ballet Carmen Cantero, Tazajo Tamboo from Guinea and Senegal and India’s Vikku Vinayakram. Germany’s Alpine Drums, Oman’s Al Mithaliya Group for Folklore, Sadoi from Tajikistan and Tambuco from Mexico make up the ensembles.

The symposium will feature five international experts speaking and giving demonstrations about different aspects of rhythm.

The event will not only educate, but entertain and complement the International Rhythm Festival. People who are interested in attending can contact the box office for tickets to the limited seating event.

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

A7

REGION

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi signed off on the deployment of militias to attempt to seize back the area, a move he had previously resisted for fear of provoking a sectarian backlash.

WA R W I T H I N C O U N T RY

Heavy clashes erupt as Syrian army battles insurgents in Idlib BEIRUT: Heavy clashes between Syria’s army and insurgents erupted around a military base south of Idlib city on Monday as part of a wider battle for control of the northwestern province, Syrian state television and a group monitoring the war said.

HEAVY FIGHTING: A rebel fighter of the Al Furqan brigade covers his ears as a fellow fighter fires a vehicle’s weapon during what the rebels said is an offensive to take control of the Al Mastouma army base which is controlled by forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar Al Assad near Idlib city on Sunday. – Reuters

Iraqi militias now move in to retake Ramadi The militia was ordered to mobilise after Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, was overrun by IS group militants

BAGHDAD: A column of 3,000 militia fighters arrived at a military base near Ramadi on Monday as Baghdad moved to retake the western Iraqi city that has fallen to IS group militants in the biggest defeat for the government since mid-2014.

Setting the stage for renewed fighting over the city, IS militants advanced in armoured vehicles from Ramadi towards the base where the paramilitaries were massing for a counter-offensive, witnesses and a military officer said. At the same time, US-led warplanes stepped up raids against the militants, conducting 19 strikes near Ramadi over the past 72 hours at the request of the Iraqi security forces, a coalition spokesman said.

The militia, known as Hashid

ALL SET FOR BATTLE: Iraqi fighters of the militia Asaib Ahl Al Haq stand guard outside their headquarters on Sunday in the city of Basra, as militias converged on Ramadi in a bid to recapture it from IS group militants. – AFP

Shaabi or Popular Mobilisation, was ordered to mobilise after the city, the capital of Anbar province, was overrun on Sunday.

The militiamen give the government far more capability to launch a counterattack, but their arrival could add to sectarian animosity in one of the most violent parts of Iraq.

“Hashid Shaabi forces reached the Habbaniya base and are now on standby,” said the head of the Anbar provincial council, Sabah Karhout. They were fully equipped and highly capable, the council said.

An eyewitness described a long line of armoured vehicles and trucks mounted with machine guns and rockets, flying the yellow flags of Kataib Hezbollah, one

of the militia factions, heading towards the base about 30km (20 miles) from Ramadi.

Spokesmen for militia groups said reconnaissance and planning were underway for the upcoming “battle of Anbar”, the vast Euphrates River valley province where the US military fought the biggest battles of its 11-year occupation.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi signed off on the deployment of militias to attempt to seize back the area, a move he had previously resisted for fear of provoking a sectarian backlash.

About 500 people have been killed in the fighting for Ramadi in recent days and up to 8,000 have fled, a spokesman for the provincial governor said. — Reuters

Last major strongholds The Mastouma base is one of the last major army strongholds in a province controlled by a range of insurgent groups including Al Qaeda’s Syrian wing, the Al Nusra Front, and the hardline Ahrar Al Sham movement.

Army units “inflicted great losses” on armed groups in battles to the north and around Mastouma, Syrian state television INSURGENCY

Egyptian policeman shot dead CAIRO: Gunmen on a motorbike shot dead an Egyptian policeman while two suspects in a failed bomb attack targeting a judge were killed in a shootout with police, officials said on Monday.

Militants have carried out regular attacks on policemen and soldiers since the army overthrew former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

Militants say their assaults are in retaliation for a government crackdown against Morsi’s supporters that has left hundreds dead and thousands jailed. The gunmen on a motorbike opened fire on a policeman during the night near a court in Belbeis, a town around 60 kilometres (about 38 miles) northeast of Cairo, a police official said. The policeman died in hospital.

In a separate incident, police killed two men suspected of involvement in a failed bomb attack that targeted judge Mutaz Khafagi in Cairo last week, the interior ministry said in a statement.

The two suspects, who lived in a Cairo suburb, were shot dead in a firefight when police went to arrest them, the ministry said without specifying when they were killed. — AFP

reported, citing a military source.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said most of the troops positioned in Idlib city were now in Mastouma after insurgents took over the provincial capital in March. The base is used for launching air raids in the province.

There were reports of casualties in the battles, it said, without giving details.

Clashes Syrian state television also reported clashes around Filoun village to the west of the base, which is located on a major road heading south out of Idlib city.

The base is east of the town of Jisr Al Shughour, which was cap-

tured by the hardline insurgents in April, an advance that brought them closer to the coastal areas that form the heartland of the minority Alawite sect to which President Bashar Al Assad belongs.

Campaign In the last week, Hezbollah movement has started a major campaign to drive insurgents from large areas of the Qalamoun mountain range, a short drive from the capital Damascus.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah-run Al Manar television said on Monday that 10 militants had been killed and 20 wounded when the army and Hezbollah fighters attacked them in the Qalamoun area and the town of Fleita. — Reuters

A8

TIMES O F O MAN

TUE S DAY, MAY 19, 2 015

INDIA ROW OVER APPOINTMENT

PROTEST AGAINST FUEL PRICE HIKE Aam Aadmi Party activists protest against fuel price hike in Bhopal on Monday. The petrol price was hiked by Rs3.13 a litre and diesel by Rs2.71 per litre on Friday, the second straight steep increase in rates this month. - PTI

Tussle between Kejriwal and Jung turns murkier NEW DELHI: A top Delhi bureaucrat on Monday found his office locked and another’s appointment was declared void as the turf war between Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Najeeb Jung turned murkier with both sides showing no sign of any let up in ending their bitter fight.

The day began with AAP administration locking the office of Principal Secretary (Services) Anindo Majumdar and subsequently appointing Rajendra Kumar, a senior bureaucrat known to be close to Kejriwal, to the post.

Majumdar had issued an order notifying the appointment of Shakuntala Gamlin as acting chief secretary on Friday.

Promptly reacting to Kumar’s appointment, Jung shot off a letter to Kejriwal, declaring his posting in place of Majumdar “void” and categorically made it clear that he was the final author-

GOOD SHOW

Girls outperform boys in ISC, ICSE results NEW DELHI: The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) on Monday declared results for both class XII, which saw a pass percentage of 96.28, and class X with 98.49 per cent as girls once again outshone boys.

ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) Examination, 2015, showed a marginal increase in pass percentages over the previous year’s results, said Gerry Arathoon, CEO of the Council.

While class X registered a slight increase of 0.21 per cent, class XII showed a 1.01 per cent increase as compared to previous year’s result.

For class X, the pass percentage of girls was 98.95 as against boys which was 98.12 per cent, he said, adding girls have performed better than boys in class XII result also with a pass percentage of 97.49 per cent against boys 95.27 per cent.

In the class XII results, the top rank was secured by Arkya Chatterjee from Vivekanand Mission School, Kolkata, who scored 99.75 per cent marks.

The second position was bagged by four students with 99.50 per cent marks while the third rank by 13 students who scored 99.25 per cent marks.

The top position in Class X result was shared by three students — Sougata Chowdhury from St Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kol-

ity for appointment and transfer of senior bureaucrats.

As the letter found way to the media, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted “Strange that a Constitutional Authority leaking letters addressed to Dy CM before it is received. Is it allowed under Constitution of India?”

Earlier in the morning, Majumdar found his office in Delhi Secretariat locked. Sources in the government said the instruction to lock the office came from the Chief Minister’s office.

Majumdar was removed from the post by Kejriwal on Saturday after he issued the appointment letter to Gamlin on instructions from Jung. The LG, on the same evening, had declared the order to transfer Majumdar “void”, saying it did not have his approval.

In his letter to Kejriwal, Jung said, he rejected Kumar’s appointment as it is against the laid down rules and procedure. -PTI

Rahul slams Modi, gives him zero out of 10 marks The Congress vice

JUBILANT: Students celebrate their success after announcement of ICSE and ISC results in Ranchi on Monday. - PTI

president accused

kata; Ananya Harshad Patwardhan, Chatrabhuj Narsee Memorial School, Mumbai; and Tezan Papan Sahu of St Mary’s ICSE School, Navi Mumbai.

Each of them scored 99.20 per cent marks. The second position was bagged by three students scoring 99 per cent marks and the third place by 11 students securing 98.80 per cent marks.

A total of 158,833 students including over 70,000 girls appeared in the ICSE this year.

In class XII, over 38,000 boys and 32,000 girls appeared in the examination this year.

Southern region students recorded the highest pass percentages in class X and XII results while maximum students appeared in the examinations from northern region comprising Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Delhi and NCR, he said. - PTI

‘politics of revenge’

the Modi government of engaging in by cancelling a mega food park in Amethi and vowed to fight to

UPBEAT: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi during his padyatra to the site of the proposed food park in Amethi on Monday. - PTI

get it back

he was visiting foreign countries but not the homes of farmers in the country.

AMETHI (UP): Taking his fight for farmers to his Lok Sabha constituency, Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said he would give “zero out of 10” rating to the Narendra Modi government on its handling of agriculture and rural issues.

Striking an aggressive note on the first day of his three-day visit to Amethi, the Congress Vice President also accused the Modi government of engaging in “politics of revenge” by cancelling a mega food park here and vowed to fight to get it back.

Hitting out at Modi, Rahul said

Farmers’ plight “The PM is visiting foreign countries, but he does not go to the houses of farmers and labourers,” said Rahul, as he met farmers who have suffered crop loss due to unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms.

Asked by reporters how he would rate the NDA government’s performance during first year in office, the Congress leader said, “If we talk of farmers and labourers, I will give zero out of 10 (to Modi government).(But) if some industrialists and corporate houses are concerned, I will give 10 out of 10.”

He was interacting with reporters at Haidergarh in Barabanki district en route to Amethi.

At a kisan panchayat at Shankargarh in Tiloi assembly segment, Rahul said, “Modi government has no emotions for the farmers”.

Rahul also took on the Modi government over the cancellation of a mega food park project in his constituency.

“BJP wants to hurt me through this politics of revenge. But, in reality the farmers are getting affected, and not me. The move of BJP-led government has affected farmers and labourers of Amethi and 10 neighbouring districts.

“BJP is playing such politics in other states as well like Pun-

jab, Telangana, Maharashtra and Haryana, wherever farmers can be suppressed. “But we will not be cowed down...We will pressure the government to get it back,” he said, amid applause from the farmers, who shouted slogans in support of Rahul.

His visit to Amethi came days after Union Minister Smriti Irani’s tour of the Congress pocket borough — where she had unsuccessfully contested against Gandhi in the last Lok Sabha election -- and her charge that he cared more for a business house than for the farmers of Amethi.

“Land had been allotted. Work was very much underway...,” Rahul told a gathering of farmers at a ‘choupal’ at village Mirzagarh, addressing them from the bonnet of his jeep braving torrid weather conditions and high humidity.

Rahul sought to blunt the statement in Lok Sabha by Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur that the food park’s promoter company had expressed inability to pursue the project in the absence of natural gas, which was denied to it by the government in December 2012. Kaur had said that in view of inordinate delay by the promoter company in meeting the “pre-conditions for final approval, in-principle approval accorded to the project by the Ministry was cancelled”. -PTI

T I M E S OF OMAN

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

A9

INDIA

India, South Korea sign key pacts to boost cooperation SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

PHOTO GALLERY

Noting that

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

India considers

We are pursuing a comprehensive programme of economic modernisation that covers all sectors of our economy and all aspects of policies and procedures

South Korea a ‘crucial partner’ in its economic modernisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said South Korea can be a leading partner in India’s efforts to develop a world class

WARM GREETINGS: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with South Korean President Park Geun-Hye prior to their meeting at the presidential Blue House on Monday in Seoul, South Korea. - Reuters

Narendra Modi Prime Minister

manufacturing sector

SEOUL: India and South Korea on Monday agreed to upgrade their ties to ‘special strategic partnership’ and deepen cooperation in defence sector as the two sides signed seven pacts, including on avoidance of double taxation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived here on Monday from Mongolia on the last leg of his three-nation tour, held wide-ranging talks with South Korean President Park Geun-Hye at Cheong Wae Dae, the office and residence of the president.

Upgrade “We have agreed to upgrade the bilateral relationship to ‘special strategic partnership’,” Modi said at a joint press interaction with President Park after their “excellent” talks.

“We have laid the foundation for a relationship that two major

Asian countries with shared values should have,” he said, adding that decisions made today reflect how seriously the two countries take the new framework of the relationship.

Noting that India considers South Korea a “crucial partner” in its economic modernisation, Modi said South Korea can be a leading partner in India’s efforts to develop a world class manufacturing sector.

“Our relationship started with a strong economic emphasis. But, it has also now become strategic in content,” the prime minister said.

Modi said South Korea is the second country (after Japan) with which India will have a diplomatic and security dialogue in 2+2 format, referring to a bilateral dialogue process involving the foreign and defence ministers of the two sides.

Stating that the national security councils of the two sides will have regular cooperation, Modi

said the two nations have agreed to expand cooperation between their armed forces.

“We intend to deepen our cooperation in defence technology and manufacture of defence equipment in India. This sector offers huge opportunities in India,” he said.

The prime minister said South Korean president’s response has been positive on the participation of Korean companies in the defence sector in India.

Describing his visit as “very important”, Modi said he was in South Korea at a time of renewed momentum in the Indian economy. “We are pursuing a comprehensive programme of economic modernisation that covers all sectors of our economy and all aspects of policies and procedures,” he said.

The two sides signed seven agreements covering avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, MoU between

National Security Councils of the two countries, MoU on shipping and transport.

Modest trade Noting that the bilateral modest trade ($17.57 billion in 2013) is well below its potential, Modi said he and President Park agreed to review the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and other market access related issues.

“We had extensive discussions on economic relations,” he said, adding that he conveyed to President Park India’s desire to see a balanced and broad-based growth in bilateral trade.

Modi said many South Korean brands are household names and Korean companies have the edge to succeed in India.

“President Park and I see vast opportunities for Korean companies to participate in our ‘Make in India’ Mission,” Modi said and invited Korean investments in areas like ship building,

including LNG tankers, besides defence equipment.

“We will also establish a channel — Korea Plus — to facilitate their investment and operations in India,” he said.

The two leaders also had productive discussions on international issues.

Modi described South Korea as a “strong pillar of democracy” in Asia and welcomed its diplomatic efforts to maintain peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.

“I also shared her (President Park) concerns that proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction will not be in the interest of countries of the region.

I offered India’s support to Korean people for peaceful re-unification of Korean Peninsula,” the Prime Minister said.

The two leaders also discussed their engagement in the East Asia Summit and with Asean.

“We have a shared interest in an open, balanced and inclusive regional architecture. We have common views on maritime security in this region,” he said, adding the two sides have agreed to work together and with other countries in the region to ensure the freedom of navigation and safety and security of sea lanes of communication.

Earlier in the day, Modi took another jibe at previous governments which practiced ‘Look East’ policy, saying India has had enough of it and it’s time to ‘Act East’.

“Earlier, it was ‘Look East Policy’. We have had enough of looking east. We now have ‘Act East Policy’ — a key component of my government’s foreign policy,” Modi told Indian diaspora during a community reception at the Kyung Hee University here in the South Korean capital. - PTI

FA K E P H O N E C A L L S

Indian students claim receiving extortion calls in New Zealand MELBOURNE: Indian students living in New Zealand are being targeted by callers posing as immigration officials demanding thousands of dollars, prompting authorities to warn the Indian nationals not to fall into the trap.

The scammers use a practice known as “caller ID spoofing” to make it appear as though they are calling from an official government department number.

The callers claim to be calling from Immigration New Zealand and tell the person there has been a problem with the processing of their visa or arrival card information. They then demand money be paid into a Western Union account in India, The New Zealand Herald reported.

The callers were aggressive and authoritative, said the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, and often had details about the person they were speaking to, which made the call seem genuine.

Over a lakh Indian-origin people are residing in New Zealand.

Saritha Annapureddy, an Indian lost almost all her savings after being scammed out of more than $4,000, it reported.

“Initially when I received the call I thought it’s a fake call. I mean some friend is playing prank with me,” she said.

Documentation fees The call was from someone pretending to be from Immigration New Zealand, and Annapureddy was told she had not filled in her arrival card incorrectly and had to pay fees or be deported immediately. The man told her to transfer money via Western Union for lawyers’ and documentation fees.

“I had to believe them because the number was exactly the Auckland Immigration number with a zero difference,” she said.

Immigration New Zealand has been aware of the scam since mid2013, but a new wave of fake phone calls has prompted the ministry to give further warnings. - PTI

BRAIN DAMAGE

Assault victim Aruna Shanbaug dies after 42 years in coma

ORDEAL ENDS: Aruna Shanbaug, who was in a vegetative state for the last 42 years, passed away on Monday. - PTI file photo

NEW DELHI: A nurse died on Monday after 42 years in a coma following a brutal rape, in a case that led India to ease some restrictions on euthanasia.

Aruna Shanbaug suffered brain damage and had been in a vegetative state in a Mumbai hospital since being strangled with a dog chain and assaulted by a hospital worker in 1973.

The 66-year-old Shanbaug had

suffered a bout of pneumonia in recent days and was on a ventilator, officials at King Edward Hospital in Mumbai said.Shanbaug was attacked by a ward boy in the basement of the hospital where she was discovered 11 hours later, blind and suffering from a severe brain stem injury.

Left bedridden, she spent more than four decades being cared for by a team of doctors and nurses at

the hospital. Her attacker was freed after a seven-year jail sentence.

“Her actual death happened in 1973 (the date of the attack).

Now what has happened is her legal death,” her friend and journalist Pinki Virani told Zee News TV channel.

“Our Aruna has given our country a big thing in the form of a law on passive euthanasia,” Virani said.

Shanbaug’s plight became a focal

point of debate on euthanasia in India after Virani appealed to India’s top court in 1999 to allow her to die with dignity. Indian laws do not permit euthanasia or self-starvation to the point of death.

But in 2011 the Supreme Court decided that life support could be legally removed for some terminally ill patients in a landmark ruling that allowed “passive euthanasia” for the first time.

The court said withdrawing life support could be allowed in exceptional circumstances, provided the request was from family and supervised by doctors and the courts.

The supervision was required to prevent “unscrupulous” family members attempting to kill off wealthy relatives, the Supreme Court had said. The court however rejected Virani’s request to stop Shanbaug being force-fed. - AFP

A 10

TUE S DAY, MAY 19, 2 015

PAKISTAN

Police academy graduates march during their graduation ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday. Out of the 408 graduating officers, 76 female officers were inducted into the Pakistan police force, according to the police force. — Reuters

Tribes under pressure to sign pact to fight Taliban sands of ordinary Waziris, who today live in camps, with relatives, or in rented hovels in the tribal areas.

To return at all, residents must sign a “code of conduct” which has left many Waziris angry.

The code, officially titled a “social contract”, prescribes that tribes affirm their “loyalty” to Pakistan and recognise their “responsibility” for the proliferation of extremists in the area in the past decade.

The social contract prescribes that tribes affirm their ‘loyalty’ to Pakistan and recognise their ‘responsibility’ for the proliferation of extremists in the area in the past decade

PESHAWAR: Hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis displaced by anti-Taliban military operations in tribal areas wish only to return home — but first they have to agree to fight the extremists themselves.

It’s “social engineering” unheard of in the recent war on terror: Displace an entire population, fight the insurgents who remain, then bring back those uprooted

SORDID SAGA: In this photograph taken on April 10, 2015, a Pakistani tribesman who fled his home after a military operation against Taliban militants in the North Waziristan tribal agency, plays with a child inside a tent in a camp for refugees and the internally-displaced in Peshawar. — AFP

and charge them with keeping the militants at bay.

And this time, North Waziristan’s displaced have little choice but to accept.

June marks one year since the army launched an offensive in this region of northwest Pa-

kistan, which became a refuge for extremists after the Afghan Taliban was driven from power across the border.

On the Taliban’s fall in 2001, tribal chiefs welcomed them with open arms, or were forced to, transforming the area into a hub

for the global extremist movement, hosting fighters from Al Qaeda, the Haqqani network and European apprentice militants, targeted by US drone strikes.

But in launching their operation last year, the Pakistani army pushed out hundreds of thou-

No compensation Tribes are required to pledge that they will not allow “any terrorists, internal or external, to use the land of North Waziristan for terrorism”, are obliged to form 40man militias known as the “Qoomi Salweeshi” to deny extremists refuge, and must report on the movements of the “enemy”.

Were a tribe to fail in the responsibilities laid out in pledge, the contract says the government “will be free to conduct any operation in that area”.

“The burden of consequences of any losses in such operations will be on the tribe and the tribe will have no right to ask for any compensation from the government,” the document says. — AFP

FOR MORE PHOTOS

MONEY LAUNDERING

Court accepts jailed model Ayaan’s bail application RAWALPINDI: In the ongoing money laundering case against model Ayaan Ali, a banking court on Monday accepted her application for bail, to be heard on May 25.

Three applications were presented in court today, two of which were from customs officials while the third from Ayaan’s counsel.

Hearing on May 25 In her application, the model requested for bail which the court– headed by Judge Sabir Sultan– accepted for a hearing scheduled for May 25.

Sources revealed that a complete chargesheet has still not been submitted in court and that the court deemed the team to be slower than the police; in terms of progress in the case.

Further, the court attached her money laundering case with a money smuggling case.

New suspects Just last month investigators probing money laundering charges against the supermodel submitted an interim chargesheet in court and included two new suspects for interrogation. Ayaan has so far appeared in front of court at least seven times. — Express Tribune

REPORT

Firm in global fake degree scandal worth millions ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani company that has pledged to build a media empire was facing tough criticism Monday after the New York Times said it was earning tens of millions of dollars by selling fake degrees around the world.

Operating out of the city of

Karachi with 2,000 employees, the company Axact ran a fake education empire that involved paid actors promoting fictitious universities and even fake State Department authentication certifications bearing the signature of John Kerry, the article said.

The report, which quoted former employees and analysed more than 370 websites of fake universities, accreditation bodies and other purported institutions, sparked a wave of criticism on social media even as the company denied wrongdoing. — AFP

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

WORLD

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

6 hurt as blasts target Turkey’s pro-Kurd party People’s Democratic Party leader Selahattin Demirtas described the attacks as an attempted massacre and said they were meant to send a political message ahead of the June 7 election

ANKARA: Simultaneous bomb blasts hit the offices of a proKurdish party in two cities in southern Turkey on Monday, three weeks before a parliamentary election, attacks which a party leader blamed on President Tayyip Erdogan.

The explosion in Adana wounded six people and appeared to have been caused by a package sent to the office of the People’s Democratic Party (HDP), a party official said. No one was wounded by the bomb in nearby Mersin, thought to have been concealed in flowers delivered to HDP’s offices.

Addressing a rally in Mersin hours after the blasts, joint HDP leader Selahattin Demirtas described the attacks as an attempted massacre and said they were meant to send a political message ahead of the June 7 general election.

“To those who tried to send us

ASSAULT: Forensic experts and plainclothes police officers examine the site of an explosion at an office of pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party in Mersin, Turkey, on Monday. — Reuters/Depo Photos

a message through their attacks in Mersin and Adana: We have received your message. And we will still not allow you to be president,” he said, referring to Erdogan’s hope that the vote will pave the way for him to gain sweeping new executive powers.

Footage broadcast by CNN Turk showed windows smashed in a three-storey building, with broken glass and rubble covering the street. One man was seen sitting on a kerb with blood on his head close to the Adana explosion.

HDP officials said the blasts were the latest in a string of some 60 assaults against the party in the run-up to polling day.

Turkish nationalists are fiercely opposed to HDP, accusing it of links to the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought a 30-year insurgency against the state in which 40,000 people have been killed. A peace process designed to end the conflict is in progress.

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“Will you give the appropriate answer to the political party which is run by the terrorist organisation on June 7?” Erdogan said in a speech in the Black Sea coastal city of Samsun on Monday, apparently eyeing the nationalist vote.

Presidential powers Although the ruling AKP is on course to remain the largest party, the fate of the HDP on voting day is seen as crucial to Erdogan’s chances of getting the presidential powers he craves.

If HDP fail to reach a 10 per cent threshold to enter parliament their votes would be redistributed, mostly in favour of the AKP, possibly giving Erdogan more parliamentary clout.

If HDP reach 10 per cent, Erdogan might need their backing for constitutional changes, something Demirtas has repeatedly vowed not to do. Polls show them close to the cut-off. — Reuters

TRAGEDY

Colombia landslide kills 40 BOGOTA: At least 40 people have been killed and dozens are missing after a landslide in northwest Colombia in the early hours of Monday, a local official said.

Heavy rains caused a ravine to overflow, sending mud and water onto neighboring homes in Salgar, located in Antioquia department.

“We still do not have an exact figure, I only know that there are more than 40 dead, many families displaced.

Immense magnitude However, I still can’t give an exact figure,” local official Zulma Osorio told local Caracol Radio. “The tragedy is of an immense mag-

nitude,” she added. “There are many more dead, the whole town is totally collapsed.”

Colombia’s government will provide aid to the victims, president Juan Manuel Santos said via Twitter.

“We are attending to the emergency in Salgar. Those affected will receive all our support,” — Reuters

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TUE S DAY, MAY 19, 2 015

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End the immigration detention system

O

f all the malfunctioning parts in the broken-down immigration machinery of the United States, probably the most indefensible is the detention system. This is the vast network of jails and prisons where suspected immigration violators are held while awaiting a hearing and possible deportation. Immigrant detainees are not criminal defendants or convicts serving sentences.

They are locked up merely because the government wants to make sure they show up in immigration court. Detention is intended to help enforce the law, but, in practice, the system breeds cruelty and harm, and squanders taxpayer money. It denies its victims due process of law, punishing them far beyond the scale of any offense. It shatters families and traumatizes children. As a system of mass incarceration — particularly of women and children fleeing persecution in Central America — it is immoral.

The director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, Sarah Saldaña, announced a set of reforms to the family detention system. Federal officials do this from time to time after advocates and journalists expose — as they have for years — the abuses within detention walls. Saldaña says she wants the “optimal level of care” for detainees, and so she will create a committee and give lawyers more working space to meet with clients, among other things. But committees and cubicles won’t touch the heart of the problem. It’s time to end mass detention, particularly of families. Shut the system down, and replace it with something better.

A powerful case for ending immigration detention, along with an array of alternatives, is made in a new report from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Centre for Migration Studies.

It traces how the system has grown immense, from housing 85,000 detainees in 1995 to more than 440,000 in 2013. There are many reasons for this growth, including state and local immigration crackdowns, federal dragnet programmes like Secure Communities and the flood of money from Congress to the private prison operators that have profited so fruitfully from immigrant criminalisation. The system has gotten more sprawling and scandal-prone, but reforms don’t stick.

The notorious Hutto family detention centre in Texas, where children went to classes in prison scrubs, stopped housing families. But the surge of families at the border seeking refuge last year created a political crisis and led the department to resurrect family detention, with new centres with thousands of prison beds for mothers and children.

Ending mass detention would not mean allowing unauthorised immigrants to disappear. Supervised or conditional release, ankle bracelets and other monitoring technologies, plus community-based support with intensive case management, can work together to make the system more humane. But neither Congress nor the Homeland Security Department has embraced these approaches, which would be far cheaper than locking people up. - The New York Times News Service

COMMENTARY

Behold, US dancing to the tunes of J Street AIJAZ ZAKA SYED

NSA’s sensible move

F

ollowing clear-cut vote in the House of Representatives it seems likely that, despite resistance in the Senate, Congress will outlaw the collection of bulk phone data by the National Security Agency (NSA), America’s equivalent (and close partner) of Britain’s GCHQ. This step has been on the cards since the disclosure

by Edward Snowden of the NSA’s “metadata” programme in 2013.

Pressure, however, has been increased by last week’s ruling by a federal appeals court that the programme was illegal — but which left it up to Congress, rather than the judiciary, to remedy matters.

In the meantime a key deadline looms. Parts of the Patriot Act, passed in the weeks after the September 2001 terrorist attacks, will expire on 1 June. These include the act’s Section 215, which the NSA has used as justification to gather information on the phone calls Americans make, under the catch-all clause that such data is “relevant to an authorised investigation”. Some Republican defence hawks argue that the scheme should remain in force — even though there is no public evidence it has prevented a single terrorist incident. Trust us, runs the familiar refrain from the intelligence community; the vacuuming-up of data has produced results but for national-security reasons we can’t tell you what they are. Now even the White House wants the act to be changed.

In fact, the new House version will not end all forms of metadata collection. The difference is that records will be kept by the phone companies and the NSA will have access to them on a case-by-case basis, rather than in bulk. That is still a significant step. In a democratic society, striking the proper balance between the demands of national security and the individual’s right to privacy will always be a contentious issue. But the “Big Brother” surveillance that US politicians unwittingly made possible in 2001 was an unacceptable violation of that privacy. - The Independent

None can work efficiently without a weekly day off This refers to the news story, Nine a day become illegal immigrants (May 18). The primary reason for workers to absconding is the salary. The domestic workers abscond mainly because they are not given even a single day off. Everybody reserves the right to rest and they must get at least one day off a week. No one can work and retain efficiency without at least a day’s off.

Sam Sohi Muscat

Housemaids abscond due to the working conditions This refers to the news story, Nine a day become illegal immigrants (May 18). The workers, including housemaids, run away mainly because they are often

not treated well. Where in the world can you see domestic helps made to slog for 12 hours a day and often given the left overs to eat. Stripped of all kinds of freedom, many of the domestic helps are denied of their rest days. Many employers even do not pay their employees a decent salary and tend to become exploitative.

Jane Desilva Muscat

There are several reasons why expatriates abscond This refers to the news story, Nine a day become illegal immigrants (May 18). There are several reasons why expatriate employees abscond. Many do so because upon landing here they find themselves in rather strange situations. They find themselves

Driven by the Neocons and Zionists, Bush’s America ran like a bull in a china shop, wrecking the complex, ancient mosaic of the region and fracturing it along sectarian and tribal fault-lines.

Out of this chaos and bedlam was born many a monster like Isis, not to mention more than a million lives that were squandered in Iraq

P

olitics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy. It’s as if Ernest Benn had George W Bush in mind when he defined the science of power. Throughout his two eventful terms in office, the former US president went out of his way to look for trouble, found it whether it existed or not, misdiagnosed it and promptly applied the wrong remedy.

We have been here before ad nauseam but it bears noting that much of the bloody, awful mess across the Middle East seen today is a legacy of the man who apparently believed that he had been on a divine mission to “reform the natives”, as it were, and promote “human freedom and dignity” by invading Afghanistan and Iraq, and nearly wiping out an entire civilisation.

Driven by the Neocons and Zionists, Bush’s America ran like a bull in a china shop, wrecking the complex, ancient mosaic of the region and fracturing it along sectarian and tribal fault-lines.

Out of this chaos and bedlam was born many a monster like Isis, not to mention more than a million lives that were squandered in Iraq alone.

You would think those responsible for those brazen lies, illegal wars and unforgivable crimes against humanity would at least be ashamed of their shenanigans, if not openly admit their guilt.

Truth be told, they belong in the World Court. But who would even think of confronting the high and mighty from the land of the free! According to American exceptionalism, even ordinary Americans are somehow more equal than others.

Not only do the Neocons and Republican Right remain utterly unapologetic and blasé about the legacy of the catastrophic wars and all-round destruction unleashed during the disastrous decade of the Bush’s presidency, a third member of the dynasty, Jeb Bush, is now being pitched for the White House. And the truly loyal brother that he is, Bush II managed to spare some time from his busy schedule of dog walking, fishing and bird hunting — or whatever the Bushes do after hanging their boots — to bat for Bush III. And incredible as it may seem, George W Bush still appears hung up on the idea that the invasion of Iraq and removal of Saddam Hussain in the name of excavating the weapons of mass destruction that never existed unleashing the chaos across the region was the right thing to do.

Indeed, speaking at the Republican Jewish Coalition event hosted by the Jewish casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson, the former president slammed his successor for pulling the US troops

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Courage is the power to let go of the familiar RAYMOND LINDQUIST

out of Iraq “too early” and apparently paving the way for the rise of Isis. Accusing Obama of putting the US in “retreat” around the globe, Bush was predictably also critical of the nuclear talks and the much hyped deal with Iran.

That Bush was speaking at an event hosted by the casino billionaire, who has regularly financed and hosted Republican and Democratic politicians, arranged their junkets to Israel and is known for his fierce loyalty to the Zionist cause, may somewhat explain the barbs against Obama.

It’s hardly a secret that the incumbent is increasingly loathed and targeted by the powerful Israeli lobby even as it is shamelessly wooed and courted by the lawmakers on both sides of the isle.

Interestingly, the Republican Jewish Coalition event was held in the Sin City of Las Vegas at the Venetian hotel-casino and home of Adelson. And it was graced not just by the Bushes but by all Republican presidential hopefuls who never tire of flaunting their Judeo-Christian heritage and values and would go to any length to “protect Israel” as if it needs anyone’s protection.

Haaretz clearly identifies the key Jewish donors and their favoured candidates in the upcoming race by name. Is it any surprising then potential candidates from both sides of the political divide are falling over themselves to reaffirm their fealty to Israel and Israeli interests all over again?

And then Arabs and Muslims cry about the bias of the US political establishment and media for Israel and indifference and downright hostility to their own interests and concerns. Well, you know what they say, money talks. And the Jewish money has been talking loud and clear in successive US elections with stunning results.

While the Arab and Muslim world is forced to spend its resources and energy in firefighting and chasing mirages in sand, our friends on the other side have for years been investing their hard earned dollars in making friends and influencing powerful people in high places. And it goes without saying they deliver when the time comes to extract that pound of flesh. Is it not about time the Arabs and Muslims picked a lesson or two from their distant cousins in this respect?

I am not suggesting bankrolling US politicians as the Israeli lobby has been doing for years but it wouldn’t hurt to cultivate promising politicians and media in the land of the free to protect the region’s long-term interests.

The author is an award-winning Gulf based writer. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman.

forced to work in conditions not mentioned in their contracts.

There are others who abscond because they are not paid salary which was agreed upon. No one wants to become an absconder or an illegal in a foreign country. However, many become absconders because they are compelled by their situations.

Hiren Singh Muscat

Reasons for absconding need to be addressed This refers to the news story, Nine a day become illegal immigrants (May 18). The authorities in Oman have been trying for years to curb and control the trend of expat workers absconding and turning illegal. The authorities should take a realistic approach towards the problem.

Only strict rules cannot solve the problem until the reasons are not addressed.

S.A.S. Bukhari Ruwi

KKR’s exit from IPL this year has been unexpected The Kolkata Knight Riders fans are crestfallen. Their dream to win the IPL for the third time this year has been smashed. The team’s exit from the tournament was most unexpected. There is no doubt that the team played well throughout the tournament and its exit from the IPL, therefore, has been rather painful. As it bowed out of the tournament this year, KKR looked like a tragic hero conspired against by the weather.

Ashok Panicker Seeb

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

T I M E S OF OMAN

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

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PERSPEC IVE In search of soft targets after schoolchildren’s massacre T

KAMRAN REHMAT

The attack on Ismailis appears to have no other explanation; neither were they agent provocateurs nor did they have any stake, whether as participants or observers, in the anti-terror drive. The apparent sectarian camouflage is most likely intended to throw a spanner in the military operation

o say nothing shocks anymore in terms of terror-ridden depravity in today’s Pakistan would be an understatement. Even so, the broad daylight murder spree in a bus last Wednesday in Karachi that saw 45 members of the country’s pacifist Ismaili community lose their lives was soul-crushing.

