Times of Oman - September 20, 2015

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‘CHECK TIME-TABLE TO CUT SCHOOL BAG WEIGHT’ SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

Your child’s school bag could be heavy with textbooks and notebooks not needed on that particular day. >A5

SUNDAY, September 20, 2015 / 6 Dhul Hijja 1436 AH

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Is perfect selfie worth dying for? to the brink to capture a video of an overflowing wadi or a fire for sharing on social media, unmindful of the threat to their own

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FATAL MISTAKE: In the age of social media, many are willing to do anything to share that perfect photo or video. – Supplied photo

Reiterating that it was inherently wrong for anyone to do so, Pudwell said, “It is both distressing for those injured and for the families of those that have died under such awful circumstances.”

Sensationalism “Everyone is acutely aware that sensationalism can reap financial rewards, but should that be at the expense of someone else’s dignity and the right to privacy, and more importantly, to their own safety?” he asked.

Another civil defence official said, “Many people tend to compete with each to get such exclusive videos and pictures and upload them on social media, which in turn pressures others to do the same and risk their lives and that of others for the sake of shortlived fame.”

An official said, “It turns out that people will go to great lengths, risking life and limb, to capture the perfect shot. But they are putting their lives and that of the rescuers in danger.”

W O R L D - C L A S S T R E AT M E N T

Accident in wadis The PACDA official said, “We have had many cases where people almost fell into wadis trying to make a video. It is natural to want to share what you are seeing. But then it is also very easy for those, who do not know how to swim to think that they might be able to make a video standing inside a wadi, which can be very dangerous.”

In some instances, individuals tried to capture the scene at the site of a raging fire on film and ended up with burn injuries after getting too close.

Salim Al Sarhani, who is very active on social media said, “I capture heavy rains, storms and accidents. I like share the videos and photos I capture with the public and sometimes even if I have to take risks.”

He did not think that this could harm him or others. Social commentator Khalid Hamdan said he had come across many videos, where individuals risked their lives to capture a picture. >A6 TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Oman needs to revive its cottage industry

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Oman needs to revive its rich heritage of handicrafts and rural industries at a time when the Sultanate faces employment challenges and downturn. The rural industrialists create employment in their own areas and offer training to youngsters. >A3

HEALTHCARE: Dr Sarenjit Kaur, operation manager at KPJ, left,

and Amal Mahfoudh, corporate executive at KPJ. – Supplied photo

REGION

Sisi swears in new Egypt government

Malaysia eyes medical tourists 2 from Sultanate

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi swore in a new government on Saturday that included 16 new ministers, a week after the previous administration resigned after a corruption scandal. >A7

MUSCAT: Malaysia is seeking to attract more medical tourists from Oman, with its competitive prices for world-class treatment and the convenience it offers to Muslim patients.

Malaysia has been developing its medical tourism, and in addition to the ‘competitive’ costs for quality treatment, there are other factors that give it a cutting edge, said an official from KPJ Healthcare Berhad (KPJ), Ma-

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

T H R E E - D AY M O U R N I N G

Dubai ruler’s son dies of heart attack

Late Sheikh Rashid, son of the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE.

ABU DHABI: Dubai announced a three-day mourning period after the 33-year old son of the Dubai Ruler passed away, the official state news agency WAM reported on Saturday.

Sheikh Rashid, son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, suffered a heart attack on Saturday morning, the agency said. Sheikh Rashid was the eldest son of Sheikh Mohammed. Rashid’s brother Sheikh Hamdan is the Crown Prince of Dubai. -Reuters

Oman lodges protest with Saudi envoy

FAHAD AL GHADANI

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His Majesty sends condolences

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S A NA A AT TA C K

lives, say experts

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

CABLE

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has send a cable of condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai over the demise of his son, Sheikh Rashid, on Saturday.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has prayed to Almighty the Allah to bestow his mercy upon the deceased and rest his soul in eternal peace and grant his family patience to bear the loss. -ONA

People often go

MUSCAT: Taking a photograph during the rain or a storm or shooting a video of an overflowing wadi may be fun for some, but in reality indulging in such activities during inclement weather could prove fatal, warn experts.

“People are willing to go to the extremes to take a video or a photo to share on social media,” said a Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances (PACDA) official.

They often find people taking videos of a gushing wadi or when a fire breaks out, and in extreme cases even when people are in trouble, he added.

“Instead of staying away they try to get as close as possible for a better shot. They forget that they can be swept away, or in case of fires there could be an explosion.

Besides, in the age of social media, dangerous selfies are also a trend.

Many are willing to do anything to share that perfect photo or video,” said the official.

Mark Pudwell, business development and training manager of Competence HR, said putting oneself in harm’s way for the sake of a sensational photo to share with one’s friends is totally irresponsible and completely immoral.

“The first question that people need to ask themselves is a moral one: Should I be taking photographs of people in extreme distress and then making them public?” he asked.

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laysia’s leading private healthcare service provider.

Dr Sarenjit Kaur, operations manager at KPJ, revealed this while speaking during the 5th edition of Oman Health Exhibition and Conference, which was held recently at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Muscat.

“We are a Muslim country. Our hospitals are halal certified. Food is halal. There are facilities for Muslims, such as praying rooms.

It is very convenient,” Kaur told Times of Oman. >A4

MARKET

Oman investigates dumping of goods

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Oman is currently evaluating one or two cases of suspected dumping of goods by Asian exporters. However, the cases are not serious enough to warrant action as the foreign firms were only found to be selling their products. >B1

MUSCAT: The Sultanate, through the Foreign Ministry, summoned Eid Mohammed Al Thaqafi, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia and handed him a letter of protest against the Arab alliance’s air strike, which targeted the residence of the Omani ambassador in Sanaa.

Oman expressed its deep regret at this incident and demanded an explanation. The memo was issued because Riyadh leads the Arab alliance in the war in Yemen.

The objection memo reads as follows: “We would like to inform you about our strong protest against the aircraft of the Arab alliance targeting the residence of the ambassador of Oman in

Sanaa, destroying the building and causing heavy damage therein. While we object to this action against Oman, we demand an explanation from the Kingdom about this unacceptable conduct which harms the interests of the Sultanate in Sanaa. The Sultanate has been keen to extend every possible assistance to Saudi Arabia and considers the continuation of this war, for an unforeseeable time, a threat to the region’s stability. The Sultanate looks forward to the exertion of more efforts in Yemen with a view to ending the current conditions and encouraging the Yemeni parties to resort to dialogue and achieve stability in their country.” >A4

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Keep calm and meditate

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The terrain of Musandam is linked to its varied environment and wildlife, which are homogeneous on land and at sea.

Musandam enhances environment efforts >A4

Z U B A I R C O R P O R AT I O N

Parents of special children get best practices training

Water shortage hits Darsait area

Times News Service MUSCAT: With the intention of training and qualifying parents and families of autistic children on best practices and guidance the Zubair Corporation launched third training course themed ‘For Them’.

The social advisory committee at the Zubair Corporation is involved in a number of activities and training programmes dedicated to community service. Two previous training sessions were held for the same purpose in the Governorates of North Al Batinah and Muscat.

The initiative falls within the framework of corporation’s CSR strategy to reach out to society.

The corporation formed a committee dedicated to social communication consisting of a group of prominent Omani personalities from different disciplines and specialisations who have a significant role in serving the community through voluntary work.

The social advisory committee has carefully selected a number of social initiatives to be launched according to the society’s needs and priorities.

After the positive response and success of the first two training sessions held by the Autism initiative team in Muscat and Sohar, the committee decided to implement the ‘For Them’ initiative in Nizwa, which is currently witnessing some cultural activities after having been declared the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2015.

The initiative team prepared real life examples on how to deal with autistic children. Mohamed Al Rashidi, a team member, presented a number of documentaries on the raising of some autistic children and the responses of their families to them. These documentaries were mostly on autistic children who have later become influential in their communities.

The training team comprised

Low pressure is leading to the water supply crisis, says the Public Authority for Water and Electricity (PAEW).

For the last seven HELPING HAND: The programme had a number of documentaries about raising autistic children and the responses of their families to them. The documentaries were mostly on autistic children who have later become influential in their communities.– Supplied photo

a group of parents with autistic children. These were Zahrah Al Jerdanih, Mohammad Al Rashidi, and Walid Al Baluchi, along with Fayza Al Rashidiya and Shwain Al Khamisi, who added to the knowledge they acquired from their own experiences with their children and their observations on many of the real life situations through experimentation.

Both Al Jerdanih and Al Khamisi demonstrated a number of positive educational approaches and games that guide the parent in helping the child adapt and step out of autism and avoid some of the habits that may hinder treatment among many children.

Speaking on the initiative, the corporation said, “Based on its vision and strategy designated to serving the society, the Zubair Corporation seeks to launch a package of sustainable and successful initiatives that are closely linked to the priorities and requirements of the community. The social advisory committee’s selection of the initiative falls within the scope of the social responsibility and vision and after having evaluated the need of this category for more attention

and efforts for a bright future for autistic children.”

Al Khamisi said, “I thank the Zubair Corporation for this humanitarian gesture to take care of this growing segment of children, based on annual statistics, and guide parents on the most appropriate ways to deal with such children and integrate them within the community.”

Al Jerdanih said, “I thank my fellow members of the team supervising this initiative and training team, I also would like to emphasise to all parents of autistic children that with each training workshop I have more appreciation and understanding for my child and all children with autism and for this I extend my thanks and great appreciation to the Zubair Corporation for their efforts and devotion to this humanitarian task.”

The corporation has launched a range of community initiatives during this year including ‘For Them’ and ‘Iqraa’ to establish public libraries in public places on a permanent basis. All these initiatives are organised under the umbrella of the social advisory committee.

days, Darsait has been facing water problem and people are depending on water supplied by the nearby mosques

REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Some 200 families have been affected for the last seven days in the Darsait Towian area due to the low pressure in water supply pipelines, which has led to severe water shortage, residents said.

“We have contacted the Public Authority for Water and Electricity (PAEW) many times. The answer we get is that low pressure is leading to the water supply crisis. However, they are not able to tell us when this crisis will end. For the last seven days, water has become a big problem for us,” said the residents.

Presently, they are depending on water supplied by the nearby mosques.

“A few water supply tankers are

PUBLIC TRAVAILS: A few water supply tankers are coming to Darsait but most of the buildings don’t have facilities to pump in water from the tankers.– Times

coming. But most of the buildings don’t have facilities to pump in water from the tankers. So that is also a problem,” residents said, while adding that many houses had children and aged people.

In August, an official from PAEW had said that the water crisis in Muscat would become less severe as the authorities are continuing their trial run of the new Ghubra desalination plant.

“We are testing the quality of water during the trial run to provide residents with pure and clean water. The quantity that passes the test is sent into the distribution network, along with

the old plant’s water,” the PAEW official had said at the time.

The tanks at the old Ghubra desalination plants are being gradually emptied, even as the plant continues to supply water to several areas in Muscat, and the new desalination plant is also contributing during the test phase. The test phase will continue till September until the old desalination plant is completely drained. The commercial operation of the Ghubra plant, which includes the expansion of the new Barka desalination plant, is scheduled to be online by the beginning of 2016.

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C O M M E N TA RY

STUDENT POWER

Oman’s cottage industry needs to be revived to beat downturn SUNDAY BEAT

Due to the negligence, very few artisans of these cottage trades survive today. Oman has a history of producing high quality products

SALEH AL SHAIBANY saleh@timesofoman.com

O

man needs to revive its rich heritage of handicrafts and rural industries at a time when the country faces employment challenges and economic downturn.

Prior to the Renaissance that started in 1970, Oman’s economy survived on cottage industry where master craftsmen worked in the front yard of their houses in silversmith, carpentry, brick manufacturing, carpet weaving, pottery, quilt making, clothing, production of medicinal products, dates packaging and a host of other traditional professions.

The rural entrepreneurs created employment in their own areas and offered training to youngsters, who in turn, kept the business going. This does not create mass employment but it stops people from leaving their towns and moving to the capital city of Muscat to look for jobs. It is unfortunate that Oman is now importing frankincense when it grows abundantly in Dhofar.

In the 1960s, dates, dry fish and meat were part of a thriving cottage industry and exported as far as East Africa — so were medicinal herbs packaged in special containers that were sold in the neighbouring countries.

In carpentry, the local cottage industry produced masterpieces we see in the famous forts of Bahla, Jabreen, Nizwa, Rostaq and

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Sohar. The wooden doors, windows, frames, shelves and cornices in these forts were intricately carved by Omani craftsmen. The doors we buy now for our houses are no match to the craftsmanship of the past and it is a pity these skills are allowed to disappear in the annals of time. The local cuisines such as halwa, showaa, harees, machboos, muqalab and sakhana are in rapid decline and so is the boat building industry that once made Oman famous.

Due to the negligence at the national scale, very few artisans of these cottage trades survive today. Their children did not bother to learn from their parents because the government did not encourage such businesses — letting the cottage industry die away. But a vigorous national campaign can bring that back. However, special vocational training for the cottage industry needs to be established. A national campaign to raise awareness on the benefits of these trades must also be launched to tell young people why it is important, at a time when the country can no longer guarantee employment, to get themselves involved.

It is also crucial to establish appropriate financial schemes in the mould of SMEs to make the revival of this business successful. A suitable platform must also be in place to educate cottage industry owners to identify which trade is most viable and how they

can market it. But to launch it effectively, lessons must be learned on the stuttering efforts of the SMEs. In the absence of real commitment, SME owners are struggling to make it a success. The cottage industry has to be different.

Long, winding bureaucracy needs to be dramatically cut down. People who work from the home environment do not need a lot of financial back up, just the right skills and a good tool to contact customers.

Oman has a history of producing high quality of distinctive product using traditional methods. With careful administration, the dying cottage industry will come back to alleviate the burden of the government to constantly create employment. Although Oman has championed this industry in the past, it needs to readapt to get it right once again. For that happen, the Sultanate must learn from the experience of other countries. In the United Kingdom, cottage industry trade has doubled in the last 10 years. What really helps Britons to make it a success is the use of technology to market their products. Omanis are not really backward when it comes to the social media. The electronic network is more powerful than the word of mouth the craftsmen used in the past. The biggest advantage of social media is that it is almost free and the audiences are readily available at the click of a button.

SQU Student Advisory Council elections to be held tomorrow MUSCAT: Voting for the membership of the Student Advisory Council at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) will commence on Monday and last for a day.

It is mandatory for the voting percentage of university students to be higher than 50 per cent. The opportunity to vote from anywhere and at any time has been given to all students, who can use an automated voting system to cast their votes.

Dr Ali bin Saud Al Bimani, Vice Chancellor of SQU, had recently announced the final list of candidates for membership of the Coun-

cil during the first period of the 2015-2016 academic year, which included 40 candidates.

Student maturity He also said the positive response of SQU students towards holding the election for the Student Advisory Council is an indicator of their maturity and their heightened awareness of the reality, adding that he hoped that efforts aimed at a serious participation in the election of the Council would continue.

Meanwhile, the Secretariat General of the Student Advisory

Council recently held a meeting with the 40 candidates, during which it a summary for the general framework of the Council and its role was shared and the requirements from candidates during the final stage of the election were clarified. In addition, the candidates were also informed about the facilities being provided to them by the university for the success of their electoral publicity.

SQU hopes the Student Advisory Council will play a significant role in improving the educational process and services provided to students at the university. –ONA

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2004

marked the launch of the annual cleaning campaign for coral reefs, but since 2011 the campaign’s frequency has increased to two to four per year

O NA M C E L E B R AT I O N

New generation Indian films lack soul, says Malayalam actor MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: New generation Indian films, particularly Malayalam films, lack soul, said renowned South Indian actor Devan.

“There is no emotional heft or genuine relationships shown in the new generation movies. That is why they fail to connect with the audience,” Devan said while addressing the media at the Al Falaj Hotel.

He was in Oman as the guest of Indian Social Club’s Malayalam wing’s three-day Onam celebration. Devan is the winner of this year’s cultural award presented

There is no emotional heft or genuine relationships shown in the new generation movies Devan

Malayalam film star

YEMEN INCIDENT

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‘Bring peace to Yemen’

Emphasising the sanctity of diplomatic residences, the Sultanate received with great sorrow the news of the targeting of the house of Oman’s ambassador in Sanaa.

The attack is as an explicit violation of international norms and conventions.

Ministry statement A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Oman strongly denounces this act and requests the United Nations to undertake measures for ending the war in Yemen before it becomes a serious threat to the security of the region.

The Sultanate urged Yemeni parties to sort out their differences and bring peace and stability in Yemen.– ONA

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by the ISC Malayalam wing.

The actor joined the film industry as a producer for a Malayalam film named Vellam.

In response to a question about his future film projects, he said that he is planning to direct a movie soon.

“I am planning to take on the role of a director and will direct a movie as soon as possible,” he said.

“I feel there is more of a director in me than a producer,” Devan added.

Indian Ambassador, Indra Mani Pandey officially inaugurated the celebration on Thursday evening.

IBRI WORKSHOP

MEDICAL TOURISM

‘Moral education will nurture values’ Times News Service MUSCAT: While an academic education is for the mind, valuebased education is for the heart and when a student is groomed in both, they emerge as good citizens, manifesting these values through their life journey, a workshop here emphasised.

SAI Group recently conducted its 41st workshop for teachers at the Indian School, Ibri, which was based on the theme, ‘Integrating Values while Teaching.’

M.P. Vinoba, principal of the school, who was recently awarded the ‘CBSE Best Mentor Principal’ award by the Government of India lauded the efforts of the SAI Group in choosing teachers as the main instruments for conveying the message of human values to the student community and said such workshops should become an annual feature at every school as they helped teachers forge a close bond with the students under their care.

The ultimate aim is to facilitate the teachers in carrying forward this message to the students and conveying to them the impor-

Following the inauguration, the special guest at the event Methil Devika, performed Mohiniyattam, a Malayali dance form.

Devika is a dance research scholar, educator, performer and choreographer in the South Indian state of Kerala.

The highlight of the second day’s celebration was the cultural programmes presented by the members of the Malayalam wing.

Traditional Onasadya was served on Saturday afternoon. Famous sadhya maker Pazhayidam Mohanan Namboothiri prepared the feast for the club members and well wishers of the Malayalam wing.

current scenario and the role of teachers in inculcating values in the young minds. It also presented effective teaching techniques and hosted a presentation on how values can be integrated while teaching, be it language or mathematics or science or information technology.

The workshop also reinforced the maxims, ‘The End of Education is Character’ and ‘Education is for life and not for mere living.’

MORALITY FIRST: The workshop reinforced the maxims, ‘The End of Education is Character’ and ‘Education is for life and not for mere living.’

tance of adhering to lofty value standards in life, through which they can become a role model for human excellence.

The workshop, which is based on the principles of the Sri Sathya Sai Education in Human Values (SSEHV), lasted for about four hours and the modules presented by the SAI Group volunteers gave an insight into the need for value-based education under the

Value integration About 40 teachers from the school participated in the presentations on the given theme aimed at demonstrating the efforts involved in value integration in a class room atmosphere, which can be both enjoyable and purposeful at the same time, and can fill their hearts with everlasting satisfaction, while also suffusing the life of the students with ‘values.’

Parents, teachers and administrators in education represent the three sides of a triangle and their focus is the central core, namely the children. Every endeavour should be made by them to bring out the best in the children

in terms of knowledge, skills and talent.

Leading a values-based life is all that is required to be implanted in a child’s heart.

For this, teachers serve as the best resource as they can very well strengthen the ideas related to values in the minds of the children while dealing with academic subjects.

It may be recalled that Dr. Madiha Al Shaibaniya, the Honourable Minister of Education (MoE), had inaugurated this workshop series in September 2011.

Starting with the 40th year of blessed Renaissance in 2011, the SAI Group has been conducting these workshops on a voluntary basis for different schools: private, international and Omani Arabic schools.

“We consider this effort a unique blessing for us as this has brought us very close to the teaching faculty of Oman. Conducting this workshop for different schools in Oman has been an enriching experience, and we are grateful to the Ministry of Education for their encouragement,” said the SAI Group Coordinator.

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Malaysia’s specialist care group

She added that KPJ is committed to offering quality specialist care to the patients in various fields, through its highly experienced specialists and state-of-the-art technology and equipment, which is used to enhance patients’ experience, and medical and surgical outcomes.

Asked about KPJ’s cooperation with Oman, Kaur said the hospital receives patients from Oman and has a partnership with a number of agents in the Sultanate, who deal with enquires.

According to Amal Mahfoudh, corporate executive at KPJ, the hospital currently operates 26 hospitals in Malaysia.

Established more than 33 years ago, KPJ has also expanded into several countries, including Indonesia, Bangladesh and Thailand.

Kaur said KPJ will also consider any request for the establishment of a branch in Oman.

KPJ recorded significant growth in the number of patients and served more than 2.8 million patients in 2014, compared with 2.7 million in the preceding year.

Musandam enhances environment efforts

NATURE’S CHARM: The dolphin, locally called Al Daghas, is abundant in Khour Sham in the Wilayat of Khasab as it has enough food, and is suitable for such marine creatures.– ONA

Among the actions carried out by the Department of Environment and Climate Affairs is the cleaning of coral reefs from pollutants KHASAB: Musandam’s nature and terrain are different from the rest of the governorates in Oman.

The terrain is rugged, with towering mountains and pockets of water scattered along its sea coasts, besides its bays and islands.

The terrain of the Governorate of Musandam is linked to its varied environment and wildlife, which are homogeneous on land and at sea.

The role of the Government, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, is key in the efforts aimed at preserving the environment.

The Department of Environment and Climate Affairs in the Governorate of Musandam carries out numerous tasks, aimed at protecting the wildlife and preserving the environment.

Among some of the actions carried out by the Department is the cleaning of coral reefs from pollutants of all kinds.

Annual cleaning campaign The annual cleaning campaign for coral reefs was started in 2004, but since 2011 the campaign’s frequency has increased to two to four per year. Among the most important locations that have been cleaned in the Wilayat of Khasab are the Khour Sham area, Khour Ghop Ali, Ras Kamzar, Al Khail Island, Umm Al Suqoor Island, Ras Al Sheikh Massoud and Khour Hablin. Many locations have also been cleaned in the Wilayat of Diba, such as Khour Hafah, Khour Mu’alla, Ras Al Mankas, Lima Island, Lulu Island and the Qubal area.

The coordination in carrying out these campaigns is maintained by the Nature Conservation Department with diverse, touring companies, and diving clubs in the governorate and volunteers from the local community, who conduct diving campaigns in marine areas in

the wilayats of Khasab and Diba, along with the ROP Coast Guard, the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. In order to maintain the environment of Musandam, the Department of Environment and Climate Affairs in Musandam monitors marine organisms, of which there are plenty in the clean water areas that are free from contamination.

The dolphin, locally called Al Daghas, is always present in Khour Sham in the Wilayat of Khasab as it has enough food, and is suitable for such marine creatures. Very few cases of dead dolphins have been reported on the shores of Musandam. Most recently, one case was reported in the Wilayat of Bukha in April, where the dolphin’s death was related to natural causes.

Another similar case was reported in Ghop Ali in May 2015.

The Department of Environment and Climate Affairs in the Governorate of Musandam had taken appropriate measures to investigate the causes of death and document them. Among the marine creatures present in area are a type of turtle called “Hamas” by the locals.

The coast of Musandam is also exposed to oil pollution during varying and continuous periods

each year. The most important causes of oil pollution are oil tankers, commercial vessels, waste from oil tankers (ballast water and washing tanks), side products of oil exploration, and oil spills that occur during loading and unloading in neighbouring ports, and oil spills from unidentified ships.

The procedures There are several procedures to be followed while dealing with oily contaminants, including, the role of members of the community, in cooperation with the competent authorities, while reporting such marine pollution cases.

The Department of Environment and Climate Affairs in Musandam has to report the cases to the Pollution Operation Centre at the ministry by filling out an Oil Report to respond to such cases, depending on its density, quantity and proximity to the coast.

Environment preservation efforts in the Governorate of Musandam include the painting of tree trunks as many types of trees and plants face different kinds of damage leading to their death or their growth becoming stunted.

The Department of Environment has carried out 13 campaigns during the last three years to paint the trunks of trees in various wilayats of the governorate.– ONA

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‘Check time-table to cut school bag weight’ Experts are calling for a review of the weight youngsters are being asked to carry on their backs each day

dic surgeon, said that ideally the school bag should not weigh more than 10 to 15 per cent of the child’s body weight.

“Children can develop serious back pain because of the weight of bags they carry to school. So it is very important to carry less weight in school bags and sit in the right posture in the classroom,” he told the Times of Oman.

This advice comes after citybased doctors reported a rise in cases of spinal abnormalities in students, including disfiguring curvatures known as scoliosis.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Your child’s school bag could be heavy with textbooks and notebooks not needed on that particular day. Find out if you do not know because it may be affecting your child adversely in more ways than one.

HEAVY BURDEN: Ideally, the

school bag should not weigh more than 10 to 15 per cent of the child’s body weight.

Ministry advice On its part, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has advised parents to check their children’s school time-table online so that they do not have to carry unnecessary books to school.

“This will help children to carry a fewer number of books,” said a teacher at a government school.

Rajagopal T. Naganathan, medical director, Atlas Hospital in Ruwi, who is also an orthopae-

New session With new books, as many as 551,867 Omani students began their new academic year, recently at 1,077 government schools all over the Sultanate.

“There is no doubt that school bags weigh more for some students,” observed Rajagopal T Naganathan.

Students routinely carry bags filled with books, exercise books, and reference books, apart from pencil boxes, packed lunches and water bottles.

“Sometimes, they also carry what is not required. So, it our responsibility to keep an eye on children’s backpacks so that they do not cause health problems when they are older,” said a parent.

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Interestingly, the Indian schools have already released guidelines to be followed with respect to school bags.

The Indian Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) guidelines on school bags include limited number of textbooks for primary school students. The Board has also suggested a judicious time-table to avoid overloading of bags.

“The time-table needs to be planned in such a way that students do not carry too many textbooks and notebooks on a particular day in the higher classes,” said the CBSE in a recent circular.

“Also, written home-work and all other forms of home-work and revision exercises should be planned in consultation with other subject teachers. This will ensure that students do not carry heavy school bags and get only judicious amounts of home-work on a particular day,” the circular added.

International practice Internationally, most countries observe norms that limit the weight of school bags to less than one-seventh of the weight of the student.

Specialists are calling for a review of the weight youngsters are being asked to carry on their backs each day.

CSR OMAN

Oman business leaders to debate their social role Times News Service MUSCAT: CSR Oman, a summit that unites the Omani business community to debate and discuss crucial corporate social responsibility (CSR) topics, will return for the second year in a row from October 27 to 29, 2015, at the Grand Hyatt Muscat.

Organised by Informa Middle East, the two-day conference and one-day masterclass will champion corporate social sustainability to drive community development, youth empowerment and social entrepreneurship.

CSR Oman 2015 will feature the keynote address from Mohsin bin Khamis Al Balushi, advisor to the Ministry of Commerce, who will also preside over the summit.

Specialists panel The event will welcome an allnew expert panel of CSR specialists including Houssam Chahin, senior PSFR officer for MENA at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Dr Munther Al Busaidi, assistant dean for training and community service at the College of Economics and Political Science at the Sultan Qaboos University.

Other prominent practitioners who are set to make key contributions, are from some of the most

recognised national, regional and global institutions such as the Jusoor Foundation, Ernst & Young, Sustainability Square, and Haya Water, in addition to HSBC Bank, Oman Sail, the Environment Society of Oman, HP and CSR Watch Jordan.

Larger platform Hoda Abdelhay, conference producer at Informa Middle East, said, “CSR Oman 2015 has been built on last year’s success and will serve as an even larger platform to illustrate the most successful CSR initiatives, discuss ways to cement sustainable practices in all sectors of Oman, and exchange technical know-how and insight. Through these enriching discussions and debates, we have been able to develop a more unified vision of how best to drive Oman’s development, bolster mutual co-operation, and realise the hopes and aspirations of the youth.”

CSR Oman 2015 will focus on utilising CSR to drive community development, youth empowerment, and social entrepreneurship. Delegates can expect a host of insightful panel discussions, speed networking, case studies and expert roundtables where the latest trends and practices among other topics will be covered.

E D UC AT I O N

Students learn about electoral process MUSCAT: A mock election was conducted by the Department of Social Science for the students of classes six, seven and eight at the Indian School Ghubra, to teach them the importance elections.

Under the guidance of the Head of the Department and the teachers, the students were trained as

to how they should contest elections; cast their valuable votes and the importance of Universal Adult Franchise.

New experience As the students had never experienced the voting process, it was decided to recreate a polling station

and give them the opportunity to gain real experience.

They were excited at being given the responsibility to choose a leader and perform their duty as a citizen. All were issued a photo identity card to cast their vote, with Principal Papri Ghosh, Vice Principal Sreekumar, teachers and other

members of the staff also joining in to cast their votes. The seriousness and decorum with which the entire process was conducted by the students was deemed commendable.

This was a great learning experience for students as it encouraged them to act as responsible citizens in the future.

EXCHANGING VIEWS: CSR Oman 2015 will focus on utilising

CSR to drive community development, youth empowerment, and social entrepreneurship. – Supplied photo

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S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5 Standing next to the sea during a storm or crossing wadis looking for special pictures or videos they can upload on social media is quite common Khalid Hamdan, Social commentator

OMAN ORPIC

Conference on human resources MUSCAT: A conference will be held here with the aim of increasing awareness in the Sultanate on the importance of investment in human resources, especially among talented youth of Oman and introducing the latest developments in human resources in the world.

Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) will organise the conference on latent energy of human resources themed “New Human Resources Era”, under the auspices of Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, at Al Bustan Palace Hotel on September 29.

The one-day conference has been organised by Asayel Group for Events Management.

The conference will address three main themes. These are creating value-added foundation through qualified leaders, using technology for a new generation of human resources management and identifying competencies and talents to the development of staff, in addition to several sub-themes, such as management and development of human resources. -ONA

Dar Al Atta’a presents Eid gifts to children distributed Eid clothes and gifts to children in Al Jabal.

More than

Charity market The volunteers had organised a charity market for the sale of sweets and baked goods and donated the sale proceeds worth OMR400 to buy clothes and gifts for children.

The objective of organising such visits was to instil a love for volunteer work and to help the needy children.

1,600 children benefited from the association’s charity and the value of the coupons handed out to them was estimated at OMR16,100 CHARITY WORK: The objective of organising such visits is to instil a love for volunteer work and to help the needy children.

Times News Service MUSCAT: In view of the upcoming Eid Al Adha, Dar Al Atta’a Association recently distributed clothing coupons to families registered with the association in most of the governorates of Oman.

The number of children benefiting from the association’s charity was pegged at more than 1,600, and the value of the coupons handed out was estimated to be OMR16,100.

Visit to Al Jabal Al Aswad On September 12, the association had organised a visit to Al Jabal Al Aswad in the Wilayat of Quriyat for a number of its employees and a group of young volunteers, who

Meeting the needs The association ensures that it meets the needs of the families living in Al Jabal Al Aswad during religious occasions, such as Ramadan and hands out clothing during Eid Al Fitr.

In addition, the association also provides uniforms, bags, school meals and daily food to the children enrolled in the school of Siyaa in Quriyat.

Multi-purpose hall It is also building a multi-purpose hall and a children’s playground in the area.

SOCIAL MEDIA

< FROM

A1 Wadi selfie “Standing next to the sea during a storm or crossing wadis looking for special pictures or videos they can upload on social media is quite common,” he said.

He added that the public should not share such pictures and videos on social media. “This will discourage individuals and they will realise that they need not risk their lives in such a manner,” said Hamdan.

Pudwell also reminded people of the “rubber-necking” culture in this region where passers-by or other road users pull over just to see what is happening at an accident site and take photos. “In so many cases, this inevitably leads to more accidents and more injuries and extra work for the emergency services. This also often means that access to accidents or other types of emergencies is totally blocked by some inconsiderate people who feel it is their right to stop and look, resulting in delayed treatment for those in need,” he said.

“One of the first principles of effective accident management is accident site security, which ensures that all non-essential persons are kept well away from the scene so that effective rescue operations can be carried out, and the dignity of those involved is protected. Another reason for this is to ensure that those non-essential persons are protected from becoming part of the same accident,” said Pudwell.

118TH OUTLET

LuLu Group to open Sinaw outlet today Times News Service MUSCAT: Launching its 118th outlet globally, the LuLu Group will open a hypermarket in Sinaw today.

The new store, located in the beautiful Al Sharqiyah region, will be inaugurated by Sheikh Yahya bin Hamoud Hamed Al Maamari, Governor of Al Sharqiyah North, in the presence of Yusuffali MA, Managing Director, Lulu Group.

Spread over an area of 125,000 square feet, the new store is specially designed to offer the residents of Sinaw a novel shopping

experience at affordable prices, says a press release.

The hypermarket will cater to the needs of consumers ranging from fresh vegetables and fruits to hot food, a bakery and grocery, in addition to garments, electronics and home appliances. There are also sections selling dairy products, meat and fish.

The hypermarket has a dedicated area for department store items, such as electronics, home appliances, furnishings and furniture. It offers a range of quality products to meet the needs of an entire fam-

ily. The outlet will offer world-class fashion brands and products for women, men and children under one roof. It also features extensively laid out counters, attentive services and ample parking space to add to a hassle-free shopping experience, says the press release.

