Times of Oman - August 20, 2015

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UAE SEEKS CONSENSUS WITH GULF COUNTRIES FOR NEW TAX IMF has suggested the UAE consider imposing 5 per cent VAT, 10 per cent corporate income tax and 15 per cent excise tax on automobiles. >B2

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INDIA

FLAG PRODUCTS

Supermarkets must alert shoppers to products ‘on sale’ Times News Service MUSCAT: Distributors must flag their products which are on sale, said a directive from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

According to a ministerial decision 218/2015, distributors or shopping malls should put up a yellow card on defective products that are on sale and a green card for products that are not on sale.

“Distributors should also put price tags on the items before and after the sale is announced,” it said. The prices must be printed on a card in Arabic and should also mention the discount percentage, according to Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi.

The ministerial decision also stated that it would be published in the official gazette and would come into effect on that day.

Welcoming the decision, residents said this would help them guard against “fake sales” which sometimes confuse them.

“The problem is that the fake sale offers often end up exceeding the original value of the item,” said S Basu, an Indian expatriate living in Oman.

Earlier, the ministry had said that distributors interested in announcing a sale have to obtain permit from the ministry.

The application has to be submitted to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 15 days prior to the date of discount sales, and the items on sale should remain valid for consumption or usage for not less than 30 days from the expiry of the duration of the sale at discounted rates.

It also said that distributors should not increase the price of products while being sold at discounted rates.

HM sends condolences

COUNTDOWN TO TACKLE RED LIGHT SAFETY In a bid to improve safety, the Royal Oman Police and Muscat Municipality are planning to install timers at traffic signals

REJIMON K/FAHAD AL GHADANI

reji@timesofoman.com/fahadnews@timesofoman.com

Man of the Museum

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MUSCAT: Countdown timers, which tell drivers how long before a traffic signal turns red, are being discussed by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and Muscat Municipality in the hope the move could improve road safety in the capital.

“We are in talks with Muscat Municipality officials to install countdown timers that would

E X PAT R I AT E S T H A N K R O P

ID renewal decision welcomed Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Expatriates in Oman have welcomed the Royal Oman Police (ROP) move to make their presence optional at the civil status centre for renewal of resident ID cards.

In a notice published on Wednesday, the ROP has said that the directorate will receive applications from expatriates for the

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

renewal of ID cards through the legally authorised persons.

“The expatriate does not have to appear in person at the centre.

However, for the change of employer and profession cases, the expatriate has to appear in person. A first timer has to appear in person,” said the notice.

Responding to the change in procedures, expatriates said that this move would provide them

great relief and save much time.

“Now, there is no need to wait in long queues to renew ID cards,” said an expatriate.

The ROP notice also added that applications for the issuance and renewal of resident ID cards must be submitted within 30 days from the date of the resident’s entry to the Sultanate or the expiry of the resident’s ID card, to avoid the fine.

streamline traffic and reduce accidents,” the police official told the Times of Oman.

Salim Al Ghamari, a Muscat Municipality Council member, while confirming the talks, told the Times of Oman: “We are studying all aspects of the proposals.

We have had three meetings but nothing has been finalised.”

In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while the United Arab Emirates has countdown timers at traffic signals, Saudi Arabia had also installed them but removed them later.

Qatar is studying the proposal and motorists in Bahrain and Kuwait are calling on authorities to install the timers.

Signal countdown devices are designed to provide drivers with the remaining time before status change (that is, yellow to red) on conventional vehicular signal indicators.

The basic assumption is that drivers will apply this information to make better decisions while approaching the intersection. The device is used in conjunction with conventional traffic signal indications as an auxiliary part of the whole signal control system.

“Countdown timers at the traffic signals are a must in Oman.

They can reduce the number of traffic accidents at least by half.

Many a time, I was forced to jump the red light because drivers behind me started pushing ahead,” said Ram Vijayaraghavan. >A6

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of condolences to President Pranab Mukherjee of India on the death of his wife Suvra Mukherjee. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to President Mukherjee and his family . -ONA HM sends greetings >A4

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Oman Air upgrades airport lounge

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Oman Air recently refurbished its premium lounge at Muscat International Airport. >A6

REGION

IS beheads Syrian archaeologist

2

The IS has beheaded retired chief archaeologist of Palmyra, who refused to leave the ancient city. >A9

MARKET

Oman’s budget deficit mounts

3

Oman’s budget deficit surged ahead to OMR1,918.5 million in the first half of this year. >B1

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

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HUNGARY

His Majesty sends greetings

FIRE IN MUTTRAH BUILDING A fire broke out on the second floor of a building near the primary health centre in Muttrah around 6.30pm yesterday. A room was gutted but no casualties were reported, sources said. -Supplied photo

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of greetings to President Janos Ader of Hungary on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere greetings along with his best wishes to President Janos Ader and the friendly people of Hungary. -ONA

expatriates all of them Asians, were deported

by ROP on Wednesday after arresting them for entering the country illegally

Takatuf scholars receive tips from business leaders

CRIME

ROP seizes 3,000 boxes of counterfeit cigarettes Times News Service

to the Public Prosecution for further investigations.

MUSCAT: A total 3,000 counterfeit cigarette boxes were seized by the Royal Oman Police in raids on several locations.

The Investigation and Risk Assessment team, affiliated to the Sohar Industrial Port Customs of the Directorate of Customs, and the North Al Batinah Royal Oman Police, in co-ordination with the Public Prosecution, raided locations in Huwail area in Saham Wilayat and seized 3,000 counterfeit cigarette packets and as many as 100 kilogrammes of chewing tobacco.

The team arrested three Asians for promoting and selling counterfeit cigarettes and chewing tobacco. The violators were held and the items were seized pending further investigations.

70 illegal expats deported The Royal Oman Police (ROP) deported 70 illegal expats, all of them Asians, on Wednesday, after arresting them for entering the country illegally.

“Deportation of the individuals is done through a legal procedure that is agreed upon under international standards. Each individual’s embassy was contacted in order to confirm the identities of the offenders and complete the procedures required for them to leave the country,” said the ROP source.

He also said that the ROP treats illegal aliens with respect and dignity, and grants them their human rights. The offenders are fed and medically taken care of until the date of their deportation.

GCC national arrested A Gulf Cooperation Council national has been arrested in Shinas Wilayat for possession and use of narcotics. The Directorate of Narcotics Control of the North Al Batinah Royal Oman Police seized two kilogrammes of hashish from his possession. He has been referred

Smuggling bid foiled Officers stationed at Wadi Hafit border post foiled an attempt by an Omani citizen to smuggle in firecrackers.

The citizen was trying to smuggle firecrackers as well as toy pistols and laser pens.

Legal procedures have been ini-

tiated against the offender.

The ROP has urged citizens and residents to abide by the rules and regulations and avoid bringing firecrackers through the border.

Khat smugglers held A boat carrying two people with huge amounts of khat was intercepted off Oman’s regional waters by the Directorate of Narcotics Control in co-operation with the Royal Oman Police (ROP) Coast Guards. An official source at the Dhofar ROP said, “The suspects were arrested off Oman’s regional waters near the Salalah coastline.

They had 1,600 bundles of khat, which were seized.”

Narcotics seized Meanwhile, the Directorate of Narcotics Control of the North Al Batinah ROP arrested a citizen for possession, use and intent to trade narcotics as well as for links with an international gang to smuggle drugs within the Sultanate.

Twenty-four blocks of hashish, a plastic bag containing more than a kilogramme of heroin and 700 psychotropic pills were seized from his possession. The suspect was referred to the Public Prosecution.

SHARING CRUCIAL KNOWLEDGE: It’s also important for students to understand businesses in Oman before starting their careers so that as they begin working there are no surprises. – Ismail Al Farsi

The Takatuf Career Night was held on Tuesday for the Takatuf Summer Residency Program scholars, a group of 60 of the brightest high school students from across Oman

SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Representatives from Oman Oil and Orpic shared valuable advice to the newest batch of Takatuf Scholars, helping them prepare for their future careers.

The Takatuf Career Night was held on Tuesday for the Takatuf Summer Residency Program scholars, a group of 60 of the brightest high school students from across Oman. Students heard from the business leaders during a question and answer period, and had the chance to learn about CVs and interview skills, too.

“There’s going to be a need for people different disciplines. My advice to you is to find what you

can do best,” said Saleh Al Musalhi, Head of Corporate Affairs at Oman Oil. Don’t pick if you don’t enjoy While many students are faced with pressure from their parents to pick a certain major, or want to follow their friends, he said they should identify what subjects they excel in and major in something similar, being sure not to choose something they don’t enjoy.

Yahya Al Harthy, Industrial Relations Advisor at Orpic, also told the scholars that they need to think globally. He said Orpic has an international staff which brings different perspectives that add value to the company, and the students need to be open to different cultures and try to get international experience of their own, too.

Al Harthy said it’s also important for students to understand the businesses in Oman before starting their careers so that as soon as they begin working there are no surprises.

Great potential “They can open their minds from now and do searches on whatever is related to their disciplines and accordingly, when they come back, they’ll have a lot of selections. They have potential to take over, even the leadership positions,” he said.

Students were also advised to develop themselves as much as possible, taking every opportunity that is given to them and hunting for more, such as internships

and training. Even hobbies like sports and learning languages can be beneficial, said Al Musalhi.

“You can build up any sort of hobby and work on it. You need to invest in yourself,” he said.

The scholars, who expressed interest in a range of careers including engineering, medicine, law, design, business, finance, and becoming politicians and pilots, were also curious to hear about the men’s motivations. Al Harthy said he is motivated by helping the younger generation succeed, while Al Musalhi said he loves being challenged by his work.

Valuable hearing Shadin Al Lawati, one of the students who attended the career night, said it was valuable hearing from corporate leaders who had advice and tips for her generation of Omanis.

“We get a general idea of what our life will be like after we graduate and so we prepare ourselves if our academic levels are not high enough to qualify us to get into such big organisations. We could rethink of what we can do to change that. It’s a chance for development,” she said.

Very motivating Al Lawati, whose ambitious future plans include completing a PhD one day, found the speakers very motivating. She said Al Harthy’s desire to improve young people was especially inspiring and she hopes to live up to his expectations.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

OMAN

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VIDEO

This experience itself we’re hoping is on par, if not better, than other lounges worldwide Bobby Chan, Interior designer from Al Seddah Designs

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

Oman Air refurbishes premium lounge for top-end travellers When we were doing the lounge one of the main requirements was to increase the capacity, aside from renovating it. Now, it takes 185 passengers Bobby Chan

SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com

New additions to the refurbished lounge include spa services where customers can get massage, massage chairs, beds, an à la carte dining service, and larger prayer rooms

MUSCAT: To accommodate a growing number of people flying business and first class with Oman Air, the airline recently refurbished its premium lounge at Muscat International Airport, doubling its capacity and improving its services.

In an exclusive interview with Times of Oman, Bobby Chan, the architect and interior designer from Al Seddah Designs, a Salalahbased company charged with the renovations, said Oman Air is expanding and needs to be able to cater to more business and first class passengers. The airline is expect-

Interior designer from Al Seddah Designs

RENOVATED: The lounge even features an improved family area, filled with toys for children to play with. – Jun Estrada

ing to add six Boeing 787 Dreamliners to its fleet.

“When we were doing the lounge one of the main requirements was to increase the capacity, aside from renovating it. When we started it could handle 88 passengers. Now it takes 185,” Chan explained.

Chan said that in many airports the business and first class lounges have been expanded and upgraded as more people fly in those classes.

More passengers also use points programs to gain access to the premium lounges.

In addition to serving a greater number of people, the refurbished lounge, which has a modern Arabesque design and soft, muted earth-tone colours, also

offers more services and aims to be a “home away from home,” said Chan.

Inauguration New additions to the refurbished lounge, which was inaugurated on August 3, include spa services where customers can get massages, massage chairs, beds, an à la carte dining service, larger prayer rooms that can hold up to 12 people, and soon laptops will be provided to passengers to use.

The lounge even features an improved family area, filled with toys for children to play with. While in the past most business and first class passengers tended to be businesspeople, now a wider variety

of people are flying in the upper classes, including families, said Chan. “Now it’s not just a family room; it’s like a multi-functional room that can hold two or three families at one time. Even if you have kids with you, the lounge can accommodate you,” he explained.

A lot of changes were made to the dining area, Chan noted. He said that while previously the service was a buffet, now customers can order from an à la carte menu and experience fine dining. He also added a coffee bar where passengers can stand, have a quick coffee and head for their next flight.

“Basically now we’re catering to all types,” he said.

Chan said that it was a challenge

NAT I O NA L C E N T R E F O R S TAT I S T I C S

doing the renovations because the lounge was open while the changes were underway, but now that the work is done, the regular customers are very happy with the changes.

Feedback “Since it opened we’ve getting a lot of positive feedback. They’re happy with it,” he said, while adding he was very happy to have been able to work on the lounge and hopes that all the passengers who visit it will feel relaxed and at home.

He also hopes it meets global standards. “This experience itself we’re hoping is on par, if not better, than other lounges worldwide,” he concluded.

NCSI

Field work for survey to study Oman’s labour market begins

Record number of tourists visit Salalah during Khareef season

Times News Service MUSCAT: Field work for the comprehensive survey in all the governorates of Oman commenced on Wednesday, and it will take four years to complete.

The family survey by the National Centre for Statistics and Information aims to follow-up on the variables of employment rate as well as the impact of the offer and demand factors on the labour market.

This is a multi-purpose survey that covers various aspects of life including all needed and required data in the Sultanate through the main survey and the accompanying surveys that will be carried out for one year or more.

It aims to set sound demographic policies by following up the Omani and expatriate workforce and their contributions in the economic activity.

In addition, it seeks to identify the influential factors in the labour market and connect the output of education with the requirements of the labour market.

It seeks to study the social and economic properties of the workforce, while focussing on the unemployed particularly those who have not been previously employed.

It also aims also to identify the reasons behind the turnover of employees.

The survey will cover 1,220 families monthly in all the governorates and 14,460 families

Times News Service

MULTI-PURPOSE SURVEY: This is a multi-purpose survey that covers various aspects of life. – Supplied photo

annually. The general consensus framework for populations, houses and establishments has been used as a framework for the sample that has been chosen according to academic measurements and basics.

In addition to the comprehensive family survey, the NCSI will carry out three accompanying surveys during this year including one on the unemployed and another about employee turnover. These two surveys will be confined to Omani families.

The two surveys will provide important indicators and numbers about the properties of the unemployed and the workforce in the Sultanate by identifying the number of employees and the unemployed, whether they were previously employed or not according to their variable factors like gender, age, educational

level, marital status, and their distribution according to the governorates.

The two surveys will also identify the time spent by the unemployed in searching for work and the procedures they have taken during this period.

In addition, they will identify the type of work sought after by those persons and the sectors in which they prefer to work.

The third survey will be on domestic tourism that aims to create an inventory of Omani and resident tourists who make domestic journeys, the objectives of such journeys and the volume of their spending.

The Centre had earlier organised a training programme for 43 researchers and 14 supervisors with the objective of raising the performance level and occupational efficiency.

MUSCAT: More than 462,424 tourists visited Salalah in the Dhofar Governorate from June 21 to August 18, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The number of visitors as of August 18 this year passed the magical figure of 450,511 reported during the entire Khareef season in 2008, making 2015 the most successful year ever in terms of visitors.

74% Omanis There were 342,579 Omani nationals constituting about 74 per cent of the total visitors. Emirati visitors came second, but at 47,833, or 10 per cent of the total visitors, they formed the largest group from the GCC excluding Oman.

The Saudis came third with 17,189 visitors constituting 4 per cent of the total. Visitors from Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait numbered 3,152,3,060 and 2,154, respectively. Meanwhile, 35,639 Asian visitors constituted 8 per cent of the total, while there were 8,252 visitors from other Arab countries. There were also 1,478 Europeans.

Visitors from the United States of America, Africa and Oceania numbered 636, 244 and 155, respectively. NCSI’s data collection on Khareef visitors is being carried out by a 54-member team, and will continue till September 21.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

< FROM

A1 ‘Countdown timers do not guarantee safety’ “I had to pay a fine and was also jailed for jumping a signal. I feel that if there had been a countdown timer, the driver behind me would not have pushed me,” he said.

Daryle Hardie, CEO Safety First, said that he believes all “internationally proven” initiatives relating to traffic signal intersections, are a positive step forward for road users in Oman.

“The introduction of red light and speed cameras at intersections have greatly reduced the percentage of accidents. Full credit goes to the Royal Oman Police for its continued push for safer roads in Oman,” added Daryle.

However, the municipal council member said that personally he does not feel that it would help motorists.

“The countdown timers could distract the drivers from what is happening on the road since the drivers tend to focus on the remaining time. They may also speed up to pass the intersection before the time ends and may end up causing accidents,” said the municipal council member.

Global reports say that even though some big cities in China, such as Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, installed countdown systems a few years ago, they are now planning to uninstall the de-

vices from the signal control systems due to operational problems.

According to reports, the critical problem of the device is that it can only accurately display the time remaining for a particular phase at intersections with fixedtime traffic signals.

Second, the countdown device has been phased out in big and medium-sized cities. The third problem is that the countdown device increases the risks of potential crashes and thus decreases safety, which is not consistent with the original design purpose.

Last but not the least, recent research results showed that the regular “green flash” plus the yel-

low time is sufficient for drivers to make judgments to safely cross the intersections.

The ROP’s records have revealed that it imposed 1,001 fines for jumping traffic signals and OMR3, 889,301 was collected from erring drivers in 2013.

According to the latest statistics, by the end of June 2015, there were 2,958 road accidents.

In 2014, during the same period the figure was 2,909.

In June, there were 631 road accidents.

In 2014, speeding resulted in 3,510 accidents out of a total of 6,717 accidents, killing 428 people and leaving 1,743 injured.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015 Some of them may be able to go to work after a week, but others may need a longer time. We usually give them sick leave and call them after a while to listen to them and see how they are doing Dr Rahma Al Ghabshi, Senior Consultant at the Royal Hospital

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Awareness and patience crucial in coping with miscarriage: Specialist Women who have suffered miscarriages must give themselves at least two to three months to recover both physically and psychologically before trying again for pregnancy, said Dr Rahma Al Ghabshi, a senior consultant at the Royal Hospital

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Awareness and patience are crucial in coping with a miscarriage and women should consult the doctor after the loss of pregnancy instead of opting for self-treatment, says a specialist.

Miscarriage means loss of pregnancy usually before the 20th week, and bleeding is one of the most common signs, Dr Rahma Al Ghabshi, a senior consultant at the Royal Hospital, told the Times of Oman.

Disappearance of pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, can also indicate a miscarriage, said Dr Al Ghabshi, who is a reproductive, endocrine and recurrent miscarriage specialist.

A miscarriage can be a physically and emotionally exhausting experience, so women are advised to seek consultation from a medical professional, she noted.

There are some women who are

not patient and take hasty decisions, which may harm them or negatively affect their future pregnancies, said Dr Al Ghabshi.

It is definitely not an easy experience, but women should have faith and understand that it was given by Allah and taken away by Him, she added.

Options to pass tissues According to her, there are several options to be considered by a woman who has not passed all the tissues after a miscarriage.

One option is to wait for the body to pass the remaining tissues on its own, which could take up to 2 or 3 weeks. Women who suffer a miscarriage can also take medication to induce their body to expel the tissues.

In addition, a woman may need to undergo a surgical procedure known as D&C (dilation and curettage) to have the tissues removed if an operation is indicated.

Dr Al Ghabshi said that if a surgery is not required and not recom-

mended by a medical professional, it would be better for women to be patient and allow the uterus to clean itself out naturally.

Complications It is well-documented that any manipulation to the uterus may result in an injury or other complications and may affect future pregnancies, she noted.

Some patients may be in a hurry, and it is understandable that they are going through an emotionally challenging experience and may be desperate to get pregnant again, but it would be better if they wait for a few weeks, said Dr Al Ghabshi. She added that there are some women who opt for self-treatment and end up harming themselves.

Consultation According to her, more specialists are needed in Oman who can patiently explain everything to women who have had a miscarriage to help them make the right decision.

“If you explain it to them, they will listen and most of them will be convinced,” she said, and added that the limited number of specialists means each patient does not get enough time for consultation.

The senior consultant also advised women who have suffered a miscarriage to give themselves at least 2 to 3 months to recover both physically and psychologically before trying again for pregnancy.

There are women who get pregnant immediately and are fine, but women are generally advised to wait for a while, cautioned Dr Al Ghabshi.

‘Emotional support key to recovery’ ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A miscarriage can have a profound emotional impact on the woman so the support of family and health professionals is the key to a full and speedy recovery, says an expert.

The woman herself should have faith, keep calm and accept what Allah has decided for her, Dr Rahma Al Ghabshi, a senior consultant at the Royal Hospital, told the Times of Oman. It would help them recover well, added Dr Al Ghabshi, who is a reproductive, endocrine and recurrent miscarriage specialist.

She believes that emotional support is sometimes more important that physical support and this should be taken into consideration by the woman’s family and the medical personnel who deal with her.

“Some of them may be able to go to work after a week, but others may need a longer time. We usually give them sick leave and call them after a while to listen to them and see how they are doing,” said Dr Al Ghabshi.

Thankfully, there are some support groups in Oman that

women can join, she added.

The expert also said that the Ministry of Health has done a good job in raising public awareness about this issue and has published some educational materials, but still more

DIPLOMACY

M I N I S T RY O F AW Q A F

Germany praises Oman’s role in promoting peace in the region BERLIN: Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Minister of Foreign Affairs, hailed the role and the efforts of the Sultanate to establish peace in the region.

He made this statement after meeting with Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Oman’s Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, in Berlin on Tuesday.

Steinmeier said that he is looking forward to a better future for the region, as well as continuing consultations and sharing views with his Omani counterpart.

The two sides discussed means of enhancing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. They also discussed several regional and international issues of joint interest, as well as the recent developments in the region.

Alawi said in a joint press conference that the Sultanate highlights Germany’s role in solving regional issues, especially its prominent role in the Iranian nuclear issue and the recent deal.

awareness is required.

“Many people forget the emotional aspect and just focus on the medical aspect,” said Dr Al Ghabshi, and added that the media can play an important role in increasing awareness.

TOGETHER FOR PEACE: Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said that he is looking forward to a better future for the region, as well as continuing consultations and sharing views with Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Oman’s Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs. – ONA

“We hope that Germany would be among the permanent members at the Security Council, as this will enable it to play an important role in solving international issues,” he added.

He pointed out that the Sultanate and Germany have identical views towards regional issues and that there is a global trend to reach international and diplomatic solutions. – ONA

Programme on Islam, co-existence launched SALALAH: A programme themed “Islam: Understanding, Co-existence and Co-operation”, was launched by Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs on Wednesday.

It was launched under the auspices of Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, at the Theatre of the Directorate General of Heritage and Culture at Dhofar Governorate, in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Salmi, Minister of Awqaf and religious affairs, Sayyid Mohammad bin Sultan Al Busaidi, minister of state and governor of Dhofar, and a number of officials.

Dr Mohammed bin Said Al Ma’amari, scientific advisor to the Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, delivered a speech pointing out that the ministry, as is the case with other state organisations and Omanis, is interested in promoting tolerance stemming from civilised responsibility. -ONA

ABU BAQR AL SIDDIQUE MOSQUE OPENS IN SALALAH Abu Bakr Al Siddique Mosque was inaugurated at Al Dahareez in Salalah on Wednesday under the auspices of Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Salmi, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, in the presence of Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil services, Dr Rasheed bin Al Safi Al Hraibi, Chairman of the Tender Board, and a number of their excellencies. The mosque, which was rebuilt in 2013, accommodates more than 1,800 people. It also has a praying area for women in addition to lecture and seminar halls. -ONA

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PA R L I A M E N TA RY R E P O R T

Inquiry finds officials grossly mismanaged Mosul crisis in Iraq BAGHDAD: Top Iraqi officials ignored ample warnings of an impending attack on the second city of Mosul and grossly mismanaged the ensuing crisis that saw extremists seize it, a parliamentary report obtained by AFP says.

The IS group’s capture of Mosul in June 2014 could have been avoided if senior officers and officials had acted competently and paid attention to multiple detailed intelligence reports warning of the attack, the inquiry found.

The report names a number of top officials, including ex-premier and now-vice president Nuri Al Maliki, as responsible for the fall of the city in Nineveh province.

“Those who were informed about the security situation in the province knew... that this situation would surely happen,” said the report, the product of a parliamentary inquiry that has been referred to the judiciary for possible legal action.

“All the information clearly indicated that,” said the report, which has not been publicly released.

“The only surprise was the speed with which the military units collapsed.”

“The poor performance of the security commanders who led the battle... destroyed the last hope for the city’s resistance. These commanders made a number of grave mistakes that accelerated the security collapse.”

Maliki did not have an accurate assessment of the danger in Nineveh because he relied on “misleading reports” he did not bother to confirm, and left it up to commanders to decide how to proceed after military units collapsed, it said. But the military leaders Maliki chose were not competent to make that decision, among other glaring deficiencies.

Maliki selected “incompetent leaders and commanders under whose leadership all types of corruption were practised,” the report said.

This includes the practice of soldiers and police splitting salaries with higher-ups in exchange for not having to work, leaving units understaffed.

Commanders also did not hold members of the security forces to account for corruption, “widening the gap between the people and the security services”. - AFP

TAKING POSITION: A fighter from the Popular Mobilisation units holds a weapon on the front line during a military operation against IS extremists on the road leading to Saqlawiya, north of Fallujah, in Iraq’s Anbar province on Wednesday. - AFP

Syrian antiquities chief Maamoun Abdulkarim said Khaled Al Assaad was executed on Tuesday afternoon in Palmyra, in central Homs province

BEIRUT: The IS group has beheaded the 82-year-old retired chief archaeologist of Palmyra, who refused to leave the ancient city when the extremist group captured it, Syria’s antiquities chief said.

A Unesco World Heritage site famed for well-preserved GrecoRoman ruins, Palmyra was seized from government forces in May amid fears IS might destroy its priceless heritage as it had done in other parts of Syria and Iraq.

Syrian antiquities chief Maamoun Abdulkarim said he had urged Khaled Al Assaad to leave Palmyra, but he had refused.

“He told us ‘I am from Palmyra and I will stay here even if they kill me.’”

Abdulkarim said Assaad was executed Tuesday afternoon in Palmyra, in central Homs province.

“Daesh has executed one of Syria’s most important antiquities experts,” he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. Photos purporting to show Assaad’s body tied to a post in Palmyra were circulated online by IS supporters.

The execution is one of hundreds that have been carried out

by IS in and around Palmyra since

Iran lawmakers pick nuclear deal review panel ing nations. Along with criticism of the nuclear talks in hardline conservative media outlets, Iran’s parliament has witnessed deep scepticism over the diplomacy that finally led to the accord in Vienna on July 14.

The agreement — reached in talks between Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States — aims to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for lifting

REGION

IS beheads Palmyra’s retired archaeologist

SCEPTICISM OVER DIPLOMACY

TEHRAN: Iran’s parliament announced on Wednesday the final composition of a 15-member panel largely composed of conservative lawmakers to review the country’s nuclear deal with world powers.

Iranian MPs have demanded a stronger say in the deal negotiated by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif with US Secretary of State John Kerry and top diplomats from five other lead-

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international sanctions imposed on its economy since 2006.

Iran denies Western accusations that it seeks an atomic bomb.

The fate of the deal, and the extent to which Iranian MPs can influence a final accord, remains unclear.

The nuclear deal review panel, comprised of 13 conservatives and two reformists, will analyse the text of the agreement. - AFP

EXECUTED: Syrian antiquities chief Maamoun Abdulkarim looks at a photo on his laptop at his office in Damascus on Wednesday of Khaled Al Assaad, the 82-year-old retired chief archaeologist of Palmyra, after IS group beheaded Al Assaad who refused to leave the ancient city when the extremist group captured it, Abdulkarim said. - AFP

they took the city in May. “He was the head of antiquities in Palmyra for 50 years and had been retired for 13 years,” Abdulkarim said.

Expert on ancient history He hailed Assaad as a leading expert on the ancient history of the city, which grew from a caravan oasis first mentioned in the second millennium BC. “He spoke and read Palmyrene, and we would turn to him when we received stolen statues from the police and he would determine if they were real or fake.”

Abdulkarim said Assaad’s body had been hung in the city’s ancient ruins after being beheaded.

But the photo circulating online showed a body on a median strip of a main road, tied to what appeared to be a lamp post.

A sign attached to the body identified it as that of Assaad.

It accused him of being an apostate and a regime loyalist for representing Syria in conferences

abroad with “infidels”, as well as being director of Palmyra’s “idols”.

It also claimed he had been in contact with regime officials.

Abdulkarim said Assaad had been detained by IS last month along with his son Walid, the current antiquities director for Palmyra, who was later released. He said the extremists were looking for “stores of gold” in the city.

“I deny wholeheartedly that these stores exist,” Abdulkarim said. “The whole family is truly remarkable. (Assaad’s) other son Mohammed and his son-in-law Khalil actively participated in the rescue of 400 antiquities as the town was being taken over by the extremists,” he said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, also reported the execution, saying Assaad had been killed in a “public square in Palmyra in front of dozens of people”.

The execution prompted condemnation from French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, who

said Assaad had worked with numerous French archaeological missions over the years.

“This barbaric murder joins a long list of crimes committed over the past four years in Syria,” he said in a statement, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. IS captured Palmyra on May 21, prompting international concern about the fate of the city’s antiquities.

IS considers statues and grave markers to be idolatrous, and the group has destroyed antiquities and heritage sites in other territory under its control in Syria and Iraq. So far, Palmyra’s most famous sites have been left intact, though there are reports IS has mined them, and the group reportedly destroyed a famous statue of a lion outside the city’s museum in June.

Most of the pieces in the museum were evacuated by antiquities staff before IS arrived, though the group has blown up several historic Muslim graves. - AFP

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015 He is conscious of India’s changed position in the international system, that India can be a confident player which is aware of its growing weight in the international system C. Raja Mohan, Author of a new book on Modi’s foreign policy

INDIA N E W C U S T O M S D E C L A R AT I O N F O R M S

Now, flyers to declare Indian currency exceeding Rs25,000 NEW DELHI: Passengers entering India will now have to declare Indian currency exceeding Rs25,000 and LCD, LED or Plasma televisions being brought by them in the new customs declaration forms.

According to the new rules, the duty free allowance on cigarettes, cigars and tobacco has been reduced by 50 per cent.

Also, passengers of Indian origin and foreigners of over 10 years of age residing in India and coming from any country other than China, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar can bring goods worth Rs45,000 along with them.

Limit Earlier, this limit was Rs 35,000.

All flyers coming to India will need to declare Indian currency

exceeding Rs25,000, said the Customs Baggage Declaration (Amendment) Regulations, 2015, notified on Tuesday by the Ministry of Finance.

Earlier, they were supposed to declare any amount exceeding Rs10,000 being brought by them.

An additional field has also been inserted in the ‘Indian Customs Declaration Form’, which needs to be mandatorily filled by all passengers entering India, to declare any flat panel (LCD, LED or Plasma) televisions being brought by them.