While the wanton killing mirrors in its degeneracy the massacre of schoolchildren in Army Public School in Peshawar only last December, what makes this particularly inexplicable is that while the Taliban’s evil design was in response to the ongoing military campaign, even the claimants of the latest cruelty — Jundulla, a splinter group of the Taliban saying it did so on behalf of IS — did not cite any specific reason for acting the devil except for its spokesman to suggest “they (victims) are unbelievers, apostates and deserved death.”

Such claims — both the supposed IS link and the raison d’être of the killing — do not quite cut it. There is neither any evidence to suggest IS has made any inroads in Pakistan — discounting the occasional appearance of mischievous graffiti — nor is there anything that leads the trail to a red rag from a branch of Shiites that studiously minds its beliefs and business!

Reported to be half a million in Pakistan according to a BBC report, the broad reputation the Ismaili community has is for their great humanitarian work, particularly in medicine, and a progressive outlook burnished by the highest aggregated literacy rates for both men and women.

Pray, then, what could have drawn the ire of the ignoble militants to so clinically eliminate 43 of them in 10 minutes flat (two more succumbed to injuries later) that not a single bullet hit a window of the bus except their intended victims?

The only plausible explanation is that the victims became a soft target in a war between the military and the militants.

Evidence over the last few months suggests the armed forces have broken the back of major league terror networks in the country’s badlands in the north, and the Rangers-led law enforcers made substantial gains in a bid to control crime in the troubled southern port city of Karachi.

The attack on Ismailis appears to have no other explanation; neither were they agent provocateurs nor did they have any stake, whether as participants or observers, in the anti-terror drive. The apparent sectarian camouflage is most likely intended to throw a spanner in the military operation.

Even though it would unlikely offset the military’s

much needed resolve in finally taking up the cudgels, it does reinforce a dangerous pattern in finding soft targets after the schoolchildren massacre.

What is also clear is that there’s a lot to do to meet this new, albeit more profound, threat to unarmed civilians. And while the calibrated push by Army Chief General Raheel Sharif continues to win the hearts and minds of the people, sadly, the role of the civilian governments, both at the Centre and the province, leaves a lot to be desired.

It is a measure of the indifference, upended by apparent incompetence, when news broke of the Karachi massacre that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was heard on TV asking participants of an All Party Conference on the Sino-Pak economic corridor if they would have lunch before embarking on a possible visit to Karachi!

The khaki chief once again beat the civilian chief executive to Karachi and subsequent reports betray how the khakis have taken the lead to expand the operation in Sindh with Rangers being given more powers to walk the talk, with all law enforcement agencies directed to report to the newly-formed Apex Committee, not the provincial government.

Hardly a murmur of dissent has been heard at the move given how thoroughly incompetent and inept the Pakistan People’s Party-led Sindh government has been since it was confined to the province after a right royal thrashing at the last general elections in 2013.

Its complete failure to do anything for the hapless citizenry cannot be illustrated more pronouncedly than in the inert movement of its octogenarian chief minister. Qaim Ali Shah, 82, dismissed the idea of a resignation by suggesting with a smirk that his was not the only province where incidents like these happen!

The attack on Ismailis is a setback given the more recent line of successes against hardcore militant groups. However, it is critical that both the civilian and military leaderships understand that this war is not just about exterminating militants. There is a need to enlarge the scope of the campaign and make even tougher decisions.

The root cause is the kind of brazen ideology spewing out of centres that purport to teach religion, but serve as the breeding ground of hatred, violence and extremism. The state has to intervene and stop the evil at source. There are just no two ways about it.

The author is a senior journalist based in Islamabad. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely his and not of Times of Oman.

Of Stellar Sturgeon’s Scottish tsunami

T

he star performer of the recent British general election was undoubtedly the Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon. This was the balanced assessment of international journalists. One leading British journalist even described her performance as stellar. Importantly, from Surgeon’s perspective, fifty per-cent of the Scottish electorate voted for her party, giving the SNP 56 of the 59 Scottish Westminster seats.

British political records were smashed throughout election night. The SNP with 50 per cent of the popular vote pushed Labour’s vote down to 1918 levels.

And the Conservatives recorded their lowest percentage vote share since 1865, whilst the Liberal-Democrats were all but wiped-out.

The vote swing from the incumbent parties surpassed the record of 27 per cent established

by Margaret Thatcher’s Conservatives. On the 7th of May, Sturgeon’s SNP achieved this percentage as a modal swing.

The SNP ploughed on to deliver the highest ever recorded British general election swing of 39 per cent, in one of the safest

GARY SMITH

Labour seats in Britain. A former Labour Foreign Secretary was also ousted by a student who becomes the youngest recorded MP to sit in Westminster.

The previous youngest Westminster MP, and former Liberal-Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, was also ousted by an international banker. The SNP cohort representing Scotland at Westminster, is a picture of present day Scotland painted by age, gender and socio-economic background.

Elected MPs include a cancer surgeon; ‘Queen’s Counsel’ advocate; international banker; banking economist; Asian businesswoman, actress and lawyer; trade union leader; journalist; award winning television producer; comedian; and a student.

Many are women and the diversity encompasses Scottish society, embracing the Muslim community already represented in the Scottish parliament. Such diversity evades the Westminster parties. With any Tsunami unsuitable individuals may flood Westminster on this tidal wave.

The passage of time shall judge those elected to serve.

Since 2007 the SNP have man-

aged an effective minority Scottish government; doing deals with the Conservative, Labour and Liberal-Democrats to advance their ‘social democratic’ agenda.

The Scottish Government unlike the British government must run a balanced budget, and the SNP have successfully demonstrated fiscal capability.

The SNP surge gathered traction with the 2011 election; when doubting the Conservative coalition government’s direction of travel the Scots elected a majority SNP Scottish Government.

This crushing SNP victory toppled a proportional voting system designed to prevent single party parliamentary control. This was another SNP first. The SNP clock has been winding up since 2007 and last week it stopped at five to midnight.

As British Prime Minister; David Cameron must now address the Scottish question as the clock ticks toward midnight striking the end of the union.

The author is a freelance contributor based in Britain. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely his and not of Times of Oman.

A state of utter despair KAMAL SIDDIQI

T

housands of desperate Rohingya Muslim refugees who are fleeing native Myanmar on rickety boats are being denied refuge in Southeast Asia because these countries do not want to add to their “burden”, despite the fact that such a number would add up to a fraction in real terms.

Countries like Thailand as well as Muslim countries like Malaysia and Indonesia have turned away from any help which is a shame given that these countries are doing well economically.

Indonesia has allowed a trickle into Aceh province but has now closed the doors. The question now is where will these poor souls end up?

Pakistan has its share of Rohingyas, who have come here over the years, initially for economic reasons, and later fleeing violence in their home state.

There is a Burmi Colony in Karachi and other places where Muslims from the Arakan (Rakhine) province can be found even today. But their contact with relatives back home has been restricted, with most only relying on word of mouth to know of how things have been shaping. And the news from back home is not good.

If there is one positive Pakistan can claim, it can possibly be that rarely has it turned back refugees, whether they came from India or later from other bordering countries like Iran and Afghanistan or from as far as Burma.

The possible exception, of course, are the Biharis who have been dreaming of coming to Pakistan but remain stranded at camps in Bangladesh.

But we have suffered as a consequence of these actions.

The Afghan refugee influx post-1979 has changed Pakistan forever. But to blame the Afghans for the ills in our society is an easy way to explain a complex problem. We see that refugees are made scapegoats everywhere.

Today Rohingyas are on the run as violence continues in Arakan state. But there are those who say that these refugees are not fleeing persecution but are economic migrants who have been put on boats by people smugglers and then abandoned.

Despite all odds, New York Times reporter Thomas Fuller, a former colleague of mine, has done an excellent job of tracing the journeys of these migrants. He reported from a boat in the Andaman sea and helped trace down some of the refugee boats, which had been at sea for some months.

Conditions on these vessels were sub-human but this did not move the authorities in the countries where they arrived.

An estimated 6,000 or more such migrants are stranded at sea in Southeast Asia.

Our paper commissioned

If there is one positive Pakistan can claim, it can possibly be that rarely has it turned back refugees, whether they came from India or later from other bordering countries like Iran and Afghanistan or from as far as Burma

a series on the Rohingyas in 2013 when reporter Mashiur Rehman went to visit the camps of these refugees in neighbouring Bangladesh. In his excellent reports, Mashiur Rehman told stories of men, women and children fleeing to Bangladesh but where they were not given refugee status.

He wrote about the thousands who fled sectarian riots and how they lost everything only so that they could be alive.

The report recalled that Myanmar passed a law in 1982 that effectively rendered the Rohingya community stateless. Frequent waves of ethnic violence since 1991 pushed more than 250,000 Rohingyas into Bangladesh, where they continue to live in squalid, makeshift camps with little or no access to healthcare or education.

Our report also revealed that since 1992, the Bangladesh government has denied the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) permission to register the Rohingya refugees. They are still considered illegal migrants and are not entitled to the food relief provided by the World Food Programme.

They are also denied access to basic healthcare and education provided by the UNHCR and its partner organisations.

The Bangladeshi government is determined to keep the aid to a bare minimum to avoid creating a ‘pull factor’.

It has stopped prominent international aid organizations to cease assistance to refugees living in unregistered camps. The local police had also launched crackdowns to push back the Rohingyas into Myanmar. The state’s mistrust of the refugees trickled down to the local population, reported Mashiur Rehman, with locals believing that the refugees were behind rising petty crime in the area around the unregistered camps.

With all this talk of PanIslamism and humanity, it seems national interest and pragmatism reign supreme for countries of South East Asia. Is there a lesson for us in all this? - The Express Tribune

LightSail - the solar sailing spacecraft

TODAY IN HISTORY

The Planetary Society, a publicly-funded space advocacy group founded by the late Carl Sagan, is developing a satellite propelled by solar wind *small, cost-effective spacecraft comprising 1-litre volume cubes

Power: Solar panels swing open to power LightSail’s instruments

2

1

Triangular Rollable and Collapsible

Dual cameras: Photograph solar sail deployment every seven seconds Sail folded away

10 cm Structure: 3 CubeSat * modules stacked together

3 Avionics

Sail THRUST

LIGHT

SUN

MUSCAT: Omanaccess.com, a United Media Services venture, has been offering the best services through a number of successful seasonal online supplements such as Access Ranadhan, Access Valentine, Autoaccess, Eid Hungama to name a select few, says a press note. At Comex 2000, Oman’s biggest IT exposition, the Omanaccess pavilion bagged the Most Interactive Stand award. Designed as a colourful interactive cyber zone with 10 computers online, the action-packed omanaccess.com stall attracted a large number of visitors from all walks of life. At the stall, visitors queued up to participate in innovative online treasure hunts, puzzles and contests specially created for Comex 2000.

After completing the treasure hunt every participant received a Web Maniac Certificate and registered for the main lucky draw held twice daily.

4m

Source: The Planetary Society, NASA

FROM OUR ARCHIVES OMANACCESS.COM WINS AWARD AT COMEX 2000

4

Atlas V rocket: LightSail to hitch ride on mission carrying Boeing X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle

Momentum of photons transferred to sail, generating continuous acceleration

TRAC booms: Unwind 4 metres, unfurling four triangular sails

Mylar sail: Fully deployed it is 4.5 microns thick (quarter thickness of garbage bag), with surface area of 32m2 Graphic News /

Graphics

1535

French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail for North America.

1536

Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, is beheaded on Tower Green.

1568

Defeated by the Protestants, Mary, Queen of Scots, flees to England where Queen Elizabeth imprisons her.

1635

Cardinal Richelieu of France intervenes in the great conflict in Europe by declaring war on the Hapsburgs in Spain.

1780

Near total darkness descends on New England at noon. No explanation is found.

HISTORYNET.COM

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TUE S DAY, MAY 19, 2 015

WORLD

Twenty-five feet away there were families. This is one of the worst gun fights we’ve ever had in the city limits. They started shooting at our officers, US police official Patrick Swanton

EU ministers back naval mission to fight traffickers The ambitious operation starting in June will involve the deployment of warships and surveillance aircraft in the Mediterranean Sea. The plan also includes the possible destruction of smugglers’ boats in Libyan waters

BRUSSELS: European Union ministers said they would approve plans Monday for an unprecedented naval mission to stop people smugglers as NATO warned that extremist militants might be hiding

SPIRALLING CRISIS: Egyptians wait at the main administration centre for the body that combats illegal migration, in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Monday before being transported in buses to the Tunisian border. — AFP

among the flood of migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

The ambitious operation starting in June will involve the deployment of warships and surveillance aircraft off the coast of Libya, the epicentre of the humanitarian disaster unfolding on Europe’s southern shores.

The European Union’s military plan also includes the possible destruction of smugglers’ boats in Libyan waters, although that will

require a UN Security Council resolution to be in line with international law.

Already 2015 is shaping up as the deadliest year for refugees crossing the Mediterranean, with more than 1,800 dying this year. In total more than 5,000 have died in the past 18 months.

EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said approval by the 28-nation bloc’s foreign and defence ministers at a “very in-

tense” meeting in Brussels would help push the United Nations into action.

“I think that after we take the decision today it is more likely for the Security Council to take a resolution,” the former Italian foreign minister said, adding that the naval mission could be operational “within weeks”.

Federica has insisted there is no question of EU “boots on the ground” in Libya, where political chaos and the rising threat of IS militants make it the main launching point for people risking their lives in flimsy dinghies or ovrcrowded fishing boats.

Sinking of migrant boat Pressure has grown on governments to act after an overcrowded migrant boat sank in the Mediterranean last month, leaving more than 750 dead in a case that sparked international outrage.

But NATO head Jens Stoltenberg, also attending the meeting, warned on Monday that fighters from extremist groups could also be making the crossing, posing an additional security threat.

“One of the problems is that there might be foreign fighters, there might be terrorists trying to hide, trying to blend in among

the migrants,” Stoltenberg said when asked about reports IS was involved in the exodus.

Stoltenberg said that so far the 28-nation EU had not asked for help from NATO but the alliance was “ready to help if there is a request”.

Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain have already promised to deploy warships for the mission, a rare joint EU military venture.

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said ministers needed to put together a complete programme, with the current plan “an important first step”. He said cooperation with Libya was also key.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he too expected ministers to approve the proposals, paving the way for initial mission planning.

Utter madness Rights groups have criticised the military option, saying it will not solve the problem of complex smuggling networks and of a huge number of people fleeing war and poverty.

Andrew Stroehlein of Human Rights Watch said it was “utter madness”. — AFP

ORGANIZED CRIME

192 arrested in Texas biker gang shoot out WASHINGTON: Nearly 200 people were under arrest on Monday following a brawl between rival motorcycle gang members that left nine people dead in Waco, Texas, police said.

The fight broke out in a restroom at the Twin Peaks Sports Bar and Grill, and spilled into a parking lot as members of as many as five gangs fought each other with knives, chains and guns in front of terrified bystanders.

“One hundred ninety two individuals are being arrested and processed this morning in reference to the Twin Peaks shooting,” the Waco Police Department said in a statement.

“They will all face ‘engaging in organised crime’ charges,” police said on its Facebook site.

“They are being booked and processed at this time,” it said.

Nine gang members were killed in the mayhem, and local news outlets reported that as many as 18 people were wounded, most from gunshots and stabbings.

Most violent crime scene “In 34 years of law enforcement this is the most violent crime scene I have ever been involved in. There is blood everywhere,” Sergeant Patrick Swanton told the Waco Tribune-Herald. — AFP

G R AV E C I R C U M S TA N C E S

NOWHERE TO GO: Rehena Begum, a rescued Rohingya mother from Myanmar, is photographed during an Indonesian police identification process at the confinement area in the fishing port of Kuala Langsa in Aceh province on Monday. — AFP

Myanmar voices its ‘concern’ over Rohingya exodus YANGON: Myanmar on Monday acknowledged international “concerns” about waves of boatpeople, many of whom are fleeing from persecution, but denied it is solely to blame as thousands languish in dire straits at sea.

The comments came as fresh details emerged from migrants of brutal fighting with metal bars and knives that left at least 100 dead as food and water dwindled on their rickety vessel as it drifted in Indonesian waters.

Southeast Asia is gripped by an escalating migrant boat crisis that has seen nearly 3,000 migrants swim to shore or be rescued off Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand over the past week.

Others have been turned back to sea, sparking international outrage and fears that time is running out to rescue thousands still believed to be trapped with scarce supplies on the unwanted boats.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, a minority who face daily prejudice and a raft of restrictions in western Myanmar, have long fled in barely sea-worthy boats across the Bay of Bengal.

In recent years they have been joined by growing numbers of economic migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh looking to escape grinding poverty.

Myanmar’s part in the grim and often deadly exodus had been largely ignored by its neighbours.

But the former army-run nation has faced growing international pressure this month after thousands of migrants were abandoned in overcrowded boats by people smugglers following a crackdown on the trade in Thailand, a key transit point.

Myanmar Information Minister Ye Htut said his country understood “the concerns (of )

If they are not accepted (as citizens), they cannot just be sent onto rivers. Can’t be pushed out to sea.

They are humans. I just see them as humans who are entitled to human rights Nyan Win National League for Democracy aide

the international community on the people in the sea. Instead of blaming Myanmar for all these problems... all these issues should be solved by the regional partners,” he added in English following a briefing between government officials and diplomats in Yangon.

Myanmar has yet to confirm whether it will attend a regional summit called by Thailand for May 29.

Myanmar does not recognise the estimated 1.3 million Rohingya as an official minority, instead viewing them as mostly illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

But in strikingly bold comments a spokesman for Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition party said that minority Muslims were “entitled to human rights”. — AFP

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 The Kuwaiti supreme court verdict is final and cannot be challenged. It may also jeopardise opposition leader Mussallam Al Barrak's political career because it could bar him from standing for election to parliament.

A15

WORLD

Air strikes hit Yemen as truce ends Yemeni minister accuses Houthis of breaking truce, says no new ceasefire being considered

ADEN/RIYADH: Saudi-led coalition forces resumed military operations in Yemen after a fiveday ceasefire ended late on Sunday, and Yemen’s foreign minister blamed the Houthis for failure to renew the truce.

The end of the ceasefire came despite appeals by the United Nations and rights groups for extra COMMANDER’S ARREST

Armed Libyan group detains 170 Tunisians TUNIS: An armed group allied to the Libya Dawn forces controlling Tripoli has detained 170 Tunisians in the Libyan capital since Saturday after Tunis arrested one of its commanders, Tunisian officials said on Monday.

Brahim Rezgui, Tunisian consul in Tripoli, told a Tunis radio station the group demanded the immediate release of the Libya Dawn commander, whom he did not name. Libyan officials in Tripoli did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Armed groups in Libya, which is split between two rival governments and competing militias, have in the past kidnapped or detained foreign nationals — including diplomats — to pressure governments to release Libyans arrested abroad.

Libya Dawn, a loose alliance of former rebel brigades and hardline-leaning groups, seized power in Tripoli last summer.

Most countries closed their embassies during the fighting and maintained official recognition for the rival government now based in eastern Libya.

“An armed group belonging to Libya Dawn detained 170 Tunisians since Saturday after a leading figure in this group was arrested in Tunisia last week,” a Tunisian foreign ministry official told TAP state news agency.

Relations between the North African neighbours have become tense, with Tunisia’s government worried about spillover from the chaos that continues to plague Libya four years after former leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown. — Reuters JAIL TERM

Kuwait upholds opposition leader sentence KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s supreme court on Monday upheld a two-year jail sentence against prominent opposition leader Mussallam Al Barrak for insulting the emir, his group said.

“The supreme court upheld the two-year jail term against Barrak,” the Popular Action Movement (PAM) said on its Twitter account, adding that the former lawmaker, who had been out on bail, will now have to serve the full sentence.

The 58-year-old is the most senior opposition member to be jailed.

He was convicted by the appeals court in February of undermining the authority of His Highness Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah and served 50 days of the jail sentence before being bailed.

The supreme court verdict is final and cannot be challenged.

It may also jeopardise his political career because it could bar him from standing for election to parliament.

The charges against him stem from a speech he gave to tens of thousands of demonstrators in October 2012 protesting against changes to the electoral law.

Barrak was a member of parliament at the time, but his nationalist party boycotted polls in December 2012 and July 2013 held under the new electoral law. — AFP

time to allow the delivery of badly needed humanitarian supplies to the country of 25 million, one of the poorest in the Middle East.

“That’s what we said before that if they start again, we will start again,” Yemeni Foreign Minister Reyad Yassin Abdulla said.

He said the coalition was not considering any new ceasefire but

would not target air and sea ports needed for aid shipments.

Saudi-led forces conducted three air strikes on Yemen’s northern Saada province on Monday, according to Houthi media, which said Saudi forces had fired 70 rockets and artillery shells into north Yemen.

Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television reported heavy shelling

by Saudi forces at Houthi outposts across the border after the fighters fired mortars at an army post in Saudi Arabia’s southern Najran province.

Earlier in the day, residents said that warplanes struck the Houthi-held presidential palace in

Yemen’s southern port of Aden as well as groups of militiamen on the western and eastern approaches to the city and the international airport where Houthis and local fighters have been clashing.

No word on casualties There was no word on casualties in the incidents.

Saudi Arabia and its allies have been conducting an offensive against the Houthis and units loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh for more than seven weeks.

The campaign has yet to reverse the Houthis’ advance into Aden and along battlefronts across Yemen’s south.

A five-day truce that started on Tuesday night halted the air strikes and allowed humanitarian aid into the country.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday that Washington supported extending the truce, but that manoeuvres by the Houthis made that difficult.

“We know that the Houthis were engaged in moving some missilelaunching capacity to the border (with Saudi Arabia) and, under the rules of engagement, it was always understood that if there were proactive moves by one side or another, then that would be in violation of the ceasefire arrangement,” he said.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir expressed “regret that the truce did not achieve its humanitarian goals” and held the Houthis responsible, in an emailed statement.

Iran’s foreign minister on Monday called on the United Nations to take on a more active role in Yemen, including establishing a presence on the ground to ensure that humanitarian aid could be distributed. “We believe the UN needs to create a protected zone in Yemen to receive humanitarian aid... It is time for the UN to take control of the situation,” Mohammed Javad Zarif said through an interpreter in a televised news conference. — Reuters

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TU ES DAY, M AY 19, 2015

MARKE

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

Bank Nizwa walks out of United Finance merger Now United Finance is left with two other potential bidders — NBO and Al Omaniya Financial Services — for proposed merger

CLOSE WATCH: Share prices of United Finance fell 0.78 per cent to 127 baisas, amid 83,200 shares changing hand, while Bank Nizwa stock was intact on the MSM. — Times file picture

Times News Service

for the proposed merger.

“The primary objective of the proposed merger was to benefit both entities to work ultimately as a single but a larger combined institution. In light of this new development and keeping the bank’s best interest in mind, Bank Nizwa has decided to withdraw its initial proposal and not enter into

MUSCAT: Bank Nizwa on Monday said it is withdrawing its proposal for a merger with United Finance.

Now United Finance is left with two other potential bidders — National Bank of Oman (NBO) and Al Omaniya Financial Services —

the bidding process,” Bank Nizwa said in a disclosure statement posted on the Muscat Securities Market website.

In February, Bank Nizwa approached United Finance with a merger proposal, but other two potential bidders subsequently expressed interest.

Last week, United Finance has

invited all three potential bidders — National Bank of Oman, Bank Nizwa and Al Omaniya Financial Services — to participate in a bidding process to get the best price.

Al Omaniya Financial Services is looking at consolidating their leadership position by acquiring another leasing company. This could be one way to achieve inor-

ganic growth. This year is a challenging one for leasing companies, said market sources.

Market sources also said that Al Omaniya will be able to substantially increase its asset base and loan book, if the merger takes place. Al Omaniya’s total assets stand at OMR241.6 million, while its loan book was around OMR228.3 million by end-2014.

United Finance’s total assets and loan book were OMR119.2 million and OMR114.7 million, respectively, by end of 2014.

Share prices of United Finance edged down by 0.78 per cent to 127 baisas, amid 83,200 shares changing hand, while Bank Nizwa stock was intact on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) on Monday.

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OIL SUPPLIES

Iran expects to return crude exports to normal level KUALA LUMPUR: Iran hopes its crude oil exports will return to pre-sanctions levels within three months once a deal with major powers to lift an oil embargo is finalised, the country’s deputy oil minister said on Monday.

“We hope we can come back to the export levels that we had before the sanctions,” Rokneddin Javadi, who is also the managing director of the National Iranian Oil Company, told Reuters.

“Yes, 2.5 (million barrels per day), around,” he said, adding that this could be achieved in about three months.

Javadi said the Opec producer expected to claw back lost market share in Asia.

“It depends on market situation and price level, but we will come back to the traditional trade that we had before,” he said, adding that Asia could take more than 50 per cent of Iran’s exports. — Reuters

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TUE S DAY, MAY 19, 2 015

MARKET Iranian airline buys Airbus jets from unknown vendor sanctions, allowing it to buy new planes instead of old ones. Should restrictions be lifted it will need about 100 planes and is interested in models including re-engined single-aisle Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, together with the 777 and 787 and A330 and A350.

This purchase by Mahan Air of nine used Airbus planes could herald a raft of deals extending to national carrier Iran Air and potentially including Boeing planes and new Russian or Chinese models – Bloomberg file picture

DUBAI: Iran’s acquisition of Airbus Group jets from an undisclosed vendor may be the first move in a rush to rebuild the Islamic republic’s fleet as a thaw in relations with the US begins to weaken the grip of trade sanctions.

The purchase by Mahan Air of nine used Airbus planes could herald a raft of deals extending to national carrier Iran Air and potentially including Boeing planes and new Russian or Chinese models. Iran says it may need as many as 500 aircraft over the next decade, requiring $2 billion a year of investment.

The Mahan deal centres on eight A340s, a wide-body type

which ceased production in 2011 as the price of oil rendered its four engines uneconomic, before the slump in crude made secondhand examples more attractive.

While selling new planes to Iran remains outlawed, it can bypass the ban by buying older jets from sources in countries not signed up to sanctions, something becoming easier as talks seem to near a conclusion.

Future used-aircraft purchases could include “some of the earlier Boeing 777s,” said Thomas Pellegrin, an analyst at PwC’s Aviation Centre of Excellence research office in Dubai, adding that an end to sanctions would open

the door to the acquisition of new aircraft models from Commercial Aircraft Corp of China and Russia’s Sukhoi, maker of Superjet 100, assuming curbs on trade with Moscow are also removed.

Greece, Russia Mahan Air’s new fleet will allow it to add flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sochi in Russia, Manama in Bahrain and Athens, Saeed Chalandari, head of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, was cited as saying by the official Iranian Students News Agency.

Mahan — blacklisted by the US Treasury in 2011 over claims that

it transported weapons and funds on its flights to assist Iran’s Revolutionary Guard — will get an operating license within a month, according to ISNA. The aircraft deal also include a sole singleaisle A321.

“Airbus is compliant with international trade laws on Iran and has not been involved,” a spokeswoman for the Toulouse-based manufacturer said by e-mail.

“Once the aircraft is in the hands of an airline, it’s their property and we cannot keep track or control what they do with the aircraft.”

Unlike privately owned Mahan Air, state-controlled Iran Air may opt to wait for a formal lifting of

NISSAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Strong demand The Mahan purchase comes amid negotiations between Iran and powers led by the US on the country’s nuclear ambitions, which aim to reach an accord by June 30 under the latest timetable. An interim deal in 2013 eased a ban on safety-related aircraft spares, which Boeing obtained a license to sell last year.

“We’ve done a pretty good assessment on our side and we think the demand, should things open up, would be very strong,” Marty Bentrott, Boeing’s vice-president of sales for the Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, said in Dubai last week before Mahan Air’s jetliner purchases were announced on May 9.

Mahan has “extensive plans” requiring an upgrade and expansion of its fleet, part of which has been achieved through the Airbus acquisition, the airline said on its website. A spokesman for the company declined to comment on further plans.

— Bloomberg News

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RBI OFFICIAL

‘India should go for rupee convertibility’ NEW DELHI: India should continue moving toward making the rupee fully tradable against other currencies even though it isn’t yet ready for full convertibility, a senior central bank official said.

India still needs to do more to control government spending and inflation before its ready for full capital account convertibility, according to a speech by G. Padmanabhan, a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) executive director, that was posted on the central bank’s website on Monday.

Fiscal prudence “A freely convertible country must have sound, credible, and time consistent macroeconomic policy,” Padmanabhan said in an address to students at a management institute on May 16.

“What does that translate to, operationally? Fiscal prudence and low inflation. Where do we stand in respect of these parameters? I wouldn’t think we are very comfortable here,” he added.

While India allows the rupee to be freely convertible on trade and current accounts, it places restrictions on the capital account, which includes portfolio investments.

An advisory panel formed by the Reserve Bank of India in 2006 suggested the currency be made fully convertible in five years.

The rupee, which has tumbled the most after Thailand’s baht this quarter, weakened 0.1 per cent to 63.55 per dollar in Mumbai, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The yield on the 8.4 per cent bond due in April 2024 declined five basis points to 7.9 per cent. — Bloomberg News

E X PA N S I O N P L A N S

No reason to change Renault deal: Ghosn TOKYO: There is “no reason” to change a longstanding partnership between the Nissan and Renault after the French government’s controversial move to hike its stake in Renault, the group’s chief executive said here on Monday.

Carlos Ghosn’s comments came after Paris gave itself and other long-term shareholders more power in Renault’s affairs by doubling the number of votes they get for each share.

Long-simmering questions The plan, which Renault opposed, was voted through at a shareholders meeting last month, and aggravated long-simmering questions about whether Renault and Nissan should change their ownership stakes in each other.

But on Monday Ghosn said: “The capital structure that we have between Renault and Nissan is very stable.

“There is a clear separation between the spirit of the partnership and the capital structure.

This is the strength, the power of the alliance... There is no reason to change it now.”

No voting rights Under an agreement struck in 1999 Renault owns about 43 per cent of Nissan, which holds about 15 per cent of the French’s automaker’s shares, but does not have voting rights.

Ghosn was tapped by the French auto giant to rescue Nissan, which was on the verge of bankruptcy in the late 1990s.

But the pair’s fortunes have changed, with Nissan now accounting for about two-thirds of the their combined 8.0 million vehicle sales annually and contributing the bulk of the profits.

“Sixteen years after it is still a partnership independent of who owns what,” Ghosn said.

“The reason to change must be in line with strategy, you need to have a strong reason.

“You don’t touch this kind of structure easily, these are very sensitive topics.” - AFP

– Bloomberg file picture

Larsen & Toubro to spend $1b to acquire IT firms MUMBAI: Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India’s biggest engineering company, is open to spending as much as $1 billion on acquisitions for its software-services unit as the subsidiary prepares for an initial public offering.

Buying companies will help L&T Infotech build scale and compete with larger rivals, R Shankar Raman, Larsen’s Mumbai-based chief financial officer, said in an interview. The company may spend between $100 million and $1 billion, he said, without being more specific.

Larsen, which lost a bid to buy Satyam Computer Services, the company at the centre of India’s biggest corporate fraud, and local software developers are turning to acquisitions to boost revenue amid estimates demand for their services will fall. Worldwide spending on information-technology services is projected to shrink 0.7 per cent this year, led by cuts at US companies, researcher Gartner forecast on April 9.

“A listing of the infotech business would help unlock value for the parent,” said Abhineet Anand, an analyst at Quant Broking, who has valued the unit at about $1.5 billion to $2 billion.

“They would list the unit when it has scaled up to a level that can get better valuations.”

While a listing will provide additional funds, L&T Infotech needn’t hold back deals for it, Raman said, adding that an acquisition can also be funded by parent Larsen, which, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, has cash and cash equivalents of Rs112 billion ($1.77 billion).

Business units Set up in 1938 by two Danish engineers, Henning Holck-Larsen and Soren Kristian Toubro, L&T in 2011 split into different business units and subsidiaries as part of a reorganisation to boost growth. L&T Infotech will be the second Larsen unit to be listed after L&T Finance Holdings, the financial services arm, went public in 2011.

Larsen won’t sell the information technology unit, which has an annual revenue of close to $1 billion, according to Raman. The division is it’s third-largest unit by revenue.

Share price “It’s an area that we need to mastermind and grow,” Raman said in Bloomberg’s Mumbai office on May 13. “Listing Infotech would be also a currency for growth. It seems to be the logical step for the company.”

L&T Finance’s stock has climbed 24 per cent from its IPO price of Rs52 a share in August 2011, giving it a market capitalisation of $1.7 billion. Larsen holds a 72.9 per cent stake in the company, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Larsen’s shares rose 0.2 per cent to Rs1,595.75 at 11:04am in Mumbai.

L&T Infotech, which has 20,000 employees, counts Chevron, Hitachi and Lafarge among its clients, according to its website. The company acquired a unit of Otis Elevator in October last year for an undisclosed sum.

Larsen lost its bid to acquire Satyam Computer Services to Tech Mahindra. — Bloomberg News

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

B3

MARKET HIGH-POWERED GROUP

PDO highlights delegation about growth strategy Times News Service MUSCAT: A delegation of government undersecretaries and senior officials on Monday made a fact-finding visit to the headquarters of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) in Muscat.

The eminent group included representatives from all ministries and was led by Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas. A senior PDO management team, headed by managing director Raoul Restucci, gave an overview of the company’s performance on a range of matters including health, safety and the environment, production, cost control and the creation of job and training opportunities for Omanis through its pioneering In-Country Value (ICV) programme.

During the three-hour official engagement, the guests visited PDO’s Bait Mina Al Fahal headquarter building and the hi-tech Lekhwair Collaborative Work Environment, which enables seamless, real-time communication between staff at the Coast and their colleagues in the field.

They also saw the PDO Knowledge World attraction — the Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre, EcOman Centre and Planetarium — which has recently registered its one millionth visitor.

Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, a former Oil North Director at PDO and current member of the PDO Board, said: “PDO is a success story by any standards and my colleagues were pleased to hear about the Company’s key achievements as well as some of its challenges.”

“This visit is a proud moment for the Company and its staff, as it gives them an opportunity to share accomplishments as well as disappointments. At the same AUSTERITY MEASURE

Rolls-Royce to cut jobs LONDON: Rolls-Royce Group Plc, which is already eliminating about 2,600 positions globally, said it will cut an additional 600 jobs at its marine unit that’s suffering from a slump in oil prices.

The cuts, equivalent to about 10 per cent of the workforce at the subsidiary, will be global in scope, though about 300 positions will go in Norway, where the majority of workers and manufacturing are located.

Rolls-Royce acknowledged earlier this month that 2015 had started slowly and today added that falling oil prices would necessitate further efficiency measures. - Bloomberg News

time, and most importantly, it was a chance to hear from key stakeholders about areas where PDO can improve and progress.

“Finally, the team was enthused by the determination of PDO, as a leading exploration and production company in the oil and gas sector, to stay committed to the prosperity and growth of our beloved nation and all its citizens,” he added.

Restucci said: “We were honoured to welcome the delegation of undersecretaries and senior officials as it was a great opportunity to discuss topics of mutual interest and share information. We communicated some of our notable achievements and strategic priorities, not least our ICV programme, which we forecast will have created more than 21,000 job and training opportunities for young Omanis with our contractors by the end of this year.”

“We would like to thank our distinguished guests for the high level of support for, and interest in, PDO as we tackle the challenges thrown up by the current volatile oil price environment.”