Lulu will aim to offer superior customer service and the new outlet at Sinaw will be the company’s 15th outlet in Oman and serve as an excellent venue for shoppers in and around Sinaw. Lulu’s winning formula of value for money and quality shopping will delight customers,

who will cherish the pleasurable shopping experience and the economy it offers, adds the press release.

Over the last few years, Lulu has become an integral part of Oman’s landscape and has firmly established itself as one of the most preferred retail destinations for locals and the expatriate communities in Oman.

Lulu was recently recognised as one of the top 250 retailers in the world and this image has been earned through years of flawless delivery of dedicated services and quality products.

VALUE FOR MONEY: The new store is designed to offer residents of

Sinaw a novel shopping experience at affordable prices.

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5 ...the modality and timing (of Assad’s exit) has to be part of a political solution (on Syria) that allows us to move forward Philip Hammond, British Foreign Secretary

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REGION

16 fresh faces in new Egypt cabinet SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

VIDEO

Former petroleum

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

minister Sharif Ismail was sworn in as prime minister

CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi swore in a new government on Saturday that included 16 new ministers, a week after the previous administration resigned following a corruption scandal.

Sharif Ismail, who served as petroleum minister in the last cabinet, was sworn in as prime minister in a ceremony shown on state television. The ministers of foreign affairs, defence, interior, justice and finance have kept their positions in the new cabinet.

Former premier Ibrahim Mahlab’s government resigned on September 12 days after the arrest of agriculture minister Salah Helal

as part of a corruption probe.

A senior government official had told AFP the reshuffle, the first major shake-up since Sisi won elections last year, was meant to “pump new blood” into the government. Ismail is seen as a veteran technocrat with experience in state-owned oil companies. In his first remarks after assuming his post, Ismail warned the new government “does not have a magic wand.”

“It will take some time to solve some of the problems,” he was quoted as saying by state television. The new cabinet consists of 16 new ministers, and sees four ministries axed, the presidency said in a statement. The state news agency had reported 15 new ministers.

There had been growing calls for Mahlab’s resignation and in-

creasing protests by civil servants over a new law that centralises promotions while taxing bonuses.

Mahlab quit as Egypt prepares to hold long-delayed legislative elections in two phases between October 17 and December 2.

The elections had initially been scheduled for early 2015 but were cancelled by a court on technical grounds. Mahlab, who had headed the Arab Contractors construction firm, had been appointed by interim president Adly Mansour in March 2014, less than a year after the army led by then defence minister Sisi toppled president Mohamed Morsi.

New state prosecutor Morsi’s removal and detention unleashed a deadly crackdown on extremists that killed hundreds of protesters, and the army has struggled to quash an extremist insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula.

Separately on Saturday, Sisi appointed a new state prosecutor, Nabil Sadiq, to replace Hisham Barakat, who was killed in a car bombing in June. -AFP

NEW TEAM: A handout picture made available by the Egyptian Presidency shows Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, centre, attending a meeting with his new government following a swearing-in ceremony in Cairo, on Saturday. -AFP / HO / Egyptian Presidency

SYRIA

‘Assad must go; talks only about when’

US Secretary of State John Kerry

LONDON: US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Saturday Syria’s President Bashar Al Assad has to go but the timing of his departure should be decided through negotiation.

Speaking after talks with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in London, Kerry called on Russia and Iran to use their influence over Assad to convince him to negotiate a political transition. Kerry said the United States welcomed Russia’s involvement in tackling the IS in Syria but a worsening refugee crisis underscored the need to find a compromise that could also lead to political change in the country.

“We need to get to the negotiation. That is what we’re looking

AIRSTRIKES

NO INJURIES

55 ‘killed’ in Turkish raids on Iraqi Kurds ANKARA: Turkish fighter jets carried out a new barrage of cross-border airstrikes this week against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq, killing at least 55 rebels, state-run Anatolia news agency reported Saturday.

The strikes by F-16 and F-4 jets targeted caves, houses and camps used by the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), Anatolia said, citing unnamed security sources.

“At least 55 to 60 terrorists” were killed in the operation, which destroyed munitions depots, the report added.

Turkish security forces and the outlawed PKK have traded fire on a near daily basis since a two-year-old ceasefire fell

for and we hope Russia and Iran, and any other countries with influence, will help to bring about that, because that’s what is preventing this crisis from ending,” said Kerry.

“We’re prepared to negotiate. Is Assad prepared to negotiate, really negotiate? Is Russia prepared to bring him to the table?”

Russia’s buildup at Syria’s Latakia airbase has raised the possibility of air combat missions in Syrian airspace. Heavy Russian equipment, including tanks, and naval infantry forces, have been moved to Latakia, US officials say.

Kerry said of Assad’s removal: “For the last year and a half we have said Assad has to go, but how long and what the modality is... that’s a decision that has to be

apart in late July with Ankara’s launch of a two-pronged “antiterror” offensive against IS extremists in Syria and the extremists’ Kurdish foes.

The bulk of the government’s firepower has been reserved for airstrikes on PKK bases in northern Iraq or in Turkey’s predominantly Kurdish southeast, to which the rebels have responded with a string of bloody attacks on the security forces.

Around 150 soldiers and police have been killed in PKK bombings and shootings since the return to open conflict, compared with around 1,100 in the rebel camp, according to pro-government media. -AFP

Israeli aircraft strike Gaza GAZA: Israel carried out air strikes in the Gaza Strip on Saturday after Palestinian militants there fired rockets into southern Israel.

The early morning air strikes targeted two training camps belonging to the Hamas, causing no injuries, officials and witnesses said. Gaza militants fired at least two rockets into Israel late on Friday, Israeli military said.

One struck the border town of Sderot, damaging a bus but causing no injuries. A second was shot down by a missile defense system, the military said.

A Palestinian group that supports the IS claimed responsibility for one of the rockets fired at Israel. No-one claimed responsibility for the second rocket attack. -AFP

made in the context of the Geneva process and negotiation.”

Kerry added: “It doesn’t have to be on day one or month one... there is a process by which all the parties have to come together and reach an understanding of how this can best be achieved.”

Kerry said he did not have a specific time frame in mind for Assad to stay. “I just know that the people of Syria have already spoken with their feet. They’re leaving Syria.”

Hammond, who on September 9 said Britain could accept Assad staying in place for a transition period, said Assad could not be part of Syria’s long-term future “but the modality and timing has to be part of a political solution that allows us to move forward.”-Reuters

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S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5 The Gujarat government wants to muzzle our voice. They want to harass us. The Gujarat government and the state police wants violence in the state. This act is against the spirit of democracy Hardik Patel, Patel quota stir leader

INDIA

India will not get involved in ASEAN disputes: Ansari The Vice President said ASEAN has its own mechanism for resolving problems, and India wants to develop ‘comprehensive’ ties

GREETINGS: Vice President Hamid Ansari being greeted with a bouquet on his departure from Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos on Friday. - PTI

with ASEAN nations

VIENTIANE: India wants to develop “comprehensive” ties with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations but will not get involved in any of their ter-

ritorial or maritime disputes, Vice President Hamid Ansari has said.

“India has a very clear cut view on Southeast Asia. We want to develop a comprehensive relationship based on satisfaction of each other’s requirement,” he told reporters Friday night on his way

back from a four-day two-nation tour of Cambodia and Laos.

“Requirement is peace, stability and development. If there is no peace and stability, there will be no trade, there will be no investment and there will be no business. Now in that we have a con-

vergence of views,” he said.

Asked that with many Southeast Asian countries embroiled in territorial and maritime disputes, can India emerge as a stabilising force, Ansari, in a lighter vein, said, “We are not in the business of providing stabilisers that has to be done by the shipbuilding industry.”

Stressing that India has a very good relationship with ASEAN, Ansari said, “It is incumbent on us and we have done it, to have not only good relations with something called ASEAN but good relations with every member of ASEAN.” He said India was doing this diligently doing and will continue to do it.

“Now if they have any problems amongst themselves it is for them to resolve. ASEAN has its own mechanism for resolving problems,” Ansari asserted.

On the issue of terrorism, An-

sari said the menace has now become an international phenomenon and can only be countered by international cooperation.

“Can’t say this is a problem of country X which is far away from country Y because we do not know what connections are being established within these groups.

International cooperation has become an absolute necessity. It is not a matter of choice that we will cooperate with one and not the other,” Ansari said.

Talking about his visit to Cambodia and Laos during which he held talks with the top leadership of both countries and MoUs were signed for stepping up bilateral economic engagement, Ansari said the “atmospherics” in both countries were very good. Ansari’s visit to Laos and Cambodia came in the backdrop of India’s pitch to strengthen economic engagement with ASEAN countries. - PTI

S PA R K I N G OU T R AG E

Indian couple in US faces lawsuit over autistic son’s behaviour LOS ANGELES: An Indian couple in the US has been forced to leave their house after their neighbours filed a lawsuit against them alleging their autistic son is a “public nuisance”, sparking outrage among parents of children with autism, according to a media report.

Vidyut Gopal — an engineer at a Silicon Valley company and Parul Agrawal — a research scientist at NASA Ames Research Centre, were forced to leave their home of seven years in California’s Sunnyvale city, one of the major cities that make up Silicon Valley.

When neighbours complained about the child’s pulling children’s hair, biting a woman and other menacing behaviour, the couple hired caregivers, gave the boy special medication, and put him in therapeutic classes, The San Jose Mercury News reported on Thursday. - PTI

G UJA R AT

Hardik detained ahead of rally; mobile Internet services banned AHMEDABAD: Police on Saturday detained Patel quota stir leader Hardik Patel along with 35 of his supporters from Varachha area here for trying to take out the ‘Ekta Yatra’ without taking prior permission from authorities.

“We detained Hardik Patel along with his 35 supporters from Mangadh chowk in Varachha area of the city ahead of their rally today,” Surat Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said.

“They were detained in the interest of law and order as they did not seek any permission from the state authorities to take out this rally,” added Asthana.

Hardik and others were taken to police headquarters after the detention, he said.

Speaking to reporters condemning the police action, the 22-year-old firebrand leader said, “The Gujarat government wants to muzzle our voice. They want to harass us. The Gujarat government and the state police wants violence in the state. This act is against the spirit of democracy.”

‘Ekta Yatra’ Hardik had till on Thursday kept his plans secret about the Ekta rally after being denied permission to hold it from Dandi to Ahmedabad.

Earlier on Saturday, Hardik’s associate and the convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) in Surat- Alpesh Kathiriaannounced that they will take out the rally from Mangadh chowk in Varachha area of the city in western Indian state of Gujarat.

Hardik, who has emerged as the prominent face of Patels in Gujarat, has been spearheading the agitation to get reservation for Patel community under Other Backward Class (OBC).

HELD: Police detain Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS)

convener Hardik Patel while he was trying to take out Ekta Yatra from Varachha Road in Surat on Saturday. - PTI

In past two weeks, Hardik had announced to take out the “reverse Dandi March” twice, but cancelled the plan after Navsari district administration denied permission to them.

Hardik has been hogging limelight after his aggressive speech in a rally on August 25 and the subsequent violence that gripped the state after his detention which left 10 people dead in Gujarat.

Notification issued Meanwhile, in a bid to curb spread of rumours after detention of Patel community leader Hardik, the Gujarat administration on Saturday banned mobile Internet services across the state.

“We have decided to ban mobile Internet service in the state to tackle the law and order situation

and to curb the rumours across Gujarat for an indefinite period,” Director General of Police P. C. Thakur said.

According to a notification issued by Ahmedabad city Police Commissioner Shivanand Jha, mobile Internet services have been banned from Saturday afternoon to 12pm on September 20.

Jha in the notification said the action has been taken to curb rumours after Hardik’s detention and to control the law and order situation. Soon after the 22 yearold leader’s detention, Surat district collector issued notification putting ban on mobile Internet services for 24 hours.

In Rajkot also, mobile Internet services have been prohibited for a week, said District Collector Manisha Chandra. - PTI

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

INDIA

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Modi is anti-thesis of Mahatma, says Rahul The Congress leader raked up the ‘suit boot ki sarkar’ jibe to target the Modi government, warning

WOOING VOTERS: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi with

people they would

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and JD-U’s KC Tyagi being garlanded during an election rally at Ramnagar in West Champaran district, Bihar on Saturday. - PTI

lose their land if the NDA came to power in Bihar

RAMNAGAR (Bihar): Kicking off the Congress campaign in pollbound Bihar, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday raked up the “suit boot ki sarkar” jibe to target the Modi government, warning people that they would lose their land and livelihood if National Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power.

Addressing a rally in this West Champaran region where Mahatama Gandhi had waged a battle to free farmers from indigo

farming forced by Britishers, the Congress Vice President suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the anti-thesis of the Mahatma.

“While the Mahatma shed his suit and donned a dhoti as he led the poor farmers, Modi who claimed to have started as a chaiwala (tea seller) started wearing Rs1.5 million suit after becoming Prime Minister,” Rahul said, painting Modi and the BJP-led NDA as a ‘club of the rich’.

On the one hand, there is Gandhiji who worked amid the poor and the labourers, shed his suit and on the other, there is Modiji who meets only people who wear

suit boot and not the poor and the oppressed.

“He says that I and my friends wearing suit-boot will change India. Give two crore new jobs every year, provide 100 per cent enhanced minimum support price to farmers for their produce and would deposit Rs15 lakh in everyone’s account by getting back black money stashed abroad. Tell me whether any of these things happened?,” Congress vice president asked amid cries of ‘No, no” from the audience.

A day before the Congress is organising a mega-kisan samman rally in the national capital, Rahul warned people of the backward

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE

‘Centre needs to tread cautiously on Netaji files’ HYDERABAD: The Central government will take a decision on declassification of files related to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose only after studying its impact on India’s relations with other countries, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said here on Saturday.

“The West Bengal government has made public certain confidential files related to Netaji. It is good... it needs to be studied what is there in those files before the

Centre takes such a decision, its impact on the international community, our relations with other countries, neighbouring countries, needs to be studied.

“The Centre will have to take a final decision after studying that. I personally feel that people of the country have the right to know the truth on the Netaji issue. Government will think of it and decide how and when to do it,” the Parliamentary Affairs

minister told reporters here on the sidelines of an event.

Seventy years after his mysterious disappearance, 64 files running into nearly 13,000 pages were declassified on Friday which shows some of Netaji’s family members were spied upon in independent India.

However, there was no clarity on whether Bose died in an air crash in 1945 as is widely believed. - PTI

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agrarian state that “Modiji and his friends wearing suit-boot want to usurp your land.

“They say you give your land and they will give development and jobs to the youth of Bihar.

“Your land will be taken away and you will not get any employment. We have formed this alliance because we want to protect poor, weak and the oppressed. We want to save you from Modiji and his friends”.

Rahul said that if the BJP government came to power here, twothree people from Gujarat and Delhi wearing expensive suits will come and claim the land asking for removal farmers from there.

Rahul also alluded to the recent controversy in the BJP-ruled Maharashtra over making Marathi language mandatory for getting license to ply auto.

“When you go to other states for jobs like Maharashtra, then you will be told that you will not get that because you do not know their language,” he said.

Attacking Modi on the issue of corruption, he cited the Lalit Modi controversy, Vyapam scam and Public distribution system (PDS) scam in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh respectively. - PTI

R E TA L I AT O RY AT TA C K

One Indian killed, two injured in Yemeni attacks in Saudi NEW DELHI: One Indian was killed and two were injured in mortar attacks from Yemen around Samtah General Hospital in Jizan Region of Saudi Arabia.

While the Indian has been identified as Farooq, a mechanic from Kerala, the two injured are Mohammad Sadiq from Bihar and Sunny Thomas from Kerala, offi-

cial sources said on Saturday.

The Indian was among four killed when Yemeni Houthi rebels attacked the Samtah hospital early on Friday morning, they said.

According to reports, the attack was part of Yemen’s retaliatory measures against Riyadh’s unabated military campaign in the impoverished Gulf country. - PTI

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S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

PAKISTAN SIGNIFICANT FIND

BRIDAL FASHION SHOW

Models present creations by Pakistani designer Shamaeel Ansari on the final day of the Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week in Lahore on Friday night. — AFP

Oil and gas reserves discovered in Punjab ISLAMABAD: Mari Petroleum Company Limited announced on Friday it had struck another significant crude oil, condensate and natural gas discovery in its Kalabagh well in Karak block of Mianwali district, Punjab.

This joint venture in Karak is operated by Mari Petroleum with a 60 per cent working interest and MOL having a 40 per cent share.

The discovery at Kalabagh-1A ST1 is the second for the company in the block in Datta, Samanasuk and Lockhart formations.

Earlier, it made a major crude oil find in the block at Halini wellI in 2011.

During testing at Kalabagh well, gas and condensate flowed in the Datta formation at a rate of 3.3 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) and 160 barrels per day respectively.

The well was also successfully tested in the Samanasuk formation where gas and condensate flowed at a rate of 4.68 mmscfd and 180 barrels per day. In the Lockhart formation, crude oil flowed at a rate of 500 barrels per day.

“The new discovery is expected to add significantly to the nation’s hydrocarbon reserve base, contribute to foreign exchange savings and bridge demand and supply gap,” Mari Petroleum said in a press release. — Express Tribune

PA S S I N G - OU T C E R E M O N Y

85% area of Balochistan protected by paramilitary QUETTA: The paramilitary Balochistan Levies is the only force protecting 85 per cent of the province, said Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on Friday.

Addressing a passing-out ceremony in Quetta of a batch of 150 Levies personnel who completed counterterrorism training, CM Malik said their display of modern training skills proved that the Levies can counter all kinds of attacks. “The people of Balochistan are deemed genetically brave.”

He applauded the Levies’ efforts to restore peace in Khuzdar, “The way they performed in Khuzdar, we are optimistic that as long as we have our brave force, no one can defeat the nation.”

General Commanding Officer Maj Gen Aftab said: “I have trained many recruits in this ground, but today’s performance was amazing and significant.”

Since the launch of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, intelligence agencies and Levies force have wiped out extremism from the province, he added.

Untoward situation Meanwhile, Levies Director General Captain Tariq Zehri said the paramilitary force has improved enough so that they have the ability to face any untoward situation.

“The government is working to further build the capacity of the Levies because much of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through the Levies’ area,” he said, adding that they will assist other forces deployed for it’s security. — Express Tribune

16 killed as Taliban hideouts bombed after raid on air base Saturday’s air force raids targeted militant bases in the Tirah Valley, which straddles the Afghan border and is a main smuggling route between the two countries

PESHAWAR: Pakistani jets killed 16 suspected militants in bombing raids near the Afghan border on Saturday, and police arrested dozens of people, security officials said, the day after Taliban militants killed 29 people in an attack on an air base.

The attack on the base on Friday was the deadliest ever militant attack on a Pakistani military installation and is likely to undermine already rocky ties with Afghanistan.

Hours after the attack, Pakistan’s military spokesman pointedly noted that communications intercepts showed the Pakistani Taliban gunmen were being directed by handlers in Afghanistan.

Saturday’s air force raids targeted militant bases in the Tirah Valley, which straddles the Afghan border and is a main smuggling route between the two countries, two Pakistani security officials said.

“All those killed in the bombing

ALERT: Pakistani soldiers patrol outside an air force base a day after it was attacked by militants in Peshawar on Saturday. — AFP

were Pakistani militants,” said one security official in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

Badaber air base On Friday, 13 gunmen stormed the Badaber air base, about 10 km south of Peshawar in an attack a Pakistani Taliban spokesman said was retaliation for bombing raids on their bases along the Afghan border.

Police said they picked up around 50 residents living near the

base on suspicion of helping the militants organise the attack.

Shafqat Malik, head of the Peshawar bomb squad, said the attackers carried enough firepower to occupy the base, but that some of their weapons had malfunctioned. Each man had an assault rifle, two improvised explosive devices, and several rocket propelled grenades, but some of the grenades misfired, he said.

“Their mission was occupation of the air base,” he said.

Pakistan has been fighting some militant factions since after it sided with the United States following the September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on U.S. cities.

Pakistan launched an offensive to dislodge Pakistani Taliban from their northwestern stronghold of North Waziristan in 2014 and there has been fighting in various places, including the Tirah Valley, since then.

For years Pakistan and Afghanistan have traded accusations of

not doing enough to stamp out insurgents on either side of their long, porous border.

Each country has a separate but allied Taliban insurgency fighting to overthrow the government and install strict Islamist rule and security cooperation is seen as vital to defeat militancy.

Last month, Afghanistan blamed Pakistan for not doing enough to counter militants who carried out a series of attacks in the Afghan capital, Kabul. — Reuters

DEFIANT

Imran vows to run by-elections campaign despite ban LAHORE: Despite a ban on all parliamentarians from visiting and participating in campaigning for by-elections in National Assembly seats NA-122 of Lahore and NA-154 Lodhran, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan announced on Saturday that he would run a campaign for the impending by-elections at full throttle.

“We will run the campaign for by-elections because it is necessary if we want democracy in our country,” Imran said while ad-

dressing a press conference in Lahore, adding that legally there was no provision to stop him from doing so.

He said, as per their legal experts, there is no legal hitch for him to run the campaign for his candidates, and added that being restricted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from running the by-election campaigns was incomprehensible.

“I am not a president or prime minister who can be restricted from running the campaign. I am

a party leader who has to convey the party’s manifesto to the masses,” he said.

The directives for the ban were given in light of a new code of conduct issued recently by the ECP. Imran said he would write to the inspector general of Punjab and the ECP about police officials harassing people and turning them against from voting for PTI. “We have a tape from Hafizabad showing a police official campaigning for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). We will

write to the ECP regarding this issue and reveal the names of people associated with the PML-N who are illegally campaigning for the elections,” he said.

Reiterating his party’s stance on holding a protest outside ECP headquarters in Islamabad on October 4, Imran said, “ECP members who conducted rigged elections in 2013 should go home.”

He further added, “How can we expect a fair and transparent byelection or local government under them.” — Express Tribune

I am not a president or prime minister who can be restricted from running the campaign. I am a party leader who has to convey the party’s manifesto to the masses, said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan

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Hundreds of Thais defy ruling junta’s rally ban The protest was held to mark the

Peoples’ rights have been taken away, too many have been detained. I have to show solidarity, against the military. I’m scared, but I’m willing to march to show we won’t give up

ninth anniversary CONTROVERSY: Police officers stand guard around the National Diet building in Tokyo on Saturday after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s controversial security bills were passed during a session of parliament overnight. — AFP

of a coup against

Abe’s opponents vow to fight laws on role of military

that many Thais see

the government of Thaksin Shinawatra

as the trigger for an intractable conflict that is showing no signs of abating

Montra Thongsuksan Demonstrator

TOKYO: Opposition groups Saturday vowed to challenge laws passed overnight that clear Japanese troops to fight abroad for the first time since World War II, saying the changes are a “black stain” on the country’s history.

Japan’s ruling coalition, led by nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, pushed the laws through in the early hours of the morning after days of tortuous debate that at points descended into physical scuffles in parliament.

For the first time in 70 years, the new laws will give the government the power to send the military into overseas conflicts to defend allies, even if Japan itself is not under attack.

The nationalist premier argues the laws are necessary to protect against threats from an increasingly belligerent China and unstable North Korea, but opponents fear the vague wording could see Japan dragged into far-flung foreign wars.

Abe has faced bitter opposition over the changes, which have seen his popularity slump,

and opposition lawmakers have vowed to do everything in their power to fight them.

“This is not an end,” said Renho, a senior lawmaker from the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan. “Let’s make it the beginning of the beginning,” she said on Twitter.

Mizuho Fukushima, a senior lawmaker from the Social Democratic Party, told a crowd of more than ten thousand who gathered outside parliament during the debate: “Abe’s cabinet criminals...

Let’s get them out of here.”

Speaking after the vote, Abe said the changes were “necessary in order to protect people’s lives and peaceful way of life”.

“This is designed to prevent wars,” he told journalists.

Abe had been unable to muster support to amend the pacifist constitution and instead opted to “re-interpret” the meaning of self-defence in order to push through the new laws, but the move has sparked a groundswell of opposition not seen for decades in Japan. — AFP

BANGKOK: Hundreds of activists defied a ban on protests and marched in Thailand’s capital on Saturday in a rare rally against the hard-line ruling military.

Lines of police stood by as a crowds of people chanting “no dictatorship”, some carrying antijunta banners, marched peacefully on Bangkok’s Democracy Monument, against the orders of a government widely condemned for using draconian measures to silence detractors.

The protest was to mark the ninth anniversary of a coup against the government of Thaksin Shinawatra that many Thais see as the trigger for an intractable conflict that is showing no signs of abating.

The demonstrators attended a forum at Bangkok’s Thammasat University which the government allowed to take place, but permission was denied for their march beyond its walls.

Though the gathering pales in comparison to the mass rallies that have plagued Thailand, pro-

ANTI-JUNTA PROTEST: A demonstrator from the New Democracy

Movement (NDM) group flashes a three-finger salute inspired by the movie ‘The Hunger Games’ during a rally at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday. — Reuters

tests have been rare since the generals overthrew the government of Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin’s sister, in a coup in May last year.

The military has been criticised by the West for rounding up hundreds of activists, some for demonstration of just a few people.

Many, including journalists and politicians, have been forced to attend “attitude adjustment” sessions at army bases.

“Peoples’ rights have been taken away, too many have been detained,” said Montra Thong-

suksan, a demonstrator carrying a sign saying “return power to the people”.

“I have to show solidarity, against the military. I’m scared, but I’m willing to march to show we won’t give up.”

Thailand has been caught in a dilapidating tug-of-war between supporters of the politically dominant Shinawatra family and a royalist military backed by a network of old-money conservatives whose influence is being challenged.

The military will not cede pow-

er soon; Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the general who staged the coup said last week an election could take place in July 2017.

The time frame was pushed back about a year after a militaryappointed panel on September 6 rejected a draft constitution in a vote many analysts believe the top brass may have influenced to prolong its rule.

There was no uniformed military presence at the rally and police, who estimated 400 attended, made no obvious attempt to stop it.

“We are observing, to keep things in order,” the commanding officer, Major General Pongpan Wannapak, told Reuters.

“If things get out of hand, we’ll report it to our superiors.” — Reuters

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Why Europe must help refugees coming by sea

Photo: Edgar Allan Esteban

I

f you’re as cynical as I am about Europe’s impulse to control migration from Arab lands, you might have the same question I did: Why don’t European navies interdict the refugees at sea, and send them back to Libya or Turkey or wherever they’re coming from? It might seem cruel, but after all, that’s what the US did with Haitian boat people in the 1990s and what Australia still does with asylum-seekers.

You might think the answer is that the Europeans are just more softhearted than the Americans or Australians, but it turns out the answer isn’t that simple. Behind Europe’s policy of saving refugees at sea and bringing them in for processing and asylum lies a controversial 2012 decision by the European Court of Human Rights.

Motivated by humanitarian instincts, and decided before Syria’s collapse put the flow of Arab refugees into overdrive, the decision is a model of how law can affect policy. It’s also a model of the risks when international courts make decisions that have huge consequences for real-world policy.

I was struck to learn from an article by the scholar Jill Goldenziel that, before the 2012 decision, while Muammer Gaddafi’s regime was still standing, Italy had an agreement with the dictator that it would stop boats of refugees on the high seas and send them straight back to Libya. On the surface, the arrangement sounds ugly, and indeed, Human Rights Watch led the international human rights community in criticising it.

Yet the practice of turning back migrants may also have created some disincentive against boarding rickety boats in the hopes of being rescued and ending up in Europe.

Today, desperate people fleeing civil war in Syria or terrible economic conditions elsewhere know that, if they make it into international waters, they can use a mobile phone -- typically provided by the smugglers -- to call the Italian or other naval dispatchers. They will then be picked up and brought to Europe, provided their ships don’t founder first and they don’t drown.

Of course, the risk is extreme, as we’ve seen after all the deaths on overpacked and unseaworthy ships. No one would undertake this

course of action unless no better option existed.

But it’s also true that the refugees are risking their lives precisely in the hopes of being saved by European navies.

What changed since the time of the Libya deal was the European court’s 2012 decision in Hirsi Jamaa v. Italy. In that case, Somali and Eritrean nationals argued that Italy’s policy violated the most important provision of the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

Article 33 of the convention says that no signatory may “expel or return (‘refouler’) a refugee in any manner whatsoever to the frontiers of territories where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.” This right is known as “nonrefoulement.”

In the Hirsi Jamaa case, Italy said Article 33 didn’t apply to a rescue mission that took place in international waters. The fleeing East Africans were never in Italy, after all, so Italy’s obligation not to send them home never kicked in.

The US government made the same argument successfully to the US Supreme Court in the 1993 case of Sale v. Haitian Centers Council. In an 8-1 decision, the court held that the domestic US law implementing the refugee convention didn’t apply to Haitians who were intercepted at sea by the US Navy and then held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The unsuccessful case for the Haitians was argued by Harold Hongju Koh, who later became a State Department official in both the Bill Clinton and Barack Obama administrations. Koh did, however, induce Justice Harry Blackmun, for whom he’d earlier clerked, to write a heartfelt dissent. In the dissent, Blackmun, who was given to moving rhetoric on behalf of victims, ended by saying that the refugees had raised “a modest plea, vindicated by the Treaty and the statute. We should not close our ears to it.”

The European Court of Human Rights was apparently touched by Blackmun’s rhetoric, which it quoted at the conclusion of its opinion.

It held that Italy’s naval vessels were part of Italy, and that the refugee treaty’s obligation not to send refugees back home applied the moment the Italian navy took control of the refugees’ ships. It concluded by banning Italy’s strategy of pushback. — Bloomberg View

READERS’ FORUM Oman roads like those of developed countries This refers to the news story, ‘OMR2.5b push to make Oman roads the best’ (September 19). As a resident of Oman, it is a great pleasure to know that the quality of Oman’s roads has been ranked among the top in the world. The Ministry of Transport and Communication has to be appreciated for this great achievement. Since the Renaissance, the Oman government has given more care and attention to its road work and infrastructure. For a country like Oman, which is geographically extensive, it is a difficult task to make and maintain a network of roads with the quality of standard specifications. Those who drive even in the interiors of Oman can experience the exceptional quality of roads matching with those of the developed countries in the world.

Scan this QR code — P. A. Jacob, Muscat 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).

From just after World War I into the 1970s, US soldiers and sailors were exposed to mustard gas and experimental nerveagent antidotes, all without their knowledge. Now the survivors want to know exactly what the military did to them. They want medical care bit.ly/ustroopsnervegasnocare

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FROM OUR ARCHIVES SEPTEMBER 2000 Moosa stresses goal of health for all citizens

MUSCAT: Health minister Dr Ali bin Mohammed bin Moosa said all-round development in health services had been achieved as a result of the governments’ commitment, since the dawn of the Renaissance, to the goal of providing health care to all citizens as an essential factor in the comprehensive human development. The minister said the government had provided all facilities in the health sector.

OMAN’S MERCHANDISE IMPORTS BY LAND From February to April 2015 (in million rials) February

Need to take proper precautions for eating stored foods

This refers to the online story, ‘How Well is Your Food Stored?’ (September 19).

This article is indeed an eye-opener. I have always used bread, salads, cooked processed meat after storing in freezers for months. Many a time, I have thawed and refrozen the food and have never fallen ill. However, it seems it is simply that I have been extremely lucky. The types of precautions needed for eating stored foods have left me dumbfounded. No wonder my mother always scolded for messing with the items in the fridge. — Sadia Hashim, Muscat

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1783: The first hot-air balloon is sent aloft in Versailles, France with animal passengers including a sheep, rooster and a duck.

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1841: The first railway to span a frontier is completed between Stousbourg and Basle, in Europe.

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1948: Moscow announces it will withdrawal soldiers from Korea by the end of the year.

March

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0 Source: National Centre for Statistics & Information

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people had so far this year braved perilous trips across the Mediterranean to reach Europe

New wave of migrants hits Europe More than 4,500 rescued off Libyan coast in one day

In the latest chapter in the European Union’s escalating refugee crisis, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia tussled over how to cope with a wave of refugees desperate to reach northern Europe

BELI MANASTIR (Croatia): Thousands of migrants sought their way through a chaotic maze of rumour and proliferating border controls in the western Balkans on Saturday.

In the latest chapter in the EU’s escalating refugee crisis, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia tussled over how to cope with a wave of refugees desperate to reach northern Europe.

The European Union, meanwhile, sketched plans to boost aid to encourage Syrians in Turkey to stay put rather than join the exodus. In a new hurdle aimed at stemming the inflow, Hungary said it had completed a 41-kilometre (25-mile) barbed-wire barrier along part of its frontier with fellow EU member Croatia.

It “was finished overnight Friday,” defence spokesman Attila Kovacs said in Budapest.

The remaining 330km of the border runs roughly along the Drava river, which is difficult to cross.

Barbed-wire fence The new barrier adds to a barbedwire fence that Hungary set down along its frontier with Serbia, and backed with laws threatening illegal migrants with jail.

That move sparked fierce condemnation internationally and forced the migrant flow towards neighbouring Croatia.

Reversing an open-door policy, Croatia on Friday said it was swamped and redirected the migrants back to Hungary.