The form presently has fields for declaration of dutiable and prohibited goods, gold jewellery and bullion (over free allowance), satellite phone and foreign currency notes exceeding $5,000 or equivalent.

The passengers also need to mention about meat, meat prod-

items. The new rules have also reduced by 50 per cent the duty free allowance of cigarettes to 100 sticks, 25 cigars and 150gm of tobacco being brought by the flyers.

At present, a passenger can bring 200 number of cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250gm of tobacco.

REGULATION: Passengers disembark from an IndiGo Airlines A320

aircraft at Bengaluru International Airport, in Bengaluru. Passengers of Indian origin and foreigners of over 10 years of age residing in India and coming from any country other than China, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar can bring goods worth Rs45,000. - Reuters file

ucts, fish, dairy and poultry products, seeds, plants, fruits, flowers, other planting material and aggregate value of foreign exchange including currency exceeding

$10,000 or equivalent in the existing customs form.

Further, they had to report to ‘Red Channel’ for payment of duty if they were carrying any such

Free allowance The passengers of Indian origin and foreigners of over 10 years of age residing in India and coming from China, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar can bring in duty-free goods worth Rs6,000 only.

However, they get duty free allowance of Rs35,000 if they are coming from other than these four countries.

This limit has been increased to Rs45,000, the new rules said.

As per the modified immigra-

Modi on a charm offensive as India seeks global clout which have long-standing relationships with Beijing.

Critics say

Similar thinking Analysts say similar thinking explains Modi’s invitation to the African and Pacific leaders, many of whom have received soft loans from China.

“If you look at his visit to Central Asia and the engagements with the Pacific Island nations and the Africa summit, then you can say that China, resources and a general effort to increase India’s strategic footprint are all common threads,” analyst Ashok Malik said.

China has long cultivated ties with African countries as it seeks resources that India may also need as its development quickens.

“India has historically had good relations with Africa but lost out (to China) in the last 15-20 years,” said Malik of Delhi’s Observer Research Foundation.

‘Modiplomacy’ has yielded little and accuse him of taking his eye off domestic affairs as he struggles to enact key reforms

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, once an outcast of the West and a sharp critic of Asian neighbours, has confounded expectations with a relentless diplomatic charm offensive designed to raise India’s standing.

In his first 15 months in office, the right-wing premier has travelled to some two dozen countries, burnishing ties with allies and rivals alike in a campaign to ensure India punches its weight on the world stage and offsets rise of China.

Critics say “Modiplomacy” has yielded little and accuse him of taking his eye off domestic affairs as he struggles to enact key reforms.

But even opponents admit Modi has injected some vigour into India’s pursuit of the world stage.

As well as meeting leaders of heavyweights such as the United States, Germany, Russia, Brazil and China, Modi has reached out to neighbours, becoming the first Indian leader to visit Sri Lanka in three decades. He is also rolling out the red carpet for smaller countries, hosting 14 heads of state from Pacific islands on August 21 and a summit with African leaders in October.

Shashi Tharoor, a minister in

IN PURSUIT OF THE WORLD STAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers a speech to members of the Indian expatriate community in the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, on Monday, during a two-day visit to the UAE. - AFP

the previous Congress government, says Modi has shamelessly reversed his stance on a host of foreign policy issues but acknowledges he brings “personal energy” to the table.

“He is doing well, says the right thing in whichever country he goes to and leaves a positive impression,” Tharoor, a former UN deputy secretary general, said.

Given Modi’s track record, few had anticipated diplomacy would be one of his top priorities.

He first drew the attention of foreign governments during a frenzy of communal violence in Gujarat soon after becoming chief minister in 2002.

He was consequently blacklisted for a decade by the US and European Union.

During last year’s election cam-

paign, Modi burnished his credentials as a hardline nationalist by berating China’s “expansionist mindset”. But soon after taking power he invited Xi Jinping for the first visit by a Chinese leader to India in eight years before his own visit to Beijing in May. He has also accepted an invitation from his counterpart Nawaz Sharif to attend a summit in Pakistan, another target of his ire on the campaign trail.

Sphere of influence C. Raja Mohan, author of a new book on Modi’s foreign policy, says the premier’s overriding goal is to “expand India’s sphere of influence”, not least by joining China as a permanent UN Security Council member.

A recent UN survey predicted

India’s population would surpass China’s by 2022 and its economy is growing faster than almost all other major countries.

Modi spent 13 years running Gujarat, a coastal state with a reputation as outward-looking and entrepreneurial.

“With Modi, I think that there is a Gujarati pragmatism that dictates how to think about the world,” Mohan said.

“He is conscious of India’s changed position in the international system, that India can be a confident player which is aware of its growing weight in the international system.”

On his way back from China, Modi paid the first visit by an Indian leader to Mongolia, and dropped into five of the resourcerich Central Asian republics

‘Greater confidence’ Modi’s greater involvement in South Asia is widely seen as a pushback against China’s overtures towards India’s neighbours, such as Sri Lanka.

India won kudos in Nepal after April’s earthquake for its aid response, which dwarfed China’s.

Demonstrating his growing self-assurance on the world stage, Modi is now more comfortable delivering speeches and talking to his counterparts in English, after initially speaking only in Hindi.

S. Jaishankar, India’s foreign secretary, says recent initiatives “speak of greater confidence”.

“Are we content to react to events or should we be shaping them more, on occasion even driving them?” he asked in a speech.

“Perhaps it is time to reassess our ability to drive and lead on global issues, and be active and nimble rather than neutral or risk-averse.” - AFP

tion and customs rules, an Indian citizen needs to fill up the immigration form only when he or she goes out of the country.

They do not need to fill in immigration form while returning from abroad. Whereas, all passengers coming to India need to fill up a separate Indian Customs Declaration Form. A passenger also requires to give details of the countries being visited by him or her in the past six days and mention the passport number on the customs form.

India has 21 international airports — in Srinagar, Jaipur, Amritsar, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Goa, Nagpur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Calicut, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Thiruvananthapuram and Port Blair. -PTI UPHAAR CINEMA TRAGEDY

Ansals fined Rs600 million, escape jail term NEW DELHI: Real estate barons Sushil and Gopal Ansal on Wednesday escaped being jailed in the 18-year-old gruesome Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy in which 59 people died with the Supreme Court asking them to pay a fine of Rs300 million each and restricting their jail term to the period already undergone by them.

Over turning the pleas of CBI and the victims’ association, a three-judge bench of Justices A. R.Dave, Kurian Joseph and Adarsh Kumar Goel asked them to pay the total fine of Rs600 million in three months and deposit it with the Delhi government, which in turn will spend the money on welfare schemes. While Sushil had spent over five months in prison, Gopal was in jail for over four months immediately after the tragedy.

The bench rejected the submissions of senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for CBI, that the convicts be sent to jail to serve the remaining jail term.

“My instruction from CBI is to press for their custody,” Salve said, when the court sought his views.

Senior advocate KTS Tulsi, who represented the Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT), also said that the convicts not only be jailed, but rather their punishment should be enhanced.

Fifty-nine people, trapped in the balcony of the theatre in South Delhi, had died of asphyxia following the fire and over 100 were injured in the subsequent stampede on June 13, 1997 during the screening of film Border.

Earlier, a bench of justices T S Thakur and Gyan Sudha Mishra (since retired) had on March 5, 2014, held real estate barons Sushil and Gopal Ansal guilty, but differed on the quantum of sentence to be awarded to them. It had concurred in holding that there was “contemptuous disregard” of civic laws on part of the Ansals that led to the tragedy as they were “more interested in making money than ensuring safety of people”. - PTI

WHITE ELEPHANTS

India’s ghost airports highlight risks as Modi steps up spending JAISALMER: Two-and-a-half years after the completion of a new $17 million terminal building, the airport in Jaisalmer, a small and remote desert city in India’s western Rajasthan state, stands empty.

Not a single passenger has passed through the gates of an airport big enough to handle more than 300,000 travellers a year, with parking bays for three 180-seater narrow-body jets.

India has spent more than $50 million since 2009 on eight airports that do not receive scheduled flights — white elephants that are a reminder of the pitfalls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he bets on an infrastructure drive to fuel growth.

India’s main hubs, meanwhile, are bursting at the seams, slowing airlines’ ability to expand in a vast country where they should be supporting economic growth.

“They (the government) need to realise it’s not a case of ‘build the airport and we will come’,” said Sanjiv Kapoor, chief operating officer at SpiceJet Ltd. The private sector airline last year ceased flying to a new airport in the southern Indian city of Mysore because of insufficient

Jaisalmer’s new arrivals lounge, two disused baggage conveyor belts gathered dust last week as pigeons nested in the roof.

A group of cleaners sat next to the taxiway listening to music on their mobile phones.

“You should come here on your own. It’s scary,” said the airport’s chief engineer.

S.K. Singh, the local AAI director, defended the airport, saying Jaisalmer — famed for its huge sand-coloured 12th century fort — has a growing tourist industry, and the nearest functioning airport is 290km away.

Airlines are not so sure.

demand. India’s ghost terminals were built largely by the previous government, which planned 200 ‘no frills’ airports, encouraged by rising air travel and the need to connect far-flung regions.

But the empty check-in desks and cavernous baggage halls highlight the risks for Modi, too, of catering to powerful regional bosses and spending without a unifying strategy.

China’s investment splurge has left dozens of similar ghost projects. The civil aviation ministry declined to comment on whether Modi’s government would stick with the 200 airport growth plan.

Pledged But the incentive to grow in lessdeveloped regions remains: on Tuesday, Modi pledged Rs27 billion for four new airports in the impoverished state of Bihar, which holds elections this year.

“The AAI (Airports Authority of India) has invested in some airports without any economic logic,” said Kapil Kaul, Delhi-based chief executive at consultancy Centre for Aviation (CAPA).

“Every state government wants to have a big airport, but you have

DESERTED: Departure and arrival sections are pictured at the Jaisalmer Airport in desert state of Rajasthan, last week. Two-and-a-half years after the completion of a new $17 million terminal building, the airport in Jaisalmer stands empty. - Reuters

to look at it from a national perspective and say where do we need airports, where is the demand and the growth coming from?” he said.

Across India, more than half of the 100-odd domestic-only airports operated by AAI have not seen a scheduled flight this year, official data shows, though some are older airports designed pri-

marily for chartered planes.

The AAI did not respond to requests for comment.

The rush to build comes as passenger numbers grow 20 per cent a year, to 38.8 million in the first half of 2015, leaving India’s major airports, which account for fourfifths of traffic, saturated.

Plans for a second hub in fi-

nancial capital Mumbai are years behind schedule while the government has struggled to privatise four large airports to fund their expansion.

This means airlines cannot widen their networks to places like Jaisalmer dependent on feeder traffic from the gateways.

In the huge sunlit expanse of

Demand SpiceJet’s Kapoor said demand was linked to Jaisalmer’s cooler winter months, making it tough to lure enough passengers.

Officials at GoAir and IndiGo said they had no plans to start flights.Analysts said the government would need to cut landing charges or provide funding to entice carriers.

“If that too doesn’t work, it’s better to lock up the airport and redeploy staff,” said Amber Dubey, an aviation expert at KPMG. - Reuters

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

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PAKISTAN ENDANGERED SPECIES

VOCATIONAL TRAINING An artisan teaches students crochet and needlepoint techniques under a project initiated by the Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the Culture Tourist and Artisan Center inside the Gor Khatri Archaeological Complex in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Wednesday. — Reuters

Court bans Houbara Bustard hunt ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court imposed on Wednesday a ban on hunting of the endangered bird, Houbara Bustard.

A three-judge bench of the SC headed by Chief Justice Justice Jawad S. Khawaja ordered the cancellation of all licences issued by the federal government for the hunting of Houbara Bustard.

“After the passing of the 18th Constitutional amendment, the rights to issue any such licences rests with the provincial governments,” the three-judge bench upheld, during the hearing of a petition filed by an individual, Aamir Zahoorul Haq. Haq had filed a petition against illegal hunting permits issued to foreigners for hunting the Houbara Bustard.

The petitioner claimed that the government had issued the permits despite a ban on hunting of the Houbara Bustard. The petitioner also requested the top court to take strict action against the officials who issued the licences.

Specific guidelines The apex court rejected all the appeals filed by the federal and provincial governments to allow the hunting of Houbara bustards, arguing that there was legal provision to allow hunts under specific guidelines in addition to permits being issued for a small number of birds. — Express Tribune

NEAR AFGHAN BORDER

Air strikes kill 25 militants in northwest BANNU: Military air strikes killed at least 25 suspected militants in northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, two intelligence officials said, taking to 133 the army’s toll of insurgents in the region this week.

Since May, the military has stepped up operations in the deeply forested ravines of the Shawal valley, which straddles the Pakistani region of North and South Waziristan along the border with Afghanistan, and is dotted with militant bases.

Residents have reported continuous bombing since Sunday, when a provincial minister was among the 19 people killed by a suicide bomber in Punjab province.

“Jet air bombing destroyed five militant hideouts and killed 25 militants,” said one of the two officials who confirmed the death toll.

Access to the area is severely restricted and few telephone lines work, making it impossible to verify the military’s casualty figures.

Shawal Valley The army was battling the militants in different parts of Shawal Valley, a third intelligence official said.

“We can hear bombs and constant shelling since Sunday, but we have not been instructed to leave the area. We just want them to specify a route for us to safely leave with our families before the army starts a full-fledged operation” farmer Shadam Khan told Reuters.

Ehsanullah Ehsan, a spokesman for one Taliban faction, said air strikes had not killed any militants. — Reuters

Sleuths probe ‘$100 identity cards for militants’ scandal issued to illegal immigrants, most of them Afghans.

Last year Pakistan launched a major crackdown on militants after suffering more than a decade of bomb and gun attacks by homegrown extremists. A military offensive against Taliban and A -Qaeda hideouts in the northwest has been accompanied by what the authorities have called “intelligence-led” operations in cities around the country.

It has been found that many National Database and Registration Authority officials are involved in facilitating miscreants and terrorists in obtaining fake identity, said a correspondence of the security agency

KARACHI: Pakistani authorities are investigating officials at the national identity database for allegedly issuing ID cards to militants, including some linked to Al Qaeda, in return for bribes as much as $100.

The country’s main spy service, the Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) uncovered the alleged corrupt practices at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) during ongo-

CONTROVERSY: A Pakistani man watches a television broadcasting news of top Al Qaeda leader Adnan El Shukrijumah, in Islamabad on December 6, 2014. — AFP file photo

ing anti-terrorism operations, according to official documents.

“It has been found that many NADRA officials are involved in facilitating miscreants and terrorists in obtaining fake identity,” said ISI correspondence seen by AFP. Wanted by US Adnan El Shukrijumah, a senior Al Qaeda leader wanted by the US over a 2009 plot to attack the New York subway system, was among

those who obtained a Pakistani identity card by bribing officials, the documents said.

Shukrijumah, who was born in Saudi Arabia and spent some years in the United States, was killed in December 2014 during a Pakistan army operation in South Waziristan tribal area close to Afghanistan.

The ISI investigation also found that three Uzbek nationals who were arrested in Qatar for robbing a bank also carried Pakistani

identity papers. Several dozen Chinese nationals and Maldivians were also issued Pakistani ID cards, with NADRA officials taking bribes of Rs10,000 to 20,000 ($100-200) in return.

The intelligence probe has named about 40 NADRA officials involved in issuing the fake paperwork in Karachi, including a retired army brigadier and a retired colonel. The Federal Investigation Agency found more than 50,000 national identity cards had been

Militants killed in Karachi Pakistani officials said on Wednesday they killed an intelligence officer and two alleged operatives of Al Qaeda’s South Asian chapter in a shootout in the southern city of Karachi.

The clash followed a raid early Tuesday on an apartment in Gulhsan-e-Iqbal, a middle class residential neighbourhood in the city’s east, a spokesman for the paramilitary Rangers said.

“On seeing Rangers, (the) terrorists opened fire, the Rangers troops fired back and after an exchange of fire two terrorists got killed,” the spokesman said.

One intelligence officer was also killed while a soldier sustained wounds, the Rangers said.

The men were identified as Abdul Ahad and Mohammad Sauleh, said to be Al Qaeda’s chief in the city and his assistant, respectively. Little was known of the two men before their deaths and analysts believe security forces often exaggerate the seniority of militants they kill in encounters. — AFP

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T

he killing of the Punjab home minister, Shuja Khanzada, in a suicide attack at his residence not only signifies the desperation of the militants, it also gives birth to a myriad of questions: how did the mastermind of the attack get credible information about the presence of Mr Khanzada at his residence at that particular point in time; how were the handlers able to place the suicide bomber at the venue instantly; before the minister arrived, did the bomb disposal squad carry out a sweep of the area; was the attack a reaction to the recent killings of leading persons from a banned outfit; was it an attempt to dispel the positive image gained from the dividends of the National Action Plan (NAP) and Operation Zarb-e-Azb; was it an attempt to register the militants’ presence; what about the response time of rescue services and effectiveness of the coordination among federal, provincial and district departments? Furthermore, this grisly incident once again raises questions regarding the efficacy of nakabandi-style policing. It also signifies the need for a body that has the ability to assess threat levels and has the competence to determine the level of security needed. Such a body should consist of professionals mandated to issue security advisories to leading persons and vulnerable institutions.

The selection of the home minster as a target was a smart move on part of the planners as his killing has conveyed numerous messages.

The militants selected a former soldier and intelligence commander, an ardent supporter of the NAP and a vocal person who vehemently advocated the counter-narrative to the militants’ ideology. During his stint as home minister, Mr Khanzada facilitated capacitybuilding and structural development of Punjab’s counterterrorism department.

Even though our history carries an exhaustive list of such incidents, we have failed to readjust our security protocols. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto fully exposed the flaws in the protection protocols meant for high-profile personalities.

However, even after countless similar incidents having taken place, we have failed to establish an exclusive VIP security apparatus.

The abortive suicide attacks targeting former

federal interior minister, Aftab Ahmed Sherpao, spring to mind. On April 28, 2007, he was injured in a suicide attack in Charsadda. In another attack on December 21, 2007, a suicide blast targeting him killed at least 57 and injured over 100 at Jamia Masjid Sherpao, located in Charsadda. In the more recent past, senior politicians like Bashir Ahmad Bilour and Israr Gandapur were killed in suicide attacks. Previously, abortive attempts were made on the lives of Amir Muqam, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, General (retd) Pervez Musharaf and Asfandyar Wali Khan.

Understanding of the Shadi Khan attack requires an understanding of demographic and geographic realities. Attock shares a 250km long border with four districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), namely Nowshehra, Haripur, Kohat and Swabi. Given this, it is entirely possible that it may be a transit attraction for terrorists and criminals.

The dried portion of the Indus from Ghorghushti to the Attock Bridge along the border of K-P requires joint policing by the police forces of K-P and Punjab. The manifestation of inter-provincial coordination should not be restricted to closeddoor higher bureaucratic levels only. Its practical display should be visible on the ground as well.

According to media reports, Mr Khanzada had been receiving threats. If that is true, questions arise as to how those threats were evaluated and responded to. Unfortunately, we do not have a specialised institutional mechanism to assess and process such threats. What we require is the establishment of a professional protective service, which has close coordination with lawenforcement and intelligence agencies.

We can derive some pragmatic inspiration from the long-drawn civil war in Sri Lanka. During the war against the LTTE, Sri Lanka lost a president, and numerous ministers and other important personalities, along with countless civilians. It was the steadfastness and persistence of the country’s leadership and public that enabled Sri Lanka to win an unwinnable war. The security of important personalities is like a chess game in which the capture of the king is the ultimate aim of subversive forces. The primary job of protection agents is to save the king. Pakistani security professionals need to follow the principles of prevention and unpredictability, and use technology to the optimum level to win this war. — Express Tribune

READERS’ FORUM VAT will have a negative impact on tourism industry This refers to the online story, ‘UAE seeks consensus with Gulf states to introduce VAT’ (August 19). Once introduced, VAT will be here to stay and will only increase as the years go by, because, in my opinion, it is easy money for the government. However, it would have a negative impact on the tourism industry as prices of many goods are cheaper in the Middle Easy mainly because VAT isn’t levied on these items. Therefore, tourists will no longer see Dubai as an attractive shopping destination. Those who will suffer the most will be the citizens of the Gulf countries as they will have to fund the VAT from their monthly budge.

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

This refers to the online story, ‘UAE seeks consensus with Gulf states to introduce VAT’ (August 19). If such a decision is taken it will be good for the country’s economy. I think expatriates won’t like it but Oman will benefit. In my opinion, the time has come that every foreign worker is taxed. — Ahmed Al Habsi, Muscat

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2000 Master plan to reach water supply-demand balance MUSCAT: The Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) is set to complete the final report of the National Water Resources Master Plan project, Hamid bin Said Al Aufi, minister of water resources, has told the Times of Oman. “The final report will be completed soon. The plan will outline a strategy for reaching a balance between the supply and demand in water,” Hamid Al Aufi said.

PICTOGRAPH

OMAN OIL REFINERIES & PETROLEUM INDUSTRIES OUTPUT In July 2015

7,463,400 BARRELS ( 1,186,586m 3 ) The equivalent volume to a dice with the length of a football pitch

10 m

TODAY IN HISTORY

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

1772 Gustavus III of Sweden eliminates the rule of parties and establishes an absolute monarchy.

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

1914: The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) lands in France.

Lost interest in football

This refers to the online story, ‘Hugged by the hands of God, infamous ref meets Maradona’ (August 18). It is deplorable that after Argentina’s Diego Maradona admitted scoring by a handball, England was not declared the winner. Since then I have lost interest in the game as cheats with guile are considered heroes. — Ann Wilson, Mawaleh

www.newindiaoman.com

1950: Edith Sampson becomes the first African-American representative to the United Nations.

1991: President Mikhail Gorbachev placed under house arrest in an attempted coup that failed two days later.

Source: National Centre for Statistics & Information

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

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WORLD R E V O LT AV E R T E D

SAIL AMSTERDAM FESTIVAL Poland’s Tall ship Dar Mlodziezy sails during the Sail-In Parade marking the beginning of the Sail Amsterdam 2015 nautical festival, held every five years, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on Wednesday. — Reuters/Toussaint Kluiters/United Photos

German lawmakers approve Greek bailout BERLIN: The German parliament voted by an overwhelming majority Wednesday to back a massive new bailout for Greece, with Chancellor Angela Merkel spared a major rebellion of deputies opposing the aid.

Interrupting their holidays for the second time this summer to cast ballots on a Greek rescue, lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house approved the 86 billion euro ($95 billion) rescue plan by 453 votes to 113 while eighteen abstained. While passage was virtually guaranteed given the dominance of Merkel’s left-right “grand coalition”, the key question was whether the chancellor would face damaging dissent within her own camp.

In the end, 63 conservative rebels cast ‘No’ ballots and three abstained, marking only a slight increase from a vote last month approving the start of negotiations on the package.

At that time, 60 of the chancellor’s MPs voted ‘No’ and five abstained. The mass-market Bild newspaper had predicted up to 120 deputies could jump ship at Wednesday’s vote. — AFP

SHRINE BOMBING

Thai suspect spoke foreign language, not English: Police BANGKOK: Thai police said Wednesday the prime suspect in the bombing of a Bangkok religious shrine in which 20 people died was overheard speaking a foreign language other than English.

“Foreign language, not English also,” national police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri said when asked by reporters whether a man seen leaving a backpack in the shrine minutes before Monday’s deadly explosion spoke any foreign languages.

Prawut did not elaborate on how police knew the suspect spoke a foreign language.

But police said earlier they had interviewed two motorcycle taxi riders near the shrine, one of whom gave a ride to the suspect.

Prawut also gave a description of the suspected ethnicity of the alleged bomber, using the Thai phrase “khaek khao” -- a word often used to describe light skinned Muslims from South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.

“His skin is white and he has a high nose. Whether khaek khao or not I don’t know. But from the footage it looked like that,” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday a Bangkok court issued an arrest warrant for the unnamed man, who was filmed on security footage dropping off the backpack that is believed to have contained the bomb.

The warrant described him as a tall foreigner with white skin.

The attack occurred on Monday as worshippers crowded into the Hindu shrine in the Thai capital, shredding bodies and incinerating motorcycles. — AFP

UN warns of an impending famine in conflict-hit Yemen All the signs that will lead us to the qualifiable definition of famine are in fact developing in front of our eyes, WFP executive director Ertharin Cousin told reporters in Cairo

CAIRO: The United Nations warned Wednesday of a “developing famine” in Yemen, where more than half a million children are severely malnourished, and pressed for access to its war-torn regions.

Impoverished Yemen has been wracked by conflict since March when a Saudi-led Arab coalition launched air strikes against Houthi rebels. The UN’s World Food Programme said the conflict has left Yemen on the brink of a famine in the areas of fighting.

“All the signs that will lead us to the qualifiable definition of famine are in fact developing in front of our eyes,” WFP executive director Ertharin Cousin told reporters in Cairo following a three-day mission to Yemen.

Cousin called for immediate and regular access for WFP aid

LOST GENERATION: Yemeni displaced children, who fled Saada province due to fighting between Houthi rebels and forces loyal to Yemen’s exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, sit at a school turned into a shelter in the capital Sanaa on Wednesday. — AFP

workers to areas of conflict.

“If we cannot support the commercial markets by ensuring that the ports are open... If we do not see increased donor supply, we are facing the perfect storm in Yemen,” he said.

“The markets do not have the staple food that is necessary to meet the needs of the broader population... The humanitarian community does not have the necessary access or funds.”

Already in June, the UN envoy for Yemen, Ould Cheik Ahmed, appealed for a ceasefire and warned: “We are one step away from famine.” WFP said a study it carried out showed food security was at its most precarious for Yemen’s 1.3 million internally displaced people.

The agency, in a statement, said it has reached 3.5 million people with food supplies since the conflict erupted, “but fighting makes

deliveries difficult and dangerous”. More than 1.2 million children are suffering from moderate to acute malnutrition and over half a million children are severely malnourished, it said.

Separately, the UN children’s fund said on Wednesday an average of eight children are being killed or maimed each day in Yemen’s conflict and warned of “terrifying consequences” for the country’s youth.

Nearly 400 children have been killed and over 600 others injured in the past four months, UNICEF said in a report.

“Disrupted health services, increased levels of child malnutrition, closed schools and higher numbers of children recruited by fighting groups are among the effects of the conflict now ravaging the Arab world’s poorest country,” it said.

“Children are being killed by bombs or bullets and those that survive face the growing threat of disease and malnutrition,” said the UNICEF representative in Yemen, Julien Harneis.

The agency said: “As devastating as the conflict is for the lives of children right now, it will have terrifying consequences for their future”.

Nearly 10 million children -80 per cent of Yemen’s under-18 population -- are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, it said.

In its report, WFP estimates the number of food insecure people in Yemen is now almost 13 million, including six million deemed “severely food insecure and in urgent need of external assistance”.

The UN food agency made an urgent plea for donations ahead of the start of an emergency food supply operation in Yemen next month expected to cost about $320 million.

“The damage to Yemen’s next generation may become irreversible if we don’t reach children quickly with the right food at the right time. We must act now before it is too late,” Cousin said in the statement. — AFP

TURKEY VIOLENCE

Istanbul palace attacked; 8 soldiers killed by PKK rebels I STA N B U L / D I YA R B A K I R (TURKEY): Gunmen opened fire on Turkish police outside an Istanbul palace and eight soldiers were killed in a bomb attack in the southeast on Wednesday, heightening a sense of crisis as the country’s political leaders struggle to form a new government.

The Istanbul governor’s office said two members of a “terrorist group” armed with hand grenades and an automatic rifle were caught after attacking the Dolmabahce palace, popular with tourists and home to the prime minister’s Istanbul offices. There were no reports of casualties.

Militants from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) meanwhile killed eight soldiers with a roadside bomb in the southeastern province of Siirt, the military said, intensifying a conflict there after the breakdown of a two-year ceasefire last month.

ESCALATION: Turkish police officers work at the site where shots were fired at police officers on Wednesday at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul. — AFP

The unrest in the NATO member state comes weeks after it declared a “war on terror”, opening up its air bases to the U.S.-led coalition against IS,

launching air strikes on Kurdish militants, and detaining more than 2,500 suspected members of radical Kurdish, far-leftist and extremist groups.

The latest attacks also come a day after Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu gave up on efforts to form a new government after weeks of coalition talks with the opposition failed, paving the way for a new election potentially within months.

“Because of the failure to form a government, we have to seek a solution with the will of the people ... so we are heading rapidly towards an election again,” President Tayyip Erdogan said in a televised speech.

The lira slid to a new low against the dollar as investors took fright at what some have dubbed a “perfect storm” of political uncertainty, slowing growth and deepening violence.

The currency has seen its steepest five-day decline this week since May 2010, making it one of the world’s worst-performing emerging markets currencies.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack at Dolmabahce palace, where the assailants opened fire on police guarding the entrance. The building has been targeted before by leftist militants.

Davutoglu was in the capital Ankara as reports of the shooting emerged and did not interrupt a speech he was giving live on television. Turkey has been on heightened state alert since launching what Davutoglu described a “synchronised war on terror” in July, exposing it to reprisals from IS sympathisers, Kurdish militants and leftist radicals alike.

The leftist Revolutionary People’s Liberation Army-Front (DHKP-C) meanwhile claimed responsibility earlier this month for an attack on the US consulate in Istanbul, in which two women shot at the building.

The ruling AK Party, which Er-

dogan founded, in June suffered its biggest election setback since coming to power in 2002, failing to win a single-party majority for the first time, plunging Turkey into uncertainty not seen since the fragile coalition governments of the 1990s. The failure of Davutoglu’s efforts to find a junior coalition partner led him to hand the mandate to form the next government back to Erdogan late on Tuesday.

Next cabinet Presidential sources said Erdogan would consult with the speaker of parliament later on Wednesday on how to agree the next cabinet.

He could now give the mandate to the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), although he has appeared reluctant to do so, and the CHP would in any case be unlikely to be able to form a working coalition by an August 23 deadline. — Reuters

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THU RS DAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

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Muscat 6,152.30 - 39.15 - 0.63%

Dubai 3,833.20 + 5.71 + 0.51%

Abu Dhabi 4,574.98 + 35.13 + 0.77%

Saudi Arabia

7,991.28 - 205.74 - 2.51%

Kuwait 6,167.91 - 26.80 - 0.43%

Bahrain 1,325.56 - 2.95 - 0.22%

Qatar 11,635.04 - 35.46 - 0.30%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.32 Pound ...........................................1.64 Indian Rs .............................169.24 Pak Rs ...................................260.48 Bangla Taka.......................199.48

Indian Rs .................................. 169.35 Pakistan Rs ............................ 264.00 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 346.60 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso ...................................120.00

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

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........ $48.79 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) .........$48.74 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ..........$50.11 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$48.67 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$48.84

* Rates are as of August 19 Source: Bank Muscat

West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........ $42.37

Oman’s budget deficit mounts PUBLIC FINANCE First half year (million rials) Deficit increased to OMR1,918.5m in the first half of this year,

Total revenue

7,194.3

6,194.3 5,798.2

against a surplus of 5,277.9

OMR250m for the

2015 H1

2014 H1

Public expenditure 4,579.7

same period in 2014 Net oil revenue 2,846.8

A. E. JAMES

Source: National Centre for Statistics & Information

Graphics

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s budget deficit surged ahead to OMR1,918.5 million in the first half of this year, against a surplus of OMR250 million for the same period in 2014, primarily due to a plunge in oil prices, according to National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). This is against a government target of OMR2.5 billion deficit for the whole of 2015.