“Our staff and our contractors are fully aware of the important role they play in helping to support Oman’s development under the wise leadership of His Majesty and it is a source of great pride to them. This latest visit will encourage and inspire all of our employees to work even harder so the nation’s progress can be sustained,” he added.

The visit is the latest in an extensive programme of engagement by PDO in the past year with a range of its key stakeholders. Last month, the Council of Ministers, led by Deputy Prime Minister His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, made a first-ever visit to Petroleum Development Oman.

Plans for power, water sectors to be unveiled Details of several major power and water desalination projects initiated by Oman government will be unveiled at the Oman Energy and Water Exhibition and Conference

FUELLING GROWTH: Three-day event, between May 19 and 21, is an international event in the field of energy and water. – Supplied picture

Times News Service

and water desalination projects initiated by Oman government will also be discussed in the forthcoming Oman Energy and Water Exhibition Conference.

These projects include construction of the biggest power plant in the Sultanate, the water treatment plant at Wadi Daiqah Dam, the independent power plant in Salalah, Quriyyat water desalination plant, Barka water desalination plant and the devel-

MUSCAT: Master plans for Oman’s power and water sectors will be unveiled at the Oman Energy and Water Exhibition and Conference here on Tuesday.

The conference will also focus on investment opportunities in Oman’s power and water sector and renewable energy strategies and potential in Oman.

Details of several major power

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opment of Al Ghubra water desalination plant.

Oman Energy and Water Exhibition and Conference (OEWEC), organised by the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) in collaboration with Oman Expo, will begin on Tuesday at Oman International Exhibition Centre.

The three-day event, between May 19 and 21, is an international event in the field of energy and water, such as power generation,

renewable and alternative energy and transmission and distribution, and water-related industries. It is also an ideal platform for stakeholders to discuss real issues and solutions for energy and water challenges and opportunities in Oman.

Also, local and international companies will showcase the latest products and services at the exhibition. Major companies from Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Jordan, Iran, Italy and the United Arab Emirates will be participating in the exhibition. Further, high-level local and international speakers from top power and water companies will address the conference.

Several local and international specialised energy and water companies will take part in this conference in a bid to enhance their presence in the region, share knowledge and review the latest services and technologies. Additionally, several international experts from Oman and other countries will attend the conference.

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B4

TUE S DAY, MAY 19, 2 015

MARKET Index rises marginally

the top loser

by 2.56 per cent, 0.48 per cent, 0.48 per cent and 0.38 per cent, respectively.

National Aluminum, Al Hassan Engineering and Galfar Engineering declined by 1.92 per cent, 0.99 per cent and 0.44 per cent, respectively.

Services Sector Index up by 0.45 per cent to close at 3,437.54 points. Sharqiyah Desalination, Oredoo Oman and Oman Telecommunications Company increased by 3.33 per cent, 3.23 per cent and 0.91 per cent, respectively. Al Batinah Power was the only loser in the sector and was down by 0.52 per cent to close at OMR0.190.

MUSCAT: Selective buying on index heavyweight stocks such as Oredoo Oman led the MSM30 Index to end higher at 6,379.68 points, up by 0.28 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index, up by 0.51 per cent, closed at 980.35 points.

Oredoo Oman was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Monday’s top gainer was Sharqiyah Desalination, up by 3.33 per cent, while Al Madina Investment, down by 3.80 per cent, was the top loser for the day.

As many as 837 trades were executed during the day’s trading session generating turnover of OMR4.45 million with more than 10.47 million shares changing hands. Out of 41 traded securities, 12 advanced, eight declined and 21 remained unchanged.

GCC and Arab investors were net buyers for OMR294,000 followed by foreign investors for OMR52,000 while Omani Investors were net sellers for OMR346,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index marginally down by 0.02 per cent to close at 7,817.92 points. HSBC Bank Oman, Takaful Insurance, Gulf Investment Services and alizz islamic bank increased by 2.88 per cent, 1.79 per cent, 1.43 per cent and 1.25 per cent, respectively.

Al Madina Investment, BankDhofar, United Finance and Bank Sohar declined by 3.80 per cent, 1.41 per cent, 0.78 per cent and 0.55 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 8,311.50 points, up by 0.05 per cent. National Mineral Water, Oman Cables, Anwar Ceramic and Al Maha Ceramics increased

China stocks fall Chinese stocks fell on concern share sales will lure funds from existing equities, while Egypt’s index rose the most globally as the government shelved a plan to tax investor profits. Emerging currencies ended a four-day rally.

The Shanghai Composite Index declined for a second day as 20 initial public offerings are due to come to market from Tuesday to Thursday. The EGX 30 gauge added 6.2 per cent in Cairo. A measure tracking 20 currencies, which jumped 1.8 per cent in the previous four days, lost 0.2 per cent amid a rebound in the dollar. The ruble gained as Russia’s central bank skipped a foreigncurrency auction.

Assets in developing countries have advanced this month as economic figures out of the US prompted speculation the Federal Reserve will push back planned interest-rate increases that threaten to dent appetite for riskier markets. Data this week may show increases in housing starts and manufacturing.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index lost less than 0.1 per cent to 1,043.07 by 11:57 a.m. in London, reducing its quarterly advance to 7 per cent, compared with a 3.7 per cent increase in the period for the MSCI World Index of developed-country equities. Six out of 10 industry groups rose on Monday, led by health care companies, while telecommunications stocks lost 0.9 per cent.

Shares in Abu Dhabi rose 0.7 per cent, while Turkish equities rallied for the eighth day, the longest winning streak in two years. – United Securities/Bloomberg News

Monday’s top gainer was Sharqiyah Desalination, up by 3.33 per cent, while Al Madina Investment, down by 3.80 per cent, was

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 6,386.43 ...............6,361.88 ................... 6,379.68 ................... 6,361.86.................. 17.82 ...................0.28 Financial Index .....................................7,865.39 ............... 7,817.92 .................... 7,817.92 ....................7,819.19.................. -1.27 .................. -0.02 Industrial Index ....................................8,313.10 .............. 8,308.43 ....................8,311.50 ...................8,307.64....................3.86 ................... 0.05 Services Index .......................................3,437.54 .............. 3,425.99 ....................3,437.54 ...................3,422.27..................15.27 ................... 0.45 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................980.35 ..................975.35 ...................... 980.35 ...................... 975.34.................... 5.01 ................... 0.51 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 10,475,505 ................. 4,450,638 .....................837 ................14,776,551,437 ................ 12 ........................8 .................... 21 .........................41

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, MAY 18 ISIN ..................................................SECURITY NAME ...............................................................................................VOLUME ..............TURNOVER...................TRADES ...........OPEN PRICE............. HIGH....................LOW...............CLOSE PR. ..........PREV. CLOSE..........DIFF (RO) .................DIFF %......................LAST PR...............LAST BID.....................LAST OFFER .................MARKET CAP ........PAR VALUE

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

OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION .............................. 370,696 ......1,263,643.....................24 ........... 3.350 ........... 3.410 ...........3.350............3.410 .............3.300 ............0.110 ............. 3.333 ................3.410 ............. 0.000...................3.410...................33,350,537 .........1.000 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 1,952,475 ... 1,497,657....................191 ............0.752 ........... 0.796 ...........0.752 ............0.768 .............0.744............ 0.024............. 3.226 ................0.772 ..............0.772...................0.776..................499,925,169........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 1,257,000 .......179,767.....................42 ............0.143 ........... 0.152 ...........0.141 ........... 0.143 ............. 0.139............ 0.004............. 2.878 ................0.145 ..............0.144...................0.145..................286,044,729 .......0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 602,667 ........... 85,446......................17 ............0.142 ........... 0.142 ...........0.139 ........... 0.142 .............0.140 ........... 0.002............. 1.429 ................0.139 .............. 0.137...................0.139.................... 8,355,737 ..........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 222,116..........369,398..................... 36 ............1.650 ........... 1.670 ...........1.650 ............1.665 ............. 1.650.............0.015 .............0.909 ................1.660 ..............1.660...................1.665 ................1,248,750,000 ......0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 200,400........... 83,368........................8 ............0.416 ........... 0.418 ...........0.416 ............0.416 ............. 0.414............ 0.002............. 0.483 ................0.418 .............. 0.416...................0.418..................123,224,892........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY........................................ 7,000 .............14,805........................6 ............2.115 ........... 2.115............2.115 ............2.115 .............2.105.............0.010 ............. 0.475 ................2.115 .............. 2.115...................2.175 .................. 189,715,500 ........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 182,987 ........... 45,685..................... 29 ........... 0.250 ...........0.252 ...........0.247........... 0.250 .............0.249 ............0.001 .............0.402 ................0.247..............0.246...................0.247 ..................32,625,000.........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................83,896 ............44,823................... 114 ........... 0.532 ........... 0.536 ...........0.532........... 0.534 .............0.532 ........... 0.002............. 0.376 ................0.534............. 0.000...................0.534...................28,035,000.........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ................................ 43,300 .............13,077........................5 ........... 0.302 ...........0.302 ...........0.302........... 0.302 .............0.302 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.302..............0.298...................0.302 ..................30,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ...............................................................4,450 ............... 1,762........................2 ........... 0.396 ...........0.396 ...........0.396........... 0.396 .............0.396 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.396..............0.396...................0.400 ..................19,800,000.........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ............................................................. 200 ...................314........................1 ............1.570 ........... 1.570 ...........1.570 ............1.550 ............. 1.550............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.570 .............. 1.555...................1.570................. 310,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ....................................11,566 ...............3,655........................1 ............0.316 ........... 0.316 ...........0.316 ............0.316 ............. 0.316............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.316 ..............0.302...................0.318................. 423,664,439 .......0.100 OM0000001509............DHOFAR INT.DEV.AND INV. HOLD......................26,060 .............12,613........................5 ........... 0.484 ...........0.484 ...........0.484........... 0.484 .............0.484 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.484..............0.484...................0.498.................. 119,257,600 ........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 429,810 ......... 100,126..................... 30 ........... 0.233 ...........0.234 ...........0.231 ........... 0.233 .............0.233 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.231 ..............0.231...................0.232 ..................46,600,000 ........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 610,935.............71,562..................... 43 ............0.119 ........... 0.119............0.114 ............0.117 ............. 0.117 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.114 ...............0.113................... 0.114 ...................14,259,375 .........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ............................................................18,970 ...............9,902........................1 ........... 0.522 ...........0.522 ...........0.522........... 0.522 .............0.522 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.522..............0.522...................0.532.................. 172,715,555 ........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ..............................................5,000 ............... 1,728........................2 ........... 0.344 ...........0.352 ...........0.344 .......... 0.344 .............0.344 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.352..............0.346...................0.354...................21,054,270 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............65,695 ...............8,925........................9 ............0.138 ........... 0.138 ...........0.135 ............0.136 ............. 0.136............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.136 ..............0.134...................0.136...................12,240,000.........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 104,897 ........... 56,439.....................24 ........... 0.538 ...........0.540 ...........0.536........... 0.538 .............0.538 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.536..............0.534...................0.536................1,233,000,557 ......0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. .............210 ..................460........................1 ............2.190 ........... 2.190 ...........2.190........... 2.190 .............2.190 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.190..............2.190...................2.200 ................. 151,110,000 ........0.100 OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA ................................................. 1,000 .................. 836........................1 ........... 0.836 ........... 0.836 ...........0.836........... 0.836 .............0.836 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.836..............0.836...................0.840 .................133,760,000........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES .......................................55,068 .............18,987......................13 ........... 0.344 ...........0.348 ...........0.344 .......... 0.344 .............0.344 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.348..............0.344...................0.348 ..................97,040,492 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 218,669 ........... 28,864..................... 26 ............0.132 ........... 0.133 ...........0.130........... 0.132 .............0.132............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.130 ..............0.130................... 0.131 ...................38,277,444 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................65,890 ...............5,945......................13 ........... 0.090 ........... 0.091 ...........0.088........... 0.090 .............0.090 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.088..............0.089...................0.090 ..................15,750,000 .........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER ....................................................65,870 .............12,556........................9 ............0.190 ........... 0.191............0.190............0.191 ............. 0.191 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.191 .............. 0.191...................0.192.................. 136,451,611 ........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ..............25,300 ...............5,677..................... 10 ........... 0.225 ...........0.225 ...........0.224 .......... 0.224 .............0.225 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.444 ...............0.224..............0.223...................0.224 ...................4,704,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 107,099............ 20,395......................13 ............0.190 ........... 0.191............0.190........... 0.190 ............. 0.191 ............-0.001 ........... -0.524 ...............0.191 .............. 0.175...................0.192..................128,228,612........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 847,868 ......... 153,997..................... 28 ............0.184 ........... 0.184 ...........0.181 ........... 0.182 ............. 0.183............-0.001 ........... -0.546 ...............0.181 ..............0.182...................0.183................. 262,342,080 .......0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ...................................................... 83,200 .............10,574......................18 ............0.127 ........... 0.129 ...........0.127 ............0.127 .............0.128............-0.001 ............-0.781................0.129 .............. 0.127...................0.129................... 39,467,148 .........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................. 50,000 ............ 14,000........................4 ........... 0.280...........0.280 ...........0.280 .......... 0.280 .............0.284 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.408 ...............0.280..............0.276...................0.280 .................432,523,993 .......0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ............. 470,000 .........143,820........................5 ........... 0.306 ...........0.306 ...........0.306........... 0.306 .............0.312............-0.006 ........... -1.923................0.306..............0.306...................0.312...................10,272,864 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 1,228,892 ........ 93,526.....................44 ........... 0.078 ........... 0.078 ...........0.076........... 0.076 .............0.079 ...........-0.003 ............-3.797................0.076..............0.075...................0.076................... 15,743,505 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 9,419,186... 4,374,333...................775 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......33........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001285 ............NATIONAL MINERAL WATER ...............................15,000 ...............1,200........................2 ........... 0.080 ...........0.080 ...........0.080........... 0.080 .............0.078 ........... 0.002.............2.564 ................0.080..............0.075...................0.080 ...................2,160,243 ..........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE .............................. 34,112 ...............3,902........................7 ............0.114 ........... 0.115............0.114 ............0.114 ............. 0.112............ 0.002............. 1.786.................0.115 ...............0.115................... 0.116 ...................11,400,000 .........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK..................................................8,000 ..................646........................2 ........... 0.080 ...........0.082 ...........0.080........... 0.081 .............0.080 ............0.001 ............. 1.250 ................0.082..............0.083...................0.084 ..................81,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 153,397...............5,982........................7 ........... 0.039 ...........0.039 ...........0.039........... 0.039 .............0.039 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.039..............0.039...................0.040 ................... 3,315,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ...................................................2,000 ...............1,004........................1 ........... 0.502 ...........0.502 ...........0.502........... 0.502 .............0.502 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.502..............0.500...................0.000 ..................79,065,000.........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ...................................................... 25,000 ............... 1,325........................2 ........... 0.053 ........... 0.053 ...........0.053........... 0.053 .............0.053 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.053..............0.053...................0.054 ...................6,625,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 785,960 ........... 58,952..................... 34 ............0.075 ........... 0.076 ...........0.074........... 0.075 .............0.075 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.076..............0.075...................0.076..................112,500,000........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING....................................32,850 ...............3,294........................7 ............0.102 ........... 0.102 ...........0.100........... 0.100 ............. 0.101............-0.001 ........... -0.990 ...............0.100..............0.100...................0.102....................7,520,800 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,056,319 ........ 76,305..................... 62 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 8........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

INDIAN STOCKS

Sensex rises as monsoon spurs interest rate-cut bets MUMBAI: Indian stocks climbed to a three-week high, with the benchmark index extending last week’s advance, after a report on the monsoon’s progress bolstered expectations of a reduction in borrowing costs.

Tata Power, the biggest nonstate generator, advanced to a two-week high, while Bajaj Auto increased for a third day. Hindalco Industries, India’s secondlargest aluminium producer, rose to a one-week high. Indian Oil Corp. paced gains among refiners after raising fuel prices. Gail India was the best performer on the S&P BSE Sensex.

The Sensex jumped 1.3 per cent to 27,687.30, the highest close since April 23. The weather bureau forecast on Sunday that the monsoon may set in over the southern state of Kerala on May 30, six days sooner than last year. The gauge capped a second weekly advance on Friday, May 15, amid speculation that slowing inflation will give Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan room to reduce interest rates for a third time in 2015.

Inflation falling “If the monsoon is normal, then the chances of a rate cut increase,” U.R. Bhat, a director at a local unit of UK-based Dalton Strategic Partnership, which oversees $2 billion in assets, said in a phone interview. “There’s a good chance the RBI will cut interest rates with inflation falling.”

The 50-stock CNX Nifty index rose 1.4 per cent to 8,373.65, and the benchmark gauge of option prices slumped the most since February 28 to 17.9.

The monsoon may advance further to remaining parts of the An-

daman Islands and north Andaman sea in the next 48 hours, the weather office said. The agency last month forecast rainfall in the June-September period to be below average for a second year as an El Nino develops, likely hurting farm output and stoking food inflation in Asia’s thirdlargest economy.

Consumer prices climbed 4.87 per cent in April from a year earlier, slowing from 5.17 per cent in March, data showed last week. The next policy review is on June 2. Rajan refrained from lowering rates at a scheduled review on April 7 as he waited for lenders to pass on two previous rate cuts to customers.

“The main catalyst for India in the short term will be interest rates,” Andrew Holland, chief executive officer of Ambit Investment Advisors, said in an interview on Monday with Bloomberg TV India. “The governor should cut by 50 basis points. There’s no reason not to.”

The Sensex entered a so-called correction on May 7 after completing a 10 per cent decline from its January 29 record amid concerns about the pace of earnings growth and delays in the passage of key economic bills in parliament.

‘Not disappointing’ While eight of the 14 Sensex companies that have reported results for the March quarter have beaten or matched estimates, profits will decline for a second straight quarter, forecasts compiled by Bloomberg show.

“The results season hasn’t produced big disappointments so far,” Taher Badshah, co-head of equities at Mumbai-based Moti-

lal Oswal Asset Management Co., which has $330 million in assets, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV India on Monday. “The market’s taking heart in the fact that earnings, despite the challenges around, are not weakening as much as expected.”

Gail rallied 3.8 per cent to its highest level since April 16. Hindalco climbed 1.5 per cent and Bajaj Auto increased 1.6 per cent, extending last week’s three per cent advance. Drugmaker Dr Reddy’s Laboratories climbed 3.6 per cent, the most since April 6.

Gasoline price Oil & Natural Gas Corp., the largest explorer, increased to a twoweek high. Indian Oil climbed two per cent, the most since April 30.

Hindustan Petroleum Corp. rallied 4.1 per cent and Bharat Petroleum Corp. increased 3.4 per cent.

The refiners raised diesel prices by Rs2.71 a litre and petrol by Rs3.13 a litre after market hours on Friday.

The Sensex has gained 0.7 per cent this year and trades at 15.3 times projected 12-month earnings, compared with 12.4 times for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

International investors bought a net $275 million of local stocks on May 15, the highest inflow since April 21. Foreigners have plowed about $6.8 billion into Indian equities this year, adding to $16 billion of purchases in 2014.

— Bloomberg News

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TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

B5

ROUND-UP Orpic celebrates achievements in environmental improvement plan The key projects announced by Orpic are Environmental Quality Monitoring System, SR Tanks Odour Mitigation, Second Sour Water Stripper, and disposal of all industrial waste from Orpic’s facility in Sohar

SOHAR: Following the 2011 integration that led to the formation of Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic), a clear vision and strategy for growth was established, which included an Environment Improvement Plan (EIP) — a framework for Orpic’s overriding commitment to environmental responsibility.

Orpic celebrated the accom-

plishment of four key projects that form part of the EIP, and mark a significant achievement in the company’s journey to environmental improvement plan. The event, which was held recently at Orpic headquarters in Sohar, was attended by Mohammed bin Salim Al Tobi, Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs, says a press release.

Musab Al Mahruqi, Orpic CEO, explained that Orpic’s EIP was developed in consideration of acknowledged issues among stakeholders.

Sustainable future “When we established Orpic, we wanted to build an Omani integrated refining and petrochemical business we are proud of. We aspired to a sustainable future where we could expand our business to meet the growing needs of the region and sector, while improving the environmental performance of our operations. After consulting with many stakeholder representatives, we were able to streamline our environmental focus into three distinct areas — air emissions, industrial waste management and water treatment,” he said.

Orpic’s EIP, which is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs and Sohar

Environmental Unit (SEU), has resulting in numerous improvements to the company’s current operations, which are estimated at $50 million.

“We have a specialist team of innovative and experienced people responsible for identifying solutions that address and rectify some of the areas that were recognised as requiring improvement,” Al Mahruqi added.

The key projects announced by Orpic yesterday are Environmental Quality Monitoring System, SR Tanks Odour Mitigation, Second Sour Water Stripper, and disposal of all industrial waste from Orpic’s facility in Sohar.

The Environmental Quality Monitoring System includes an environmental monitoring panel in the control room, and the introduction of a new mobile ambient air quality monitoring van.

To improve Odour Control, Orpic

FA R E W E L L

has made a substantial investment in Sohar Refinery (SR) tanks odour mitigation via two oily water sumps and one oily water storage tank.

Orpic is also introducing a second sour water stripper to improve control over odour forming processes within the refinery.

Orpic has also changed the way industrial waste is disposed of, and has removed all stored hazardous waste at its Liwa facility.

Other improvements include Orpic’s ongoing commitment to flare reduction, which has decreased by 50% since 2011, with further reductions to be made.

Certification “Orpic is committed to improving its daily operations, and we have been doing so since the integration of our business in 2011. We recently obtained independent ISO certification for our environmental management system

— demonstrating the company’s compliance and commitment to operating in line with best practice international environmental standards.

“A strong environmental focus is now a key part of Orpic’s strategy for all new and existing projects and activities, including our Sohar Refinery Improvement Project, Liwa Plastic Industries Complex and Muscat Sohar Products Pipeline,” Al Mahruqi explained.

Orpic recognises that as one of the biggest companies in the region, it has an important role to play in the current and future success of the community and the people that live and work within in.

Orpic operates a dedicated Visitor Centre, Community Hotline and uses other methods of communication to maintain an open and direct dialogue with the community — one of the company’s most valued stakeholders.

C E L E B R AT I O N

ISC Salalah bids Indian ambassador adieu

SALALAH: Indian Social Club (ISC) Salalah bid J. S. Mukul, Ambassador of India to Oman, adieu as he leaves the Sultanate to take up his new assignment in the Kingdom of Netherlands.

The ceremony also welcomed the visiting Indian naval officers, Commander Gaurav Gautam, Commanding officer INS Tarangini and Defence Attaché Captain Arjun Dev, says a press release.

The function was held recently at Hamdan Plaza Hotel, Salalah.

Manpreet Singh, chairman of Indian Social Club Salalah, welcomed the gathering.

He thanked the ambassador for his sweet gestures and the naval officers for their tireless work at making their lives peaceful. He also presented them with bouquets and mementos.

The ambassador in his address

said this year embassy of India is celebrating 60th year of diplomatic relations established in 1955.

Mukul also stated that the trade between Oman and India has reached at $5.8b.

Gaurav Gautam also addressed the gathering thanking the Indian community for their warm welcome in Salalah.

Hridhya S. Menon, lady-coordinator of Indian Social Club, hosted

the ceremony as the compère.

Mementos of love The Indian School Salalah and various other socio-cultural organisations presented their mementos of love and gratitude to the ambassador. Mohandas M. K., culture secretary, proposed the vote of thanks. The formal ceremony was followed by a short cultural fiesta and dinner.

SPECIAL OCCASION

Indian School Al Mabelah celebrates annual day MUSCAT: Indian School Al Mabelah (ISAM) organised its annual day recently, a grand celebration which saw the little stars twinkle on the grounds of the school.

From tiny toddlers to teeny poppers the event encouraged, gave rewards as well as an opportunity to the students to showcase their talent. The event opened with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony by Dr Saleh Salim Al Busaidi, member of the State Council, says a press release.

ISAM Head Girl Neema Shiju passionately presented the welcome address.

P. Prabakaran, the principal, read out the annual report highlighting the prominent achievements of the school during the academic year in Scholastic and Co-scholastic areas.

Ambujakshan M. K., School Management Committee (SMC) president, articulated the school’s plan to introduce transport facility for the students. He also appreciated the parents for their active

participation for the development of school and also informed the gathering about the various developmental projects carried out by the SMC. Key note address was delivered by the honourable chief guest, Dr Saleh Selim Al Busaidi. He congratulated the management, staff and students for their efforts to

make this event a grand success.

Prize giving ceremony happens to be the most awaited event of the annual day. Achievers both individuals and teams were honoured by Saleh Busaidi and other dignitaries.

Appreciating the conductive learning environment and excellent infrastructure of the school,

STUDENT COUNCIL

MUSCAT: Under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, Al Ibdaa International School celebrated recently the graduation of its 12th batch of 45 high school diploma students who successfully completed this stage and are ready to enter university well prepared with knowledge, creativity and tendency. The ceremony was held in the school auditorium in the presence of the chairman and a group of parents and teacher, says a press release.

The ceremony included a number of distinct programmes that were greatly admired by Sayyid Faisal, the sponsor of the event and the audience. The ceremony began with verses from the Holy Quran recited by a student Abdullah Al Hinai, and then the choir group presented a welcoming programme. After that the Chairman Farid Mohammed Al Lawati delivered a speech in which he welcomed Sayyid Faisal, the distinguished attendants and congratulated the students for their graduation. He then talked about the academic side, which represents one of the most prominent school concerns through professional development programmes for teachers, which amounted to 30 workshops, as well as activating the academic remedial program and paying high attention to students through vocational guidance and counselling programmes, all these efforts were fruitful whereas last year result was 100 per cent nine students out of 47 students scored the highest of 90 per cent.

Regarding the school activities, he explained that the school

pays particular attention to the activities whereas 10 lectures were held on cultural activities and the annual creativity forum that develops students’ creative skills. And in the field of social activities, 120 educational journey inside and outside the Sultanate have been organised, and at the level of outdoor participation, the school participated in up to 35 the variety of activities and achieved the highest positions.

In conclusion of his speech, he praised the active and lasting role for parents in the implementation of the objectives and communicated them to the fullest and also thanked the sponsor of the event, the attendants, faculty staff members and the graduate students. The ceremony then continued with a number of outstanding programmes in Arabic and English in particular: the visible display of the school’s achievements during the school year followed by an English song

by Grade V students titled (make a change) and then a play entitled (the revival of the Arabic language) by Grades VIII and IX students, also a traditional programme on heritage was presented by students and was greatly admired by attendants ; this included poetry and colloquial traditional dances.

At the end of the ceremony, Sayyid Faisal and the chairman honoured the academically outstanding students and those with high position in outdoor competitions, as well as graduate students and the chairman handed a commemorative shield to the sponsor of the event.

C A P T I VAT I N G P E R F O R M A N C E

Indian School Ibri holds investiture ceremony MUSCAT: The Indian School Ibri held its investiture ceremony of the year 2015-16 in a very impressive manner. The programme began with a welcome song by the school choir followed by the ceremonial march past of the office bearers of the Student Council, says a press release.

Abdul Gafoor Quadri, president of the School Management Committee, presided over the function along with other members of the SMC. Supriya Manoj, a senior member of the teaching faculty, welcomed the gathering.

Quadri in his short address extended best wishes to all the elected and selected leaders of the Student Council and advised them to become good leaders and role models to their juniors.

The principal M. P. Vinoba con-

the guest of honour, Wilson V. George, Chairman, BoD, addressed the august gathering and motivated the parents for strengthening school-home connection through close networking. He congratulated the students as well as the teachers for their efforts on putting up a grand show on their annual day.

The cultural bonanza with 100% participation of students enthralled the parents. The school and the entire gathering witnessed variety of Indian and Omani dance, enthusing every heart and soul. A dance performance, depicting various festivals added charm to that spectacular evening.

The folk dance of Oman and Jammu Dogri dance left everyone awestruck.

The event concluded with the vote of thanks rendered by the vice principal Z. A. Kazi, and the school anthem sung by the school choir leaving behind the promise of a handful of brighter hues for the next year.

Graduation ceremony held at Al Ibdaa school

gratulated the members of the Student Council for being elected to the Council and appreciated their interest in taking up the responsibility. To achieve greater heights one should have the willingness to shoulder responsibility, he said.

He inspired them through the story of Alexander the Great.

The president administered badges of honour to the head boy Manoj Ajith Panicker; Sandhya Vijayan, member of the SMC to the Head girl Remy Krishna; Sunny Mathew, academic coordinator to

deputy head boy Abhin Viswam Panicker and Kurian Thomas, activity coordinator to the deputy head girl Kiran Sara Thomas.

Followed by this, the prefects and vice prefects of the four houses were conferred with their badges and flags by their respective house masters and tutors as follows: Then, the office bearers of the Student Council took oath, which was administered by the principal.

Swati Kale, a member of the teaching faculty proposed the vote of thanks.

‘Nakshatra’ holds cultural event MUSCAT: Residents of Muscat witnessed a unique cultural event as members of children’s organisation 'Nakshatra' presented a captivating performance ‘Nakshatra Shondhya 2015’ recently at the British School Muscat auditorium.

‘Nakshatra’, a children’s organisation founded by Tanusree Dey in 2005, believes in truth and purity of the soul of a child and works to remove the ignorance and darkness of the mind and for lighting up the lamp of one’s inner soul. In the past 10 years, Tanusree and the young members of the group have presented many enchanting cultural events to the enthusiastic audiences of Muscat, says a press release.

This year’s programme started with a dance performance ‘Jhe

Pallavi’ by Tamoghna, followed by a dance recital Writuranga capturing the moods of six wondrous seasons enacted by Nafiza, Oindrilla, Ritoma, Shaharin, Shreya, Shrabosti, Stuti and Tamoghna.

Ajmain, Arpan, Mariya, Soham, Sreela, Sumaiya, Tanhaz and Taposhya, the youngest members of ‘Nakshatra’, then presented cute songs and poem recitations filled with childish imaginations

and laughter.

The final act of the evening was a dance drama Tasher Desh written by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and performed by Abhijoy, Aishik, Aritra, Antariksh, Anuska, Ishani, Oindrilla, Nafiza, Nanziba and Tahsin. The audience appreciated the efforts of the young performers and left with the hope of seeing many more similar events in future.

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ROUND-UP Lulu Oman wins MERA Award for fourth year ‘Middle East Retail Academy: 2015 Awards’ were decided during a live voting session by an audience of prequalified ICT and CE vendors, distributors and retail executives from across the Middle East market

MUSCAT: Regional retail giant Lulu Hypermarket was on a winning spree at the coveted Distree Diamonds and Middle East Retail Academy (MERA) Awards 2015

held recently in conjunction with Distree Middle East 2015.

Lulu Hypermarket bagged two retailer awards namely, the Retailer of the Year - Oman for the

fourth time in as many years and the MERA Retailer of the Year Bahrain.

The Retail Executive of the Year award was awarded to Babu Wasim of Lulu Hypermarket – Kuwait and Kannan from Lulu Hypermarket - Bahrain, says a press release.

‘Middle East Retail Academy: 2015 Awards’ were decided during a live voting session by an audience of pre-qualified ICT and CE vendors, distributors and retail executives from across the Middle East market attending Distree Middle East.

Prior to the live voting session, five nominated brands for each award were selected based on continuous channel feedback received during the last 12 months through the MERA Monthly Monitor Report (MMR).

DELICIOUS

A’Saffa chicken franks: A favourite among children and adults alike

ARMAAN BOUTIQUE

New boutique brings top Pakistani fashion brands under one roof MUSCAT: The Armaan Boutique was officially inaugurated recently by Naheed Ayaz, wife of Ayaz Hussain, Ambassador of Pakistan, in a glamorous ceremony attended by a cross section of the community. The Armaan Boutique, a concept born out of pure passion, has its roots deeply entrenched in the culture and intricate patterns of Pakistan, says a press release.

Although Pakistani fabric is not new to the market, it has never been attempted at this level where a full store is dedicated to the colours, fabrics, embroideries and ensembles of Pakistan.

Brands like Asim Jofa, Sobia Nazir, Umar Sayeed, Khaadi, Zunuj, Beech Tree, Junaid Jamshed, Farah Talib, Sana Safinaz, Gul Ahmed and others have all found a place at the Armaan Boutique.

Conveniently and centrally located in the Gallery Muscat Mall in Al Khuwair, away from the hustle and bustle of the main business centres, the Armaan Boutique offers an ideal place for women to shop.

Those interested can like the Facebook page on facebook. com/thearmaanboutique to be updated about the happenings in the store.

INVESTITURE CEREMONY

MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s number one chicken producer, has an exciting and tasty product range of smoked, spicy and regular chicken franks that are made from the finest ingredients.

A’Saffa franks are popular amongst children and adults alike, and are a step towards continued expansion of the brand’s delicacy range and bringing the quality standards of A’Saffa to the market in new and appetising ways.

The delicious A’Saffa smoked, spicy and regular chicken franks are a connoisseur’s delight, says a press release.

Ever-lingering freshness Flavoursome and blended with the ever-lingering freshness of natural ingredients and delicate spices, A’Saffa chicken franks make parties and celebrations even more exciting.

“We believe that our chicken

franks range — smoked, spicy, as well as regular are much tastier than imported products, thanks to the quality of the natural and pure ingredients used. For a fam-

ily looking for a fresh, pure, natural, healthy and tasty product, our chicken franks are ideal,” said Sidhartha Lenka, head, marketing and sales.

“A’Saffa chicken franks are extremely pure and tasty and we are sure they will bring out the chef in one and all. Always fresh, like our other processed products, the chicken franks range too are fresh, healthy, tasty, and pure; and are a product of choice among families in the Sultanate and beyond,” he added.

Being pioneers in fully integrated poultry production and farm management systems, A’Saffa Foods have built its competence and expertise in food production, processed food technology and innovative food recipes helping them to deliver new, flavourful choices that consumers can enjoy at all times. As a market leader, it is A’Saffa Foods constant endeavour to provide consumers with food products that are wholesome and processed hygienically from natural, pure, halal, healthy and premium ingredients.

P R I Z E D R AW

Al Kanz winner takes home OMR100,000 MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman yesterday made one of its customers OMR100,000 richer following the Al Kanz prize draw for the month of April at Muscat City Centre, which was overseen by honorary guest Sheikh Mohsin Al Hadad, Member of State Council.

The bank also used the event as a platform to launch its new ‘Easy Payment Plan’ solution to give customers even more flexibility when shopping at some of the local retailers, says a press release.

Under NBO’s Al Kanz scheme, customers who have maintained a minimum monthly average balance of OMR100 or above are eligible to participate in the monthly prize draw. The earlier a customer deposits and the longer they retain it for, the more chances they have of winning the monthly and grand prize draws.

John Chang, general manager and chief retail banking officer at National Bank of Oman, said: “The National Bank of Oman team offers their congratulations to the latest winner of the Al Kanz draw. The Al Kanz Prize scheme seeks to promote and reward good savings habits, and we look forward to rewarding more customers. Next month, 60 children will

each win a OMR500 cash prize, 35 youth will win OMR1,000 each and six winners - one from each region - will receive a OMR50,000 cash prize each.”

National Bank of Oman has also launched a new ‘Easy Payment Plan’ solution covering purchases at stores including Joylukkas, Damas, Malabar Gold, Travel Point and Sharaf DG, to name just a few. Customers spending over OMR100 at these stores on their NBO Credit Cards can choose to convert the payment into instal-

ments over a 6-month or 12-month period at 0% interest.