Croatian Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic on Friday said that Zagreb and Budapest had agreed to allow “vulnerable migrants” to

SEEKING TRANSIT: Slovenia police stand guard, as migrants and refugees wait to depart the bridge between the Croatian-Slovenian border in Rigonce on Saturday. Hundreds of migrants gathered on Croatia’s main border crossings with Slovenia on Saturday, seeking transit through Slovenian territory in their bid to travel to northern Europe, AFP reporters and local media said. - AFP

cross. Austrian police said 6,700 people had arrived on its border from Hungary, and as many as 10,000 were expected by the end of the day. They were then taken by bus or special train to various reception centres around Austria, police said. Another branch of the refugee flow has been through Croatia and to Slovenia.

Hundreds of migrants spent the night in the open on the Croatian side of the border at Bregana, state-run HRT television reported.

At Harmica, several dozen migrants faced off with a cordon of riot police on the frontier bridge, demanding that Slovenian police let them enter the country, an AFP reporter saw.

Late Friday, police used tear gas against several hundred migrants, some with children, who had sought to push through the police line. The clash happened shortly after Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar said the small country might consider creating “corridors” for refugees wanting to reach northern Europe if they continue arriving in large numbers.

Migrant flow Slovenian police said on Saturday that 1,287 had arrived as of midnight Friday, of which 483 were from Afghanistan, 470 from Syria and 126 from Iraq.

With no let-up in the flow of people desperate to find shelter in Europe from war and misery, new figures showed the EU received almost a quarter of a million asylum requests in the three months to June.

The International Organization for Migration (OIM) also said nearly 474,000 people had so far this year braved perilous trips across the Mediterranean to reach Europe.

The continent’s biggest migratory flow since the end of World War II has dug a deep rift between western and eastern EU members, with Hungary leading the hardline group. Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, is the great magnet for the refugees, many of whom are Syrians.

On Friday, Berlin warned it could invoke EU’s majority voting system to force reluctant states to accept quotas of migrants.

Another worry is over the fate of the Schengen agreement, a pillar of the European project that allows borderless travel between member states.

In addition to fences or restrictions on parts of the border between Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia, there are identity checks that Germany, Austria and Slovakia have reimposed on parts of their borders, and Poland and

The Netherlands are considering whether to follow suit.

EU interior ministers are to meet again on Tuesday, followed by an emergency summit on Wednesday.

Turkish solution Meanwhile, European Commissioner Johannes Hahn said Saturday the EU was earmarking aid of “up to one billion euros” ($1.13 billion) to encourage Syrian refugees in Turkey to stay there rather than join the outpouring of people heading to Europe.

The money will “help Turkey to deal with this challenge and (give) people (a) perspective to stay in the region in order to return back into their home region, home towns, as soon as this is possible,” Hahn said. The money will be taken from funds allocated for Turkey, Hahn said in a visit to a migrant reception centre at Gevegilja, in Macedonia.

Of the more than four million Syrians who have fled their country, nearly half have sought shelter in Turkey, while more than a million are now living in Lebanon and nearly 630,000 in Jordan.

The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) has said severe underfunding has forced it to halve its food assistance to 1.3 million of the refugees. - AFP

ROME: Twenty rescue operations Saturday picked up over 4,500 people off the Libyan coast, according to the Italian coastguard, which was coordinating the response for yet another boat in distress in the Mediterranean.

Among those taking part was Doctors Without Borders ship Bourbon Argos, which said it had rescued over 800 people, who were expected to be brought to safety in Italy along with the rest of those saved.

“We started before first light this morning with our first rescue. We rescued two wooden fishing boats and two rubber dinghies,” said Simon Burroughs, emergency coordinator for search-and-rescue missions by the medical group — commonly known by its French initials MSF. Burroughs said those rescued included Eritreans, Nigerians, Somalis, Libyans, Syrians and West Africans.

The 20 operations took place between 30 and 40 nautical miles off the Libyan coast, and saw rescue workers pluck people from eight boats and 12 dinghies.

The body of a woman was also recovered. The mass effort was carried out by an Italian military ship, the MSF’s Bourbon Argos, the MAOS search and rescue Phoenix, a Croatian vessel operating under EU border agency Frontex, two vessels operating within the Eunavfor Med mission — one British, one German — and the Italian coastguard.

The coastguard said another mission was under way to save yet more people who had run into difficulty during the perilous crossing from Libya to the Italian shores.

In videos sent to AFP by MSF, hundreds of people in brightly-coloured clothes could be seen sprawled out on the Argos, a nearly 70-metrelong Luxembourg-flagged ship which typically carries

CLIFFHANGER ELECTION

M I L I TA RY M I G H T

Focus of world attention However, a naval base at Tartus in Syria has recently become the focus of world attention as Russia has boosted its troop presence there in a move seen as bolstering its diplomatic influence in the region. Russia already has military bases in ex-Soviet neighbours

Vladimir Putin

Kyrgyzstan and Armenia, which like Belarus are also members of a Eurasian Economic Union that Putin sees as the embryo of a new geopolitical bloc.

Last year Russia annexed the Ukrainian province of Crimea, partly due to fears it would be pushed out of its large naval base in the Crimean port of Sevastopol.

The creation of a base in Belarus may also be a signal to the West that Russia will not tolerate intrusion in its traditional sphere of influence.

Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, is seen as a long-standing Russian ally and is often criticised in the West for his record on human rights.

He has a reputation for being unpredictable because of his common practice of playing off Russia against the West.

Spooked by Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Poland and the Baltic states have repeatedly asked NATO to station forces permanently in their territories along the alliance’s eastern flank in Russia’s vicinity. - AFP

ATHENS: Greece heads for a cliffhanger election on Sunday with former premier Alexis Tsipras taking a slight lead in the race against the conservatives for the helm of a government facing tough economic reforms.

Hours before a midnight ban on voter surveys expired Friday, two polls forecast victory for the youthful Tsipras over conservative party chief Vangelis Meimarakis by margins ranging from 0.7 to 3.0 percentage points.

However, pollsters advise caution with many recalling the 2000 election that was decided by a mere 72,000 votes.

A victory for Syriza would deliver “a key message for Europe”, Tsipras told his closing rally in Athens on Friday, referring to the refugee crisis and Europe Union economic woes.

“Do we want a Europe of austerity or one of solidarity and democracy?” he asked the crowd.

In a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, Tsipras said voters would say “no to this old system of corruption, no to the enshrining of the oligarch establishment.”

With nine parties hoping to enter parliament, whoever wins is unlikely to secure an outright majority and Tsipras’s Syriza party could well need to ally itself with one of the parties he has criticised.

His former finance minister Euclid Tsakalotos on Saturday warned that cooperating with parties “who have built their political power on clientelism” would be difficult.

“I don’t see how we can change public life and combat tax evasion with such alliances,” Tsakalotos told the liberal Kathimerini daily.

In a flurry of interviews this

around 700 people.

“It’s quite a big boat, but at the moment every inch of deck space is covered. People are extremely relieved to be off of their sinking boats,” Burroughs said.

“We’ve had about a week of bad weather that stopped any kind of rescue operations, but last night and this morning weather changed,” he said, as children were heard crying in the background.

“There are multiple nationalities... Thankfully, everyone is in good health,” said MSF spokesman Sami Al Subaihi, who is seen aboard the ship in the video.

Launched in May, the Argos has been handling large rescue missions due to the growing waves of people seeking refuge in Europe.

“It’s a large operation, but unfortunately it’s becoming quite a typical operation...

Our last rescue was over 1,000 people,” Burroughs said.

The Bourbon Argos has a staff of 26 people on board, including medical specialists.

According to Yazan Al Saadi, MSF’s regional communications officer in Beirut, the three MSF search-andrescue vessels are equipped to treat migrants for various medical issues. On Friday, 102 migrants were rescued in the Mediterranean by Libyan authorities, and seven other bodies were recovered. - AFP

FIRST IN 14 YEARS

Putin gives go-ahead Ex-premier Tsipras takes slight to Belarus airbase plan lead ahead of Greek vote today MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed the establishment of an airbase in neighbouring Belarus, the latest move by Moscow to project its military power abroad.

Saturday’s announcement, which comes at a time of tension with the West over Russian involvement in Ukraine and Syria, may also signal the Kremlin’s interest in keeping unpredictable Belarus within its geopolitical orbit.Putin said in a statement he had agreed a government proposal to sign a deal for the military airbase and ordered defence and foreign ministry officials to start talks with Belarus.

The plan is not expected to face major obstacles.

The idea of setting up an airbase in the ex-Soviet republic was revealed by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in 2013, and follows a 2009 agreement under which Russia and Belarus agreed to defend their common external frontier and airspace.

Russian defence officials have said the base would be used to station Su-27 fighters.

Russia already has some fighter aircraft in Belarus but this would be the first full-scale base there since Soviet times.

Russia has scaled back its military presence abroad, closing bases in distant Cold War allies such as Cuba and Vietnam.

GRIEF-STRICKEN: A migrant holds her child who died, after they were rescued from their sinking boat and brought back to the coastal city of Tripoli, Libya on Friday. - Reuters

SPELLING OUT: Former Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras and leader of the left-wing Syriza party, centre, speaks to party youth members wing at a cafe in the centre of Athens on Saturday ahead of the Greek general elections on September 20. - AFP

week, Tsipras defended his decision to put the country above his party, saying that had he refused to agree the three-year bailout, Greece would likely have been ejected from the eurozone.

On Friday, he told Antenna TV that he would “tug the rope” in order to secure relief on Greece’s huge national debt from EU creditors in the coming months.

A ‘costly experiment’ Conservative leader Meimarakis hit back in an interview on Saturday, dismissing Tsipras’s seven months in government as “an experiment that cost (the country) dearly”. Tsipras won office in January on an anti-austerity ticket but then upset supporters in July with a U-turn cash-forreforms deal struck with Greece’s international creditors, despite a huge “no” vote in a referendum on the issue.

The left-wing government had earlier also shut banks to avert a deposit run and imposed capital controls that are still felt in the

economy. Meimarakis warned voters against re-electing a man who has publicly admitted to opposing the bailout he signed.

“Do you know of any other prime minister who brokered a deal, brought it to parliament, voted for it and signed it, whilst saying he does not believe in it?” the conservative chief told the weekly To Vima.

“I fear that if Syriza is elected... the country will soon be led to elections again, and this would be disastrous,” said Meimarakis, a former defence minister.

Polls open at 0400 GMT on Sunday and close exactly 12 hours later. The first official estimates are expected from the interior ministry after 1800 GMT. - ‘Shifting sands’ Greek pollsters however calling for caution after polls failed to predict the result of a July referendum on austerity.

“It’s the first time I’ve felt unable at this point to make a forecast,” political columnist Paschos Mandravelis said. - AFP

Dutch foreign minister to visit Iran THE HAGUE: Holland’s Foreign Minister Bert Koenders will travel to Iran on Sunday for a two-day visit — the first by a top Dutch diplomat for some 14 years.

Koenders trip, announced on Saturday by the foreign ministry, follows hot on the heels of other European ministers keen to restore links with Tehran in the wake of the historic July nuclear accord struck between the Islamic Republic and global powers.

“It’s the first time in 14 years that a Dutch foreign minister is visiting Iran,” the ministry said in a statement saying Koenders’ trip would take place on Sunday and Monday.

He will meet Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for talks on implementing the nuclear deal, under which Iran will sharply curtail its nuclear programme in return for a gradual lifting of economic sanctions. They will also discuss trade links, human rights and Iran’s role in the upheavals in the Middle East.

Koenders said he hoped to give “fresh impetus” to his country’s ties with Iran and provide “greater opportunity to talk constructively with each other.” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius — one of the main negotiators of the deal reached in Vienna on July 14 — has already visited Tehran, as have British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.

Other European visitors to Iran — which has had frozen ties with much of the outside world for the past decade or so due to its suspect nuclear programme —include Austrian President Heinz Fischer and German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel. - AFP

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Malaysia detains Razak’s critic Khairuddin Abu Hassan had planned to lodge a complaint with US police against state investor 1Malaysia Development Bhd

KUALA LUMPUR: A former senior member of Malaysia’s ruling party has been detained for six days in connection with activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy, state news agency Bernama reported late on Saturday, citing a police director.

Khairuddin Abu Hassan, a critic of Prime Minister Najib Razak, earlier said authorities prevented him from boarding a flight on Friday bound for New York, where he planned to lodge a complaint with police against state investor 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

“He (Khairuddin) was remanded starting from today (Saturday) onwards until Thursday under Section 124C of the Penal Code...

I can’t reveal further information because an investigation is underway,” Bernama quoted Federal Police Criminal Investigation Department director Mohmad Salleh as saying.

Khairuddin has already lodged complaints in Switzerland and Hong Kong regarding banking activity involving 1MDB, which has been linked to various individuals under investigation by Switzer-

land for suspected corruption.

Khairuddin said on his official Facebook page on Friday that immigration officials prevented him from leaving on orders from Malaysian police, who later asked him to report to Kuala Lumpur’s police headquarters at 11 a.m. (0300 GMT) on Monday.

To be questioned “Just now when I asked during a conversation with the investigating officer, he confirmed that I will be questioned by the police for handing in evidence related to the

1MDB scandal to the Swiss Attorney-General’s chambers!!” Khairuddin wrote.

Khairuddin, immigration authorities and the police did not respond to telephone calls and emails seeking comment. 1MDB and the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland declined to comment.

In July, the Wall Street Journal reported that 1MDB transferred $700 million dollars into bank accounts of the prime minister.

Najib, who chairs 1MDB’s advisory board, denied taking money from

1MDB for personal gain.

The country’s anti-graft agency declared the funds a donation, while the prime minister has faced anti-government protests and calls to step down.

Ousted from party In February, Najib’s United Malays National Organisation ousted Khairuddin from the party after he was declared bankrupt. Khairuddin has since travelled to several countries to campaign against Najib and 1MDB, which has more than $11 billion in debt. — Reuters

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Oman evaluating instances of dumping by Asian exporters was not possible to take a common action at the Gulf Cooperation Council level against dumping.

But Oman has signed the pact.

The cases, however, are not serious enough to warrant action as the foreign firms were only found to be selling their products in the local market and might have benefitted from lower energy costs to sell at reduced prices

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman is currently evaluating one or two cases of suspected dumping of goods by Asian exporters.

However, the cases are not serious enough to warrant action as the foreign firms were only found to be selling their products in the local market and might have benefitted from lower energy costs to sell at reduced prices.

“We have to be very careful (in finding out) whether it is a dumping case or whether they are benefitting from lower energy prices,” Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry told journalists on the sidelines of a function to felicitate participants at a recent Omani products exhibition in Saudi Arabia.

Dr Al Sunaidi said the country had so far not filed any serious case against foreign business.

Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi. — File picture

Dumping case “Also, no one has won a case against Oman so far. Also, we have not been hurt by a (dumping) case filed against Oman. Probably, the only case we have today is the case of a Pakistani exporter, with

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

the case related to an Egyptian company over for now,” added the minister.

He further said that the two Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC ) countries were yet to sign a treaty on anti-dumping and therefore, it

Compete harder Omani firms have to compete harder with foreign firms to reduce prices and flood the market.

“There are a lot of products coming from abroad at cheaper prices, and they are using markets like the GCC. They have benefitted from lower energy costs,” said Dr Al Sunaidi.

Sultanate of Oman’s non-oil exports plunged 20 per cent to OMR1,007.8 million during the first four months of 2015, from OMR1,260 million during the same period last year, according to the latest monthly report released

by National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Among various product segments, plastics and rubber product exports plummeted 33.9 per cent to OMR83.5 million.

The minister said export

growth had dropped across the world. However, countries, such as India were still growing, and Iran and Africa are also expected to follow suit soon.

He added that the Sultanate’s industries are running at full capacity. However, companies that had expanded recently would have to look at markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council and outside for further growth.

Food processing firms Dr Al Sunaidi also noted that most food processing firms are running at full capacity.

“Construction, probably, is one area, which has to be re-adjusted in a year or so. I don’t see any issue with food processing and petrochemicals. We don’t expect any intervention by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry or the government (to support industries). We are definitely not contemplating any measures related to subsidies in terms of exports,” he elaborated.

FIBRE TO THE HOME FORUM

Oman to host major conference MUSCAT: Seventh edition of Fibre to the Home (FTTH) MENA Conference will begin on November 9 under the theme “FTTH, The Edge of a Brighter Tomorrow”.

The three-day meet is hosted by Oman Broadband Company.

Forum will be preceded by seminars by specialized speakers who will cover the FTTH works and

NEW DESTINATION: Ithraa has been conducting Omani product exhibitions since 2012 to boost

non-oil exports from Oman and has drawn growing participation with each passing year. — File picture

Oman eyes Ethiopia for boosting non-oil exports A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman is seriously considering raising its non-oil exports to Ethiopia by holding a high-profile exhibition in the country, following a detailed market study.

The Sultanate, which exported goods and services worth USD$40 million to Ethiopia in 2014, plans to hold an Omani products exhibition in Addis Ababa in April 2016. The main export items from Oman to Ethiopia include semi-finished goods, iron and polymers.

The Sultanate’s imports from Ethiopia are pegged at around USD$5 million, reflecting a favourable bilateral trade for Oman.

The Sultanate’s export promotion agency, the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (popularly known as Ithraa) had conducted a market study in Ethiopia to assess the export potential of 59 Omani products. The survey was

based on different sectors, such as foodstuffs, building material, furniture, marble, stones, textiles and vegetables.

The study was also conducted to find the consumption, demand and logistics patterns for these sectors.

Furthermore, in April this year, Ithraa had organised a businessto-business meeting for Omani businessmen in Addis Ababa, which was mainly aimed at showcasing Omani products for Ethiopian businessmen and traders.

Different sectors About 29 Omani companies participated in the business-tobusiness meeting from different sectors, such as furniture and marble, and Omani companies were able to secure multiple business deals.

The Ethiopian market’s potential is huge as the country’s total exports are $5.7 billion, while its imports are $22 billion, according to the World Bank. Its main trading partners are China, Saudi

Arabia and the United States.

The Ethiopian economy is growing at a rapid pace, with its gross domestic product pegged at $54 billion, and its per capita income estimated to be $568 in 2014.

Omani product exhibitions The Sultanate of Oman’s export development agency (Ithraa_ has been conducting a series of Omani product exhibitions since 2012 to raise non-oil exports from the country and has drawn growing participation with each passing year. As many as 120 companies participated in the recent Omani products exhibition in Jeddah, with 100 Omani firms taking part in a Dubai exhibition in 2014.

As many as 60 companies from Oman attended the first Omani products exhibition in Riyadh in 2012 and 65 per cent of participating firms secured contracts, while 85 companies took part in an exhibition in Qatar the following year and 70 per cent of the participating firms signed new business deals.

smart solutions through live interactive sessions on November 9th.

Panel discussion A panel discussion will be held at the first day of the conference that will touch on the applications that support the optic fibers ‘Visual System’ of the communication networks and the applications that

may be covered by the governmental organisations, such as smart sensors, controlled entry, smart payment and protection.

Eng. Said bin Abdullah Al Mantheri, chief executive officer of Oman Broadband Company said that the government will invest OMR450 million in the upcoming 10 years in this sector. — ONA

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MARKET CAREER FOR OMANIS

Orpic strengthens team with appointment of two Omanis Times News Service

Kamil Al Shanfari, general manager, Sohar Refinery. – Supplied photo

ECONOMY

France vows to push on with reforms PARIS: France’s finance minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to economic reforms on Friday after ratings agency Moody’s cut French bond ratings by a notch to Aa2, citing continued weakness in the country’s medium-term growth outlook.

The French government on Wednesday stuck to “cautious” growth and deficit targets two weeks before the release of its 2016 budget, saying it was right to ask EU partners for a delay in bringing down borrowing last year as an economic recovery was taking hold.

However, Moody’s said it decided to downgrade France’s government bond rating because it expects French economic growth to remain low over the medium term, likely weighing on “any material reversal” in France’s debt burden.

Hamed Al Ajmi, general manager – Aromatics – Supplied photo

grammes. Hamed’s contributions in operation improvements were well recognised by the company.

Before assuming responsibilities in his new role, Hamed was leading the residue cracking team at Sohar operations. He has a BSc degree in Chemical Engineering. Hamed is appointed as general manager of Aromatics Operations.

Musab Al Mahrouqi, chief executive officer of Orpic said, “The promotion of these employees recognises their contributions to the company during their tenures.

The company is proud to offer the most fulfilling career opportunities for national talent and these appointments are further testament to it. I am delighted that we have attracted such a high cali-

bre of Omani business leaders to these strategic roles. These are important appointments that will add the necessary leadership, expertise and depth and will help us build business synergies, drive transformation and deliver our strategic objectives.”

Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company is one of Oman’s largest companies and is one of the most rapidly growing businesses in the Middle East oil industry.

Orpic’s refineries in Sohar and Muscat, as well as the aromatics and polypropylene production plants in Sohar, provide fuel, chemicals, plastics, and other petroleum products, to Oman and to the world.

Ministry issuing standard Gulf Certificate of Origin Since July, the

Ministry to start receiving dates from October 30

ministry started issuing a standard Gulf Certificate of Origin for local exporters including national commercial, industrial and service

establishments

Times News Service Significantly slower “The current economic recovery in France has already proven to be significantly slower — and Moody’s believes that it will remain so — compared with the recoveries observed over the past few decades,” Moody’s said, explaining its decision to place the rating on negative watch.

President Francois Hollande has said that the country will not be able to cut its public deficit to within European Union targets as soon as planned because of weak growth and low inflation, casting doubt on the country’s reform drive. France left its main targets untouched on Wednesday. The public deficit is set to fall from 3.8 per cent of gross domestic product in 2015 to 3.3 per cent next year, before falling below the European Union-mandated threshold of three per cent in 2017.

The government also stuck to previous growth forecasts of one per cent in 2015 and 1.5 per cent next year, in line with the consensus of international organisations.

Inflation will reach 0.1 per cent this year, before picking up to 1.0 per cent in 2016. — Reuters

MUSCAT: Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industry Company (Orpic) recently appointed two Omanis in senior positions within the organisation. The appointments represent Orpic’s commitment to providing a strong career path to Omani nationals working in the oil and gas industry.

The appointments were made following a review of Orpic’s organisational model to ensure it has the necessary structure and talent in place to capitalise on current and future opportunities within Oman. Kamil Al Shanfari has been appointed as general manager – Sohar Refinery and Hamed Al Ajmi has been appointed as gen-

eral manager – Aromatics.

Having graduated with a BSc in Chemical Engineering, Kamil Al Shanfari has more than 16 years’ experience in the oil and gas industries. His experience is mainly in refinery and petrochemical sectors. He has held many positions within the organisation during his tenure in both functions — technical services and operations. Kamil was appointed general manager of Aromatics in 2013 and due to his contributions; he is now the general manager of Sohar Refinery.

Hamed Al Ajmi has over 16 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry, with extensive experience in the areas of refinery operations, technical services and competency enhancement pro-

MUSCAT: Ministry of Commerce and Industry started issuing a standard Gulf Certificate of Origin for local exporters including national commercial, industrial and service establishments since July.

This is in addition to the Omani entrepreneurs who wish to export their products or services to Singapore and the Association of European Free Trade Area (AFTA) including Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Lichesnstein.

This step came in light of the free trade agreement signed between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) and Singapore, in addition to the free trade agreement signed between the GCC and the Association of European Free Trade Area (AFTA).

Awadh bin Said Al Alawi, director of Commercial Affairs Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said: “The standard certificate of origin gives the exporters from all the GCC countries, generally, and the exporters from the Sultanate, in particular, special advantages and preferential transactions like exempting the national Gulf prod-

Times News Service MUSCAT: Ministry of Commerce and Industry will start receiving dates of the 2015 crop from October 30 to November 19. The ministry has made preemptive preparations to receive the produced dates by launching a tender for handling and processing the dates’ crop, in addition to cleaning, cleansing and preparing its warehouses for receiving the product.

After that, the ministry published advertisements in the local newspapers before the date of receiving dates from the suppliers. The ministry receives the quantities that come to it from various governorates of the Sultanate that produce different types of dates.

Amer bin Said Al Hadi, an officer at the Commercial Affairs Department at the ministry who is responsible for receiving the dates’ crop, said: “During 2014, the ministry

ucts and services from the customs dues at these countries.”

“The Gulf establishments, generally, and the Omani establishments, in particular, should obtain a standard Gulf certificate of origin from Singapore in case they import goods from Singapore to be granted a preferential dealing and be exempted from the customs dues at the GCC countries. In a case that the Gulf and local establishments import from a member of the Association of European Free Trade Area, they should ob-

received about 38,000 cases weighing about 2,660 MTs (metric tonnes) from 619 suppliers with a total amount of about OMR950,000.

tain a EUR 1 certificate of origin from these countries accompanied with the shipment to receive a preferential treatment and be exempted from the customs dues at the GCC countries, as well as the Sultanate, according to the provisions of agreements signed with such countries,” he added.

“Through signing and concluding free trade agreements, the GCC countries seek to create marketing outlets and new markets for the Gulf products and services.

They seek also to obtain preferen-

Such quantities are less with about 49 per cent than the quantities received in 2013.

This is attributed to the fact that some farmers export

tial dealings that enable such Gulf goods and services to compete in the various international markets.

The Gulf Cooperation Council states eek also to provide the Gulf establishments and entrepreneurs with new markets to enable them importing goods and services from such markets and obtaining exemption; as well as preferential ways of dealing,” Al Alawi indicated.

“The GCC states have a tendency to approve the standard certificate of origin so as to use it with

their produce directly to India without supplying it to the ministry. In addition, the production recorded this year was less in general.

various economic blocs in the future in case that they sign free trade agreements with such blocs.

The Gulf countries seek also to issue different Gulf certificate of origins electronically through linking the GCC countries member states,” he added.

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MARKET CONFERENCE

Experts set to discuss power

Sultanate’s GDP slips 14% measured on a year-on-year basis, grew by 12.2 per cent. This growth was a net result of the 5.4 per cent decrease in currency with the public, coupled with an increase in demand deposits by 19.2 per cent.

Quasi-money (RO savings and time deposits, certificates of deposits issued by commercial banks, margin deposits and foreign currency denominated deposits) witnessed a growth of 10.2 per cent during the period. Broad money supply M2 (that is, M1 plus quasi-money) stood at OMR14.8 billion at end of July 2015, up from OMR13.3 billion a year ago, registering an increase of 10.9 per cent during the period.

demand in UAE Petroleum sector Times News Service MUSCAT: The 13th annual Power-Gen Middle East conference and exhibition, which will run from October 4 to 6 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, is renowned for delivering a worldclass quality programme with a focus on practical and technical solutions, presided by over 60 leading industry experts on Power-Gen Middle East’s Advisory Board.

The event is set to bring together regional and international power sector leaders from the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region as well as other countries around the globe to design and implement the course of power and electricity for 2015 and beyond.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, minister of energy of the United Arab Emirates, will formally launch the conference and exhibition with an official ribbon cutting ceremony and a keynote address on the opening day. Nigel Blackaby, director of Conferences, PennWell corporation will be giving the introduction and opening remarks.

Commenting on the occasion, Feraye Gurel, event director, said: “Power-Gen Middle East 2015 returns with a strong line up of exhibitors and speakers that aim to address key issues affecting the region’s electricity market and provide pioneering and practical solutions to expand energy efficiency, technological excellence and implementation of smart solutions tailored to the Middle East’s power industry.”

This year, attendees will have the choice of 19 strategic and technical conference sessions as well as two new components.

witnessed a sharp decline of 36.8% on account of lower oil prices while the non-petroleum sector registered a growth of 4.1% from January to March CREDIT JUMPS: Credit to the private sector jumped 9.3 per cent to touch OMR15.7 billion at the end of

MUSCAT: Oman’s gross domes- July. Of the total credit extended to the private sector by July, the share of the non-financial corporate tic product (GDP) at current pric- sector was pegged at 47.4 per cent. - Times file es declined by 14.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2015, compared to Sector-wise, share of households Banks invested OMR693.1 milan increase of 2.7 per cent report- the non-financial corporate sector was pegged at 47.4 per cent, close- lion in government Treasury Bills was estimated at 49.8 per cent of ed in the same period last year.

The petroleum sector wit- ly followed by the household sec- at the end of July. Commercial the total private sector deposit nessed a sharp decline of 36.8 per tor (mainly under personal loans) banks’ investments in foreign se- base, followed by non-financial cent on account of lower oil prices, at 44.9 per cent, financial corpo- curities also shot up 58.7 per cent corporations at 27.8 per cent, financial corporations at 20.2 per cent while the non-petroleum sector rations at 5.1 per cent and other to OMR776.4 million in July.

Aggregate deposits held with and other sectors at 2.2 per cent. registered a growth of 4.1 per cent remaining sectors at 2.6 per cent.

Islamic banking entities procommercial banks registered from January to March. The anan increase of 6.5 per cent to vided financing to the extent of nual inflation rate, measured by Banks’ investments movement in the average CPI for Commercial banks’ overall invest- OMR18.3 billion in July from OMR1.4 billion at the end of July, the Sultanate, stood at 0.27 per ments in securities appreciated by OMR17.2 billion a year ago. Gov- when compared to OMR0.8 bil24.4 per cent to OMR3.3 billion at ernment deposits with commer- lion a year ago. Total deposits held cent from January to July.

The total assets of conventional the end of July, up from OMR2.6 cial banks rose slightly by 0.6 per with Islamic banks and windows cent to OMR5.3 billion. Deposits also registered a significant incommercial banks grew by 15.6 billion, a year ago.

The increase took place de- in public enterprises rose by 14.6 crease to OMR1.2 billion in July per cent to OMR28.1 billion in July 2015, up from OMR24.3 billion a spite the sharp decline in bank’s per cent to OMR1.1 billion during 2015, up from OMR0.4 billion outstanding at the end of July 2014. year ago. Of the total assets, credit investments in Central Bank the same period.

The total assets of Islamic banks disbursement accounted for 63.7 of Oman certificates of deposit and windows combined, amountper cent and rose by 9.2 per cent at (CDs), which fell from OMR1.3 Private sector deposits billion in July 2014 to OMR0.34 Private sector deposits, which ed to RO1.8 billion as of the end end July to OMR17.9 billion.

Credit to the private sector billion in July 2015. Investment constituted 63.8 per cent of the of July 2015, which constituted jumped 9.3 per cent to touch in government development total deposits with commercial about 6.2 per cent of the banking OMR15.7 billion at the end of July. bonds, however, was up by 4.3 per banks, increased by 8.8 per cent system’s assets.

As of the end of July 2015, narOf the total credit extended to the cent from a year ago to OMR590 to OMR11.7 billion in July, from row money stock (M1), when OMR10.8 billion a year ago. private sector by July, the share of million at the end of July.

VA L U E O F I N V E S T M E N T S

Domestic interest rate In terms of the domestic interest rate structure at commercial banks, both deposit and lending rates softened during this period.

The CBO policy’s interest rate for absorption of surplus liquidity in the form of central bank CDs for 28 days maturity was 0.094 per cent in July. CBO’s policy rate for injection of liquidity, that is, repo rate remained unchanged at 1 per cent since March 2012.

The overnight domestic interbank lending rate in Omani rials slipped from 0.131 per cent in July 2014 to 0.122 per cent in July 2015.

The weighted average interest rate on Omani rials deposits also declined from 1.046 per cent in July 2014 to 0.910 per cent in July 2015, while the weighted average in Omani rials lending rate was down from 5.181 per cent to 4.812 per cent during the same period. — ONA

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M O N E TA RY S T I M U LU S

Family-owned firms Credit Suisse, Bank of America say Federal worth 70% volume Reserve makes tougher to be US dollar bull of GCC economies MUSCAT: Total value of investments of family-owned companies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is worth of about $850 billion, or 70 per cent of the total volume of the GCC states’ economies.

This was stated in a working paper presented by Ahmed bin Saleh Al Marhoon, directorgeneral of the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) at the Arab Initial Public Offering Summit, which was held in Dubai.

Al Marhoon said that family companies have played an important role in maintaining the growth of the GCC national economies as they managed to cope and absorb the changes facing them, especially those related to changing ownership from the founding generation to the next and any structural changes in the management or ownership model He added that the wealth and investments of family-owned companies in the GCC countries are worth of about $2 trillion and they employ about 15 million national and expatriate workers; which is more than 80 per cent of the active manpower in these economies.

Diversification Family-owned companies are still the mainstay of the GCC economy as they control almost all economic sectors, except for oil and gas, said Al Marhoon. He pointed out that most companies started with trading and had later diversified their business, experiencing severe ups and downs due to growing international competition in the local markets and the

Family-owned companies are still the mainstay of the GCC economy as they control almost all economic sectors, except for oil and gas, said Ahmed bin Saleh Al Marhoon, directorgeneral of the Muscat Securities Market

GCC becoming a more open economy. As for the challenges facing family companies, Al Marhoon said that family companies faced several challenges that required a practical approach and for them to identify ways that would help them coexist with the different challenges and developments facing them.

These challenges include, but are not limited to the transfer of management and possession from the founding generation to the subsequent generations, which may result sometimes in conflict if an institutional structure or a family charter is not in place. — ONA

NEW YORK: United States Federal Reserve’s continued embrace this week of monetary stimulus, and tumbling government bond yields, are prompting even dollar bulls to warn of weakness ahead for the US currency.

Some of the world’s biggest banks, including Credit Suisse, Bank of America, and Commerzbank say the potential for the dollar to rise against major currencies has diminished after policy makers kept rates on hold and stopped short of spelling out plans for an increase this year. Hedge funds and other large speculators pared bullish bets on the dollar to the least since May. “The global backdrop, as Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen said, is still fragile and now the Fed has said ‘Yeah you’re right to be worried about global growth, we are as well,’” said Lee Ferridge, head of macro strategy for North America at State Street Corporation in Boston.