“This is not a surprise since the assumed oil price for calculating budget revenue was much higher

than the actual crude price,” said an economist, who does not want to be named. The economist, quoting an earlier International Monetary Fund (IMF) projection, said that the country may end the year with a whopping deficit of around OMR3.5 billion.

The government’s total revenue dipped by 36.3 per cent to OMR4,579.7 million for the first half, from as high as OMR7,194.3 million for the same period of 2014, mainly on account of a

drastic fall in oil revenue. Net oil revenue plunged by 46.1 per cent to OMR2,846.8 million from OMR5,277.9 million.

Average price of Oman Crude dipped by 43.1 per cent to $59.9 per barrel in the first seven months of 2015 from $105.42 a barrel for the same period of 2014. However, the crude oil production was up by 3.1 per cent at 206.70 million barrels (or 975,000 barrels per day) in the first seven months of this year.

As far as government expenditure is concerned, public expenditure declined by 6.4 per cent to OMR5,798.2 million for the first half of 2015, from OMR6,194.3 million for the same period last year. Of this, current expenditure inched down by 0.7 per cent to OMR3,939 million from OMR3,968.1 million, while investment expenditure fell by 6.8 per cent to OMR1,248.4 million for the first half of 2015 from OMR1,393.5 million for the same period last year.

The economist said that the government could fund the deficit by raising debt from overseas markets since the Sultanate has a better credit rating and the debt to gross domestic product ratio is low, compared to many other countries.

* Rates as of August 19 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.85 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ........... 135.00 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............128.50 * Rates as of August 19 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

MARKET UAE seeks consensus with Gulf countries on new tax VAT alone — it has to be part of the GCC,” Khouri said, but “If all GGC states agree on a deadline, then one can implement ahead of the other.”

Introducing value added tax would be a major economic reform in Gulf states, which have minimal tax systems FINDING NEW REVENUE: The drop in oil prices since last year has slashed government incomes, making it more urgent for them to find new revenue. The UAE is expected this year to post its first budget deficit since 2009. – Bloomberg News

DUBAI: United Arab Emirates and its neighbours are working towards introducing value-added tax (VAT) in the region but don’t yet have a consensus on tax rates and exemptions, the Finance Ministry has said.

“If the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reach a final agreement on issues related to the application of VAT, it will be announced directly,” the ministry said, without elaborating on when agreement might be reached.

The IMF has suggested the UAE consider imposing VAT at a 5 per cent rate, a 10 per cent corporate income tax, and a 15 per cent excise tax on automobiles.

Introducing VAT would be a

major economic reform in the GCC states, which have minimal tax systems. The plunge of oil prices since last year has slashed government incomes, making it more urgent for them to find new revenue; the UAE is expected this year to post its first budget deficit since 2009.

How to apply VAT But the six oil exporting states of the Gulf Cooperation Council differ over how VAT would be applied to economic sectors, Younis Haji al-Khouri, undersecretary at the ministry, told Reuters.

“For example, one country is

IMF SUGGESTION IMF has suggested the UAE consider imposing VAT at a 5 per cent rate, a 10 per cent corporate income tax, and a 15 per cent excise tax on automobiles

keen not to impose VAT on food and beverages, especially children’s food. Some countries are more hesitant on the services sector and whether there will be an impact on the financial sector,

especially in the UAE.” A technical committee will discuss such issues in Riyadh next week and report by October, Khouri said. Talks have not yet reached the level of undersecretaries or ministers, he added.

Governments have been discussing VAT for years, but political and economic sensitivities have delayed the project.

Analysts believe that to limit smuggling and damage to competitiveness, the tax would probably have to be introduced regionally rather than by individual countries at different times.

“We really can’t implement

Eighteen months Once a decision to impose VAT is made, the public will be given no less than 18 months to prepare, the ministry’s statement said.

It also said the ministry was still studying reforms to increase taxation of corporations in the UAE and that the tax rate was under study. Businesses would be given at least one year to prepare.

At present, there is little corporate taxation outside the oil sector, apart from a 20 per cent levy on foreign banks in Dubai. The government is considering whether to impose a broad corporate tax across the economy.

Although the UAE is one of the richest countries in the GCC, it has been the most aggressive in reforming its finances to save money. This month it cut state gasoline subsidies, allowing prices paid by consumers to rise. – Reuters

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AUTOMOBILE

Tata Motors plans four new models MUMBAI: Tata Motors plans to introduce three new car models this financial year in India as it seeks to refresh an ageing line-up and regain market share, according to people familiar with the matter.

The carmaker will unveil a sedan, a hatchback and a crossover during the year ending in March, three people with knowledge of the plans said, asking not to be named as the matter is private. It’s also considering the introduction of a compact sport-utility vehicle later, the people said.

Tata Motors doesn’t comment on plans for future models, said Minari Shah, a spokeswoman for the Mumbai-based company.

The automaker, which owns the Jaguar and Land Rover luxury marques, has said it will unveil at least two new passenger vehicles every year through 2020 to drive growth and gain back market share in India.

Tata Motors has gone from being India’s third-biggest car maker in 2012 to the fifth-biggest this year, as consumers opted for newer models offered by Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai Motor.

Tata Motors had a market share of 5.7 per cent in the April-July period, compared to 48 per cent held

by Maruti Suzuki and 17 per cent

by Hyundai Motor, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. data shows - Bloomberg News

ECONOMY

China injects $100b into banks to help spur economy SHANGHAI: China has injected nearly $100 billion from its foreign exchange reserves into two policy banks, which lend based on government directives, to help spur the country’s sluggish economy, state media reported.

The central bank has completed putting $48 billion into the China Development Bank and $45 billion into the Export-Import Bank of China, the official Xinhua news agency reported. The move was to enhance their capital base and support the economy, it said.

“The injection suggests the central bank is trying to guide funds to go to the real economy, like exports and infrastructure construction,”

China economist at Barclays Capital, Wang Shengzu, said.

China’s economy, the world’s second-largest, expanded 7.4 per cent last year, its weakest since 1990, and has slowed further this year, growing 7.0 percent in each of the first two quarters. The government has set a target of around 7 per cent growth for all of 2015.

Interest rates cut In a bid to stimulate activity, China has cut interest rates four times since November and has also lowered the reserve requirement ratio — the amount of money banks must put aside. “The funds released from earlier monetary loos-

ening didn’t go to the real economy.

Instead, most of it went to the financial institutions and the stock market,” Wang added.

The benchmark Shanghai stock index rose 150 per cent in 12 months to mid-June in a borrowing-fuelled surge, before plummeting almost a third in three weeks.

The Wutongshu Investment Platform, which invests China’s foreign exchange reserves, carried out the bank fund injections and will become a shareholder in both financial institutions, Xinhua said.

China’s foreign exchange holdings are the world’s largest, though they fell to $3.69 trillion at the end of June, down from $3.73 trillion at

LENDING SUPPORT: The central bank has completed putting $48 billion into China Development Bank and $45 billion into ExportImport Bank of China. – Bloomberg News

the end of March.

Bloomberg News reported China Development Bank and another policy bank, the Agricultural Development Bank of China, plan to issue 1 trillion yuan ($164 billion) worth of bonds to fund construction projects to boost the economy.

It alo reported that China’s yuan declined as renewed stock-market volatility spurred concern that capital outflows will accelerate as the outlook for the world’s secondlargest economy worsens.

The Shanghai Composite Index of equities tumbled the most in three weeks Tuesday, and is now down 27 per cent from a peak in June. - AFP

FRAGILE RECOVERY

Chinese slowdown takes a toll on Japan’s exports TOKYO: Japan’s exports slowed in July, official data showed on Wednesday, adding to concerns about the fragile recovery in the world’s number three economy as demand falls in neighbouring giant China.

The lacklustre figures come days after news Japan’s economy contracted last quarter, boosting speculation the central bank will be forced to unleash more stimulus as Tokyo’s ‘Abenomics’ growth blitz stumbles.

While the value of Japan’s exports rose 7.6 per cent last month from a year ago, partly driven by rising vehicle shipments, the volume of goods slipped 0.7 per cent from July 2014. China-bound shipments were off 1.3 per cent from 12 months earlier in volume terms, outstripping a 0.4 per cent fall to the rest of Asia.

Despite a recovery in the United States economy, a slowdown in China — Asia’s top economy and a major market for Japanese exporters — has raised a red flag.

The central bank devalued the yuan last week, sparking concern China is growing more slowly than thought and prompting fears it could start a currency war in which countries compete to boost exports by cutting the value of their units.

“The most notable point is that exports are not growing — the Japanese economy cannot rely on overseas demand for future growth,” said Taro Saito, a senior economist at NLI Institute.

“While the United States and Europe are recovering compared with some other markets... China is dragging down exports.” The weak figures were part of broader picture that showed Japan’s trade deficit narrowed a less-than-expected 72.3 per cent in July from

a year ago, as the cost of energy imports kept falling.

Abenomics struggling Japan’s monthly deficit came in at €268.05 billion ($2.15 billion), well below €966.5 billion a year earlier, the Finance Ministry said. Economists had predicted the shortfall would shrink to around 53 billion.

Imports fell 3.2 per cent as weak commodity prices helped bring down the country’s energy bill, which soared after Tokyo replaced nuclear power with pricey fossil fuels in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis.

Japan’s still-struggling trade picture was highlighted in the GDP data this week, as the economy shrank 0.4 per cent in the three months to June — or 1.6 per cent on an annualised basis.

The contraction, which was not quite as bad as expected, was blamed on weak consumer spending at home and slowing exports after two consecutive quarters of growth.

The figures come more than two years after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe launched a policy blitz, dubbed Abenomics, to kickstart anaemic growth and conquer years of deflation.

The scheme called for big government spending, massive Bank of Japan monetary easing and reforms to cut red tape. - AFP

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

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MARKET CHANGE OF GUARD

CURRENCY

Sohar Port names new executive commercial manager

Vietnam devalues dong for third time

and unique company to work for.

As a relatively young enterprise, Sohar has already made a major impact on the global ports industry with its continued rapid growth and expansion. Iam extremely excited to be rejoining the business during this crucial period. I am looking forward to building on the tremendous success of Sohar as it enters a new chapter in its short history.”

“Soon we will have the addition of the region’s first dedicated agro-terminal in the Port. Food is always a critical business and we believe that Sohar can play a significant role for the entire region, not only as an import and export hub, but also as a food processing centre,” he added.

HANOI: Vietnam devalued the dong for the third time this year and widened the currency’s trading band, the latest sign of stress in Asian exchange rates after China depreciated the yuan last week.

The State Bank of Vietnam weakened its reference rate by 1 per cent to 21,890 dong a dollar and increased the scope for fluctuations to 3 per cent on either side, after doubling the range on August 12. The dong fell 1.2 per cent to 22,360, extending its drop this month to 2.4 per cent .

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung is seeking to safeguard export growth and the State Bank said it’s concerned about the prospect of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates. - Bloomberg News

Times News Service MUSCAT: Sohar Port and Freezone welcomed a new executive commercial manager this week, as Edwin Lammers heads back to The Netherlands after over seven years in the Sultanate to take on a senior management post at Port of Rotterdam.

Marc Evertse, previously a senior project manager at Port of Rotterdam International, will be taking over from Edwin Lammers and brings over 24 years of experience with him, including a stint as business development manager for Sohar back in 2003, where he was involved in the early planning stages at the port.

Evertse has fulfilled a number

of international roles; most recently he worked as senior project manager for Port of Rotterdam International, where he was responsible for managing major boardroom consultancy and port development projects.

World-recognised brand Prior to that Marc worked as the area manager of the commercial division for South Asia, Middle East, Turkey and Africa.

As the company gears up for the change, Sohar Port chief executive officer, Andre Toet, said: “Edwin has played a pivotal role in turning Sohar into the worldrecognised brand that is today and we are extremely sad to say goodbye to him. Marc comes from

NBO opens Muzn Islamic banking branch in Salalah Salalah branch focuses on serving Sharia-compliant customers in the area at their convenience through retail, corporate and institutional banking

Times News Service MUSCAT: Muzn Islamic Banking on Wednesday inaugurated its new branch in Salalah, underlining its commitment towards providing a complete range of Shariacompliant products and services to customers across the Sultanate of Oman.

The opening of the new branch is also in line with the bank’s strategy to operate in the most convenient and strategic locations.

The NBO’s Muzn Salalah branch focuses on serving Islamic banking customers in the area at their convenience through retail, corporate and institutional banking services.

It also features experienced banking staff and digital elements, giving customers the opportunity to experience next generation Islamic banking.

The branch was opened at a ceremony held under the auspices of Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, minister of state and governor of Dhofar, in the presence of Ahmed Al Musalmi, chief ex-

SPREADING WINGS: The branch was opened at a ceremony held under the auspices of Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, minister of state and governor of Dhofar. – Supplied picture

ecutive officer of National Bank of Oman and members of the bank’s senior management team.

Growth strategy To celebrate the launch, Muzn’s Sharia Board members also hosted a dinner for Muzn customers in Salalah on Monday.

“We are pleased to announce the latest extension of our Muzn footprint. This opening is in keeping with the bank’s growth strategy and commitment towards promoting Sharia-compliant banking in Oman, while providing an enriched experience and convenience for our customers, whenever and wherever they are,” said Al Musalmi.

National Bank of Oman was the first bank in the Sultanate to establish its flagship Muzn Islamic Banking window in 2013, and since then the dedicated concept has gained significant momentum. The bank aims to open more branches across the Sultanate to serve customers who seek Sharia banking solutions.

“At National Bank of Oman, we

continue to focus on strengthening the Muzn branch network, which is primarily driven by demand from customers for a holistic Islamic banking experience.

Our growing network of branches combined with innovative product offerings and efficiency, means that we are always on hand to deliver on our customercentric propositions,” the chief executive officer added.

Muzn Islamic Banking customers can avail a full range of offerings including Murabaha auto finance, Ijara home finance, sale and lease back finance, Muzn current account (Qard Hassan), Muzn savings account (Mudaraba), Wakala investment, flexi wakala account; Murabaha working capital finance, Ijara Muntahia Bittamleek term finance and trade finance.

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Port of Rotterdam International and has a wealth of relevant experience from all over the world.

He was here at Sohar right at the beginning of the planning phase in 2003, and has worked for Port of Rotterdam for almost 25 years, so he is already very familiar with our business models.”

“We are delighted to welcome him to the team and we look forward to working with him to take Sohar to the next level,” the chief executive officer added.

Growth and expansion Sohar’s new executive commercial manager, Marc Evertse, commented: “The Sultanate of Oman is a beautiful country and Sohar Port and Freezone is an exciting

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

MARKET MSM index ends lower

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................6,191.44 ...............6,152.30 ................... 6,152.30 ................... 6,191.44................ -39.14 .................. -0.63 Financial Index ..................................... 7,513.28 ...............7,428.85 ................... 7,428.85 ................... 7,512.09................-83.24 ...................-1.11 Industrial Index ....................................7,934.39 ................7,919.31 .................... 7,919.77 ...................7,942.38................-22.61 .................. -0.28 Services Index .......................................3,367.62 .............. 3,354.85 ...................3,354.92 ................... 3,367.63.................-12.71 .................. -0.38 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 961.41 .................. 959.57 .......................959.59 ...................... 961.24...................-1.65 .................. -0.17 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 10,525,902 ................. 2,366,085 .....................628 ...............14,928,021,073 ...................1 ..................... 22 .................... 23 .........................46

United Power remained the top gainer, up by 9.92 per cent, while the top loser was HSBC Bank Oman, down by 3.10 per cent

MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) fell further on lack of support even at lower levels. The MSM 30 Index ended lower at 6,152.30 points, down by 0.63 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 959.59 points, down by 0.17 per cent.

Phoenix Power was the most active in terms of volume, while Al Anwar Holding was the most active in terms of turnover. United Power remained the top gainer, up by 9.92 per cent, while the top loser was HSBC Bank Oman, down by 3.10 per cent.

As many as 628 trades were executed in the session generating a turnover of OMR2.36 million with more than 10.52 million shares changing hands. Out of 46 traded securities, one advanced, 22 declined and 23 remained unchanged. Omani investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR524,000, while foreign investors, who sold shares worth OMR502,000, were the net sellers, followed by GCC and Arab investors at OMR22,000.

Financial Index down by 1.11 per cent to close at 7,428.85 points. HSBC Bank Oman, Al Anwar Holding and Bank Sohar declined by 3.10 per cent, 2.44 per cent and 2.15 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 7919.77 points, down by 0.28 per cent. Al Hassan Engineering, Oman Fisheries, Al Maha Ceramics and Galfar Engineering declined by 2.20 per cent, 1.96 per cent, 1.92 per cent and 1.90 per cent, respectively.

Services Index down by 0.38 per cent to close at 3,354.92 points. United Power was the only gainer and was up by 9.96 per cent to close at OMR2.870.

Renaissance Services, Port Services, OIFC and Oreedoo Oman declined by 2.43 per cent, 2.26 per cent, 1.02 per cent and 0.53 per cent, respectively.

Saudi bourse falls Saudi Arabian stocks fell for a seventh day in the longest losing streak since December as oil traded near a seven-month low.

The Tadawul All Share Index retreated 1.6 per cent to 8,068.12 in Riyadh, the lowest level since January on a closing basis. Jabal Omar Development, a real estate developer, led the slide with a 4.8 per cent drop. The country’s benchmark measure has lost 8.7 per cent since August 10.

Stocks in the Middle East’s biggest economy have been reeling this week after Brent crude declined and the International Monetary Fund warned growth in the kingdom may slow. The Tadawul’s moving averages made a so-called death cross on Tuesday, a technical indicator that signals to some investors more declines lie ahead.

“The pain, it seems, is neverending for the Saudi stock market,” said Wadah Al Taha, the Dubai-based chief investment officer of Al Zarooni Group. “Opec’s decision to keep the production levels is only going to intensify it.”

Brent, the benchmark for half the world’s oil, fell as much as 0.7 per cent earlier to $48.45 per barrel on bets that increased output from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries will add to the global surplus. It later traded little changed at $48.82.

Meanwhile, the selloff gripping emerging markets isn’t letting up as stocks drop to four-year lows, while Vietnam and Kazakhstan weaken their currencies to adjust to the fallout from China’s shock devaluation last week.

South Korean equities fell to a six-month low on Wednesday and Taiwanese shares lost 1.9 percent. While currencies in South Africa and Russia recovered slightly and Kazakhstan, let its tenge slide 4.4 per cent.

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

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

OM0000001822............UNITED POWER .............................................................2,994 ...............8,593........................3 ........... 2.870 ...........2.870 ...........2.870........... 2.870 .............2.610............ 0.260............. 9.962 ................2.870..............2.870...................0.000 ...................2,296,000..........1.000 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ...........................................................1,861 ...............2,475........................1 ............1.330 ........... 1.330 ...........1.330 ........... 1.380 .............1.380............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.330 ..............1.330...................1.380................. 276,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 216,050 ......... 103,704........................4 ........... 0.480 ...........0.480 ...........0.480........... 0.480 .............0.480 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.480..............0.480...................0.498..................177,800,304........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ........................................................... 30,000 ............ 15,000........................2 ........... 0.500 ...........0.500 ...........0.500........... 0.500 .............0.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.500..............0.500...................0.502 .................165,436,355 ........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ...................................5,000 ...............1,940........................1 ........... 0.388 ...........0.388 ...........0.388........... 0.388 .............0.388 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.388..............0.384...................0.388..................114,930,909........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ..............................................5 .....................10........................1 ........... 2.020...........2.020 ...........2.020 .......... 2.020 .............2.020 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.020 ............ 2.020...................2.040 .................191,900,000........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............21,800 ...............2,660........................7 ............0.122 ........... 0.122 ...........0.122........... 0.122 .............0.122 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.122..............0.122...................0.128...................10,980,000.........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 125,564 ............33,149........................6 ........... 0.264 ...........0.264 ...........0.264 .......... 0.264 .............0.264 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.264..............0.264...................0.288 .................407,808,336........0.100 OM0000002614............ONIC. HOLDING .......................................................... 205,000...........98,400........................4 ........... 0.480 ...........0.480 ...........0.480........... 0.480 .............0.480 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.480..............0.480...................0.488...................83,243,160 .........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 206,632 ......... 106,079.....................24 ............0.512 ........... 0.514 ...........0.512 ............0.514 ............. 0.514............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.514 .............. 0.514...................0.520 ................1,177,996,815.......0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ........................................................1,695 .................. 730........................5 ........... 0.430 ...........0.432 ...........0.430........... 0.422 .............0.422 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.432..............0.432...................0.440 ..................25,531,000 .........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER......................................................................60 .....................21........................1 ........... 0.356 ........... 0.356 ...........0.356........... 0.380 .............0.380 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.356............. 0.000...................0.356...................83,983,800.........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ........................................50 .................. 210........................1 ........... 4.200...........4.200 .......... 4.200 .......... 4.200.............4.200 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ............... 4.200 ............. 4.110...................4.200 ..................41,076,907 .........1.000 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................10,000 .................. 870........................1 ........... 0.087 ...........0.087 ...........0.087........... 0.087 .............0.087 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.087..............0.087...................0.088...................15,225,000 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER..................................................28,410 ...............6,212........................4 ............0.218 ........... 0.219 ...........0.218........... 0.219 .............0.219............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.219 ..............0.219...................0.220 .................147,800,347 ........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY......................................14,660 ............ 32,252........................8 ........... 2.200...........2.200 .......... 2.200 .......... 2.200 .............2.205 ...........-0.005 ........... -0.227 .............. 2.200 ............ 2.200...................2.205 .................197,340,000........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 124,370 ..........212,411..................... 37 ............1.715 ............1.715 ............1.700 ............1.710 ............. 1.715 ............-0.005 ........... -0.292 ............... 1.710 .............. 1.705................... 1.710 ................1,282,500,000......0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ..............80,850 ............20,880........................5 ........... 0.257 ...........0.259 ...........0.257........... 0.258 .............0.259 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.386 ...............0.259..............0.259...................0.260 ................... 5,418,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 150,000 ...........32,900........................7 ............0.219 ...........0.220 ...........0.219........... 0.219 .............0.220 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.455 ...............0.220 ............. 0.215...................0.220 .................156,454,988........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 260,941 ......... 197,062.....................40 ............0.760 ........... 0.760 ...........0.752 ............0.756 .............0.760 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.526 ...............0.752 ..............0.752...................0.760..................492,113,838 ........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 923,610 .........102,827......................19 ............0.110 ........... 0.112............0.110 ............0.111.............. 0.112............-0.001 ........... -0.893 ............... 0.111 ...............0.111................... 0.112 ................... 13,528,125 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE................83,000 .............16,107........................9 ............0.195 ........... 0.195 ...........0.194........... 0.194 ............. 0.196............-0.002 ........... -1.020 ...............0.194..............0.194...................0.196...................38,800,000.........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 585,208 ..........191,105..................... 38 ........... 0.326 ...........0.330 ...........0.324........... 0.326 .............0.330 ...........-0.004 ............-1.212................0.324..............0.322...................0.326 .................437,071,542 ........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 475,026 ............96,138......................16 ........... 0.203 ...........0.205 ...........0.200 .......... 0.202 .............0.205 ...........-0.003 ............-1.463................0.205............. 0.200...................0.205 .................287,857,301 ........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 258,411 .............16,021......................13 ........... 0.062 ...........0.062 ...........0.062........... 0.062 .............0.063 ...........-0.001 ............-1.587................0.062..............0.061...................0.062 ..................12,843,386 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 140,109.............16,132......................15 ............0.117 ........... 0.117............0.114 ............0.115 ............. 0.117 ............-0.002 ............-1.709................0.115 .............. 0.114................... 0.115 .................... 6,766,970 ..........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 565,677 ........... 58,267..................... 38 ............0.103 ........... 0.104 ...........0.102........... 0.103 .............0.105............-0.002 ........... -1.905 ...............0.103 ..............0.102...................0.103...................29,868,006.........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................12,825 ...............6,556........................9 ............0.518 ........... 0.518 ...........0.510 ............0.512 .............0.522 ...........-0.010 ............-1.916................0.512 .............. 0.512...................0.522 ..................26,880,000.........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE .................................79,000 ............22,840........................8 ........... 0.290...........0.290 ...........0.285........... 0.289 .............0.295 ...........-0.006 ........... -2.034 ...............0.285..............0.285...................0.290 ..................28,900,000 ........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 966,686 ......... 176,079......................31 ............0.186 ........... 0.186 ...........0.181 ........... 0.182 ............. 0.186............-0.004 ............-2.151................0.182 .............. 0.181...................0.184................. 262,342,080 .......0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ...........................6,500 ............... 1,123........................3 ............0.177 ........... 0.177 ...........0.170 ............0.173 ............. 0.177............-0.004 ........... -2.260 ...............0.170 ..............0.170...................0.176 ...................16,441,920 .........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 315,465............ 63,284..................... 28 ........... 0.202...........0.202 ...........0.200 .......... 0.201 .............0.206 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.427 ...............0.200 ............. 0.197...................0.200 ..................58,420,855 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,750,747 .......350,267..................... 92 ........... 0.204...........0.204 ...........0.199 ........... 0.200 .............0.205 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.439 ...............0.199 ..............0.199...................0.200 ..................30,015,000 .........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ....................... 34,300 ...............3,562..................... 10 ............0.105 ........... 0.105 ...........0.103........... 0.104 .............0.107............-0.003 ........... -2.804 ...............0.103 ..............0.103...................0.105....................3,120,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ...................................................... 26,591 ...............3,324........................2 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.125 ............0.125 .............0.129............-0.004 ............-3.101................0.125 .............. 0.125...................0.128..................250,039,099 .......0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 7,709,097 ...1,999,190...................493 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......35........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001285 ............NATIONAL MINERAL WATER .............................. 50,000 ...............3,050........................5 ............0.061 ........... 0.061 ...........0.061 ........... 0.061 ............. 0.061............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.061 ..............0.061...................0.067.....................1,647,185...........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ....................10,000 ..................360........................2 ........... 0.036 ...........0.036 ...........0.036........... 0.036 .............0.036 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.036..............0.036...................0.038....................3,060,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 484,864............32,613..................... 27 ........... 0.067 ...........0.068 ...........0.067........... 0.067 .............0.067 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.067..............0.066...................0.067................. 100,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ............................ 116,840.............13,086........................8 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.112 ............0.112 ............. 0.112............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.112 .............. 0.112................... 0.113 ...................11,200,000 .........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 2,115,107....... 314,587..................... 84 ............0.148 ........... 0.149 ...........0.148 ........... 0.149 .............0.149............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.149 ..............0.149...................0.150.................. 217,927,618 ........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ....................................................... 10,100 .................. 505........................2 ........... 0.050 ...........0.050 ...........0.050........... 0.050 ............. 0.051............-0.001 ............-1.961................0.050..............0.047...................0.050 ...................6,250,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING................................... 26,000 ...............2,326........................2 ........... 0.088 ...........0.090 ...........0.088........... 0.089 ............. 0.091............-0.002 ........... -2.198 ...............0.090..............0.090...................0.091.................... 6,693,512 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,812,911.......366,527...................130 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 7........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

– United Securities/Bloomberg News

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex gains; rupee rises MUMBAI: Equities bounced back after a two-day string of losses following heavy buying in frontline heavyweights with the BSE-benchmark Sensex rallying by 100 points on a day when intense global sell-off dominated the market sentiment.

A strong recovery in rupee after falling to fresh two-year low also bolstered overall mood. Firm buying was seen in beaten down bluechip counters like healtchare, consumer durables, capital goods, auto and technology.

After starting the session decisively lower, the key indices reversed and charged into positive territory late afternoon trade to reclaim the psychologically significant 28,000 mark for a brief period. However, its encountered stiff resistance at higher levels and succumbed to fresh bout of profit-taking by retail investors amid some caution ahead of United States Federal Reserve’s twoday policy meet outcome later in the day thus capping the gains.

The 30-share index opened at 27,851.81 and swung between a high of 28,021.39 and a low of 27,721.25 before concluding at 27,931.64, showing a smart gain of 100.10, or 0.36 per cent. The flagship Sensex had lost 235.77 points in the previous two session.

Similarly, the border 50-share index rose by 28.60 points, or 0.34 per cent to finish at 8,495.15. Elsewhere in region, China’s Shanghai Composite index reversed its sharp intra-day plunge to close firmly higher by 1.23 per cent after the central bank infused more funds to calm panicky markets.

However, other key indices in Taiwan, Japan, Hongkong, Singapore and Seoul ended lower between 0.28 to 1.90 per cent as investors awaited US inflation data and minutes of the Federal Reserve’s policy meet later in the day.

IN BULL ORBIT: The 30-share index opened at 27,851.81 and swung between a high of 28,021.39 and a low of 27,721.25 before concluding at 27,931.64, showing a smart gain of 100.10 or 0.36 per cent. – File picture

Smart recovery Staging a smart recovery, the rupee on Wednesday settled 4 paise higher at 65.27 against the US dollar despite plunging to fresh twoyear low in early trade amid global currency volatility.

Besides, fresh dollar selling by exporters and suspected the central bank’s intervention through state-owned banks predominantly triggered the rupee recovery as emerging market currencies continued to founder amid worries over the Chinese economy, forex dealers said.

The rupee is likely to remain an out-performer among emerging market currencies and less vulnerable to China’s yuan devaluation against the backdrop of robust forex reserves, they added.

The local currency also benefited from a smart rebound in local equities as well as subdued greenback overseas.

The dollar traded marginally

lower against the major currencies as investors turned bit cautious and awaited US inflation data and the minutes of the Fed’s July meet later in the day to track timing of a rate hike.

The rupee opened substantially lower at 65.40 from Monday’s closing level of 65.31 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market due to sustained demand from importers and foreign institutional investors. It weakened further to hit a fresh two-year low of 65.44 in late morning trade.

However, smart recovery in local equities and fresh selling of dollars by exporters helped the local unit to rebound to touch a high of 65.11 before ending at 65.27, revealing a gain of 4 paise, or 0.06 per cent.

The United States dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major rivals, was down by 0.03 per cent at 96.96. - PTI

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ROUND-UP

Malabar Gold launches unique ‘Bangle Festival’ across Oman The festival showcases over 250 unique designs from seven different countries to suit the personal style, occasion and budget of their customers

MUSCAT: Women love their ornaments and bangles remain the most cherished of their collection. Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the leading jewellery retailer, has launched an exclusive campaign ‘Bangle Festival’ in Oman showcasing an extensive collection of bangles.

The festival runs from August 19 until September 12 at their outlets in Baushar, Darsait, Ruwi, Salalah and Sohar.