Chang added: “Providing choice and flexibility to customers is a central pillar of the National Bank of Oman business model, and reflects our focus on delivering a consistently superior customer experience. Our new ‘Easy Payment Plan’ has been developed specifically with our customers in mind as it provides a simple, convenient and interest free option for spreading out the cost of shopping at various stores.”

NBO has also launched a new ‘Easy Payment Plan’ solution covering purchases at stores including Joyalukkas, Damas, Malabar Gold, Travel Point and Sharaf DG. Customers spending over OMR100 at these stores on their NBO credit cards can choose to convert the payment into instalments over a 6-month or 12-month period at 0% interest

Indian School Nizwa instals young leaders NIZWA: The Investiture Ceremony of Indian School Nizwa, held recently on the school premises, marked a significant beginning to a new academic year 2015-16. It was a solemn occasion where the young students were all prepared to don the mantle of leadership and discharge the responsibilities entrusted upon them by the school.

The function was presided over by the chief guest Dr Salim Al Abri, executive director, Nizwa Hospital and the guest of honour Dr. Yaqoob bin Khalfan Al Nadabi, administrative manager, Mininstry of Education (MoE) and the special guest Ismail Al Muniri, system supervisor, MoE. The event was also attended by Dr S Arokiasamy, president of the School Management Committee, Dr Ved Prakash Narang, treasurer of SMC, other committee members and the beloved parents, says a press release.

The ceremony, marked with a lot of enthusiasm and gusto, was initiated with the lighting of the lamp. The gathering was welcomed by the Principal Mainakshe Minoo whose motivational speech urged the young leaders to have a clear conscience while delineating their duties.

It was indeed a proud moment for the Indian School Nizwa fraternity when the chief guest adorned the newly elected leaders with badges. The principal handed over the school flag to the Head Boy Sharoon Shreef and the school maze to the Head Girl Sunaina Yousuf.

The masters and mistresses of the four houses handed the house flags and placards to the captains of each house. They were also adorned with badges

by their blessed parents as well as the senior teachers of the school.

This was indeed a very proud occasion and the leaders took an oath to be true to their posts and duties assigned to them and work in sync with the mission of the school. Sharoon in his acceptance speech promised to abide by the rules of the school and vowed to act as a role model for the rest of the school to emulate.

The enlightening words of Arokiasamy inspired the student governing council to have a clear vision and proper focus on their goals. He also stressed on the point that success in life is to make others successful. Dr Ved Prakash Narang, treasurer of the School Management committee in his address emphasised the importance of developing a team and entrusting each with his own responsibility, which eventually is the trademark of leadership.

The school choir enthralled the audience with a beautiful and melodious song and a talented group of students mesmerised everyone with a classical and folk dance.

The newly elected School Governing Council is: Head Boy Sharoon Shereef, Head Girl Sunaina Yousuf, Asst. Head Boy Jeevan Justin, Asst. Head Girl Rifana Riyas, Sports Captain Boy Kartik Thulasi. Sports Captain Girl Soja Sajeev, Captains of Tagore house Manahil Ameen, Venkat G and Asst. Vice-Captain Jinsha Jaleel, Gandhi house captains Susma Albert, Rana Das and Asst. ViceCaptain Alka Mano, Azad house captains Ayisha Harmain, Suroor Othman and Asst. Vice-Captain Anshad V V, and Vivekananda house captains Sara Albert, Ahmed Kifah and Asst. ViceCaptain Praveen Kumar.

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

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ROUND-UP Bank Muscat wins ‘Best Bank in Oman’ award The Global Finance awards are recognised as one of the most prestigious international banking awards given to institutions that demonstrate leadership, innovation and momentum in the markets in which they operate MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, has won the ‘Best Bank in Oman’ award by Global Finance in recognition of banking service excellence.

Criteria for choosing the winners included growth in assets, profitability, strategic relationships, customer service, competitive pricing, and innovative products. Global Finance editors with input from industry analysts, corporate executives and banking consultants selected the best emerging markets bank in the region. A poll of Global Finance’s corporate readership was also conducted in order to validate the accuracy and reliability of the results, says a press release.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, said: “Time and again, the performance of Bank Muscat has been lauded by the global banking community and we are delighted to receive yet another endorsement from Global Finance reflecting the

consistency of performance and the innovative strategies which have cemented the bank’s reputation in a tough market. Year on year, the bank adopts new initiatives to stretch its operational excellence. A keen perception of customer requirements enables the bank to remain focused on developing products and services in line with the current and emerging needs. Going forward, Bank Muscat seeks to reinforce its competitive edge in the market.”

As the flagship bank with a fastgrowing network, Bank Muscat aims to deliver reliable, dynamic and innovative banking services.

The bank draws on its expertise to provide customers with the best banking products and services.

The bank is endowed with a deep understanding of customer needs, offering expertise and financial guidance at all levels.

A multi-award winning organisation, Bank Muscat holds the rare distinction of being consistently

voted the ‘Best Bank in Oman’ by all leading local, regional and global institutions.

The Global Finance awards are recognised as one of the most prestigious international banking awards given to institutions that demonstrate leadership, innovation and momentum in the markets in which they operate.

“Banking markets around the world are changing dramatically in the face of a new regulatory landscape and changing conditions. We honour those banks that have the deepest commitment to the markets in which they operate and understanding of the specific needs of customers based in those markets,” the magazine noted.

Bank Muscat accounts for 38 per cent market share of assets in Oman worth over OMR65 billion. The bank posted a net profit of OMR43.30 million for the 3-month period ending March 31 2015 compared to OMR39.76 million reported during the same period in 2014, an increase of 8.9 per

I N T E R N AT I O N A L Y O G A D AY

different groups will be performing yoga in dance form. Yoga utsav will be honoured by Ambassador of India.

“This event is being circulated to different schools and groups so that there is more awareness in so-

ciety about the general well-being and health which is main motto,” said an ISC official.

Registration forms are available at ISC reception (24701347) or can be downloaded from the www.

ISCmuscat.com.

LUXURY BRAND

Clé de Cartier now available at Khimji’s MUSCAT: In line with its commitment to bring the latest from the world of luxury brands to its customers in Oman, Khimji’s Watches now showcases the Clé de Cartier timepieces. The new Clé de Cartier watch launched at SIHH 2015 has a minimalist elegance and a harmonious design.

Clé means ‘key’ in French and the crown’s resemblance to one is unmistakable. The act of resetting the time and date introduces a new gesture to the world of watchmaking, one that recalls the traditional turning of a key to wind up a clock.

Elongated and pure, it is adorned with a sapphire that is not set in a classical manner. Instead, it is ingeniously inserted to remain flush with the metal surrounding it, says

Re-designed MEDC website provides dynamic services MUSCAT: Muscat Electricity Distribution Company (MEDC) recently re-designed its website to provide its subscribers with the best quality of services. The newly designed website provides dynamic and progressive services offered by MEDC, says a press release.

Commenting about the newly designed website, Moataz Nafea, Customer Service Development Expert at MEDC said, “Early before we started the website redesign project, a specialised team from MEDC held multiple focus groups with our subscribers to identify their needs and hear their views about the services they want us to provide. After gathering the required information, we followed an analytical methodology comparing other websites of several electricity providers around the world on the purpose of meeting the international standards.”

“We have put the website design plan according to these international standards which suit Oman market needs based on the suggestions of our customers.

The new design provides all the required information in a user friendly manner and focuses on the needs of our subscribers, not only that but more to come, we have planned some state of the art services that will be launched in the near future,” added Moataz.

Majda Al Wahaibi, Communication Specialist at MEDC stated, “Since the launch of the newly designed website we have

It is worth mentioning that the website offers a lot of online services like updating subscriber data, supplying electricity in new buildings in Muscat

been receiving very positive reviews from our subscribers and contractors. At MEDC we feel very proud that the company’s website is up and running to help our subscribers regarding electricity supply, billing services and payment.”

Feedback from subscribers using the new website is really positive pinpointing the smoothness and simplicity of accessing information as it was designed in a way that fit mobile phones browser apps as well as computers.

It is worth mentioning that the website offers a lot of online services like updating subscriber data, supplying electricity in new buildings in Muscat. It also provides data about the outages due to maintenance and other technicalities that aim to develop and improve the electricity network.

S U I TA B LY C U S T O M I S E D

ISC Muscat yoga event on May 22 MUSCAT: Indian Social Club Muscat, as part of the International Yoga Day celebrations, is hosting a yoga event on May 22 at the ISC multi-purpose hall.

United Nations General Assembly approved on December 11, 2014 the International Yoga Day to be celebrated on June 21 every year, says a press release.

The event will start with free yoga session at 8am to 9:30am for all ages. Later, from 9:30am onwards the yoga event for participants from all age groups will showcase their talent in yoga asana which will be judged by experienced teachers From 3:30pm to 5pm an open discussion will take place among different teachers about different styles of yoga with respect to their needs.

In the end, from 7pm onwards,

cent. The bank posted a net profit of OMR163.23 million in 2014 compared to OMR152.19 million reported in 2013, an increase of 7.3 per cent.

Bank Muscat offers the complete range of innovative banking products and services to the largest banking family in Oman. Offering the right mix of traditional and electronic banking channels for the Sultanate’s youth-dominated population, Bank Muscat enjoys an edge in hi-tech products and services, notably electronic payment and web-based services, in tune with Oman moving towards a cashless society and meeting the banking requirements of a young and tech-savvy generation. Product innovation and improved level of service by Bank Muscat for both conventional and electronic channels is the key to making a difference in banking excellence.

Bank Muscat enjoys investment grade credit ratings of ‘A1’

by Moody’s and ‘A-’ by Standard & Poor’s. The bank’s biggest footprint and presence across the Sultanate and world class products and services are helping to make the vital differentiation, with the focus on its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision. The bank has direct and indirect presence in all six GCC states, including a branch each in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as well as Representative offices in the UAE and Singapore, which focus on financial institutions and trade business. With the best and most knowledgeable team in the country, Bank Muscat remains committed to providing a world class banking experience.

QUALITY SERVICES

a press release.

Combining cutting-edge technology and in-depth expertise, the Clé de Cartier has a new in-house movement developed, produced and assembled by the craftsmen of the Cartier Manufacture in Switzerland. Its name — 1847 MC — pays homage to the year the Maison was founded.

The incorporation of a particu-

larly rapid barrel provides it with tremendous chronometric stability and the dual-direction winding automatic mechanism provides great durability via a specially designed lever system.

The Clé de Cartier is a watch for men and women. The men’s versions have a 40mm diameter and have a self-winding movement, calibre 1847MC, available in white gold and pink gold. The ladies versions are either in 31mm or 35mm diameter. The 35mm diameter versions (white gold with a diamond bezel or white gold and completely set with diamonds) have the same movement as the men’s version.

The 31mm version is available in pink gold with a pink gold bracelet and a diamond studded bezel.

All-new Yukon XL continues to be ministry’s preferred choice MUSCAT: The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources is once again ramping up its official fleet with the all-new GMC Yukon XL in a reaffirmation of its confidence in the SUV’s unmatched performance and efficiency.

The GMC Yukon has long been a favourite with the ministry with new models added every year to its multi-brand fleet. Its presence on the fleet speaks of its capabilities — qualities that have been appreciated by the ministry since 2005 when it was first inducted into the departmental fleet, says a press release.

To suit the client’s specific needs, the 2015 GMC Yukon XL has been suitably customised and fitted without compromising on the brand’s signature features and legendary capabilities.

It is this flexibility that allows for the Yukon to be suitably adapted to serve any transport and carriage function, whether as a family car or transporter of official personnel and, in some cases, goods as well.

The all-new 2015 GMC Yukon XL offers more than just a superior motoring experience to its owners. Bold styling and advanced technologies — including new safety and security technologies — support Yukon’s greater capability, while a more comprehensive list of standard features and enhanced infotainment options are designed to broaden the appeal of one of the industry’s most-popular full-size SUV line-ups.

At the heart of the Yukon XL’s acclaimed V-8 performance, as well as its impressive fuel economy, is a new family of advanced EcoTec3 engines. The EcoTec3

To suit the client’s specific needs, the 2015 GMC Yukon XL has been suitably customised and fitted without compromising on the brand’s signature features and legendary capabilities engines feature state-of-the-art technologies, including direct injection, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system, designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

More precisely controlled combustion enables the new engines to run with a higher compression ratio, which delivers greater power and efficiency.

Greater refinement in the new 2015 Yukon XL is delivered through enhanced chassis and suspension systems. A fully boxed frame – composed of more than 75 per cent high-strength steel – supports a quiet and controlled ride.

In addition, the high safety standards associated with the Yukon XL makes it a perfect candidate for the civic tasks that await this most sturdy of SUVs. After all, the Yukon line-up incorporates new technologies to help protect the driver and passengers before, during and after a collision. They include a forward radar system and the segment’s only

front seat centre-mounted air bag (models with bucket seats), which is engineered to provide additional protection to drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes, where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.

Standard and available safety features also include forward collision alert, front park assist, lane departure warning, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, front and rear automatic braking and GM’s Safety Alert Seat. It offers directional vibrations to alert the driver about potential crash threats.

Inside the all-new Yukon XL, a plethora of features compete for attention with the brand’s premium infotainment choices.

Examples include soft-touch instrument panel, console and door panel materials with live stitching and purposeful use of ambient lighting in functional areas.

All models have a standard Bose sound system, seats with dualfirmness foam and an ambient air vent designed to enhance comfort for front-seat passengers.

Perfect fit Commenting on the inclusion of the all-new Yukon XL in the ministry’s fleet, Virendra Agarwal, CEO of Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co, exclusive distributors of GMC cars in Oman, said, “The formidable capabilities of the Yukon XL make it a perfect fit for customers who demand a consistently superior performance from their vehicles. Having been part of the fleet for nearly a decade, the Yukon has done the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources proud as a dependable vehicle of choice.”

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ROUND-UP

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ahlibank opens 20th branch in Mabelah

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Ooredoo offers better call rates Aiming to keep its customers connected with friends and family for longer, rates have been reduced to just 25 baisas per minute for customers calling to India, Bangladesh and Pakistan through Mousbak International

MUSCAT: In line with its retail branch expansion plan, ahlibank announced the opening of its new conventional branch in Mabelah.

Inaugurated under the patronage of Sheikh Ibrahim Yahya Al Rawahi, wali of Seeb, the new branch is strategically located to provide easy access to ahlibank’s wide and growing customer base, outfitted with a new ATM machine and state-of-the-art technology, to facilitate the delivery of quality service to customers, says

a press release.

“The opening of Mabela branch furthers ahlibank’s strategy to expand our branch network to ensure that our services and products are available and readily accessible to all our clients,” said Lloyd Maddock, CEO of ahlibank.

“Since its inception, ahlibank has been playing a significant and leading role in the economic and social development of the country as well as striving to serve our

valued customers’ requirements.”

Maddock added.

In recent years, the bank has expanded its product portfolio and delivery channels in response to customer needs and feedback, through launching conveniently located kiosks, offsite ATMs, CDMs and other electronic channels. ahlibank’s customer strategy revolves around serving clients whilst striving to be at customers’ doorsteps through prime and prominent locations.

MUSCAT: Ooredoo customers can now enjoy even better call rates to India, Bangladesh and Pakistan through Mousbak International for the next three months.

Aiming to keep its customers connected with friends and family for longer, rates have been reduced to just 25 baisas per minute, with the additional benefit of up to 75 per cent off the subscription fee.

Customers can also keep in touch with other Mousbak In-

P I C T U R E S QU E L O C AT I O N

ternational customers locally for just 25 baisas per minute, says a press release.

“With such a considerable percentage of our calls being made to the Indian subcontinent, we saw an opportunity to enhance customers’ experience across the board. Delivering products with unparalleled value and the best customer service is at the centre of everything we do and this latest offer from our Mousbak

International is how we can reward our customers,” said Feras Al Shaikh, Director of Consumer Sales at Ooredoo.

To take advantage of Ooredoo’s new rates, customers can dial *141*0880# for Bangladesh, *141*0091# for India, and *141*0092# for Pakistan. Customers dialling 0902 or 00 using Mousbak International will also get the same rates.

CONVENTIONS INDUSTRY

Tour Oman arranges shooting of another Tamil movie song

MUSCAT: Tour Oman, the inbound tourism division of Travel Point, takes credit for successfully completing the song shoot of another South Indian movie here in the Sultanate of Oman.

The movie titled India Pakistan which was released on May 8, is a Tamil language romantic comedy film written and directed by debutant Director N. Anand, says a press release.

The film features famed stars such as Vijay Antony and Sushma Raj in the leading roles, while Pasupathy plays a pivotal supporting role. The cast also includes M.S. Bhaskar, Jegan and other talent from the industry. Lead actor Vijay, who has also produced the movie under the banner of ‘Vijay Anthony Film Corporation’, said: “The title may sound controversial, but the content is very simple.

It will be an action-thriller.”

Vijay has also received great appreciation for his career as a music composer in the same industry, prior to his move into movie-making and acting. The scintillating music from the movie has been composed by Dheena Devarajan.

The cinematography is by N. Om and Editing by Thiyagarajan.

The romantic song titled Pala Kodi Pengalilay showcases a dreamy storyline of the lead couple in various picturesque locations of Oman. The final outcome of the song shows the gorgeous landscapes of Oman with beautiful creative elements added to the shot by the film unit. The song has already become a favourite romantic melody for the Tamil Film Audience, since its release.

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“This is the first time we have witnessed such a dramatic transformation of location and use of props in Oman during song shoots.

This was the first time the art director travelled with the unit, and our experience working with a creative mind like his has been quite exciting,” said Manoj Dass, head, Tour Oman.

The Oman based company, which played the role of the locations and logistics manager, meticulously chose the locations, in an attempt to showcase all natural textures of Oman — sun, sea, sand and wadis. The Recce Team of four persons visited Oman in January to finalise on the shooting locations, followed by the film crew of 17 people, who arrived on January 12 for their shoot of three days. The shooting on the first day in Muscat covered the Oman Dive Centre and Shatti Qurum beach followed by Wahiba Sands on the next day. A beautiful angle of Wadi Shab was included in the shoot on the third day.

Sandra Fonda, the executive producer of the film thanked the Tour Oman team for their excellent service provided during the shoot. “Oman is a lovely country.

We were made to feel at home, and the hospitality of Oman and the Tour Oman team felt like we were on a holiday, even while at work.

This has definitely been the easiest

The Sultanate of Oman will definitely be the next hot destination for movies after the release of this song Gopi Amarnath Director of photography

and most interesting song shoot for all of us,” she added.

Fascinated with the beauty of this country, Vijay stated: “I wasn’t aware of a country in the GCC that was naturally so exquisite. It is truly Arabia’s best kept secret. I would love to come back for my future projects to capture so many other scenic locations in Oman.”

Tour Oman, who took up the responsibility of line production and location management for this shoot, carefully chose the locations keeping in mind the requirements of the film makers. The entire crew was appreciative of the services offered by Tour Oman and their capability to deliver the most challenging requirements of the song shoot.

“The Sultanate of Oman will definitely be the next hot destina-

tion for movies after the release of this song,” said Gopi Amarnath, the director of photography who also plans on bringing his next project to the Sultanate of Oman.

The lead actress Hansika Motwani also expressed high praises for the destination.

The Tour Oman Line Production Team was thoroughly appreciating the entire experience with the India Pakistan unit and looks forward to working with them on more projects in the coming years.

“This song which will be featured in the movie is definitely going to be a visual treat to the audience and is going to highlight Oman on the global tourism map,” said Sunil Prabhakar, CEO, Travel Point.

“We particularly thank Ministry of Tourism, Royal Oman Police, Muscat Municipality and all other ministries associated with this project, for assisting us with their support to ensure a smooth shoot schedule. We’re now ready to bring more global film tourism projects, which have already started lining up for us. We are giving it our best shot to bring an inflation in tourists visiting Oman on account of such showcasing for the destination on the big screen,” added Prabhakar.

India’s vibrant film industry produces more than 2,000 films annually with theatre admissions of over $3 billion, in various languages. Of these, over 50% are filmed overseas.

“This encouraged us to initiate this segment of tourism with the Indian film industry and showcase the beauty of Oman to an audience of over a billion Indian movie lovers globally,” said Dass, on the occasion.

Oman recognised globally by ICCA MUSCAT: For the first time, Oman has been ranked in the top 100 countries worldwide for the meetings and conventions industry by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

The Sultanate has also been classed in the top 25 countries in the Asia Pacific-Middle East Region. Founded in 1963 and comprising almost 1,000 members, ICCA is one of the most prominent global organisations in the international meetings business, says a press release.

“That Oman has been ranked in this leading international index at this point is, without a doubt, a significant achievement and a great endorsement of Oman’s business events industry,” noted Trevor McCartney, General Manager of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC).

“ICCA is a globally authoritative body and its rankings are hugely influential in the competitive meetings and conventions industry; it proves that Oman is a serious contender on the global meetings stage. As part of ‘Team Oman’, the OCEC team is working relentlessly alongside the Ministry of Tourism in promoting Oman as a formidable international events hub and the OCEC as its world-class flagship venue. I greatly look forward to seeing Oman realise its full potential with the opening of the OCEC,” added McCartney.

“Oman has been investing heavily in infrastructure, research and marketing over the last few years, so we at ICCA are not surprised that the country is now climbing our rankings. This sector requires long-term commitment, strategic thinking, and careful targeting, and we know that our members in Oman have been making great use of ICCA’s research tools and database, so that this should be just the beginning of the country’s journey to become established as a strong international association meetings destination,” said Martin Sirk, CEO at ICCA. In line with Oman’s blueprints for economic development Vision 2020 and Vision 2040, the OCEC will generate considerable revenue as a powerful player in the business events industry.

Even more importantly, as one of the world’s leading intellectual hubs, the centre will support sectors of established economic importance to the Sultanate, such as oil and gas, health, education, IT, logistics, transportation, manufacturing and fisheries, attracting industry leaders and decision makers and generating investment in the country.

Ahead of the opening of the OCEC, ICCA ranks Oman 79th out of 100 countries worldwide and 21st out of 25 countries in the Asia Pacific-Middle East Region. With the opening of the OCEC, Oman’s rankings are fully expected to rise.

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

The Bollywood to organise magic show on May 28 MUSCAT: The Bollywood, one of Muscat’s best-known Indian restaurants, has always entertained its guests by regularly pulling out various surprises from its hat.

And the latest surprise is a magic show, which will be conducted on May 28.

The show will begin at 9pm sharp, and guests will be treated to a host of tricks performed by a professional magician, who will perform table-to-table tricks that will astonish and delight the entire family, especially the kids.

So get ready to be entertained,

said a restaurant official.

Wholesome fun The magic night will replace the hugely successful Bollywood quiz night for the month of May. The quiz nights have been conducted by the restaurant since October 2013. The quiz tests patrons on their knowledge of movie-related trivia, and has become extremely popular with the guests, the restaurant’s management felt that it was time to do something new and different that would provide wholesome fun to the entire

family, says a press release.

According to Yogesh Shah, GM, Khimji Restaurants Division, The Bollywood, “Live magic and food may seem an unusual combination, but I have no doubt that our magic night will be a big hit. Our guests have appreciated our previous initiatives, such as the Quiz night, the Cook-Off and Valentine’s Day celebrations. We assure them that we will always come up with more and better ways to make dining an inclusive, fun and enjoyable experience.”

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TU ES DAY, M AY 19, 2015

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SPOR YOUR GAME

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MESSI TURNS CRISIS CLUB TO CHAMPIONS A year that equals the best in Barcelona’s history, with La Liga in the bag and Champions League and Copa del Rey finals to come, couldn’t have started more inauspiciously. >C6

No-holds-barred clash on cards

ALL SET FOR QUALIFIER 1: Chennai Super Kings, left, and Mumbai Indians, right, prepare for the battle which will see the winner book a direct berth in the final of Indian Premier League 2015. – BCCI

Two-time winners Super Kings will have to forge a new opening combination in the highpressure game following the departure of Brendon McCullum to play in the Test series against England commencing on May 21

MUMBAI: Handicapped by the absence of their dashing opener Brendon McCullum, Chennai Super Kings will take on the highflying Mumbai Indians in what promises to be a high-octane first qualifier of the IPL cricket tournament at the Wankhede Stadium here on Tuesday.

A no-holds-barred clash is on the cards between the two former champions as the reward for victory would be a direct spot in the T20 tournament’s final at the Eden Gardens on May 24.

It’s not a knock-out for the losers too as they will get a second chance to enter the summit clash by taking on the winners of the May 20 Eliminator at Pune between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Second Qualifier at Ranchi on May 22.

Two-time winners Super Kings will have to forge a new opening combination in the high-pressure game following the departure of McCullum to play in the Test series against England commencing on May 21.

The New Zealander, who piloted his country into the World Cup finals recently, has been the toporder fulcrum along with West Indian Dwayne Smith (325 runs) with a tally of 436 runs ? his side’s highest — under his belt with his belligerent stroke-play.

Veteran Australian batsman, Michael Hussey had opened with McCullum at Mohali, without both tasting success, in the Super Kings’ one-sided victory.

Now the under-cooked Hussey, with the experience of that six-ball single against his name, is expected to launch the innings with West Indian Smith against the potent MI new ball attack of Lasith Malinga and Mitchell McClenaghan.

Malinga and left-armer McClenaghan — easily the find of the season for MI with his swing, pace and bounce — have forged a deadly combination, grabbing 19 and 14 wickets respectively.

Luckily for Mumbai Indians, McClenaghan is still available to play as he is part of New Zealand’s ODI squad against England.

CHESS

Times News Service

Improved show Meanwhile, Omani players came up with a much improved performance than they did on the inaugural day. In the men’s category, Amin Al Ansi recorded a victories while Mohammed Salim Al Mamari narrowly missed out on winning a vital point.

Amin, who lost a five-hour marathon against Basher Iyti on Sunday, bounced back to defeat Kuwait champion Khaled Hashem to earn his first point of the championship. Al Mamari on the other hand fought till the end against Palestine’s Attallah Tamra before caving into the pressure.

In another second round match, Bahrain’s Maher Ayyad defeated Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Al Mashri for his first victory.

In the women’s competition too, Omani players had mixed results

consistent Ambati Rayudu and the ebullient Hardik Pandya.

MI’s batting order has a rocksolid look and appears capable of taking on the spin threat from Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja and Pawan Negi.

MI also are the better of the two teams in terms of momentum, having won seven out of their last eight games.

Their lone defeat in this superb phase came against Royal Challengers Bangalore’s rampant A B de Villiers, but they bounced back quickly to turn the tables on Kolkata Knight Riders and Sun Risers Hyderabad in two mustwin games.

Super Kings, on the other hand, have blown hot and cold towards the second part of the league stage, suffering four losses in their last seven outings.

The head-to-head record between the two former champions is 10-10 going into their 21st contest in the league.

This season, while MI lost the home game on April 17 by six wick-

ets, they paid back by the same coin in Super Kings’ den (M A Chidambaram Stadium) on May 8.

Chennai Super Kings: M S Dhoni (Capt), Ashish Nehra, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Francois du Plessis, Ishwar Pandey, Matt Henry, Mithun Manhas, Mohit Sharma, Pawan Negi, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Samuel Badree, Suresh Raina, Ronit More, Michael Hussey, Baba Aparajith, Rahul Sharma, Kyle Abbott, Ankush Bains, Irfan Pathan, Pratyush Singh, Andrew Tye and Eklavya Dwivedi.

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (capt.), Ambati Rayudu, Abhimanyu Mithun, Aditya Tare, Parthiv Patel, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Marchant de Lange, Pawan Suyal, Shreyas Gopal, Lendl Simmons, Pragyan Ojha, Mitchell McClenaghan, Aiden Blizzard, Akshay Wakhare, Nitish Rana, Sidhesh Lad, Hardik Pandya, Jagadeesha Suchith, Unmukt Chand, Ben Hilfenhaus, Colin Munro and R Vinay Kumar. — PTI

F R A N K TA L K

Mixed day for Oman, Iran GMs continue to dominate MUSCAT: Iranian Grandmasters continued to dominate while hosts Oman had a mixed day at the the Asian Zonal Chess Championships (Zone 3.1) 2015 for men and women at the City Seasons Hotel here on Monday.

On the second day of the championships, which serves as the qualifying event for the Fide Chess World Cup, Iran’s Ehsan Ghaem Maghami and Pouya Idani recorded their second successive victories while compatriot and fellow Grandmaster Pouria Darini settled for a draw against Ahmed Abdulsattar Abdulwahad of Iraq in their second round match.

Ehsan defeated Yemen’s International Master Basheer Al Qudaimi and Pouya accounted for Qatari International Master Husein Aziz Nezad. Joining them on top with two points is Syrian IM Basher Iyti who defeated Lebanon’s Ibrahim Chahrour. Pouria Darini and Ahmed Abdulsattar Abdulwahad now have 1.5 points each from two outings.

With Michael Hussey yet to find his feet, pressure would be on Smith, South African Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to give the push against a varied and incisive MI attack in which the experienced Harbhajan Singh and the impressive Jagadeesha Suchith are to bowl the middle overs.

Mumbai Indian’s batting, in contrast, has taken on a well-established look and would be difficult to stop once it gets going on a track that generally encourages aggressive stroke-play.

Openers Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons, who has notched up an impressive tally of 407 in only 11 out of 14 games, are in excellent nick going into the match.

The duo, thus, appear wellplaced to take on the rival new ball formation of left-armer Ashish Nehra, who is the spearhead of Super Kings with 18 wickets, along with Mohit Sharma.

They would be followed by captain Rohit Sharma, big-hitting West Indian Kieron Pollard, the

KEEN CONTESTS: Participants are fully focussed during the Asian Zonal Chess Championship at City Seasons Hotel.

with Wafia Al Ghafri failing to add to her first round success while Mariya Al Balushi won her first game of the championship.

Wafia, who defeated Mariya in their first round encounter on day one, was beaten by Yara Faqeeh of Palestine. Mariya, however, made amends for her first round loss by defeating Suad Alkanderi of Kuwait.

“It was a good day for Oman. But it could have been better,” Muscatbased International Master Ismael Karim said.

“Amin did well to come back after that five-hour match. But it’s disappointing to see Mohammed Al Mamari losing his way against Tamra. Al Mamari was in winning position and then there was a time when he could have settled for a draw. I think he was too tired after a long drawn game and the pressure eventually showed on him,” Karim, who is also the coach of Oman team, added.

Meanwhile, the women’s competition witnessed a major upset when Iranian Women’s International Master Mitra Hejaipour defeated Qatari Grandmaster Chen Zhu, denying the former women’s world champion her second successive victory. Speaking about the match, Karim said: “It cannot be called an upset. It was a clash

of generations — old versus young talent. And the young and enterprising Mitra prevailed after a lengthy battle.”

While Mitra recorded her first won, her compatriot and Women’s Grandmaster Atousa Pourkashiyan and Syria’s Afamia Mir Mahmoud win their second round matches to be in the lead with two points each. Atousa accounted for Iman Hasan Mohammed Al Rufaye of Iraq and Afamia defeated Abeer Ali of the UAE. One player each from the 14-player men’s event and 10 strong women’s field will qualify for the Chess World Cup. Standings Men (after 2nd round): Ehsan Ghaem Maghami (Iran) 2 pts, Pouya Idani (Iran) 2 pts, Basher Iyti (Syr) 2 pts, Pouria Darini (Iran) 1.5, Ahmed Abdulsattar Abdulwahab (Iraq) 1.5, Basher Al Qudaimi (Yemen) 1 pt, Husein Aziz Nezad (Qatar) 1 pt, Maher Ayyad (Bahrain) 1 pt, Amin Al Ansi (Oman) 1 pt, Attallah Tamra (Palestine) 1 pt.

Women (after 2nd round): Atousa Pourkashiya (Iran) 2 pts, Afamia Mir Mahmoud (Syr) 2 pts, Chen Zhu (Qatar) 1pt, Mitra Hejazipour (Iran) 1pt, Yara Faqueeh (Palestine) 1 pt, Mariya Al Balushi (Oman) 1 pt, Wafia Al Ghafri (Oman) 1, Iman Hasan Mohammed Al Rufae (Iraq) 0.5 pt, Abeer Ali (UAE) 0.5 pt.

McCullum’s absence will be felt, says CSK coach Fleming MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming on Monday said the absence of hardhitting opener Brendon McCullum will have a big impact when his side takes on Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier of the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, 2010 and 2011 champions CSK will have to come up with a new opening combination as the New Zealander departed to join his national squad to play in a Test series against England starting May 21.

A win for either team on Tuesday will ensure a place in the tournament’s final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 24, whereas the losing side will get a second chance to prove its worth.

“Absence of McCullum will impact a lot. He is an excellent player. But we have introduced Hussey in the last game against Punjab, even though he didn’t get a major contribution,” Fleming said at the pre-match press conference.

“And Dwayne Smith has also a good record here in Mumbai. So we have been planning for this for a long time. So we would have liked to give Mike Hussey a bit more time. But I have a big confidence in Hussey. He has given one of the most consistent performances over the years. But the way he has trained suggests he will give his best.”

The former New Zealand skipper and current Chennai coach said the team will look to Suresh Raina in the absence of McCullum.

“It is not that he is performing badly or practicing badly. He has been in excellent touch. His last innings was good as he saw the game though. And he likes playing at Wankhede.

“He is one of the players we are hopeful will stand up on big occasions and win big matches. He is certainly one of those and he has

I have a big confidence in Hussey. He has given one of the most consistent performances over the years. But the way he has trained suggests he will give his best Stephen Fleming Chennai Super Kings coach

done it for us in the past number of times.

We will look up to Raina in the absence of McCullum,” he said.

CSK took a while to beat Mumbai at Wankhede.

Last year they achieved it and this year they won here again in the first leg match on April 17.

“It is a tough game as it comes as a home and away game. Rather than a semifinal at a neutral venue, it’s a home and away game. We just have to be smart as it’s a great occasion.

“Yes it is a difficult game and a tough place to win. This is what we are here for. We don’t expect an easy game in a play-off match.

And we have got a tough one ahead of us,” the 42-year-old said.

When asked how CSK approach games in league and

knockout stages, Fleming said, “It’s about dealing with pressure.

It’s about calming the nerves.

We saw David Warner stepping on the boundary line against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and in the end probably cost the side from going through and RCB getting through.

“There can be one ball, one small moment with a bit of brilliance that can be the difference between winning the tournament and going home.

The consequences get that more when you reach this stage of the tournament.

“Yes it has been an excellent competition thus far. And a couple of twists to go. The team which deals with that pressure and individuals which stand up will be the difference,” Fleming said. - IANS

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TUE S DAY, MAY 19, 2 015

SPORTS

McClenaghan: Mumbai is fully prepared for play-off

C O M M E N TA RY

There was little to choose between the teams this season

T

The Mumbai side broke the back of Hyderabad innings by getting its openers — captain David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan — out in the first two overs of the innings

HYDERABAD: Buoyed by the comprehensive win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians’ star bowler Mitchell McClenaghan said his side is fully prepared for the IPL play-off match against heavyweights Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday.

“We have got some fantastic players. We have got a fantastic support staff behind us. They do a fantastic job. I think the most important thing is that we prepare every time we go out to play. As long as we prepare well and turn up, we will be able to win,” he told reporters after MI thrashed the Hyderabad side by nine wickets last night.

He said it was important for the team to get the top order out soon to take an early advantage in the match. The Mumbai side broke the back of Hyderabad innings by getting its openers — captain

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GREAT PERFORMANCE: Mumbai Indians’ star bowler Mitchell McClenaghan was excellent in his

team’s win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. – BCCI

David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan — out in the first two overs of the innings.

“I was bowling to the big boundary. David (Warner) is a great puller of the ball, great striker of the ball. I took a chance. It could have gone for a six. It could have taken a wicket. It’s just one of those things.