Divergence in monetary policies “may still happen, but clearly the strength of the divergence is much less than we were expecting before. And that’s got to start weighing on the dollar.”

The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index dropped 0.2 per cent to 1,201.74 this week in New York, reaching the lowest level since August 24. The US currency added 0.4 per cent to $1.1298 per euro and lost 0.5 per cent to ¥119.98.

Hedge funds and other large speculators slashed bets on dollar gains against eight major currencies, data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission showed. Net dollar longs fell to 256,044 contracts in the week

INDEX DROPS: The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index dropped 0.2 per cent to 1,201.74 this week in New

York, reaching the lowest level since August 24. – Bloomberg News

ended September 15, the least in four months.

While strategists at Credit Suisse, Bank of America and Commerzbank say the dollar may weaken in the near future, they still forecast a stronger greenback by the end of this year. Credit Suisse and Commerzbank predict the dollar to rise to $1.09 and $1.08 against the euro, while Bank of America reduced its estimate this week to $1.05 from parity versus the single currency.

Fed policy In holding their benchmark federal funds rate target at zero to 0.25 per cent, Fed policy makers showed they still aren’t convinced inflation will move gradually back

to their 2 per cent target, despite continued gains in the labor market. Unemployment in August fell to 5.1 per cent, its lowest level since April 2008.

Treasury two-year note yields fell the most since 2009 after the Fed’s September 17 statement, diminishing the relative allure of dollar-denominated debt.

Yellen said she’s “focused particularly on China and emerging markets” and highlighted the dollar’s 19 per cent surge since June last year has already tightened domestic financial conditions.

The dollar will come under pressure against the euro and yen until lower commodity prices and a falling inflation outlook — the same problems facing the Fed

— prompt the European Central Bank and Bank of Japan to expand monetary easing further and reestablish divergence in monetary policies, according to Bank of America and Credit Suisse.

“If the Fed does not hike at all this year and the ECB does not commit to extend quantitative easing yet, euro/US dollar could appreciate well above $1.15,” David Woo, head of global rates and currencies research at Bank of America, wrote in a research note.

“The market’s dollar position versus the other major currencies is already light and investors will need to start accumulating dollar long positions ahead of an eventually inevitable Federal Reserve hike.” - Bloomberg News

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MARKET BANKING & FINANCE

More than 20 countries on ‘waiting list’ to join Chinainitiated bank SINGAPORE: More than 20 countries are waiting to join the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), its designated president said on Saturday as he allayed concerns it was aimed to challenge US and Japanese influence in the region.

The number could bring the AIIB on a par with or even surpass membership in the Japan-led Asian Development Bank (ADB), which currently has 67 members, 19 of them outside of the Asia Pacific, according to its website.

“We have 57 countries (which are potential founding members) and to my knowledge...more than 20 countries are on the waiting list,” AIIB president-designate Jin Liqun told delegates of the Singapore Summit conference, without naming them.

“That makes it more than 70. I’m sure there will be more countries which will be interested,” added Jin, a former Chinese vice finance minister who was put forward by Beijing to head the bank and was elected in August by the prospective founding members.

The AIIB has been viewed by some as a rival to the Washingtonbased World Bank and the Manila-based ADB, which has been headed by Japan, its biggest donor, since it was founded in 1966. The US and Japan — the world’s largest and third-largest economies, respectively — have notably declined to join the AIIB although they are members of the ADB, but Jin said the door is open to both. — AFP

Businesses in Greece seek return to stability, liquidity To get around the problem, the Kalamata-based businessman notes, he asked clients who owed him money to pay his suppliers directly.

Retail trade turnover in Greece fell by nearly 13 per cent in June, July and August, a drop attributed by the union of traders mainly to the capital controls.

Imports in July also sank by 32 per cent compared to last year.

A similar block on bank transfers between Greece and the rest of the world meant that businesses had to apply to a state committee for permission to pay foreign suppliers and staff stationed abroad

ATHENS: Greek elections on Sunday may cause little change to its broad economic policy, dictated by the terms of its latest international bailout. But for thousands of , a return to political stability and cash liquidity would be enough to start with.

Not only has Greece held five elections in six years but the economy is still feeling the effects of capital controls imposed in late June, when the leftist government of Alexis Tsipras clashed with EU-IMF creditors over reform proposals.

When Tsipras announced a

UNCERTAIN TIMES: Not only has Greece held five elections in six years but the economy is still feeling the effects of capital controls imposed in late June, when the leftist government of Alexis Tsipras clashed with EU-IMF creditors over reform proposals. - Bloomberg News

referendum on austerity, a run on deposits followed and the government had to shut down the banks.

For weeks, Greeks could only withdraw 60 euros ($68) a day from cash dispensers, a limit later relaxed to 420 euros a week and still in effect.

But as long lines snaked outside bank ATMs in the summer heat, the country’s traders faced even greater difficulty.

A similar block on bank transfers between Greece and the rest of the world meant that businesses had to apply to a state committee for permission to pay foreign suppliers and staff stationed abroad.

“All enterprises that could, like ourselves, open foreign bank accounts to facilitate their transactions,” says Christos Papadimitriou, whose family busi-

ness exports balsamic vinegar to around 30 countries.

Proceedure made easy The procedure was later made easier after banks were allowed to handle the requests directly, but the average wait for permission is still 18 days.

“I know of companies that have received no response for over a month,” says Papadimitriou.

Manufacturing sector The manufacturing sector index likewise saw record drops of 30.2 per cent in July and 39.1 per cent in August.

In was a major shock for an economy that had just emerged from a long recession and with a quarter of the workforce officially out of a job.

Vangelis Meimarakis, leader of the conservative New Democracy party that could win Sunday’s election, ridiculed Tsipras’ claim during the campaign that the left-wing Syriza party stands for change.

“The only novelty brought by Syriza was capital controls,” Meimarakis told a supporters’ rally in Athens on Thursday. But there was one breakthrough.

No longer able to draw and stockpile cash under mattresses as they had often done in the past, or take their money abroad, Greeks increasingly turned to credit cards.

The traders’ union said the use of plastic had increased by 44 per cent, with over a million new cards issued between the end of June to early August. — AFP

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex rises in truncated week MUMBAI: The pull back rally continued during the second week as BSE benchmark Sensex regained the 26,000-level and the broader Nifty ended slightly below the crucial 8,000-level.

The truncated week saw the bulls turning combative and finally took back the reigns of market momentum which was punctuated by the world’s largest economy. The week saw the US Federal Reserve two day policy meet on critical decision over its nearly a decade old interest rate hike amid prevailing global slow down concerns and ripples from China.

The week started on gains in the midst of favourable macroeconomic data of growth in Industrial Production (IIP), negative Inflationary trend and narrowing current account deficit (CAD), but, the sentiments were edgy underlined by uncertainty over decision on US rate hike.

Finally, the US Fed keeping its rate hike unchanged gave a much wanted respite to the whole of emerging financial markets which turned boisterous.

Domestic investors once again turned upbeat with optimism restored as hold in US rate hike gave more room for policy adjustments for emerging market like India including hopes of rate cut

by RBI in its policy review this month and easing concerns over FII outflows.

The market was closed on Thursday on account of ‘Ganesh Chathurthi’ festival.

The Sensex resumed higher at 25,706.87 hovered between a high of 26,471.82 and low of 25,531.07 before ending the week at 26,218.91, showing a gain of 608.70 points or 2.38 per cent.

The CNX 50-share Nifty also resumed higher at 7,811.10 and climbed to regain 8,055.00 and

LOOKING UP: Sensex resumed higher at 25,706.87 before ending the week at 26,218.91, showing a gain of 608.70 points or 2.38 per cent. - Bloomberg file picture

low 7,761.85 before concluding the week at 7,981.90, revealing a gain of 192.60 or 2.47 per cent.

Rate sensitives were in limelight with Banks and Realty stocks witnessed frantic buying.

Among the 30-share Sensex pack, 24 shares gained, while rest declined in the week end.

Forex The Indian rupee snapped its five-week losing streak against the American currency and recovered sharply by 87 paise to end the week at one-month high of 65.67 per dollar on selling of dollars by banks and exporters on the back of heavy foreign capital inflows coupled with US Federal rate status-quo.

Smart rally in local equities also lifted the market sentiments.

The US Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates at historic lows predominantly triggered a relief rally across the emerging financial and currency markets.

The US central bank kept interest rates unchanged at 0-0.25 per cent, citing concerns over recent

global economic developments, against the backdrop of economic slowdown in China.

Current account deficit The domestic currency was largely supported by easing current account deficit worries amid strong domestic macro-economic fundamentals along with a sharp fall in inflation. India’s current account deficit narrowed to 1.2 per cent of GDP at $6.2 billion in the June quarter on contraction in trade deficit and higher earnings from services exports.

The rupee resumed higher at 66.40 per dollar as against the last weekend’s level of 66.54 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market and firmed up further to a high of 65.6650 before concluding the week at 65.67 per dollar, showing a sharp gain of 87 paise or 1.31 per cent. The local currency tumbled by 273 paise or 4.28 per cent in the previous five weeks due to a sharp fall in stocks.

The rupee hovered in a range of 65.6650 and 66.5075 per dollar during the week. — PTI

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP

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Glowing tributes paid to Pakistan in Virsa event Times News Service

A unique roundtable forum designed to promote Pakistani literature, Virsa has also become a popular platform to encourage local talent

MUSCAT: Heart-warming poetry, prose, quality singing and speeches were the highlight of ‘Pakistan Tujhay Salaam’, the fourth event of Virsa Series, held at Crystal Suites Hotel Wadi Kabir.

A unique roundtable forum designed to promote Pakistani literature, Virsa has also become a popular platform to encourage local talent. In its latest offering, Virsa team compiled a remarkable tribute to Pakistan as noted local poets, writers and speakers from the Pakistani community participated wholeheartedly to make it a memorable evening.

Syed Ayaz Hussain, Pakistan’s

Ambassador to Oman, was the chief guest, while the guest of honour was Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah, chairman, Syed Fayyaz Group, who sponsored the event, organised by Alpha Events Oman and conducted by noted poet Qamar Riaz.

The event was given a head start by young PSM student Khadija Hashmi who sang a national song with a lot of energy and emotion.

Mohammed Imran presented a rousing tribute by playing ‘Jeevay Jeevay’ on Banjo. Shaukat Ali, Mohammed Shehneel, Maratab Ali and Mohammed Kumail also impressed with their singing talent despite a sound system glitch.

Mohsin Javed presented an impressive documentary, highlighting

B5

the positive aspects of Pakistan.

The ambassador urged the Virsa team to hold such high quality literary events every month.

Prominent speakers included Chaudhry Shaukat Ali, A H Raja, Mohammed Arif Barakat, Prof.

Irshad Ahmed, SAS Bukhari and Mohammed Yousuf. The poets who recited their choicest verses for Pakistan included Shahzad Raza, Murawwat Ahmad, Qamar Riaz, Azra Aleem, Shahzad Ahmed and Zakir Hussain Zakir.

In the end, the chief guest gave away prizes to the singers while the guest of honour presented a shield to the ambassador as a token of thanks on behalf of the Virsa team.

OFFERS

alizz bank introduces credit card campaign MUSCAT: alizz Islamic bank has announced a credit card campaign with the message ‘A True Peace of Mind’ to offer unrivalled privileges and generous offers to its loyal credit card customers. alizz is Oman’s first full-fledged Islamic Bank to offer Shari’a compliant Titanium and Platinum MasterCard credit cards with a range of unmatched features that provide to cardholders with exclusive lifestyle benefits.

Besides enjoying seamless global acceptance at 35.9 million locations worldwide, alizz Islamic bank cardholders also have access to selected VIP airport lounges across the GCC, along with premium benefits and luxury retail shopping advantages offered by MasterCard, says a press release.

Online shopping alizz credit cardholders can also safely shop online using their credit cards with the new enhanced 3D Secure feature. 3D Secure Service confirms the identity of the customer through a simple check process as it provides a password to protect the

alizz Credit Card is based on Qard-Hasan/ Ujrah concept, which is authenticated Sharia concept used by many leading Islamic banks in the world for their Islamic credit card proposition online transactions, just like using the PIN at the ATM. alizz Credit Card is based on Qard-Hasan/Ujrah concept, which is authenticated Sharia concept used by many leading Islamic banks in the world for their Islamic credit card proposition.

In this concept, customer has the option of either paying the statement amount in full at month end or settling the amount in deferred terms through minimum payment criteria.

L U X U RY G E TAWAY

Dunes by Al Nahda — desert at your doorstep

MUSCAT: Dunes by Al Nahda, is the new paradise set in the golden sands of Wadi Al Abiyad, 45 minute drive away from Al Nahda Resort and Spa. A bright morning last week saw the soft launch of this resort as enthusiastic journalists from all over the region got together to live the magical experience conjured by this magnificent property.

Dunes by Al Nahda is also a member of Preferred LVX, a division of Preferred Hotels & Resort.

Preferred LVX’s properties are carefully scrutinised, showcasing refined and globally sophisticated hotels and resorts in coveted locations, including some of the most exceptional and luxurious properties worldwide; being branded with the Preferred LVX is truly a great honour for any hotel. Dunes,

by Al Nahda, with its exotic loca-

of Dunes by Al Nahda.

“This resort will definitely be a prime tourist destination, but it also serves as a great getaway for residents of the country too.”

Dotted with well-spaced villas and suites, Dunes by Al Nahda features 50 Ultra Luxury Tents each with full individual bathrooms, separate seating area and individually controlled air-conditioning brings together luxury and simplicity in a classy and true 5-star way. This exclusive luxury getaway devotes itself to wellness.

The special Hot Sand treatment, a spa experience carried forward from ancient Egypt, is their signature therapy and well-worth a try.

Guests can choose to be greeted with a wellness-consultant to assist them in picking from a range of invigorating spa therapies.

Dunes, by Al Nahda also has a

tion and premium facilities is a member of this bouquet of hotels and prestigious group. This will go a long way to position Oman as a high-end, luxury destination attracting a mix of worldwide visitors, says a press release.

Dunes by Al Nahda is the closest desert resort to downtown Muscat and the United Arab Emirates, allowing guests to enjoy the desert at their doorstep.

Exhilarating experience “Our resort promises an exhilarating experience that our guests are bound to keep reminiscing about.

We have ensured that our restaurants, in-house facilities as well as guided outdoor activities are up to international LVX standards,” said Niti Ajit Karsandas Hamlai, managing director of Al Nahda Hotels and Resorts, the parent company

ACCOLADE

range of activities for the more adventurous souls.

Hosting a variety of extreme sports like dune bashing, quad biking, sand surfing, camel riding, bicycle riding and kite flying, this resort makes sure to completely enthral the adrenalin seekers. For those wanting to simply flex those muscles in some outdoor sports, the venue has a 09 hole on-site bunker golf course, the sole of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman.

The location atop the sand dune, offers an unrivalled viewover the surrounding with undulating sand dunes, desert and mountains in the distance. The property also has a dedicated children’s play area. The Fleur Restaurant and Dune Bar serves a range of culinary delights from across the globe, with theme evenings and promotions that has their guests cheering for more.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Audi Q7 named 'Best of the Best' Mitsubishi Oman Facebook page in German design competition crosses 20,000 fans milestone FRANKFURT: The new Audi Q7 has been named 'Best of the Best' in the German Design Council’s Automotive Brand Contest 2015.

The new Audi R8 is being honoured in three categories. In addition, the Audi prologue concept cars are receiving “Special Mention” for exceptional innovation.

In all, Audi is receiving 16 awards at the fifth edition of the competition, says a press release.

With the award for the Q7, Audi takes first place in the Interior Premium Brand category. The SUV impresses with its progressive interior design and high-end technical solutions.

“For the new Q7 generation, the design has succeeded in implanting a feeling of expansiveness, roominess and cultivated elegance,” the jury stated in its reasoning. “Here, a clear architecture and logical control concept immediately make one feel at home – and the tasteful and perfectly crafted materials convey the feeling of sitting in a stylish lounge.

With this interior, the Q7 sets the

standard in this segment.”

In addition, the Audi R8 is also being honoured for its design. The sports car is the winner due to outstanding achievement in the categories ‘Exterior Premium Brand’ and ‘Interior Premium Brand’.

Moreover, the laser headlights of the Audi R8 are being honoured for winning the ‘Future, Mobility & Parts’ category.

Audi is also well-equipped for the future when it comes to design.

This is demonstrated by the Audi prologue, Audi prologue Avant and Audi prologue all road concept cars. They earned ‘Special Men-

tion’ in the ‘Concepts’ category — an honorary award for exceptional innovation. Audi has won an additional eleven prizes in this year’s Automotive Brand Contest in the areas ‘Architecture & Events’, ’Campaign’, 'Corporate Publishing’ and ‘Digital’.

The highly respected German Design Council initiated the Automotive Brand Contest in 2011 — one of the leading international centres of excellence in design.

The Automotive Brand Contest quickly developed into one of the most important competitions in the industry.

MUSCAT: Celebrating yet another milestone for Mitsubishi in the Sultanate, General Automotive Company announced that the Mitsubishi Oman Facebook page has now crossed the 20,000 fan milestone.

Commenting on the increasing use of social media platforms as a way of engaging with the public, Rajesh Sharma, the National Marketing Manager of General Automotive Company said, “We feel very honoured to have hit the 20,000 fans milestone on Facebook. We have always placed great emphasis on developing close relationships with our consumers and fans and Facebook is a social platform that has allowed us to do so.

We consider it to be amongst our most important assets in maintain such relationships; which is why we listen to and talk with our fans every day and keep the platform as interactive, relevant and entertaining as possible.”

For the past two years, Facebook has been central to all of Mitsubishi’s online interactions

For the past two years, Facebook has been central to all of Mitsubishi’s online interactions with its customers and fans in Oman

with its customers and fans in Oman. As a result of its popularity and the freedom it offers, Facebook has played an instrumental role in helping GAC receive direct feedback from customers on its new and existing initiatives, products and services. Through its Facebook page Mitsubishi also regularly engages with its existing and potential custom-

ers through interactive online contests,reaching out to thousands of Mitsubishi fans across the Sultanate and even abroad.

“On behalf of everyone at GAC, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our followers and fans for their continual support and feedback over the past two years;the learnings from which have heavily influenced the way in which we interact with customers and fans both online and in person,” added Rajesh.

As one of the most active automotive brand-related pages in Oman, visitors to the Mitsubishi Oman Facebook Page can get regular updates into the Japanese automotive giant’s activities in the Sultanate.

Ranging from vehicle debuts to showroom activities, fans and owners are able to stay up-to-date on programmes, product news and company information. The official Mitsubishi Oman Facebook page also allows the brand to keep in touch with customers and fans on a continual basis.

B6

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP Dossier Awards 2015 draws industry leaders Top performers from different segments of construction industry in Oman including contractors; construction materials manufacturers and consultants were felicitated at the awards ceremony MUSCAT: Dossier Construction Awards & Summit 2015 held in Muscat recently turned out to be a big hit drawing key players of construction and contracting sector, leading consultants, project owners and key policy makers in Oman.

Top performers from different segments of construction industry in Oman including contractors; construction materials manufacturers and consultants were felicitated at the awards ceremony.

At the summit, key policy makers from Oman government, construction industry magnates in the Sultanate, and top international consultants shared insightful information on business opportunities in key projects like Oman Rail, Duqm Special Economic Zone, and Power and Tourism sectors, says a press release.

Held under the patronage of Ministry of Transport and Communications and Public Authority for Electricity and Water and endorsed by Muscat Municipality, Omran, Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority and Oman Rail the event attracted more than 500 experts including contractors, policy makers from the government, consultants, architects, interior designers, turnkey contractors, project owners, project ďŹ nance professionals, and allied sector professionals mainly from the construction material industry.

Those who attended the function included Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, chairman, Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm who was the chief guest at the awards ceremony.

Sheikh Salim bin Mustahail Al Mashani presented a token of appreciation to the chief guest. The summit was held in the ďŹ rst half of the day and the award function was held in the evening.

Panel discussion The summit began with a key note address by Glenn Platt, managing director-Infrastructure, KEO International Consultants on the topic â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;GCC Construction Market.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; This was followed by a presentation by Ala Hassan Moosa, senior manager Projects Delivery of Muscat Electricity Distribution Company.

A panel discussion on the topic featuring Eng. Hamad bin Salim Al Magdheri, CEO of Rural Area Electricity Company, Praveer Chakravorty, CEO of Bahwan Engineering Company and Gert Hoefman, CEO of Oman Cables Industry followed the presentation.

The second presentation â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Updates on OCECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was made by Ahmed Elhassan, senior director, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre Project of Omran. The panel discussion succeeding the presentation featured Eng. Salim Al Thuhli, director Leisure Development, Bunyan-Oman Project Management & Development Company, Omran; Marco Malpiedi, MD of Atkins Oman and Ali Hassan Moosa, CIO of Oman Arab Bank.

Nathan Wiles, general manager of projects, Oman Rail Company made the third presentation on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oman Rail Project-Business Prospects for Omani Companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Apart from Nathan, Fabrizia Benedetti Valentini, Oman country manager 3TI Progetti and Nicholas Stuart, regional director-Rail and Transit, KEO International Consultants participated in the panel discussion held subsequent to the presentation.

The ďŹ nal presentation was made

by Anwar Kahlan Al Battashi, manager-Urban Planning, Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Duqm Underlying Business Opportunitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The panel discussion which followed the

presentation was participated by Reggy Vermeulen CEO, Port of Duqm Company and Ayman Saidi, country manager and director of Infrastructure-Oman, KEO International Consultants.

Felicitations The winners of Dossier Construction Awards 2014 were felicitated in the gala award evening. Al Jabri and Sandeep Sehgal, CE of UMS presented awards to the winners.

Doka was the platinum sponsor and Mercedes-Benz was the gold sponsor of the event. The event was organised in association with leading consultants Atkins, Renardet and KEO. Advantage Austria was the supporting organisation.

Larsen & Toubro, Sharq Sohar Group, Athaiba Furniture Factory, Oman Cables Industry, BEC Group, Voltamp Energy SAOG, Carrier, NBO, Taylor Woodrow Oman, Hasan Juma Backer Trading & Contracting, URICH Switchgear, Marine Technology Company LLC, BASF and Al Tamman Real Estate were the silver sponsors. Said Salem Al Wahaibi Group of Companies was the strategic sponsor. Falcon Insurance Company, Al Hassan Group, Shamel International, Hyundai ElevatorsTechnoelevators were the support sponsors. Times of Oman and Al Shabiba were the media partners and RMP was the printing partner.

KPMG was the validating partner.

The event was powered by NAMA Group and Target was the Lanyard partner.

Dossier Construction Awards & Summit is instituted by Dossier magazine, published by United Media Services. Launched in 2007, Dossier is Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst Businessto-Business (B2B) publication on construction, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Dossier is the prime reference base and source of information for stakeholders of the industry and it is considered as an important channel to communicate the opportunities and challenges faced by the sector.

Award Winners Best Construction Safety Initiative: Larsen & Toubro Oman Best MEP Contractor: Bahwan Engineering Company Best Contractor for Infrastructure Project: L & T, Oman

Best EPC Contractor: Consortium of Tatva Environment Services and Hasan Juma Backer Trading & Contracting Best Construction Contractor: Towell Construction & Co Best Interior Design: Studio 7 Best Architect: GUtech Ecohaus Team Best Project Design: Joint winners are Atkins and GUtech Ecohaus Team Best Engineer: Bushra Anwar, KEO International Consultants Best Engineering Consultant: KEO International Consultants Best Sustainable Project: Ras Al Hamra International School of PDO Best Commercial Project: Barka Grand Centre by Al Tamman Real Estate Best Residential Project: Ras Al Hamra Development Project of PDO Best Project Developer: Al Mouj Muscat Lifetime Achievement Award: Lieutenant Colonel Said Salem Al Wahaibi, Chairman, Assarain Group of Companies Special Award â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Excellence in Manufacturing - Power Transformers: Voltamp Power Special Award - Excellence in Manufacturing - Steel: Sharq Sohar Steel Rolling Mills Special Award â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Innovation in Green Products - GFRG: Shamel International Special Award â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Most Innovative Concrete Quality Assurance System: Doka Special Award â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Innovative Solutions for Car Parking: Intelligent Parking and Elevator Co. Special Award - Excellence in Marine Construction: Marine Technology Special Award for Innovative Construction Solutions: Taylor Woodrow Oman Special Award for Excellence in Project Finance: National Bank of Oman The members of panel of judges for awards; Eng Mohammed bin Salim Al Busaidi, member of Shura Council and chairman of Oman Real Estate Association, Ali Hassan Moosa, CIO Oman Arab Bank, Abhijeet Dutta, senior architect, Atkins and Akshay Bhatnagar, group managing editor of UMS were handed over certiďŹ cates.

U P G R A D I N G S TA F F S K I L L S

NBO organises Islamic banking training sessions MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman (NBO) announced that it recently conducted a series of internal training programmes covering a range of areas within Islamic Banking.

Aimed at developing and upgrading the skill sets of employees as well as promoting Shariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a compliant banking in Oman, the training modules prepared employees to take up critical job roles within the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Muzn Islamic Banking division, says a press release.

A group of 17 employees from ďŹ nance, audit and risk departments successfully completed a training programme titled, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Accounting and Auditing Organization of Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The workshop covered fundamental principles of Islamic Banking, including the regulatory and Shariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a standards, a general overview of Islamic Banking structure, and modules on products and services offered by Muzn.

The bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training arm, Academy of Excellence, also conducted four workshops on Muzn Islamic Banking for 30 call centre agents. Aimed at enhancing the product knowledge and equipping them to handle complaints and enquires more efficiently, the Muzn Islamic Banking Refresher course was successfully completed by 30 employees.

Commenting on the training programmes, Ahmed Al Musalmi, chief executive officer of National Bank of Oman, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;At National Bank of Oman, we continuously look to develop the skills and expertise of our employees. We have launched a series of programmes covering all divisions within the bank, Muzn Islamic Banking in particular, which are being rolled out across all areas of operation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our primary objective is to develop our talent to the highest level, whilst offering superior customer experience.â&#x20AC;?

Established in 2013 by National Bank of Oman, Muzn was the Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst Islamic Banking window. Since then, the concept has gained signiďŹ cant momentum among customers and the bank now operates a network of branches in key locations, in addition to its strong digital and mobile presence.

Islamic Banking customers can avail a full range of offerings from Muzn 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.

E D UC AT I O N

ISB, Bahwan CyberTek to offer management programme MUSCAT: Indian School of Business and Bahwan CyberTek now jointly offer a career accelerating management programme for business executives in Oman. The programme starts on October 4.

The Indian School of Business (ISB), a premier global business school and one of the largest executive education providers in Asia, and Bahwan Cybertek, an associate of the Suhail Bahwan Group, one of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost business houses

have joined hands to offer a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;CertiďŹ cate Programme in General Management for Business Executivesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Oman, says a press release.

The rapidly changing business scenario in the region offers diverse opportunities but at the same time, brings with it several complexities. Against this backdrop it is a must for business executives, especially those who are aspiring to move into leadership roles to keep themselves abreast

of the latest business practices and the right skill sets to manage effectively and thrive in an increasingly global competitive business environment. This certiďŹ cate programme is speciďŹ cally tailored for tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leaders and will help them become better leaders and business decision-makers.

Ideal candidates Ideal candidates for this programme are executives with expe-

rience who aspire to reach the next level of leadership by enhancing their general management competencies. Participants will have a holistic understanding of these competencies that will help them to enhance their personal effectiveness lead and motivate teams for greater performance and take strategic business decisions.

The certiďŹ cate programme will be delivered by senior faculty who regularly teach Executive Educa-

tion participants in ISB and other leading business schools. The methodology will be a mix of case studies, workshops, classroom learning and group activities covering the following areas: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ,-)( &Ĺ&#x2014;& ,-"#*Ĺ&#x2014; 2 && ( Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ., . !# Ĺ&#x2014; ."#(%#(!Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; 2 /tion excellence Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; !).# .#)(Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; #(Ăł/ ( #(!Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; managing stakeholders Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ĂŽ .#0 Ĺ&#x2014; /-#( --Ĺ&#x2014; )''/(# tion

Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ,% .#(!Ĺ&#x2014; 2 && ( Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014;*,)Ă°.able growth Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; #( ( Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; ()(Ä&#x161;Ă°( ( Ĺ&#x2014; 2 /tives This six-month programme is designed as a blend of online and on campus format. This format ensures that working professionals can continue their learning without disruption in their work schedules.

Successful candidates will receive the certiďŹ cation from the ISB, Centre for Executive Education.

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ROUND-UP

Ooredoo opens its latest concept store in Samail

The new branch is one of several concept stores overall and ďŹ rst in Samail to be operated by Enhance

MUSCAT: Ooredoo launched its latest franchise store in Samail with long-time partner Enhance, a WJ Towell company.

The new branch, which is one of several concept stores overall and ďŹ rst in Samail to be operated

by Enhance, was inaugurated by Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Batashi, deputy wali of Samail, who was accompanied by members of the senior team at Oore-

doo, says a press release.

At the opening Sheikh Sultan Al Batashi, praised Ooredooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s franchise store in Samail and commended the wide array of choice and competitive value-added telecommunication services it will offer to the local community in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.

The new line of concept stores is part of Ooredooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 expansion strategy, which aims to ex-

tend the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach to the furthest corners of the Sultanate, inspiring growth and development through innovative products and services. These stores are operated by leading retail chains in-line with Ooredooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young and dynamic brand philosophy, further empowering local communities with the its second-to-none customer experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Customer outreach and engagement is at the heart of what we do, which is why we developed this concept and partnered with some of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most trusted brands to extend our network of branches to where they are needed most,â&#x20AC;? said Feras Al Sheikh, director of Consumer Sales at Ooredoo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our decade long relationship with Enhance continues to

strengthen as time goes on, with this latest franchise serving as yet another example of our ďŹ rm, mutually beneďŹ cial partnership.â&#x20AC;?

Ahmad Abbas, general manager of Retail Solutions in Enhance said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Samail opening today is an important milestone in our partnership with Ooredoo. It is our ďŹ rst store in the Dakhiliyah region and is expected to provide the wilayat and surrounding areas with Ooredooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspiring offers and services. We saw plenty of enthusiasm for the store during our soft opening period and we are committed to providing the best services via our dedicated team.â&#x20AC;?

Today, Ooredooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s franchise stores have extended the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach into Rustaq, Al Amerat, Al Musannah, Jalan Bani Bu Ali, Sinaw, Saham and Saâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;dah.

RECOGNITION

Aster chief bags â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Healthcare CEO of Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; award DUBAI: Aster DM Healthcareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chairman, Dr Azad Moopen, was awarded â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Healthcare CEO of the Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the CEO Middle East Awards 2015 for his successes in building the Aster DM Healthcare brand into the fastest growing healthcare provider in the Middle East, and across India.

Dr Moopen, who opened his ďŹ rst clinic in the UAE almost 30 years ago, accepted the award at a prestigious ceremony at the InterContinental Hotel at Dubai Festival City, says a press release.

The CEO Middle East Awards recognises the high calibre of business leaders throughout the region. In recent years Aster DM Healthcare has continued to enjoy rapid growth and the award acknowledges Dr Moopenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievements in leading the business.

Recent notable accomplishments include: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; " Ĺ&#x2014; )* (#(!Ĺ&#x2014; ) Ĺ&#x2014; -. ,Ĺ&#x2014; )-*#tal in Dubai and Aster Medcity in Kochi, India Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; " Ĺ&#x2014;& /( "Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; /-#( --Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014; Bahrain - with the opening of the ďŹ rst Aster Medical Centre in the country, and the 50th in the GCC

Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;* ,.( ,-"#*Ĺ&#x2014;1#."Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; &Ĺ&#x2014; &ila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and treatment, that saw Aster DM Healthcare donate AED 10 million to help them fund their work Dr Azad Moopen comments:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am very proud to have been recognised as Healthcare CEO of the Year at the CEO Middle East Awards. As a company we have achieved many great things over the past year and our vision is to achieve even more. We want to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, high-quality medi-

cal services and it is both my personal commitment and that of the wider business to do all we can to achieve this.â&#x20AC;?

Editor of CEO Middle East, Neil King, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dr. Azad Moopen epitomises many qualities of a great leader, not only in his business achievements but also in understanding the responsibilities of those working in such a personal industry as healthcare â&#x20AC;&#x201D; where there is a continuous need to empathise with patients.

In a year that has seen Aster DM healthcare grow signiďŹ cantly, he has also made a number of charitable contributions to those less fortunate. We are delighted to therefore be honouring him with this award.â&#x20AC;?

Aster DM Healthcare owns and operates the largest healthcare network in the GCC and Indian with 290+ units manned by more than 13,000+ employees. Dr Moopen has also consistently been at the forefront of philanthropic and social initiatives in India and abroad, both in his personal capacity and as part of the Aster DM Healthcare Group.

W O R L D P R E M I E R E AT M O T O R S H O W

InďŹ niti Q30: A unique premium compact car MUSCAT: Making its world premiere at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the InďŹ niti Q30 is a new type of premium compact vehicle for a new type of consumer. Representing InďŹ nitiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst global entry into the fast-growing premium compact segment, the Q30 will play an important role in helping the company realise its plans for global growth, says a press release.