The main attraction of this festival is the extensive collection of over 250 designs of bangles to suit the personal style, occasion and budget of their customers. Customers get a chance to witness and own the rarest and finest collection from India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Turkey, Italy, Malaysia and Singapore in gold and diamonds handpicked from the various brands of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, rang-

ing from lightweight daily wear to heavy party wear in traditional as well as contemporary designs, says a press release.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds gives their customers the advantage of

converting their jewellery purchase into ‘easy payment plans’ in association with various banks through which they can enjoy flexible payment options for up to 12 instalments without paying any interest.

Customers can also browse through the new jewellery assortment added into the most admired exclusive brands in the jewellery segment that includes Ethnix — handcrafted designer jewellery;

GET-TOGETHER

Era — uncut diamond jewellery; Mine — diamonds unlimited; Divine — Indian heritage jewellery; Precia — precious gem jewellery and Starlet — kids jewellery, which are all very popular in the Middle

East, Far East and Indian markets.

All the stores in GCC and Far East also feature masterpieces from India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Turkey, Italy and Singapore with unique exchange offers and buyback policies.

The jewellery chain also offers lifetime free repair and maintenance service for all its products.

Malabar Gold and Diamonds is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate.

Established in 1993 in South Indian state of Kerala, Malabar Gold & Diamonds today has a strong retail network of 134 outlets spread across nine countries, 11 wholesale units in addition to offices, design centres and factories spread across India, Middle East and Far East. With an annual turnover of $4 billion, the company currently ranks among the world’s top five jewellery retailers in terms of annual turnover.

With 11 cluster manufacturing units in India and GCC, the company currently has 6 jewellery brands to cater to the discerning needs of customers. With headquarters in Kerala, India and branches across India, Middle East and Far East, Malabar Group is best known for its activities in the field of gold, diamonds, silver and lifestyle articles.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online store – www. shopmgd.com providing customers the opportunity to purchase their favourite jewellery any time and on any day from the comfort of their home.

SPECIALIST

The Bollywood fetes loyalty card customers Expert dermatologist available at Starcare MUSCAT: Less than a year since it was introduced, the Chatpatta Loyalty Card by The Bollywood has received an overwhelming response.

High number of customers have become regular at The Bollywood with the introduction of this programme and moved to become its platinum members.

The key to the success of the loyalty card has been the more it is used, the higher the discounts the customers could avail, encouraging them to frequent The Bollywood more than before.

As a mark of appreciation towards its loyal customers, The Bollywood recently feted the Chatpatta Card holders in a special gettogether by extending a special invitation to them and offering them more rewards and gifts, says a press release.

A popular restaurant for Muscat’s finest authentic Indian chaats and snacks, The Bollywood is always on the lookout for introducing innovative initiatives so its customers always have something new to look forward to.

The Chatpatta Loyalty Card allowed customers to try out the

varied range of chaats, patties and sandwiches, Southern and Punjabi specialities and sweets. At the same time, they could avail great discounts starting from 10 per cent and going up to 20 per cent.

Overwhelming response “We did expect some excitement amongst our customers but not such an overwhelming response to

the Chatpatta Loyalty Card.

"While those who have completed the card have been facilitated, there are many others who have come close. This obviously ensures that we will be renewing the promotion this year as well,” said a pleased Yogesh Shah, GM, Khimji Restaurants Division.

Past initiatives such as the Big Bollywood Cook-Off, the highly

popular film quiz nights at the end of every month, as well as the contests and offers running on its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/thebollywoodoman, make The Bollywood one of the country’s most customer-focused restaurants. This is also reflected in the rising popularity of the restaurant, which has become synonymous with desi delicacies today.

‘ M S E X C E L - A D VA N C E D ’

CBFS conducts training for Ooredoo staff MUSCAT: The College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS) recently conducted a training course titled ‘MS Excel-Advanced’ for the staff of Ooredoo.

Conducted at the CBFS campus in Baushar, the training was targeted at staff already having an intermediate level of training on the subject and was facilitated by Mirza Jamal Ahmed.

The course curriculum encompassed several key areas such as advanced techniques to arrange

and retrieve required data, handling multiple worksheets and workbooks in a business environment, pivot table handling and creating efficiencies through macro, says a press release.

The training offerings of the college cover a wide range of areas such as banking, finance, risk management, HRM, IT and IS, legal, compliance, audit and soft skills. The college is also offering training courses in Islamic Banking leading to globally recognised

certifications in the field.

Executive development programmes on leadership, strategy and marketing are also offered in collaboration with Queens School of Business, Canada, which enjoys a premier ranking at the global level for executive education.

Customised courses In the words of Dr Yasmeen Al Balushi, assistant dean, Academic Support and Student Affairs, CBFS, “The college is in the fore-

front of training activity in the country, having offered about 450 courses attended by about 8,000 participants in the last three academic years. Apart from open enrolment courses under its Annual Training Plan, customised courses are also offered for specific organisations to meet their specialised training requirements.

"Our clientele encompasses almost all the leading banks and financial companies, in addition to ministries and other corporates.”

MUSCAT: Keeping in line with the relentless efforts to provide personalised healthcare, Starcare Hospital announced the joining of Dr Meera Radhakrishnan, MBBS, MD, dermatologist, cosmetic physician and dermatolaser surgeon.

With more than a decade of experience in India and the Middle East, Dr Meera specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions. An excellent clinician well versed in dermatological and cosmetic procedures like electro surgeries, cryotherapy, skin biopsies, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Botox, fillers, dermarollers, mesotherapy, various types of laser (diode, NdYag) and IPL systems, says a press release.

The biggest organ in the body, the body’s interface to touch and feel, the most evident organ to detect symptoms – yes it is the human skin. The skin like all other organs requires timely care and attention which could resolve many underlying conditions.

Skin care has different angles and techniques in the medical field and different from the common over the counter products available in plenty.

Dermatology and venerology is the branch of medical science dealing in treatment of skin conditions and sexually transmitted diseases. Another advancement in the field of dermatology is the cosmetic and laser treatment intended towards repair and rejuvenation of the skin improving the aesthetic appeal.

Adds value “Dr Meera with her expertise and clinical skills will add value to our team and we look at bringing a balance in treatment for diseases of skin and the cosmetic aspect,” says Jayan K,. vice president Starcare Healthsystems (UK).

The geography of the region coupled with the euphoria of skin care has only increased the demand for reliable dermatological and cosmetic solutions. Reaching out to the fact that there is only a thin line between dermatology and cosmetic needs, Starcare hospital introduces Botox treatment for wrinkles, Collagen replacement therapy, treatments for hair removal, and so on for the restoration and beautification of the skin health. Staffed by superior physicians, paramedics and with excellent surgical facilities, the department provides expertise in the diagnosis and manage-

ment of the full spectrum of dermatological conditions.

Dermatologist and cosmetic surgeons Closely linked to the dermatology department is the department of cosmetic and plastic surgery department. Dr Gacs Janos, a famous plastic and reconstructive surgeon hailing from Europe joined Starcare Hospital recently as a Visiting Consultant. Having taken his medical degree from Europe he further went on to take masters in general surgery and later became a certified plastic and aesthetic surgeon. Passionate about plastic surgery, he believes that plastic surgery is a blend of surgeon’s artistic vision and the expert knowledge in the field, combining these brings out the best in surgery.

The department also employs the services of Dr C Thomas MS, FRCS, FACS, a renowned plastic and cosmetic surgeon in the Mena region, instrumental in setting up plastic surgery department in the Sultanate of Oman. Dr Thomas is credited with having performed one of the world’s largest series of cleft palate surgeries among many other accolades. The department has other senior consultant (visiting) specialised in plastic, craniofacial, hand and burn surgeon. He is a European board certified surgeon who had taken fellowships in general surgery, craniomaxillofacial surgery and general plastic surgery from Royal Australian College of Surgeons, Australia.

The patients will now have access to a complete range of cosmetic and plastic surgeries including total body contouring, reconstruction of facial or body defects, enhancement of natural shapes and curves, tummy tuck, scar removal, small tumour and lesion removals.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

ROUND-UP TAC opens auto leasing showroom in Salalah

C E L E B R AT I O N

McDonald’s Nizwa outlet entertains families, children

This outlet is a full-fledged multi-brand auto leasing facility to meet all your car rental/leasing requirements

SALALAH: Towell Auto Lease, the car rental and leasing division of Towell Auto Centre (TAC), recently opened an outlet in Salalah.

Inaugurated by Riyadh Ali Sultan, director of TAC, this outlet is a full-fledged multi-brand auto leasing facility to meet all your car rental/leasing requirements.

The Muscat office is located in the heart of the city in Ghubra, says a press release.

Speaking on the occasion, Riyadh said: “TAC has been at the forefront of providing customer convenience in every possible way. The latest addition is the new Towell Lease facility at Salalah that is well-equipped to take care of all automotive needs of our evolving customers. This facility shall be catering to the domestic Khareef visitors, tourists, routine

commercial as well as personal needs of customers in and around Dhofar region.

“The demand for worry-free driving is on the rise as more and more people opt to drive quality cars without any hassles associated with ownership and servicing. Towell Auto lease is the fastest growing leasing facility in Oman and top 5 in terms of the fleet size.

We are sure our customers in Salalah will benefit from it.”

Towell Auto Lease with a current fleet of 1,800 vehicles caters to both long term and short term customers, allowing corporates and individuals to use the vehicle or equipment, without having to own, invest in depreciating assets

or drain more operating budget than necessary.

The Towell leasing offers special rates for long term leasing of cars (from 1-5 years). It also offers daily/weekly/monthly car rentals, total fleet management, staff transport operations, crew transfer contracts, executive lease package, lease to own schemes and trade-in facility.

Some of the other facilities offered are availability of specialised/PDO/BP/Oxy - modified vehicles, free child seat for 4WDs on request, free delivery/pick up facility anywhere in the Muscat region for lease customers, 24 hour vehicle return facility, airport transfer facilities as well as service-at-site

for major fleet customers.

As part of service and maintenance, all rented and leased vehicles are serviced and maintained by the leasing department; the customer only needs to contact the customer service once the vehicle is due for service.

Replacement vehicles are offered with prior booking during every service, breakdown or in case of accident. The TAC leasing department also offers free tyre check-up facility through the Bridgestone franchisee network throughout the country. The accident insurance excess is low and all vehicles are comprehensively insured with STF (storm, tempest and flood).

LITERARY EVENT

Urdu book receives rave reviews

MUSCAT: McDonald’s Oman recently celebrated the opening of their first restaurant in Nizwa with a party full of fun and entertainment for families and children of all ages.

McDonald’s Nizwa organised a variety of activities where everyone had a great time. In one corner there was a lively face-painting session in progress which was something that never failed to click. For kids, it was a fun way to slip into their own world of make-believe and magic, says a press release.

For those who longed for more action, there was a lively selection of parlour games conducted; and lots of good music where everyone participated in the Dance Party led by McDonald’s employees.

Playing a lead role in the celebrations was Birdie, that loveable toon character that kids just love to interact with. Birdie of course loves all the attention she gets and loves to get up to all sorts of antics, which naturally sends the

kids into peals of laughter.

Ali K. Daud, development licensee and president of McDonald’s Oman (Al Daud Restaurants) said: “People in Nizwa have been waiting for McDonald’s to open in their area. We are very proud to delight our customers with great fun as we opened our first new restaurant in Nizwa. As McDonald’s expands, we continue to provide our customers great tasting food, value for money, convenience, quality service, a welcoming ambience and also more fun and activities where families and kids enjoy together. We remain committed to bringing a truly enjoyable and best experience to everyone.”

The McDonald’s Nizwa opening celebration ended with a big bang where kids, teens and parents enjoyed the dance show organised by McDonald’s at Nizwa Mall. McDonald’s Nizwa has a Drive-Thru and a PlayPlace for children, serving great food, beverages, desserts and coffee at affordable value.

URBAN CROSSOVER

Times News Service MUSCAT: Local Urdu literature luminaries paid glowing tributes to the creative powers of poet Zakir Hussain Zakir whose book Tilism e Wafa (magic of devotion) was recently launched by Literary Wing of Pakistan Social Club (PSC) amid great fanfare at Al Masa Hall in Ruwi.

Ayaz Hussain, ambassador of Pakistan to Oman, was the chief guest.

Leading literary figures including Murawwat Ahmad, Qamar Riaz, Azra Aleem, Mohammed Ali Fazal, Nasir Maroof, Shehzad Ahmed, Faheem Zia and others shared their views about the book as well as about Zakir. Tilism e Wafa is a collection of Zakir’s lifelong poetry comprising quality ghazals, nazms, hamd, naat and national songs. The event was sponsored by Kashif Ahmed Zaeem, managing director, Rahat

Renault Captur, with its upbeat features, captures imagination Computer Services.

Addressing the audience, the author shared his thoughts about his journey as a poet, the circumstances that inspired his poetry as well as the elements of humour

and satire. “Pakistan Social Club is glad to have launched this book written in Urdu and remains committed to promoting our national language in Oman,” said A. H. Raja, PSC vice chairman.

The book launching ceremony was followed by a Mushairah keen participated by local poets, who entertained a sizeable gathering of Urdu lovers from various communities in Oman.

R E WA R D S C H E M E

Al Saleh promo winner gets trip to Disneyland MUSCAT: Al Saleh Enterprises recently introduced a reward scheme of hundred percent money back on purchase of its flagship brand Hayashi products, as well as a bumper prize of a trip to Disneyland in Paris.

The scheme successfully concluded and a grand raffle draw was conducted recently at the Al Hail Showroom of Al Saleh Enterprises. Mohammed Hussein Al Shezawi from Sohar won the raffle draw which entitles him and his spouse to go on this exciting venture, says a press release.

The prize was formally handed over to the winner by Deputy CEO of Al Saleh Group of Companies Sarah Al Lawati.

Apart from the bumper draw the scheme provided equal chance to the maximum number of participants by way of offering scratch and win cards with benefits up to hundred percent money back on pur-

chasing Hayashi range products.

Commenting on the success of the promotion Sarah Al Lawati said: “The promotion was a great success and we saw a tremendous response to our scheme which ran

for two months.

“The promotion helped us a great deal in showcasing our Hayashirange of fans which are C.B and E.S.M.A certified.”

On this occasion Shezawi, the prized winner, said: “When I started to build my own house I always wanted the best product in electrical and sanitary items and for that, the only supplier name that came to my mind, was Al Saleh Enterprises. Al Saleh through its showrooms and dealer network offer superior and a wide variety of products. Today I am happy to be a part of Al Saleh family and would recommend its wide range and quality products to all my family and friends.”

MUSCAT: Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, the exclusive importers and distributors of Renault vehicles in Oman, unveiled their first urban crossover recently — The Renault Captur which is agile, dynamic and elegant, both inside and out. Drawing on Renault’s expertise, it explores new territory in terms of design, comfort, equipment and pleasure.

It is a crossover packed with a turbocharged engine for those occasional bursts of controlled fun. The engine producing 120 BHP and 190 Nm of torque is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Made in Spain, the Renault Captur stands out from the crowd by delivering the best of three different worlds: The expressive styling and driving position of an SUV, the cabin space and modular interior of an MPV and the agility and driving enjoyment of a compact saloon car, says a press release.

Since its launch in Oman last year, the Captur has gained considerable popularity and is a rave amongst auto enthusiasts. It is a good option for those wanting small hatchback dimensions and costs, but with a shadow of thrill. It offers much greater personalisation with its ‘themed

collection’- the adventurous and exciting ‘Arizona’ collection, the vibrant blue ‘Miami’ collection and the urban inspired ‘Manhattan’ collection. Each of the three themes is then split into four packs — colour, exterior gloss, interior touch and style — offering abundant personalised possibilities according to each customer’s preference and interest.

The Captur draws on Renault’s extensive expertise and long lasting history in car manufacturing, which is apparent through its superb design, functionality and the latest in terms of technology. The Captur has an attractive design, including an original two-tone paint, giving it a strong personality.

At almost 1,100kg, the Renault Captur is a relatively light car.

Despite its SUV looks, all models are two-wheel drives. Add in the turbocharged petrol engine and the Captur is a monster to reckon.

All models are well equipped, with air conditioning, cruise control and hill assist as standard, while the top-of-range models add a TomTom-based sat-navigation system, larger wheels and heated seats.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Renault Oman’s growth in the Sultanate.

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ROUND-UP

PSC hosts grand I-Day celebration, recognises foremost contributors The packed to capacity hall saw some scintillating speeches, songs and an awards ceremony to recognise the contribution of those rendering yeoman’s service to the Pakistani community in Oman

Times News Service MUSCAT: Pakistan Social ClubOman (PSC) celebrated the 69th Independence Day of Pakistan with great fervour and festivity at the Grand Hall of Al Falaj Hotel.

The packed to capacity hall saw some scintillating speeches, songs and an awards ceremony to recognise the services of those rendering yeoman’s service to the Pakistani community in Oman.

Ayaz Hussain, ambassador of Pakistan to the Sultanate of Oman, was the chief guest.

Qari Sanaullah started the proceedings with recitation from the Holy Quran. A short documentary related to the event was played, highlighting the high points of Pakistan. PSC vice-chairman A. H. Raja felicitated the Pakistani community in Oman on the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day and highlighted the importance of the historic day.

“Pakistan is progressing well in all the sector of life. Top class education, excellent trading and manufacturing activities, agriculture; health sector and defence industries are marching ahead,” he noted.

PSC general secretary Muham-

mad Zaeem Akhtar thanked the dignitaries, guests as well as members of Pakistani community for making the event a grand success.

The event was conducted by PSC director Azra Aleem.

Local poets including Qamar

Riaz, Mohammad Ali Fazal and Nasir Maroof recited their poems in connection with the Independence Day. Senior journalist Shahzad Raza spoke about the strengths of Pakistan, the giant strides it is mak-

E D U TA I N M E N T C E N T R E

GUARANTEED PROGRAMME

Funtazmo Kids opens at Avenues Mall MUSCAT: Oman Avenues Mall, the largest shopping destination in the Sultanate, launched ‘Funtazmo Kids’, the first-of-its-kind edutainment centre in Oman, with the objective of offering a complete array of exciting and innovative activities to keep children entertained and educated.

The fun centre offers kids games and activities that are both fun and productive, while fulfilling the need for an exclusive, family-oriented play area with an educational undertone, says a press release.

The ‘Funtazmo Kids’ was officially launched at the Oman Avenues Mall last week. Spread over an area of 1,000 m2, it is the largest kids soft play structure in Oman to cater to children from two – eigth years, with dedicated play zones for toddlers. The edutainment centre aims to create a healthy, safe and fun-filled environment for children to learn, play and develop their skills.

‘Funtazmo Kids’ is the perfect getaway for families who seek respite amid their hectic lives. Special waiting lounges are set up with plentiful space for parents and caregivers, who can sit back and relax while sipping on one of those delicious coffees being served by coffee shops and restaurants, including a caribou coffee that is located adjacent to the facility. The centre not only provides a wonderful family experience for children but also a tranquil and calm environment for parents to relax and unwind while the kids are having loads of fun!

The fully closed facility, which can accommodate upto 200 children at a time, has plenty of highly trained, multilingual staff and supervisors who are always

ing in various fields as well as the great achievements of Pakistanis in various walks of life, receiving instant appreciation and applause from the audience.

Later, on behalf of Pakistan Social Club Oman, the ambassador of

Pakistan honoured Qazi Mohammad Yusuf, Dr Arshad Wasti and Murawwat Ahmad with ‘Pakistan Excellence Awards’ as lifetime achievement awards in recognition of their meritorious services to Pakistani community in Oman, spanning over decades. He also presented appreciation awards to senior journalist Shahzad Raza, Chaudhry Asghar Ali, chairman, management committee of Pakistan School Seeb and journalist Maryam Khan, to recognize their valuable services, in the presence of Mian Muhammad Munir and Raja, chairman and vice chairman of PSC respectively. Javed Nawaz and Mian Muhammad Riaz, former PSC chairmen and Mohammad Yaseen Bhatti, leading Pakistani businessman accompanied the chief guest on the stage.

After the cake-cutting ceremony, the national anthems of Pakistan and Oman were played.

Ambassador Ayaz Hussain addressed the gathering and felicitated his countrymen and urged them to follow the Omani laws in letter and spirit.

Finally, noted Pakistani singer Saima Jahan entertained the audience with her lively performance, singing many national, folk and Sufi songs. She also sang a number of Noor Jahan hits on demand from the audience.

The celebration culminated with a delicious dinner.

on hand to provide the required assistance to enable kids to have fun in a safe, comfortable and exciting environment.

The edutainment centre hosts an exciting array of activities for kids to enjoy and a fun dynamic space for the little ones to explore.

Some major features of the play area that kids will enjoy are the giant green crocodile slide, trampolines, ball pens, foam ball air guns, lego tree, soft play rides for toddlers and artwork stations. The entertainment area also offers interactive digital gaming stations that are programmed to both Arabic and English languages.

With the launch of ‘Funtazmo Kids’, Oman Avenues Mall can boast the largest entertainment offering in the country with the first floor entertainment area being

phase 1 of the overall offering. The second phase of the largest family entertainment centre in Oman and bowling centre are set to open towards the end of SeptemberOctober 2015.

Speaking on the new edutainment centre, Ben Watson, general manager, Oman Avenues Mall, said, “We are glad to have raised the bar in children’s entertainment in Oman with the launch this first-of-its-kind edutainment centre in Oman.

“This upmarket, high-quality space is specially designed to offer children a range of interesting and educational activities in a safe environment. We have designed the fun space keeping both parents and children in mind. Featuring a range of interactive resources, toys and fun activities that stimulate

creativity and education, the ‘Funtazmo Kids’ is a perfect zone offering kids age-appropriate games and entertainment and a great way for parents to indulge in some relaxing moments.

“Our passion for excellence and high standards ensure both a relaxing and enjoyable visit for the whole family,” he added.

Speaking on the sidelines after the launch of the area, Emad Eldin Rizk Taleb, investor and operator of ‘Funtazmo Kids’ said that the mini playground is intended to unfold the latent capacities and skills of every child.

“While we have taken utmost care in sourcing out the right equipment that meets the international norm, we have also ensured the satisfactory maintenance and upkeep of these,” he said.

PV 600 TYRES

Primewell gains popularity among customers MUSCAT: Among the bestselling tyres of Eint Automotive, Primewell tyres have gained much preference in the local market.

The Primewell PV 600 tyres that were introduced recently to the Oman market have received a lot of appreciation among customers for their quality, reliability and onroad stability.

“These tyres have been especially designed for maximum load capacity coupled with uncompromising optimum comfort levels,” said Raj Nair, Business Unit Head. “At Eint Automotive, we understand the importance of safe and reliable tyres that are also cost-efficient.”

Eint Automotive, a successful division of the WJ Towell Group, has emerged as leaders in the auto care aftermarket segment as a re-

sult of their ongoing dedication to serve the needs of the market with utmost excellence. They cater to the distribution, retailing and marketing of the most wellknown international brands in the automotive aftermarket products sector. The tyre department recognised as one of the most significant and prominent segments, Eint Automotive has a division of specialists dedicated to the sale and service of tyres. Primewell PV 600 tyres have an optimised variable pitch pattern design that helps to deliver a quiet ride. Equipped with the latest Extra Endurance Technology, the tyres allow a higher load capacity with adequate safety margins. Its super hard bead filler works to enhance stability at high speeds and improves steering re-

sponse. The PV600 has become a smart choice for affordable tyres for vans and light commercials.

‘Extra Endurance Technology allows it to carry heavy loads without compromising on safety, while the super hard compound enhances stability and endurance.

All Primewell tyres have been tried on proving ground facilities in the European Technical Centre located at the internationally acclaimed MIRA Ltd (Motor Industry Research Association), UK, as well as other testing facilities in Ohio, USA, Hanover, Germany and Finland. The Primewell TBR and 4WD tyres are ISO 9001:2000 and ISO/TS 16949:2002 endorsed and satisfy all the European Union legal directives, regulations and standards.

VLCC unveils unlimited weight loss programme MUSCAT: VLCC, the premier wellness brand across South Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East, has launched an all-new slimming programme for men and women.

This revolutionary, completely safe, unlimited and guaranteed weight loss programme comes under the umbrella of a unique VLCC weight loss campaign entitled, ‘I’ve lost it’. The programme, guided by professionals, includes customised treatments and diet plans, and assures loss of extra kilos easily as it encompasses unlimited weight loss sessions until the guaranteed weight loss is reached, says a press release.

“VLCC is a brand synonymous with health and beauty, and enjoys the trust and faith of millions of satisfied customers worldwide.

‘I’ve lost it’, a guaranteed weightloss campaign endowed with unlimited weight-loss sessions, is emerging as one of our signature programmes. We firmly believe that this programme will further enhance the reach of VLCC slimming programmes, and more and more people would say ‘I’ve lost it with VLCC’. The number of diseases linked to modern lifestyle is on the rise, and it is welcome that more and more people are aware of the significance of maintaining a balanced diet and body weight,” says Vandana Luthra, the founder of VLCC Group.

Modern lifestyle (regardless of the age and culture), according to VLCC, has made wellness an accepted concept and desire among people, the world over, and obesity is a major public health threat than any other epidemic known to mankind.

The new slimming treatment, made up of proper diet, exercise and lifestyle management, will not only create a condition of good physical and mental health, but also help one maintain a desirable degree of weight.

“At VLCC, our endeavour is to turn this desire into an achievable state of healthy living, by offering a harmonious blend of the latest scientific technologies along with nutritional and lifestyle counselling. VLCC slimming programmes help people lead happy, stress free life. We have many success stories, in which, clients lost weight as our new techniques and methods continue to create customised programmes according to customer needs,’’ adds Vandana.

Guided by the vision of ‘Transforming Lives’, the VLCC Group seeks to urge self transformation, spread happiness and imbibe every individual with wellness for life.

By redefining wellness, VLCC

‘I’ve lost it’, a guaranteed weight-loss campaign endowed with unlimited weight-loss sessions, is emerging as one of our signature programmes. We firmly believe that this programme will further enhance the reach of VLCC slimming programmes Vandana Luthra Founder of VLCC Group

has revolutionised the wellness industry to acquire the status of being the Number 1 Wellness Brand across South Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East, with a presence in over 300 locations across 121 cities and 16 countries with direct company managed operations in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.

VLCC is widely recognised for its scientific weight loss solutions and its therapeutic approach to beauty treatments. With a staff strength of nearly 6,000, over two-third of whom are experienced specialists including medical doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, cosmetologists and physiotherapists and having served over 10 million customers since its inception, VLCC is the largest and most-preferred brand in the wellness domain in the countries it operates in.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

ROUND-UP

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Toyota sedans: A world-class range In Oman, Toyota continues to enhance customer satisfaction with its wide range of vehicles to suit varied needs, wants and aspirations

MUSCAT: Owning a Toyota sedan is more than just a matter or joy. It is a feeling of confidence, knowing that it will be with you much longer than you expect.

In Oman, Toyota continues to enhance customer satisfaction with its wide range of vehicles to suit varied needs, wants and aspirations. Toyota models not merely perform well, they last long and

command a good resale value… even after many years of use, says a press release.

The winning passenger range of models that have already won over many hearts with their style, quality and value include the Yaris Hatchback, Yaris Sedan, Corolla, Camry, Aurion and Avalon.

The 2016 Yaris Hatchback has a sporty design and an impressive profile. Class-leading performance is powered by a 1.5 L VVT-i engine with a maximum output of 107 HP and a maximum torque of 14.4 Kg-m. A worthy choice, the 2016 Toyota Yaris is an exciting sedan, available in 1.5L and 1.3L engine choices; Toyota Yaris also has a compact 4-speed automatic gearbox delivering excellent response and a smooth gear shift.

The Toyota Corolla is a pride to own and a joy to drive. It offers two engine variants. Customers can choose a powerful 2.0L Engine with maximum power of 143HP (Net). The second option is a 1.6L engine delivering 121HP (Net).

The recently launched 2016

Toyota Camry has raised the bar yet again in the mid-size sedan segment with a bold, bumper-tobumper redesign to open a new chapter in the illustrious history of the world’s most popular mid-size

P R O M O T I N G S AV I N G S H A B I T

matic transmission, with a 3.5 litre engine and a maximum output of 268 HP, delivering top-class level fuel economy and a powerful driving experience.

The Toyota Avalon is a sedan

BEST CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Meethaq ‘Back to school with Baraem’ event for children today MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, is hosting an event at Muscat Grand Mall to promote savings habit among children.

The two-day ‘Back to School with Baraem’ event begins today from 5.30pm to 10pm with fun activities and competitions. The programme ends tomorrow, says a press release.

Targeted at children below 12 years, Meethaq’s Baraem is the first Shari’a based children’s savings account in Oman. The account can be opened by their parents. Baraem encourages children to save and utilise savings for gainful purposes such as buying books as well as disciplined spending for

sedan. With a striking new design, and more dynamic handling, the new Toyota Camry is truly in a league of its own.

The luxurious Aurion is available with 6-speed multimode auto-

par excellence. It utilizes a 3.5-litre, six-cylinder engine that features Dual VVT-i. The V6 Engine produces 273 horsepower and provides the Avalon with remarkable acceleration. This flagship model from the Toyota stable redefines luxury and sophistication.

All specifications listed above are standard Toyota equipment.

Safety kit (fire extinguisher, warning triangle, tyre pressure gauge & first aid kit) is a dealer installed non Toyota item provided on Toyota models as standard equipment. The vehicle specifications may change without prior notice.

For further details and to ascertain availability of stocks, visit your nearest Toyota showroom.

The above disclaimer pertains to 2015 YM and 2016 YM vehicles, as applicable.

In Oman, Toyota’s outstanding product quality is supported by the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive.

No wonder then that today, Toyota is one of the most trusted and wellknown brands.

food and entertainment.

Baraem fulfils the desire of children to have their own bank accounts like their parents, encouraging them to make savings a regular habit. On signing up, children receive a special welcome kit comprising Baraem Recognition Card which entitles them to discounts at favourite outlets and book stores. An interesting story book and educational aids which spark creativity are also presented to account holders.

When children save a certain amount of money in Baraem account, Meethaq deposits additional amount in their account.

The Baraem savings thus continue to grow. More the saving, more the

additional deposit from Meethaq.

Notably, no transaction charges are deducted from the Baraem account. Baraem is committed to a secure future for the account holders. In the event of the unfortunate demise of the parent who has signed up as joint account holder, the child is entitled for a monthly allowance of OMR200.

Meethaq has created a micro site for Baraem on the bank’s website where children can log on to learn more about their account in a friendly environment and also play some educational games. Aimed at motivating children, a friendly mascot named Barum is associated with the children’s account to engage them in a world of fun and learning.

BankDhofar gets great response to all instant banking services MUSCAT: Following the launch of its wide range of instant banking services, BankDhofar reported increasing response from all segments of customers across the Sultanate.

The bank continues to lead the banking sector in the Sultanate by providing the best customer experience, innovative products and creative services that are custom-designed to meet the needs of its customers countrywide, says a press release.

Abdul Hakeem Omar Al Ojaili, acting CEO, elaborated on the instant banking products and services from BankDhofar. “By providing such banking products and services, we aim to provide the best customer experience in the banking sector. The response has been incredible since the launch of our instant services and we are glad to see high levels of customer satisfaction throughout all parts of Oman. We would like to see customers think BankDhofar when they think instant banking, and we promise to continuously enhance their banking experience by following world’s best business practices and by offering the best products and innovative services,” he said.