In matches, you need to take a chance,” he said.

McClenaghan expressed happiness at getting the opportunity to play a key role for the Mumbai Indians.

“What I really enjoyed is the opportunity to show Mumbai what I do back home and in domestic cricket. When I got the chance, I showed my variation...Capabilities

at different deliveries and different times of the innings,” he said.

He lauded Hardik Pandya, who has been a promising young player for Mumbai this season, as one of the best with an attitude to play well even in tough situations.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody was disappointed with his side for failing to click on the day when the play-offs berth was at stake.

“It’s a disappointing way to finish our campaign. Whether you lose by one run or 100 runs, it’s a bitter way to finish the tournament. We, unfortunately, did not turn up as a batting group. The wicket was a good batting wicket.

We could have got to 160 mark, but

losing as many wickets as we did early on puts enormous pressure on the middle order,” he said.

He rued the defeat against Royal Challenge Bangalore in a rain-curtailed match on May 15. “The stars are not aligned in our favour. The clouds are (referring to the rain-hit match) here in Hyderabad,” Moody said.

Moody said despite the early exit, the team gained many positives from the tournament, including the good form of openers David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan and the all-round show of Moises Henriques. “We did not have the momentum (last night) that we had in the previous games. It was one of those days that we just did not click,” he said. - PTI BANGLADESH TOUR

India team to be picked on Wednesday NEW DELHI: BCCI will announce the Test and one-day team for next month’s Bangladesh tour on Wednesday after the selection committee meeting in Mumbai.

India are slated to play a oneoff Test starting June 10 followed by three ODIs in Mirpur on 18, 21 and 24.

“All-India Senior Selection Committee will meet at the Cricket Centre, Mumbai, at 12 pm on Wednesday to pick the Indian teams for the Test match and ODI series against Bangladesh, in June 2015,” a BCCI media release stated. — PTI

HIS year’s qualifying games have been the closest so far in the history of the IPL, and for only the second time, the team finishing in the top spot has got under 20 points. What this suggests is that the teams have generally been well matched and there has been little to choose from them.

There has been a bit of good luck for those who have made it to the knockouts and a bit of bad luck for a couple of teams who have failed to do so by a whisker.

The defending champions Kolkata had some bad luck going their way with matches being washed out and that would have upset their rhythm.

The uncertainty about Sunil Narine did not help, and when they dropped him for the last game for a 40-year-old seamer who was playing his first game, and that too a must-win game, it showed that their thinking was not right.

Mumbai have found their mojo and so they are not tinkering with their playing eleven. Far too many people go by what the pitch is likely to do, but in a 20 overs game, the pitch will hardly affect the game. What you want to be prepared for is the vagaries of the weather, and so need to have players who can cope with it.

The Sunrisers suffered with the weather and the inability of their main bowler Dale Steyn to change the match winning lengths and lines that he bowls in a Test match to the ones needed for a 20 overs contest. He keeps getting hammered repeatedly in limited overs matches simply because he does not have that musthave delivery for limited overs cricket, ‘the yorker’.

Mumbai used Kieron Pollard for the final over and the big fella conceded only half the runs that were needed by the opposition.

He is high on self-belief and confidence in this format of the game, and while sometimes it can get him to do over-the-top things, he has delivered more often than not. The tiny question mark is about his contribution when chasing, and maybe by the time this edition is over he will have answered

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men have had an extra day to relax, and so will be more rested than Mumbai, but in the frenzy of the format, especially in the heat and humidity of Mumbai, this may not matter too much.

They will be affected by the absence of Brendon McCullum who gave them such incredible starts and will be hoping that Mike Hussey will be able to do a good job in McCullum’s place that positively too.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men have had an extra day to relax, and so will be more rested than the Mumbai team, but in the frenzy of the format, especially in the heat and humidity of Mumbai, this may not matter too much.

They will be affected by the absence of Brendon McCullum who gave them such incredible starts and will be hoping that Mike Hussey will be able to do a good job in McCullum’s place.

Their batting hasn’t quite clicked together, and that is what Mumbai will try and take advantage of. The Wankhede Stadium will be vocal and back their team and the one that keeps cool and fields better will get through. — PMG I C C R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S

Day-Night Tests for members likely MUMBAI: The ICC Cricket Committee has recommended the Test Playing nations to try out Day/Night Test matches after a lengthy discussion during its recent two-day meeting that concluded on Saturday.

While the committee chaired

by Anil Kumble didn’t agree on reduction of duration from five to four days, but they did note that there is need to bring back spectators for game’s oldest format.

Day/Night Test matches were discussed at length. The Committee also received a report from MCC on the 4-day First Class match played with pink balls in Abu Dhabi, and viewed the condition of the balls used in that match. — PTI

T UESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

C3

SPORTS High stakes, security as six years of Pakistan cricket isolation ends In 2002, 14 people died in a suicide blast outside a Karachi hotel as New Zealand and Pakistan prepared to leave for the second Test, prompting the tour to be abandoned.

The PCB now says it has “foolproof” security involving thousands of police to protect Zimbabwe as they shuttle between their five-star hotel and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Excitement is building as international cricket returns, even in a small way with the two T20 and three one-day matches against Zimbabwe

LAHORE: The last time a Testlevel cricket team visited Pakistan, seven Sri Lankan players went home with bullet and shrapnel wounds after RPG and machine gun-wielding militants ambushed their team bus in Lahore.

Six years on and under high security involving 3,000 police and blanket aerial surveillance, the same city will host African minnows Zimbabwe from Tuesday for a short series that Pakistan hopes will help end its sporting isolation.

With top nations refusing to visit through fears of militant attacks, it’s been a long time in the wilderness for the cricket-mad country and its players, fans and administrators.

Risks remain high and the massacre of 45 minority Shiites in an attack on a bus in Karachi last week nearly prompted Zimbabwe to pull out at the last minute.

Even when they take the field from Friday, it will be without International Cricket Council (ICC) umpires after the world body decided not to send match officials because of security concerns.

However, excitement is building as international cricket returns, even in a small way with the two Twenty20 and three one-day matches against unglamorous Zimbabwe.

Large banners featuring fast bowler Wahab Riaz — one of the few bright spots from Pakistan’s mediocre World Cup campaign —

HIGH SECURITY: Policemen stand inside the Gaddafi Stadium ahead of cricket series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in Lahore. – Reuters

Whatmore ‘happy to go’ as Zimbabwe fly to Pakistan HARARE: Zimbabwe have left Harare for a high-stakes tour of Pakistan, national cricket association spokesman Lovemore Banda said Monday.

“The team has left (Harare),” Banda said. “They are going (to Pakistan) via Dubai.”

There were doubts whether the five-match tour would go ahead after the massacre of 45

festoon roadsides across Lahore.

“The last six years were unbearable,” Test captain Misbah-ul Haq said. “Our grounds were left deserted, fans were deprived and a new generation of players lost a chance of playing on home condi-

minority Shiites in an attack on a bus in Karachi last week.

It is the first tour of Pakistan by a Test-level team since seven Sri Lankan cricketers were wounded during a 2009 attack by militants in Lahore.

Zimbabwe are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan Tuesday and play two Twenty20 and three one-day internationals amid

tions before their own people.”

Forced to host home games in neutral venues like the United Arab Emirates, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) estimates it has lost $120 million in TV rights and extra overheads.

massive security at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Since the attack on the Sri Lankans, Pakistan have staged ‘home’ matches in the UAE. Views on the tour are mixed with Sri Lanka-born Zimbabwe coach Dav Whatmore upbeat.

“I appreciate the significance of this tour to Pakistan and I am happy to go,” he told Zimba-

Even hosting Zimbabwe will cost Pakistan Cricket Board more than $1 million, half of which is for the visitors’ fees and expenses. Not much of the outlay will be recouped by sponsorships and gate proceeds.

P R O L I F I C B ATT I N G

‘Foolproof’ security While the March 2009 attack on the Sri Lankans, which left six police and two civilians dead, forced the long hiatus, it wasn’t the first time a cricket team had been caught up in Pakistan’s militant violence.

WOKE UP WITH MIGRAINE

Rogers to retire after Ashes series SYDNEY: Australia Test opener Chris Rogers appears set to retire from international cricket after the upcoming Ashes series in England.

The 37-year-old’s first two Tests were separated by more than five years but he has been a fixture in Australia’s opening partnership with David Warner since a surprise selection for the 2013 Ashes tour.

That call-up was based on the left-hander’s prolific batting over several years in the English county game and Rogers said a final campaign in Britain would be an appropriate way to bring an end to his Test career. “I’m very happy, I’ve been pretty fortunate to have this second go at it and have loved every moment of it,” he told Fox Sports TV at Sydney airport on Monday.

“But time calls on everyone and I think it’s nearly up for me.

“I think to go out in the Ashes and in England, where I’ve played a lot of cricket is pretty fitting.”

Despite the efforts of Rogers, who scored 367 runs at an average of 40.77, Australia lost the 2013 Ashes series 3-0. They swept England 5-0 in the return series in Australia in 2013-14, however, raising hopes of a first series victory on English soil since 2001 in July and August this year.

bwe radio. But the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) said their security advisors were against the tour.

A South African radio station quoted FICA chairman Tony Irish saying : “Tours to Pakistan remain an unacceptable risk and teams are advised against travelling there.” - AFP

Constant surveillance The area around the venue will be cordoned off, with various security checkpoints for fans, and paramilitaries will watch the area around the clock with constant surveillance from rooftops and helicopters.

The players will not be allowed to leave their hotel without security and their movements will be restricted within the stadium.

“It is our first step towards the goal of reviving international cricket and we will leave nothing to chance to make this tour safe and successful,” PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan told AFP. Nevertheless, it will be a long time before cricket returns to normal in Pakistan, still battling Taliban and Al Qaeda-linked insurgents who have claimed tens of thousands of civilian lives.

“It took one attack to stop international cricket in Pakistan, but it will take a few attack-free tours to bring it back fully,” Osman Samiuddin wrote in a column for the Cricinfo.com website.

For players like Umar Akmal, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq — all of whom have played more than 50 internationals — it will be their first chance to represent Pakistan at home.

Tickets are not yet sold out, given the uncertainty surrounding whether the tour would go ahead, but officials are reporting a surge in demand.

“I am going to all matches,” said Salman Ahmed from the town of Gaggu Mundi. “I last watched a match was in Multan in 2008, so it has been a long time now.”

Tour itinerary (all games in Lahore): May 22: 1st T20; May 24: 2nd T20; May 26: 1st ODI; May 29 2nd ODI; May 31: 3rd ODI. - AFP

Time calls on everyone and I think it’s nearly up for me Chris Rogers Australian opener Rogers, who was leaving Australia for the tour of the West Indies which precedes the Ashes, has scored 1,535 runs at an average of 39.35 with four centuries in his 20 Tests to date. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who announced his retirement from One-day Internationals on Sunday, said he was not yet contemplating quitting the longest form of the game.

“It’s definitely my last overseas tour but I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest,” said Haddin, who will be 38 in October. “You have to give the Ashes campaign the respect it deserves and I’m not thinking any further than that.

“I still think I’ve got a lot of Test cricket ahead of me so from that point of view, I’m comfortable with where my game is at. I just want to be part of this campaign.” - Reuters

Broad apologises for missing sponsor event LONDON: England bowler Stuart Broad has revealed that he has apologised for missing a sponsor event last week, following media reports he had been out drinking the night before.

Broad was due to appear at a function in London last Thursday to preview the forthcoming two-Test series with New Zealand, but failed to turn up.

The Daily Mail claimed it was because he had been out with former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior until 7am, but the 28-yearold said he had actually been suffering from a migraine.

“I don’t want to go into massive detail about it, but I think it was probably not as bad as it was portrayed. And I woke up with a migraine,” Broad said in comments published by several British newspapers on Monday.

“I wasn’t on England duty for the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) but I did apologise for putting them in that position because after the week they’ve had with (Andrew) Strauss and (Kevin) Pietersen, it was probably not what they needed.”

Broad’s no-show followed the announcement by new ECB di-

rector of cricket Strauss that Pietersen was not part of his plans despite the batsman’s return to county cricket due to a “massive trust issue”.

Strauss has had to weather criticism in the aftermath and Broad says that the only way England can change the headlines is by producing positive performances on the pitch.

“I feel like now is the time as a team that we need to go ‘cricket, cricket, cricket’ because when we do that, that is generally when we get some good results,” he said.

“We’ve got to win games. Sport is that sort of world. If you’re losing, you deserve to get that sort of crap. If you’re winning, you generally get less crap and people enjoy watching you more.”

Pietersen accused Broad of being part of a bullying culture in his autobiography, but while Broad backed Strauss’s stance, he said reports of friction between him and Pietersen had been overplayed.

“We shared the changing room for eight, nine years. He’s helped me from time to time. We’ve never raised voices against each other. It’s perceived to be worse than it is between the players.” - AFP

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SPORTS Pellegrini backs Bony to be Manchester City success Pellegrini was confident the striker, who was applauded after his goal by Swansea fans, would be a success at Eastlands

SWANSEA: Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is confident Wilfried Bony will go on to become a success after insisting he is a player they “need.”

The substitute reminded Swansea what they were missing with a late goal as City guaranteed themselves a top-three finish and direct entry into next season’s Champions League with a 4-2 win at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday.

Yaya Toure and James Milner goals had put Pellegrini’s team in control of this Premier League fixture only for the home side to level up with goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bafetimbi Gomis.

A PLAYER THEY NEED: Wilfried Bony

Another Toure strike — again aided by more questionable work from Swans goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski — put City back in control before his Ivorian teammate Bony, signed from Swansea for £28 million ($43 million, 37 million euros) in January, added a goal late on.

It was only Bony’s second goal for City since his mid-season ar-

rival but Pellegrini was confident the striker, who was applauded after his goal by Swansea fans, would be a success at Eastlands.

“He got the reception he deserves. He was very unlucky when we bought him because he started by going to the African Cup Of Nations,” said Pellegrini.

“After that then he had an ankle

and knee injury that stopped him for three weeks. Then we won five in a row and I did not want to make changes in this moment. “... I am absolutely sure we bought the player we need.”

Beautiful save Victory guaranteed deposed Premier League champions City a

FRENCH OPEN

top-three finish and a place in the group stages of the Champions League, with England’s fourthplaced side having the inconvenience of a qualifying round for Europe’s elite club competition.

But things might have been different on Sunday when, with City having just reclaimed the lead to move 3-2 ahead, Swansea seemed set to equalise via a thumping header from Federico Fernandez only for Joe Hart to pull off a stupendous one-handed reflex save to tip the ball over his crossbar.

“It was incredible,” said Swansea boss Garry Monk. “Ninety-nine times out of 100 that’s a goal but unluckily for us he had an answer to it.

He is a world-class goalkeeper.”

City manager Pellegrini added that 28-year-old England international Hart had advanced this season and was “starting to reach his peak.”

“It was a beautiful save in an important moment,” Pellegrini said.

“I think that Joe is the No. 1 in England. He has improved a lot this season.

“Bringing in Willy Caballero has been good for him as competition,” the Chilean added.

“I think he is starting to reach the peak of his career. It is difficult for a young goalkeeper to be so, so good.” - AFP

TENNIS

Souza the loser against Sousa GENEVA: Pity umpire Manuel Messina in the day’s opening match on Court Central at the Geneva Open on Monday when Portugal’s sixth seed Joao Sousa took on Brazil’s Joao Souza.

For the record, Sousa won the first meeting between the players with near identical names 7-5, 6-3 to reach the second round at the clay-court tournament.

To avoid confusion, though, Messina, from San Marino, was forced to state “Sousa Portugal” or “Souza Brazil” when calling the scores.

The Geneva Open has been restored to the full ATP Tour for the first time since Thomas Muster won the 1991 title. - Reuters CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Turkey’s Cakir to referee final PARIS: Turkey’s Cuneyt Cakir will referee the Champions League final between Barcelona and Juventus on June 6 in Berlin, Uefa announced on Monday.

He has experience of major Champions League games having been in charge of the 2012 semifinal second leg clash between Barcelona and Chelsea. - AFP

TA B L E T E N N I S

Nadal woes raise flag for rivals ROME: For the past 10 years Rafael Nadal has been virtually unbeatable at Roland Garros, but that could all change at this year’s French Open as the Spaniard’s woes continue on clay.

Nadal, stunned in the final of the Madrid Masters a week ago by Britain’s Andy Murray, has won only one tournament — Buenos Aires — on his favourite surface this year.

Having already lost twice this year to Italian Fabio Fognini, Serbian rival Novak Djokovic and Murray, the 14-time Grand Slam winner was eliminated from the quarterfinals of the Italian Open by Stan Wawrinka, who also beat Nadal to the Australian Open title in 2014.

If Nadal’s defeat to Murray was confirmation that things were not quite going to plan, his failure to reach the latter stages in Rome means he will likely miss out on a top four seeding for Roland Garros.

Seedings for the second Grand Slam of the year, which begins on May 24, will be announced by the French Open organisers shortly, and Nadal is unlikely to be given the luxury of a top four seeding, meaning he could meet one of his main rivals as early as the quarterfinals.

Barring 2009, when Sweden’s Robin Soderling upset him in Paris, Nadal has won the French Open every year since 2005, stretching his record to nine titles in 2014 last year with victory over Djokovic.

It goes without saying Nadal’s

I’M GOING TO FIGHT: Rafael Nadal

struggles have not gone unnoticed.

Djokovic overwhelmed Swiss Roger Federer to defend his Italian Open title on Sunday. Although neither have dismissed Nadal, they admit his virtually barren run on clay has surprised them.

“I think to be honest it surprised everybody considering his record on clay courts over the years,” said Djokovic. “It’s something that hasn’t happened in the last ten years. But he’s human as well and does have his periods where he’s not confident or not winning matches.

“This is the surface that always allowed him to regain his confidence if he was losing more on hard courts than clay courts. Whenever

he would get to the clay season he would win matches and then feel like he’s back on the right path.

“This year is quite different and it will be interesting to see how he bounces back for Roland Garros, the most successful tournament he has ever played in his career.”

Given Nadal’s record in Paris, few would write off the Spaniard — even if he has to meet a top seed like Djokovic as early as the quarterfinals.

Federer, meanwhile, said Nadal has the ability to dispel doubts about his clay court game and battle his way to a 10th title in the French capital.

“You may be shocked to hear

that at times we doubt ourselves, and anybody who says something else is lying to you,” said Federer.

“But that to me is no news, that’s just normal for any player out there. It seems that he’s doing just fine and regardless of what anybody says to me, he is the favourite for the French Open.

“That guy has only lost once in 10 years, there’s no way past that guy being the favourite for that tournament.”

Following a defeat to Djokovic that has underlined the Serbian’s hot form heading into Paris, Federer refused to budge on the Nadal question.

“You cannot take away the last 10 years,” said Federer. “It’s going to be the best of five sets, we know how tough Rafa is physically and mentally. He is the favourite still, at least to me... it’s all talk.

“In the end, it’s the racket that’s going to do the talking.”

Given the huge expectations on Nadal, the Spaniard has reacted as champions only know how: defiantly. “I don’t know what’s going to happen (at the French Open), but I’m going to fight,” said Nadal.

Djokovic, who has never beaten Nadal at Roland Garros, joked that avoiding him at any stage would be a bonus.

“I’ve never won against him at Roland Garros, so if I get the chance to play somebody else it would be better, honestly!” - AFP

U-12 FINALISTS: Sanskar Dubey, right, and Allan Thiyagaseelan.

Sanskar wins U-12 title at ISC tourney MUSCAT: Sanskar Dubey captured the boys under-12 singles title at the ISC Junior Table Tennis League sponsored by New Makha Enterprises and organized by the Indian Social Club Muscat.

In a thrilling final, Sanskar, who had won all his matches in the league phase, dominated the final to register an impressive 1-7-, 11-7, 11-7, 11-9 win over Allan Thiyagaseelan.

Allan, who too was unbeaten in the league stage, played brilliant attacking table tennis and kept Sanskar on his toes.

Sanskar was consistent with his forehand topspins.

The first game was evenly matched until seven-all before Sanskar opened up to take the lead. Sanskar raced to a 9-3 lead in the second before Allan staged a partial recovery before losing the game.

Sanskar consolidated with a brilliant all-round game to win the third game and held his nerves as Allan kept up the pressure before Sanskar held his game together to win the fourth game and the boys under-12 title.

T UESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

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SPORTS Orrin eyes return to Oman after victory at Denmark Challenge The 21-year-old, who won his maiden Challenge Tour title at last year’s NBO Golf Classic, closed with a gutsy level-par 71 to win by one from Scotland’s McArthur

MUSCAT: Englishman Max Orrin rocketed to second place in the Road to Oman Rankings courtesy of a stellar win in tough conditions at the Made in Denmark Challenge.

The 21-year-old, who won his maiden Challenge Tour title at last year’s National Bank of Oman Golf Classic (NBO Golf Classic), once again served notice that he is very much a star in the making by closing with a gutsy level-par 71 to win by one from Scotland’s Andrew McArthur as howling winds blew most of the players off course, according to information received from the organisers of NBO Golf Classic.

“That was as tough as I have played in – it was pretty brutal out there at times,” said Orrin who finished one over par 285 for the tournament to claim the €27,200 win-

IN FINE FORM: A file photo of Max Orrin celebrating his victory at the NBO Golf Classic in 2014. – Supplied photo

ner’s cheque and take his season’s earnings to €30,000.

“I finished with a seven on the last on Saturday night but I knew that if I could shoot around level par today I would have a chance. I was

three behind, but the conditions were really tough so it was just one of those days where I hung in there and managed to make a score.”

Orrin has put himself in strong contention for a return to the

spectacular Almouj Golf — The Wave, Muscat — the scene of the two-stroke victory in the 2014 National Bank of Oman Golf Classic which first put him in the Challenge Tour spotlight.

TENNIS

The event has since been elevated to become the season-ending finale known as the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final where the top 45 players in the newly coined Road to Oman Rankings will battle it

out for one of 15 coveted cards for next season’s European Tour and Orrin revealed that he’ll be doing everything in his power to ensure a return to the Sultanate as he looks to take the next step in his career next season.

“To get a win so early in the season is a big positive as well,” he said. “It gives me a great chance to go and get my European Tour card through the Challenge Tour so I’ll probably be focussing on that for the rest of the season.

“Because it’s only the fourth tournament of the season and I have got myself up to the top of the Rankings early, it feels like I can have a great run at making my card so hopefully the wins and top fives can keep coming.”

The NBO Golf Classic Grand Final will be held at Almouj Golf from Wednesday November 4 to 7 this year and will feature the top 45 players on the Road to Oman Rankings competing for a prize fund of $397,000.

The top 15 players on Road to Oman Rankings at the conclusion of play will qualify to play on next season’s European Tour.

The 2015 Road to Oman will take in 25 tournaments in 19 different countries. The Road to Oman will offer a Bonus Pool of $65,000 for the top three players on the Road to Oman rankings at the conclusion of the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final.

The leading player on the rankings will receive a $32,500 share of the Bonus Pool.

FORMULA ONE

Fatma adds singles gold to Oman’s Marussia return team silver at ISSF tournament to Monaco with Bianchi in mind

SUCCESSFUL TOUR: Fatma Al Nabhani, standing second right, along with other members of the Omani contingent poses for a photo.

MUSCAT: Omani star Fatma Al Nabhani upset Indonesian Lavinia Tananta in an exciting women’s singles final to clinch the gold at the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) International Tennis Championships in the Indonesian city of Palembang.

According to information received from the Oman Tennis Association (OTA), Fatma defeated Lavinia in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to bag the gold.

Fatma’s achievement fetched Oman the second medal at the championships. Earlier, Fatma had also won the team silver in the company of Sarah Al Balushi and Samar Al Bakri.

Fatma began her singles campaign with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over compatriot Samar Al Bakri in the first round before getting the better of a Malaysian player for a 6-3, 6-3 verdict in the semifinals.

In the final, Fatma however had

to overcome a late charge by Lavinia to collect the gold medal.

Fatma and her teammates had earlier settled for silver medal in the team competition after losing their final tie to eventual gold winners Indonesia.

In the first singles, Samar bint Madani Al Bakri lost to Indonesia’s Iah by 0-6, 0-6.

In the second singles involving, an injured Fatma Al Nabhani conceded the match to Lavina Trenta.

The Indonesian was leading 6-2, 2-1 when Fatma pulled out with a hand injury.

Meanwhile, in the men’s singles Omani talent Younis Al Rawahi’s challenge ended in the semifinals when he lost 2-6, 1-6 to Hari of Indonesia.

Saleh bin Ghazi Al Zadjali, Fawwaz bin Al Al Manzari and Omran bin Mohammed Al Balushi are the other Omani players who took part in the championships.

LONDON: Every race this season has been tough for struggling Manor Marussia but Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix will be the hardest yet as memories of the team’s greatest moment mingle with the saddest.

French driver Jules Bianchi has been in the thoughts of all Formula One since his horrific accident at Suzuka last October but his absence will be felt all the more at a home race where he stood out a year ago.

The 25-year-old has been in hospital in his nearby home city of Nice since November, when he was flown back from Japan, and remains in a coma.

“It’s going to be difficult. It’s going to be tough for everybody.

He’ll be in the next town,” Manor Marussia team principal John Booth, who has kept in close touch with the family, told Reuters. It will be very mixed feelings, it really will.

“We are carrying the JB17 (Bianchi’s initials and number) on the car for the whole year. One thing that really pushed us to keep going over the winter was to not waste that effort (of his).”

It is because of what Bianchi achieved in Monaco last year that the team, paddock paupers against a backdrop of conspicuous wealth, are still on the starting grid.

Bianchi’s outstanding ninth place handed Marussia their only points to date, a highlight that also secured the team ninth place overall in the championship and some $50 million in revenue payments this year.

Without that, the team would never have come out of administration at the 11th hour after

making their employees redundant and missing the final three races of last season.

The team, with two rookie drivers and an undeveloped car that would be off the pace even in the GP2 support series, cannot expect any points this time. Even finishing will be a challenge, with few spares for a race whose metal barriers and tight and twisty streets are unforgiving.

After failing to race in Australia, Manor only got back up to full staffing strength at this month’s Spanish Grand Prix and did not take part in last week’s test in Barcelona because there was no point.

All efforts are directed to the new car, but there are no guarantees that will see the light of day before the end of the European season. “We are still pushing to get the new car out this year,” said Booth. “We set ourselves an impossible target of August and it would be a miracle if we got it out for August.”

The team’s driver pairing of Britain’s Will Stevens and Spaniard Roberto Merhi will continue in Monaco but there is no certainty about their future either.

“It is a little bit fluid,” Booth said, after a long pause. “In an ideal world, I’d love to have them both in for the season.”

Manor are based in northern England but a move back to Banbury, near Silverstone, is on the cards although the old Marussia factory now belongs to the U.S.owned Haas team, who will make their debut in 2016.

“We are hoping to relocate in August,” said Booth, who ruled out any move to the Leafield facility. - Reuters

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SPORTS LA LIGA

Luis Enrique eyes new era of Barcelona dominance

CHAMPIONS: Barcelona’s players celebrate winning the championship and the game after the Spanish league football match against Atletico de Madrid. – AFP

MADRID: Barcelona coach Luis Enrique believes his side’s 23rd La Liga title can be the launching pad for another prolonged period of success and a potential treble this season.

Lionel Messi scored the winner to hand the Catalans a fifth title in seven years with a 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid on Sunday as Barca returned the favour after Los Rojiblancos sealed the title at the Camp Nou exactly a year ago.

Barca face Athletic Bilbao on home soil in the Copa del Rey final on May 30 before taking on Juventus in the Champions League final a week later.

Luis Enrique was recruited along with seven new players last summer after Barca’s first trophyless campaign in six years and he lauded their response in what he described a season of “transition”.

“I hope it can be a new era. We have to deserve to win the other titles. We have two finals left and we need to show we are better than the opponents,” he said.

“We started 10 months ago with

Messi leads Barca from crisis club to champions The biggest change

Argentine legend eulogised

came from Lionel Messi himself, though. A week after the Real Sociedad game, the four-time World Player of the Year had to watch Cristiano Ronaldo pick up his third Ballon d’Or and pronounce he was coming for Messi’s record

A

year that equals the best in Barcelona’s history, with La Liga in the bag and Champions League and Copa del Rey finals to come, couldn’t have started more inauspiciously.

The Catalans opened 2015 with a 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad on the field and descended into full blown institutional crisis off it.

Lionel Messi and Neymar had been left on the bench in San Sebastian after returning back from their Christmas holidays later than the rest of their teammates, a decision which didn’t rest well with the former as he skipped an open training session with the club’s fans the next day.

On the same day, sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta was sacked and his assistant and club legend Carles Puyol walked.

The following week Luis Enrique’s job was on the line as champions Atletico Madrid visited the Camp Nou, but rather than leave their coach out to dry, Barca produced their best performance of the season and set in motion a run of 29 wins in 32 games to propel them to glory on all fronts.

“From the game against Real Sociedad, everything changed,” Messi admitted weeks later.

“The attitude, the desire of the team to go out on the field in a different way and to press.”

The biggest change came from Messi himself, though. A week after the Sociedad game, the four-time World Player of the Year had to watch Cristiano Ronaldo pick up his third Ballon d’Or

MADRID: Spain’s biggest selling sports daily Marca summed it up in Monday’s headline after Barcelona wrapped up a fifth La Liga title in seven years and their 23rd overall on Sunday: “Messi’s League”.

Barca’s latest triumph was the first part of a possible treble of Champions League, domestic league and Cup crowns, which Barca became the only Spanish club to achieve in 2008-09 under Pep Guardiola.

Messi’s goal was his 41st in 37 La Liga appearances this term, four behind top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, whose Real Madrid side are four points adrift of their arch rivals with one game left.

Messi has also made an incredible 17 assists and it has been his scintillating form since the turn of the year, after he broke the La Liga scoring record in November, that has been the main driving force behind

Barca’s treble charge.

They meet Juventus in the Champions League final on June 6, a week after hosting Athletic Bilbao for the King’s Cup final, an impressive achievement for coach Luis Enrique in his first season in charge.

“Right now I am thinking about all those who have helped us win this title, without exception,” Luis Enrique said.

Barca’s defence, marshalled by Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, has also played its part, conceding a mere 19 goals in 37 La Liga games, while Real leaked 35.

But club talisman Messi predictably dominated Monday’s front pages after the 27-year-old again proved decisive when it mattered most. Exchanging passes with Pedro, he found the tiny amount of space he needed and clipped a precise shot into the corner to make it a Messi’s league. - Reuters

LIONEL MESSI

54 30 goals

assists

overall for Barcelona this season

and pronounce he was coming for Messi’s record.

Yet, in the five months which have followed it, Messi has again taken the lead in the rivalry between the two and recovered the level that made him the world’s best between 2009 and 2012.

“I see him strong, quick, competitive. He has returned to being the player I had the privilege to coach,” said the most successful coach in Barca’s history, Pep Guardiola, after watching a Messi masterclass eliminate his Bayern Munich side in the Champions League last week.

Full repertoire If Messi’s 54 goals and 30 assists have been the catalyst for Barca’s stellar run, Neymar and Luis Suarez have starred in the supporting role.

Messi’s upturn in the new year coincided with Suarez recovering his best form after a four-month ban for biting at the World Cup and a switch in positions between the two as the Uruguayan played more centrally to allow Messi to use his full repertoire of skills from a deeper role.

Suarez has added a different dimension to Barcelona, a directness and, at times, nastiness that offers more variety than had even Guardiola’s trophy-laden four

years in charge.

“He gives Barca the aggression that is so important in the attacking third,” said Atletico boss Diego Simeone, who, having seen his side go unbeaten in six games against Barca last season, lost all four meetings this campaign.

Meanwhile, Neymar’s 37 goals means he has struck more than the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo or Thierry Henry ever managed for Barca in a single season.

Although often overlooked given his star-studded squad, Enrique also deserves his share of the credit.

The former Celta Vigo coach’s rotation policy was much criticised in the first half of the season.

Enrique didn’t name the same starting line-up for two consecutive league games until mid-January. However, whilst title rivals Real Madrid have floundered physically in the final few months of the campaign, Barca have got stronger when it matters most.

Fittingly it was at Atletico, exactly a year to the day since Los Rojiblancos won the league at the Camp Nou, where the league title was won on Sunday thanks to a piece of Messi genius.

The first trophy of what they hope and most expect to be a treble in three weeks time in Berlin. - AFP

Messi’s goal against Atletico Madrid was his 41st in 37 La Liga appearances this season and is four behind top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo

many changes at the club and coming off a season having not won anything. We knew it would be a season of transition and we tried to do our best. We have two titles still to play for, but we already have the one that rewards consistency.”

A treble would be just the second in Barca’s 115-year history.

However, many of the current squad were also part of the side that achieved the feat for the first time in the 2008/09 season.

One of the those was midfielder Sergio Busquets and he insisted that the marathon of a 38-game La Liga season makes it the toughest competition to win.

“Last year we weren’t at the level required to be champions. This year we are on the right track, the first trophy is out of the way and now we have to celebrate it because it’s the hardest competition to win as you have to play against all of the teams and be consistent.

“It’s the most important one, you’re competing every week, playing against other sides home and away. The Champions League

is more prestigious but the league’s more important.

“We are still a young team.

There are still quite a few players from the (Pep) Guardiola era. This could turn out to be an historic season for us.”

In contrast to Barcelona’s euphoria, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was left to face the fact that his side will go without a major trophy this season despite Crisiano Ronaldo registering his 30th hat-trick for the club in a 4-1 win at Espanyol.

Madrid led the league for four months after a 22-game winning streak to end 2014, but ultimately paid for a run of one win in four games in February and March.

“I congratulate Barcelona and my colleague Luis Enrique for winning the title,” said Ancelotti.

“The overall balance of the season isn’t positive. Madrid always play to win and that hasn’t happened.

“We had a very good first half of the season, but it was more difficult in the second part.” - AFP

C

SECTION

LIFE & STYLE

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM T U ES DAY, M AY 1 9, 2 0 1 5

There is a string of events on or around Vienna’s famous boulevard this year including the 60th Eurovision Song Contest

mere 150 years ago, on 1 May 1865, the youthful Austrian Emperor, Franz Joseph I, officially opened Vienna’s Ringstrasse, the broad, tree-lined boulevard that encircles the medieval core of the city. It was built on the land of the city walls which had repelled the enemies furthest advances into Europe in 1529, and again in 1683. But they were no longer needed by the relatively peaceful 19th century.

In the next 50 years, the Ringstrasse was fringed with a string of grand new buildings — the Parliament, City Hall, Vienna State Opera — while wealthy Viennese families built their magnificent homes along it. The tale of one such family, the Ephrussi, is told by Edmund de Waal in The Hare with Amber Eyes. In 1867 the Austrian Empire was constitutionally merged with the Kingdom of Hungary, with the Austro-Hungarian Empire becoming the second largest country in Europe by area after Russia.

But that golden period was shattered by the First World War, the conflict triggered by the assassination of Franz Joseph’s nephew and prospective heir, Franz Ferdinand. The empire was disbanded after defeat in 1918, while

Franz Joseph himself died in 1916, aged 86. We are left with the symbols of a great empire — the sprawling, overblown Schönbrunn Palace and the grand buildings of the Ringstrasse.

As you might expect, there is a string of events on or around the Ringstrasse this year.

Of international interest will be the 60th Eurovision Song Contest, which started yesterday, building up to the final next weekend.

There is a plethora of events taking place.

Through July and August there will be a pop festival, a motorcycle weekend, and come September, the Global Champions Tour, billed as the world’s most prestigious showjumping series, with a gala performance by the Spanish Riding School in front of the City Hall. This year is the 450th anniversary of the school — home of the white Lipizzaners.