Designed for a new generation of buyers not willing to be deďŹ ned by their choice of vehicle body type, the Q30 challenges convention with its bold character and daring shape.

The car stays true to the signature design cues from the original 2013 concept and exempliďŹ es InďŹ nitiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design-led, human-centric approach to product development. The unconventional stance and asymmetric interior contrib-

ute to an overall design that is certain to command attention.

Roland Kruger, president of InďŹ niti, said: Q30 makes a daring visual statement through its sculpted, concept-car exterior, unconventional stance and

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asymmetric cabin design. The car has been engineered to exacting standards to deliver a driving experience that is unmistakably InďŹ niti. Q30 will accelerate the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategy to become a leading global manufacturer of premium cars.â&#x20AC;?

The development teams behind the Q30 have taken a holistic approach to its engineering, presenting a car that offers exceptional ride and handling. It feels comfortable yet â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ready to go anywhereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; thanks to the versatile dimensions, conďŹ dent dynamics and intuitive technologies.

R A C I N G S TA R

Al Hashar Group congratulates Ahmad Al Harthy MUSCAT: Al Hashar Group, Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prestigious business conglomerate with diverse business interests, congratulated ace Omani racing star Ahmad Al Harthy on winning the Avon Tyres British GT Championship Silver Cup title at Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit.

Al Hashar Group is one of the key sponsors of the Omani racing sensation, says a press release.

Congratulating Ahmad Al Harthy, Sheikh Al Muhannad Al Hashar, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ahmad has achieved iconic status in the Sultanate by winning the British GT Championship Silver Cup title racing in the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 car, and as the official distributor for the premium Aston Martin brand cars in Oman, Al Hashar has every reason to celebrate this epic win.â&#x20AC;?

Corporate support â&#x20AC;&#x153;Al Hasharâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s association with Ahmad is deďŹ ned by the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core corporate commitment to support local communities and homegrown talents with a view to supporting the Sultanate in its quest to scale new heights of progress and enhance its standing in the comity of nations. We wish Ahmad all the very best in future racing events,â&#x20AC;? he continued.

Sultan Al Kharusi, managing director, Al Hashar Group, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As key sponsors in 2014 and 2015, we have seen his performance grow from strength to strength. Last year was a history-making Teamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; title victory for the Oman Racing Team in British GT with appreciable performances in the Blancpain Endurance Series and now the victory at Avon Tyres British GT Championship Silver Cup at Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of us at Al Hashar Group congratulate Ahmad on this joyous occasion. We are sure he will continue his winning streak in the future as well.â&#x20AC;?

Accepting all the praise and admiration with a warm smile, Ahmad who is also the brand ambassador for Aston Martin Middle East and North Africa, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to thank the chairman, the management and staff of Al Hashar for their love and blessings.

It is indeed a great privilege that the prestigious Al Hashar Group has been one of my sponsors for the new season in British GT and Blancpain as well. We won racing in a superb Aston Martin car, and Aston Martin is undoubtedly one of the best auto brands known the world over for great performance and style. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really an honour to associate with Al Hashar for the second year in a row.â&#x20AC;?

Ahmad will now compete at the ďŹ nal round of the Blancpain Endurance Series in Nurburgring, Germany, slated for today.

Meanwhile, Aston Martin is upgrading its range of Vantage racing cars for 2016 season. Aston Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vantage GTE, Vantage GT3 and Vantage GT4 will sport a range of enhancements in their performance and durability.

Aston Martin has a signiďŹ cant fan following in the Sultanate.

With excellent after-sales support including excellent service and availability of genuine parts, Aston Martin has seen its market share in the Sultanate steadily rising over the years.

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S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP

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With the Toyota Festival of Joy in full swing, the FJ Cruiser is even more rewarding to own as it will come loaded with benefits

MUSCAT: The Toyota FJ Cruiser looks big, bold and adventurous.

All this it is, but that is not all that it is.

A mid-sized SUV, the intrepid FJ Cruiser boasts some of the most impressive off-road capabilities in the Toyota line-up. Combining tradition with modern technology and practicality, the F.J. Cruiser exhilarates, whether driving across town or cross-country, says a press release.

“Now, with the Toyota Festival of Joy in full swing, the FJ Cruiser is even more rewarding to own.

Our promotion has already started on September 13 and will continue until November 12 of November,” remarked the SBA spokesperson.

During this period, every FJ Cruiser will come loaded with a service package of 3 years/30,000 kms (whichever is earlier) covering 3 services at 10,000 kms service interval for petrol models based on normal operating conditions.

These benefits will be applicable for all purchases except government organisations and ministries on 2015 YM and 2016 YM models of 2015 production year.

“Now’s the time to get yourself the FJ Cruiser you always wanted.

It is indeed a wonderful vehicle that features a rugged exterior and a comfortable interior.

Al Hilal Islamic Banking opens service centre at Lulu Nizwa

“The cabin is replete with lots of cargo space, roomy seats, a sleek centre console state-of-the-art stereo system, plus more,” added the spokesperson.

An enthusiast states, “The Toyota F.J. Cruiser takes on challenging terrain with ease. As a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ Toyota, it offers a gratifying performance — both on the road and off.”

The FJ Cruiser’s advanced design is very noticeable, with its stylishly rounded headlights set either side of a wide, mesh grille; an upright windscreen with three

wiper blades, a white roof and wrap-around rear corner windows. The rear swing-out door with mounted spare wheel offers ease of cargo storage and entry and exit of occupants. ‘FJ’ branded spare wheel cover and a flip type rear glass provides a sturdy and stylish look.

FJ’s classy touches include a leather steering wheel with silver accents and audio control, Bluetooth switches, water repellent fabric seats, USB + auxiliary port, cruise control, 8-way adjustable driver seat, keyless entry system

and a 10-speaker JBL audio system with subwoofer.

The FJ is equipped with a powerful and muscular 4 Litre, V6 petrol engine with Dual VVTi that whips up a massive 268 HP. Optimally matched with the drive train is the sporty 5-speed, ECT (automatic) transmission, designed to deliver excellent performance, smooth gear shifting and lower noise levels. The FJ Cruiser has a host of high-end safety features, which include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active-Traction Control (A-TRC); Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electric Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

In Oman, the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive supports Toyota’s outstanding product quality. No wonder then that today, Toyota is one of the most trusted and well-known brands.

MUSCAT: ahlibank, the Sultanate’s ‘Best Bank’ as per OER-Gulf Baader for the fourth consecutive year, has recently opened a new Al Hilal Islamic Banking Service Centre at Lulu hypermarket in Nizwa. The service centre was inaugurated by Khalid bin Hilal bin Hamad Al Nabhani, member of the Shura Council from Nizwa, along with the senior management of the bank.

The new service centre at Lulu Hypermarket Nizwa is conveniently located to provide easy access to Al Hilal Islamic Banking services’ growing customer base in the region and is expected to have a positive impact on the delivery of quality service to the bank’s customers, says a press release.

Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration of the Service Center, Lloyd Maddock, CEO of ahli-

bank, said: “Over the past years, ahlibank and Al Hilal Islamic Banking Services have expanded their product portfolio and footprint in response to our customers’ needs by launching conveniently located Service Centres, offsite ATMs, CDMs and other alternative channels. Our strategy is to expand our customer base and make banking services easily accessible.”

“Our service centre at the Lulu Hypermarket in Nizwa is ideally located and is in response to the increasing demand for Islamic Banking services in the area,” said Abdullah Al Jabri, general manager, Al Hilal Islamic Banking services.

“We will continue to identify more such locations and expand the basket of our products and services for the benefit of individuals and businesses,” he added.

RETRO LOOK

Centrepoint launches latest winter collection MUSCAT: New collection focuses on 70’s inspired pieces for the family Centrepoint, the region’s largest fashion retailer, is making retro look chic in its latest collection for autumn winter. It has embraced the seasonal colours and styles that are bound to keep all consumers looking effortlessly comfortable and on-trend this season.

The Babyshop styles for little ones reflect a colour scheme of

pastels and dark hues and patterns reflecting flora and fauna.

The collection includes pieces like jerseys, cardigans that include key details like sleeve frills and autumnal themed prints like leaves and popular animals, says a press release.

The Splash collection includes trendy pieces in shades of autumnal colours such as brown, blue and red.

The collection is retro-chic.

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CZECHS TAKE LEAD AS PAES-BOPPANA LOSE

The Czech Republic’s Radek Stepanek and Adam Pavlasek routed India’s Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna in straight sets on the second day of the Davis Cup World Group play-offs on Saturday. >C2

SPOR YOUR GAME

S

KEEP CALM, AND MEDITATE Just five minutes of meditation is equal to an hour’s rest for the mind which is constantly engaged in activity. >C7

Chelsea blank nine-man Arsenal, Newcastle lose to leave the Gunners without a league success against the Blues since 2011.

The acrimonious relationship between Chelsea manager Mourinho and Gunners boss Wenger seeped through to both teams at Stamford Bridge in a tetchy London derby featuring even more flashpoints than usual

CONTROVERSIAL: Referee Mike Dean flashes a red card at Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla during their Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London on Saturday. – Reuters

LONDON: Kurt Zouma and Eden Hazard gave Chelsea a controversial 2-0 win over nine-man Arsenal on Saturday as the simmering feud between the bitter rivals boiled over with red cards for Gabriel and Santi Cazorla.

Watford heaped more misery on former England manager Steve McClaren with a 2-1 win at Newcastle while Bournemouth managed their first ever Premier League home win in beating Sunderland 2-0.

The acrimonious relationship between Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger seeped through to

both teams at Stamford Bridge in a tetchy London derby featuring even more flashpoints than usual.

Wenger was furious Mike Dean opted not to send off Diego Costa following a clash with Laurent Koscielny and the referee further infuriated the Frenchman when he dismissed Gabriel for kicking Costa and then showed Cazorla a red card in the second half.

“I would not like to be Mike Dean tonight. Costa twice should be sent off,” Wenger said. “In every game Costa has aggravation and he gets away with it because of the weakness of the referee.

“Gabriel should not have responded but the two sending offs

for us and Costa staying on the pitch is a shame (shameful).”

Mourinho’s response felt designed to provoke Wenger as he said: “I don’t have a view on the sending off. Man of the match for sure was Diego Costa. He brought everything to the game.”

A surly pre-match handshake between old rivals Wenger and Mourinho set the tone for a feisty clash. Chelsea striker Costa was booked for shoving over Laurent Koscielny after whacking the Arsenal defender in the face moments earlier. Gunners defender Gabriel remonstrated with Costa and was booked for his complaints.

But the Brazilian couldn’t keep

his emotions under control and in first-half stoppage-time he aimed a sly kick at Costa right in front of the referee, who immediately brandished a red card.

Chelsea made their numerical advantage count in the 53rd minute when French defender Zouma was left unmarked to head in a Cesc Fabregas free-kick.

Cazorla was sent off in the 79th minute when the Spanish midfielder caught Fabregas with an ugly lunging tackle.

Belgium midfielder Hazard guaranteed the champions’ second league victory of the season in the 90th minute when his strike deflected off Calum Chambers

INSIDE LIFESTYLE

Smashed Odion Ighalo kept Newcastle in the relegation zone as the Nigerian forward’s double inspired Watford’s 2-1 win at St James’ Park.

Ighalo gave Watford a 10th minute lead with a low strike and he increased their advantage with his fourth goal in six matches in the 28th minute.

Newcastle ended a nearly 500-minute goal drought when Dutch defender Daryl Janmaat netted in the 62nd minute, but McClaren’s team were unable to avoid their third consecutive loss.

Ten-man Sunderland slipped to the bottom of the table alongside north-east rivals Newcastle after their fourth defeat of the season.

Bournemouth, in the top tier for the first time, raced into a two-goal lead inside the first nine minutes, with Callum Wilson striking in the fourth minute before Matt Ritchie smashed in a superb volley.

Sunderland’s miserable day was completed when French defender Younes Kaboul was sent off for a second booking in the 74th minute.

Saido Berahino came in from the cold to fire West Bromwich Albion to a 1-0 win at local rivals Aston Villa. Leicester staged another impressive fightback to maintain their unbeaten record with a 2-2 draw at Stoke.

Everton’s Kevin Mirallas was sent off for a foul on Modou Barrow in the final moments of his side’s 0-0 draw at Swansea. - AFP

F1

Vettel gives Ferrari pole in Singapore SINGAPORE: Mercedes’ 15-month domination of Formula One qualifying came to a shuddering halt on Saturday when Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel snatched pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Mercedes had started at the front of the grid in each of the last 23 grands prix, dating back to the middle of last year, and needed just one more to equal the alltime record, set by the Williams team in the early 1990s.

But the Silver Arrows pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were unable to keep up with the Ferrari and Red Bull teams, who staged their own high-speed battle for pole.

Masterful lap Vettel came out on top, giving Ferrari their first pole position since 2012 with a masterful lap around the floodlit Singaporean track. The German, a three-time winner in Singapore when he was with his previous team Red Bull, continued his love affair with the tricky street circuit by setting the fastest qualifying time of one minute 43.885 seconds.

Vettel’s pole position was the 46th of his career. His last was in 2013, when he was with Red Bull. The 28-year-old was more than half a second clear of Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo, who booked his spot on the front row for Red Bull with the second best time.

Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen was third quickest for Ferrari and Russia’s Daniil Kvyat fourth for Red Bull. - Reuters

LA LIGA

Benzema goal edges Real Madrid past Granada

Karim Benzema

MADRID: A solitary goal from Karim Benzema spared Real Madrid’s blushes as the Spanish giants moved to the top of La Liga with a nervy 1-0 win over Granada on Saturday. Real had scored 15 times in their previous three matches, but they were grateful to some poor Granada finishing and controversial calls by the officials to claim all three points.

Benzema grabbed the only goal of the game nine minutes into the second-half with a cushioned

header from Isco’s fine cross. Victory moves Madrid a point ahead of Barcelona at the top of the table with the Catalans not in action until Sunday when they host Levante.

The scene appeared to be set at a sunny Bernabeu for Ronaldo to surpass Raul to become Madrid’s all-time to goalscorer.

There was even a special introduction for the World Player of the Year as his mascot for the day was Zaid Mohsen, the seven-year-old Syrian refugee made famous when

he and his father were tripped by a Hungarian camerawoman. However, the script wasn’t followed once the action got underway as Granada passed up a host of chances to spring a massive surprise.

Marcelo was forced into a clearance off the Real goal line early on before Isaac Success fluffed his first of a number of opportunities when he failed to hit the target when unmarked at the back post.

Ronaldo’s first opening came 18 minutes in, but Andres Fernandez

stood up well to block his effort before Benzema failed to turn the rebound home. Youssef El Arabi did have the ball in the net for Granada moments later, but was wrongly ruled to have been offside.

Fernandez made further good saves from Luka Modric, Ronaldo and Lucas Vazquez to keep Rafael Benitez’s men at bay.

Yet, Success had two more great chances to put Granada in front just before and after the break as he was denied by brave save from Key-

lor Navas before chipping the ball well over with his second effort.

The Andalusians were eventually made to pay for their profligacy when Isco’s perfect cross picked out Benzema for a simple header to open the scoring.

El Arabi should still have given Granada a share of the points, but he too could not find a way past Navas at the end of a final individual run as the Costa Rica international stretched his unbeaten streak to start the season to five games. - AFP

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S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS

Czechs take lead as Paes-Boppana lose The Czechs gave a sterling performance, beating the favourites in three straight sets 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 in front of the large home crowd in New Delhi

NEW DELHI: The Czech Republic’s Radek Stepanek and Adam Pavlasek routed Indian pair Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna in straight sets on the second day of the Davis Cup World Group doubles play-offs on Saturday.

The visitors gave a sterling performance, beating the match favourites in three straight sets 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 in front of the large home crowd at the R. K. Khanna Stadium in New Delhi.

Stepanek, ranked 145 in the world, and his Davis Cup debutant partner Pavlasek, ranked 268, took the lead after they broke service in the first set, with Indian pair Bopanna and Paes — ranked 13 and 33 — completely outplayed in the next two sets.

“To pull out a win against such a great team, Rohan and Paes —

UPSET: Czech Republic’s Adam Pavlasek, left, and Radek Stepanek celebrate after their doubles

victory against India’s Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna on the second day’s play of their Davis Cup play-off at the R.K. Khanna Tennis Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday. – AFP

they are the two great champions. It worked well for us today,” Stepanek said after the match, which lasted for two hours and nine minutes.

“I have to say it to Adam that it was his second Davis Cup match playing against a top team in the world and playing them the way he played, hats off,” Stepanek, the former doubles No. 1 said.

Overnight rain in capital pushed

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the humidity to 100 percent with players taking breaks to refresh themselves with ice towels and chilled water bottles.

India is down 2-1 against the visitors in the playoffs, with two reverse single rubbers scheduled for Sunday.

Paes and Bopanna had a successful season this year, with Paes winning the US Open, and the pair were expected to continue the

winning streak on the home court.

Three-time champions and Davis Cup powerhouse Czech Republic are fighting to keep intact their record of not dropping out of the competition’s elite since 2006.

India last made it to the World Group in 2011.

The visitors are without their top player, the world No. 6 Tomas Berdych, who is seeking a seventh straight Masters berth. - AFP

D AV I S C U P

Murray brothers put Britain in sight of final GLASGOW: Andy and Jamie Murray moved Great Britain to the verge of a first Davis Cup final since 1978 after defeating Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth in an epic doubles clash in their semifinal on Saturday.

World No. 3 Andy and older brother Jamie recovered from a set down to secure a thrilling 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 victory in a gruelling four-hour rubber.

Victory gave the home side a 2-1 lead and it means Andy Murray can now clinch the tie for Great Britain in Sunday’s first reverse singles as they attempt to win the competition for the first time since 1936.

The 28-year-old will secure a final showdown against either Belgium or Argentina in November if he defeats scheduled opponent Bernard Tomic. Australia, 28-time winners of the tournament, had been looking to reach their first final since 2003 but are now on the brink of a first defeat against old rivals Britain since 1978.

With the tie delicately balanced after Friday’s singles, British captain Leon Smith put Andy alongside Jamie instead of Dominic Inglot as he opted for the pairing who secured a fourset victory over Nicolas Mahut and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarter-final against France.

Australia captain Wally Masur kept faith with veteran Hewitt and Groth after the pair had helped to inspire a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down against Kazakhstan in the previous round.

BACK IN ACTION

DEFENSIVE

Dhoni ready for limited overs with focus on World T20 BENGALURU: India’s limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be back in the thick of things after a three month break as Indian selectors will be picking the squad for the upcoming T20 International and ODI series against South Africa, starting on October 2.

There is a possibility that selectors may name squads for T20s and first three ODIs. While there are three T20 internationals slated at the start of the series, the focus for both Dhoni and selectors will be on World T20

And it was the Australians who made the breakthrough first as the mighty returns of Groth helped them to break Jamie Murray’s serve in the fifth game.

The Australian pairing then survived three break points as Groth served to take the set 6-4.

It was the older Murray sibling, who missed out on Grand Slam glory in both the Wimbledon and US Open doubles finals this year, that looked more comfortable in his familiar surroundings of doubles tennis as he helped the British to a break in the sixth game of the second set.

He bisected the Australians with a clinical volley following some terrific net play on their way to a 6-3 victory. Their good work seemed to come undone in the second game of the following set as Australia immediately broke to race into a 4-1 lead.

However, the Murrays produced a remarkable comeback as they won the following five games in a row to take the set 6-4.

Hewitt and Groth looked dejected but they recovered to break in the second game of the fourth as Jamie Murray made some uncharacteristic errors.

Their joy was short-lived, however, as Britain broke back immediately as the set headed into a tie break where the Australians survived a match point. There was more drama in the decisive fifth set as a fine Andy return earned his side two match points and they sealed victory when Groth fired a volley over the baseline. - AFP

which will be held in India in five months time.

While it was nothing more than an extended practice session, Dhoni again wielded the willow in a charity game two days back at The Oval in London and scored 38 runs in a winning cause.

India’s last limited overs series was against Zimbabwe where a second string side was selected to play under Ajinkya Rahane with as many as seven first team players being rested.

Now with Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Ravi-

chandran Ashwin all fit and available, some of the fringe players may have to make way for senior stars.

The only injury concern right now is Shikhar Dhawan who is recuperating from fractured hand and will get his fitness test done.

Opening batsman Murali Vijay, who has become a Test specialist, had a decent Zimbabwe tour and he would like to show his utility in shorter formats.

Ambati Rayudu of late has been Dhoni’s preferred choice in place of Ajinkya Rahane for being a better rotator of strike. Kedar Jadhav

and Manish Pandey, two players with decent T20 record, might also get a look in.

The two new faces that can come in contention are Gurkeerat Singh Mann of Punjab and Mayank Agarwal of Karnataka with both doing well for India A. While Ashwin is a certainty, it will be interesting to see if selectors prefer Harbhajan Singh as second spinner due to his IPL exploits and his ability to restrict batsmen in shorter format. Ravindra Jadeja has been ignored for Zimbabwe and selectors would

like to see him too. Among the pacers, Ishant Sharma, banned for a Test match, might also want to get into the thick of things if selectors give him a chance.

Mohit Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have been two of Dhoni’s trusted seamers in shorter format with Dhawal Kulkarni being the back-up man.

Varun Aaron and Umesh Yadav are known to be erratic but both might be tried out during the long series as India will be fretting on perfect combination with a mega event round the corner. - PTI

‘Australia to ‘bore’ their way to victory in subcontinent’ MELBOURNE: Australia must stifle their attacking instincts in the subcontinent and “bore” batsmen into giving up their wickets, captain Steven Smith has said.

Smith will lead a rebuilding Australia team into a two-Test series against Bangladesh next month after a disappointing 3-2 Ashes loss in England.

Australia swept Bangladesh 2-0 in their last tour in 2006 but have always struggled on the subcontinent’s flat wickets, which nullify pace bowling.

Though Smith led Australia against India in three Tests at home, he will captain the side on tour for the first time.

“I think that’s something I’m going to have to adapt to with my captaincy,” Smith told local media in Sydney. “In Australia you can be a little bit more attacking.

“In places on the subcontinent you’ve got to find ways to get batsmen out, you might have to bore them out.

“For me it’s about being adaptable wherever we play.

“So you might have to be more defensive with that and when the ball starts to spin and reverse swing, that’s when you can attack.”

Australia have elected to rest fast men Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood from the tour, leaving workhorse Peter Siddle and left-armer Mitchell Starc to lead the attack.

One-Test tyro Pat Cummins will bid with uncapped Tasmania bowler Andrew Fekete to be the third seamer, though Smith has left the door ajar to play two spinners in the Tests in Chittagong and Dhaka. - Reuters

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

C3

SPORTS BIG UPSET

Ferocious Japan snatch shock win against South Africa

SENSATIONAL: Japan players celebrate during their Rugby World

Cup Pool B opener against South Africa at the Brighton Community Stadium in Brighton on Saturday. – Reuters

LONDON: A last-minute Karne Hesketh try secured a 34-32 win over two-time champions South Africa in one of the biggest shocks in Rugby World Cup history on Saturday.

Japan attacked the Springboks from the first minute in an inspiring performance in the Pool D opening match in Brighton.

After Ayumu Goromaru scored 24 points including an brilliant try to keep Japan in the game, Hesketh finally pierced South Africa’s desperate defence in the dying seconds to claim the famous win. Japan’s players went on a lap of honour with national flag amid a roars of support from the 29,000 crowd.

The Asian champions, who will host the 2019 World Cup, had won only one previous World Cup game against Zimbabwe in 1991. They have drawn two and lost 21. But they are determined not to be the whipping boys of this tournament.

Japan could well have scored a try in the sixth minute, fullback

Goromaru bursting through the midfield. However, Goromaru went on his own instead of passing to the player outside and ran into a Springbok wall. He made up for this by slotting over a penalty to put the Japanese 3-0 up in the eighth minute but missed another attempt a few minutes later.

The Boks were rattled and captain Jean de Villiers was angry when fullback Zane Kirchner kicked the ball out on the full from outside his 22 handing the Japanese great field position.

The South Africans managed to regain the ball and pressed back.

Some terrific defence kept them out for a while, although Japanese captain Michael Leitch received a warning for an over zealous tackle on De Villiers, but eventually they cracked and Francois Louw went over. Lambie converted for 7-3.

The South Africans spurned a golden opportunity for a second try a couple of minutes later but a diving Bismarck du Plessis failed

to catch the ball and touch down — his embarrassment accentuated by having the whole thing shown again as it was referred to the third match official.

Du Plessis’s glaring miss proved even more costly as after sustained pressure by the Japanese scrum Leitch touched down provoking roars of delight from their fans and large parts of the neutrals.

Goromaru converted to give the Japanese a deserved 10-7 lead.

It wasn’t to last long as more powerful pack play ended with Bismarck du Plessis scoring the ‘Boks second try — Lambie failing to convert gave the two-time world champions a two point edge at half-time of 12-10. Goromaru briefly restored Japan’s lead with an early penalty in the second-half.

However, their opponents hit back with a third try soon afterwards, lock Loudewyjk de Jager breaking a tackle on the 22 and proving an unstoppable force to cross the line — Lambie converted

‘Gorgodzilla’ drives Georgia to upset victory over Tonga Gorgodze, the number eight nicknamed Gorgodzilla for his mighty bulk, was named man of the match after leading by example in a tense and bone-crunching encounter

GLOUCESTER: Inspired by captain Mamuka Gorgodze, Georgia held off a desperate second-half surge by Tonga to secure a surprise 17-10 win over the Pacific Islanders in their Rugby World Cup Pool C opener on Saturday.

Gorgodze, the number eight nicknamed Gorgodzilla for his mighty bulk, was named man of the match after leading by example in a tense and bone-crunching encounter.

“I have big emotions, I think all national team of Georgia were man of the match, it is not only me,” he

CAPTAIN GORGODZILLA: Georgia’s Mamuka Gorgodze celebrates with fans after their win over Tonga in a Group C match of Rugby World Cup at Kingsholm in Gloucester on Saturday. – Reuters

said after Georgia’s delighted players had sealed only their third ever World Cup victory and wrapped themselves in the national flag.

Unassailable lead Gorgodze had set the foundations by driving through a melee of defenders to touch down right under

the posts for the first try, which took Georgia into a 10-3 lead at the interval. In the second half, a long, swerving run by veteran fullback Merab Kvirikashvili, playing in his fourth World Cup, set up the move that allowed flanker Giorgi Tkhilaishvili to score in the corner.

With Kvirikashvili slotting the

difficult conversion, Georgia appeared to have taken an unassailable lead at 17-3.

But Tonga dominated the final quarter and were unlucky not to score when centre Siale Piutau, running on to a clever grubber kick from flyhalf Kurt Morath, just failed to control the ball and touch down.

CRICKET

India A look to clinch series in final unofficial ODI against Bangladesh A BENGALURU: After a shock defeat against Bangladesh A in the second one-dayer, India A will look to get their act together and clinch the unofficial three-match ODI series as they go into the third and final match here on Sunday with both teams locked 1-1.

The hosts outplayed the visitors in all departments in the first onedayer with the Unmukt Chand-led team beating Bangladesh by 96 runs, riding on a brilliant all-round performance by Gurkeerat Singh who scored 65 runs and bagged five wickets with his off-spin.

However, Bangladesh leveled the series by thrashing India by 65

Having failed miserably for the second time in the series, India’s top order would like to make amends

runs in the second ODI with the help of an all-round performance

by Nasir Hossain who cracked an unbeaten ton and claimed a fivewicket haul on Friday.

Having failed miserably for the second time in the series, India’s top order would like to make amends and come out with all cyl-

inders blazing in the decider at Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.

Also the middle and lower middle-order, who helped India A amass 322 after they were struggling at 125 for five, would hope to forget the last game where they miserably surrendered to Nasir’s off-spin and Rubel Hossain’s me-

dium pace, who ended with figures of four for 33. Suresh Raina, who has managed just 33 runs in two games, would look to get some batting practice before the South Africa series starting next month.

Even Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav will look to put up their case with a better show, even as they are included in the 30-member probables list announced by BCCI for the upcoming South Africa series.

Chand would like to continue the show and take some sheen off the new ball and rattle the visitors by putting up a good opening stand with Mayank Agarwal. - PTI

After running into wall upon wall of Georgian tackles, the Pacific Islanders got their reward when they managed to get the ball out wide for winger Fetu’u Vainikolo to score in the corner and Morath to convert.

But they could not break through for the second try that might have levelled the scores.

In a stop-start game, it was Tonga who strung together many of the most attractive passing sequences, but their efforts to move the ball out wide were thwarted by inaccurate passing and handling errors.

In the dying moments of the first half, number eight Vili Ma’afu broke clean through the Georgian defence but had the try disallowed for a forward pass.

Morath opened the scoring for Tonga with a penalty and Georgian fullback Merab Kvirikashvili, after missing one straightforward kick, pulled his side level before Gorgodze’s try enabled Georgia to pull ahead.

In a group likely to be dominated

by New Zealand and Argentina, Georgia now look well placed to meet their stated objective by taking third place, which would qualify them automatically for the next tournament in Japan in 2019.

Georgia next face the Pumas of Argentina at the same venue on Friday, while Tonga play Namibia on September 29. - Reuters

for 19-13. The impressive Goromaru added two more penalties to level the match with under half an hour remaining and at that point with a tacit admission the scrum was taking a pounding Heyneke Meyer took off his whole front row.

Lambie slotted over a penalty to make it 22-19 but back came the incorrigible Japanese to level again through the metronomic Goromaru. The match once gain swung back to the Springboks, however, when replacement hooker Adriaan Strauss scored their bonus point fourth try.

Handre Pollard converted for 2922. If the Springboks thought that was the final say they were soon to be disabused of the notion as a scintillating back move saw Goromaru go in and then convert to bring the scores level once again at 29-29.

Pollard gave the ‘Boks a three point lead — the decision to go for goal being roundly booed by the crowd — with seven minutes remaining. - Agencies MASTERCLASS

Ireland dismantle Canada CARDIFF: Flyhalf Jonny Sexton gave a masterclass in game management as Ireland asserted their Rugby World Cup title credentials with a thumping 50-7 bonus point victory over Canada in their Pool D opener on Saturday.

Ireland ran in seven tries under the closed roof at the Millennium Stadium. Sexton contributed nine points from the kicking tee in his 55 minutes on the pitch and scored the pick of Ireland’s tries, racing 40 metres to touch down in the 28th minute after being set free by a neat inside pass from Sean O’Brien.

Both captains spent 10 minutes in the sin-bin in a match that was otherwise played in a good spirit but it was the yellow card shown to Canada’s Jamie Cudmore that proved the more costly.

The Irish scored their first three tries through flanker O’Brien, second row Iain Henderson and Sexton in the abrasive lock’s absence to lead 22-0 after less than half an hour.

The Canucks played with plenty of passion but were never going to recover from such a large early deficit and winger Dave Kearney secured the bonus point after a sweeping Irish move five minutes before halftime.

Canada next face Italy and Ireland take on Romania. - Reuters

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S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS England can tweak at leisure with bonus point in the bag A sharp opening 25 minutes and a determined last 15 sandwiched a wayward middle, but the management and squad were all delighted to finish with a four-try, 35-11 victory that secured the potentially vital bonus point VITAL TRY: England’s Billy Vunipola runs in to score a try against Fiji in their opening Pool A match of the Rugby World Cup

LONDON: Nerves from the big occasion, a slippery ball, some immense physicality from Fiji and a referee they struggled with would all offer England excuses for their flat spells on Friday but their bonus-point win meant that it was all largely irrelevant.

A sharp opening 25 minutes and a determined last 15 sandwiched a wayward middle, but the management and squad were all delighted to finish with a four-try, 35-11 victory that secured the potentially vital bonus point in the opening game of the toughest World Cup pool ever assembled.

Coach Stuart Lancaster, while delighted to lay down a marker by seeing the hosts top the table with five points, was quick to accept that there were plenty of areas to work on.

“I thought we gave away a few too many penalties,” he said.

“Fiji came hard at the breakdown, they made it very difficult for us. They have a team of big physical men across the board and we have to look at our decisionmaking there.

“After we started well we needed to be more direct and so there are things to work on, obviously”.

Although England knew they were going to face some thunderous hits from the big Fijians they looked a little confused to find their rivals holding their own in

at Twickenham Stadium in London. – Reuters

Final try hero unaware bonus points counted TWICKENHAM: When supersub Billy Vunipola crashed over for a try in the final play of England’s World Cup opening match against Fiji he did not realise how significant his touchdown could be in deciding Pool A. It took several video replays before the try was confirmed to give England a 35-11 victory.

Vunipola’s last-gasp effort was England’s fourth try of the match, securing a bonus point which could prove crucial in the outcome of the so-called pool

the scrum and causing mayhem at the breakdown.

Rather than trusting their pack to eventually wear down their rivals, the go-to tactic that has served them so well in most of their best performances in recent years, England looked impatient to get the ball wide.

It made for an open, exciting spectacle as the dropped balls and

of death which also includes Australia and Wales.

“To be truthfully honest, I didn’t know that bonus points counted in the World Cup,” the 126 kilogram (278 lb) Vunipola said after as he told how had barrelled his way through a wall of Fijian defenders.

“It’s always very good to help the team. I think it’s very important that my job off the bench is to try to up the tempo and try and help the team on the foundations that they built.”

turnovers kept everyone on their toes but the approach made few inroads as the second half ticked by.