BankDhofar diverse range of instant banking services includes instant card-less cash transaction through BankDhofar ATMs and Mobile Banking channels, instant

money transfer through Mobile Banking, Internet Banking, ATMs and Call Centre, instant mobile top-up (Omantel, Ooredoo and FRiENDi) through Mobile Banking, Internet Banking, ATMs and Call Centre, instant phone bill payment (Omantel and Ooredoo through Mobile Banking and Internet Banking, instant cash deposit through BankDhofar CDMs, instant withdrawal of OMR1,000 for Personal Banking customers and OMR1,500 for Priority Banking customers across all BankDhofar’s ATMs, instant

Credit Card payment and transaction notification through Mobile Banking and Internet Banking, instant ATM/branch/CDM locator through Mobile Banking, instant registration for Internet and Mobile Banking, instant online statement through Mobile Banking and Internet Banking, instant debit and credit notification through Mobile Banking and Internet Banking, instant Mobile Banking and Internet Banking password reset, instant donation through Mobile Banking, Internet Banking and CDMs, as well as instant card activation and blocking through BankDhofar Call Centre.

Aspiring to be the best bank in the Gulf, BankDhofar has directed all its efforts and resources towards these objectives. Today it is considered one of the best banks in the region, catering for customers’ needs and requirements, and setting the standards for the best customers experience within the banking industry in the Sultanate through creative solutions and innovation.

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ICC LIFTS SANCTIONS AGAINST BUTT, ASIF Pakistan duo Mohammed Asif and Salman Butt will see their suspensions for spot-fixing expire at midnight on September 1, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Wednesday. >C6

Coe beats Bubka for IAAF top post, promises to make sport ‘stronger’ A twice Olympic 1,500 metres champion, and head of the organisers for the 2012 London Olympics, Coe won the presidency by beating Ukraine’s Sergey Bubka 11592 in a ballot of the IAAF’s 50th Congress

BEIJING: Sebastian Coe was elected as the new head of international athletics on Wednesday and promised to stand by his campaign pledge to set up an independent anti-doping body for the embattled sport.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has been battered by allegations over the last three weeks of widespread doping in track and field.

While the 58-year-old Briton said an independent body was the only way to ensure an end to any question about the IAAF’s vigilance, he also said he was inheriting a “very strong sport” from Senegalese Lamine Diack.

A twice Olympic 1,500 metres champion, and head of the organisers for the 2012 London Olympics, Coe won the presidency by beating Ukraine’s Sergey Bubka 115-92 in a ballot of the IAAF’s 50th Congress.

He starts his new job on August 31, the day after the world championships end in Beijing.

“I’ve had the joys of Olympic competition, I’ve had the joys of being part of something special in London a few years ago, but this for me is the pinnacle,” he said. “It is my sport, it’s my passion, it’s the thing that I’ve always wanted to do.

“I will do everything within my human capabilities to make sure our sport maintains the values, maintains the strong legacies and the very, very firm foundations that President Diack has left me,”

PASSING THE BATTON: IAAF’s outing chief Lamine Diack, left, congratulates newly elected president Sebastian Coe at a press conference after the election at the IAAF Congress in Beijing on Wednesday. – AFP

Say it with flight socks, Coe’s gift to ‘knackered’ team BEIJING: After a year of globe-traversing lobbying in his successful bid to become the new IAAF president, Sebastian Coe vowed on Wednesday to buy his “knackered” team flight socks for the journey home.

Coe, speaking after pipping Sergey Bubka 115-92 to succeed Lamine Diack as president of

he added. “This is a sport that is strong, I have the responsibility to make it stronger, and I will.”

Public relations crisis The election took place against the background of a public relations crisis for the IAAF, which was accused of failing in its duty to address the scourge of doping.

A former Conservative politician in Britain, Coe has aggres-

the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), said he and his support team had flown 700,000km (435,000 miles) in the past eight months.

“On the plane coming over here, three of them (his team) were asleep before the wheels left the tarmac,” the Briton said at the IAAF Congress in Beijing.

sively defended the IAAF’s record on doping since the leak of blood test data to the media.

But on Wednesday, Coe made no mention of the doping subject in his speeches to delegates before and after the vote, only addressing the issue at the ensuing news conference.

“There is zero tolerance to the abuse of doping in my sport and I want to continue that,” he said.

CONTROVERSY

Al Arouba’s action leaves Super Cup match in doubt Sports Reporter MUSCAT: The Super Cup match, that is scheduled to launch the Oman Footbal Association (OFA) new league season, ran into trouble with one of the contestsants Al Arouba refusing to attend a mandatory press conference on Wednesday.

Al Arouba, the defending His Majesty’s Cup and Omantel Professional League champions, are scheduled to clash with eight-time league winners Fanja for the Super Cup at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex (SQSC) on Friday.

However, Al Arouba failed to turn up for the pre-match press conference organised at SQSC on Wednesday giving several reasons for missing the said meeting — the most important being nonavailability of the players and the financial issues concerning the players, club and the OFA. Financial issues Mohammed Nasser Al Midailwi, an Arouba Club official, said: “We have apologised and expressed our inability to play the Super Cup match as timing of the match is inconvenient for us in many ways.

“The (postponed) Oman Professional League is scheduled to kick off on September 13 and the Super Cup match is scheduled just a few days prior to the start

NO SIGN OF RIVALS: Fanja Club’s Abdulrahim Al Hajri, centre, and Mohammed Al Mashari, left, during the press conference.

of the league,” he said. “Our team is not yet ready for the match as most of our key players are busy with national and military teams.”

The official revealed that club is currently having financial issues with the players. “Right now we are having some financial issues.

Some players are demanding as to clear their dues, which we are unable to do at this juncture as a result of delay in getting the financial support from the OFA,” he said.

However, an OFA official said Al Arouba have not submitted a request for postponement of the match nor has it apologised for not attending the press conference.

Fanja, however, attended the press conference with coach Abdulrahim Al Hajri and captain Mohammed Al Mashari addressing the press.

The Super Cup is to be contested by His Majesty’s Cup winners and OPL champions. Since Al Arouba won both titles last season, they were scheduled to take on Fanja, who finished second in the league.

The association sources said following Al Arouba’s reluctance, the match will now be played between Fanja and Sur, who won the OPL third place last season, at a later date.

“The very nice woman who was looking after us in the cabin said to me, ‘They seem to be very relaxed’ and I said, ‘No they’re absolutely knackered’.

“I said to her we’ve done a lot of flying this year, and she looked at me as if ‘I’m cabin crew you don’t have to tell me about flying’.

“I will maintain that to the very highest level of vigilance.”

The plan to establish an independent anti-doping agency was one of the central pledges in a campaign that has taken Coe 700,000 kilometres around the world.

“There is a universal problem with (doping) in sport. We recognise that and we’ve been in the lead role as long as I’ve been in the sport,” he said.

“We’ve done 700,000kms since Christmas, and she said, ‘Actually that’s quite dangerous, I just thought I’d let you know’,” Coe said to laughter.

Turning to his droopy-lidded, airmile-heavy team, the Briton said: “I will buy you all flight socks for the flight home!” - AFP

“That’s something I’m very proud of... (but) we do have to recognise that there is too broad a view that this is something where, whether it is real or perceived, there are conflicts and there are loopholes.

“I think an independent system is what we need to close down any thought that we are doing anything other than being entirely vigilant about that.”

The head of the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA), the body which currently oversees doping control around the world, congratulated Coe on his victory.

“We look forward to a positive and strong relationship with the new president in his avowed plans to protect the rights of the clean athlete,” WADA president and fellow Briton Craig Reedie said in a statement.

Former Olympic pole vault champion Bubka also congratulated Coe on his victory and was later elected one of four IAAF vice presidents, along with Cuban Alberto Juantorena, Qatari Dahlan Al Hamad and Hamad Kalkaba Malboum of Cameroon.

“I know athletics will grow and become stronger,” Bubka said. “I am a happy man because I love athletics. I will continue to serve athletics with passion. This is my life.”

Outgoing president Diack, who has run the body for the last 16 years, said he was delighted to finally have a successor.

“The white-haired generation has done what it could, and now over to the black-haired generation,” he said.

Bach congratulates Coe Meanwhile, Olympics chief Thomas Bach congratulated Coe on his election, saying the twotime Olympic 1500m gold medallist would be a strong partner in the fight against doping.

Speaking during a visit to South Korea to review preparations for the 2018 Winter Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Bach said he was “very confident” Coe would make an effective athletics supremo.

“I’m sure that Sebastian Coe will do an excellent job and will join the IOC in our zero tolerance policy against doping, and our policy to protect clean athletes, because this is where we both are coming from,” Bach told reporters in Seoul.

“We have a long history together,” the former Olympic fencing champion said of Coe, recalling how the two became active founder members of the IOC Athletes Commission in 1981.

Bach also congratulated the former pole vault champion from Ukraine Bubka on his re-election as one of the federation’s vicepresidents.

“I’m confident the two will form an excellent team to represent this important sport,” he said. - Agencies

C2

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

SPORTS

Rivals set for ‘emotional’ Sangakkara farewell The 37-year-old Sri Lankan great, who is the highest rungetter among those still playing at the top level, will bid adieu to international cricket after the match, ending a glorious 15-year career

COLOMBO: India and Sri Lanka head into Thursday’s second Test in Colombo with the rival captains determined not to be swayed by the emotions surrounding Kumar Sangakkara’s last match.

The 37-year-old Sri Lankan great, who is the highest run-getter among those still playing at the top level, will bid adieu to international cricket after the match, ending a glorious 15-year career.

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews, buoyant by a brilliant 63-run win in the first Test in Galle said the boys wanted to win the three-match series to give Sangakkara a suitable farewell.

“This is obviously an emotional game for all of us,” Mathews said on Wednesday. “Sangakkara has not only been a great servant of the game, but he is a great human be-

DETERMINED: Kumar Sangakkara bats during a practice session at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on Wednesday. – AFP

ing too. We can’t thank him enough for what he has done for Sri Lankan cricket and the team over the past so many years. We thank him truly and wish him all the very best for his future endeavours.

“It’s going to be a tough game for him as well emotionally. But all good things have to come to an end unfortunately. The best thing we can do is try and win the series for him. We have trained hard and are ready to go.”

Asked how Sangakkara had reacted in the dressing room about his impending departure, Mathews

said: “He has worked as hard as any of us. I am sure he is determined to sign off with a hundred.”

Sangakkara will want to end an unusually barren streak at the P. Sara Oval where he has fallen for zero in each of his last three Tests, including a first-ball duck against Pakistan in June.

‘India not distracted’ Indian skipper Virat Kohli, looking to level scores in his first full series as captain, said the tourists were not distracted by the hype over Sangakkara’s retirement.

“We are certainly not distracted by it,” Kohli said. “In fact, this will be more of a strange situation for Sri Lanka than us.

“We look up to Sangakkara as a great cricketer. But the emotions in the two teams will be different.”

Sangakkara scored five and 40 against the Indians in Galle, where Sri Lanka snatched a remarkable victory after seemingly heading for a crushing loss.

The hosts had been reduced to 95 for five in their second innings before lunch on the third day, still 98 runs away from avoiding an innings defeat, when Dinesh Chandimal led the recovery with a superb 162 off 169 balls.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath then grabbed seven wickets as India, chasing a modest victory target of 176 runs, were skittled for 112 soon after lunch on the fourth day.

Mathews said Sri Lanka had the edge going into the second Test, but warned his team against taking victory for granted.

“We have the edge because we pulled a rabbit out of the hat,” he said. “But we have shoved the win in Galle under the carpet.

“We know we have to play good cricket again to win because the Indians are a tough side to beat.”

Mathews said seamer Nuwan Pradeep had suffered a hamstring injury, but young fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera was likely to return after missing the Galle Test with a side strain.

India are struggling to replace in-form opener Shikhar Dhawan, a century-maker in Galle who suffered a hairline fracture in his right hand during the match and has been ruled out of the series. - AFP

RECOVERING

Vijay set to open, Kohli backs Binny COLOMBO: A recovering Murali Vijay is likely to open the innings for India in the second Test against Sri Lanka beginning on Thursday as the beleaguered visitors chase a series-levelling victory.

India’s second innings implosion while pursuing a moderate 176-run victory target in the first test has put the hosts in lead in the three-match series.

Compounding the visitors’ problems, opener Shikhar Dhawan — their top scorer at Galle — has been ruled out of the remainder of the series with a fractured hand.

India have flown in pace-bowling all-rounder Stuart Binny but Dhawan’s absence is likely to force the team management to ask Vijay, nursing a hamstring injury which kept him out of the Galle Test, to partner Lokesh Rahul.

“Today’s practice session is important, we would know if he is 100 per cent fit to play,” India skipper Virat Kohli said ahead of what would be Sri Lankan batting

We will have to take a call but we are pretty certain he (Murali) is going to make it tomorrow Virat Kohli Indian captain

great Kumar Sangakkara’s international swansong. “His rehab is going well... Hopefully he is fully fit. If he wants to play and is keen, I’m sure he can go through the lit-

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tle discomforts he might have,” Kohli said. “We will have to take a call but we are pretty certain he is going to make it tomorrow.”

The Indian skipper also threw

his weight behind Binny whose inclusion might come at the expense of veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. “We got Stuart here because his bowling gives us the balance and at number six his batting can be handy,” Kohli, in his first full series as India captain, said of the 31-yer-old all-rounder.

“You can keep him for later on in the innings to give you control or... if the wicket is helpful, with the new ball, why not?

“It’s all about how you use him, as attacking option or as defensive option in the middle as it gives other bowlers rest. It really depends on how the wicket behaves but I’m sure he can do both jobs.”

Kohli has struck centuries in each of the four Tests he has captained India but is yet to taste victory as skipper. “It’s never a nice feeling when you lose,” Kohli, 26, said.

“I would rather have the team win games, than to get frustrated that as a batsman I am getting runs but we are not getting the results.” - Reuters

C O M M E N TA RY

Curious constants and the new .5 factor

P

hysical constants in science, such as the gravitational constant G or the speed of light in a vacuum c, help define our picture of the world, and physicists say if some of these constants were significantly different from their current values the world would be so dangerously different that intelligent life wouldn’t have emerged.

Constants of a different sort are now defining our picture of the current Indian team.

There is a fair bit of confusion about these ShastriKohli constants. What these constants, or constantly suggested ideas, such as the value of being ‘fearless’ and ‘aggressive’, and the need to have positive ‘mindsets’, really mean to the Indian team, or what exactly they convey to cricket fans in general, are the gray areas beyond the comprehension of ordinary souls. We need to wait and watch how the meaning manifests itself.

For now, the values of the Shastri-Kohli constants are unarguably sub-zero. The challenge is about raising the values to a point where intelligent thinking and its positive display is possible by the eleven chosen ones as well as the few who sit in the dressing room chewing what they could.

If you are among the lesser mortals struggling to get the right ray of wisdom packed in team director Ravi Shastri’s display of bravado a couple of days after the Galle gloom — just don’t worry about it.

Some things in this universe defy simple logic, and it’s time we understood this governing principle of life.

What we know, until action begins at the P Sara Oval today, is just that Virat Kohli and his boys will not change their style of play and that the mindsets will remain the same. The complex, mystical meaning of the style of play and mindset — the constants — are summed up by the director and skipper, in a pleasing instance of thinking in the same direction, in a word: fearless.

So, how did they manage to dispel the gloom of Galle and discover the ray of light?

They remained in the dressing room for an hour or so and discussed “everything out there threadbare”.

How simple!

Why had they never done this innocent act in the dressing rooms in England and Australia? Now is no time to wonder or worry, but believe.

The discussion, it seems, has redrawn the value of something that was celebrated before the Galle Test as the new constant. The

value of the mathematical constant 5, touted to have the potential to win matches, has now been scaled down to 4.5.

“You might not need five, but a four-and-a-half”, said Shastri, trying to explain why the 5-5 approach may not be ideal under the conditions prevailing in Lanka.

Stuart Binny is the .5 man, for now. The ideal one would have been a spinning all-rounder, but in the absence of a phenomenon of that sort spotted anywhere in India, Shastri is happy with Binny.

“Stuart did well on the tour of Zimbabwe. Whenever he got an opportunity, he had done a pretty decent job. Yes, I think he did a very decent job in the tour of England...” Yes, but why this guy has never been given a fair chance to fail?

We have been listening to Shastri-speak for some time now. His beliefs and feelings — positive, as always. It’s time he talked about results.

For that to happen, he has to get everyone in the team to play to plan. For that, there need to be a team plan formed on the basis of the situation at hand, not based on a premeditated mindset.

The Indian team has been doing the same silly things in the last few months, being watched by Shastri in the dressing rooms.

The top-order had failed to deal with Moeen Ali in England, and Nathan Lyon in Australia, and the ridiculous approaches were repeated at Galle.

At best, they danced down the wicket, got deceived and strolled back to the dressing room, stumped.

At other times, they leaned forward to defend, failed to read the line, left a gap between the bat and the pitch of the ball that allowed even a football to smile through and kiss the bails.

Don’t the guys at the top — the director, the skipper, et al — have better ways of dealing with a disgusting situation than merely telling the guys under their command to play their natural game?

That’s a pity.

The writer is a freelance contributor based in India. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

UNOFFICIAL TEST

India A in trouble after De Kock hits brilliant century WAYANAD: Quinton de Kock continued his preparation for the upcoming 72-day tour of India in brilliant fashion as his smashing hundred put South Africa A in complete control against India ‘A’ on the second day of the first unofficial ‘Test’ here on Wednesday.

Courtesy De Kock’s 102-ball-113 that had 13 boundaries and three huge sixes, South Africa ‘A’ scored a massive 542 in their first essay.

At stumps, India A were in a

spot of bother finishing the day at 122 for three with their openers Jiwanjot Singh (22), Abhinav Mukund (38) and No. 3 batsman Shreyas Iyer (49) getting out after being set well.

Facing follow-on India A now needs another 270 runs to avoid follow-on by reaching the magic score of 392. The follow-on difference for a four-day match is 150 runs.

South African team management’s decision to send De Kock to India before the senior team’s visit is turning out to be a masterstroke as the stylish left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman has made full use of the opportunities.

He has scored two centuries in the tri-series of A teams and now scored another attacking hundred as he flayed the Indian bowling.

While Axar Patel (4/115) turned out with best figures, his bowling

neither had variation nor the sting to trouble De Kock or skipper Dane Vilas (75) who also helped himself with 10 fours and two sixes.

Attractive shots The De Kock-Vilas pair added 107 runs in 18.5 overs clobbering the Indian spinners, especially offspinner Jayant Yadav, who looked completely out of sorts at this level, giving away 177 runs in 42 overs while getting two wickets

in return. When Indians batted, Jiwanjot and Mukund negotiated the first hour, adding 43 runs before off-spinner Dane Piedt got his team the first breakthrough.

He bowled Jiwanjot with a turning delivery as the Punjab opener’s 22 off 39 balls had three fours.

Mukund, who hit some attractive shots on both sides of the wicket struck a nice partnership with Iyer as they added 45 runs for the second wicket.

But, just when they were settling down, Mukund played Piedt down the wrong line to get bowled.

Young Munbai batsman Iyer, who looked in fine form as he struck 10 boundaries in his 49 off 61 balls, was bowled when a Wayne Parnell delivery held its line to castle him.

At stumps, Karun Nair, who is yet to open his account, and skipper Ambati Rayudu (11) were at the crease. - PTI

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

C3

SPORTS England in search of history as Aussie captain Clarke bows out he bowled is sufficiently fresh in the memory to make it likely that Cook will lead an unchanged team.

No England side has ever won four Tests in a home Ashes series. But they are now within sight of their biggest margin of victory since Mike Brearley led England to a 5-1 success ‘Down Under’ in 1978-79

LONDON: England may have already regained the Ashes but captain Alastair Cook is determined not to let-up when they face Australia in the fifth and final Test at The Oval on Thursday — a match that marks rival skipper Michael Clarke’s farewell to international cricket.

Cook’s men triumphed by an innings and 78 runs in the fourth Test at Trent Bridge to take an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the series after Australia, with England paceman Stuart Broad taking a stunning eight for 15, were dismissed for just 60 in 111 balls on the opening morning — the shortest completed first innings of any Test.

No England side has ever won four Tests in a home Ashes series.

But they are now within sight of

PLENTY TO PLAY FOR: Australia’s Michael Clarke with England’s Alastair Cook and Joe Root pose for a photograph wearing cricket united blue caps before nets at The Oval on Wednesday. – Reuters

that we want to start again, Because I’ve got a burning desire for this to be 4-1’,” Broad said.

“Certainly those of us involved in that 5-0 loss (in 2013-14) feel that determination to make this a good week,” he added.

England have two major selection decisions this week — whether to recall James Anderson, their all-time leading wicket-taker, who missed the fourth Test because of a side injury and whether they should give a Test debut to leg-

their biggest margin of victory since Mike Brearley led England to a 5-1 success ‘Down Under’ against an Australia side weakened by defections to the ‘rebel’ World Series Cricket in 1978-79.

Taking this series 4-1 would certainly go some way to avenging the memory of the 5-0 whitewash inflicted upon England in Australia some 18 months ago.

“Cooky called us all on Tuesday, to say: ‘Let’s make sure we turn up knowing that we’re in a battle and

spinner Adil Rashid. Given how well England’s pacemen, led by Broad, performed in Anderson’s absence, there seems little point in rushing their spearhead back ahead of tours to the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.

Trevor Bayliss, England’s Australian coach, has spoken all series of how he is prepared to play two spinners and Rashid would certainly come into consideration against Pakistan in the UAE, where the pitches assist slow bowlers.

INJURED

Anderson out of final Ashes Test LONDON: England fast bowler James Anderson will miss the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia as he has failed to recover fully from a side strain, captain Alastair Cook said on Wednesday.

Anderson, who suffered the injury in the third Test at Edgbaston, was still around a week away from full fitness, added Cook. He only returned to bowl in the nets on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately he’s not going to make it,” Cook said. “He’s gutted about it. He’s made really good progress from where he was at Edgbaston but this is a week or so too soon. He bowled in the nets yesterday but at about 60-70 percent and that’s not how you go into a game. He’s really gutted.

The medical team have been brilliant with him but he’s still about a week away.”

England have already won the Ashes at 3-1 up with just the Oval Test to come.

Cook, who added England would field a team unchanged from the one that played in the fourth Test barring a late injury, said leaving Anderson out had been made easier by the fact the Ashes had already been regained.

“Jimmy’s not fit,” he said. “As much hard work as he has put in, he’s not right. It’s a hard question

REALLY GUTTED: James Anderson

to answer, if it was 2-2, but the way Mark (Wood) has come in and bowled in the series, certainly in the first game and the last game, we have options. Especially with

Liam Plunkett as well, we have good strength in depth.”

There had been speculation that Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid might make his Test debut

at The Oval ahead of tours of the United Arab Emirates and South Africa later this year.

But Cook said the only consideration for England in selection was picking a side to win the series 4-1, with no England team ever having won four Tests in a home Ashes series.

“We come into this game trying to win this series 4-1,” he said.

“That’s what we’ve discussed.

Adil has been with us in every single squad but the pitches haven’t quite suited two spinners so Adil’s had to wait for his chance.

“As a cricketer, he’s really improving and he feels a lot more comfortable in the England environment. There’s a one-day series to come so he’ll probably get his chance in that.”

Australia are set to make at least one change to their side after fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out with a “niggling” injury after he didn’t bowl in the nets on Tuesday because of shin soreness.

“Currently he does have some niggling problems that we would like to manage,” Australia coach Darren Lehmann said of Hazlewood. “As such, he was not considered for selection for the fifth Test.”

Fellow fast bowler Pat Cummins is now in line to replace Hazlewood at The Oval. - AFP

P L E A S U R E T O WAT C H

Cook impressed with Root’s progress LONDON: England captain Alastair Cook has never seen a player improve as much in a short space of time as star batsman Joe Root.

The 24-year-old Yorkshireman, regarded as a captain in waiting, has scored England’s only two hundreds of the ongoing Ashes series to help put his side an unbeatable 3-1 up against Australia heading into Thursday’s fifth and final Test at The Oval.

Such has been Root’s form during the past two months, he has displaced Australia’s Steven Smith at the top of the International Cricket Council’s Test batting rankings, with England paceman Stuart Broad now his main rival for man-of-the-series honours in the Ashes.

“He’s improved leaps and bounds,” opening batsman Cook said Wednesday of Root, who has often come to the crease after a top-order collapse.

“I’ve never seen a player improve like that.”

Cook said Root’s style was similar to that of New Zealand rising star Kane Williamson, who has also played for Yorkshire and was lauded earlier this season by the county’s former England opening batsman Geoffrey Boycott as someone good enough to have played on uncovered pitches.

“It reminds me a little bit of Kane Williamson. Those two are very classical players . . . you watch them play a Twenty20 knock or (in) a Test match and they’re still doing very similar things.

“That’s a huge credit to Joe. It’s a pleasure to watch him.”

Meanwhile, Cook said a more positive approach had helped his side neutralise the impact of Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, although he accepted local conditions had played their part as well.

Left-arm quick Johnson took a remarkable 37 wickets at under 14 apiece during Australia’s 5-0 home whitewash of England in

the 2013-14 Ashes. But so far this series he has been restricted to 11 wickets in four Tests, although having to defend low totals — including Australia’s 60 all out in the first innings of their fourth Test defeat at Trent Bridge — did not help his cause.

“We’ve played him a bit better,” Cook said.

“On the whole, we’ve played all their bowlers pretty well — and we’ve scored at a good rate.

“They haven’t managed to tie us down as well as we’ve managed to do with them,” he added.

Barometer Cook said England should not be swept up in Ashes euphoria, with stern tests set to come on tours of the UAE and South Africa later this year.

“We’ve got to be really careful that we don’t get too carried away.

“We’ve got Abu Dhabi, where I don’t think anyone has won against Pakistan, and South Africa

to come. I do feel we’re very wellequipped to go to those places.

“Whether we win or lose, I’ve seen enough from the players and the balance of the squad (to be confident of our ability) to do very well in both places.”

“It does make me laugh that the Ashes, win or lose, is the barometer of how healthy or unhealthy your whole system is.”

Cook, as he did after the fourth Test, again praised outgoing Australia captain Michael Clarke, who will retire from international duty after The Oval match.

Asked if the team would have any specific plans, such as a guard of honour, for Clarke at the south London ground, Cook laughingly said: “Hopefully, not half-volleys.

“Michael has been a wonderful cricketer for Australia and, hopefully, he’ll be remembered for all the right reasons.

“Australia will miss a mighty fine batsman and a very good captain.” - AFP

There has been talk of how England could promote off-spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali to open in place of the struggling Adam Lyth to make space to play Rashid as well.

But the memory of how England gave a debut to left-arm spinner Simon Kerrigan in the corresponding Ashes Test at The Oval two years only for the Lancashire bowler — who hasn’t played senior international cricket since — to be smashed for 53 in the eight overs

‘Outplayed’ Australia’s top-order had another miserable week as their side were nearly made to follow-on by an under-strength Northamptonshire, one of England’s weaker counties, last weekend.

Clarke, one of Australia’s greatest batsmen will be desperate to finish with a flourish as indeed will opener Chris Rogers, who is also retiring from international cricket after the fifth Test.

“I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a lot of disappointment amongst the group,” said Rogers, with Australia now having lost four successive Ashes series in England.

“We came here to win and we’ve been outplayed. It’s been a difficult week. A lot of guys have felt a bit flat, I imagine.”

“This is a big last game. Obviously it’s Michael’s retirement as well, but not only that, there’s places up for grabs in this side. No one’s taking that for granted,” Rogers added.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh is set to replace older brother Shaun as the siblings continue to play pass the parcel with a Test place, while paceman Pat Cummins, restricted to a lone Test against South Africa in November 2011 because of fitness problems, could come in for Josh Hazlewood, struggling with shin soreness.

“I’ve been bowling for two years straight,” said Cummins. “I can’t be any more ready if I get the callup,” added the fast bowler. - AFP

C4

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

SPORTS Clarke tells Australia to show ‘grit’ in finale Clarke said ‘this Test is as much about our character as anything else. We need to play with that resilience and grit and determination and really fight as hard as we possibly can’

LONDON: Outgoing Australia captain Michael Clarke has said the Ashes series climax against England will be a test of his side’s character as they battle to restore some lost pride.

England, at 3-1 up in the fivematch contest, have already regained the Ashes following a pair of crushing victories at Edgbaston (eight wickets) and Trent Bridge (an innings and 78 runs) where Australia suffered first innings collapses as they failed to adjust to the movement created by green, seaming pitches.

They can expect a similar surface come the fifth Test at The Oval starting Thursday, where Australia’s top order must somehow put the nightmare of their first innings 60 all out, featuring England paceman Stuart Broad’s eight for 15, in the fourth Test at Trent Bridge behind them.

England have never won four Tests in a home Ashes series and Clarke, who will retire from international cricket after the Oval match, is desperate Australia avoid further embarrassment.

Grind a win “This Test is as much about our character as anything else,” Clarke said on Wednesday. “We need to play with that resilience and grit and determination and really fight as hard as we possibly can. The past couple of Tests in particular have only gone two-and-a-half days. Part of our responsibility is to try and fight our backsides off and grind our way to a victory in this Test.”

RETIRING DUO: Australia’s Michael Clarke and Chris Rogers pictured during a training session at The Oval on Wednesday. – Reuters

Having looked at the pitch, Clarke — who won the toss and batted at Edgbaston but saw Australia inserted at Trent Bridge — was clear on the likely outcome at The Oval.

“It’s going to be another really tough Test match for the batters,” Clarke said.

“Another Test match that, if you win the toss, you’re going to bowl first. It’s going to be a result wicket.

Someone is going to win - someone is going to lose.”

Clarke is set to captain the Melbourne Stars in the next edition of Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League and is likely to follow a welltrodden path from dressing room to television commentary box.

The 34-year-old, plagued by back and more recently hamstring trouble for much of his career, said

he would have no trouble adjusting to life after what will be, The Oval included, a run of 115 Tests.

“I’ll be fine, he said as he made clear he would be stepping away from involvement with the national side.

“For now, I won’t be involved with Australian cricket,” he said.

“I think it is best that I have some time; it is best for the team as well. When you retire, you retire for a reason ... there are some fresh ideas and some fresh energy from a lot of the young players.”

Clarke who has scored 8,628 Test runs, including 28 hundreds, added that now was not the time for reflection.

“This week has been about being focused on this last Test match, so I haven’t looked backwards at all yet,” he said.

As for imparting any words of wisdom to incoming captain Steven Smith and vice-captain David Warner, Clarke said: “I don’t think it is right for me to sit here and give advice.

“Davey has played enough cricket; Smithy has played enough cricket. They’ve got a good relationship. They’ll be fine — they’ll do a great job.

“I’ve spoken to them both and congratulated them both and I’m really happy for them.”

Meanwhile England captain Alastair Cook urged his side to be as ruthless as Australia had been when Clarke’ men won 5-0 in the last Ashes in 2013/14.