Then, as the year closes, there are six weeks of street markets before Christmas.

As for the Ringstrasse itself, there are the conventional “sights”, the grandest perhaps being the Parliament, but one should not miss former private palaces. I counted 13 of them, and several are open to the public. You get a better feel for late 19th-century self-confidence and wealth in the way private individuals displayed their money, than in the government buildings. The Ephrussi family, which once rivalled the Rothschilds, lost almost everything when the Nazis marched into Vienna

in 1938, took their home and looted their art collection. The Hare with Amber Eyes, along with a handful of other small items, were hidden by a loyal servant.

Wealth and influence of the public sort are on display at the Schönbrunn Palace. Visitors have different reactions to it. Think Versailles, but it is less than a century since Schönbrunn became a similar anachronism. It does not have the swagger of Louis XIV’s chateau but it has twice as many rooms. However, there is something sad about it. Anyone going on the tour will be struck by the contrast between the grand entertaining spaces and relatively modest living quarters. But, if you want to feel more uplifted, go instead to the gardens, entry to which is free. There is a grand pavilion, the Gloriette, on the hill at the back of the palace.

Walk up it and look across the gardens to imagine the grand parties that took place there 150 years ago.

If Vienna is an imperial capital without an empire, it is also symbol of a new Europe. You are a long way east, beyond Prague, only an hour’s drive from the Slovak and Hungarian borders, and not much further from the Czech Republic and Slovenia. And you are only four hours from Italy. The streets are full of cars and coaches from these neighbours making this a city full of young Europeans getting along, which is as it should be. -Hamish McRae/The Independent

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EXTRA

STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS Recent research has shown that the stream of consciousness is, in fact, an illusion

I

n 1890, the American psychologist William James famously likened our conscious experience to the flow of a stream. “A ‘river’ or a ‘stream’ are the metaphors by which it is most naturally described,” he wrote. “In talking of it hereafter, let’s call it the stream of thought, consciousness, or subjective life.”

While there is no disputing the aptness of this metaphor in capturing our subjective experience of the world, recent research has shown that the “stream” of consciousness is, in fact, an illusion.

We actually perceive the world in rhythmic pulses rather than as a continuous flow. Some of the first hints of this new understanding came as early as the 1920s, when physiologists discovered brain waves: rhythmic electrical currents measurable on the surface of the scalp by means of electroencephalography. Subsequent research catalogued a spectrum of such rhythms (alpha waves, delta waves and so on) that correlated with various mental states, such as calm alertness and deep sleep.

Researchers also found that the properties of these rhythms varied with perceptual or cognitive

events. The phase and amplitude of your brain waves, for example, might change if you saw or heard something, or if you increased your concentration on something, or if you shifted your attention.

But those early discoveries themselves did not change scientific thinking about the streamlike nature of conscious perception. Instead, brain waves were largely viewed as a tool for indexing mental experience, much like the waves that a ship generates in the water can be used to index the ship’s size and motion (e.g., the bigger the waves, the bigger the ship).

Recently, however, scientists have flipped this thinking on its head. We are exploring the possibility that brain rhythms are not merely a reflection of mental activity but a cause of it, helping shape perception, movement, memory and even consciousness itself.

What this means is that the brain samples the world in rhythmic pulses, perhaps even discrete time chunks, much like the individual frames of a movie. From the brain’s perspective, experience is not continuous but quantised. Another clue that led to this discovery was the so-called wagon-wheel illusion, in which

the spokes on a wheel are sometimes perceived to reverse the direction of their rotation. This illusion is easy to induce with a strobe light if the rotation of the wheel is such that each strobe flash captures the spoke location slightly behind the location captured on the previous flash, leading to the perception of reverse motion. The illusion results from “sampling” the scene in discrete frames or time chunks.

Rhythms correlate The telling fact, for perceptual scientists, is that this illusion can also occur during normal observation of a rotating wheel, in full daylight. This suggests that the brain itself, even in the absence of a strobe light, is sampling the world in discrete chunks.

Scientists have uncovered still more clues. It turns out, for example, that our ability to detect a subtle event, like a slight change in a visual scene, oscillates over time, cycling between better and worse perceptual sensitivity several times a second. Research shows that these rhythms correlate with electrical rhythms of the brain.

If that’s hard to picture, here’s an analogy: Imagine trying to see

an animal through a thick, swirling fog that varies in density as it drifts. The distinctness of the animal’s form will oscillate with the density of the fog, alternating between periods of relative clarity and opaqueness. According to recent experiments, this is how our perceptual systems sample the world - but rather than fog, it’s brain waves that drive the oscillations.

This is not to say that the brain dances to its own beat, dragging perception along for the ride. In fact, it seems to work the other way around: Rhythms in the environment, such as those in music or speech, can draw neural oscillations into their tempo, effectively synchronizing the brain’s rhythms with those of the world around us.

Consider a study that I conducted with my colleagues, forthcoming in the journal Psychological Science. We presented listeners with a three-beatper-second rhythm (a pulsing “whoosh” sound) for only a few seconds and then asked the listeners to try to detect a faint tone immediately afterward. The tone was presented at a range of delays between zero and 1.4 seconds after the rhythm ended. Not only did we find that the ability to detect

the tone varied over time by up to 25 per cent — that’s a lot — but it did so precisely in sync with the previously heard three-beat-persecond rhythm.

Why would the brain do this?

One theory is that it’s the brain’s way of focusing attention. Picture a noisy cafe filled with voices, clanging dishes and background music. As you attend to one particular acoustic stream — say, your lunch mate’s voice — your brain synchronises its rhythm to the rhythm of the voice and enhances the perceptibility of that stream, while suppressing other streams, which have their own, different rhythms. (More broadly, this kind of synchronisation has been proposed as a mechanism for communication between neural networks within the brain.)

All of this points to the need for a new metaphor. We should talk of the “rhythm” of thought, of perception, of consciousness. Conceptualising our mental experience this way is not only more accurate, but it also situates our mind within the broader context of the daily, monthly and yearly rhythms that dominate our lives.-Gregory Hickok/The New York Times News Service

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

C9

ENTERTAINMENT CINEMA SCHEDULE

BAHJA CINEMA MAD MAX FURY ROAD (Action, Adventure)(2D) 12+ Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings : 04:20 pm MAD MAX FURY ROAD (Action, Adventure)(3D) 12+ Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings : 06:45 pm /09:15 pm /11:45 pm Good Kill (Drama, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Ethan Hawke, January Jones, Zoë Kravitz Timings: 02:15 pm /09:45 pm /11:30 pm FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD (Drama)(12+) Cast : Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen Timings : 04:00 pm BOMBAY VELVET (Crime, Drama)(12+) Cast : Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Timings : 08:30 pm PITCH PERFECT 2 (Comedy)(12+) Cast : Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson Timings : 06:15 pm CAPTAIN MASR (Sports, Comedy)(PG) Cast : Mohamed Emam, Edward Timings : 02:00 pm /07:50 pm AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON (3D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans Timings: 02:45 pm /11:45 pm PIKU (Comedy, Drama)(PG) Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan Timings: 05:30 pm

AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON (3D) PG12 Cast : Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans Timings :06:55 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (2D) 12+ Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings :12:30 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (3D) 12+

SCREEN 3 Gabbar - Hindi (Action/Drama ) – PG Cast: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Timing: 3.45 PM PURAMPOKKU – Tamil (Drama ) – PG Cast: Arya, Shaam, Vijay Sethupathi Timing: 6.45 PM BOMBAY VELVET (Action) – 12+ Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Timing: 9.45 PM

Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings :09:30 PM & 11:45 PM Gold Class: 03:45 PM & 11:15 PM PITCH PERFECT (2D) 12+ Timings :10:15 & 02:45 PM Gold Class: 06:00 PM GOOD KILL (2D) 12+ Cast : Ethan Hawke, January Jones, Timings : 05:00 PM & 09:45 PM. CAPTAIN MASR (2D) PG Timings :10:30 AM & 05:15 PM Gold Class: 11:45 AM FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD (2D) 12+ Timings :03:00 PM Gold Class: 01:30 PM BOMBAY VELVET (HINDI) (2D) 12+ Cast : Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Timings :07:00 PM Gold Class: 08:30 PM PIKU (HINDI) (2D) 12+ Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Irfan Khan Timings :12:30 PM CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR (2D) 15+ Cast : Isabel Lucas, Dermot Mulroney Timings :11:45 PM

SCREEN 1 BOMBAY VELVET (Action/Drama ) – 12+ Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka harma Timing: 3.30 PM PIKU (Drama / Comedy) – PG Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone Timing: 6.45 PM GABBAR - Hindi (Action/Drama ) – PG Cast: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Timing: 9.30 PM SCREEN 2 PIKU (Drama / Comedy) – PG Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone Timing: 3.45, 9.45 PM GABBAR - Hindi (Action/Drama ) – PG Cast: Akshay Kumar, Shruti K. Haasan, Kareena Kapoor; Timing: 6.45 PM

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON -3D (PG12) Cast : Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans Timings : 02:15, 11:40 pm ACCIDENTAL LOVE - 2D (12+) Comedy Cast : Jessica Biel, Raymond L. Brown Jr. Timings : 03:15 pm GOOD KILL – 2D (12+) Drama | Thriller Cast : Ethan Hawke, January Jones Timings : 04:50, 09:30, 11:30 pm CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR - 2D (15+) Thriller Cast : Isabel Lucas, Dermot Mulroney Timings : 07:00 pm FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD 2D (12+) Drama; Timings : 06:00 pm MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - 3D (12+) Action, Adventure, Thriller Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings : 06:50, 09:15, 11:45 pm CAPTAIN MASR - 2D (ARB) (PG) Sports, Cast : Mohamed Emam, Edward Timings : 02:00, 05:15 pm PITCH PERFECT 2 - 2D (12+) Comedy Timings : 04:50 pm BOMBAY VELVET - 2D (12+) Crime Cast : Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Timings : 08:50, 11:15 pm PURAMPOKKU - 2D (T) (PG) Action Cast : Vijay Sethupathi, Arya Timings : 08:20 pm CHIRAKODINJA KINAVUKAL - 2D (M) (PG) Comedy, Spoof Cast : Kunchacko Boban, Rima Kallingal Timings : 07:10 pm

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - 2D (12+) Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings : 02:30 pm PIKU - 2D (PG) Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan Timings : 03:45 pm

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD – 3D (12+) Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timing: 02:45, 05:20, 09:30, 11:45 PM GOOD KILL – 2D (12+) Drama, Thriller Cast: Ethan Hawke, January Jones Timing: 02:30, 05:00, 11:45 PM CAPTAIN MASR – 2D (PG) Sports Timings: 04:20, 07:30 PM PURAMPOKKU ENGIRA PODHUVUDAMAI- 2D (PG) Action Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Arya Timing: 06:05 PM BOMBAY VELVET - 2D (12+) Crime Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Timing: 09:00, 11:30 PM 36 VAYADHINILE - 2D (PG) Drama Cast: Jyothika, Rahman, Abhirami Timing: 03:15 PM CHIRAKODINJA KINAVUKAL – 2D (PG)Comedy, Spoof Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Rima Kallingal Timing: 09:15 PM AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON - 3D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans Timing: 07:00 PM

GOOD KILL (Drama | Thriller) (12+) CP# Cast: Ethan Hawke, Zoë Kravitz Timing: 05:00, 07:30 PM AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (3D) (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) (PG12) CP# Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans Timing: 05:00 PM

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (3D) (Action | Adventure | Thriller) (12+) Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timing: 09:20, 11:30 PM CAPTAIN MASR (Arabic) (Sports |Comedy | Drama) (PG) Timing: 07:00 PM BOMBAY VELVET (Hindi) (Crime | Drama | History) (12+) Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Timing: 11:00 PM CHIRAKODINJA KINAVUKAL (Mal) (Comedy | Spoof ) (PG) Timing: 08:45 PM

AVENGERS :AGE OF ULTRON (3D) (PG12)( Action, Adventure,Sci-Fi) Timing: 10:00AM/6:30PM GOOD KILL (2D)(12+)( Drama/Thriller) Timings: 12:45/11:45PM CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR (2D)(15+) Timings: 12:15/7:15PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (2D) (12+) (Action/Adventure/Thriller ) Timings: 2:45PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (3D) (12+) (Action/Adventure/Thriller ) Timings: 10:00AM/9:15/11:30PM CAPTAIN MASR (2D) (PG) (Arabic)( Sports/Comedy/Drama) Timings: 12:30/4:30PM BOMBAY VELVET (2D)(12+) (Crime) Timings: 9:00/11:45PM PURAMPOKKU ENGIRPODHUVUDAMAI(2D)(PG) (Action/Thriller/Drama) Timings: 8:45PM 36 VAYADHINILE (2D)(PG)( Drama) Timings: 4:15PM CHIRAKODINJA KINAVUKAL (2D)(PG) Timings: 6:15PM PIKU (2D)(PG)( Comedy, Drama) Timings: 2:00PM PITCH PERFECT 2 (2D)(12+)( Comedy,) Timings: 10:15AM/2:15PM

MAD MAX:FURY ROAD : (Action) : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult Show Time : 3.15 p.m., 7.30 p.m., 9.45 p.m & 11.55 p.m.

Censor Permit No: 1273 ( 12+ ) PITCH PERFECT 2 : ( Comedy ) : Anna Kedrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld Show Time : 1.15 p.m. & 5.30 p.m.

Censor Permit No: 1272( 12+ ) BOMBAY VELVET : ( Hindi) (Crime/ Drama/History ) : Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Karan Johar Show Time: 1.15 p.m., 6.00 p.m. & 9.00 p.m.

Censor Permit No: 1275 ( 12+ ) GOOD KILL : (Thriller ) : Ethan Hawke, January Jones, Zoe Kravitz, Bruce Green Wood Showtime : 4.00 p.m. & 11.55 p.m.

Censor Permit No: 1274 ( 12+ )

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

STARS CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776

Oru Vadakkan Selfie (Mal) (Rom) Cast: Navin Pauly, Manjima, Aju 3:30, 6:30, 9:30 pm at Cinema Main Bombay Velvet (Hindi) (Com/Rom) Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma 3:45, 9:45pm at Cinema 3 Chirakodinja Kinavukal (Mal) Cast: Kunchako Boban, Rima Kalingal & Sreenivasan 3:45 & 9:45 pm at Cinema 4 Purampokku (Tamil) (Rom) Cast: Aarya, Vijay Sethupathi 3:30, 6:30, 9:30 pm Cinema 2 O Kadhal Kanmani (Tamil/Rom) Cast:Dulqar Salman & Nitya Menon 6:45 pm at Cinema 4 Piku (Drama / Comedy) – PG Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone. 6:45pm Cinema 3 Next Change: BHASKAR THE RASCAL (Mal); 36 VAYATHINILLE (Tamil); LION (Telugu)

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

ACES ON BRIDGE

One of the toughest defences to find

H

olly Lisle, an author of fantasy, science fiction, paranormal romance and romantic suspense novels, wrote, “If you don’t accept responsibility for your own actions, then you are forever chained to a position of defence.”

At the bridge table, sometimes your partner will cause you to misdefend. Much more often, though, you must be responsible for your own choices. And some defensive plays can be very hard to find. The one in this deal would elude most players.

South is in four hearts.

West leads the spade queen — two, eight, five.

West continues with the spade jack and a third spade, which declarer ruffs. South draws two rounds of trumps, West discarding either the club two or club nine on the second. Declarer continues with the club ace and king, then he gets off play with a trump.

What should East lead to trick nine?

The bidding featured a textbook gameinvitational limit raise by North. South happily went on to game.

East should realise that if declarer had held

a club loser, he would have ruffed it in the dummy. Having got that far, many Easts would shift to a diamond. But if South follows the odds by playing for split honours, he will make his contract, losing only two spades and one heart.

East should work out that South must have started with 2-5-4-2 shape. And if so, it is right to concede a ruff-andsluff by leading a spade or a club. This cannot give away the contract, and will be the winner here.

Declarer cannot avoid losing a diamond trick.

— By Phillip Alder MARMADUKE

CROSSWORD

B I G NAT E

Answer to previous puzzle

ACROSS 1 Floating flower 5 Race by, as clouds 9 Not worth a — 12 Pierre’s girlfriend 13 Storytelling dance 14 Leo mo.

15 Told a secret 17 Salad days 19 — and Perrins (sauce company) 20 Right away 21 Played charades 24 Most beautiful 27 Like a desert 28 Antique camera need 29 Hwy.

30 Prez after Jimmy 31 Beatrice’s admirer 32 She has a habit 33 Business abbr.

34 Auction site 35 Repair 36 Examine closely 38 Deposes 39 Nutmeglike spice 40 Again and again 41 “Hasta —!”

43 Hay crop 47 Wheel buy (2 wds.)

48 Auto-parts store 50 Confide in 51 Cave dweller 52 Waves breaking on the shore 53 Id companions

DOWN 1 — Vegas 2 Mischief-maker 3 Weeks per annum?

4 Gave a holler 5 One-time Queens ballpark 6 Bossie’s chew 7 Appliance-tag letters 8 Moonless period 9 White wines 10 Loophole 11 Snort of disgust 16 Conducted 18 Dory mover 20 Briny 21 Mme. Curie

22 Socrates’ forte 23 Pie filling 24 Conclusive 25 Movie double’s job 26 Leans toward 28 Ancient tale 31 Minor clergy 35 Evolve 37 Caddie’s burden 38 Not on duty 40 Viking name 41 Test tube site 42 One, to Conchita 43 Aries mo.

44 Where to find a calf 45 “Alice” waitress 46 Pacino and Unser 49 Roast beef — jus

BORN LOSER

WITH LOVE

HARSHID KUMAR

ATIF ABDULLAH MUJEEB

May 19, 2008

May 19, 2007

MUSA MAHMUD

RAJASHREE SURESH

ANSHIKA

May 19

May 19

May 19, 2004

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

KIDSPOT

H E A LT H C A P S U L E

C1 0

TUE S DAY, MAY 19, 2 015

FIND-IT-ALL Y O U R B I R T H D AY

BORN today, you are no stranger to difficulties or adversity. You can achieve much in life simply through patience, tenacity, hard work and a refusal to be beaten by circumstances. You are determined to climb to the top, no matter how low you may have been when you started out — and that may be quite low, indeed. Still, once you begin your steady ascent, nothing is likely to hold you back. If anyone tries to stand in your way, you will fight tooth and nail to maintain your autonomy and dominance.

Though you do not initially choose to engage others in any kind of combat, you will surely do so as a last resort when you deem it necessary.

You have a keen eye and a cool head for solving problems, and you can solve them very quickly when they are placed before you. Others are sure to follow in your footsteps, and it is likely that you will take some of these people under your wing as partners in work and in life.

Also born on this date are: Malcolm X, civil rights leader; Andre the Giant, wrestler and actor; Grace Jones, singer and actress; Pete Townshend, musician; Joey Ramone, singer; Peter Mayhew, actor; Ho Chi Minh, Vietnamese politician; Nora Ephron, filmmaker; James Fox, actor.

W E AT H E R

M

EXPECTED WIND: Along the coastal areas of Oman Sea wind will be northerly to northeasterly light to moderate during day becoming southwesterly light during night and southwesterly moderate to fresh along the coastal areas of Arabian Sea coasts, and northwesterly light to moderate and

WORLD

Max 40 Min 27 Max 23 Min 14

Max 44 Min 27

Max 37 Min 29 Max 16 Min 7

Max 40 Min 29

Max 12 Min 8

Max 44 Min 26

Max 42 Min 26

Max 43 Min 24

Max 38 Min 28

Max 36 Min 29

[APRIL 20-MAY 20] Max 33 Min 28

Max 21 Min 14

Max 34 Min 27 Max 18 Min 17

—www.met.gov.om

GULF Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh

34 41 35 38 35 38

25 25 23 28 25 25

WORLD Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Boston Cairo Colombo Frankfurt Hong Kong Istanbul Johannesburg Kuala Lumpur Lisbon Paris Perth Singapore Tokyo Toronto

25 40 27 18 18 39 30 18 28 21 22 32 21 15 18 30 24 17

17 19 16 11 13 20 20 8 26 15 9 25 12 8 7 28 18 5

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

[MAY 21-JUNE 20]

CANCER [JUNE 21-JULY 22] What you do with friends can be more meaningful than anything you accomplish on your own. Group efforts are favored.

LEO [JULY 23-AUG. 22] You may want to put an end to something that hasn’t even really gotten started, but circumstances favor taking it just a little further.

VIRGO [AUG. 23-SEPT. 22] It’s time for you to put on a brave front and get going on something that will require you to face your fears in a new way.

LIBRA L [[SEPT. [S S 23-OCT. 22] You may misunderstand what someone is trying to tell you, despite all the evidence pointing you in the right direction.

SCORPIO S [[OCT. 23-NOV. 21] You’re likely to get a dose of your own medicine. As a result, you’ll be closer to a few friends than you have been in recent weeks.

SAGITTARIUS S [[NOV. 22-DEC. 21] You’re likely to come up with a plan that all but guarantees success, but you won’t be able to get it started on your own.

CAPRICORN [DEC. 22-JAN 19] You know that it’s now or never, but you may be held back by a certain insecurity you’ve been fighting for some time.

AQUARIUS [JAN. 20-FEB. 18] You may not expect things to progress as quickly as they do. You can keep up, provided you have all your ducks in a row.

PISCES [Feb. 19-March 20] You may have only one chance to get it right, but you know just what you have to do, and who you have to do it with.

ARIES [March 21-APRIL 19] You don’t believe in miracles, but success is not a matter of miracles or anything mystical or magical. Timing is everything.

Sunset Sunrise (Tomorrow) High tide Low tide

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30 TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

20:50

Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

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

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

10:25

Daily

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

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

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

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

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

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

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

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

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

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

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

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

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

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

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

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

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

Daily

16:50

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00 TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

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

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

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

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

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334; Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666; Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635; Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra: 24503585; Ruwi 24811715 Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya. Tel: 24787766 Muscat, A Seeb Market. Tel: 24421691 Muscat, Al Khuwair. Tel: 24485740 Muscat, Al Hail South. Tel: 24537080 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel: 23291635 HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 Atlas Hospital: Ruwi: 24811743/ Ghubra: 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic: 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi: 24563641, Azaiba: 24499269, Sohar: 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital: 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory: 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre: 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic: 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi: 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb: 24420740 Ceregem National Raak: 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic: 24563217 Elixir Health Centre: 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre: 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128, MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099 ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401

Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443 Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours): 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot: 24704455, Air Arabia: 24700828, Air France: 24562153, Air India: 24799801, Air New Zealand: 24700732, Biman Bangladesh Airlines: 24701128, British Airways: 24568777, Cathay Pacific: 24789818, Egypt Air: 24794113, Emirates Air: 24404400, Ethiopian Airlines: 24660313, Gulf Air: 80072424, Indian: 24791914, Iran Air: 24787423, Japan Airlines: 24704455, Jazeera Airways: 23294848, Jet Airways: 24787248, Kenya Airways: 24660300, KML Royal Dutch Airlines: 24566737, Kuwait Airways: 24701262, LOT Polish Airlines: 24796387, Lufthansa: 24796692, Malaysian Airlines: 24560796, Middle East Airlines: 24796680, Oman Air: 24531111, Pakistan International Airlines: 24792471, Qatar Airways: 24771900, Qantas: 24559941, Royal Jordanian: 24796693, Saudi Arabian Airlines: 24789485, Singapore Airlines: 24791233, Shaheen Air: 24816565, SriLankan Airlines:

TUESDAY

Min

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

You have only so much time to get everything done, and it’s not likely to be quite as much as you expected.

Pick up the pace.

12.08pm 3.30pm 6.48pm 8.07pm 4.00am

9:10pm 3:47pm

6.43pm 5.23am 10:45am 3:58am

occasionally fresh over rest of the Sultanate.

SEA STATE: Rough along the Arabian Sea and Musandam coasts with a maximum wave height of 3.0 metres and moderate along the Oman Sea coast with a maximum wave height of 2.0 metres.

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming poor during dust rising.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Clear to partly cloudy skies along the coastal areas of Arabian Sea and mainly clear skies over the rest of the Sultanate. Moderate sea condition along the Arabian Sea coastal areas with a maximum wave height of 2.0 metres and slight along the rest of Oman’s coasts with a maximum wave height of 1.25 metre’s.

Max

OMAN

GEMINI

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

AIRLINES

ainly clear skies over most of the Sultanate with chance of clouds development over Al-Hajar mountains towards afternoon and chances of advection high level clouds along the coastal areas of Arabian Sea and chances of dust rising wind over governorates of Al-Buraimi and Al-Dahirah. Chances of early morning low level clouds along the coastal areas of Arabian Sea.

TAURUS You’re likely to get a surprise at the hands of someone who’s been watching you for some time. You can return the favour.

PRAYER TIMINGS

24784545, Swiss International Airlines: 24796692, Thai Airways: 24705934, Turkish Airlines: 24703033 MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm; Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, Sat-Wed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thurs: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.

National Museum Ruwi: Tel: 24701289, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Sohar Fort Museum: Tel: 26844758, Open from Saturday to Wed: 8 to 1:30pm Thurs: 9am to 1pm Muscat Gate Museum: at Al Bahri Road, Muscat open from Sat to Wed 8am to 2pm

FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

WY406 WY648 WY676 WY682 WY914 BG021 WY916 NL768 TK774 4H583 PK281 GF560 QR1132 EK866 ET624 EY384 FZ041 WY114 WY412 WY658 WY638 4H562 WY902 WY644 WY326 WY686 WY154 WY144 WY678 WY668 WY132 WY674 WY102 FZ043 WY432 WY602 WY346 WY342 WY272 WY202 G9841 WY236 G9114 WY282 EK862 WY242 WY252 QR1128 IX817 EY382 9W530 WY3302 WY604 WY918 WY652 GF562 FZ037 WY372 IX337 WY384 WY822 WY705 WY904 WY634 WY818 BG023 WY670 WY324 WY332 PA950 PK191 WY606 WY906 WY920 FZ045 WY632 WY656 QR1126 WY3304 WY204 WY292 WY264 WY664 WY216 EK864 WY232 WY246 WY610 WY694 GF564 TG507 SV534 G9116 WY374 WY646 FZ047 WY908 RG125 WY386 WY224 WY614 WY338 FZ049 WY124 9W534 AI973 6.00E+81 WY254 BA073 WY624 UL205 AI907 WY312 LX242 QR1134 GF566 LH616 EY388 WY910 9W540 AI985 WY662 WY654 WY636 WY928 WY816 WY696 WY612

WEDNESDAY ETA

FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

CAIRO 0005 KUWAIT 0005 JEDDAH 0005 RIYADH 0010 SALALAH 0020 DACCA 0100 SALALAH 0120 LAHORE 0130 ISTANBUL 0135 DACCA 0200 ISLAM ABBAD-SIALKOT 0300 BAHRAIN 0325 DOHA 0345 DUBAI 0350 ADDIS ABABA 0350 ABU DHABI 0400 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0515 AMMAN 0515 BAHRAIN 0635 ABU DHABI 0640 JEDDAH 0645 SALALAH 0645 KUWAIT 0650 KARACHI 0650 RIYADH 0655 ZURICH 0700 MALPENSA 0705 MEDINA 0710 DOHA 0715 PARIS 0735 JEDDAH 0735 LONDON HEATHROW 0740 DUBAI 0800 TEHRAN 0805 DUBAI 0805 ISLAM ABBAD 0815 LAHORE 0825 JAIPUR 0830 BOMBAY 0835 RAS AL KHAIMA 0855 HYDERABAD 0900 SHARJAH 0905 BANGALORE 0910 DUBAI 0930 DELHI 0935 MADRAS 0955 DOHA 1000 MANGALORE 1010 ABU DHABI 1010 TRIVANDRUM 1045 MUKHAIZNA 1050 DUBAI 1115 KHASAB 1115 BAHRAIN 1125 BAHRAIN 1130 DUBAI 1140 COLOMBO 1140 CALICUT 1155 MALE 1210 KUALA LUMPUR-SINGAPORE 1215 DARESSLAM-ZANZIBAR 1215 SALALAH 1220 ABU DHABI 1220 BANGKOK 1220 DACCA-CHITTAGONG 1230 DOHA 1250 KARACHI 1300 KATHMANDU 1305 SIALKOT 1310 GWADUR 1320 DUBAI 1340 SALALAH 1440 KHASAB 1445 DUBAI 1535 ABU DHABI 1605 BAHRAIN 1610 DOHA 1650 MUKHAIZNA 1650 BOMBAY 1655 CALICUT 1710 LUCKNOW 1740 DOHA 1745 TRIVANDRUM 1745 DUBAI 1745 HYDERABAD 1750 DELHI 1750 DUBAI 1800 DAMMAM 1805 BAHRAIN 1810 BANGKOK-KARACHI 1900 RIYADH 1900 SHARJAH 1905 COLOMBO 1915 KUWAIT 1920 DUBAI 1940 SALALAH 2000 ABU DHABI 2005 MALE 2020 COCHIN 2025 DUBAI 2025 KATHMANDU 2040 DUBAI 2100 MUNICH 2105 COCHIN 2115 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 MADRAS 2135 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2140 DUBAI 2150 COLOMBO 2155 MADRAS 2200 CHITTAGONG 2210 ZURICH-DUBAI 2225 DOHA 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 FRANKFURT-DOHA 2245 ABU DHABI 2300 SALALAH 2310 BOMBAY 2315 BOMBAY 2325 DOHA 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 ABU DHABI 2340 SALALAH 2345 BANGKOK 2350 DAMMAM 2355 DUBAI 2355

WY648 WY406 WY676 WY672 WY682 WY914 WY916 TK774 4H583 PK229 GF560 FZ035 QR1132 EK866 ET624 EY384 WY114 WY412 WY658 WY638 WY902 WY644 WY686 G9841 WY144 WY668 WY674 WY132 WY102 FZ043 WY432 WY422 WY602 WY342 NL768 WY202 WY236 G9114 WY282 WY226 EK862 WY242 IX549 WY252 QR1128 EY382 IX443 QR8550 WY3922 WY652 9W530 WY918 WY604 WY3302 GF562 FZ037 WY372 IX337 PA450 WY822 WY818 WY634 WY904 WY670 WY324 WY332 WY606 WY906 WY920 WY348 G9119 FZ045 WY3304 WY656 QR1126 WY204 WY292 WY264 WY664 EK864 WY232 WY246 WY254 WY610 GF564 WY216 G9116 WY274 WY646 FZ047 WY908 RG125 WY632 WY386 WY614 WY848 WY338 FZ049 AI977 KL441 WY124 9W534 AI973 6.00E+81 BA073 WY624 AI907 WY312 LX242 QR1134 GF566 LH616 WY717 WY328 EY388 WY414 WY910 9W540 AI985 WY662 WY636 WY654 WY928 WY816 WY612 WY696

KUWAIT 0005 CAIRO 0005 JEDDAH 0005 MEDINA 0005 RIYADH 0010 SALALAH 0020 SALALAH 0120 ISTANBUL 0135 DACCA 0200 LAHORE 0215 BAHRAIN 0325 DUBAI 0340 DOHA 0345 DUBAI 0350 ADDIS ABABA 0350 ABU DHABI 0400 FRANKFURT 0515 AMMAN 0635 BAHRAIN 0635 ABU DHABI 0640 SALALAH 0645 KUWAIT 0650 RIYADH 0655 RAS AL KHAIMA 0655 MALPENSA 0705 DOHA 0715 JEDDAH 0735 PARIS 0735 LONDON HEATHROW 0740 DUBAI 0800 TEHRAN 0805 BEIRUT 0805 DUBAI 0805 LAHORE 0825 LAHORE 0830 BOMBAY 0835 HYDERABAD 0900 SHARJAH 0905 BANGALORE 0910 COCHIN 0920 DUBAI 0930 DELHI 0935 TRIVANDRUM 0955 MADRAS 0955 DOHA 1000 ABU DHABI 1010 COCHIN 1020 DOHA 1035 DUQUM OMAN 1035 BAHRAIN 1040 TRIVANDRUM 1045 KHASAB 1115 DUBAI 1115 MUKHAIZNA 1120 BAHRAIN 1130 DUBAI 1140 COLOMBO 1140 CALICUT 1155 LAHORE 1215 KUALA LUMPUR-SINGAPORE 1215 BANGKOK 1220 ABU DHABI 1220 SALALAH 1230 DOHA 1250 KARACHI 1300 KATHMANDU 1305 DUBAI 1340 SALALAH 1440 KHASAB 1445 ISLAM ABBAD 1515 SHARJAH 1525 DUBAI 1535 MUKHAIZNA 1550 BAHRAIN 1610 DOHA 1650 BOMBAY 1655 CALICUT 1710 LUCKNOW 1740 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1745 HYDERABAD 1750 DELHI 1750 MADRAS 1750 DUBAI 1800 BAHRAIN 1810 TRIVANDRUM 1820 SHARJAH 1905 JAIPUR 1910 KUWAIT 1920 DUBAI 1940 SALALAH 2000 ABU DHABI 2005 ABU DHABI 2005 MALE 2020 DUBAI 2025 JAKARTA 2035 KATHMANDU 2040 DUBAI 2100 BANGALORE-HYDERABAD 2105 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2105 MUNICH 2105 COCHIN 2115 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2140 DUBAI 2150 MADRAS 2200 CHITTAGONG 2210 ZURICH-DUBAI 2225 DOHA 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 FRANKFURT-DOHA 2245 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2250 KARACHI 2250 ABU DHABI 2300 AMMAN 2300 SALALAH 2310 BOMBAY 2315 BOMBAY 2325 DOHA 2335 ABU DHABI 2340 BAHRAIN 2340 SALALAH 2345 BANGKOK 2350 DUBAI 2355 DAMMAM 2355

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

AI986 9W539 SG062 WY657 WY637 WY235 WY281 WY685 WY201 WY643 WY251 WY345 WY271 WY601 WY341 WY431 WY371 WY123 WY325 WY901 WY241 WY667 WY383 BG022 NL769 TK775 4H584 WY331 PK282 EK867 ET625 EY385 FZ042 QR1133 GF561 WY651 WY3301 WY903 4H562 WY603 WY917 WY323 WY669 FZ044 WY633 WY373 WY215 WY815 WY291 WY263 WY385 G9842 WY821 G9115 WY231 WY905 WY605 WY203 WY245 EK863 WY337 IX818 QR1129 EY383 WY311 WY919 9W533 GF563 WY223 WY655 FZ038 WY631 IX350 WY253 WY113 WY693 WY3303 WY663 WY131 WY143 WY645 WY101 BG024 PK192 PA951 WY927 WY405 WY609 WY907 WY675 FZ046 WY671 WY613 QR1127 WY623 WY681 WY647 WY909 GF565 EK865 WY695 WY661 WY653 G9117 SV535 WY913 TG508 WY635 FZ048 WY611 RG126 WY915 FZ050 WY411 WY421 WY817 9W529 6.00E+82 AI908 UL206 AI974 GF567 LX243 BA072 QR1135 WY673 LH617 EY381