Only when Lancaster virtually emptied his bench around the hour mark was there a notable change, with Billy and Mako Vunipola making immediate and direct progress, the team finally building multiple phases that finally had the islanders running out of steam

The reward for Vunipola, who was kept out of the starting line up by Ben Morgan, may be a start in the No. 8 jersey in England’s next game against Wales.

Coach Stuart Lancaster, without singling out individuals, praised the way his bench players injected life into the team and said there could be changes to the line up next week. But Vunipola said he is counting on nothing yet.

“Everyone wants to start but in the position I’m in at the

and leaving holes. Mike Brown took advantage when he forced his way over for his second try to set up a tingling last few minutes as England pounded away in search of the all-important fourth try.

Billy Vunipola got it, driving determinedly through three tacklers to just reach the line — although the TMO needed three minutes before confirming he had made it.

ROMANTIC APPEAL

moment it’s very tough and the competition’s very high and that’s international rugby.”

When Vunipola came on midway through the second half, England had gone more than 30 minutes without scoring and Fiji had closed with seven points at 18-11.

During his brief time on the field, the England attack straightened, took a more direct route through the Fijians and produced a further 17 points in the final 12 minutes. - AFP

“Some of the guys from the bench really put their hands up and we have some big decisions for next week against Wales,” said Lancaster, who has eight days to recalibrate his players before facing their neighbours back at Twickenham.

“With Billy, I could see the look in his eyes and when he’s in that mood he’s a difficult man to stop.” - Reuters

GOOD FIGHT

Fiji prove they can be a force LONDON: The old jokes ring hollow these days. Fiji’s rugby union side is by no means simply two Sevens teams thrown onto the pitch together.

On Friday, in swirling wind and rain at Twickenham, the Pacific Islanders displayed class despite losing to England, and showed more than enough to suggest they can cause considerable discomfort to Australia in their next Rugby World Cup Pool A game.

England’s 35-11 victory in the tournament opener in many respects flattered the hosts.

Fiji had a try disallowed, missed a number of kicks at goal, and for periods, taught the English a lesson at the stadium they call the Home of Rugby.

The Fijians were downbeat at the end, but can take heart from some tigerish defending and disciplined rucking as well as the more expected exciting running and crossfield kicking.

“They are disappointed in the dressing room,” Fiji coach John McKee told reporters afterwards.

“We came with high ambitions. At times we felt we had England under pressure but critical penalties and critical errors let England back into the game. Critical turnovers stopped our momentum.”

It was a momentum that, at times, threatened to pin the hosts to the ropes. Nikola Matawalu showed a breathtaking turn of pace to sprint from the scrum to the tryline only to have a score ruled out by the Television Match Official.

Ultimately, they were undone by a little naivety and England’s superior fitness, and have plenty of draw heart from.

“When we had some ball and created some phases we put England under pressure but critical mistakes were letting us down and not letting us build on that pressure,” New Zealander McKee said.

“We have to be more patient.

The players have a great desire to play, which is fantastic when they run the ball, move the ball.

We need to hold on to possession more and not force the play so much.”

Next up for the Fijians are Australia in Cardiff on Wednesday.

- Reuters

POINTS NOT ENOUGH

Exotic outsiders dream of upsetting big boys Big win against Uruguay unlikely to satisfy Gatland GLOUCESTER: It would make a good quiz question: if the ‘Ikale Tahi are scrumming down against the Lelos, which two teams are in action at the 2015 Rugby World Cup?’ On the face of it, Tonga versus Georgia is one of the more obscure of the 48 fixtures in a tournament whose top crowd draws are the likes of the All Blacks and Springboks.

But the clash between the Polynesian island kingdom (population just over 100,000) and the former Soviet republic of 4.9 million people brings a touch of the exotic to the cool autumnal setting of Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium in southwest England.

The ‘Ikale Tahi or Sea Eagles are competing at their seventh Rugby World Cup and have shown they can spring surprises — at the last tournament they stunned eventual runners-up France with a 19-14 victory.

Their pre-game ritual, a war dance called the Sipi Tau, is comparable to the All Blacks’ haka.

“The Sipi Tau is a really important part of our culture and our rugby team, and we believe that, ac-

The ‘Ikale Tahi’ or Sea Eagles are competing at their seventh Rugby World Cup and have shown they can spring surprises. Their pre-game ritual, a war dance called the Sipi Tau, is comparable to All Blacks’ haka

cording to our ancestors, God gives us strength,” captain Nili Latu explained on the eve of the match.

Georgia, where the sport has really taken off in the quarter-century since the collapse of the Soviet Union, take their nickname from an ancient full-contact ball sport, played between villages, that involved something similar to mauling.

Lelo rhymes with ‘fellow’, and more importantly with Georgians’ name for their own country, Sakartvelo: hence the supporters’ chant “Lelo, lelo, Sakartvelo” (Try, try, Georgia).

The team, especially their captain Mamuka Gorgodze, have become national heroes, and not only on the rugby field.

Some of the players sprang into action in June to help in the clearup operation after floods inundated the capital Tbilisi, causing widespread damage and enabling tigers, lions, bears and wolves to escape from the city zoo.

“Georgia is breathing and living rugby,” said Lutyon Aryrevo, a passionate supporter who is following Saturday’s match on TV in Tbilisi and has plastered his Facebook

page with pictures of the team.

“Many of my friends told me they couldn’t sleep last night and it’s the same with me.”

Neither Tonga nor Georgia has much chance of progressing past the pool stage in a group that is likely to be dominated by New Zealand and Argentina.

But for neutrals, the idea of a rank outsider pulling off a shock result in the tournament has clear romantic appeal.

“It would be boring if there were only the super-teams,” said Jan Taubel, a fan who had travelled by camper van from Prague to watch Saturday’s game with his son and three grandchildren — even though the Czech Republic is not even taking part.

“They can surprise — you can never say it won’t happen.”

For both Georgia and Tonga, the World Cup offers a rare chance to compete on sport’s global stage — and maybe, just maybe, to upset the odds and bring drama as well as colour to set the competition alight. - Reuters

CARDIFF: Wales will look for a points avalanche against Uruguay in their World Cup opener on Sunday in full knowledge the group will likely be decided on points difference and that has not pleased combative coach Warren Gatland.

The 52-year-old New Zealander complained that playing Uruguay first puts Wales at a massive disadvantage in comparison to Pool A rivals England, Australia and Fiji.

“We have to win the game and after that it’s about scoring points,” Gatland said.

“It’s not disrespecting Uruguay at all. Hopefully we’ll play well and the first priority is to win.”

Skipper Sam Warburton added: “It’s quite a tricky situation.

The main thing is you want to get a win and if you’re in a bonus point situation great and after that we’ll be foot down for 80 minutes.”

Teams get a bonus point for scoring at least four tries.

“In no game will we ease up as you don’t want to look back in four weeks and wish you’d pushed a bit harder.”

Gatland — whose mood has not been helped by losing key kicker Leigh Halfpenny and scrum-half Rhys Webb to injury in the final warm-up Test against Italy — said of the South Americans: “I wouldn’t mind having them last.

Again it’s not something we’re complaining about. It’s been drawn and we’ve been dealt that card.”

Gatland was also in charge four years ago in New Zealand, when Wales reached the semi-final, only losing 9-8 to France despite losing Warburton to a red card in the 20th-minute.

“There’s no difference in the amount of confidence we have as a group and players,” the Kiwi coach said.

“They’ve worked incredibly hard and the focus is very much on Uruguay but we’ve been preparing for the first two games.” - AFP

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

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All Blacks determined not to be chokers as they take on Pumas

A BIG UNIT: A file photo of Argentina team posing for a group photo during the Rugby World Cup welcoming ceremony at Haileybury, Hertfordshire. – Reuters

To make an emphatic statement in their Wembley match against an Argentina side powered by a bruising pack, the All Blacks will field a team with an average age of 28 and featuring 1,013 caps in the starting XV and a further 316 caps on the bench

LONDON: New Zealand’s most experienced side ever will take on Argentina on Sunday, looking to shed the “chokers” tag in their quest to become the first side to win back-to-back World Cups.

It was a predictable selection by coach Steve Hansen, saddled with the hard fact that his All Blacks may be defending champions and perennial top-ranked side in the world but they have never won the global championship away from home.

Hansen has made it his mis-

sion to prepare the first side to win consecutive titles aware another off-shore failure will re-ignite the chokers label.

To make an emphatic statement in their Wembley match against an Argentina side powered by a bruising pack, the All Blacks will field a team with an average age of 28 and featuring 1,013 caps in the starting XV and a further 316 caps on the bench.

They have never lost to Argentina and barring a stunning upset

FOCUSSED: New Zealand’s fly-half Dan Carter, left, and scrum-half

Aaron Smith pictured during a community coaching event with young players of the London Harlequins in London on Saturday. – AFP

they should be the two sides to make the play-offs from Pool C which also includes Tonga, Georgia and Namibia.

Argentina fancying themselves up front, so the All Blacks have countered with their current top eight which includes six survivors

from the world champion 2011 side.

They are still led by the evergreen Richie McCaw who will be playing his 143rd Test, prop Tony Woodcock is another centurion while the baby of the pack is hooker Dane Coles who already has 30 caps.

Argentina are “a big unit and

they’re a good unit,” Hansen said of his decision to take no chances with his selections.

“We expect a real physical battle but they’ve got classy backs too.”

“What we know about Rugby World Cups is every team will play at a higher ability than they have prior to it. Everyone gets up for it and we expect that from Argentina,” he said.

Replacement hooker Keven Mealamu referred to the Agustin Creevy-led Argentina as the “masters of the scrums.”

“Their forward pack has been around for a long time. They’re the perfect shape for scrummaging so it will be challenge we are looking forward to,” said Mealamu.

For a brief period when the All Blacks and Argentina last met in July, the Pumas dominated up front and produced two tries from driving mauls, a tactic which coach Daniel Hourcade is keen to reproduce on Sunday.

But he is also mindful he has a backline that is developing as both a solid defensive unit and with skilful attackers out wide.

Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, the most experienced of the Pumas with 64 Tests, predicts “a match of high intensity.

“We have been analysing the All Blacks and it is very clear the type of opponent which we will face,” he said with a nod to the try-scoring talents of the All Blacks back three Ben Smith, Julian Smith and Nehe Milner-Skudder.

The Pumas, in turn, have their own points-scoring weapon in Juan Imhoff, the Racing92 wing, who comes into the match in sensational form after scoring three tries when Argentina toppled former world champions South Africa two months ago.

The All Blacks will set two rugby records in the match.

Fly-half Dan Carter who returns to the frontline after multiple injuries in recent years will direct the All Blacks in a world record 89th Test for a player in the 10 jersey in what will be his 107th international.

Woodcock, playing his 104th Test, will equal the world record for a prop held by former England international Jason Leonard. - AFP

TA L E N T E D S I D E

Discipline the key for Samoans in clash with US BRIGHTON: Samoa coach Stephen Betham admits discipline could cost his talented side at the World Cup but he demanded ahead of their first test against the United States on Sunday that referees treat them fairly.

Samoa are seeded to reach the quarterfinals from Pool B -- that also comprises two-time champions South Africa, Japan and Scotland. But Betham is forecasting a tight tussle with the Americans even though his side is packed with players playing in England and France.

Key to the Samoans chances of

reaching the last eight for the third time will be them keeping their cool in the heat of battle, according to Betham. They have already lost veteran lock Kane Williamson for the opening game to finish a two match ban.

“Discipline is something we have worked hard on and the boys have talked about,” said Betham.

Discpline “is one of those things we have to keep our focus on,” he added. “It will play a big part. The referees have tagged us and have perceptions of it, but we can’t use it as an excuse.

“However, whatever they do to

us we ask they see it the same way with our opposition.

“We are not going to complain we just want it done evenly and we will get on with the job.”

The importance of keeping their cool is reflected in how tight previous matches against the Americans have been, with the Pacific islands team winning all four but never by more than seven points.

US threat “The United States pose a great threat, a fortnight ago they trailed Australia (at Soldier Field, Chicago) by very little at half-time (14-

10) and they hung in there (though they ended up losing 47-10),” said Betham. “We have a lot of respect for them and we have to be on our game on Sunday because we are expecting a big match.

“All four previous games have been tight and I am not expecting anything different. We are focussed on what we can do, and we will try and minimalise any mistakes we may make.”

Betham dismissed the form guide as being overwhelmingly in their favour despite having beaten virtually the same USA team 21-16 in July in the Pacific Nations Cup.

The Americans showed great spirit then to come back from 21-3 down.

“The Pacific Nations is a different game,” said Betham, who will look to the Pisi brothers, Ken on the wing and Tusi at fly-half, to make their experience felt at the highest level. “In the World Cup every game is a championship game. This is where you gauge yourself on the world stage.

“It is very important we start well, which we havent in our last couple of games. We have the belief that if we start well everything will fall into place.”

For the Americans much will

depend on how talented Irelandborn fly-half AJ MacGinty — he only made his debut in the Samoa game and scored 11 points — takes to the hotbed atmosphere of a World Cup and if he can punish with his boot any ill disciplne by the Samoans.

MacGinty, whose alma mater is Blackrock College, the same as iconic Irish centre Brian O’Driscoll, has some talented backs outside him, no more so than Zimabwe-born wing Takudzwa Ngwenya, whose pace may have slowed over the years but will still punish slack defending. - AFP

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GCC CHAMPIONS

Bank Muscat honours Oman U-19 football team MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, extended a hero’s welcome to the Under-19 Oman national team who won the GCC championship in Qatar.

Reiterating the ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in promoting Oman as a sporting nation, the bank honoured the U-19 Oman national team at a ceremony in the head office in the presence of AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, and Saleh Al Farsi, Deputy President of Oman Football Association.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa said: “Bank Muscat is delighted to honour the U-19 Oman team and we join the nation in congratulating all members of the team for achieving a milestone for Oman football.

As the flagship bank in Oman, Bank Muscat leads by example and the honouring of the Oman youth team reflects our commitment to promote Oman as a sporting nation.

“The gesture towards the U-19 national team reiterates the bank’s support for youth, who represent

DELIGHTED TO HONOUR: Bank Muscat Chief Executive AbdulRazak Ali Issa, centre, honours a member of Oman under-19 football team. Members of Oman under-19 football

team pose for a group photo along with the officials Bank Muscat and Oman Football Association. – Supplied photos

the future of Oman. The bank will continue to offer the required encouragement and support for the national teams to put up their best efforts and further lift the national honour to new heights.”

Bank Muscat is a major support-

FOOTBALL

Croatia appeal against point deduction rejected PARIS: UEFA have rejected Croatia’s appeal against a one-point deduction after a swastika was daubed on the pitched when they played Italy in a Euro 2016 qualifier in Split in June.

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) had apologised for the incident, which they said “brought prejudice against football and the Croatian State”, and labelled it an act of sabotage.

The match, which finished in a 1-1 draw had been played behind closed doors due to another punishment handed down to Croatia

by UEFA. A UEFA statement on the appeal read: “The appeal by the HNS was rejected, and the original decision...has been upheld.

“The HNS has also been ordered to play its next two home games in UEFA competition behind closed doors, and ordered not to play any of its remaining qualifiers at the Stadion Poljud in Split.

“In addition, the HNS has been fined 100,000 euros ($113,039; £72,776). This decision is final.”

The deduction means Croatia remain third in qualifying Group H, two points behind Norway in second and four adrift of leaders Italy with two matches remaining.

Only the top two are guaranteed automatic qualification for the finals in France next year, along with the best third-placed side.

The remaining third-placed nations go into play-offs. - AFP

er of the national game of football.

In all major tournaments, including Gulf Cup, Bank Muscat has led by example, being the first private sector institution to announce support for the national team.

As the nation’s flagship financial

institution, Bank Muscat aims to strongly convey the message of support to the national teams so as to motivate others to follow suit and provide the required impetus for them to excel in sports and games.

Central to the bank’s social re-

sponsibility programmes is the Green Sports initiative launched in 2012 to promote Oman as a sporting nation in general and the national game of football in particular.

As part of the programme, the bank in a record time achieved no-

table success in developing green fields in all parts of the Sultanate.

Aimed at raising sporting heroes for the country, the bank remains committed to supporting all deserving clubs across the Sultanate to green their playing fields.

‘Players want stability, not more transfers’ months, wants to go from one country to another; that’s not true.

Of course, there always are exceptions, but normally all these players are happy with the contract.”

FIFPro lodged a legal complaint against

The mistake we make is that we are always looking at the top players in the top leagues

the transfer system at the European Commission on Friday, although Van Seggelen said it was not a case of players

Theo van Seggelen

FIFPro Secretary-General

asking to be able to leave a club when they felt like it

BRUSSELS: The vast majority of professional footballers want stability and do not like to hop around from one club to another, according to world players’ union secretary general Theo van Seggelen.

FIFPro lodged a legal complaint against the transfer system at the European Commission on Friday, although Van Seggelen said it was not a case of players

asking to be able to leave a club when they felt like it.

“More than 95 percent of the players are happy with their contract and happy with their club; they want the kids to go to school, they have a normal life; so I don’t think that will happen,” he said.

Top professionals are sometimes criticised for a perceived lack of loyalty to their clubs with a recent case involving England winger Raheem Sterling who left Liverpool for Manchester City in acrimonious circumstances.

But Van Seggelen said this was relatively isolated.

“The mistake we make is that we are always looking at the top players in the top leagues,” he said.

“We are not saying that we should give the chance to a player, after he signs a five-year contract, to leave when he wants; that’s absolutely not what we want to do.

On the contrary.

“The average player is young, he has a short career, he has kids and he has to pay the mortgage. Do you think that a player, every three

Biggest challenge FIFPro has described its complaint, in which it alleges the current transfer system governed by FIFA infringes European competition law, as the biggest challenge to that system since Belgian footballer Jean-Marc Bosman won his court case in 1995.

In the so-called Bosman ruling, the European Court of Justice judged that players were free to leave their clubs without a fee being paid once their contract had ended.

The ruling has often been blamed for the growing disparity between big and small clubs, on the basis that the latter lose precious income from transfers, but Van Seggelen dismissed this.

“Poor Bosman, we’re really fed up with hearing this,” he said, adding that the distribution of prize money from the lucrative Champions League played a much bigger part in fuelling inequality.

“One of the reasons why we have an unbalanced situation is because if you are not in the Champions League you are out of business, so it has nothing to do with Bosman.” - Reuters

ISC TENNIS

Tarun, Sanjay, Prayag upset seeded players MUSCAT: In a day of upsets, Tarun Jayadevan, Sanjay Venkat and Prayag Mohanty accounted for three upsets in the boys’ under-15 singles event at the on-going National Bank of Oman (NBO)-sponsored Annual Badminton Tournament organised by the Indian Social Club (ISC) Muscat.

In quarterfinal action of the boys under-15 singles, Tarun followed up his convincing first round win with a hard-fought victory in the quarters to stun top seed Anirudh Hariharan in three well-contested games 18-21, 2220, 21-18.

Tarun rallied from a game down and shrugged off an early deficit in the second and held his nerves to win a nervy second game. The decider was well-contested as both

fought for every point. Scores went neck-and-neck before Tarun gained a marginal lead and wrapped up the game for a place in the last four.

Sanjay Venkat accounted for second seed Mohamed Iman when he scored a shock 21-10, 2118 triump and new to the country but loaded with abundant talent, thirteen-year-old Prayag Mohanty played with sound temperament to script 21-15, 15-21, 2115 upset victory over third seed Jeswin Mathew.

Fourth seed Milind Naithani saved the day for the seeds and survived a scare before outlasting Adithya Hariharan 21-19, 15-21, 21-14. Earlier, Prayag had eased to a comfortable 21-3, 21-2 victory over Adhindra VS. In another

match of the boys under-15 singles, Adithya Hariharan defeated 21-14, 21-8.

In the boys under-13 section, Akhil Ashok defeated Aditya Kabra 15-8, 15-8, Aaryan Punja eased past Jelin Johny with a 15-8, 15-1 win and N.V. Keertan defeated R. Charan 21-16, 21-6.

Shaiju V advanced to the second round of the Men’s-A Singles event after rallying from a game down to defeat Nandakumar MK 19-21, 21-16, 21-18. Others advancing in the same event are Vineesh Mathew who defeated Sabu Thankachan 21-6, 21-12, Justin Thomas who overcame Ameenuddin with a 21-17, 12-17 verdict, and VA Francis put in scored a hard-fought 21-7- 19-21, 21-18 victory over Ashok Gupta.

Tarun Jayadevan

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KEEP CALM AND MEDITATE Meditation is a form of mental cleansing that helps in emptying out all thoughts and emotions that clutter the mind and thwart the intellect. Just five minutes of meditation is equal to an hour’s rest for the mind which is constantly engaged in activity.

BY HUBERT VAZ

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LIFESTYLE

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ould you like to step aside and watch your own mind â&#x20AC;&#x201C; how it handles anger, anxiety, aggression, affliction or how it revels in affection, admiration, and appreciation?

It is possible, and meditation is the answer.

Meditation is a way of consciously manipulating the mind towards a positive state. It is an effective method for ridding negativity and infusing positivity. It helps in converting the mental state from disturbed to peaceful and bringing on a feeling of inexplicable joy and contentment. The beneďŹ ts of meditation can be experienced not just during a session of meditation but all through the day.

Experts of meditation say meditation brings on an inďŹ lling of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pranaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (energy) in every cell of the body which, in turn, promotes feelings of joy, peace, and contentment. Apparently, high levels of prana in every cell indicate high levels of joy and peace. Meditation, they say, is an effective tool for personal transformation as it helps in understanding and discovering more aspects of oneself.

According to Rajive Ahuja, who conducts breathing techniques and meditation programmes as guest faculty with The Art of Living, over the past 20 years, â&#x20AC;&#x153;meditation is part of the Eightfold Path of Yoga given by the ancient sage Patanjali, who was considered the father of Yoga. The eightfold path comprises Yama (moral conduct), Niyama (discipline), Asana (postures), Pranayama (control of prana), Pratyahara (interiorisation), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (su-

per-conscious oneness with the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cosmic spiritâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;). So meditation is a very important aspect of the eight facets of yoga. And Pranayama, which teaches you the correct breathing techniques, leads you towards initiating the process of meditation.â&#x20AC;?

Explaining that meditation begins by trying to quieten the mind and emptying out the different thoughts that keep coming up, he said â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about being able to step aside and observe your own mind, to watch what all is going on in your mind without being part of it.

You can observe your own mind, only if you are able to place yourself outside it. Meditation helps you to view all the thoughts that keep you agitated or anxious until they settle down; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like watching all the impurities in dirty water settle down leaving behind clear water. Once you have a deep, settled, peaceful mind, (with all disturbing thoughts ďŹ ltered out) then the beneďŹ ts of the mind can be understood better. Also, when the mind settles down, the reasoning power or intellect sharpens.â&#x20AC;?

He further asserted that sharpening of the intellect helps in the heightening of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own intuitive powers. Intuition is something that makes you alter your normal course of action, for which you will not regret on hindsight.

Hence, intuition is actually a heightened intellect and meditation leads you to it, he observed.

The Sanskrit yogic philosophy talks about ďŹ ve sheaths of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existence. However, more popular western beliefs talk about three states â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the gross body, the subtle body, and the causal body. Meditation helps in growing the subtle body to a state when you are able

Simple Meditation for Beginners Ä&#x201E; #.Ĺ&#x2022;#(Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022; )' ),. & Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022;*)-#.#)(Ăž Ä&#x201E; &)- Ĺ&#x2022;3)/,Ĺ&#x2022; 3 -ĂžĹ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; , ." Ĺ&#x2022;( ./, &&3Ĺ&#x2022;1#."Ĺ&#x2022;()Ĺ&#x2022; Ăą),.Ĺ&#x2022;.)Ĺ&#x2022; )(.,)&Ĺ&#x2022; , ."Ăž Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; ) /-Ĺ&#x2022; .. (.#)(Ĺ&#x2022;)(Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; #(" & .#)(Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; ( Ĺ&#x2022; 2" & .#)(Ăž Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; )(Ä?.Ĺ&#x2022;, -#-.Ĺ&#x2022;.")/!".-ĂżĹ&#x2022;$/-.Ĺ&#x2022; .,3Ĺ&#x2022;.)Ĺ&#x2022;, ./,(Ĺ&#x2022;3)/,Ĺ&#x2022; ) /-Ĺ&#x2022; %Ĺ&#x2022;.)Ĺ&#x2022;3)/,Ĺ&#x2022; , ."Ăž Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; !#(Ĺ&#x2022;1#."Ĺ&#x2022;øÄ&#x201D;ĂšĹ&#x2022;'#(/. -ĂżĹ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; !, / &&3Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;)(Ĺ&#x2022;'), Ĺ&#x2022; '#(/. -Ăž

to have good vibes with everyone and everything around you. The ultimate aim is to take the subtle body closer to the causal body, and when the subtle body blends with the causal body, the result is enlightenment, a heightened state of total bliss, Rajive explained.

The task of meditation is a simple one though the beneďŹ ts can be far reaching and longer lasting.

The best way to meditate is to sit in a quiet place, keeping the spine erect and the palms held open on the lap, keeping all the channels of energy ďŹ&#x201A;ow open.

One can take any comfortable posture for meditation but it is not advisable to meditate in a lying down position as it does not facilitate the unhindered ďŹ&#x201A;ow of energy through the different meridians across the body.

There is no best time to sit in meditation, it could be early morning, afternoon, even at night, before going to bed. However, it should be done on an empty stomach (or a few hours after a meal) when digestion is complete and the

BeneďŹ ts of Meditation Relaxation is often not the goal of meditation, but the result. It is simply a response marked by reduced activity of the sympathetic nervous system. However, meditation does provide many beneďŹ ts to the nervous system, like:

mind is not involved in controlling other functions of the body. One can begin meditating by focusing on oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breathing (inhalation and exhalation) or by chanting a mantra to quieten the mind.

However, one must not make any conscious attempt to resist any thoughts that come by, as resistance will make them persist.

One can let the thoughts ďŹ&#x201A;oat, one after another until they become disconnected and eventually exit the mind. The idea of taking a comfortable posture is to help the mind transcend the gross state and get into the subtle state.

One can start with 4-5 minutes of meditation and slowly increase the duration. Initially one would spend time involved in various thoughts but slowly one would learn how to just view them and let them go by. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The duration of meditation should not exceed 20 minutes at a time so that you do not get disconnected with the real world, rather get enriched to connect better,â&#x20AC;? Rajive said adding; â&#x20AC;&#x153;20 minutes of meditation is equal to four hours of rest for the mind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just like dental hygiene, this is mental hygiene, a method of cleansing the mind.â&#x20AC;? Lastly, meditation doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take away any steam from oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality, rather it makes one more dynamic, creative, positive, talented, and mainly, in control of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emotions. People who meditate come across as very positive, very accommodative, very comfortable to be with, yet very dynamic in their work. hubert@timesofoman.com For more details, contact: + 968 9925 6472; omanrajiv@gmail.com

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LIFESTYLE BRIEFS

Try

‘Gene Signature’ to Sound Alzheimer’s Early Warning

W hy Here are a few simple, time-tested foods, techniques, and remedies to try, and a bit about why. Have you tried any of these tricks? How did you like them? Do you have a favourite remedy of

Eat Potatoes to Reduce Inflammation Potatoes are said to be highly effective in reducing inflammation, internal and external. Being easy to digest, potatoes contain Vitamin C (a very good antioxidant that repairs tissue wear and tear), potassium, and vitamin-B6 which can relieve any inflammation of the intestines and the digestive system.

your own? Tell us about it at lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Scientists have developed a ‘gene signature’ that could be used to predict the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s years in advance. The study aimed to define a set of genes associated with ‘healthy ageing’ in 65-year-olds. We use birth year or chronological age to judge everything from insurance premiums to whether we will get a medical procedure or not. Most people accept that all 60 year olds are not the same but there has been no reliable test for underlying ‘biological age’,” said lead study author James Timmons from King‘s College London. Such a molecular profile could be useful for distinguishing people at earlier risk of age-related diseases.

“Our discovery provides the first robust molecular ‘signature’ of biological age in humans and should be able to transform the way that ‘age’ is used to make medical decisions,” Timmons reported.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

Heart Disease Project Gets $400,000 Boost

Have Mint to Cure Nausea The refreshing aroma of mint is a quick and effective remedy for nausea.

When feeling giddy, just smell some mint oil or freshly crushed mint leaves to quickly recover. You can also consume a lozenge with mint flavour or lemonade laced with mint leaves.

DECODING DOCTOR

Hubert Vaz chats with Dr Hussein Al Saadi, Public Health Specialist, Al Hayat International Hospital about Fructose, ‘The Sweet Poison’ which can invite serious ailments if consumed in excess.

Do You Stand in Correct Posture?

Standing correctly is not something that comes naturally to everyone. To have the right standing posture, you must hold your head up straight with your chin in and your earlobes in line with the middle of your shoulders. Keep your shoulder blades back, knees straight, tummy tucked in and do not tilt your pelvis either forward or backward.

Washington: An IndianAmerican researcher at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has received a $423,485 grant from the National Institutes of Health for his project related to ischemic heart disease, a media report said.

The grant will give a boost to the project led by Krishna Singh, professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Quillen College of Medicine and physiologist at the Quillen VA Medical Centre, to study the role of a protein called ATM, or ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase, in ischemic heart disease, johnsoncitypress. com reported recently.

“The aim of this research is to identify a link between ATM and ischemic heart disease, and to understand why ATM deficient patients are more susceptible to ischemic heart disease,“ Singh was quoted as saying.

Mutations in the ATM gene cause a rare genetic disorder known as Ataxiatelangiectasia, or A-T, which affects multiple organs in the body and leads to severe disability.-IANS

The Sweet Poison

WHAT IS FRUCTOSE? Fructose is one of the main types of sugars found in fruits such as apples, in fruit juices, and in honey. Sucrose (table sugar) is composed of fructose (50%) and glucose (50%). Honey, dates, raisins, molasses, and figs have a content of over 10% of fructose; grapes, raw apples, apple juice, persimmons, and blueberries have 5-10 % of fructose.

Milk, the main nourishment for infants, has essentially no fructose, and neither do most vegetables and

meats which indicate that human beings had little dietary exposure to fructose before the mass production of sugar. Glucose, however, comes from starches like potatoes and our bodies produce it. Glucose is vital to life but fructose is not.

20% stored in the liver. The liver is the only organ that can metabolise fructose in significant amounts.

When people eat a diet that is high in calories and high in fructose, the liver gets overloaded and starts turning the fructose into fat.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FRUCTOSE AND GLUCOSE? Glucose (good sugar) and fructoseare metabolised very differently by the body. Every cell in the body can use 80% of glucose and remaining

WHY IS FRUCTOSE BAD? Scientists believe that excess fructose consumption may be a key driver of many serious diseases including obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.

Fructose doesn’t affect satiety in

the same way as glucose, making you store upmore calories.

SO, HOW BEST CAN ONE CONSUME FRUCTOSE? My advice is to eat fruits in reasonable amount to get the benefit offluids, low-energy, fibre, and vitamins.

In general, fruit is a minor source of fructose in the diet compared to added sugars. Secondly, try to stay away from soft drinks and diets which supply excess calories and added sugars. Exercise regularly to reduce extra fat produced by bad sugar.