“Australia did it very well to us when they were 3-0 up,” he said.

“They hammered us in the next two games.” - AFP

LIGHTNING ROD

‘Pup’ splits opinion right until the end LONDON: Australia’s Michael Clarke will retire from international cricket after the fifth Ashes Test against England, starting on Thursday, with a brilliant record but strangely lacking the universal praise his figures might suggest.

Only three Australia have scored more runs than Clarke — who has battled a chronic back condition throughout his career — and the outgoing captain is also the only Australian to score a hundred on both his home and away Test debuts.

Yet Clarke won’t bow out with the kind of unstinting admiration his career would appear to deserve. Clarke, nicknamed “Pup”, burst on the scene with a diamond studded ear-ring and highlights in his hair.

He soon became something of a lightning rod for Australians unhappy with aspects of modern Australia — and they were soon able to express their displeasure in that most modern of ways on social media, where Clarke’s relationships with former girlfriend Lara Bingle and now wife Kyly, both one-time models, were laid bare — often by Clarke himself.

“Michael was more your 21st century captain, he was single, he was flashier, lived a different life to some of us in the past, but that doesn’t make him a bad person, nor a bad captain,” former Australia skipper Mark Taylor told ESPNCricinfo when asked about Clarke.

But former Australia coach John Buchanan, in charge of the side for the first four years of Clarke’s international career, said the “baggy green culture” so highly prized when he was making his way in the side had “disappeared a bit” under the now 34-year-old’s captaincy.

Tough runs Clarke confirmed he would retire immediately after England’s innings and 78-run win in the fourth Test at Trent Bridge earlier this month gave them an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the fivematch Ashes series.

The timing of Clarke’s announcement led to accusations that he had tried to make what should have been England’s day “all about him”, a criticism that was aired when he confirmed he would be quitting one-day internationals on the eve of Australia’s World Cup final triumph against New Zealand earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the fact that some people in and around the Australia team are vitriolic when talking about Clarke can’t be ascribed solely to jealousy.

After his debut hundred in Bangalore in 2004, which he completed wearing his baggy green Australia cap rather than his helmet, Clarke like many a young player before him saw his form dip. He was soon facing the charge that he didn’t make “tough runs” and was also a “pet” of his friend, colourful spin-bowling great Shane Warne.

But starting with a superb innings of 329 not out against India in his native Sydney, the year 2012 marked a golden time for Clarke — who found himself in charge of an Australia side shorn of several great players including Glenn McGrath and Warne.

It eventually led the Sydney Morning Herald to say sorry to Clarke for comments about his lifestyle but, as cricket writer Jarrod Kimber observed: “To get a public apology all Michael Clarke had to do was score 329 not out, 210, 259 not out and 230 in one year”.

But a 4-0 series loss in India led to charges that Clarke had been complicit in players being dropped for failing to write written reports about their performance — although the blame for “homework-gate” fell mainly on the then coach Mickey Arthur.

Emotional eulogy Clarke’s popularity was boosted

by Australia’s 5-0 Ashes thrashing of England in 2013-14, while his magnificent 161 at Cape Town in a series-clinching win away to South Africa in March last year, after suffering a broken arm, was a superb example of making “tough runs”.

Off the field, he would win plaudits later in 2014 for the way he conducted himself after Australia batsman Phillip Hughes died after being hit on the head by a bouncer in a state match and for the moving eulogy he gave at his friend’s funeral.

The hundred he made against India in Adelaide after Hughes’s funeral was a memorable innings in the circumstances.

But with runs slipping away from Clarke, who has reached 25 just six times in his last 30 Test innings, the old charges against him soon resurfaced. - AFP

CONFIRMED

South Africa let their battle plans slip under wrong room door CENTURION: The South African cricket team management confirmed on Wednesday that detailed plans for their bowlers to use against New Zealand’s batsmen had been delivered to the wrong hotel room.

A guest at a Sandton hotel posted an image on Facebook showing how South Africa planned to attack each of the Kiwi batsmen in

Wednesday’s first One-day International (ODI) at Centurion.

She said a document addressed to South African fast bowler Dale Steyn had been slipped under her hotel room door. “It’s true, unfortunately,” said team spokesperson Lerato Malekutu.

It’s not the first time cricket team strategies have fallen into the wrong hands, and the document

reveals no riveting insights. The basic plan for most of the batsmen is to bowl “fourth stump, good length”, with more detailed assessments about each batsman.

Plans for each batsman are divided into three categories — areas to bowl, bouncers and “death” overs.

Star batsman and stand-in captain Kane Williamson, for instance, is labelled as liable to drive

“on the up” and the plan is to shape the ball away from him to encourage a false shot.

Free-scoring opening batsman Martin Guptill, on the other hand, is regarded as someone who cuts in the air on the offside and bowlers should try to shape the ball into him.

Luke Ronchi and George Worker are both described as “compulsive hooker/pullers”.

Similar documents The hotel guest, Cassandra Teasdale, has been offered tickets to the match by New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who is regarded as a leg before wicket candidate.

Cassandra Teasdale, meanwhile, quipped on her Facebook post, “I wonder if this means Dale thinks he is sleeping in my room tonight.”

Similar documents have been delivered to the wrong hotel rooms in the past — most famously in 2001 on Australia’s tour of England.

Australian coach John Buchanan passed on motivational material from Sun Tzu, a Chinese general from the fifth century BC. A copy of the document was mistakenly delivered to the room of an English journalist. - AFP

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Musandam-Oman Sail finishes fourth in Rolex Fastnet Race Skipper Gavignet admitted that his sevenstrong crew on the high speed trimaran faced some classic racing dilemmas which didn’t quite pay off but provide a valuable learning curve for the crew

MUSCAT: Oman Sail’s MOD70 Musandam-Oman Sail arrived in Plymouth in the early hours of Wednesday morning after two days, 16 hours and 33 minutes at sea. The Ministry of Tourism flagship was fourth to cross the finishing line, behind Spindrift 2, the world’s fastest boat, Prince de Bretagne, Team Phaedo and, to record a provisional second in the multihull class.

Due to the challenging low wind conditions, the 90th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race will be remembered as a test of endurance rather than an exhibition of speed.

Musandam-Oman Sail rounded the iconic Fastnet Rock as part of the leaders and skipper Sidney Gavignet admitted that his seven-

strong crew on the high speed trimaran faced some classic racing dilemmas which didn’t quite pay off but provide a valuable learning curve for the entire crew.

“Our overall strategy for the 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race was very simple — stick with the other guys because we are confident in our boat speed,” said Gavignet, moments after the finish.

“But we didn’t — just after the Scillies, on our way out to the Fastnet Rock, there was a shift in a cloud and instead of sticking to our plan, we took the shift. It didn’t last long — but just long enough for our competitors to get past us.

It was a shame since we gave away our lead and never managed to get it back. This happens sometimes,

LESSON TO REMEMBER: Musandam-Oman Sail crew members pose for a group after crossing the finish line in Plymouth on Wednesday. – Supplied photo

that’s racing – it is a good lesson to relearn and remember.”

The 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race was the latest event in Oman Sail’s longterm programme, which started in 2008, to develop world class sailors and the lessons in patience, perseverance and sailing tactics learned throughout this race had been invaluable, Gavignet added.

“Our Omani teammates are improving day-by-day; we use these events to train our fellow crew-

members in a race environment and the guys all rose to the occasion,” he said.

“The teamwork is really solid, we are making progress over the years and race-by-race, we are pushing the guys. It takes time to learn everything, but in general it has been a great race even if we haven’t won our class this time.”

For one of those Omani teammates Sami Al Shukaili, his first Fastnet Race was a far cry from

ABUSIVE

Pique handed four-game La Liga ban MADRID: Barcelona defender Gerard Pique will miss the first four matches of the new La Liga season for abusing match officials in the European champions’ Spanish Super Cup defeat to Athletic Bilbao.

Pique was shown a straight red card in the second leg of the tie on Monday, which ended 1-1, for taking his protests towards the linesman too far as Barca failed to overcome a 4-0 first leg deficit.

The length of the ban was confirmed by Spanish football’s disciplinary committee on Wednesday.

Pique will now miss Barca’s daunting rematch away to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday and the trip to Atletico Madrid on September 12, as well as home games against Malaga and Levante.

According to the referee’s report, Pique seriously insulted the linesman using abusive language.

However, despite apologising for his actions, Pique insisted he did not use the language alleged by the referee.

“I want to apologise because the attitude with which I protested to

SERIOUSLY INSULTED: An assistant referee looks at Barcelona’s defender Gerard Pique during the Spanish Super Cup second-leg football match with club Bilbao at the Camp Nou on August 17. – AFP

the linesman wasn’t correct,” he wrote on his official Twitter account. “It was a game of great tension in which we were playing for a lot. However, at no moment did I

REAL COACH

Benitez unconcerned by misfiring attack MADRID: Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez is not worried about his side’s relative goal drought in their final warm-up matches before they begin their La Liga campaign on Sunday with a trip to promoted Sporting Gijon.

Real edged Turkish side Galatasaray 2-1 in Tuesday’s Santiago Bernabeu trophy invitational match, having drawn 0-0 with Norwegian club Valerenga and lost 1-0 to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in their previous two friendlies.

Benitez, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti at the end of a 2014-15 season devoid of major trophies, told a news conference he was sure the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Jese would soon be scoring freely.

“It does not concern me,” Benitez said when asked about his team’s recent lack of goals.

“We had 22 shots and I am convinced that will bring us goals,” added the former Liverpool, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Napoli and Valencia coach, who was making his debut at Real’s Bernabeu stadium.

“I am more concerned about closing down the opponent when they try to bring the ball out of defence and preventing counter attacks. I am very pleased and confident. Beyond that, we’ll try to score against Sporting to put an end to this debate.”

The main domestic challenge

PLEASED AND CONFIDENT:

Rafa Benitez. – Reuters

for Real and Benitez this term will be preventing champions and great rivals Barcelona winning a sixth La Liga title in eight years.

They are also chasing a recordextending 11th European crown after Ancelotti guided them to a long-awaited 10th in his first term in 2013-14.

Benitez, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, said Real’s France striker Karim Benzema and their Portugal centre back Pepe may recover more quickly than expected from injury and could be available for the Gijon match. - Reuters

use any type of insult towards him.”

Barcelona had appealed against the red card on Tuesday.

“In the arguments presented we wanted to make clear that the

player did not address the assistant referee in the terms written afterwards by the referee Velasco Carballo in the referee’s report,” the said in a statement. - AFP

the last time he had been in the Irish Sea when Musandam-Oman Sail broke the Round Ireland record in the spring reaching speeds up to 35 knots.

“This was my first Fastnet Race but it was a good challenge to race in such light wind and learn about the trim of the sails and the boat to maximise our boat speed. It also showed to me the importance of being positive and patient on the boat and staying upbeat.”

Fahad Al Hasni, racing in his second Fastnet, said the light winds had made the race tougher than expected but rounding the Fastnet Rock as part of a competitive racing fleet had boosted their team spirits.

“It was a very light Fastnet Race and well done to Phaedo,” he said.

“It was a tricky race — making an error early on cost us and we spent the rest of the race trying to make up the ground lost. But it was good to see the Fastnet Rock again. During our training out of Lorient we use it as a goal, so we are quite familiar with it but it was good to see it in race mode.”

Immediately after the finish, the crew sailed Musandam-Oman Sail back to her base in Lorient where preparations will begin for their final major race of the year, the Rolex Middle Sea Race in October where they hope to line up once more against Phaedo.

“We congratulate Phaedo on their success here,” said Gavignet.

“They did an excellent job of holding on to the big boats which was very impressive but this Musandam-Oman Sail team is outstanding because there was a very good team spirit on board. We will have to take our revenge at the Middle Sea Race!”

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ICC lifts sanctions against Pakistan’s Butt and Asif The ICC said both Butt and Asif have completed their rehabilitation and ‘are eligible to play in domestic and international levels, on 2 September 2015 after fulfilling the specific conditions laid down by the independent AntiCorruption Tribunal’

DUBAI: Pakistan duo Mohammed Asif and Salman Butt will see their suspensions for spot-fixing expire at midnight on September 1, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Wednesday.

Asif and Butt, along with paceman Mohammed Aamir, were banned in 2011 over a spot-fixing case which shook the cricket world when it was revealed by the now defunct British tabloid News of the World in August 2010.

The Pakistan trio, along with their agent Mazhar Majeed, arranged deliberate no-balls during the Lord’s Test against England in 2010 in return for money in a deal made with an undercover reporter from the tabloid.

The ICC said both Butt and Asif have completed their rehabilita-

ELIGIBLE TO PLAY: Salman Butt, left, and Mohammed Asif

tion. “Both are eligible to play in domestic and international levels, on 2 September 2015 after fulfilling the specific conditions laid down by the independent AntiCorruption Tribunal,” the ICC said in a press release.

Amir’s five-year ban was relaxed in January this year after the ICC amended its anti-corruption code, which allowed him to play domestic cricket in Pakistan six months before his ban expired.

All three players will have served five-year bans.

That was the compete sentence imposed on Aamir, who differed from fellow seamer Asif and his then captain Butt in pleading guilty to his original charge.

“Aamir will be eligible to return to cricket at international level at the same time, following permission being granted to him to return to play domestic cricket in Pakistan earlier this year,” the ICC said.

“As with all players and other participants in cricket, all three players remain bound to comply with the ICC Anti-Corruption Code and the anti-corruption rules of all National Cricket Federations.

“Consequently, if they should commit any further act of corrupt conduct they are liable to (i) further separate disciplinary proceedings for breaches of the relevant Code or rules and (ii) in the case of Asif and Butt and where such breach occurs during the suspended part of their original period of ineligibility, the activation of that suspended period of ineligibility.”

Wednesday’s announcement means Butt, Asif and Amir will be eligible for Pakistan’s series against England in the UAE in October, five years on from the Lord’s Test, although it is unlikely, given how long they have all been out of the game, that they will be selected.

‘New lifeline’ Butt said he was relieved on hearing the decision.

“I welcome ICC’s decision and thank everyone who supported me throughout my bad time,” Butt said. “ It’s like a new lifeline for me and it’s only me who can understand what this means for me.

“I can’t explain how much I am excited about regaining my bread and butter again. I have suffered enough and I am a changed man now and learnt my lesson. I will continue to play my cricket with good spirit.”

Butt is likely to play for Lahore Blues in the National Twenty20 starting early next month.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said he will wait for the written ICC decision on the two players before giving his reaction.

International cricket was

C A N D I D AT E

KXIP co-owner Zinta shocked by reports of fixing claims NEW DELHI: Kings XI Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta on Wednesday blasted media reports that she had accused several players of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team of match fixing.

A section of the media had reported on Wednesday that the Bollywood actress had told Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials during an IPL working group meeting on August 8 that some players from Kings XI Punjab may have indulged in “suspicious activities” linked to throwing matches.

According to the report, Zinta had also said that she had felt at times that some IPL matches involving her team had followed a pre-decided pattern and alleged that the BCCI’s anti-corruption team has not been able to effectively tackle the match fixing issue.

Apart from various IPL stakeholders, the meeting was attended by all four members of the working group — IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur, BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary and former India captain Saurav Ganguly.

Later in the day, however, Zinta issued a strong denial, saying that her conversation with BCCI officials was misreported and vehemently condemned the report in a series of posts on social media platform Twitter.

“Shocked by this inaccurate & extremely irresponsible & malicious piece by @IndianExpress #stunned #2shocked2react.

“This piece of article is completely false, libel per say, inaccurate and an irresponsible piece of...,” she posted on her Twitter handle. “Stop spreading rubbish without verification.” - IANS

ONE

Fifa’s Chung denies wrongdoing in payments to Haiti and Pakistan SEOUL: FIFA presidential candidate Chung Mong-Joon said on Wednesday that payments he made to Haiti and Pakistan in 2010 were “charitable donations” and any attempt to use them as part of a reported ethics investigation was “cynical and unethical”.

Responding to media reports that world soccer’s governing body was investigating the South Korean billionaire over the ‘disaster relief’ funds, Chung said in a statement he had been donating money to causes at home and abroad since the 1990s.

“Recent media reports allege that FIFA has started an investigation into FIFA Honorary VicePresident Dr. Chung Mong-Joon’s 2010 donations to disaster relief funds to Haiti and Pakistan,” said the statement.

“If these reports are true, we condemn this as a cynical and unethical effort by FIFA to misrepresent even charitable donations for political manipulation.”

FIFA’s ethics committee declined to comment on the matter, following their policy of not discussing any cases, or potential cases.

It is not the first time that Chung’s name has been raised in a potential ethics case.

In November, Chung featured in FIFA’s Ethics report into the bidding process for the World Cup in 2018 and 2022, in which South Korea made a bid to host.

The report followed an investi-

rocked by allegations of match fixing in 1995 when Australian trio of Shane Warne, Tim May and Mark Waugh alleged then Pakistan captain Salim Malik offered them bribe to underperform during a Test in Karachi and a one-day match in Rawalpindi.

Malik was subsequently banned for life in 2000 by a judicial inquiry in Pakistan. In the same year the ICC’s problems multiplied when South African captain Hansie Cronje and India’s Mohammad Azharuddin were also banned for life in separate inquiries in their respective countries.

That forced the ICC to form its Anti Corruption and Security Unit in 2001 but administrators still admit that it is difficult to eradicate the threat of fixing completely, given the millions of dollars that change hands in illegal betting markets, mainly in Asia, during international matches. - AFP

IPL

measures appropriate and feasible.”

A spokesman for Cornel Borbely, head of the Investigatory Chamber, declined to comment on whether any such steps had been taken.

CHARITABLE DONATIONS:

Chung Mong-Joon

gation led by U.S. lawyer Michael Garcia and looked into letters that Chung sent, in late 2010, to FIFA executive committee members about a proposal to establish a “Global Football Fund” supporting football development.

“According to those letters, Korea intended to raise $777 million from 2011 to build new football infrastructure and renovate existing facilities,” said the report, which added that the fund was linked to South Korea’s 2022 bid.

The Ethics report concluded that: “There are certain indications of potentially problematic conduct of specific individuals in the light of relevant FIFA Ethics rules.”

It added that FIFA ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert “trusts that the Investigatory Chamber will take appropriate steps if it deems such

Blatter plan Chung, the scion of Korea’s Hyundai industrial conglomerate, said in an interview on July 30, when he stated his intention to stand for FIFA president, that he feared outgoing president Sepp Blatter might try to sabotage his bid.

“I’m afraid president Blatter has a kind of plan to damage my candidacy, but if he tries to do something bad to my candidacy I will try to fight that,” he said in the interview.

Chung formally launched his bid to replace the Swiss as FIFA president in Paris earlier this week with a stinging attack on Blatter and Michel Platini, head of European soccer’s ruling body UEFA and a rival candidate for the FIFA presidency.

Blatter responded by saying he was “disturbed” by Chung’s criticism, noting the South Korea had been an influential member of FIFA for 17 years until 2011.

All candidates for FIFA president need the nominations of five football associations and so far there have been no public declarations of support for the South Korean. Candidates also need to pass an integrity check carried out by FIFA. Chung’s fledgling bid suffered a blow last week when the head of his

own Asian Football Confederation, Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain, announced he would be supporting Michel Platini.

FIFA will hold an elective congress on Feb. 26 to decide on a replacement for Blatter, who is standing down following the organisation’s corruption scandals.

U.S. prosecutors indicted nine soccer officials, most of whom had FIFA positions, and five marketing and broadcasting company executives, in May over a range of alleged offences, including fraud, moneylaundering and racketeering.

Blatter was re-elected for a fifth term as FIFA president on May 29, but four days later said he would lay down his mandate amid the worst crisis in the body’s history.

Chung said in the statement he had provided relief assistance to many different countries including Turkey, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar.

“As chairman of the Asan Foundation, the largest philanthropic organization in Korea, Dr. Chung also helped the foundation provide medical assistance to victims of the Indonesian tsunami, 2005 Pakistan earthquake, and Sri Lankan tsunami,” the statement said.

“In January 2010, as chairman of the ruling Grand National Party in the Korean National Assembly, Dr. Chung also announced at a party meeting he would personally donate money to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.” - Reuters

Raikkonen agrees to stay at Ferrari for another year LONDON: Ferrari’s Formula One driver lineup will remain unchanged next season after the Italian glamour team ended speculation surrounding Kimi Raikkonen’s future by confirming him for another year on Wednesday.

“Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has renewed its technical and racing agreement with Kimi Raikkonen,” the team said in a short statement ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

“The driver lineup next season will still consist of the Finnish driver and Sebastian Vettel.”

Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion who returned to Ferrari in 2014, was out of contract at the end of this year although Ferrari had an option on his services and he had made clear he wanted to stay. Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene had been keeping his options open, however, about one of the sport’s highest paid drivers.

Had the 35-year-old Finn been ousted from a seat coveted by most of his rivals, it would have triggered a driver merry-goround. There has been mounting speculation for weeks about who might replace the ‘Iceman’ alongside four-times world champion Vettel, who moved from Red Bull at the end of last year and has already won two races for Ferrari.

Raikkonen’s compatriot Valt-

teri Bottas, currently with Williams, had been considered a frontrunner after impressive performances for the former champions although his form has faded recently.

Speculation in the Finnish and Italian media has suggested Bottas has an agreement with Ferrari for 2017 if not next season.

Italy’s Corriere dello Sport newspaper last month claimed Ferrari had agreed to pay Williams some 12 million euros ($13.28 million) for releasing Bottas early from an option on his contract so he could drive for them next year.

That is clearly not the case, and Bottas is likely to remain at Williams for at least another year.

Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg and Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo are other names to have been linked to Ferrari in media speculation. Raikkonen, eclipsed

by Spaniard Fernando Alonso at Ferrari last year, has been outperformed by Vettel in 2015 with the German scoring 160 points to the Finn’s 76.

The Finn, who can now look forward to his sixth year at Maranello after first joining from McLaren in 2007 and then being dropped at the end of 2009, has made just one podium appearance so far this year — a second place in Bahrain. - Reuters

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SECTION

LIFESTYLE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

Culture WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

MAN OF THE MUSEUM Story|T.A. Ameerudheen Photography|Shabin E

Malik Al Hinai recounts his memorable journey over the last nine years as the director of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular museum, Bait Al Baranda

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

LIFESTYLE EXHIBITS AT BAIT AL BARANDA Muscat from the 1st century to 1744 A.D. Omanis convert to Islam Portuguese occupation Al Bu Said dynasty Muscat harbour International conflicts over the Muscat harbour Muscat today Folk arts of Muscat Plate tectonics and the scenic diversity of Muscat Scenic diversity Ancient life in Muscat Earliest human settlements in Muscat Glimpses of Oman’s history Magan time Frankincense trade Azd tribes’ migration to Oman Bait Al Baranda Muttrah baitalbaranda.mm.gov.om, +968 2471 4262, baranda@omantel.net.om Hours: 9 am-1 pm & 4 pm-6 pm (Saturday to Thursday)

IT IIS HARD TO MISS the charming ancient monument char near the Mutrah Corniche. The distinctive old Portuguese house disti was home to the American Mission in the early 1930s and then the British Council in the late 1970s before finally being con1970 verted into the Bait Al Baranda verte museum in 2006. muse The museum aimed to help peoTh the history of Muscat ple trace t through interactive displays and throu exhibits. It also hosted art shows, exhib book launch functions, photography training sessions, and children’s art workshops, becoming a dren cultural hub in Muscat. cultu The director, Malik Al Hinai, Th served as a member of the Royal serve Guard as a soldier, as the marketGuar for Oman Internaing manager m tional Bank and then for Grand tiona Hyatt, but it was his love for art Hyat was at the heart of the Muscat that w Municipality’s well-placed faith.

Mun “We began from scratch. The “W lessons learnt during my visits lesso to re renowned museums around the world came handy during various stages of Bait Al Baranda’s development. NothBara makes me happier than the ing m success story of the museum. It succ going from strength to has been b strength for the last nine years,” stren Malik said.

Mali With W Muscat Municipality giving h him a free hand in administration, Malik has had been able to implement innovative plans. impl “I thank the Muscat Municipality t offici cials for giving me the freedom.

They trusted me from the beginning and never interfered in my plans.

They never turned down my proposals. It helped me think out of the box

The lessons learnt during my visits to renowned museums around the world came handy during various stages of Bait Al Baranda’s development. Nothing makes me happier than the success story of the museum.

It has been going from strength to strength for the last nine years and make the place lively.”

One of his first plans was to establish good rapport with the local community. “We organised summer workshop for children in Mutrah area to help them develop their skills. It gave underprivileged children a different perspective about life. It ensured our relevance in the local community. We have just completed the ninth edition of the workshop,” he said.

Malik then used his excellent networking skills to invite renowned artists and curators from around the world. “We showcased works of famous painters such as Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Braque, Warhol, and Chagall from the Opera Gallery in Dubai. People from different parts of Oman came to enjoy those priceless works. The event could not be continued after 2009 as I began to associate with Muscat Festival, Muscat Fashion Week, Muscat Food Festival and Muscat Arts Festival.”

But his hectic schedule and

huge responsibilities never tire him. Instead, he cherishes every moment of his professional life.

“The most memorable day in my career was when Grand Mufti His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al Khalili visited the museum to inaugurate Turkish-German Calligraphy artist Mustafa Anlas’ exhibition in 2010. It was my idea to invite Grand Mufti as the works showcased 99 different names of Allah. My colleagues tried to dissuade me, but I persisted. I felt happy when I saw him leave the museum with a smile,” he said.

In another example of Malik’s perseverance, a fan of the late Michael Jackson, he yearned for years to meet the legendary singer.

“He was my icon and I always wanted to meet him. Years later, I got the opportunity to meet him when he visited Times of Oman.

That’s why I believe nothing is impossible in life.”

Malik is also known as a good art critique. “I don’t like every piece of

Photos: Shabin E

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art, and I look at works with a critic’s eye.” And he appreciates artists who are humble and know their limits. “I have a problem with the local artists who put a huge price tag on their works. Some of them work only for monetary purpose, and not for creative purpose.”

With Bait Al Baranda gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, Malik hopes to see many changes at the museum.

“I would love to set up a small library to cater to the needs of children. Reading is on the wane. It is high time we inculcated the habit in them. I also wish to see a major revamp of the display items. Besides, I want to recreate the old Mutrah of 1950 in one of the rooms, where people can experience the sight and sounds.”

With passion, resoluteness, and an unwavering belief that nothing is impossible in life, Malik Al Hinai’s contributions continue to grow and ripple through Muscat, new and old.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

C9

LIFESTYLE H O L LY W O O D

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Sharon to play a negative role in ‘Running Wild’

Sharon Stone is gearing up to essay a negative role in the Alex Ranarivelo directed Running Wild. Stone will essay the role of the villain in the film, which is around the life of a widow who saves her ranch by working with convicts to rehabilitate a herd of wild horses that wandered on to her property, reports deadline.com. The film’s script is written by Christina Moore and Brian Rudnick.

The principal photography on the project will begin this week in Napa. Running Wild is a project of ESX Entertainment, the newly launched outfit from Lucas Oil head Forrest Lucas and Ali Afshar.

Courteney Cox is in no rush to get married

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Women need some respect, too SALEH AL-SHAIBANY

SO TO SPEAK What do you think?

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man always expects a smiling wife when he comes back home, tired after a hard day’s work in the office.

Men usually ignore the task of a woman toiling in the house running domestic chores all day.

This is where jobs and responsibilities contradict each other.

A man sitting in his office would like to think he is a bread winner but assumes the role of a king in his own house. This is fine but where does a woman fit in this scenario? Allow me to be a little more outspoken than usual. Career women have two jobs and the second one is to make sure that her lord and master is comfortable at home. She toils in the office and scrubs at home.

If she is not working, then her role at home has a simple designation: housewife. Have you ever wondered why there’s no such thing as househusband? I am not going into that debate, but it is something that needs to be properly defined. Take, for in-

Have you ever wondered why there’s no such thing as a househusband? stance, a woman who was asked by her husband to quit her job after delivering their baby. She reluctantly did as she was told thinking that a woman’s place is at home.

What do you think happened when this woman asked her husband to stay at home instead? I know for a fact that she was earning at the time twice as much as her husband. It was “not about finances”, he told her, “but about…”

The man got stuck with his words and could not think of a convincing reason. He then blurted out, “Oh, you know what I mean.”

Unfortunately, ladies cannot really redefine their duties as housewives or even as career women for that matter. Men can and may ask for a transfer or be assigned another job or quit altogether. When women quit, they get a divorce, funny old world, isn’t it?

I will repeat again by saying that jobs and responsibilities sometimes clash. There was another woman who thought of her marital obligations as a job with considerable responsibilities. She ran her home more efficiently than any top office manager would in a successful firm. While all this time she had to cope with a notoriously difficult husband. One day, she quietly packed her bags and left behind her three children and a “loving” husband.

She said she needed a break from the daunting task of running a family and the pressure that went along with the job. Her sudden departure raised some questions in other households in the neighbourhood. One neighbour called her a monster who abandoned her very young children, another said

she was ungrateful to a husband who was a good provider. In her defence, he said, she was fed up of doing four shifts all alone for a man who treated her like a servant.

The offended husband, though never really popular with her neighbours, suddenly got a huge moral support and the beauty and the beast traded places. A group of elderly relatives offered to save her marriage by asking her to go back home.

“Would he have gone back to a job where the boss was mistreating him?” she asked them.

But a marriage is not a job, they told her, it is a responsibility. You see what I mean by jobs and responsibilities? The woman put forward another question: What, if the marriage does not work out?

“Look,” it was explained to her, “it is a woman’s duty to make a marriage work. Men don’t know how to do it.”

This is where moral principles transgress social ones. The feminists would say there’s one rule for men and the other for women. I rest my case.

The actress who is engaged to Snow Patrol rocker Johnny McDaid, says she is in no rush to get married.

The couple got engaged last June and the only factor which is making them consider tying the knot sooner rather than later is pressure from Coco who is Cox’s daughter with former husband David Arquette.

“Johnny and I are still in the planning stages, although Coco seems to want to be wedding planner,” said Cox. “We don’t have any plans at the moment. We don’t have any firm decisions yet.

Jennifer Hudson in talks to star in biopic

Singer-turned-actress Jennifer Hudson is in negotiations to play legendary diva Aretha Franklin in the biopic that is set to arrive in North America in 2017. Hudson is eyed to play the singer, a lead role which was previously offered to actress Halle Berry.

Although there is no deal in place just yet, Hudson’s representative hinted that there had been conversations about the role, reports aceshowbiz.com. The film will centre on Franklin’s rise to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. — IANS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

C10

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

PRAYER TIMINGS

@SHATTI

@SOHAR

SUR The Man From U.N.C.L.E (Action ) (12+) Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, 05:30, 09:45, 11:55 PM Fantastic Four (Action|Sci - Fi) (PG12) 5:00, 07:45 PM Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation 11:45 PM (Action) (PG12) Brothers (Hindi) (Thriller) (12+) CP# Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth 2:15 PM The Nutcracker Sweet ( Animation) (PG) 2:30, 04:00 PM Madura Naranga (Mal)( Comedy ) (PG) Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Biju Menon, Parvathy 6:50 PM All Is Well (Hindi)(Comedy ) (PG) Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Asin.