BOMBAY 0020 BOMBAY 0020 AHMEDABAD 0030 BAHRAIN 0055 ABU DHABI 0105 HYDERABAD 0110 BANGALORE 0110 RIYADH 0115 BOMBAY 0115 KUWAIT 0120 MADRAS 0120 ISLAM ABBAD 0125 JAIPUR 0135 DUBAI 0145 LAHORE 0145 TEHRAN 0155 COLOMBO 0155 MUNICH 0200 KARACHI 0210 SALALAH 0215 DELHI 0215 DOHA 0225 MALE 0230 CHITTAGONG-DACCA 0230 LAHORE 0230 ISTANBUL 0230 DACCA 0300 KATHMANDU 0350 SIALKOT 0400 DUBAI 0450 ADDIS ABABA 0450 ABU DHABI 0500 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0515 BAHRAIN 0715 BAHRAIN 0730 MUKHAIZNA 0730 SALALAH 0740 DACCA 0745 DUBAI 0750 KHASAB 0815 KARACHI 0835 DOHA 0835 DUBAI 0845 ABU DHABI 0900 COLOMBO 0900 TRIVANDRUM 0900 BANGKOK 0905 CALICUT 0915 LUCKNOW 0940 MALE 0945 RAS AL KHAIMA 0945 SINGAPORE-KUALA LUMPUR 0945 SHARJAH 0955 HYDERABAD 1000 SALALAH 1020 DUBAI 1020 BOMBAY 1025 DELHI 1040 DUBAI 1045 KATHMANDU 1050 MANGALORE 1100 DOHA 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 CHITTAGONG 1140 KHASAB 1145 COCHIN 1145 BAHRAIN 1215 COCHIN 1215 BAHRAIN 1215 DUBAI 1225 ABU DHABI 1240 CALICUT 1255 MADRAS 1255 FRANKFURT 1320 DAMMAM 1330 MUKHAIZNA 1330 DOHA 1330 PARIS 1345 MALPENSA 1350 KUWAIT 1350 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 DACCA 1400 GWADUR-TURBAT 1405 SIALKOT 1430 SALALAH 1430 CAIRO 1440 DUBAI 1445 SALALAH 1540 JEDDAH 1615 DUBAI 1620 MEDINA 1705 DUBAI 1710 DOHA 1750 DUBAI 1840 RIYADH 1840 KUWAIT 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 DUBAI 1910 DAMMAM 1915 DOHA 1920 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 1955 RIYADH 2000 SALALAH 2000 KARACHI-BANGKOK 2005 ABU DHABI 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2035 ABU DHABI 2045 SALALAH 2100 DUBAI 2145 AMMAN 2205 BEIRUT 2215 BANGKOK 2225 TRIVANDRUM 2230 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 COLOMBO 2305 DELHI 2310 BAHRAIN 2325 DUBAI-ZURICH 2325 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 2330 DOHA 2330 JEDDAH 2350 DOHA-FRANKFURT 2355 ABU DHABI 2355

9W539 AI986 WY657 WY637 WY235 WY281 WY201 WY685 WY643 WY251 WY341 WY601 WY431 WY371 WY123 WY847 WY241 WY901 WY667 TK775 4H584 PK230 WY331 EK867 ET625 EY385 FZ036 QR1133 WY651 GF561 WY3921 G9842 WY603 WY903 WY3301 WY917 WY347 WY669 WY323 FZ044 WY633 WY815 WY291 WY215 WY253 NL769 WY717 WY263 WY385 WY821 WY843 G9115 WY231 WY905 WY605 WY203 WY245 EK863 IX554 WY337 QR1129 EY383 IX442 WY311 9W533 WY919 QR8550 WY655 GF563 WY273 FZ038 WY3303 IX350 PA451 WY113 WY663 WY143 WY645 WY101 WY423 WY153 WY927 WY413 WY405 WY609 WY907 WY675 G9110 FZ046 WY631 WY613 QR1127 WY327 WY623 WY681 WY647 WY909 GF565 EK865 WY695 WY661 WY653 G9117 WY913 WY635 FZ048 WY611 RG126 WY915 FZ050 AI978 KL442 WY817 9W529 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 WY677 GF567 LX243 BA072 QR1135 WY673 EY381 LH617

BOMBAY 0020 BOMBAY 0020 BAHRAIN 0055 ABU DHABI 0105 HYDERABAD 0110 BANGALORE 0110 BOMBAY 0115 RIYADH 0115 KUWAIT 0120 MADRAS 0120 LAHORE 0145 DUBAI 0145 TEHRAN 0155 COLOMBO 0155 MUNICH 0200 JAKARTA 0215 DELHI 0215 SALALAH 0215 DOHA 0225 ISTANBUL 0230 DACCA 0300 LAHORE 0315 KATHMANDU 0350 DUBAI 0450 ADDIS ABABA 0450 ABU DHABI 0500 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0515 BAHRAIN 0645 BAHRAIN 0715 DUQUM OMAN 0740 RAS AL KHAIMA 0745 DUBAI 0750 SALALAH 0750 MUKHAIZNA 0800 KHASAB 0815 ISLAM ABBAD 0830 DOHA 0835 KARACHI 0835 DUBAI 0845 ABU DHABI 0900 BANGKOK 0905 CALICUT 0915 TRIVANDRUM 0915 MADRAS 0915 LAHORE 0930 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 0940 LUCKNOW 0940 MALE 0945 SINGAPORE-KUALA LUMPUR 0945 MANILA 0955 SHARJAH 0955 HYDERABAD 1000 SALALAH 1020 DUBAI 1020 BOMBAY 1025 DELHI 1040 DUBAI 1045 TRIVANDRUM 1045 KATHMANDU 1050 DOHA 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 COCHIN 1120 CHITTAGONG 1140 COCHIN 1145 KHASAB 1145 DUBAI WORLD CENTRE-DOHA 1205 BAHRAIN 1215 BAHRAIN 1215 JAIPUR 1220 DUBAI 1225 MUKHAIZNA 1230 CALICUT 1255 LAHORE 1315 FRANKFURT 1320 DOHA 1330 MALPENSA 1350 KUWAIT 1350 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 BEIRUT 1415 ZURICH 1420 SALALAH 1430 AMMAN 1440 CAIRO 1440 DUBAI 1445 SALALAH 1540 JEDDAH 1615 SHARJAH 1615 DUBAI 1620 ABU DHABI 1640 DUBAI 1710 DOHA 1750 KARACHI 1810 DUBAI 1840 RIYADH 1840 KUWAIT 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 DUBAI 1910 DAMMAM 1915 DOHA 1920 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 1955 SALALAH 2000 ABU DHABI 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2035 ABU DHABI 2045 SALALAH 2100 DUBAI 2145 HYDERABAD-BANGALORE 2200 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2220 BANGKOK 2225 TRIVANDRUM 2230 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 MEDINA 2310 BAHRAIN 2325 DUBAI-ZURICH 2325 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 2330 DOHA 2330 JEDDAH 2350 ABU DHABI 2355 DOHA-FRANKFURT 2355

ETD

ETA

ETD

T UESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

C11

EXTRA BRIEFS

Dance classes do not provide children with ample exercise SENDING YOUR children to a dance class may not compensate for their daily exercise requirements. Researchers have found that most youth dance classes provide only limited amounts of physical activity. The study of 66 dance classes showed that more than one-third of class time, on average, was spent engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The remainder of class time was spent doing light activities such as standing, listening or stretching. “This is a very commonly used opportunity for young people, to be physically active and we find that they are inactive during dance classes,” said James Sallis, professor, University of California, San Diego, US.

Disney TV show to inspire girls for a career in science DISNEY along with Google and NASA, is working on a new TV show that will inspire girls to pursue a career in science. According to a Washington Post report, childrens’ TV channel Disney Junior approached Google and the US space agency for the new science series named Miles From Tomorrowland. It is about a space adventure-seeking boy named Miles Callisto, his smart sister Loretta who codes and mother Phoebe who drives the family spaceship.

Loretta uses computer code to solve problems. The character is inspired by NASA astronaut Yvonne D. Cagle.

Aspirin may slow progression of breath shortness: Study

Popular narration of science full of falsehoods We often misjudge the scientific process and underestimate its complexity, says an argument

T

he other week I was working in my garage office when my 14-year-old daughter, Olivia, came in to tell me about Charles Darwin.

Did I know that he discovered the theory of evolution after studying finches on the Galápagos Islands? I was steeped in what felt like the 37th draft of my new book, which is on the development of scientific ideas, and she was proud to contribute this tidbit of history that she had just learned in class.

Sadly, like many stories of scientific discovery, that commonly recounted tale, repeated in her biology textbook, is not true.

The popular history of science is full of such falsehoods.

In the case of evolution, Darwin was a much better geologist than ornithologist, at least in his early years. And while he did notice differences among the birds (and tortoises) on the different islands, he didn’t think them important enough to make a careful analysis.

His ideas on evolution did not come from the mythical Galápagos epiphany, but evolved through many years of hard work, long after he had returned from the voyage. (To get an idea of the effort involved in developing his theory, consider this — One byproduct of his research was a 684-page monograph on

barnacles.) The myth of the finches obscures the qualities that were really responsible for Darwin’s success — the grit to formulate his theory and gather evidence for it; the creativity to seek signs of evolution in existing animals, rather than, as others did, in the fossil record; and the open-mindedness to drop his belief in creationism when the evidence against it piled up.

The mythical stories we tell about our heroes are always more romantic and often more palatable than the truth. But in science, at least, they are destructive, in that they promote false conceptions of the evolution of scientific thought.

Of the tale of Newton and the apple, the historian Richard S. Westfall wrote, “The story vulgarises universal gravitation by treating it as a bright idea — A bright idea cannot shape a scientific tradition.” Science is just not that simple and it is not that easy.

Still, you might ask, so what?

What happens when we misjudge the scientific process, when we underestimate its complexity?

The oversimplification of discovery makes science appear far less rich and complex than it really is. In the film The Theory of Everything, Stephen Hawking is seen staring at glowing embers in a fireplace when he has a vision

of black holes emitting heat. In the next scene he is announcing to an astonished audience that, contrary to prior theory, black holes will leak particles, shrink and then explode. But that is not how his discovery happened.

In reality, Hawking had been inspired not by glowing embers, but by the work of two Russian physicists.

According to their theory, rotating black holes would give off energy, slowing their rotation until they eventually stopped.

To investigate this, Hawking had to perform difficult mathematical calculations that carefully combined the relevant elements of quantum theory and Einstein’s theory of gravity — two mainstays of physics that, in certain respects, are known to contradict each other. Hawking’s calculations showed, to his “surprise and annoyance,” that stationary black holes also leak.

To a physicist that was a shocking result, as it contradicted the idea that black holes devour matter and energy, but never regurgitate it. To Hawking, it was especially dismaying, for it lent support to a Princeton physicist’s theory about black hole entropy that he had great disdain for.

So Hawking attacked his own work, trying to poke holes in it.

In the end, after months of calculations, he was forced to accept

that his conclusion was correct, and it changed the way physicists think about black holes.

Two thousand years ago, Aristotle’s “Physics” was a wideranging set of theories that were easy to state and understand.

But his ideas were almost completely wrong. Newton’s “Principia” ushered in the age of modern science, but remains one of the most impenetrable books ever written.

There is a reason — The truths of nature are subtle, and require deep and careful thought.

Over the past few centuries we have invested that level of thought, and so while in the 19th century the Reuters news service used carrier pigeons to fly stock prices between cities, today we have the Internet.

Even if we are not scientists, every day we are challenged to make judgments and decisions about technical matters like vaccinations, financial investments, diet supplements and, of course, global warming.

If our discourse on such topics is to be intelligent and productive, we need to dip below the surface and grapple with the complex underlying issues.

The myths can make one into believing there is an easier path, one that doesn’t require such hard work. -Leonard Mlodinow/The New York Times News Service

STUDY

Drinking orange juice could help improve brain function in elderly people THE POPULATION is ageing rapidly across the world. Estimates suggest that the number of persons aged 60 or over could triple by 2,100. It’s therefore imperative that we explore simple, cost-effective ways to improve cognitive function in old age,” said study co-author Daniel Lamport from the University of Reading.

The study saw a group of 37 healthy adults (mean age 67 years) consuming 500 millilitres of orange juice daily over an eight week period.

At the beginning and end of the eight weeks their memory, reaction time and verbal fluency was measured. These were then combined into one overall score

known as ‘global cognitive function’. The adults showed an eight per cent overall improvement in global cognitive function after orange juice consumption compared to a control drink given during the study period.

Orange juice is a major source of flavonoids — being particularly rich in a sub-class of flavonoids, known as flavanones. Recent studies have shown that flavonoids may improve memory through the activation of signalling pathways in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is associated with learning and memory. This study is thought to be the first to show that regularly consuming orange juice

could have a positive effect on older people’s cognition.

“Small, easily administered changes to the daily diet, such as eating more flavonoid-rich fruits and vegetables, have the potential to substantially benefit brain health,” Lamport said.

“This is an important discovery which strengthens the growing body of evidence that flavonoid rich foodstuffs could play a big role in tackling cognition decline in old age,” he concluded.

Previous research has shown that other flavonoid rich foods such as blueberries are beneficial for cognition. The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. -IANS

REGULAR USE of the common painkiller aspirin may help slow the progression of early emphysema, a lung disease that primarily causes shortness of breath, says a new study. “Other than smoking cessation and avoidance, there are no known methods for reducing the risk of developing emphysema,” said researcher Carrie Aaron from Columbia University Medical Centre in New York, US. “We found that regular aspirin use was associated with a slower progression of per cent emphysema on computed tomography (CT) scans over 10 years,” Aaron said. -IANS

C1 2

TUE S DAY, MAY 19, 2 015

EXTRA

YVES SAINT LAURENT PORTRAYED AS A FRAGILE GENIUS IN A NEW MOVIE

T

he most sympathetic character in the latest film about Yves Saint Laurent is Moujik — his French bulldog. Moujik is felled after innocently poking his snout into a pile of pills that the designer has spilled on the floor after a night of feasting. While both men lay unconscious in various stages, the poor canine’s deadly overdose is portrayed on screen in a manner that is sad, grotesque and terribly prolonged.

The same might be said of the film itself.

Saint Laurent is a plodding, 150-minute, raw biopic that focuses on the renowned designer’s life throughout much of the 1970s when he was at the height of his influence and fame. At his peak, Saint Laurent helped to modernise women’s wardrobes with collections inspired by the visual arts, ballet and street culture.

He popularised trousers for women. He encouraged them to relax with his robes.

And he famously crafted a woman’s version of a tuxedo — “le smoking” .

Saint Laurent’s work helped to establish much of modern fashion’s vocabulary.

He was a celebrity designer, indulging in the era’s nightlife with his pack of buddies, posing to promote his own fragrance and building up a network of licenses to expand his brand. Within the industry, he was hailed as a genius.

But Saint Laurent was also a depressive

soul whose relationships, while passionate, could be filled with vitriol, enabling both passivity and turmoil. He has been described again and again throughout fashion history as “fragile,” which suggests that he could be easily broken. But he drove many of those around him to distraction, inflicting more than a few psychic wounds on his professional and personal partner Pierre Bergé, his staff and his friends.

Ultimately, at least as portrayed in the film, he posed the gravest danger to himself. Saint Laurent follows another biopic, Yves Saint Laurent, released last summer. That version of the designer’s life was championed by Bergé. This one had the support of Kering, which now owns the Saint Laurent brand. This latest film gives a more nuanced sense of life inside the atelier — the hierarchy, the work-flow, the pressures, and the team effort, exploring the designer’s business relationship with his American backer.

The earlier film gave the audience a better sense of the actual clothes that made him famous. Neither film, however, offers a particularly flattering portrayal of the designer. He is despicable, narcissistic and tedious in both. Each movie underscores his debauched lifestyle, which was punctuated by drug-taking. Saint Laurent, however, is far more unsparing

‘Saint Laurent’ is a plodding, 150-minute, raw biopic focuses on the renowned designer’s life throughout much of the 1970s when he was at the height of his influence and fame in its depiction of the designer’s obsession with de Bascher.

If not exactly entertaining, Saint Laurent is most certainly well-timed. The brand is in the midst of a resurgence under the direction of designer Hedi Slimane. He has tapped into youthful dissoluteness to create street-infused collections that speak of rock concerts, music festivals and raucous indie bands while casting a keen eye on the commercial power of well-cut basics such as leather motorcycle jackets, tuxedo jackets and silk T-shirts. After more than a decade of sluggish sales, Slimane has

been able to give the brand the creative jolt necessary to spark a significant financial revival. Under Slimane’s guidance, Saint Laurent has been experiencing double digit growth, recently reporting a first quarter increase in revenue of 21.2 per cent over 2014.

Aesthetically, culturally, this is a Saint Laurent moment. It is an opportune time to tell the designer’s story, to offer an audience an insight into his creative process, to decipher his personality. But the film version of Saint Laurent seems forever locked into a particular caricature — that of the fragile, broken, genius.

Those may be aspects of his personality but they alone do not help audiences understand the man who inspired such loyalty among his friends and such fealty from Bergé.

Was it pure fear of the mayhem and financial upheaval that would unspool if Saint Laurent’s snow globe of a world cracked wide open and reality flooded in? Saint Laurent’s mother declares him so coddled he doesn’t even known how to change a light bulb. He replies that it’s not a problem because he’d simply sit in the dark until Bergé came home to change it. Who is the greater offender? The man who sits in the dark? Or the one who rushes home to turn on the lights?

There are countless scenes that show

a melancholy Saint Laurent staring into the distance, teetering down a hallway or gazing forlornly at a sketch pad. Those around him seem to define this unstable brooding as part of the designer’s process or a personality quirk. Or perhaps some failing that can be fixed with a nice, long vacation.

Fashion is filled with creative souls who are at their best when they are indulged. Watching Saint Laurent unravel, one can’t help but think of designers Alexander McQueen and John Galliano — their tragic undoing recently chronicled in Dana Thomas’ book Gods and Kings.

Was early evidence of their trouble overlooked or ignored because it fit so comfortably with the accepted stereotype?

As Saint Laurent makes clear, fashion is a business.

The seamstresses in the atelier, the licensees, the investors rely on the cleareyed vision of the designer. And if necessary, they will keep that designer propped up, enabled and protected. Their livelihoods depend on him.

The business of fashion does not stop churning because of one man’s addiction and depression. It can’t. But if there’s any lesson in the flawed Saint Laurent, it’s that the “fragile genius” is a destructive cliché that obscures a host of deadly maladies. -Robin Givhan/The Washington Post.

CELEBRITY NEWS

‘Amy’ premieres at Cannes Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

LATE SINGER Amy Winehouse’s documentary Amy was premiered at the 2015 Cannes International Film Festival. Directed by Asif Kapadia, the documentary showed the dark side of the late rocker’s fame on Saturday. At one point in the movie, Winehouse, who died at the age of 27 from alcohol poisoning in 2011, confessed that she didn’t think she could handle fame. “I don’t think I’m going to be at all famous, I don’t think I could handle it,” a teenage Winehouse said. The Rehab hitmaker’s parents also appeared in the film, but they criticised it, calling it “unbalanced”.

US rapper Chinx shot dead US RAPPER Lionel Pickens, better known as Chinx, died after being shot multiple times as he was driving in a vehicle in the New York City borough of Queens, Efe news agency reported. The 31-year-old rapper was shot early Sunday morning and died shortly thereafter at a city hospital, while a 27-year-old man who was riding with him survived but is in critical condition. At least seven bullet holes could be seen in the rapper’s silver Porsche in photographs published by various media outlets.

Beyonce Knowles visits Haiti on UN mission SINGER Beyonce Knowles has visited Haiti with United Nations humanitarian chief Baroness Amos to study the rehabilitation effort since the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake which struck the country in 2010. The 33-year-old shared on Instagram some photographs from her visit on Sunday. She captioned one of the images: “Haiti. Humanitarian mission with the UN.” The hitmaker also posed for photographs with the rescue team. -IANS

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

SECTION

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

RENT

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VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

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

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T U E S D AY, M AY 1 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

FOR RENT

2 BHK with split A/C in Grand mall. Contact 96708000 1BHK with split A/C in Azaiba 16 Nov Street. Contact 96708000 1& 2 BHK at Honda road.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 2 BHK at AL Azaiba, 2 bedrooms, 1 hall & dinning 3 & bath rooms.

Contact: 99224748 / 99425665 Restaurant available for rent brand new fully equipped restaurant on Barka- Nakhal-Rustaq Highway , ideal for Pakistani /Indian /Omani Cuisine , available for rent and management excellent opportunity for those who are in restaurant business in Oman /UEA. Only serious and experienced parties need to Contact on: 99337991 1 Bedroom bachelors, sharing K & T in Al Khuwair R.O 100/-.

Contact 95154331 Flats 2 bedrooms, hall in Mumtaz way no 3352 building no 3774 /3668. Contact 99341138 / 98003444

2 BHK (with split AC) residential flat at Honda road.

Contact 98087644 / 99795241 Labor camp available with all facilities at Sohar Falaij (Near Sohar Sea port) - Contact – 92982172 Showroom for rent 200 m in Al Misfah, Bousher facing the main road. Contact 95202430 New building, residential apartments and offices, in Al Khoud Souq. Contact 95202340 Deluxe 1, 2 BHK flats in Darsait, AL Khuwair 1deal for office & residence. Contact 99369081 /99142314 Room for rent two bedrooms, one toilet and sharing, kitchen at Ruwi Mumtaz area R.O 180/- per month including electricity and water.

Contact: 98917915

New one B/R directly from owner.

Bausher. Contact – 92158031 Spacious 1 BHK flat in Darsait near Indian school (ISD).

Contact 99369081 Deluxe 2 BHK in Mumtaz area Ruwi Contact 97707007 Furnished spacious single room in a new building with attached bathroom for executive bachelor at South Al Mawaleh (Behind Seeb City Center). Gsm 99221067 2 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 2bedrooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Ruwi near boys school.

Contact : 92584715 / 24700120

Independent rooms in Qurum / AL Hail. Contact 95529970

506 sqm space with mezzanine available for rent in Al Wadi Al Kabir. Suitable for carpentry / auto workshop and /or electrical shop.

Interested parties may Contact 24703981

2 BHK Flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99792181

1BHK flat in Wattaya with split units A/C. Contact: 98802343

Villa for rent with 4 bedroom at Al Khodh, Rent 600/-RO.#92888115 4 bedroom villa at Al Ansab area.

Contact: 96788070 10 BHK Villa in Al Khuwair 25 for Executive bachelors.

Contact 99792181 1 Villa & 4 big apartments of 3 BHK with big hall & Kitchen Al Khoudh 6. Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com New 3 bedroom flats split AC, attached toilets available behind Kims Oman hospital.

Contact 95225662 Mezzanine floor office space for rent area 200 sq. Contact 97175979 / 99001341 Flat with 2 rooms, toilet & kitchen in second floor in Souk Al Khoud behind bank Al Ahli 200/- R.O .

Contact : 99738881 2 & 3 BHK in Qurum, with split AC, Near PDO Gate 2.

Contact 94057023

Flat at Darsait. Contact 99326879 3000 sq mtrs Industrial landß, in Barka Sanaiya, with electricity 400KW, shed, staff accommodation and office. Ready to start any kind of factory. Contact 99384255.

3 bedroom flat for rent in Al Hamria Contact: 99341112 7 BHK Flat in Azaiba for Executive Bachelors. Contact 99792181 Villa for rent in Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact 99366624 2BHK flats in Al Khuwair-33 with split AC. Contact: 94057023

3 Office space available between 120-142 sqm, with data cable, pantry, cassette AC, parking, @ RO. 5/- per/sqm. At Jibroo Muttrah. 2 BHK flat at Azaiba, behind Al Meera Hypermarket. RO. 330/-.Contact: 93221054, 99229263, 95215289 Villa for rent in Azaiba near well roundabout & Umm AL Qura Mosque, 5 bedrooms, two hall , kitchen. Contact : Mr Sunil 92887809/ Mr Habib 98048207 1st floor flat in Amerat Phase 5, 4 rooms, bathrooms (3), kitchen with A/C for family. Contact 95522405 Flats for rent in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact : 92800007

1,2,3 BHK apartments for rent. , 4,5 BHK villas for rent.

Contact 95178930

1 Villa & 4 big apartments of 3 BHK with big hall & Kitchen Al Khoudh 6. Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com

Independent villa in Darsait (OPP .

KIMS hospital, behind Khimji mart) for rent 4 bedrooms, big hall and 1 kitchen + 1 pantry. Please call Ms Hiba Shaikh. Contact 98048210/ Mr Anil Kumar 99261773

Office premises available in Ruwi and double bed room flats available in Mabellah for rent.

Contact tel nos 24833972/ 24833974/24450361 gsm 99367448

T U E S DAY, M AY 1 9, 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

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

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

WANTED Required used portacabin 12’ x 40’ without partition 2 Nos, used ablution unit 12 ‘x 30’ -1 no required at Misfah. Contact: 99340205

Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569 1BHK, 2 toilets at South Ghubra include E/W and AC split with fully furnished OMR 350/-.# 92811110 Labour camp for Rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99797422 2 BHK & studio flat at Darsait 1SM. Contact 99024730

One BHK flat for rent in Ghobra with attach and common bathroom.

For Indian family.

Contact - 92322096 3 flats for rent 3 bedrooms include A/C, near the highway (Bowshar Amerat). Contact 97777911 / 95533777 Mabella residential area flat 3 bedroom, toilet 33 inside of the compound wall ground level, children playground excellent area. Contact 99879872

Furnished flats for rent in Al Buraimi, daily, weekly, monthly.

Contact 97819981 / 93593336 2 bedroom apartment in Ruwi for rent or sale for information.

Contact: 99360303 1 BHK new bldg with A/C, curtains near Khimji Mart MBD. Contact: 99061408 / 99024039 We have flats for rent in South Al Mabella stage -8 along the highway. Contact 95121222

Room with attached bathroom Al Khuwair 33 area.

Contact 96059431

Room main road, Al Khuwair R.O 110/-. Contact 97799175

Flat 1 BHK for rent near Al Tajaweed furniture way no. 5917 Hamriya, Rent 160/- PM. Contact 99350946

1/3 BHK Flat Ghubrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880

Industrial land for rent in Wadi Kabir 7000 Sq mtrs.

Contact 99354340

1& 2BHK for rent at Wadi Kabir, Hilal Al Sad and Al Khoud areas .

Contact Office: 24834644 Mobile: 93994401/02/03

1 Bedroom flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99385835/99428143

2BHK at Al Azaiba, 2bedrooms, 1 hall & dinning , 3 bathrooms.

Contact : 99224748 / 99425665 Flats shops and store for rent in Ruwi, MBD Honda road.

Contact 97293708 / 92433127 For rent flat 3BHK 390/-R.O in North Al Ghubrah. Contact 97004127 Labour Camp for Rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99792181 2 BHK flat in Rex Road.

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

Contact 99792181 Studio & 1BHK flat in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454

Flat for rent, 2 BK near Kuwaiti Mosque, Wadi Kabir. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 Flat for rent 2 BK near Oman House Muttrah. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 If require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through whatsapp or call 99376454 Spacious 2 BHK flats in Ruwi MBD area only on 350/- OMR. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499

1 No. PLASTER MIXER PUMP (Make/Model: Putzmeister; DWϮϱͿ ŝŶ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶ available for sale on AS IS WHERE IS basis (at our Ghala Store). Genuine buyers Contact Evan G. Amanna, Mbl. 99334126; R&N KHIMJI LLC - Tel.24502111; Email: rnk@rkhimjigroup.com

Shop for sale ladies beauty parlour AL Hassan Company near top up super market AL Wadi Kabir, good Running condition.# 91207003 /96700192

FOR SALE

Flat for rent 1 & 2 bedroom available behind Zaker Mall Al Khuwair.

Contact - 99530405 Ghubra near Al Maha hotel & Indian school (2BHK with 5 split ac units). Contact 94652485/ 99273774 / 99202278 For rent 3 industrial land.

Contact 92702891/ 95490842 Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat.

Contact 99349526

BUYING / SELLING

Studio flat Wadi Kabeer 160/-O.R. Contact - 99358589 / 97079146/ 95570288

Investors required for a Running hotel in AL Khuwair. Contact 98049288

1BHK flat near star cinema with split A/C 230/- O.R. Contact 99358589/ 97079146/95570288

Used household & office furniture and electronic items.

Contact 99834373, 97102699

We have flats for sale in south Al Mabella stage -8 along the highway. Contact 95121222

Furnished single rooms available for bachelors at Ruwi.

Contact: 98049288

Shfandish & tables for sale.

Contact 99368907

ACC. OPP, OK center for non- cooking bachelor. Contact - 97900642 after 5 pm

Coffee shop for sale in North Al Ghubra. Contact 95256009 For running beauty saloon for sale.

Contact 97786792 / 96914627

A well equipped running dental clinic in Ruwi for sale.

Contact 93769963 Coffee shop equipment and furniture for sale call 95207741 .

3 tents used for six months, PVC type, 850 GSM, water proof and fire resistant (one tent size 11x30meter, two tents size 15x25 meters).

For clarification call 99507508

ACC. AVAILABLE Sharing accommodation for executive bachelor near Sadolin Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99016230

Port cabin new & refurbished – porta cabin for sale & rent. # 96723468 / 97775501 / 97775502

Used Furniture of Ready made showroom for Sale.contact 24704370, 99798452 (Ashwin)

Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

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

Restaurant for sale well running with open area and good parking area. 3 new clearance also in Wadi Kabeer near Mars hyper market.

Contact 99656863

Residential land for sale 21000 sqm, best for housing complex at Al Harm – Barka, opp to Khimji logistic. Contact 99438397

Villa in Al Khuwair and Seeb.

Contact 95250300/ 99119699 / 92125648

For rent flat 2 BHK 350/- R.O in North Al Ghubrah. #97004127

200 Sqr mtrs office space in CBD. Contact 99792181

FOR SALE

Apartments for rent Ghubra : near Indian School Ghubra & Al Maha International Hotel (2BHK with 5 split A/C units).Contact 99273774 / 99202278 /94652485

1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. Electricity and boundary wall will be provided. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

2 & 3 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

FOR SALE!

AVAILABLE

3 floor commercial building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 27 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Shopping center for sale at Bousher by good price 400 m2 with all equipment. Reason for selling part-time. Contact 92916490 5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Bousher: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

2,560 sq mtrs industrial land Wadi Kabir Main Road, First line on way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to make petrol station or hotel. OMR 990 Thousand Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

2 residential Lands together, one 610 and the other 600 sq mtrs, in Al Haram on way to Barka. OMR 49 Thousand both. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

558 Sq mtrs residential land in Barka (Al Jenainah) near Lulu and near to school. OMR 32 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Room with attached bath in Mumtaz area. Contact: 99743709 Attached room with kitchen at Azaiba. Contact : 99334770 Sharing accommodation available opposite Mars at Al Ghubra for Executive bachelor or small family sharing, kitchen. Contact 94474351 / 96237050 For family room available near Al Khamis Shoes Hamriya.

Contact 99793785 Executive bachelor room with attached toilet near Al Nahda Hospital, Hamriya.

Contact - 96474313 Al Khuwair one villa room with toilet. Indians only.

Contact 99382008 Sharing for non-cooking Executive bachelor in CBD area wi fi free, advance deposit. Contact 95934642 Accommodation available for South Indian family, one bedroom with attached toilet, kitchen, hall in a villa, Al Ghubrah. Contact 99209160 Family room available for rent at Muttrah Souk. Contact 24712088 / 99022790 Single room & AC attached bath at Mumtaz area. Contact 95212017 & 93103337 Sharing acc. Available in Muttrah behind Oman house.

Contact 99354340 Sharing family accommodation in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99335057

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

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNTANT ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Urgently required a Senior Accountant 1 no. at least 5 years experience, 2 sales executive, 2 nos at least 3years experience and having valid Omani driving license interested candidates may email their CVs at findjobs2015@hotmail. com

Analyst accountant knowledge & skill excel Advance misreport account & finance administration work document oracle advertising knowledge degree MBA, BBM. Contact 91840109/99783953 Email: mohd.rashid19@gmail.com

Urgently required female Accountant, should have 3 -5 years experience. Send CV with passport size Photo and expected salary on cv.hrcharity@gmail.com

Indian male 22 yrs B. Com Graduate 1 year exp in Accounts, currently on visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact 94341848 / Email – mohdhaji7272@gmail.com

BEAUTICIAN

Chief Accountant Indian male 36 yrs, M.Com, 14 yrs experience at Senior position in leading MEP companies, 9 years in Oman. Available Noc, D/L & ready to join.

Contact 98407501

Beautician required with good experience visa available.

Contact: 95867900

CATERING Shawarma /Arabic/Chinese/ cook & helpers. Contact 95529970

DOMESTIC HELPER Company GM requires a capable house keeper (preferably Philipina) to keep the house spotless and a gardener cum cleaner on full/ part time basis. Handsome salary & flexible timings. Contact 98458542

DRAFTSMAN Leading Construction company requires MEP Draftsman and Civil Draftsman with 5 to 7 years gulf experience with NOC available. Send your CV to recruitment1947@gmail.com

DESIGNER Required 3 D Designer for interior design with relevant experience, full time or part time.

Contact 95766844

EDUCATION A school requires teachers for English, Science, Math, IT and Science Laboratory technician minimum requirements masters degree IELTS (band6).

Contact send CV to: 96606121.

Email: fred-cate2@yahoo.com

ENGI./ELECT./TECH..

Urgently required Maintenance Supervisor (Civil) with valid Oman D/L. Send your CV to cv.hrcharity@gmail.com Required Graduate Electrical Engineer experience in HT & LT works. Contact 99760596, Email : info@npgoman.com

MEDICAL Medical CARE Centre, Al Seeb, requires Gynecologist, General Practitioners and Medical Lab Technicians. Mail CVsarita_h23@yahoo.com or call 97884856 Urgently required (All female only) Radiographer, Physiotherapist, Echo Technician, EEG technician & Nurses.

Contact: 99374223, 22081700 email: hr@gshoman.com Urgently required a female Dentist with a valid MOH license interested candidates may email their CVs at findjobs2015@hotmail.com

MEDICAL We are looking for a Staff Nurse, who is having 60% or above in prometric exam. Contact : 99235643 /99463609 Email: abuahamedclinic@gmail.com Clinical Dietician for Weight Management Center, utilizing the “Eurodiet” method. Experienced in individual counseling along with excellent communication skills.

Arabic speaking would be an advantage. Tel. 9749 7777, thanae@eurodiet.com A private clinic in Oman requires a staff nurse (Indian female preferably) salary negotiable interested candidates kindly mail their resumes/ CV with contact details to medicalclinic2015@gmail.com or call 00968-91941373 Position for a full time home Health Nurse seeking for a dedicated and reliable Staff Nurse or Assistant Nurse to provide total care for an elderly sick patient for immediate interview.

Contact : 99331369 Urgently required Staff Nurse, Pharmacist and endodontist Female Staff nurse, Pharmacist and endodntist with MOH License/ Prometric exam passed with 60% and above.

Contact 24780088, 97374459 Email : karamadental@gmail.com Immediate placement ( with or without MOH) A. Pharmacist 3 nos B. Asst.pharmacist - 2 nos Contact Tel.99338219 , 93240949

MISCELLANEOUS Cast Aluminium & Windows Company looking for the skilled and experienced personnel for the following categories: Sales Executive with D/L, professional Accountant, Aluminium fabricator, Cast Aluminium Site worker. Contact: 99654863 / 99197060 or Email your CV/Resume to tdnewgates@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Situations vacant at a reputed company in Oman for their TLB(Tires, Lubes & Battery) division. 1. Sales Executives. 2. Showroom Executives. 3. Sales Co-ordinators.

4. Store Keepers. Minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same field or from the Automotive industry with market exposure, holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Rush your CV’s to careers@diamondwealth.org Urgently needed Marketing Executive for kitchens, Sales Assistant for kitchens and sanitary ware, Office Assistant ( all male) for a marketing company, graduates with 3 to 5 yrs relevant experience please email CV to yourfortuneinoman@gmail.com Requirement counter Sale & Marketing sale for work in building material shop in Saham.