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SHATTI THE MAZE RUNNER: SCORCH TRIALS (Action, Sci fi) (PG12)(3D) Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario 2:00, 9:15, 11:45 pm THE MAZE RUNNER: SCORCH TRIALS (Action, Sci fi) (PG12)(2D) Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario 6:45 pm American Ultra (Action, Drama)(12+) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 5:00, 9:30 pm The Transporter Refueled (Action)(PG12) Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 4:30, 11:30 pm MOOMINS ON THE RIVIERA (Animation) 2:00, 3:30 pm (PG) EDEN (Drama, Thriller)(12+)(2D) 4:00, 5:45 pm Cast: Jessica Lowndes, James Remar EVEREST (Adventure, Drama)(PG)(3D/IMAX) 1:45, 9:30, 11:55 pm EVEREST (Adventure, Drama)(PG)(2D) Cast: Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa 7:00 pm HARA MAZNOUKA (12+)(ARABIC) Cast: Ahmed Fathy, Ola Ghanem 7:30 pm

Katti Batti(Hindi) : 2D (Romance) (TBC) Cast : Imran Khan, Kangana Ranaut 9:15 PM The Dead Lands : 2D (Action ) (15+) Cast : James Rolleston, Lawrence Makaore 12:30 PM The Transporter Refueled : 2D (PG12) Cast : Ed Skrein, Loan Chabano 2:45 PM Moomins on the Riviera: 2D (Family) (PG) Cast : Maria Sid, Mats Langbacka 10:15 AM, 12:00, 3:30 PM

MUSCAT GRAND MALL Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials: 3D (PG12) Timing: 10:00 AM, 9:30, 11:55 PM Gold Class: 3:45, 8:45, 11:15 PM Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials: 2D (Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller) (PG12) 4:45 PM American Ultra: 2D (Action,Comedy) (12+) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg,, Kristen Stewart 1:30, 7:15 PM Everest : 3D (Adventure, Drama, Thriller) (PG) Cast : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa 7:15, 11:45 PM Gold Class: 1:15, 6:15 PM Everest : 2D (Adventure, Drama, Thriller) (PG) 5:00 PM

AZAIBA Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials – 2D (PG12) Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller 5:30 PM Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials – 3D (PG12) Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario 12:45, 8:00, 10:30 PM Utopiayile Rajavu - 2D (PG) Family, Comedy Cast: Mammootty, Jewel Mary, K. P. A. C. 2:45, 8:45 PM Moomins on the Riviera – 2D (PG) 12:45, 4:30 PM Maya – 2D (15+) Horror Cast: Nayanthara, Aari, Amzath Khan 6:00, 11:30 PM

THE MAZE RUNNER: SCORCH TRIALS (Action, Sci fi) (PG12)(3D) Cast : Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario Timings :2:00, 9:15, 11:45 pm

EVEREST : 3D (Adventure, Drama, Thriller) (PG) Cast : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa Timing : 7:15, 11:45 PM Gold Class: 1:15, 6:15 PM

Everest – 3D (PG) Adventure, Drama, Thriller Cast: Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa 12:30, 7:15, 11:15 PM Everest – 2D (PG) Adventure, Drama, Thriller Cast: Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa 3:15 PM Katti Batti – 2D (TBC) Romance Cast: Imran Khan, Kangana Ranaut 2:00, 3:45, 6:15, 8:45 PM The Transporter Refueled - 2D (PG12) 2:00, 11:55 PM American Ultra – 2D (12+) Action, Comedy 12:15, 5:30 PM Hero – 2D (PG12) Action, Drama, Romance 9:30 PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

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Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

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

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

Sur Sur

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

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

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

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Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

07:00

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

Utopiayile Rajavu (Mal) ( Com ) Cast: Mammootty & Jewel Mary 3-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema Main; 6-45 pm Cinema-3 Thani Oruvan (Mal) ( Act/Drama ) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Nayanthara & Arvind Swamy 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema-2 Maya (Tamil) ( Horror) Cast: Natanthara & Aari 3-45 & 9-45 pm At Cinema-3; 6-30 pm at Cinema Main Loham (Mal) (Drama/Act) Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea & Renji Paniker 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema – 4 NEXT CHANGE:Trisha Illana Nayanthara (Tamil); Rajni Murugan (Tamil) Programmes are subject to change

MUKTI DEEPAK PATEL September 20, 2006

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DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

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

Nizwa Ruwi

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

06:00 06:00

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

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

10:25

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

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

Ruwi

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

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

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

07:00

STAR CINEMA

WITH LOVE

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

BURAIMI Maze Runner: The Scroch Trails - 3D (Action, Sci-FI, Thriller) (PG12) 5:00, 9:30, 11:55PM Everest – 3D (Adventure, Drama ) (PG) 5:15, 7:20, 11:45PM American Ultra – 2D (Action, Comedy) (12+) 11:30PM The Transporter Refueled– 2D (Action ) 5:30, 11:30 PM (PG12) The Blood Lands – 2D (Horror) (12+) Cast: Pollyanna McIntosh, Lee Williams

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Everest (Adventure/Thriller/Drama) Cast: Elizebeth Debicki, Jake Gyllenhal, Keira Knightly 3.45, 7.30, 9.45 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2391 (PG) The Deadlands ( Action ) Cast: James Rolleston, Lawrence Makoare 2.45, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2392 ( 15+) Tekken 2 (Action) Cast: Kane Kosugi, Cary Heroiki Tagawa, Rade Serbedzija 4.45 & 8.15 pm CP No: 2394 (15+) The Blood Lands (Horror/Mystery/Thriller) Cast: Pollynna Mc Intosh, Lee williams, Jonea Mitchel 1.00 & 6.30 pm CP No: 2393 (12+) Zero Tolerance (Action) Cast: Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins, Sahajak Boonthanakit 12.15 pm CP No: 2371 (12+) Moomins On The Riviera (Animation) Cast: Maria Sid, Mats Langbacka, Kristofer Gummerus 2.00 & 6.00 pm CP No: 2395 (PG)

SALALAH Tekken: Kazuya’s Revenge (2D) (15+) Cast: Kane Kosugi, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa 10:15AM, 2:00, 10:15PM Everest (3D) (PG) (Adventure/Drama/Thriller) Cast: Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa 10:15AM, 7:00, 11:55PM Everest (2D) (PG) (Adventure/Drama/Thriller) 2:15PM Moomins on the Riviera (2D) (PG) 10:00AM, 3:45PM The Transporter Refueled (2D) (PG12) 2:30, 11:30 PM Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (3D) 11:30AM, 9:15, 11:45PM (PG12) Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2D) (PG12) (Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller) 4:30PM Katti Batti (2D) (PG12) (Romance) 12:00, 7:45PM American Ultra (2D) (12+) (Action) 12:30, 4:15PM Utopiayile Rajavu (2D) (PG) (Malayalam) 8:45PM Maaya (2D) (15+)(Tamil) (Horror) Cast: Nayanthara, Aari, Amzath Khan 6:00PM Hero (2D) (PG12) (Action/Drama/Romance) 5:15PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

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

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Moomins on the Riviera - 2D (PG) Cast: Maria Sid, Mats Långbacka 3:00, 4:30 PM Maya - 2D (T) (15+) Horror Cast: Nayanthara, Aari, Amzath Khan 6:00 PM Utopiayile Rajavu - 2D (M) (PG) Family Cast: Mammootty, Jewel Mary, K. P. A. C. 8:45 PM Eden - 2D (12+) Drama, Thriller Cast: Jessica Lowndes, James Remar 2:30, 11:55 PM Hara Maznouka - 2D (Arb) (12+) Comedy Cast: Ahmed Fathy, Ola Ghanem 8:25 PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

SOHAR The Transporter Refueled - 2D (PG12) Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 5:15, 10:10 PM American Ultra - 2D (12+) Action, Comedy Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 4:15, 11:30 PM Hero - 2D (PG12) Action, Drama, Romance Cast: Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty 6:00 PM Everest - 2D (PG) Adventure, Drama, Thriller Cast: Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa 4:45 PM Everest - 3D (PG) Adventure, Drama, Thriller 2:30, 7:00, 11:45 PM Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials - 3D 7:00, 9:30, 11:55 PM (PG12) Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials - 2D (PG12) Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller 2:45 PM Katti Batti - 2D (TBC) Romance 9:15 PM

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

SUR Maze Runner : the Scorch Trails (3D) (Action | Sci - Fi ) (PG12) 2:45, 9:15, 11:45 PM The Dead Land (Action) (15+) CP# 2:15, 9:30 PM Utopiayile Rajavu (Malayalam)(Family ) Cast: Mammooty, Jewel Mary, K. P. A. C. 12:00, 4:15 PM (PG) Katti Batti (Hindi) (Romance) (TBC) 7:00 PM American Ultra (Action | Comedy) (12+) 5:15PM Everest (3D) (Adventure | Drama) (PG) 12:00, 7:00, 11:30 PM

KATTI BATTI (ROMANCE) – PG12 Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Imran Khan Timing: 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

Everest (2D) (Adventure, Drama) – PG 3.45, 9.45 PM Phantom (Action) – PG Cast: Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif 9.45 PM

RUWI SCREEN 1 Katti Batti (Romance) – PG12 Cast:Kangana Ranaut, Imran Khan 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM SCREEN 2 Welcome Back (Comedy) – 12+ 3.45, 9.45 PM Everest (3D) (Adventure, Drama, Thriller) Cast: Elizabeth Debicki, Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira 6.45 PM (PG) SCREEN 3

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

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

MOOMINS ON THE RIVIERA - 2D (PG) Voice Overs : Maria Sid, Mats Långbacka Timings : 3:00, 4:30 PM

BAHJA CINEMA

10:00 PM Tekken Kazuya’s Revenge – 2D (Act) (15+) Cast: Kane Kousgi, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa 10:00 PM Katti Batti – 2D (Romance/Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Imran Khan, Kangana Ranaut 7:30PM Maaya – 2D (Horror) (15+) Cast: Nayantara, Aari, Amzath Khan 7:15 PM

@RUWI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman

Destination

12.06pm 3.32pm 6.11pm 7.22pm 4.39am

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

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Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

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PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

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

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

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

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

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

C11

LIFESTYLE FA M I LY A D V I C E

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

By Hubert Vaz

YOGA THERAPY

A

ll yoga postures require complete awareness of the body and breathing. According to traditional beliefs, yoga leads to spiritual growth through the practice of individual and social discipline. The level of one’s spirituality is said to increase as one practices yoga with complete awareness of not only physical postures but also activities in all areas of life.

The awareness encourages self analysis, self realisation and a desire to help others. Yoga starts out improving a person’s body and personality through asanas and pranayama since these are the benefits most people ask for.Most people have trouble with concentration and mediation because their mind wanders and they are easily distracted by their thoughts.

Meditation which benefits the mind can only become easy when one has physical discipline.

Yoga helps one to build a sense of wellbeing and peace since it creates a balance between the nervous and endocrine systems

Therapy for Ailments Research shows that yoga helps manage a wide range of ailments such as anxiety, arthritis asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, heart disease, stress migraine, insomnia.

Since no therapy is ever complete in itself, yoga works well in combination with medical treatment. It however doesn’t replace traditional medical therapy.

Yoga also helps one to build a sense of wellbeing and peace since it creates a balance between the nervous and endocrine systems. Its ability to work in combination with other therapies is a major plus.

Yoga can be used in conjunction with other therapies and treatment of ailments such as hypertension, asthma, and diabetes. A patient can practise yoga while continuing with his physician adjusting the medicine dosage as needed.

Supportive Therapy Patients who have undergone surgery or are bedridden cannot perform any physical activity.

However, while lying on the bed, they can practice meditation and deep breathing, or they can even just become aware of their breathing, all of which will help them to cope with pain and will help them to relax. This process helps to repair the cells and tissues in the body, hastening the patient’s recovery.

Yoga strives to perfectly coordinate the different body functions. It also improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina, boosts self-esteem, improves concentration and creativity, lowers fat in body, improves circulation, and stimulates the immune system.

Before one starts practising yoga as a therapy, a full medical examination must be performed.

The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the severity of the ailment and how long the person has been suffering from that ailment.

For more details, contact: Prema Nagesh, yoga expert at +968-96526103

MOVE OF THE WEEK

MANIPULATE YOUR METABOLISM

Metabolism simply refers to the amount of energy (calories) our bodies need daily to perform various tasks. The trouble begins when you consume more calories than your body needs. That’s when you pack on the extra pounds.

3TRICKS

CAN HELP YOU TO MANIPULATE YOUR METABOLISM TO PREVENT STORAGE OF EXTRA CALORIES:

70 PER CENT

Calories are used for basic functions, such as breathing and blood circulation

20 PER CENT

Calories are used for physical activity, including walking, standing

10 PER CENT

Calories are used for digesting what we eat.

1. DON’T SKIP MEALS Eating kicks up your metabolism while skipping meals makes you conserve calories. Have three healthy meals of 300 - 400 calories, besides two snacks of 200 - 300 calories every day.

2. DON’T GET STUCK TO A CHAIR Take up activitythat burns around 200 extra calories a day. Acts like walking, climbing stairs and simple indoor exercises can help you achieve that.

3. GET ADEQUATE SLEEP Six to eight hours of good sleep every night reduces the risk of gaining weight by 32 per cent. But lack of sleep throws the hunger hormones out of sync and cause you to overeat.

ASK DR. GERRY

Highs and Lows of Love

Dear Dr. Gerry, Last year, a good-looking boy joined our college and most of the girls felt really attracted to him. However, he never interacted with anyone with any special interest. A month ago, I noticed that he has begun taking interest in me and finds different pretexts to come and talk with me. But, some of my friends feel jealous of this and have advised me to keep my distance from him. He seems to be a good guy, but I am afraid I might fall in love with him.

My parents are very strict and won’t allow this, but I keep thinking about him always. What should I do?

— Perplexed girl Dear Friend, Think and think again. From your question I would say he’s definitely interested in you. I do know that falling in love seems beautiful and interesting but I want you to take a step back and look at the situation. You’re in college to study and build your life. You say your parents are strict and won’t allow this, right? Think about it . Love is a natural powerful attraction that brings people together…it is beautiful and can also be very painful. It makes you feel alive but can distract you from the smallest tasks. It can give you incredible highs and real depressing lows. It’s needed in all our lives but it’s also something we need to think about.

Think about it before you jump in. Does it have a future? Do I want to get involved in this? Am I ready for this? Will it distract me from my studies?

Will it hurt my parents? I believe the finally decision will always be yours.

All the best.

Dr G

Dr Gerry D’Costa has an MD in psychiatry and a special interest in the areas of anxiety, depression, addiction, and children’s psychiatry.

He has practiced as a specialised psychiatrist at Badr Al Samaa hospital in Ruwi for the last 9 years.

Dr D’Costa offers his advice and professional insights to the readers of Times of Oman. Send your mental health questions to lifestyle@ timesofoman.com

C12

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE

STUB IT OUT

8 Reasons to Stop Smoking SMOKING can ruin your health in several ways unless you take corrective action before it’s too late. Addicted smokers are said to need enough nicotine Causes Cancer Seventy of the 7,000 harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke are known to cause cancer. Smoking cigarettes is the number-one risk factor for lung cancer.

to feel normal each day. The fact is, smokers inhale about 7,000 other chemicals, besides nicotine, some of which cause great harm to the body. Here are eight reasons to give up cigarette smoking and improve one’s health.

Harms the Skin Smoking can cause your skin to lose elasticity and develop wrinkles, besides becoming dull and causing you to look older.

Causes Impotence Smoking leads to lower sperm count and impotence among males due to restricted blood flow to reproductive organs.

Harms the Lungs Cigarettes damage breathing and scars the lungs. They also causes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease marked by shortness of breath and chest tightness.

Harms the Heart Chemicals in tobacco smoke harm your blood cells and damage the function of your heart. This steps up the risk for cardiovascular disease, especially atherosclerosis.

Reduces Immunity Tobacco smoke affects the immune system and leads to greater susceptibility to infections and lower levels of protective antioxidants in the blood.

Harms Your Bones Studies show a direct link between tobacco use and decreased bone density. It also increases the risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition in which bones weaken.

Harms FamilyMembers Passive smokers (adults and children who live with smokers) are exposed to second-hand smoke which can cause heart disease and even premature death in them.

D

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

SECTION

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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S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

FOR RENT

3BHK well maintained flat (villa type) G. floor split A/C separate entrance, parking, and compound available in Al Khuwair behind Sagar Polyclinic Way no. 3922, Block 239, Villa No. 1839.

Contact: 99253125 Bachelor accommodation available near ISD Darsait. Contact: 99346813 Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975

New 1/2 B/R RES/ Comm. flats near Medical College Bausher directly from owner.

Contact :92158031

Showroom and office space available on prime location. Main road facing excellent location.

Contact: 92944717

02 BHK commercial / residential (with split AC) flat at Honda read / 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahda Hospital.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

Gorgeous villa 3BR + Maid room directly on the beach in Shatti Qurum. Huge garden best location in Muscat OMR 2000/- Month call or Whatspp 95887572

1BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O . Contact : 95865686 Twin villa for rent in Bowshar, near Muscat Private Hospital.

Contact 92760281 Brand new 2 bedroom flat for rent in Mabela. Contact 92760281 Flat of 3 BHK in Al Ghobra North with split A/C RO.380/Contact – 93191111 Commercial 10 BHK villa in Al MawalahMazoon street RO.1500/Contact – 93191111 1 BHK flat with split A/C in Wadi Adai RO.200/-Contact – 93191111 3 BHK flat with split A/C in Wadi Adai RO.250/-Contact – 93191111 Brand new 6 BHK villa in Al Azaiba with split A/C and lift RO.1200/Contact – 93191111 Brand new showroom of 595 SQM in Bowsher RO.5/- each sqm.

Contact – 93191111 2BHK new flats in Al Khud rent 240/-. Contact: 97616158 Twin villa with basement for rent AL Khuwair 25. Contact: 99359988 Villa for rent - Al Seeb/Al Mawelah - Block 5 - 4 bedrooms with attached bathrooms , Majlis, 2 halls, kitchen and storeroom. split Ac and carpark contact 99564616 / 99498448

Brand new 2 B/R deluxe fully furnished & unfurnished flats with split ACs & free internet available at Bausher 35 near Al Maha fuel pump.

Contact : 99460330 Office space equipped with ACs , cabins with partition, furniture’s, free in internet ready for use, at Al Khuwair near Philips show room 2 B/R flats with slit AC’s a free internet available at Al Khuwair near Philips Show room.

Contact: 99460330 3 BHK, 3 bathrooms, 2 balconies Nr Al Hassan, W/Kabir R.O 325/-.

Contact: 99384640 House for rent 4BR family hall, fitting room, dining room, kitchen, store with A/C & satellite reception at Mawaleh south , behind Sultan discount center rent R.O 550/-.

Contact: 93653311 Flats in Ruwi, Muttrah, Mumtaz area available. Contact: 24813822 1BHK Wadi Kabeer near Sana RO 180/-. Contact : 95094028 Fully Furnished 2BHK Apartments available at Bareeq Al Shatti.

Contact 92888063 2BHK with split AC near PDO Gate No.2 Qurum available for immediate renting. Contact : 94057023 2 BHK with split AC Al Khuwair -33 for residential & commercial use.

Contact : 94057023

Available furnished meeting hall for seminars on a hourly, daily, monthly, yearly basis. please contact 93203773 : Email: mbdeast@gmail.com Building includes 16 flats in four floors in good condition, opposite to Mars Hypermarket at Al Ghubra north. Contact: 99435882 / 91266667 or 92590509 For rent house in old Muscat town on the bab Muthaib Street consists of 5 bedrooms, living room and kitchen.

Contact: 99319829 / 99234155 New flat for rent, 2 bedroom with study in Al Amerat (Al Atkyah).

Contact: 99230461 / 93355301 2 rooms and Majlis in Al Ghubra.

Contact : 99242119 Flat for rent Ruwi, 2 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1 hall opposite Khimji Mart. Contact: 97645671 / 99362206 1 & 2 BHK , M.B.D. area R.O 250/-, RO 280/- & RO 300/-.

Contact: 97799175

Spacious 2BHK with attached bathroom near Lulu Wadikabir. Rent – OMR 280/=. Contact 98759576 or 95822833

VILLA IN AZAIBA – Four Bed Room Villa, near Well Roundabout & Umm Al Qura Mosque. Available for sharing also. Call 92887809 / 98048207.

2 bedroom villa in Sidab.

Contact: 95755953 / 95555162

Furnished office available at Al Ghubrah. Contact 94110822

1BHK Ruwi & 3BHK Bosher.

Contact: 99024730

Flats, shops for rent in Ruwi, MBD & Mumtaz area. Contact 97293708

2BHK new Amerat with AC 230/R.O. Contact: 99024730

1BHK Al Falaj R.O 200/-.

Contact: 97799175

Villa /room for rent Al Qurum behind Mars. Contact: 95349530 / 99586517

2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, RO 325/-.

Contact: 97799175

2BHK, 2 Baths, Split A/C, Wadi kabeer towards Al bustan, Near Indian Elementary School.

Contact 99441193, 93004802

2 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

Flats in Al Khuwair 33 with gym free for tenants 2 BHK RO.425/-.

Contact 93161111

3 & 4 BHK villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

New 1 & 2 BHK flat in Ruwi (near Star Cinema). Contact 99792181

Rooms for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis Hotel with AC. Contact: 95124975

Flat Al Ghubrah near 18 Nov ST living room, 3 bedrooms,3 bathrooms, kitchen first floor without AC family only 380/-R.O. Contact : 92479515

Deluxe villas at Al Hail.

Contact 95282986

2BHK Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 97799175 2BHK villa Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 97799175

Villa for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95562646 / 99059333

Deluxe 1,2,3 bedroom flats in Wadi Kabir , Ruwi, Mumtaz & Al Khuwair areas. Contact : 24707340 / 99472457 / 95282986

2BHK Darsait R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175

Two flats for rent 3 bedroom & 1 setting room all with split a/c at & flat 1badroom al Ghubrah North near Indian school (hot Pargur Restaurant). Contact 99766103

1000 sq mtrs industrial land in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 / 92584715

AL Khuwair 17/1 room, hall, kitchen and toilet with ACs ground floor Owner private parking.

Contact: 99385553

2 BHK near Medical Darsait R.O 230/-. Contact : 98748925

2BHK Azaiba R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175

Two bedroom apartments available for rent at South Ghubra close to Atlas Hospital close to Grand mall & Avenues mall next to Diwan’s Office.

Contact: 99833747 / 24562526

Villa for rent: 6 bed rooms, 1 sitting room, 2 halls, 1 kitchen and 1 pantry.

Al Mawaleh South phase 3 close to Al Sahwah roundabout, first line behind Amwag perfume factory.

Contact - 99360366 1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya, Al Khoud and Mabela and shop at Al Khoud land line. Contact : 24834644 GSM 93994401/ 02/ 03, 3 lines Twin villa 6BR hall, kitchen at Al Ansab-2. Contact: 99747560 / 99444786 1BHK flat with A/C AL Khuwair 250/- R.O. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288 2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 New flats 1 room and living room with accessories & 2 rooms and living room with accessories in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 92130703 / 96045478 New flats for rent in Darsait, Al Sahal. Contact : 99311525 Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent more details pleas.

Contact: 91214849 / 95729711 Flat and show room for rent Al Khuwair 33, Al Ghubrah, Darsait and Jibroo. Contact: 24485240 / 24485241 / 93651633 / 92109563 1BHK near Al Nahdha Ruwi.

Contact: 99617786 Luxury fully furnished 2 bedrooms flat at Al Khuwair & luxury fully furnished 5 bedroom villas at Madinat Al Ilam. For short or long term lease contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact : 93201688 / 92888376 Tel: 24833848 / 24834888

3BHK flat Darsait Near I.D card Medical 450/- R.O. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288

1BHK flats available for rent in CBD area. Contact: 98116480

Room with A.C at AL Khuwair R.O 120/-. Contact: 97799175

3 Bedroom flat at Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99447257/97014234

New flats for rent in Darsait Al Sahal. Contact: 99777351

2BHK pent house R.O 325/- , 1BHK R.O 225 /- close to Indian Nursery, Darsait. Contact: 99476728/ 98484415

4 bedroom villa with 3 maid room, big compound & parking area. Ideal for kindergarten or expat tenants residency. Contact: 24566217 / 24564686

600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact: 91214849/ 99364735

2BHK close to Indian school kindergarten Wadi Kabir R.O 320/-, 1BHK R.O 250/-. Contact: 99476728 / 98484415

Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent more details please contact: 91214849 / 99364735

Office & retail space available Alasfoor Plaza, Qurum.

Contact: 24566217 / 24564686

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

AFFORDABLE QUALIFIED STAFF AVAILABLE: EŽ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ƐĐƌƵƟŶŝnjĞ ƐƚĂī ĂŵŽŶŐ ƚŚŽƵƐĂŶĚƐ͍ EĞĞĚ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ƐƚĂī Ăƚ ĂŶ ĂƌƌĂŶŐĞŵĞŶƚ͍ tĞ ĂƌĞ Ă ŵĂŶƉŽǁĞƌ ĂŐĞŶĐLJ ǁŚŽ ŚĞĂĚͲŚƵŶƚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂī ĨƌŽŵ ĂŶLJ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ͊ tĞ ƐĐƌĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ƐĞǀĞƌĂůůLJ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ŐĞƚ ŽŶůLJ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ ǁŚLJ ƚŽƉ ĞŵƉůŽLJĞƌƐ ƉƌĞĨĞƌ ƵƐ ĨŽƌ ƐƚĂĸŶŐ͊

Hurry and call this number now!

95967902 UNIVERSAL SCRAP BUYERS AT AMAZING PRICES Convert ANY type of Scrap into Money by selling us the scrap Great prices are guaranteed for our clients!

Call this number now for urgent response -

96059470

Shops for ren in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact: 99888390

Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

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

Single bedroom flat near to Indian School Al Ghubra.

Contact: 99203954

Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact: 99366624 2BHK flat available near medical / Darsait. Contact 24705742 Flat for rent in Hamriya.

Contact: 99341112 Flats in Al Khuwair 2 BHK RO.350/Contact – 93161111.

FOR SALE Sofa (5 seater), Gas cooker (4 burner) in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact 96027403

Commercial villa near Bareeq Al Shatti 8 BHK + swimming pool RO.2500/-. Contact 93161111

Beauty Salon for sale in Good location (Azaiba and Al Hail).

Contact : 95318629

Villa in Madinate Sultan Qaboos 3BHK + maid room RO.1400/-.

Contact 93161111

Beauty Parlor for sale or rent.

Contact 99131775 / 96700192

Flats in Azaiba opp to Al Sahwa Tower 2 BHK RO.450/- 1BHK RO.350/-. Contact 93161111

Single room with separate bathroom available opp. Al Nahdha Hospital for Indian families. Contact : 92394614

Sale of Radiator of Cummins C 1100D5B Generator presently lying at M/s Al Ansari Yard in Ghala. For further information, please contact Mr. Deshpande on 99415504 M/s Muscat Surveyors LLC on 24816579

Furnished flat in Bareeq Al Shatti 2 BHK RO.750/-. Contact 93161111

Flat in Qurum near PDO 2 BHK + 1 BHK RO.550/ – 375/Contact 93161111

ACC. AVAILABLE

Shop for sale at Ruwi High street inside. Contact 96023492

Printing press for sale /partner full machineries including stamp making in ready position at Salalah.

Contact:91656655,98559894

Villa in Al Khuwair 4 BHK RO.600/-, Flat in Madinate Sultan Qaboos 3BHK RO.600/-.

Contact 93161111

91494149

*Kindly note that the scrap should be 50 tons onwards

ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ĞdžĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚͲƟŵĞ ŽīĞƌ ĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ͊​͊​͊

FOR HIRE

SITUATION WANTM.V. FOR SALE ED

AVAILABLE

FOR RENT

1 & 2 bedroom flats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible.

Contact: 97677170

CLASSY, CREATIVE AND AFFORDABLE INTERIOR DESIGN 'Ğƚ ĐƵƐƚŽŵŝnjĞĚ͕ &ŝƫŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ŝŶƚĞƌŝŽƌ ĚĞƐŝŐŶƐ ŵĂĚĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƐĐƌĂƚĐŚ͘ Our professionals give YOU: ͻ ƵƚŽ ĂĚ >ĂLJŽƵƚ ͻ D W ƌĂǁŝŶŐƐ ͻ Ϯ ĂŶĚ ϯ ĚƌĂǁŝŶŐ ͻ /ŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ ŽŶĐĞƉƚ ĞƐŝŐŶ Hurry now and call this number

Automotive batteries for sale.

Contact : 24794657 For sale land in Amerat 3000 Sq.mt with petrol pump permission.

Contact 99323957 / 92702891 Direct from the owner: for sale A 2 bedroom apartment with a full and direct Marina view at Marsa 2 at the Wave, area 138 sq. Mtrs, will be ready next month for R.O. 255,000.

Contact : 95330200

Sharing accommodation for couples near Kims Darsait.

Contact: 94627458 Single room with ac and sharing bathroom available for an executive bachelor or a small family in Muttrah Souq. Contact 99519664

FOR SALE Expatriate LLC Company license (building materials 70 Ex : 30 Omani) for sale. #94663824 / 94305499

Room for rent with sharing bathroom & kitchen at Al Khuwair, behind Golden Spoon Restaurant.

Contact 92994415

Restaurant for sale in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99425461

Semi furnished separate room for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghubra round about. Contact: 94263390

Beauty salon in Ghubrah for sale Contact: 94689448

Furnished room available in Ruwi.

Contact: 92435784

Aluminium workshop at Wadi Kabir with all machineries and 3 skilled workers. # 99536206 / 99605915

Separate room with A/c, Small Fridge and Bed, for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghoubra round about.

Contact: 94263390

Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact -94652485/ 99273774/ 99202278

Large room with separate bathroom & sharing available in Al Khuwair.

Contact 95250161

Bobcat Grader and roller for rent.

Contact: 94584688 Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

NRI Commercial plot measuring 30 cents for immediate sale having an old house and a shop at the heart of Kodakara Town – 17 kms from Trichur City and 7 kms from Chalakkudy.

Direct access to NH 47 from one side and old town road from other side of the plot, near to Shanti Hospital .

Contact : Muscat: 00968- 91318999 India: 0091- 9446371706.

ACC. AVAILABLE Three 2 bedroom bachelor accommodation available in a building near Kuwaiti Mosque at Wadi Kabir till 14th February 2016. Contact: 95332701 Fully furnished room with attached bath for Executive bachelor behind Al Meera Hypermarket, Azaiba R.O 150/-. Contact: 99455735 An Excellent 3bedrooms Flat at Al Hail, 3 bathrooms, sitting room, living room, kitchen with store 92817777 Furnished room (for Ladies)with attached bath separate entrance in Mabela. Contact :99634841 A big room in available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact: 99495131

Mitsubishi Pajero 2006 model Automatic, 1,22,000 km, insurance + registration valid till August 2016 black, well serviced, good condition, OMR 2,800/-.

Contact: 94515102 Mercedes car – C 180, 2010 model for sale, 160.000 KM, very good condition, expecting around R.O 6,000. Contact: 99751044 Tata bus model 2008 for sale.

Contact 93953237 Mitsubishi FUSO Double cabin pickup model 2008 for sale.

Contact: 93953237 Lexus GX 460, 2013.

Contact : 99336093 Toyota Yaris 2009 Dec model, manual, 150000km, 2500 OMR. Contact 93895508 Kia Cerato 2014 Model for sale 1300 kms Under agency warrenty and service. Contact: 99634841

LOST Vishweshwaryya has lost Indian Passport No. H 9079215. Finder please handover to ROP

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

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DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

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

ACCOUNTANT Urgent need Purchaser / Imports, Accounts Assistant. Candidates with bachelors degree and 3 to 5 years relevant experience. Please email CV to trend1993@yahoo.com Urgently required for leading Company : Accountant between 5 to 10 yrs experience, Accountant (Petrol Station) between 3 to 5 yrs experiences. Fax: 24478522, Email : gh1.careers@gmail.com

CATERING Required Catering Supervisor, Chef, Asst. Cook & Chapathi makers for a catering Company in interior area. Apply with NOC. SMS : 99242984 Required Filipina female Waitresses & male Housekeepers in Dolphin Hotel – Muscat. Only residents / contact number: 24488192 please send C.V : dolphinhoteloman@hotmail.com

Agyal Al Huda School requires Maths & Science Teachers in Al Azaiba. Contact 91409998 / 24492548 / 99637238

DOMESTIC HELPER A part time House maid required for a Keralite family near Darsait temple. Contact: 99468827 Looking for full time Housemaid in Ruwi. Contact - 96511169 Looking for a female who can teach and play with two kids at their home in Gubrah. Candidate must be caring and fluent in English.

Timing 2pm -6pm and salary RO120.

Contact: 93892656 Required housemaid for part time at Ghubra.Contact:93267065 Required a housemaid in Ruwi.

Contact 96511169

DRIVER A reputed Lebanese chain of Restaurants requires Delivery Man in Muscat. The person should have a two wheeler driving license and must be familiar with the Muscat city. Are you interested to be a part of a reputed group please call 92443104.

Driver with Oman driving licence needed. Visa available.

Contact 94288863 Looking for an experienced house driver for an Omani family. Interested candidates may Contact: 96203333

EDUCATION Urgently required for a private bilingual school at Al Ansab for immediate placement - Physics, Maths, Librarian, Nurse, Special Educators. Please email your CV : employment22013@gmail.com immediately.

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Post Graduate researcher required.

Contact 99229700

Fresher 24 years B.Com Graduate, Tally 7.2 & ERP9, looking for a suitable placements in Accounts.

Contact: 97219505

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH

Accountant 7 Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 Senior Finance Professional (CA, ICWA, CIMA), Indian, with more than 25 years of varied experience in finance and accounting, project evaluations and business valuations seeks suitable employment opportunities in Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait or Bahrain. Available for immediate joining. Contact Gopal +971 50 508 2538, email – rajiraja@hotmail.com

Reputed metal fabrication company seeks fabrication supervisor, structural steel fabricator, Machine maintenance Technician and Electrician. Contact: 99102383 Email: hr@khancogroup.com A Mechanical Engineer with salesmanship experience of 5 years & above preferable with Oman drivers license and NOC. Please forward your CV to almaadhi.trd@gmail.com

Highly experienced & qualified Finance Controller / Manager seeks suitable position. NOC available. Can join immediately. Contact: 92817797

Required Marine Mechanic with 3 to 5 years experience in maintaining / repairing outboard Engines and Generators of Boat.

Ph: 24696130; Email: hrmedia123@gmail.com

Indian female 26 yrs B.Com CA Inter with 4 yrs experience seek placement in accounts. Contact : 94045427 Indian male 27 yrs, B. Com, MBA, CA Inter ( pursuing final) with 7+ yrs experience, seeks suitable placement in accounts, holds valid Saudi D/L. Contact : 95358659

IT Required Salesman for shop & hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 yrs experience.

Contact 98825805 / 98825806.

Email : strns1@gmail.com

MEDICAL Urgently looking for an Expatriate House Boy with Cooking knowledge and experience.

Contact Immediately: 99460564

SITUATION WANTED

EDUCATION

Urgently required Female Nurses with MOH license for a Polyclinic. Attractive Salary with accommodation.

Contact: 97091664 or 97327175.

Email: mmcmuscat@gmail.com Required urgently General Physician Gynecology, Pharmacist, LAB Technicians staff nurse.