9.25 PM

@RUWI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (Action)(12+) Cast : Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer 03:00 pm /07:15 pm /09:30 pm /11:45 pm Fantastic Four (2D)(Action)(PG12) Cast: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, 1:00 pm /05:15 pm /11:45 pm Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 04:45 pm /09:15 pm The Nutcracker Sweet (Animation)(PG) 1:00 pm /03:00 pm All Is Well (Comedy, Drama)(PG) Cast : Rishi Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Asin 9:30 pm Sinister 2 (Horror)(15+) Cast : James Ransone, Shannyn Sossamon 1:00 pm /11:55 pm Welad Risk (Action, Crime)(18+) Cast : Ahmed Ezz, Amr Youssef, Karim Qassem 3:00 pm /07:15 pm Self/Less (Mystery,Sci fi)(18+) Cast : Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Martinez, Matthew Goode 5:00 pm /07:15 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL The Man from U.N.C.L.E. 2D (Action ) (12+) Cast : Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer 10:15AM, 09:45PM & 11:55PM Gold Class - 04:15PM,09:00PM & 11:15PM The Nutcracker Sweet 2D (Animation) (PG) 10:00AM, 01:45PM & 03:30PM The Love Affair 2D (Drama, Romance ) (TBC) Cast : Bea Alonzo, Richard Gomez, Eda Nolan 5:15PM & 07:30PM All Is Well 2D (Comedy, Drama) (TBC) Cast : Rishi Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Asin 12:30PM & 07:15PM Fantastic Four 2D (Action, Sci-Fi ) (PG12) Cast: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael Jordan 05:15PM & 09:45PM Gold Class : 12:15PM & 02:15PM

10:15AM, 09:45PM & 11:55PM The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (Action)(12+) Cast : Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer

5:00 pm /07:15 pm Self/Less (Mystery,Sci fi)(18+) Cast : Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Martinez, Matthew Goode

6:00 pm Madhura Naranga - 2D (M) (PG) Comedy, Cast : Kunchacko Boban, Biju Menon

The Nutcracker Sweet – 2D (PG) Animation 1:00, 04:30 PM Sinister 2 – 2D (15+) Horror Cast - James Ransone, Shannyn Sossamon 2:30, 10:10 PM Waled Rizk– 2D (18+) Crime, Action, Thriller Cast - Ahmed Ezz, Amr Youssef, Karim 6:00 PM Fantastic Four – 2D (PG12) (Action) 12:00, 05:45, 11:55 pm Madhura Naranga – 2D (PG) Comedy, Cast - Kunchacko Boban, Biju Menon 3:00 PM

Inside Out 3D (Animation) (PG) 11:15PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D 2:45PM & 11:45PM Gold Class: 6:30PM AZAIBA The Man from U.N.C.L.E. – 2D (12+) ActionCast - Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer 04:30, 06:45, 09:00, 11:15 PM Vaalu – 2D (PG) Action, Comedy, Romance Cast - Hansika Motwani, TR Silambarasan, Santhanam, Brahmanandam 12:00, 10:30 PM Self/Less – 2D (18+) Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller Cast - Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Martinez, Matthew Goode 2:50, 08:00 PM The Love Affair - 2D (…..) Drama, Romance Cast - Bea Alonzo, Richard Gomez, Eda Nolan 5:00 PM All Is Well 2D (….) Comedy, Drama, Romance Cast - Rishi Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Asin 12:45, 07:15, 09:35 PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation – 2D 02:00, 08:00, 11:55 PM (PG12)

RUWI SCREEN 1 All Is Well (Drama/ Comedy) – PG Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Asin and Supriya Pathak Timing: 2.30, 5.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM SCREEN 2 Brothers (Drama) – 12+ Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth 3.15, 6.00, 11.45 PM Drishyam (Thriller/Drama ) – PG12 8.45 PM SCREEN 3 Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG

2.30, 5.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM All Is Well (Drama/ Comedy) – PG Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Asin and Supriya Pathak

3.30 PM Baahubali: The Beginning (Act ) – 12+ 6.30 PM Karachi To Lahore - Urdu (Comedy) – TBC Cast: Shehzad Sheikh, Ayesha Omer 9.15, 11.45 PM

6:45 , 09:35 PM Welad Rizk - 2D (Arb) (18+) Action, Crime, Cast : Ahmed Ezz, Amr Youssef, Karim Qassem 5:45 PM Madhura Naranga - 2D (M) (PG) Comedy, Cast : Kunchacko Boban, Biju Menon 6:00 PM

SOHAR Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - 2D (PG12) Action; 04:20 , 08:45 , 11:55 PM Fantastic Four-2D (PG12) (Action ) 02:30 ,05:15 , 11:45 PM Brothers - 2D (TBC) Action, Drama 11:30 PM The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - 2D (12+) Action, Cast : Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia 3:00 , 07:15 , 09:30, 11:45 PM Self/less - 2D (18+) Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller Cast : Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Martinez, 2:15, 07:45 PM The Nutcracker Sweet - 2D (PG) Animation Cast : Alicia Silverstone, Edward Asner 2:30, 04:30 PM Sinister 2 - 2D (15+) Horror Cast : James Ransone, Shannyn Sossamon, 4:00, 10:00 PM All Is Well - 2D (TBC) Comedy, Drama, Cast : Rishi Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Asin

BURAIMI The Man from U.N.C.L.E – 2D (Animation) 3:15, 7:15, 9:30, 11:45PM (12+) Return to Sender – 2D (Thriller) (TBC) Cast: Rosamund Pike, Nick Nolte, 5:30, 10:00PM The Nutcracker Sweet – 2D (Animation) 3:00, 5:45PM (PG) Fantastic Four -2D (PG12) (Action) 4:30, 7:15PM Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation - 2D 3:00, 11:30PM (Action) (PG12) All is Well – 2D (Comedy, Romance) (PG) Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Asin 9:15PM Brothers (Hindi) (Thriller) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth 11:45PM Madura Naranga – 2D (Action) (PG) 7:15PM

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

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

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

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

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

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

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

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

Daily Daily

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

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

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

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

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

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

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

60-85%

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

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

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

ASIYA NAUREEN August 20, 2014

S. DEEPAK August 20, 2007

MICHELLE ROSE August 21, 2008

ARCHITHA AJAY August 19, 2014

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

LISTINGS

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

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

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

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

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

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

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Madura Naranga (Mal) ( Rom/com ) Cast : Kunchako Boban, Biju Menon & 3-00 & 10-00 Pm Cinema Main; 6-30 Pm At Cinema -2 Vasuvum Saravananum ( Tamil ) ( Com ) Cast: Arya, Tamanna & Santhanam 6-30 Pm Cinema Main || 3-30 & 9-30 Pm At cinema -2 All Is Well (Hindi ) ( Com/Drama) Cast: Abhishek Bachan, Rishi Kapoor & Asin 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 Pm At Cinema - 3 Srimanthudu (Telugu ) ( Act ) Cast: Mahesh Babu & Shruthi Hassan 3-45 Pm at Cinema-4 Vallu (Tamil) (Rom) 6-45 Pm Cinema-4 Brothers ( Hindi ) (Act ) 9-45 pm Cinema -2 Kick 2 ( Telugu ) ( Rom/Act) ( From Friday ) Cast : Ravi Teja & Rakul Preet Singh 3-00 Pm Cinema Main 6-45 & 9-45 Cinema-4

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

STAR CINEMA

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 9.30 pm CP No: 1953 (PG12) Return To Sender ( Thriller ) Cast: Rosamund Pike, Nike Nolte 2.00, 4.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2112 ( 12+ ) The Nutcracker Sweet (Animation) Voice Overs: Alicia Silver stone, Edward 2.00 & 6.00 pm CP No: 2119 (PG ) Brothers (Hindi )( Thriller ) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shrof 6.30 pm CP No: 2110 (PG) MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. : (Action /Adventure) Cast: Alicia Vikander, Henry Cavil 4.00, 7.45, 9.45 & 11.55 p.m.

CP NO: 2121 (12+)

Minimum

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

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

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

35 28

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

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

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

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

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

Quriyat Sur Jaalan

SALALAH Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation (2D) 10:15AM/5:00/8:45/11:30PM (PG12) Fantastic Four (2D)(PG12) (Action) 12:45/4:00/10:00PM The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2D)(12+) (Action) 10:30AM/2:45/7:30/9:45/11:55PM Return to Sender (2D) (12+) (Thriller) Cast: Rosamund Pike, Shiloh Fernandez, Nick Nolte 2:15PM The Nutcracker Sweet (2D)(PG)(Arabic) (Animation) Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Edward Asner, Drake Bell 10:45AM/3:30PM Pound of Flesh (2D) (15+) (Action/Thriller) Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Darren Shahlavi, Charlotte 12:15/6:00/11:55PM All Is Well (2D) (PG) (Comedy/Drama/ Romance) Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, , Asin 7:45PM Brothers (2D) (12+) (Action/Drama) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth Malhotra 12:45PM Madhura Naranga (2D) (PG) (Malayalam) (Comedy/Drama/Family) Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Biju Menon, Parvathy Ratheesh 5:00PM

BAHJA CINEMA

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36)

17:30

12.15pm 3.42pm 6.42pm 7.56pm 4.25am

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

@MGM

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

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

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

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

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

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

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

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

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

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

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE The beaches of Ras Al Hadd, a unique experience

GHAWI BAZAAR

Photograph and Text by Saleh Al-Shaibany

BUY LOCAL: A’Dallah A glance at the traditional coffee pot, with its hinged lid attached to the handle and curved spout, will remind you of Oman’s traditional hospitality. Known as A’Dallah, this beautiful hand crafted utensil is used to serve Omani kahwa, the strong, bitter coffee spiced with intensely aromatic cardamom.

WHAT A’Dallah is an ancient utensil which signifies friendliness. Made of copper and brass, the pot stands out for its unique designs. No one can make authentic Omani Kahwa without A’Dallah. The pot is kept close to the open hearth while roasting coffee beans to prepare the aromatic brew. The freshly ground coffee is then transferred to the pot and boiled with water.

Some people may add cardamom seeds and a pinch of saffron to the boiling coffee before transferring it to a ready-to-serve pot.

WHO Silversmiths produce the coffee pot with a brass body and silver top. The design includes a spike and coxcomb and the overall shape is that of an abstract bird. The lid of the pot contains little stones inside which make a unique sound when someone opens the pot.

WHERE Souqs across the Sultanate sell antique as well as modern Kahwa pots. You can find miniature pots (one inch height) to bigger pots (20 inches height).

Tourists buy the miniature pieces as souvenirs from Oman.

I

t was a few minutes before five o’clock in the morning and I was watching the sun rising from the horizon. Its golden rays shined weakly on the tiny figures of baby turtles on the Ras Al Hadd beach, making their way laboriously to the sea.

There were half a dozen of them and they had to make it to the cool water before the sun’s heat snuffed out their short lives. Instinctively, I walked the twenty metres from where I was sitting and took off my shirt. I placed it on the sand, gingerly lifted each of the baby turtles and dropping them on the shirt. I walked for another twenty metres to the sea. I placed them against the rushing waves that were breaking on the sparkling sands. First, they did not move as the forms of the surf surrounded their tiny shells. I wanted to give them a gentle push, but thought against it. I would not interfere with nature by denying them their first ever taste of what would be their natural habitat.

Then they started to make a move forward, allowing themselves to be swept by the water, carried by the waves. I watched them floating away from the beach and I was still standing at the edge of the sea until they disappeared from sight. I had the beach to myself in that early hours of the day.

Most of the tourists, both domestic and international, were still sleeping it away after the late night party in the Turtle Beach Hotel.

For centuries, the villagers of Ras Al Hadd had the town for themselves. You can still see the little houses dotting on the 12-

km stretch of the beach. Some of them, according to the local records, have been standing for more than 400 years but have been renovated over the years.

Ras Al Hadd was still a virgin little town until in the early 1980s when the government decided to build a dual carriageway road from Muscat that opened up to the flood of tourists.

Today, tourists outnumber the population of the local residents.

The once sleepy, fishing village has been transformed to a major holiday destination in the Sultanate. But the government has bigger plans for the town. New constructions are underway to build an airport, a marina, a ferry terminal, a yacht club, restaurants, residential development, a shopping mall, an amphitheatre and a brand new souq. The biggest attraction in Ras Al Hadd is the nesting of the green and hawksbill turtles on its beaches. These turtles have been declared as protected species by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an international nature conservation group.

It is estimated that over 20,000 female turtles return to their birth place each year to lay eggs on the beach in Ras Al Hadd. They do it between the months of June to November, which is the peak laying season. However, the government is carefully controlling visitors, so as not to disrupt the turtles. Tourists are able to see turtles on most days of the year.

Turtle watching can be done in the evening or at night. Some tourists prefer to do it at dawn. But camera

The biggest attraction in Ras Al Hadd is the nesting of the green and hawksbill turtles on its beaches. These turtles have been declared as protected species by the World Wildlife Fund, an international nature conservation group

flashes are not allowed while taking photos to avoid confusing the turtles. Watching turtles lay their eggs or the hatchlings is a unique experience. It is also fascinating to see baby turtles crawl on the beach to make their way to the sea.

But sadly, and this contributes to the fact that green and hawksbill turtles are an endangered species, poachers are after their babies.

They are much sought after in the European market where they are sold in the pet shops. Poachers also go for the grown up turtles for their shells. The beautiful gold and brown shells of the hawksbill are hunted for the creation of jewellery and luxury items. Fishermen also profit by selling the meat of turtles in the export market to the Far East. However, Oman is working with the international community to prohibit this illegal trade.

Ras Al Hadd also attracts divers and snorkellers to its coral reefs.

The all season clear water is a paradise for both, experienced and first time divers. Boat trips are not to be missed for those who want to tour the town by sea. Fishing trips either for individuals or as a group can be arranged from the local operated tour guides.

To reach Ras Al Hadd by the road, you need to take the Wadi Adai route to Quriyat and via Sur. It is a two hour and twenty minute drive from Muscat. You can stop at the picturesque little town of Tiwi, a half way point to Ras Al Hadd. It is better to drive to Ras Al Hadd on weekdays to avoid the heavy weekend rush of holidaymakers.

HOW MUCH Silver coffee pots cost as much as OMR1,000 while the machine-made smaller imitation pots cost between OMR10 and OMR20. Plenty of varieties are available at Aladin City. Call 92311179 for directions.

PHOTOS: SHABIN E.

Have a favourite Omani product or shop?

Tell us about it: ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

MOST PHOTOGRAPHED MONUMENT

Taj Mahal: The world’s most photographed monument The Taj Mahal in Agra is perhaps the world’s most photographed monument. Each minute hundreds of cameras click to shoot memorable photographs.

“It’s a matter of pride to be photographed with the Taj Mahal,” Denis, a tourist from Australia, said. These days, with almost every one in possession of a mobile or a digital camera, you can see people taking selfies or posing for a group photograph with friends or relatives. Now with the Taj Mahal getting its own Twitter handle and the monument complex equipped with WiFi facility, no one misses the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shoot and share.

The Taj has not lost its charm.

It continues to remain the delight of photographers from all over the world. Lonely Planet’s ‘ultimate

travel list’ includes the Taj in the top five tourist destinations in the world.

The Taj Mahal is annually visited by over six million people.

Unofficial figures are 10 million, as children below 15 do not have to purchase a ticket to enter.

Each day hordes of photographers — both amateurs and professionals — shoot pictures of the white marble mausoleum, bringing joy and excitement to those who pose against its backdrop.

“Many feel it’s a fulfilment of a long-cherished dream,” Amit Sishodia of Agra Beats travel agency said.

“It’s the architecture, the perspective and the unique backdrop that includes the Yamuna and a whitish skyline that appears to extend to eternity that I find most

appealing,” city photographer Hemant told IANS. Ramesh Chandra Khandelwal, 90 plus, Agra’s oldest photographer who runs the more than a century old firm of Priya Lal and Sons, said the Taj Mahal will never lose its fascination and awe.“It is one building with immaculate, Nayaab dimensions, perfect lighting conditions, such variety of angles and contrasts, what else could a photographer want?

And if you take into account its history and the romanticism associated with it, who would not like to be photographed with it,” Khandelwal noted. Wildlife photographer Lalit Rajora, who began his journey 18 years ago from the Taj Mahal, still cannot delink himself from the grand Mughal monument. “The grand Taj Ma-

hal, with its enticing beauty, has an eternal fascination for me. Its aesthetic beauty, pristine craftsmanship and grandeur attracts me as a photograph does.

As a photographer, when this attraction coverted into an unfading romance and passion is difficult to tell. All I can say is that the Taj, under the seasonal hues of the sky enkindles my soul, gives wings to my imagination and meaning to my expression and creativity,” Rajoria said.

Vijay Goyal, owner of the Speed Colour Lab, who spent 20-odd years at the Taj Mahal shooting pictures for tourists and VIPs, told IANS: “I recall the statement of a lady tourist long back.

She reacted: ‘Oh my god, this looks much better than the photograph I saw back home’.” — IANS

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015

LIFESTYLE

QURUM AMPHITHEATRE, OMAN The majestic City Amphitheatre that stands tall at the foot of the Qurum Natural Park has played a perfect host to numerous shows and performances by artistes of national and international repute over the years. All of them praised the amphitheatre, thanks to the cool and calm surroundings and excellent seating arrangements.

Some of the performers believe the structure is on par with Suntech City Auditorium in Singapore or the Crystal Ballroom of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. With every event organiser aspiring to conduct a programme and every budding talent dreaming of a performance on this grand stage, the theatre with a 4,000-odd seating capacity is the popular performance destination in Oman.

AL MAJAZ AMPHITHEATRE, SHARJAH, UAE The Roman-style amphitheatre covers an area of 7,238 square metres, and accommodates up to 4,500 people. It is the official venue for the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture celebrations and other international cultural and arts events. The first of 24 heritage projects to be rolled out in Sharjah in 2014, the amphitheatre has already made a mark in the United Arab Emirates’ cultural scene. The state-of-the-art facility blends sound, lighting, and music in a spectacular fashion with more than 400 animated lights, 120 sound speakers, and 21 projectors.

KATARA AMPHITHEATRE, QATAR The biggest amphitheatre in Qatar strikes a fine balance between classical Greek theatre and the everlasting Islamic features. The beautiful structure that overlooks the radiant blue sea has been hosting spectacular world-class events ever since its inauguration in 2011, including legendary musicians Vangelis, Angela Gheorghiou, Roberto Alagna, and Jeremy Irons. The amphitheatre, with a seating capacity of 5,000, is part of the Katara Cultural Village which also has heritage centres, an opera house, libraries, art galleries, and other academic facilities.

TOP SHOWBOWLS IN GCC Amphitheatres in the Gulf region spring to life during cooler months as renowned musicians and theatre professionals from all over the world showcase their skills at the acoustically vibrant Photos : Provided

performance space located outdoors. The top five performance arenas listed here are either curved BAHRAIN NATIONAL AMPHITHEATRE, BAHRAIN The National Amphitheatre, an elegant cubic glass structure with a golden-coloured roof by the seaside, has a capacity of 1,001 seats, in reference to the One Thousand and One Nights. It was built at a cost of $50 million and was designed by the French company, Architecture Studio.

It also has a 150-seat studio theatre that can be used to host conferences and rehearsals as well as serve as a small theatre with different seating arrangements and staging configurations. The seats and configurations can be changed using a retractable seating unit and a demountable platform system.

or bowl-shaped, with seating capacities ranging between 1001 and 15,000

MEDIA CITY AMPHITHEATRE, DUBAI Dubai Media City Amphitheatre is an award winning venue located in Dubai Media City. DMC Amphitheatre, has a capacity to accommodate up to 15,000 people and has hosted a number of impressive local and international events including concerts, festivals, business gatherings, and award ceremonies. Some of the most celebrated events held at DMC Amphitheatre include, Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai Jazz Festival, and the Taste of Dubai Festival.

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

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

RENT

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VACANCY

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CARGO

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

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall, Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market.

Contact: 99259977 / 95033008

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

Contact: 99251975

1BHK, Darsait, walking distance to ISM , neat and clean building, ground floor, OMR 260/- per month rent Call IQRAR on 99076557

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

4bedroom villa with 3 maid room, big compound & parking area. Ideal for kindergarten or expat tenants residency. Contact:24566217 / 24564686

Flats shops & stores for rent at Al Amerat. Contact: 96278724

Office & retail space available Alasfoor Plaza, Qurum.

Contact: 24566217 / 24564686 1BHK in Darsait, RO 220.

Contact: 99342661 2BHK in Ghubra South 330 R.O with A/C. Contact: 99342661 2 BHK close to Indian School Kindergarten Wadikabir RO 320.

Contact: 99476728 / 98484415 2 BHK pent-house having very spacious balcony with sea & city view RO 325 and 1BHK RO 240, adjacent to Indian Nursery Darsait.

Contact : 99476728 / 98484415 Nice 1BHK penthouse, 2 bathrooms, big terrace in CBD/MBD, OMR 250.

Should purchase ACs. Contact: 99283938 1bedroom attached toilet, kitchen, family in Al Khuwair RO 140.

Contact: 95154331

3BHK Flats & 6BHK Villa in Azaibah.

Contact : 96775026 1 BR flat at Darsait, near ISM. Contact 99237971 / 99320633 250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi.

Contact 99326339 Flats in Al Khuwair 33 & Wadi Al Kabir. Contact: 92800007 Showroom for rent at prime location, Ruwi. Contact 94151791 Full fledge workshop/warehouse & yard with tools for rent/sales. Also 5 nos. Volvo/ Mercedes/ Man/Putsmiester concrete pump 2004/2005 model for sale. Contact 93681107 / 96051565

2 B/R res./comm. Flat directly from owner near Oman Medical College Bausher. Contact 92158031 Fully furnished 3 BHK accommodation with all spacious rooms in a villa at Darsait near ISD. Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422

1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new flat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126

Flat 2bedrooms+majlis in Ghubra.

Contact:99242119

Brand new 2 BHK flats/offices for rent behind Honda Road.

Contact 91165807

4 bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimjis mart. Contact: 24700120 / 92584715

1BHK R.O 185 + 2BHK R.O 230 before Medical Darsait, Muttrah House.

Contact: 98748925

Single & double bedroom with toilets at Ghala Industrial area, Coco cola road (for family/ Exec bachelors). Interested parties contact on 92854747

840 sqr mtrs Store & Staff accommodation for Rent in Misfah.

Contact 99792181

5 BHK villa for Rent in Azaiba near Sultan Centre. Contact 99792181

4 bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait, behind Khimji Mart. Contact 92584715 / 24700120

40,000 Sqr mtrs Open Land for Rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99792181

Flat for rent in Amerat.

Contact 99209264

Flat for rent 2BR at Wadi Adai.

Contact 94643380

Flat in Al Khuwair 3 rooms + Majlis ground floor. Contact: 99242119

Spacious 2 BR flat in MBD. Contact 99713489

Flat for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital in Hamriya. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499 3 bedroom flat with 3 attached toilets, split A/C, brand Kims Hospital.

Contact: 95225662 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Readymade office space for rent (100sm) in Bank Melli Iran building, MBA area Ruwi opposite Center Point. Contact: 99011352 A flat for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 2 rooms and sitting room and all the necessary things. Contact:92277419 2BHK with A/Cs Muttrah, near Oman House. Contact: 95915154 3 BHK, 3 bathrooms, 2 balcony, nr. Al Hassan W/Kabir RO 330/-.

Contact :99384640 Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact 99366624 3 Bedroom flat with 3 attached toilets, split A/C, brand new available, behind Kims Hospital.

Contact 95225662 2 BHK villa for rent in Azaiba, near Sultan Centre. Contact 99792181

Villa 2 bedrooms + hall + sitting room in Al Hail South R.O 300/Monthly. Contact: 93993354 I BHK Flat -4 Nos at Hamriya – R.O. 200/- . 2 BHK - 2 Nos / 1 BHK- 2 Nos, at Wattayya R/A near the mosque- for Families. Contact 96457757 9 am to 7 Pm. Shop at Azaiba. Contact 99024730 Fully furnished 2 bedroom luxury flat for rent at Ghala for short or long term basis.

Contact 91786526 / 99881653 1 & two bedroom flats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible.

Contact 97677170 1 BHK, 2 BHK & shop at Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99024730 2 BHK, 3BHK at Qurum.

Contact 99024730 1 BHK Flat in Honda Road (Ruwi).

Contact 99792181

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR SALE

Company maintained cars & furniture for sale. Toyota Yaris, 2009 model RO 1800/-, Mazda 6 model 2009 RO 2300/-. Contact 24636655 / 24636666

Used supermarket Gandola Shelving RO 40.00 per meter.

Contact 96441670

3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer and 2 bedroom villa in Sidab- Muscat.

Contact: 95755953 1bedroom in Al Hail South RO 150/monthly. Contact: 93993354 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 97616158

1 BHK, 2 BHK at Al Khuwair.

Contact 99024730

1 &2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya and Al Khoud areas, shop for rent at Wadi Adai Round about. Contact: 24834644, GSM 93994401 /02/03 lines

2BHK & 1BHK flats available in Darsait. Contact : 99357586 / 97500025 3 BHK Flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99792181 Flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports.

Interested candidates please Contact : 00968-92225523 4 & 5 BHK villa for rent in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181 3 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair 33.

Contact 99792181 House for rent in Sidab at reasonable rent. Contact: 95555162 / 95755953 Fabulous AC flat at Al Khoud 3 bedrooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/for rent. Contact: 99334699 BHK Flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99385835 / 99428143 For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp.

Contact: 99376454

600 sqr mtrs showroom in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99792181 Flat for rent with AC in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95555162 /95755953 Flat for rent in Mabellah 8th.

Contact: 97147240 Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK. Contact: 91936034 Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569 1 Villa & 3 big Flats of 2/3 BHK with hall, Kitchen & ACs Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner.

Tel 97600322 Email: alnehang@gmail.com

FOR HIRE Prime mover, 98, 4 wheel on hire.

Contact 95120774 Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

Marshal 1.5 ton A/C, Chest of drawers, sofa set, Nikai AC 1.5 ton, Raha Mattresses, fridge, cooking range, cot 3 nos, dining table with chairs, wardrobe, Samsung washing machine RO 950/-. Contact 24636655 / 24636666 Running laundry CBD. Contact 92841089 / 92868123 Newly built twin villa in Al Ansab Phase 3 for rent or sale, each villa consist of 5 bedrooms, 6 toilets, drawing, dining, kitchen outside, maid room with kitchen.

Contact 96917566 Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact 94652485/ 99273774/ 99202278 Shop for sale in Qurum.

Contact 96964767 Restaurant for-sale Very good location, Al khuwayer, 300+sqm, Equipped big kitchen (+bakery), many parking, separate entrance.

OMR50,000 Call 99788291 Shrimps & prawns fillet fish available wholesale & retail.

Contact 97990974 2,560 sq mtrs industrial land in Wadi Kabir main road, First line on way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to make petrol station or hotel. OMR 990 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Shop for sale in Ruwi High street, Contact 96078411 Wall papers, grass carpets sale & fixing. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Toyota Camry 2006, new tyre & new engine, very good condition, location Sohar. Contact 91110270

FOR SALE 5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 3 floor commercial building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2.

OMR 140 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Restaurant for sale, Kadra Suwaiq.

Contact 97433012

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

Contact 99370565 / 97097545

PAJERO 2015 km1400.

Contact 99336093

Sportage, 2013. Contact 99336093

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

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

ACC. AVAILABLE Semi furnished 2 BHK sharing in Al Khuwair. Contact 92888337

Forklift sale.

Contact: 99763831

Furnished sharing room with sharing kitchen for Executive bachelor or small family near Mars Hyper market Ghubrah. Contact: 98472758

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

FOR EXPATS From owner plot of land near Zanzibar, airport price RO 15000.

Contact 99348943

Honda Accord, 2010, No. 1, 105000 kms, expat lady driven, dealer maintained, silver, expected price RO 4700/-. Contact 99330509 Land Cruiser 2012.Contact 99336093

Semi furnished 2 BHK in Al Khuwair. Contact 92888337

SELL/BUY

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

Contact 99370565 / 97097545

Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093

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

Permoglaze paint mixer (tinting machine) – 6 months old – in good condition for sale in Rustaq. interested parties may pl call 93223382 / 99874936.

Mazda 3,1.6, 2008 Automatic, accident free, single owner.

Contact: 92030516

1 bedroom, hall, kitchen & toilet available for family near ISD Darsait (Indians only) with wi-fi facility.

RO 150/- per month + Electricity & Water. Contact 93661570 Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/muslim couple only. Location: AINT, Darsait Contact 99008069

ACC. AVAILABLE One room in a flat for Indian Exe - bachelor near Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99659513 Room attached bath & kitchen Executive bachelor or couple, opp. Khimji Mart Muttrah. Contact 97477670 Single rooms with attached bath available at Ruwi.

Contact 98049288 / 93431089 Furnished room available in Ruwi.

Contact 92435784 Large room with separate entrance, furnished at Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99336206 Independent rooms in Qurum / AL Hail. Contact 95529970 Single room with attached bathroom for an Executive bachelor at Rex road Ruwi. Contact: 99535300 Furnished room with attached bath separate entrance in Mabela.

Contact :99634841 Sharing accommodation in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors, wifi free, advance deposit.

Contact 91852710

Furnished master room Ruwi.

Contact : 99794399

Sharing accommodation available for working lady or couples near Ruwi Church. Contact: 92837206

Room for bachelor couples, Ruwi, Mumtaz on main road. Ruwi tower 80/100. Contact :95084850/ 92230581

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair RO 225/- for family only.

Contact 99251975 Contd on Pg 6

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

DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Monthly Profitability Reports, Onsite Tally Training, Contact : 96975454, email :ibfc.gcc@gmail.com Accountant, Indian male, B.Com, PGDSE with 12 yrs of experience currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 92750853, email : vinoykjospeh@gmail.com Indian male, B.Com Diploma in office Automation, pursuing ICWA having 6 yrs (India, Oman) exp in Accounts, Audit Finance seeks suitable positions. Familiar with tally, ERP & focus. NOC available Contact : 94706954.

E mail:ajurn33@gmail.com Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 9822253

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

BEAUTY Required experienced Hairdressers / full beauticians with exp in Ghubrah. Contact:97964519 / 94241385 Required HAIR DRESSERS / FULL BEAUTICIANS with Gulf experience.

Contact 96180078.

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

ENGINEER

Automatic block factory requires qualified Engineer (Electromechanical) degree & diploma to operate new stationary block factory. Contact 97092070, email : alomranmcpllc@yahoo.com Urgently required for leading company: Civil Engineer : 8 yrs experience, Planning Engineer : 8 yrs experience, Surveyor : 8 yrs experience, Draftsman & AutoCAD : 5 yrs experience.

Fax: 24478522, email : gh1.careers@gmail.com Civil construction company looking for fresh Civil Engineering degree holders. Send CV: awahaibitrad@gmail.com Smartphone Technician Required ftt@futuretarget.net GSM: 99110080/9669066

IT

DRAFTSMAN

Indian male, 31 years, looking for job IT/marketing. Experience 7 years (Microsoft certificate) with Hardware & networking. Contact no: 95693351, Email: tmintu10@gmail.com

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

DOMESTIC HELPER Urgently looking for an Expatriate House Boy with Cooking knowledge and experience.