Contact: 99352829 / 99417418 Sales Executive (Male) with D/L for a reputed company in Oman,with 3 yrs experience . Please send CV with photo to; saheer@paramountmuscat.com / saheer.pto@gmail.com Looking for Electrical Salesman with diploma certificate.

Contact 97616265 email: brightsilverllc@gmail.com A leading UPVC window manufacturing company require Sales Executive (Graduate) 3 years minimum experience and Omani D/L. Required candidates with local release only apply. Contact: 99100738 / 94247257. Send CV to info@perfectwindowllc.com Sales Engineer for lab items, Service Engineer for lab equipments.

Email: info@atslaboman.com Fax: 24613659 Required experienced Sales / Marketing having light license. Send your CV - ocean@omantel.net.om

SALES / MARKETING

A leading Tissue paper & food stuffs company require sales & marketing person with minimum 5 yrs exp. in Oman with good communication skills & valid Oman D/L. candidate with interior market knowledge & experience preferable.

Send CV : allub@alhosnigroup.com, fax : 24451430

Urgently required Sales Executive for leading building material company holding license.

Contact 98650936 / 95928480

Looking for outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact- 93292003.

E mail: mail.om@gulfcenter.co

Required salesman, Tailor and Barber. Contact 96964767

Required Sales man - 1 Person Qualification. Gulf Experienced - Minimum 5 Years with Oman Driving Licence Language - English Education:- Any Degree Further Contact :Mr. Abdul Hameed Nashabat - Mobile No: 97414307 and -92807399 amn@yaqeeneng.com Sales Coordinator (Male) required for a reputed company in Oman with D/L, and with good knowledge of MS Office , Please send CV with photo to; saheer@paramountmuscat. com / saheer.pto@gmail.com Salesman experienced 5 yrs in Oman, in the field of industrial & oilfield service, garage equipment tools & spares, safety wears & rescue equipments. Please forward your CV to almaadhi.trd@gmail.com

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Required Office Assistant 160+25+Acc, Contact 99454425

TOURS & TRAVELS Urgently required experienced Travel Agent for a reputed rent a car & tourism co.

Contact: 24701070/77 Email: muscatcaravan@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED AUTO CAD AUTOCAD D MAN, Gulf Exp In Major Projects, knows ARCH, Structural, MEP, Noc available PH: 98225740 Draughtsman-Civil: Diploma in Architecture with 3 years experience. Proficient in AutoCAD, Google Sketchup, Photoshop and MS Office.

Email: dilshadmayas@gmail.com Mob: +91 9645124241, 93004426

ADMIN/HR Over 15 years of gulf experience in Admin /HR /Logistics, fluent in Arabic & English with D/L looking for suitable position.

Contact 95824598 Omani national fluent in English looking for suitable placement.

Contact 91908052

Senior Accountant 10 years experience in accounts 4 years GCC experience now working trading & project based concern holding Oman driving license ability handling all type of accounts software’s and up to finalization. Contact: 94079432 Indian male 22 years B.Com Graduate having the knowledge of Tally ERP9 and Peachtree and with a valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable job. Contact 98504698 Indian male, 30 yrs, MBA having 5 years GCC experience holding valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable job. Contact : 94547511 Email: pnvineeth01@gmail.com Accountant B.Com, MBA (pursuing) Indian male 25 years, 2 years experience in India, seeking better placement on visit visa.

Contact: 97709327 Indian male 23 yrs B.Com 1yr experience in Accounts and sales looking for suitable placement on visit visa.

Contact: 96068174 / 98912870 Indian Female 25 MBA looking for a suitable opening in Accounts, Admin/Hr. Contact 97013375 Male 26, MBA in Accounts and Finance. 2 years Experience in Management, and Accounts Fields, and One year experience in Sales and Operation in Oman, looking for a suitable job.

Contact 94374745 Indian male, B.Com experience in Accounts, looking for Accountant job or in Sales on visit visa.

Contact: 98295101 Indian male 25 yrs B.Com PGDBM currently on visit visa, looking for suitable opening in accounts, store and Admin. Contact: 96986349 Email: gafoordawre@gmail.com Indian male with total 5 year experience (2 years experience in Accountant cum sales co ordinator in a FMCG Company in Oman) in accounts field and NOC available Looking for suitable job Contact 92130188 India Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to finalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placment. contact 93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com MBA Graduate with 6 yrs exp in finance/accounts/ auditing. Specialized in accounts payable dept, Oracle app user, proficient in Sap (fico) end user & tally 9.0. lean &six sigma certified trainer on visit visa.

Contact – 91967213 / 99064780

Finance Manager (M.Com. MBA) with start-up skill & group consolidation, Baking,corporate funding, restructuring of finance and accounts with new system and procedure.amritaa.m2002@gmail.com 3 yrs experience, Indian female, 26 years, Masters in Financial Management, B.com, Seeking suitable placement. Contact: 99345132 Email: Sandhya1735@gmail.com MBA (international business) from London, 4 years of UK experience in banking operational, looking for suitable position. Contact 91710075 Tanzanian male, 25 yrs Accountant 3 month successful experience in Tanzania looking for suitable placement in any field. Contact : 96710154 Indian male, B.Com Graduate having 10 years exp 6 years in Oman looking for an Accountant job. #93830171 Email: nidbivtl@yahoo.com Indian male M.Com, 5 years experience in finance /HR and Purchase department in Oman companies having valid D/L available to join immediately with NOC. Contact 98363897 Email: prince9496@hotmail.com Finance Manager, 16 + years Gulf exp. in accounts , MIS, budgets, strategic planning, cost control, working capital management, seeks job pls call 95379211 e mail :- vijay.564@hotmail.com Finance / Accounts Manager 12 years experience at senior position in leading companies 9 years in Oman CPA – USA& modern accounting certificate from AUC. Contact 99139926 Indian male 27 M.Com, MBA, 4.5 years experience in finance & accounts, Tally & SAP currently on visit visa. Contact: 93484048 Indian female 32 yrs MCA having, 3 years experience in Muscat and having driving license seeks suitable placement. Contact: 96124929 Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting .

NOC available. Contact 96209331 Indian male, 32 years, M. Com. 7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact 98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com

ADMIN/HR Indian Female MBA, 3 Years experience in Admin MIS, Family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com Indian female, 28 yrs experience in Admin / sales coordination /accountant and secretarial. Knowledge in accountant software, with Oman D/L, looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 96751993 Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 Indian female, 29 yrs, MBA (HR) 4 yrs exp. India & Oman in HR & Admin, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 96759820 Indian female with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement. Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com

T U E S DAY, M AY 1 9, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

DRIVER

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

Indian male looking for job as driver. Have 08 years experience in Oman. Contact 95256489

Hotel field diploma in Computer B.Com, Indian, Diploma in Hotel Management MBA in hospital management at pursuant operation manager in a resort India. Contact 97864635 / 91815776074

Light driver with 10 yrs experience with car or without car, Pakistani National. Contact 91038352 House driver /(overseas) looking job with valid GCC D/l.

Contact 99531802 Heavy & light duty driver valid GCC (overseas) job. Contact 95175192 Light driver looking for job.

Contact : 94208089 (Adman) Pakistani male having Oman driving license looking for driving jobs, having 2 years experience in vehicle driving presently staying in Oman.

Contact 96549406 Heavy Duty Driver looking job & visa. 3 years experience. Release Available. 96238930/92744341 Malayalee driver, 8 yrs exp. in Oman seeking job. Contact 93526254 / 94615610 Looking for job, driving 8 yrs experience languages Hindi, Arabic & English & civil construction foreman. Contact 96288587 Driver need job. Contact 98056148 Driver with car looking for part & full time job. Contact 96692774 Driver looking for job.

Contact 92137431 Light duty driver looking job experience 4years Oman.

Contact 96088707

DESIGNER Expert in all types of 3D modeling, building layout, walk through & Broucher designing. 3 yrs exp. in Oman & 6 yrs exp. in India seeking for better opportunity.

Contact 91282841

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian male 24 years, Mechanical Engineer,pdms.1 yr experience in pipeline,16years in oman seeking immediate placement Contact 95775742 Electrician, Plumber, exp in India Gulf (overseas) job. Contact 99531802 Sudanese Petroleum Engineer, 4 yrs experience looking for job, MC office, C, Exlips. Contact 96039290 Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Electrical Engineer (B.E) : 5 years of experience (4 years in Oman) with valid Omani D/L. NOC available.

GSM: 92260391 Mechanical Engineer (B.E) : Four years of experience (3 years in Oman). NOC available.

Contact :92530471 Indian male, 24 yrs B.Tech (MECH) on visit 1 year experience as PPC Engineer looking for suitable placement. Has, HVAC, AutoCAD and CATIA designing skills. Contact 98925685 Indian male Instrumentation Engineer having 2 years experience in process instruments, seeks suitable placement. Contact 95954385 Bachelor degree B.SC (Honours) Telecommunication Engineering CCNA , CISCO, Certified network associate experience installation operation maintenance, ATMS & Electronics, Surveillance Security systems Nationality Sudanese age 25.

Contact: 92617282 Indian male I.T.I diesel mechanic experience 4 yrs Qatar (11 yrs in India) seeking for suitable placement carpentry on visiting visa.

Contact 91969224 Email: anilk6102@gmail.com Indian female, B.Tech biotechnology with strong computer skills and 2 years experience as associate research analyst (Media Monitoring) in Nasdaq Oman seeking growth oriented jobs. Contact 92044603 /918056169148 or angeline.babithac@gmail.com.

Diploma in electronics & Telecom, Engineering with 5 years experience in Engineering & sales, marketing.

Contact 95932219 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian male, B.E ( computer science engineer), MBA (finance), OCA certified, having 5 years of experience in oracle Dba/ oracle apps Dba, seeks a suitable position in the field of IT. Contact: 96212062 email: zubairkhan11@gmail.com Omani Mechanical Engineer, has 3 years experience ,has HSE, H2S, Riggers/Banks men Permit, Drawing / cad, SCBA, Safety Leadership and Initial Fire Response Courses. good with computer and English language looking for suitable job. Contact 99224319-98454500 Indian male 22 Mechanical Diploma holder Engg with HVAC certified, having 1 year exp. seeking suitable position. Currently available on visit visa. Contact - 92835952 Indian male 25 years civil Engineer diploma, 4 years experience for site supervisor seeks suitable placement. Contact 99346121/93127076 Indian Male B.Tech Civil having 17+ years of experience, including 4 years oman experience as a consulting engineer seeking suitable position anywhere in Oman MAIL: subpal60@gmail.com, MOB:91622490 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer, 2 years experience in fabrication & erection of heavy structures as Project Engineer in India, now on visiting visa seek suitable placement. Contact: 91251818 Email: krishnakumarkk9@gmail.com Civil Eng (diploma) having 8 years exp Oman working exp 5 years looking for a job and visa transport, working construction work and site supervene need visa, transport.

Contact 98776073/ 97459304 Indian male 28 yrs electronics & instrumentation Engineer with 4+ years experience in Industrial automation (SCADA) Seeking suitable job. Contact: 93154156 Sudanese Electrical Engineer, 2 years experience.

Contact: 91211592 Email: aymanhamza1990@gmail.com System Engineer Indian male 34 yrs Diploma in electronic & communication engineering, experience – associate customer engineer CHCL Info system LTD. 8 Yrs exp.

Junior eng Sun Computers 4 yrs exp. Knowledge in project work and hardware also. Contact – 98495716 ravoofmd@gmail.com BE in Textile, MS in Environmental Sciences (Fresh graduate) , Safety officer (02 years of experience) Waste Water Treatment/Industrialsolid Waste management (intern). waste management and disposal.

Environment sustainability Projects/ NGO. on visit visa available on immediate bases till 10 of June. Ahmed uzair khawar, 97042404, email: ahmeduzair1803@outlook.com Indian male specialised in business analysis and project management, 29, B-Tech, MBA is looking for suitable position. Contact Tel 98661709 and 99330419 20 years Experience in Mechanical Process industry as Maintenance Engineer for SPM’s like Cold Rolling Mills, Heat Treatment Furnace, Punching, Edge- Grinding and Packaging Machines seeking suitable position with reputed firm. E-mail: sanjeevareddy138@gmail.com, Contact no: 93912928 Indian male mechanical technician with 22 yrs exp (06 yrs in Oman) as millright fitter & fabrication & maintenance work, currently having family status seeks suitable placement NOC available.

Contact: 95922696 Young Energetic Indian male, 7 years Oman experience in retail wholesale, sales including electronics, building materials with Oman D/L. Contact: 98465550 Auto Electrician with car a/c with medical. Contact 95175192 Indian male Civil Engineer B.E Civil Engineer, 2 years experience in India seeking for suitable position in building construction field.

Contact India 0091-9659340446 Email: senthilmmx@gamail.com

Mechanical Design Engineer, 7 years of experience in Piping Design & Development, with good sound knowledge of AutoCAD, AUTOPLANT 3D,CATIA/ V5,SOLIDWORKS,etc Looking for a suitable position. NOC available.

Contact :+968-94549776, ashrafvpt@yahoo.co.in Indian male B.Tech Mechanical having 4 years experience with QA/ QC & CWSIP looking for suitable position. Contact 99447106 / 24483297 Indian male, 27 yrs B. Tech (Aeronautics) with MBA in airport management /international management, having 2yrs of experience in aerospace field, looking for suitable job, currently on visit visa valid up to 25 June 2015.

Contact - 98107797 email - njnikhiljoy@gmail.com Iraqi Civil Engineer with more than 25 years experience in (Iraq ,U.A.E. and Oman) looking for a job, (N.O.C.) is available. Contact No. 94043735, amin.sarim007@gmail.com Indian male 26, B. Tech Electronics Engineer having 4 years experience (2 year in Oman) seeking suitable position. Contact 93171420 Email: manujk2015@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech Mechanical three years varietal experience in piping Engineering & management of retail mobile phone shops seeking sales engineering job with Oman D/L. Contact 94401234 BE. Mechanical Engg in search of job primavera P6 and AutoCAD 2 year’s experience. Contact 99288785. Email: gvnvictor@gmail.com Civil Engineer Female, 3 yrs experience in structural design, on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 99195433 Electrical Engineer : Indian male 29 years , having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement.

Contact 92789995, Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Sr. Instrumentation Engineer: 8+ years Exp. (Oman 6+ Yrs) OIL & GAS, Sales & Marketing in Automation, Instrumentation, Calibration, BMS & FOC - Project Planning, Erection, Commissioning, O & M. NOC Available Oman D/L G: +968 97296534 M: jaganmohan_ks@yahoo.com Indian male with ITI certification in Mechanical Drafting with good Experience Looking for good opportunity contact 9194 9181 BE Mechanical Engineer -NDT level 2, Quality Control (Oil & Gas) . 1 year exp ph: 95908293 Electrical Engineer B.Tech with 4 yrs exp. looking for suitable vacancies. Contact – 96752080 Sudanese Civil Engineer, 2 yrs experience. Contact 96077482, Email : ebraheemann@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.E) having 5 yrs experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement.

D/L available. Contact 91253392 Electronics & Communication Engg.

(37) 14+ yrs (10 yrs Oman) experience in sales/marketing product development, project execution within information & communication technology industry.

Contact 99771815 Network / system Engineer B.E / ECE + CCNA & Ms certified with 4+ yrs exp looking for a job, currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact : 92589502 / 96216397, Email : jeganscareer@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Indian male/30years with hotel management degree, 02 years experience in F&B service at 5 star hotel in Dubai and 05 years in American 6 star cruseliner as butler.

Contact 911 35371.

IT Indian male fresher BCA young and energetic, seeking good opportunites.email: jlaxmimenon@gmail. com, Contact 00919567722270 Indian male 25 yrs B.SC computer science 2 yrs exp in computer hard ware and networking & CCTV work & windows administration currently in Muscat on visit visa.

Contact: 93243372 2 Years of Experience as Java Software Developer. Looking for the suitable job in IT. Call: 97897616 Gulf experienced Software Developer & certified professional in English looking from a Job with vast experience in sales and Management + D/L. Contact 00968 96701312 Email: farhanaslam586@yahoo.com IT Support Engineer Indian male with 6 years experience in system Admin IT support seeks suitable opportunities. Contact 94549589 / 99817516.

Email: dhaneeh87@gmail.com Indian male, 25 yrs, M.Tech (Computer Science) 3 yrs exp. in networking (MCSE-CCNA) certified currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact 91006851 Indian 25 yrs male diploma Computer Engineer 5yrs experience in hardware and networking, looking for another jobs in oman. #91082046, renston34@gmail.com Network system Engineer B.E / ECE + CCNA & Ms certified with 4+ yrs exp looking for a job. Currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact: 92589502 Email: careersjegan@gmail.com IT Network and Security Engineer with a master degree, CISCO and Linux red hat certified seeking a suitable job in a good company.

Contact 99818601

MEDICAL 29 Indian male Nurse.B.SC prometric exam passed on a visit. 10 years experience in India & Italy seeks a suitable placement in multinational hospitals & clinics.

Contact 96071773 – sanukochiparampil@gmail.com Indian female Dentist MOH Oman passed seeking a suitable placement in capital region.

Contact – 91377681 / hashimsarawat@gmail.com Well experienced MOH Licensed Indian GP Doctor looking for locum / permanent position in the Capital area. Contact 98140024 email:drgpoman@yahoo.com Male Nurse on visit visa looking for a suitable position. Mob#96071526 Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378

MISCELLANEOUS Graduate 1 yr experience in India, Clerk now in Oman on visit visa.

Contact 92933431, princemathew2813@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Arab female 30 sales marketing business development manager 9 years experience in Oman UK University graduate talented enthusiastic well – groomed MS Office social media expert bilingual Arabic & English having driving license able to join immediately.

Contact 96612369 Indian male, B.Com, with 12yrs exp in construction & building materials purchase/logistics/warehouse, seeks suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 94657319

Projects/ contracts Manager 31 yrs (26 yrs Oman) experience in management & coordination of multi-million R.O projects of government & private sector, Post Graduate Structural Engineer with structural & QS Background looking for senior position. Contact +00968-91400599

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

SKILLED LABOUR Indian male & female (couple) looking for job in hospital / caretaker. Contact 91299288

SALES / MARKETING Indian male 10 years experience in Welding Supervisor NDT Technician, MIG Welding specialist seeking suitable job. Contact 96771841

SALES / MARKETING Pakistani male 34 yrs Intermediate 2 yrs exp in sales & marketing in Oman. Looking for suitable job.

Contact - 92146864 Indian male MBA 7 years experience in Hospitality industry, operation, sales & marketing looking for suitable vacancy. Contact 92115860 Email vibin.py@gmail.com Indian male 45+ yrs , 20 yrs exp as sales supervisor in India looking for indoor sales /stores /cashier or any suitable placement can speak Hindi , English, Malayalam, Tamil, kannada can join immediately on visit visa.

Contact 93086105/33016546

TOURS & TRAVELS 25 Indian female B.S.C. Fashion Technology. 5 years experience in textile industry as a merchandiser and good in fashion marketing. Currently available on visit visa, seeking for a suitable job. # 96990368.

Email: simmy.missy@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS CCNP Network Professional with 6 years experience having Bachelors degree on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 96760618 email: varghese.manthara@gmail.com Indian female with MBA (Finance) on visit visa, seeks immediate placement. Phone: 968-98430089

Egyptian male 11 years in five stars international hotels management sales marketing D/L available residency visa. Contact 93577497 Email: elkomy82@hotmail.com

Indian female, IATA, Bsc, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact-95514305, email idraveendranmala@gmail.com

Indian male 18 yrs FMCG sales experience in UAE is looking for a suitable placement in Oman on visiting. Contact: 91905053

Sudanese male, 31 year old, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer, 5 year experience in different activities. Contact; +96894549609

Indian male 30- holding Oman D/Lexp in sales/marketing, seeks suitable placement-Release available.

Contact: 95863373

Male, 30 years Accountant, 1 year Oman experience in accountants, finance. Seeking suitable position in Muscat .Can join immediately, NOC available. Email: lalitbls1@gmail.com Call: 97903175

Indian male Graduate in business management having work experience of 12 years looking for a suitable position. Contact : 93431567 Sales / Marketing Executive 24 years, Indian male having Oman valid license, seeking suitable position, working as a Supervisor of the leading hypermarket in Oman, NOC available.

Contact : 98060984 / 93089757 Email: rishadkeethadath@gmail.com B.Com Graduate having 10 years experience of sales and marketing in bank specialist in car financing looking for a job also having experience to run the team and manage the accounts. Contact: 93131681 Indian male looking job in sales or marketing having 2 years experience. Contact 96660936 Male MBA (General) from Cardiff Metropolitan University London) looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 92819301 Email: adicbhat@outlook.com MBA Marketing professional with 05 years experience in sales and distribution looking for job in Oman currently on visit visa.

Contact: 97006353 Email: ashhadhm@hotmail.com MBA supply chain professional with 03 years experience in freight forwarding and distribution looking for job in Oman currently on visit visa. Contact: 97089944 Email: ali_shayan340@hotmail.com Indian male 3 years experience Media Hospitality Sales Marketing looking for suitable job valid driving license car, NOC available.

Contact 96054202 Indian male 31 years, MBA, 7yrs experience in sales & marketing with valid driving license seeking suitable placement.

Contact 98719219.

EMAIL: recruitme1984@gmail.com Stores In Charge / Purchase coordinator with 6 years oman experience seeking placement. Contact 95439645 or storeoman@gmail. com Release / NOC available.

Indian male, Graduate, with 12yrs solid exp in construction & building materials purchase / logistics/ warehouse seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 94657319

Indian male 24 years, MBA in Marketing looking for suitable placement currently in Muscat on visit visa. Contact: 93507063 Email: zamer_124@yahoo.com

Warehouse In charge or store keeper 26 yrs. Gulf exp 4 yrs in Oman. NOC available. Contact 97657823 / Email:rusaikmzm_2009@yahoo.com

Indian 23 years B.Com Graduate, 2 years experience in sales knowledge of tally E.R.P & MS Office.

Contact 93134643

CCNP Network Professional with 6 years experience having Bachelors degree on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 96 76 06 18 Indian male 60 years old have 30 years Muscat experience in all office works with Omani driving license.

Contact: 99024055 Indian male, MBA marketing & finance with B com & diploma in IFRS seeks job. Contact 99469726 / 99469729 Indian female, B.Com. knowledge of MS Office & Tally, 4yrs experience in Accounts &admin dept. looking for good placement in any field.

Contact.98928220 Indian male, total experience is 5 years in Retail industry. Currently supervisor in Sun and sand sports Muscat City centre.

Contact : 96994345.

Email : jsp.jsr85@gmail.com More than Ten years of experience in Sales & Marketing, Advertisement and Credit Control and Logistics& Administration. Contact 91076608 / 99322748 MCA IT Professional Indian Female seek placement in Teaching/ Non Teaching field. Presently on visit visa. Contact 9588 7051, Email: ashwininakod@gmail Indian male, Engineer, BE Mechanical, having with 21 years of experience in India and 13 years in Oman, In production, project management, quality control and assurance and MR for ISO and API Standards looking out for a suitable placement in Oman. GSM: 00968 97311616.

E-MAIL: fahazasa@yahoo.com Indian Male 34 years Mechanical Engineer 3 years of Experience seeking suitable placement immediately Contact: 91991435, 93310821 Key Account Executive, Indian male, currently working with a reputed FMCG company Oman is looking for a placement asap, NOC will be given. Valid Omani driving license. Total experience in Oman is 12yrs and particularly in Sales is 8 1/2 years. Contact 95589765 Email : agnelfrancis@yahoo.co.in 25 Indian female, B.Sc fashion technologist, 5 years exp in merchandising, familiar with fashion marketing & designing. Currently available on visit visa, seeking for a visual merchandising job. Contact : 96990368, email jumshi@gmail.com

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T U E S D AY, M AY 1 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Sudanese male BSC Telecommunications Engineer , 4 years experience in telecom field # 97783092, Email: Alrsheed88@hotmail.com Working as Senior Accountant, 4 yrs.exp.in oman, relevant computer skills, Audit, Accounting upto finalization, valid oman driving license, languages known Arabic, Hindi.

NOC available can join immediately.

Tel: (+968) 96339599, E-mail(ahmedmohdkhan@gmail.com) Mechanical Engineer, Indian, (B.E.) on visit visa, seeking suitable post.

Contact :99534733 Email: rajesh92prince@gmail.com Indian male, post graduate, currently in Oman on visit visa. Seeks suitable placement.# 92388346 Male, 19 years of experience in Finance and Administration currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 99720132/ abidrafi33@hotmail.com Sudanese male BSC Telecommunications Engineer, 4 years experience in telecom field.

Contact : 97783092, Email: alrsheed88@hotmail.com Civil autocad draughtsman part time work for job mob :96023726 Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Indian female, B.Com. knowledge of MS Office &Tally, 4yrs experience in Accounts &admin dept. looking for good placement in any field.

Contact.98928220 Indian female MBA Finance currently on visit visa. Seeks immediate placement. Phone: 968-98430089 Key Account Executive , currently working with a reputed FMCG company Oman is looking for a placement asap, NOC available, valid Omani driving license.

Total experience in Oman is 12yrs and particularly in Sales is 8 1/2 years. Contact 95589765 Email : agnelfrancis@yahoo.co.in Senior IT Professional, Indian Male, more than 17 yrs. of experience in software development(PB, Oracle, SAP ABAP) and IT Support with valid Oman DL and NOC available Contact : 92193867, Email : cp.prasad@gmail.com 23,Male, ACCA with 2.5 years experience in Big6 audit firm and Oil/ Gas,looking for permanent placement in Accounts/Audit. Contact #95140445 a.saran891@gmail.com Indian female MBA Finance currently on visit visa, seeks immediate placement. Phone- 98430089 Female British Beauty Therapist looking for suitable situation.

Contact 97175240 Indian Male 34 years Mechanical Engineer 3 years of Experience seeking suitable placement immediately contact: 91991435, 93310821 Indian female BA graduate. My total experience is 4 and half year in Call Center looking for jobs in admin and HR. Contact : 96089143, Email: sharanjit_kaur2009@yahoo.com Civil supervisor-8 year’s experience in commercial and residential building, including portable cabin, natural and artificial play ground’s, and Oxy petroleum field, at sultanate of Oman. GSM :91249005. Mail :sandeep88joseph@gmail.com

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

BUSINESS

Indian Male 28yr age having 6year gulf+ Indian experience in HR field.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 97914340, Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com Indian male, 28 years, 7 years experience in transporting & heavy equipment renting company. Having Omani driving license seeks suitable positions. Contact 94410485 Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com ACCA affiliate & Bsc (Oxford Brookes University), 2.5 years experience in oilfield & audit/finance in Big6 firm, seeking permanent placement.

Release available. #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com Civil Autocad draughtsman looking for part time job. Mobile: 95218737 Indian male 21 Diploma in Mechanical Eng with HVAC certified having 6 yrsexp and seeking job in HVAC field as a supervisor. Currently on visit visa. Contact 92835952/ 92734863 Indian female, B.Com. Knowledge of MS Office &Tally, 4yrs experience in accounting & admin dept. looking for good placement in any field.

Contact.98928220 Sudanese / 29 years old / Bsc English language and Translation / 3 years experience in Oman teaching & translation / have driving license.

94211377. hosam.karar.1@gmail.com Indian Male 27, Piping Design Engineer looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll, AutoCAD. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer B.E fresher (QA, QC , Piping & NDT + 1 month practical training in production & oil field) seeking immediate placement currently on visit visa. Contact – 0096896107833, Email albinalbin.thomas@gmail.com Indian Male 58yrs, Oman experience 31yrs in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations, seeking suitable Manager/ Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/ NOC Available. GSM: 95036410 23 yrs old Pakistani bachelor in accounts and marketing 3.5 yrsexp 2 yrsexp in Oman, looking for a job.

Contact- 99374062 Indian Male 33 looking for Scaffolding Supervisor vacancy in Oil & Gas field in Oman. Having 5 years experience in CCC Qatar and 3 years in Saudi” Contact 96155921 fysal.nellaya@gmail.com or Sudanese/Bsc IT/26/2 years experience/excellent Eng-Arb speaking/ Omani driving license/96387227/ henrykarrar@gmail.com Indian male, 34 yrs, ca inter pass, with 14 yrs experience, is seeking suitable placement, currently on visit visa & ready to join immediately. Contact: 95585069 or 95630747 26 years Indian male with MBA & PGDFM, Total 3.8 years experience in Administration, seeking suitable placement in any gulf region.

Holding Oman valid driving license.

Contact :93359371 ACCA affiliate,male,2.5 years experience in an audit firm in Finance & Audit, looking for suitable immediate placement. Release available. # 95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com

Software development based on requirements such as: Web development & cloud computing, SAP implementation & services. Android App development networking.

Contact 97423932 We have some companies for rent with the following activities: press publishing & advertising, information consultancy, organizing event management & conference, real estate, landscaping, maintenance etc. Contact 93946622 / 91408005

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact 99077348 Pick & drop anytime. # 96692774 Transportation Contact 99159277

Required business Researcher. contact 99229700 Email: kjaaraimi@hotmail.com

Transportation. Contact:98505294 Transportation. Contact 99508282

Business Consultant, feasibility study. Contact 99229700

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED Indian Female: MCA, 3 Years Exp. as Asst. Professor, Specialization in C # (sharp).net, Data Comm.& Networking, Knowledge about Web Development, ASP.Net, Oracle, SQL,VB.net.

Seek Immediate Placement. Now on Visit Visa.9588 7051 ashwininakod@gmail.com Indian male 21 IT Engineer Networking & Computer hardware course 01 yr experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact 96036273, E mail faizanfarooqui23@gmail.com Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob :95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com

Transport to ISWK. # 93172589 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Pick & Drop any time.# 97014786

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED Sales/ Marketing Executive : 35 years old Indian male, MBA, having experiences in UAE and India in sales and marketing field, presently on visit visa, looking for a suitable job in Salalah or in Oman.

Contact 91233648 Well experienced hair dresser/ beautician required, visa available.

Contact – 96524717 Indian female 25 yrs MBA finance currently on visit visa seeks immediate placement. # 9843 0089 30 years Indian male with hotel management degree, 02 years experience in F&B service at five star hotel in Dubai and 05 years in American 6 star cruiseliner as Butler . Currently in Muscat on visit visa.

Contact 91075704 Indian female B.Com graduate, 4years experience in accounts & administration department looking for suitable placement. #98928220 Indian male 27 years, MBA, having more than 5 yrs experience in sales and marketing, looking for suitable job. Contact no.99224057, +919824823734 Part- Time Accountant, well versed with all accounting, Finalization, Budgeting available.# 98803439 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 92791678 Indian female, B.Com graduate, 2 years experience in admin department looking for a suitable placement. Contact 92531929

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

T U E S DAY, M AY 1 9, 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

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

TOURS

RENT A CAR

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis IDEAL , CARE Ayurvedic Clinic 18 November street, Azaiba. Contact 99639695 / 99117987 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133.

For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com Taimour Ayurvedic Clinic, Ruwi offers genuine & effective treatment for back pain, paralysis, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, osteoarthritis, joint pains, sinusitis, migraine, allergic problems, varicose vein and all other health related problems. Kerala massage and rejuvenation package available. For details please Contact 92197920/ 24799689

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T U E S D AY, M AY 1 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

WEBSITE

ACCOUNTANTS AND CONSULTANTS

WE ARE PROVIDING ACCOUNTING/ AUDITING TAX/ CONSULTING CONTACT: 24 567 251 / 95 498 033

M.V. FOR SALE

Subaru Impreza 2008, good conation. Contact: 99453837

Pajero 2010, GCC, 230000 km white 6200/- R.O. Contact 92857111

Toyota Camry Expat driven fully automatic KM 107000.

Contact : 93892126

Land Cruiser 2012. Contact 99336093 Peugeot 206-2007 Model, expat driven. Contact 99209285

Nissan Sunny 2010.

Contact : 98602323 Chevrolet Lumina 2004, automatic good condition. Contact 98571309

2 Prime Movers Man 2008 with 40 ton petrol tank each working at the moment in Al Maha. Price OMR 35 Thousand each. Contact 97000155 or 92688692

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

CLASSES

MATRIMONIAL NRI

Kerala Nair girl, B.Com, 22 yrs, 5.2” very fair, slim, (Star Uthrattathi) Presently working in infosis, Chennai. Financially sound, from parents of nair boys from Trissur, Palakkad and Eranakulam & Calicut dist. .

Contact :0091 8301865688 email: raveendrandr@yahoo.com Kerala nair boy working with reputed company in Muscat, Star Revathy (Sudhajathakam), age 28, 163 cm. seeking suitable alliance from nair girls. Contact no 92760901 Indian Muslim brother Muscat alliance for sister 20 yrs BSC, very fair, good looking ,boys respected families from hyderabad & A.P send biodata & pic, Email: mdfazal.ksa@gmail.com, GSM: 91258586.

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

Contact : 98689663 We are Muslim family seeking alliance for our son interested families. Contact 97664009

CHANGE OF NAME I Jose Prakash (holder of Indian passport No. J 6418802) Son of daughter Peter Antony having permanent residence in Prakash Bhavan , Dooyappally , kollam, Kerala Pin 691537( complete postal address in India ) and presently residing in Sultanate of Oman PO. Box: 82 C.P.O , PC: 111 (complete postal in Oman) intend to change my name from antony Jose Prakash(old name) to Jose Prakash Antony (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, diplomatic Quarters, AL Khuwair, P.Box No, 1727 postal code 112, Ruwi , Sultanate of Oman.

COMPUTER

46 cents of land kattakada peyad road (malapanan code) near E.M.S academy expecting 1 lakh percent.

Contact: 99016230 2 Bedrooms flat for sale in Cochin.

Contact: 99743709 Independent house with 2 bedroom, Hall, Kitchen with car park and compound wall on 1500 sq. ft.(30 feet x 50 feet) BDA approved land in well developed area in Arekare, Shantiniketan – Bannergatta Road Bangalore for sale – expected Rs. 1.2cr (negotiable ) Serious buyers contact Kindly contact +0091 968 627 6627 or mail rajagopal_sridhara@yahoo.co.in 42 cents land at walkable distance from Kovalm Jn.,Trivandrum for sale in whole or plots. Res./ Comm. Plot on main road side(Bus route),suitable for villas,resorts etc.

Call 00968-95036240, 0091-9961034763 or email- cfhd1@ yahoo.com

Specialist available for explosive growth in term of restructuring all modules of businesses with over 30 years of experience across continents with a decade in Oman.

Contact 96733578 Email : profitoman@gmail.com

One B/R- Best Western Qupem Goa. Contact – 97094797 Residential land for sale in Chennai Kundrathur and Poonamaalee, we construct house in your budget.

Contact 98753366

DRIVING

A/C maintenance & servicing.

Fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing. Painting & cleaning services & electrical & plumbing. Contact 99447257/97014234/ 24504281 We do building maintenance all kind of works. Contact 99247663

LOST Jahangir Bee has lost Indian Passport No. G 6007762. Finder please handover to ROP

Carpet & sofa cleaning, house cleaning. Contact 99542979 / 98855815 P.R.O services. Contact 99368907

Sunday - Thursday Timing 8 am To 5 Pm

Learn driving with professional only automatic. Contact 94022250

Electric, Plumbing, painting & all kinds of building maintenance.

Contact 93896787 / 97924862

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

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

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

A/C maintenance split A/C servicing. RO. 10 only. Contact 94217681/ 99210141 House shifting. Contact 99708138

House shifting packing.

Contact 99657644/ 98518013 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

Pest Control Treatments, Termites, Cockroaches, Bedbugs.

Contact Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99344723 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.#ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

FOR LADIES Beauty package for vacation for ladies 10/-R.O, 15/-R.O, 20/-R.O. Contact : 99410160