Contact Immediately: 99460564 Require qualify caregiver for an orderly mother. Contact 99425200

DRIVER H.V. Driver for trailer.

Contact 92131483 Driver heavy duty required urgently for trailer. Oman / GCC experience must. Those ready for immediate joining. Contact: 99310859

EDUCATION A private school located at Al Mawaleh Seeb looking for an English Teacher. Contact 98982088 Required female Science & IT Teachers from Pakistan, 4 grade near Ibra. Contact 95810797 A well known private school require English, Mathematics, Science, Physics & Computer Teacher.

Email : staffing.oman@gmail.com, ph: 96910649

MEDICAL

A private clinic in Oman requires a Staff Nurse & Lab Technician with MOH license or prometric passed (Indian female preferably) salary negotiable. Interested candidates kindly mail their resumes / CV with contact details : medicalclinic2014@gmail. Com or call 00968 99049381 Wanted Dental Technician (5-8) yrs experience. Good knowledge in computer applications, preferably with CAD/CAM system. Mail your CV to hhabadri@gmail.com Wanted female Nurse for clinic in South Sharkiya. Contact 94783831, medicaljobsoman@yahoo.com Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology experience & lab technician.

Contact 99310590.

Email : tjmaluke@gmail.com Wanted GP Doctor for clinic.

Ph 98115439 Medical CARE Centre, Multi Speciality Clinic, Seeb, requires Gynecologist to work on Freelance (Profit Sharing) basis. Interested candidates call- 97884856

Urgently required for an Insurance broker (preference will be given to Nationals) General Manager, Accountant, Marketing Manager, Marketing Executives & underwriter. Send your CV’s to enquiry@unitedinsuranceoman.com Established real estate company looking for male or female property agents for leasing and sales of the property. Applicant must be Graduate, possess Omani or GCC driving license.

Having oman market experience.

Apply with NOC. Attractive salary +commission. Send your CV: property@ labdmarkmuscat.com Required Salesman, Tailor & Barber.

Contact 96964767 Wanted Diesel Mechanics, foreman for cement block factory, JCB & forklift operators. Salesman for block factory, experienced salesman for logistics, labors for block factory.

Email : smylackal@gmail.com, Contact 94007259 C.C.T.V camera technician, Electrician & plumber, Driver, Mason.

Contact: 99383044

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Rig Operator/Technician/Driver/ Security Positions in Musandam.

Must have Oil field experience Good Communication Skills. Please email your resume in Arabic and English to HR@petroteloman.com

SALES / MARKETING Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154 Required Smart, dynamic Sales & A reputed company in Muscat requires Sales Executive to promote Oil engine products. Candidate must have 2- 5 yrs experience in the related field, with GCC driving license.

Send CV with expected salary at employmentoil2015@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Required urgently Energetic Marketing executive for acquiring new customers. Should possess a Valid Omani DL. Contact 96545020.

An excellent grade company wishes to recruit for the post of Marketing Executive for science products. Male candidates only, preferred candidates with bachelors degree in life sciences. Interested candidates may send their CV’s to Email : medical@omanmed.com Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co Required Marketing Executive.

Contact 24816774 / 99020458 Sales Executive Industrial products : 2-3 yrs of exp. with good communication & computer skills. D/L is must. Send resume to salescvv@hotmail.com Accomplished Sales Executives/ Telemarketing Executives for leading Digital Media Enterprise. jobs@interacoman.com Furniture field experienced Salesman with license.

Contact - 99345159, 91398378 , E-Mail - agsan2005@gmail.com Urgently required outdoor salesman for building material, shop.

Contact 99867456 / 24501882 A logistics company wishes to recruit experienced Marketing Executives for its clearing & forwarding division. Interested candidates may send their CV’s at Email : medical@omanmed.com Urgently require Indian male/ female Medical sales representative for Cosmetic Company. Email CV to dania@nitrogenmedical.com Salesman & Merchandisers urgently required for a reputed FMCG Company engaged in manufacturing & trading in Oman. Candidate must have minimum 1-2 yrs experience in the similar field & valid Oman driving license.

Interested candidates may send their CV to sunnex3@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

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

MISCELLANEOUS

MEP Engineer on urgent basis required for immediate placement.

Please contact tgi17@omantel.net.om

MISCELLANEOUS

MANAGER

ENGINEER A grade Civil construction company in Muscat urgently requires the following person with minimum 3 yrs experience : 1) Electrical Engineer 2) AutoCAD Draughtsman 3) Purchaser.

Send CV to hr.azatllc@gmail.com

Management finance professional, 36 yrs experience, 20 yrs in Oman with oil & gas & mining companies can work independently or head the division, Sudanese Nationality.

Contact 98531303

Wanted Civil Engineer with 7 yrs and above experience. Email : almoosaengineering@gmail.com

Indian Cook required. Should know Omani traditional foods.

Contact 99209264

K.Design LLC requires “2d & 3d Draftsman” with minimum 3 yrs experience. Send CV to k.designoman@gmail.com

Finance/ Audit professional with 18 yrs Gulf experience can work independently or head the division looking for opening. Contact 92787747 / 92168401.

Looking for a foreign staff with experience in Oman in real estate & real estate valuation.

Contact 99109094, email : aburashid94dd@gmail.com Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation) Contact# 24480487/24483493

12 yrs of Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement. Contact 99513082 Certified Public Accountant, Filipino Male 26 years, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 yrs. of experience now on visit visa, Looking for suitable opening.

Contact: +968 91409308 Email: kennethalcedo07@gmail.com

Accounts finance Indian male 35 yrs B.Com, M.B.A tally exp 9.7 yrs exp 1.5 yr Oman family visa N.O.C available. Contact : 93257426.

Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com

Part time accountant services available. Contact:93438100

Chief Financial Officer 16 yrs of Management exp with MNCs in Pakistan, expert in financial reporting sap/oracle implementing & optimization, Treasury, taxation, team work and change Management.

Contact: 91936637/ Email : rizwanfarooq.pk@gmail.com

Female (Filipina) Accountant, Audit, Finance, Bookkeeper, 15 yrs experience, on tourist visa, looking for suitable placement, contact: 96944976, email: precyr_tupasi@yahoo.com

M.com, female, good knowledge in computer & tally 1 yr experience in Sales & Accounts seeks suitable placement.

Contact 99363721

Fresh Graduate B.Com with CIMA .

U. K. (Partly Qualified ) looking for a suitable position in the Middle east.

Contact 9470 5767 Indian male, MBA, 27 yrs, 2 yrs exp. in Oman in Accounts upto finalization of accounts, seeks suitable placement. Contact 91208799, jahafeer@yahoo.co.in Part time accountant services available to handle all accounts related work up to finalization.

Contact 96247295 Indian male,, MBA, Finance, 10 yrs exp as Branch Supervisor in a reputed logistics company in Oman with an overall experience of 21 yrs in finance & logistics, with valid Oman D/L, on visit looks for suitable placement. Contact 96567151, girishlalmahadev@yahoo.com FMCG professional with 18 yrs Gulf experience in commercial / operations looking for opening.

Contact 92787747 / 92168401 Senior Document Controller, male, Indian, MCA 9+ yrs experience as Document controller in oil & gas sector seeks job as Senior Document controller. Contact 95388197, Email : rojanchristopher@gmail.com Indian female B.Tech (EEE) MBA finance with 1and half years experience as Bank Officer in India seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 91358676 / 98157895 Email: sujivu88@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 14 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598 Oman/Qatar experienced Indian lady available for immediate placement HR / Admin/ front office/ reception/document controller/ insurance coordinator.

Contact : 0097470057238 shinuemil@gmail.com Indian 16 yrs exp in admin, Office management and have knowledge in accounting looking for job. Release available and have D/L. Contact: 99573353 Chartered CIPD HR Professional having 5 years of experience in Oman seeking suitable job.

Call +971552071501.

8 yrs exp in Admin & Accounts (3 yrs in Oman), MBA, Indian female, seeks placement. Contact 97243806

BEAUTICIAN Beautician from India looking for job. Contact 93554741

DRIVER Light Duty Driver with 2 yrs exp. in Oman. Contact 96420742 Light Driver with 2 yrs experience looking for job with visa.

Contact 96794309 Driver, Indian Keralite, 4 yrs experience. Contact 93798442 Driver available, 24 hrs, pick & drop. Contact 95154610 Indian light driver having 1 yr experience in Oman, knowing English, Hindi, Arabic looking for job.

Contact 95214332 Indian male, looking for Heavy Driver job, holding Kuwait driving license. Contact 98136170 H.T. V Driver, Pakistani experience, 6 yrs, seeks work in company only.

Contact 93985087 Indian male 2 yrs exp in (D/L in sales seeker suitable placement.

Contact: 92055093 Light Driver, 9 yrs exp. (Keralite).

Contact 97313562 Looking for a job as Driver, with 9 yrs experience in Oman, language : Arabic/ English/ Hindi.

Contact 92517532 Light driver 5 years exp Education B.A language English, Arabic & Hindi. Contact : 98522914 / 91615715

An Indian Lady Chartered Accountant with five years experience (including articleship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job. Contact 9621 0347 / 9943 5346, shincycrajan@gmail.com

Heavy & light duty driver valid GCC license looking job from India.

Contact 93554741

Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance).

Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com

Sri Lankan driver. Contact 97387112

Motivated and energetic male 25 having 4 years of experience in finance with Master’s degree in Economics and CAT Certified seeking opportunity in Accounts/finance/ audit in a reputable organization.

Cell no: 00968-94626209 E-Mail: omerjawedshah@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian male having 17 yrs experience in Logistics, Purchase, payroll processing & office Admin, UAE D/L seeks suitable position, valid visa till 24th August’15. . Contact 91219303 Purchase, Admin, Indian male, 15 yrs Gulf experience.

Contact: 95435370 HSE Admin experience for 10 years in GCC with valid D/L seeking to join a reputed firm. NOC available.

Contact: 99626821 Indian female, 29 yrs, MBA (HR) 4 yrs exp in HR & Admin seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95619537 Master degree HRM professional having excellent experience in finance and management and having 8 yrs experience looking for suitable placement. # 92955453 / 91213269

Light Driver, 5 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 92617293

Light duty driver, 8 yrs exp.

Contact: 96736744

DRAUGHTSMAN 17 yrs Oman experienced MEP/ Civil Senior Draftsman / Designer seeking placement.

Contact 93130104, Email : designjob2014@gmail.com Draftsman (2D/3D) 3 yrs exp in Oman with light Oman driving license. Contact:95962384

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

Contact 95175192

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Civil Engineer B.E, 5.5 years experience with Omani D/L. Contact: 96785311 Electrical Engineer bachelor degree having 6+ years experience of Gulf and professional license available to join. Contact: 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com SAP – SCM.MM Consultant B.Tech.

(Chemical), from NIT, working with oil industry, seeks employment.

Contact: 98049288

T H U R S DAY, AU G U S T 2 0, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

MISCELLANEOUS

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian BE (Mech) Engineer having P.G diploma in oil &gas piping and level two NDT seeks immediate placement in any industry at present on visit visa.

Contact: 92013757/ 99774956 Indian job in procurement & contract have “13” years purchase & contract experience in infrastructure & energy sector. NOC is available.

Contact-91237036 Sudanese Electrical Engineer.

Email : mohamedkarrar.mk@gmail. com, contact 97452159 BE Mechanical Engineer, 22 yrs, Indian male on permanent visa & valid driving license looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact 91652927 / 99680181, Email : fawaris.09@gmail.com Bangladeshi male, BSC Engg in Civil, total 3 years experience, 2 years in Oman, looking for job.

Contact: 00968 94038642 ; email: shaikhhasib.ce@gmail.com Pakistani male, Diploma in civil, total 6 years experience , 4 years in Oman, with valid D/L, looking for job.

Contact: +968 98568934; Emai: eng.arfan54@yahoo.com Indian male, 15 yrs experience in GCC looking for HSE job, NOC, local transfer available.

Contact 93099578, Email : abdulsamad1966@yahoo.com Indian male, 29 yrs, BE Electronics & Communication Engg (5 yrs exp. in Oman) with valid D/L. Contact 96652145 Civil Engineer BSc -7 years experience with constructions companies - 2 years in Oman - qualified as a project Engineer- Fluent in Arabic & English - Contact 98078095 Civil Engineer Indian male 10 yrs exp having Omani D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94194399 (shiblyrock@gmail.com) Indian male, 30 yrs, Diploma in Civil Engineer, 5 yrs exp. at building construction & consulting company with Oman driving license.

NOC available seeks suitable placement. Contact 95989500, cv.shihabedappal@gmail.com HSE Logistics Site Coordination with 10 yrs exp. in Oman seeks placement, with Oman D/L. Contact 92825053 / 92565093 Mechanical Engineer, 2 yrs experience in Automobile services.

Contact 98182081 Indian Mechanical Engineer (QA/ QC) Engineer with 5 yrs of experience in oil & gas, mining & manufacturing sector, keyskills – NDT, Welding Inspection, Quality control, inspection etc. Contact 91176122, Email : khajanaseer07@yahoo.co.in Electrical Engg, suitable for office works, NOC available, experience in maintenance for CB & relays, fluent in English. Contact 97891226 / 95268664 B Tech Mechanical Engineer HVAC Plumbing with 2 yrs exp. in India. Contact : 97654489 nikhilchandpm@gmail.com Indian Civil Engineer, B.Tech, 13 yrs experience in building pipes.

Contact 91342325 Indian male MBA 13 yrs exp in Oman (8 yrs in Tech Documentation 5 yrs in Project coordination) Administration, seeks suitable placement. Visa transfer / NOC available.

Contact : 93069441 Civil Engg, B.Tech, Indian male, having 3 yrs of experience in Construction & EPB looking for suitable placement. Contact 91430851.

Civil Engineer (B. Tech) Indian female, 2 yrs exp (1 yr in Oman) seeks suitable position.

Contact: 93911895 Pakistani Civil Management Engineer, 12+ 2 yrs Oman experience, Oman D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94392616 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com Civil Engineer, more than 6 yrs experience in Supervision, site management, QS, Engineering software with valid Oman driving license.

NOC available. Contact 91761364, Email : a-shaqfa@hotmail.com

Babar Ali Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, No need of Visa, already working in of the Omani Construction Company.

Contact:- 95983711.

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

EDUCATION

MEDICAL

Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available.

Looking for(Store,Coordination,Admin ,Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885

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

Indian Dentist couple seeking for an opportunity, both Prometric passed, BDS male (80%), BDS female (81%).

Email ppdr2020@gmail.com, Ph: 97985325

Civil foreman, Civil Engineer, Indian exp overseas looking for job.

Contact 95175192 Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineer, 26 yrs, Masters from Singapore, Bachelors from India. Having 2 yrs work experience in Oman, with Valid Oman driving license. available immediately. Contact: 95498953 Mechanical Engineer with 5 yrs exp in which 3 yrs in GCC with valid D/L. looking for suitable placement.

Contact :94172136, Email: allen.mathew@hotmail.com Indian male 24 yrs B Tech Electronics & communication looking for job, having 6 months exp available in Muscat on visit visa.

Contact: 94756280 / 95084905, Email: vivek2573459@gmail.com Civil Engineer : Pakistani male having 4 yrs experience in Oman. Well handle site & guide workers, seeks suitable placement. All the documents available. Contact 96470310.

Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC licence holder seeking a job mail – shyjalpk@gmail.com Indian male Electronic Technician, 7 yrs experience, CCTV Technician seeks suitable job, now on visit visa.

Contact 98353542 / 99179853 Indian male, B.Tech, B.Tech (Electronics) MBA (Marketing) having 1 yr experience as Deputy Manager Sales in Fortune 100 MNC currently on visit visa seeks suitable job.

Contact 96967234, Email: lijotitus111@gmail.com SUPERVISOR: Indian male site supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING) 25 years of experience with valid Oman Driving license, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 93391910 Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Civil Engineer BSc-Total Experience 6 years-2 years in Oman, experience in site work & Structural Design & Technical office. Contact 97983610 Indian male, Supervisor Electrician Diploma 8 yrs in Oman. NOC available. Contact 95057068, jratheesh@yahoo.com Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com Civil Project Engineer exp 10 yrs.

Contact: 92673432 Email: arifjamalkhan8@gmail.com Telecommunication Maintenance Engineer Sudanese male 2 years experience in HUAWEI hardware field cabins good communication English & Arabic. Contact :+ 968 96433495 / +968 94756295 Email: muzamilawadalla@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, Indian male, 29 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF tyres) seeks suitable placement. #92789995, Email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Electrical Engineer 2 years experience (Indian) construction (building) looking suitable placement.

Contact 00968 92596672 Email: kundara.renjith@gmail.com Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385 Experienced Electrical Technician, with Oman driving license looking for suitable placement.# 96103843

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

Contact 91330415

HOSPITALITY Diploma holder in Aviation Hospitality & travel management, Indian male seeking for suitable position, presently in Oman. Contact 97309707 4 Years experienced (Money exchange services & Hospitality services in Oman & India) - Indian male 27 years, graduate in Hospitality science, fluent in English, Hindi & Arabic seeks suitable placement.

Contact 91383167

IT NETWORK/NETWORK SECURITY ENGG. Graduate in B.Tech CS. Have 5.3 years of experience in Network and Security devices. Certified on CCNA, CCNP, MCITP and CCIE Sec. Written passed. NOC available. Can join immediately. Contact +974-55297089, e-mail: rejad.hashim@gmail.com Indian female MCA,24 years seeking suitable job. Contact 93439467 Indian female, B.Tech, IT (now in Muscat on visit visa) with total 2 yrs experience (1.3 yrs in TCS, India) seeks suitable placement.

Contact 93949541 / 93738083, email : joantoms91@gmail.com B.E (Computer) degree Engineer, complete schooling in Muscat, male, Indian with 1 yr experience needs job in software / networking / Java/ Web design or Marketing.

Contact 97136248 / 99313821 Sudanese female IT Tech. Support, Demographic, English fluent exp.

11.6 yrs. Contact: 96659392 Indian (f) with 7 yrs exp in software development (2.5 yrs Oman exp) good knowledge in .net and MSSQL Server seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 93276784 email: sanalkumar63@gmail.com Indian visit visa, Network / System Engineer switches, routers, servers, load balancers 5 yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE), CCNA looking for good opportunity. Contact: 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Supervisor fabrication. 30 years experienced in oil and gas industry with thorough knowledge of PDO procedures. contact 99365694, 92362946, 99208102 email: tapasroy21@yahoo . com Supervisor / Forman interior / electrical with Oman driving license.

Contact: 93438075 MIB Post Graduate /male – more than 9 years of experience in shipping & Logistics in middle east (Liner Section) looking for a suitable job in Oman. .Mob :( India) 91-9400043894, Oman 99899627 Email: jaise81@gmail.com Indian Male 13 years experience in Purchase/Store seeks urgent placement Contact -99609696

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

Contact: 96944298 36 yrs, Indian, male, X Ray, Welder looking for job, 8 yrs experience in TIG & ARC Welding, presently on visit visa.# 91360190 / 91843992 Management Professional accountable, responsible for profitable management can handle the entire operations, HR/Recruitment, Business development & Sales & marketing & etc, Great organizational skills with over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs) as General Manager - Publications, Printing,Media. open to any industry, can Join immediately w/NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com

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

Contact 93031168 Masters in Information Systems and IT with more than 12 years experience seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 98502793, email:jobsrs6@gmail.com

M.Sc Microbiologist, Indian female, 3 yrs experience seeking suitable placement in Medical Lab food or water. Contact 92302719 Veterinary Doctor with 10 yrs experience, looking for job.

Contact 92533579 BA degree Nursing professional having excellent looking for suitable placement. Contact:: 92955453 /91213269

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

Contact 95245057

SALES / MARKETING Dynamic professional in consumer business/ sales with over 20 yrs of experience in Oman field, FMCG consumer electronics consumer telecom looking for suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact 99360975 / 99049536.

Indian male, MBA, Marketing having 5 yrs experience in Sales/ Marketing in Oman seeks suitable placement. D/L & NOC available.

Contact 93815477 Indian male 27 yrs, Diploma, 3 yrs exp in Oman in Sales & Supervisor, Oman driving license holder, looking for suitable placements.noc available. Contact 93725995 Marketing/Sales, having work experience of 6 years in the hotel sales and tour operations seeking for immediate job placement.

Contact 98078305 Indian male, 30 yrs, 6 yrs Oman exp. outdoor supplier & sales with D/L. Contact 93100297 / 92547440 Indian male Graduate with 2 yrs exp in sales advertising, presently on visiting visa looking for suitable opening. Contact: 95462921 Male, 29 yrs, MBA, Marketing having 9 yrs experience in Sales, Marketing, customer services seeks job. Contact 98163254, Email : shujaat_ali2014@hotmail.com Graduate, Indian male, 39 yrs, GCC experienced 9 yrs in Sales logistics with D/L. Contact 98826959 Indian male, Graduate with 18 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing 3 yrs in UAE currently on visit visa, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 91996486 / 99732070 Sudanese young man looking for job with suitable fluent in computers & experience in Sales.

Contact 91318822 MBA Graduate with 1 yr experience in Sales, having D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact 97620084, email : gautamacchu13@gmail.com Bangladeshi male, looking job for salesman. Contact 97756028 Indian male, 2 yrs exp. in Sales with D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92055093 MBA, HR & Marketing, Indian, male, 25 yrs, fresher, on visit visa seeks placement. Contact 94736649 / 98207564, Email : dvengels8191@gmail.com Marketing/Sales, 1 year experience/ Degree holder(BBA) / valid Driving license. Contact;94122944, mail; raashidjabirm@gmail.com Indian on visit visa, having 5 yrs exp. in procurement / purchase in KSA with valid Saudi driving license. Contact 95438201 Male, BA with D/L, 6 yrs exp. in Oman seeks suitable job in Sales & Inventory & procure.

Contact 92191026

AutoCad Civil Draftsman – Having 3 years- experience, looking for a placement.(Full- time or Part time) 99627427 / 96154564.

SALES / MARKETING Indian male 27 years, B.Tech Graduate having good work experience with valid Oman D/L looking for a suitable opening as Sales Engineer.

Contact: 91472953 Email: harees.rasheed.2014@gmail.com Looking for job as Salesman at any shop. Contact 96930922

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED Building construction supervisor looking for small Omani company to handle independently or suitable placement in good company with Oman D/L. Contact 93061107 TIG+ARC Welder Indian with 16 yrs Middle East exp. in Copper Nickel, Duplex, Inconel, S.S, CS Now on visit visa seeks suitable placement..

Contact : 96502282.

Email: manuangola88@gmail.com

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

MISCELLANEOUS SALES MANAGER (MECHANICAL ENGINEER)-Over 5 yrs in Oman, with experience in Industrial Products & Services with Noc & driving license looking for the challenging opportunities. Notice period Ends on 27th August -2015 . GSM - 95291830 ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having 8yrs. experience in Operation (Shipping & Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

GSM: 97121525 Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 30 years, Looking for suitable placement in CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES and OILFIELD INDUSTRIES. Having 5 years of gulf experience in FASTENERS and BUILDING MATERIAL. with good communication skills.

Contact: 00968 97756269, Email: razzakbmt@gmail.com Male available for a part time accounting & admin job, Contact 99196621.

INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa. Seeking suitable placement. Contact no. 98045482 21 years, B. Com, graduate male ‘fresher’ well versed in English, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam with Driving license looking for a suitable job. Contact: 96799287

Indian Female, 25 years, M.Sc Electronics + Multimedia, having one year teaching experience in Government college in India, seeks suitable placement. Contact GSM 99367448 Indian Male, 37 Years , B Tech Graduate Electrical. Having 12 Years Experience of DCRP Works / Jobs in Oman with Driving License, Looking for an suitable opening, NOC Available. Contact – 92122338, Email saiviharvasanth@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439 Indian Female Lawyer having 11 yrs experience presently working in Oman seeks placement in Legal/HR/ Admin etc. NOC available Contact-94436960 Email: famidakhan123@gmail.com INDIAN MALE 24 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic).Having 2 years experience as Electrical Site Engineer in Constructions. Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications.

Seeking for suitable placement in constructions or in any related industries. Contact no: 98045482/ mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having 8yrs. experience in Operation (Shipping&Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

GSM: 97121525 Quantity Surveyor-MEP (Estimation/Project) ,Total 10 Years Experience (3 years in Oman).

Having NOC & Oman D/L, Looking for suitable job, Contact - 97906551 Well qualified Indian Female Bsc, Computers diploma 9 years of experience as Executive Secretary seeks placement.

Contact 95423692,91374217 Indian female with MBA in finance on visit visa seeking immediate placement.

Contact :968-93316493 Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 30 years , looking for suitable placement in construction industries and oilfield industries. Having 5 years of Gulf experience in FASTENERS and building material. with good communication skills. Contact: 97756269, Email: razzakbmt@gmail.comIndian Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 YEARS in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat. GSM:97475860 Email:yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com Pakistani male 32 years IT network + Computer Hardware professional A+ MCSE Termination Technician work Experience in salalah airport.

10+ years experience in IT field and 2 years Oman working experience valid GCC driving license available looking for a suitable placement contact no 96733205 Email - faisalzaman24@gmail.com B.E Mechanical engineer,2 years job experience in Oman in pipeline field, having ASNT level ll in UT,RT,MT and PT, fluent in English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi, with valid Omani driving license (light) searching for job. # +968 92745691

24 years, ACCA affiliate, 2.5 years of experience in audit, finance in Big6 and oil industry, looking for suitable placement, NOC release available. Contact 95140445, Email: a.saran891@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANT: Indian male senior Accountant, Graduate & CA Article ship completed. 18 Years of experience. Currently on visiting visa. seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 99769743, Email: hilariankj@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer : Indian , male 23 years, 2 years experience, on visit visa . Seeking suitable placement.

Contact : +968 91409712 , Email : nibin.nani@gmail.com

Indian male executive secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact : 99514286

D6

T H U R S D AY, AU G U S T 2 0, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

CLASSES

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

ACC. AVAILABLE Room for rent with sharing bathroom & kitchen at Al Khuwair, behind Golden Spoon Restaurant.

Contact 92994415 Furnished room for Indian Bachelor in Al Falaj area (Ruwi) & Lady in Wadi Kabir (near Al Maya).

Contact 96761960

NRI

Fully furnished room for a decent expatriate. independent kitchen, bathroom in Wadi Adai.

Contact 96243086 at 5p.m.

Room attached toilet and kitchen near Indian School Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95345537 Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis. Contact : 99378397/99493500

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

Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 35 yrs, 10 yrs UAE experience in FMCG, looking for a suitable position in sales and marketing, valid GCC license on visit visa.

Contact 93438747, 95723635.

Indian Male 28 years MSM, B. Com having 6years experience in Gulf and India as a HR and Admin looking for suitable placement. Contact : 97914340.

Email: rajkv30@gmail.com

COMPUTER Plots for sale : 6 cents near UC College Aluva, Kerala, 30 cents Perunna West Changanacherry, Kerala.

Contact 99468907 Thiruvalla at Kattode 300 mtrs .from T.K. Road, 10 cents square plot for sale. Contact: 97229763

Available for a part time accounting job. Contact 99196621

MATRIMONIAL Having exp in the following, MS Windows Server 2003 & 2008, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 & E-Mail Client Administration,Linux Administration, Service Desk Administration, Network Management, Technical Support. Presently the candidate in India.Mob:97239854

Kerala Syro Malabar Catholic girl, 28 yrs, working in Salalah, MOH from Palakkad, seeks suitable alliance from Keralite professionals in Muscat. Contact 99357901

Software Developer, Indian female, B.Tech (AE & I), M.Tech (VLSI Design), asp.net, C#,.net, C++, Core Java, Android Java, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95906935, Email : amalpkku@gmail.com

Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin, 20 yrs BA graduate from Oman, good looking homely with good religious values, seeking alliances from Muslim professionals, well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 99644760 or Email: ghulamuzma23@gmail.com

Electronics / Instrumentation Engineer, Indian female, M.Tech (VLSI Design), B.Tech (applied Electronics & Instrumentation), ASP.Net, C++.Net, C++, Android Java, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95906935, Email : amalpktu@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

WEBSITE

B.Com graduate, 11 years experience in Accounts, 9 years Oman experience , Oman valid driving license, looking for suitable post.

Mob:92758404 NOC Available.

Indian male, B.com, MBA, having 5 years experience (3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/accounts/ admin dept.Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license.

Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Indian Male, 32 yrs, MBA-HR, Trainer & Faculty worked on Omanisation & nationals development activities with 10 yrs of experience seeking suitable job. Contact : 93891401 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Female MBA gold medalist, with computer proficiency, Oman driving license looking for job opportunity in event management companies in Muscat. Ph : 99012949 Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science,diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience dba oracle plsql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba,network Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic Tel: 91415886 Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/97357143 Indian male 27 years B.E & MS Mechanical Engineer working in Delhi for last 4 years inJcb India pvt. ltd., seeks placement in Oman. #93393768

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Split window cassette AC unit servicing, maintenance.

Contact: 99540621

Looking for Investor to start steel fabrication unit. Contact 98314531 Invite business proposals on profit sharing basis. Email : contact@absmct.com/ 99221683 Canadian Consultancy Company is looking for a Partner in Oman. For more information please contact +973 39990830

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

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New company seek partnership.

Contact: 96996938 General Investors.

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GOOD NEWS FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: Driver for Automatic Transmis99425598, 99250777, 99353988, sion. Contact: 99040813 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133.

For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com

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

Contact: Saleh : 96723485 For AutoCAD drawings and Civil Engg. Q.S works, please contact.92758095 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 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Civil maintenance - plumbing, electrical, painting, and tiling, interior decorations, shop furnishing and all other maintenance works.

Contact: 97897831 / 92112094 (Indian, Keralite) Pest control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants ,Rodents & Termites. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99357908 / 99344723.

General cleaning & Shampooing.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 / 99357908

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476 Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact 93769089 / 95323517 Maintenance working interlocks, tiles, fixing painting & others working. Contact: 92179395 All maintenance & repairs. Contact Rizwan: 99429071, RMPM Trading.

A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing.

Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

GOOD NEWS

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

Contact: 98667326

Fresh flowers Jasmine Roses Marigold & Garlands for Onam & other festivals, advance booking accepted.

Haridas Nensey. Contact 24750784

General cleaning in buildings villas all types interior, exterior, polishing dry cleaning carpets, rugs, marble etc. Contact 94134784 / 98598280

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

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DAILY GUIDE TOURS

SITUATION WANTCARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

RENT A CAR

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

TRANSPORTATION Transportation.

Contact 99664703 Transportation only in Muscat.

Contact 96736975 Transportation. Contact 98178135 Transportation available.

Contact 95570429 Transport. Contact: 95190627 Transportation. Contact: 96538078 Transportation. Contact:98522914 Transportation. Contact 99508282

Car for rent. Contact: 92516090

Transportation. Contact: 98244078

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

Pick & Drop any time. Contact 97014786

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DAILY GUIDE

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