Contact: 95133572 Email: kunoozghala@gmail.com

Finance Manager (15+yrs experience) Ability to manage Group of companies. Contact: 92701962

MEDICAL Required Dentist, Endodontist, Orthodontist with MOH license.

Contact 99010755 for dental Centre in Muscat Khuwair Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com

Accomplished Advertising Sales & Business Development Executives for leading Media Enterprise.

Enthusiastic Freshers also welcome. jobs@interacoman.com

Required Nurse with MOH license for Dental Centre in Khuwair Muscat.

Contact: 99010755 Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com

Required Salesman in Salalah very good commission.

Contact 92760281

MANAGER Wanted Nurse for dental centre in Mawaleh South & Qurum.

Contact 93431024, Email : drasyanaseem@gmail.com Urgently needed female Dermatologist with minimum 5 yrs experience. Send CV : elixirhealthcenter@ yahoo.com P.S. details of salary and benefits will be sent after submitting the CV Wanted Pharmacist (B.Pharm), Staff Nurses (female) with or without MOH license for a polyclinic near Sohar. Excellent salary package.

Contact 99006915, Email : alhinaee.clinic@yahoo.com Require qualified full time Caregiver (Sri Lankan or Philipino) for an orderly Mother.

Contact : 99425200 Required for private clinic: Gynecologist Arabic Nationality, GP Arabic Nationality, Nurse.

Contact 97304519 from 9 AM to 1 PM Required Pharmacist with license.

Contact: 92245470

SALES / MARKETING

Required Sales Manager for a hotel supply company with minimum 5 years experience.

Contact - 92035162

MISCELLANEOUS Experienced Denter, Spray painter, Mechanic, Outdoor sales person required. Contact 98045373

SALES / MARKETING Required Sales Executive for Stationery Company with Oman driving license. Send Email: mipartjob@gmail.com Looking for qualified, good communication and computer skills candidate with experience for position of : Sales Manager to work in high-end window tinting business. Minimum academic requirements: bachelor’s degree and own a driving license.

Kindly email your CV to abdullah.alhinai86@gmail.com

Required Pharmacies with license, needed for clinic in Al Khoudh , Contact :+968 97696502 , mail CV to towershr70@gmail.com

Urgently required Sales Executives for construction materials with local experience, driving license and NOC. Send the CV with photo to grioman@gmail.com

Looking for Indian Candidates : Prometric passed or MOH license with NOC for polyclinic:- Radiologist, Gynecologist, Radiographer, Lab Technicians and Pharmacists.

Email: polyclinicomanhr@gmail.com

Urgently need Project Sales Executive - Modular Kitchens, candidates with bachelor’s degree and 3 to 5 years relevant experience, please email CV to trend1993@yahoo.com

Required experienced Sales / Marketing Executives having light license. Send your CV ocean@omantel.net.om Sales man / interior designer wanted for prestigious interior design and office furniture Supply Company. Experience and drivers license needed.

Excellent remuneration package.

Email: tony@materials-plus.com Required Sales & marketing person for IT Company with minimum 2 yrs experience in Oman & with valid Oman driving license.

Contact 98825805 / 98825806.

Email : strns1@gmail.com AVON requires female Omani Nationals (bi-lingual) and Expatriates to join their expanding local Sales Team. Candidate must have good communication skills, highly organized with a commitment and enthusiasm to be successful. Training will be provided. Valid Omani D/L necessary. Send CV on samiha-avon@mhd.co.om

SKILLED LABOR Wanted urgently need two Tailors who can make curtains.

Contact: 98962888

TOUR Urgently required for a travel agency Male experience in Sabre ticketing and reservation system, visa available.

Contact 95878812

Accountant with 8 years U.A.E experience, on visit visa, looking for a job. Contact : 96166512 Senior Accountant 10 years experience, looking for accounts parttime works and finalization works.

Contact: 96247295 Keralite Indian B.Com Graduate lady, 2 years Oman experience in Tally ERP 9 seeking suitable placement. Contact : 95186652 Indian female (BSc MBA) having 6 yrs exp in Garment industries seeking suitable office oriented job.

Contact : 91317975 B.Com, CA Inter (Indian) with 5 years experience (2 years GCC) in Accounts & Audit field. Contact: 95584531/razikthumbe@gmail.com A Sri Lankan lady chartered accountant with five years experience (including article ship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job. Contact: 91259845 Email: amashermila@gmail.com Accountant Part time up to finalization on monthly basis by Indian CA. All reports, backlog accounting, bank loan help, tax & internal Audit,affordable fee.92758370 Male B.Com Graduate having one year exp in Accounts & Admin.

Contact: 94736742 25 yrs female Indian with B.Com MBA looking out for a job in finance / marketing / HR field with a work experience of 1 year, 3 months at Bank Muscat & 7 months at India.

Contact: 94657403 / 95537261 Indian male B.Com / PGDM 16 yrs exp, 3 yrs prior Oman exp seeking suitable placement in accounts/ finance/ admin/ logistics. email : vikaso803@yahoo.com Contact 95587905 on visit visa Indian male B.Com Graduate 24 years looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97219505

Accountant 35 years with 5 years experience in Oman urgently seeking suitable jobs accountant & Ass. Admin& HR valid D/L N.O.C. Contact: 968 99176112 /968 91818124 Email: aamirjaved24@hotmail.com Indian male 10 years experience, 6 years in Oman, with Oman driving license, having NOC seeking suitable job. Contact: 96012973 Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance.

Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com Male Indian Accountant B.Com 7 years experience in Oman (accounting, finance, costing auditing) with NOC and valid driving license looking for suitable position.

Contact 96722257 Email: mudassir.pal@gmail.com Indian male, 27years, MCom, having 2years experience in Accounts looking for suitable position.

Presently on visit visa.

Contact 93455055| gibingeorge88@gmail.com Part time Accountant available.

Contact : 93438100 12 yrs Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement. Contact 99513082 Male 29 yrs, 5+ experience, 4 yrs in HME (Office Assistant) 1 yr experience in accounts & marketing seeking for suitable position.

Contact 96505486

ADMIN Filipino,29,Male, 5years experience: Admin/Payroll/Finance/Document Control. Excellent Communication/ MS Office skills. Contact: 95057206 email: patrick110486@yahoo.com Indian 24 years BCA MCITP having 2 years exp as system administrator looking suitable job.

Contact: 94170892 Purchase Admin Indian male 15 years Gulf experience.

Contact: 95435370 Indian male 12+ years experience in Admin and hospitality services, seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 99318958 Email: josephonline2007@gmail.com Filipina, 10 yrs experience in Fashion Retail, Shipment, Logistics, Inventory, Warehouse Control and Store Management is seeking employment. Call +971565833126 or 97728418.

14 years of gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598

ARCHITECT Senior Architect, Indian male 15yrs exp. having DL& NOC, Looking for suitable position.

Contact: 97239313 Email: abdul_muq2000@yahoo.co.uk

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CATERING Indian male B.A with Diploma in Hotel Mgt with 15 yrs experience in hotels & catering, having Oman D/L seek suitable placement.

Contact: 95451547 Email: lijosaju@yahoo.com

DRIVER Bangladeshi light driver (AG) 48) expe, 14 years, need job & visa have release paper transpire.

Contact: 99165961 Light Vehicle Driver with 4 yrs exp looking for job. Contact: 94241385 20 years experience.

Contact : 94795033 Light duty driver looking for job more than 4 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 92602182 Driver. Contact: 95084826 Wanted driving job.

Contact : 97690766 LMV Driver, 7 yrs exp. (Keralite).

Contact 97761606 Driver Pakistani available.

NOC available. Contact: 94356465 Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job. Contact: 96474528 Driver with car. Contact :91452930 Wanted driver. Contact 95112461 Car with driver or without cat specially Companies.

Contact 97943750 / 97408900 Driver job wanted.

Contact: 99343782 Light duty driver 5 years exp in Oman. Contact: 92602182 Driver available 24, HRS, car without car. Contact: 98522914

DRAFTSMAN Drafting (interior design), experienced, knows autocad, 3D, PH : 99506977

EDUCATION Indian female, MSC physics B.ED having 5 years experience in teaching looking for suitable jobs.

Contact: 97367389

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian Mechanical Engineer, 30, having 8yrs of UAE Sales/Business Development. experience in Electromechanical and Irrigation sectors. Contact no- +971558763220 email id-sangowri@outlook.com Young Electrical Engineer looking for suitable placement. Having specialization in electronics.

Contact 99227861 Project Manager (Interior fitouts décor & MEP) B.E. Arch having 8 years experience looking for a suitable position in a reputed company.

Local release is available.

Contact: 91528851 B.E Arch with 8 years experience as 2 Project Manager in Interior fitouts décor & MEP works looking for suitable. Local release is available.

Contact: 91528851 Since March 2010 in Oman building construction supervisor with Omani D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact 93061107 Bangladeshi male BSc Engg in civil total 3 yrs experience 2 yrs in Oman looking for job.Contact : 94038642, Email: shaikhhasib.ce@gmail.com Electronic & Communication Engineer auto cad, 2 yrs Indian experience in Instrumentation, currently on visit visa looking for a suitable position.

Contact : 94493227, Email: rijokokkadan@gmail.com Female Civil Engineer with 3.5 years experience looking for job in Muscat, proficient in site execution, tendering procedures billing, Quantity take off, budgetary control have knowledge in AutoCAD, SAP, Word, excel, power point. Contact: 97207212 Email: ranjur20@gmail.com Civil Engg, B.Tech fresher Indian male currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. #91702450 Email: tijoct2015@hotmail.com Civil Engineer 7 years experience in Oman. Contact: 92480604

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Civil Engineer, Indian M 29 5yrs exp. having DL & NOC Looking for suitable position.

Contact: 94576233 Email: suhailmullah@gmail.com Pakistani diploma civil (Eng) 24 year 1.5 years experience in Pak) 2 years in (Oman). Contact: 97138320 Since March 2010 in Oman as a building Construction Site supervisor with Oman D/L looking for suitable placement or small Omani Construction Co. Contact 93061107 D.A.E (Civil) Engineer 5 years experience Infrastructure work + safety officer cause (OSHA & IOSH) looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 97850996 Degree Engineer Civil, 6 years experience Oman D/L, N.O.C available for a suitable position.

Contact: 93523507 / 95961336 Indian male, 23 yrs, B.E in Mechanical post Graduation Diploma in piping Engineering, seeking job in relevant field. Contact : 94786570 Email: asim.hajwani6@gmail.com Indian diploma Civil Eng, 2 yrs exp. Infrastructures project (4G – Towers, substation) landscaping & Auto CAD. Contact: 94756183 Email: indianexpat1@gmail.com A Senior Executive, Civil Engineering professional is available for multitask engagement, coordination lead contract disposals in consultancy or construction set ups.

Contact 99703972 Indian male Production Engineer logistics supply chain seeks suitable placement, currently visit visa.

Contact : 97804481 Email: akshaygopi@hotmail.com Indian male BE civil project Engineer 15 years Oman experience in building projects with valid D/L NOC available. Contact: 92178471 B.Tech civil project coordinator 5 years experience of with different ministry projects NOC available.

Contact: 94194393 Indian male software Engineer 2 years experience knowledge of Java .NET C# ASP.Net. Contact: 99210940 working in techno park Indian Trivandrum

IT

Indian 22 years male, Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech has done internships, born and brought up in Oman with Omani driving license, seeking suitable jobs. Contact 92791637 Email: ashwinsureshkotturethu@ gmail.com Indian Mechanical Engineer 31 yrs, 8+ experience in sales & Bus. Dev, having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact: 97116858 Email: menonamit1984@gmail.com Indian male 24, Diploma in Civil Engineering 2 years experience as a Site Engineer on visit visa.

Contact: 98023153 Electrician 3 years experience in Building lines in Oman and other related experience also. NOC available. Stay till 29.09.2015. Contact: 94057129 / 95964419 Email: raheemdadbaloch@hotmail.com Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com C-SWIP 3.1 ASNT level 2 QC Mech.

Engr 5+ yrs exp Indian male 26 seeks placement. Contact : 91823331 Email: kannasekhar46@gmail.com Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC licence holder seeking a job mail – shyjalpk@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 Mechanical and manufacturing Engineer , age 26 yrs masters ( Singapore) having 2 years Oman work experience with valid Oman driving license on visit visa available immediately.

Contact: 95498953 Indian BE (MECH) aviation BE degree diploma in material quality management 17 years Navy aviation 13 years construction purchase stores professional on visit.

Contact: 90205082 /98796982 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

Sudanese Telecom Engineer five years experience in Oman.

Contact: 93391008

Indian male Civil Engineer with Engineer with 2 years experience in Building project is available currently on visit visa. Contact: 92841583

Cisco certified Network Engineer with license NOC 4+ years experience looking for job.

Contact: 91703807 Email: ekrema.zia@gmail.com

Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385

BE Electrical Engineer 8 years experience 4 years in Oman with Oman driving license.

Contact : 96942032

Indian male BE Mechanical currently on 2 yrs free visa with NOC & local release. Looking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact – 90296975 / ali.syedausaf@gmail.com

Civil Engineer (Diploma) seeking for placement. Contact: 95200650 Diploma Associate Engineer Civil Building construction on a visit visa expiring 18.09.2015 looking for job.

Contact : 94006602 / 99446918.

Indian male 27 years BE Mechanical, 2 years experience in Training AutoCAD Revit MEP PDMS Softwares. Contact: 94183625 Civil Engineer Pakistan 12 +2 years experience Oman, D/L required placement. Contact: 94392616 B.E Civil job, Project Eng exp 11 yrs.

Contact: 95690780 / 95694048 Email: sadiq.asrar81@gmail.com MECH. ENGG Indian male having 1 year exp & AutoCAD knowledge looking for suitable job.

Contact: 92835957 Civil QS / Project Engineer 8 yrs exp having Oman D/L looking for suitable position NOC and release available. Contact: 92633261 Email: manikce@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Diploma) 3.5 years experience seeking for placement.

Contact: 96535084 Civil Engineer (diploma) 3.5 yrs exp, seeking for placement.

Contact: 95200650

Indian female MCA, 24 years seeking suitable job.

Contact 93439467 Indian female 25 years, 1 year experience MSc – Computer Science currently on family visa looking for a suitable job in any field.

Contact: 97265504 Email: ancitasons@gmail.com B.Tech Information Technology looking job in System work. MS Office, Data Entry, Networking experience, 2 years experience in Linux Admin. Contact: 92472137 Email: vairavel.inbaa@gmail.com CCNA MCITP Network support/ Network technician with 2 yrs experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa.

Contact: 93080871, email :sean.f.peters@outlook.com Indian male 34 yrs M.Tech Industrial biotechnology having teaching experience seeking for job.

M. Ramkumar. Contact : 96674521, 0091-9940586051 Email: rmkumar28@gmail.com Network System Engineer switches, Routers, Servers, load balancers, CCTV 5 years of exp holds B.E (ECE) CCNA looking for good opportunity Indian visit visa. Contact 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gamil.com BE, ECE Mumbai university skills in C, C++, windows, linux, controller and processor RTOS, Electronics, Networking, 6 months experience in embedded software seeks placement. Contact : 917774864736 Email: sadatbtisekar@gmail.com

SAP BW Analyst : Indian male, 26 yrs, B.Tech (CS & E) from ASET, New Delhi, worked as a Business Analyst in Software Industry.

Contact 98008127 / 92878708, vaisakh.bhaskar@gmail.com Indian 24 years BCA MCITP having 2 years exp as System Administrator looking suitable job.

Contact: 94170892 Male looking for DTP operator / Graphic Designer role in Oman experience of 4 years in Excel, Corel draw seeking suitable placement presently in Oman in visit visa.

Contact : 94767757 / 98442179 Email: ronnynorona@gmail.com

TIG+ARC welder Indian with 16yrs middle est. exp in copper nickel.

Diplex, inconel, S.S, CS Now on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 96502282.

Email manuangola88@gmail.com

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

Pakistani Qualified 15 years experience in automobiles work shop supervisor service advisor repair estimator mechanical accidental having UAE driving license on express visa looking job please.

Contact : 96042322 Filipino (male) 37 yrs, having 8 yrs. experience in Operations (Shipping & Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for a suitable job.

GSM: 97121525

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

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED Welder / fabricator, Gulf exp, 3G, 6G ARC, GAS PH : 95068064

SECRETARIAL / OFFICE Indian male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills.

Having Driving license and NOC available. Looking for suitable placement. Contact 90135063

SALES / MARKETING Indian male, MBA having 7 yrs of exp. sales/marketing with Omani D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact. 96425549

MEDICAL

B.Sc Indian male Nurse, 6.5 years in emergency and OT, prometric 69%, looking for suitable nursing job.

Contact- 90126959, abybabykutty@gmail.com Indian male Dental Surgeon, prometric passed with more than 3 years experience on visit visa.

Contact : 95154648 Indian female BSc Nurse with 4 years experience with Oman prometric 64% looking for suitable placement in capital area. Contact: 95847286 Indian male, MSc, MPhil, BEd Chemistry,2 Yrs Teaching experience and having experience in lab analyst, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable post. Contact 90208673 ENT surgeon board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes.

Contact: 91347226 OB/ Gynecologist board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes. Contact: 91347226

HOSPITALITY

IT

TOURS & TRAVELS

Omani College girl looking for a job in a management. Contact: 98298722

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants - Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/ Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/ COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact : 96059470

MISCELLANEOUS

Sudanese procurement Manager three years experience in Oman.

Contact: 93391008 Individuals having good relation with Ministry or desiring to start new business (or running) like Electronic security system or supply of medical equipments.

Contact 94742666 Senior Manager Indian, 30 years in FMCG Business in Oman looking for better opportunity at management level. Contact 99231513 Fabrication Manager overall 07 years of experience in fabrication of Structural steel industry with NOC & driving license looking for an opportunity available up to 25th September 2015.

Contact : 97004394 Email: mohanmukund_mech@yahoo.co.in 22 years B.Com Graduate having experience in trading of car accessories and also with valid GCC driving license looking for a suitable job.

Contact 98504698 Facility / Project Management 5 yrs of exp holds BE (ECE) MBA, Indian on visit visa looking for suitable openings. Contact : 98580569 Email: arafacareer@gmail.com

MBA Graduate having 23 yrs of experience as Sales Manager in building materials trading looking for a suitable opportunity, release available. Contact 92106768, Email : suvimasri@gmail.com Sales man and author job – Dubai experience need job visa.

Contact: 91139936 / 96136615 NOC available with valid driving license looking for suitable placement diploma in Automobile Engg experience in dealer service 10 years and spare parts procurement 5 years through with local Market.

Contact : 00968 95487946 25 yrs experienced building materials manager knowledge of Purchase Marketing sales seeks suitable placement. Contact 94663824 / 94305499 Indian male, with 5 yrs experience of call centre in customer service & sales looking for suitable position.

Contact 90198176 Indian female having more than 8 years of experience in oil and gas sectors sales and marketing and 2 years as commercial manager looking for a suitable post in Sohar area.

Now on visit visa. Contact 96311709, Indian no 0091 9745541355, Email Id:mvrajagd_d@yahoo.com 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 MBA 15 years experience in Sales & Marketing in telecom, FMCG, presently in India C/O Saif Kazi.

Contact : 99625957 Email Id: a_kazi123@yahoo.co.in Indian male 25 yrs BBM Graduate 3 yrs of experience Sales / Marketing in Oman looking in suitable placement. Contact : 93185316 Email: karsh794@gmail.com Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement with Oman D/L. Contact: 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com Sales man (food stuff), Gulf experienced, knows Hindi, Arabic .

Contact 99506977

MISCELLANEOUS B.Tech EEE with 4+ years experience in the field of it, networking, ex-tonics etc. presently working in Amazon India development centre as a content quality associate seeking for suitable jobs in Oman. Contact : +91 9940514005, 0096893116402 email: mail2nbn@gmail.com M. Tech VLSI design, B. tech Electronics and instrumentation, Indian female,3 years teaching experience for graduation level students, seeking suitable placements .

Ph:00968 92904155. email-achusooraj@gmail.com Indian male 22yr BBA with LOGISTIC Diploma, exp in tally and data entry seeking in suitable placement.

Contact; 90151739 email shakeeb.mp280gmail.com Mechanical Draftsman, Indian male 27, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering having 7 years of experience in Auto CAD looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708 E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com MBA Graduate having 23 yrs of experience as Sales Manager in building materials trading looking for a suitable opportunity. Release available. Contact 92106768 Email: suvimasri@gmal.com Indian male Oman 8 yrs exp looking for any suitable vacancy for accountant / Asst. Accountant office admin local release available.

Contact : 98492752 Email: atiduehzidve@rediffmail.com MBA Finance with more than five years of experience in Finance & Accounts including GCC, looking for a suitable opening. Having UAE driving license. Contact no..91391802.

Senior Accountant. 8 Years experience. NOC available. Oman driving license. Seek suitable opportunity.

GSM- 98184170 Chemical Engineer Indian 2 years of experience in production field Contact: 91247222 Email:sahadpoonchola@gmail.com B.E Mechanical Engineer with 2 years’ experience in HVAC field on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 93442296 Email Id: sal201091@gmail.com.

MBA (F) B.COM Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for full or part time job. Presently on family visit visa.

Contact: - 96259171. Email: bhumicapandya@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA, Talented management expert having 6 year experience at U.A.E, India and Oman in luxury goods and Retail. Seeking suitable openings in related or same field. Contact:92700670 Email: jobcareer44@gmail.com MBA Finance with more than five years of experience in Finance & Accounts including GCC, looking for a suitable opening. Having UAE driving license. Contact no..91391802 Indian 26M, B. Tech Computer Science graduate, 3 years exp in India, looking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact : 93125669, Email : amritrajGT18@gmail.com Accountant 7 years experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 ACCA Affiliate, OBU Degree, 2.5 years experience in audit and finance in Big6 firm, Looking for permanent placement. NOC release available. Contact: #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com Indian Male Nurse with Moh licence & Noc seeking a job with Family Status gsm:95817579.

E.mail:vasudevanv2005@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 MBA - (F), M.Com, B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. Presently on family visa. Contact :- 91892264.

Email:- yv.dixit@yahoo.com

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S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED Sudanese/Bsc IT/26/2 years experience/excellent Eng-Arb speaking/ Omani driving license/96387227/ henrykarrar@gmail.com Indian male Accountant, 12 years experience, looking for a full time or part time job, experience in tally also. Contact 98983122 Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in IT Trainer / Computer Teacher, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. Contact 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com Indian Male (Diploma in electronics Engineering and CCNA.) having 9 years of experience in Networking, 5 years’ experience in Oman. Looking for a suitable Placement. NOC available. GSM- 93787098, Email –anishktr@gmail.com Site Supervisor/ L Driver, Pakistani Male 33 with valid D/L, 4 years experience in Muscat, fluent in English, Arabic looking for suitable place. Contact: 97950869 Admin, having 10+ years experience in Admin/HR/Logistics/Time Keeper, in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat.

Contact- 968 94369965 mail - satya1528@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA,MCSA,MCSE, 2.5 yrs + exp. in IT support, Networking and Server support with valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/ Server support. Contact 92607532 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, Email: shannu.hse@gmail.com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job mobile no: 0096899070584, email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian Male, 25, Chartered Accountant, working with ICICI Bank India. On a Visit Visa in Oman.

Staying with parents at Azaibah.

Ph:24492638.

Email: shyamal008@gmail.com Diploma in civil engineering having an experience 24years (20years in Oman) experience in Estimator / quantity surveyor looking for a suitable placement, willing to join immediately Contact : 96328687 Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 2yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical. Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available #95253640 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position. Iranian male. #93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com

Indian female with MBA on visit visa seeking immediate placement.

Contact - 968-93316493 27,male,ACCA finalist, have professional experience upto finalization of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & oracle software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization and statutory audit, seeking for permanent replacement ,GSM-97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com

Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 yrs in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat Email:yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com, GSM:97475860 ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str. Engineer Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male. #93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com

Indian male 63 years have 30 years Muscat experience all office work sales business development insurance administration accounts with Oman driving license. Contact 99249412 Indian female LLB (Advocate) 2 years experience looking for suitable post legal advisor company secretary etc. # 93343190 / 94476387 Email: shafu1019@gmail.com

Male Graphic designer cum animation, non linear editing VFX, seeking suitable position.

Contact: 97792661 / 96229406

Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator, immediate joining seeks suitable placements. Contact no. (968) 95573205 / 95949230 / 95800792

B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. #98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com

Indian male 22 years ACCA affiliate , BSc, Graduate in applied accounting 2 months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / audit immediately. Contact: 97378607 / 92558734

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 Female Accountant, CA Final (Group I cleared), 5+ year’s experience in the field of Accounts, Audit and Financial ERPs. Currently available in Muscat and seeking suitable job opportunities.Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com

B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@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

B.E (IT) 1 year exp complete schooling in Muscat needs job in software / net working / java/ WEB design or marketing. #97136248 / 99313821

Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license.

Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com

Data Entry operator cum Buyer, Indian male,26years.BA, Computer proficiency :Operating system (Windows 2000xp & Windows7) E plus and Tally ERP9, 4 yrs Experience in Oman seeks suitable placements.

Mob: 95360255

Sudanese male, 31 years, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer , 6 year experience in construction and electrical production plant .

Mobile No ; +96894549609 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

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

Indian Female BSC nurse with 8+ years of experience including 3 years of GCC exp. Oman Prometric passed with 57 %. Currently in Oman.

Contact : 98034384

Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science,diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience dba oracle pl-sql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba,network Omani Driver licence language English, ArabicTel: 91415886

Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 36 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 9 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available. Capable to handle accounts up to finalization.

Contact 9602 3965.

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

Driver 5 years exp know English, Arabic,& Hindi Education B.A. Contact : 91615715 / 99512270

Driver looking for job exp 2 yrs.

Contact: 98522914 Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913 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 Female MBA gold medalist, with computer proficiency, Oman driving license looking for job opportunity in event management companies in Muscat. Ph : 99012949 Indian female B. Com MBA finance ,5 years experience in oman as an account seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99044292

Indian Male 26 years MCA, MCSE 2012 certified, Microsoft Exchange Server Administration, having 1 year experience in IT/System Administration looking for suitable placement.

Contact Mob : 00968 92745708 Email: nabeelmmkty@gmail.com,

Indian Male 22 Years , Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com

Light duty driver, Young and honest.

Can speak Arabic, Hindi and understand English. Release available.

Ph.92854775 / 93487450

DIPLOMA+B.E.(CIVIL ENGINEER), Indian, 4 years of experience, currently on visit visa; Seeking Right Position. GSM:91570703.

Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking, 1 year sales experience. M. Sc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com Indian lady 30 years Graduate having work experience in India and Oman looking for Admin or any other suitable job. Contact : 95676957 Indian male, 39 yrs, MSC Computer Science 10 years experience IT support, FMS Engineer, bank experience looking for suitable job. #94276449 Indian, presently on visit visa in Salalah looking for job B.com failed UAE experience in accounts, commercial Admin & warehouse.

Contact: 92754071 /93346931 Email: sathyanathanuk@gmail.com MBA (Marketing /HR) with 45 years exp in business development and marketing, having valid Oman driving license seeks suitable placement currently available on family visa.

Contact 97618033 Email: vjgeorge12@gmail.com Indian, male, 41 years, CA Inter, Persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading , Construction and Firefighting industry. 21 Years of exp. seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining.

Contact 98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in

Project Manager / Senior Engineer, Indian Male BE Civil, 21yrs experienced including Oman looking for the Job Contact +918939295181 Email I’D 58031_bala@yahoo.co.in Indian male 26 , graduate in mechanical engineering having 2 years experience in fabrication production filed in India, looking for a suitable job. mobile: +968-91384621 EMAIL : rmekhil@hotmail.com Sr. Sales Executive, Indian Male, Holding Valid Oman DL. Total experience in Oman of 15 years with 4 years Rent a Car Co. experience.

Looking for Opportunities in any Industry for similar sales role.

GSM - 95703233 email id “khetani_r@yahoo.com INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic). Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications. Looking for HSE engineer job in Oil Gas Sector, constructions or in any related industries. Contact 98045482 Indian male. M.com holder with two year working experience as an accountant in India. Now at Muscat on visiting visa. Seeks suitable placement. Gsm:96947500,99463120, :mohamedshafikk5@gmail.com 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 29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts, seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin.

Contact:96141283 Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. Contact 92887561, jubincivileng@gmail.com B-tech Electrical engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact:98269366.

Email:sijincleetus@gmail.com Indian Female B.Sc., B.Ed.(Maths), M.C.A residing in Al-Ghubra seeking a teaching position as a Math Teacher GSM.- 94231633 INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer. Looking for suitable job in Oil Gas Sector or in related industries.

Contact 98045482

Female, Indian, 35 Yrs- house maid available for Full/Part time work in Muscat. contact- 96754303.

Indian male, ERP Functional Consultant (SCM, MM, HRMS), Seeks employment.Contact: 98478928, Email: anand.desai2408@gmail.com Indian male , 14 yrs Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com 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, Email : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Indian male 28YRS, 7Years exp. in Architectural & structural Draughtsman & 3d visualization, looking for a suitable Post GSM: +971551965944.

Email:aboosufiyan@gmail.com Indian Female, M.Com & MBA with 1.5 years of experience in Reinsurance Treaty seeking a good job opportunity in Insurance & Reinsurance Accounts or General Accounts.

Contact: +968 91920189, Email: neethumano.manohar@gmail.com CCNA MCITP network support / network technician with 2 years experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. #93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job. Contact : 93790601 ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str Supervising Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male. # 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com BSC Female Nurse having 8 years of experience ( 3 years in gulf). Prometric passed - 57%. Currently in Oman.

Contact : 98034384 ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 ACCOUNTANT, M.Com holder with 2 year working experience as an accountant in Kerela-India, seeks suitable placement. GSM NO:96947500, 9 9463120, mail: mohamedshafikk5@gmail.com Indian Male 22 Years, Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com Sudanese.male 32 years.B.SC mechanical engineer.7years experience.5 years experiance in Gulf.working now in water pipeline projects.fluent Arabic and English. have Omani driving license.looking for good opportunity TEl:91117089

Indian Male 22 years, ACCA Affiliate with B..Sc. Degree in Applied Accounting having three months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / Audit. Holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 97378607 / 92558734 Indian female Nurse, Prometric passed 64%, 5 years of experience, MOH licensed, presently working in Oman seeking a suitable placement in reputed Hospitals, NOC available.

Contact: 98329941, Email: ancyanish2011@gmail.com.

Female from India -MA. B.Ed. with One year three months Teaching experience. English seeking for a urgent better placement, Now working in Oman. #93961142, 92184408 Email:-anoopkesavan78@gmail.com.

Driver with car seeking suitable post. Contact : 916602662 Video Editor 29 years Indian male with 8 years experience on visit visa looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 91275969 / leomoorkoth@gmail.com Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d Draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job. # 97449630 Tunisian shoes designer wuth 40years expereince in designing and manifacturing loocking for a job in a related field contact : 97816917 Indian male MBA + TALLY , 29 years & 7years experience in Administration and Manager level in Reputed companies, Seeking suitable placement.# 96297709 / +91 9066130371, Email: jomonjohnm9@gmail.com Indian female MBA Finance currently on visit visa seeks immediate placement. Phone: 968-98430089 Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.#9719 4864 Indian male post graduate.2 years experience in sales. currently in oman on visit visa.seeks suitable placement.Gsm 92388346 Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. Contact: 92875345, jubincivileng@gmail.com Male Indian 27, working as finance analyst having two years Oman experience with Driving license looking for suitable position. Mob: 98097009, rameesnm@gmail.com FRESH - B.Com Graduate on Family Visa, looking for any suitable Job. Contact : 92567020 / 95322175, Email: shwayanad@gmail.com Admin Executive, Indian Female having 10 years Gulf experience in seeking suitable placement currently working in Muscat.

Email: meenafajar@yahoo.com, Mobile 0096893211402

Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having 8yrs. experience in Operation (Shipping & Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

GSM: 97121525

MOH Indian Dentist 10 years experience in Oman. Can speak Arabic, has driving license. Contact 98995321 or ventureoman007@gmail.com

Chartered Accountant with 7 years of post qualification experience, seeking challenging job opportunity.

Experience in auditing/accounts & finance/taxation/IFRS, etc.

GSM +968 95763680

Having 9+ years exp. in Administration & HR in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. Email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com

Indian Female Interior Designer, 4.5 yrs experience, seeking immediate mid-senior level position with firm having lady clearance. NOC Available. Contact 93033072

Omani , female, have diploma in quantity survey, bachelor in Constitution management, seeking situated placement at Sohar. Tel 94454180, Mail nhlmct@yahoo.com

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Muscat.

Contact: 95530908 Transportation for saloon car& delivery van. Contact : 95530908 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation. Contact 99664703 Transportation available.

Contact: 99867456 Transportation available.

Contact -955 70 429

GOOD NEWS

Ayurvedic Treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis , IDEAL CARE Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba # 99639695 / 98342990 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133.

For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic massage backache, joint pain, neck pain etc.

Contact 98254909 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

DRIVING

COMPUTER

MATRIMONIAL Suitable alliance invited for a Marar (ambalavasi) girl 24yrs 170cm from thrissur, star rohini, shuddha jathakam, MTECH (e&c), from parents of boys belong to marar/ podoval/nair or related communities.

GSM: 00968 93691316 Email- smgkutty2006@yahoo.co.in

WEBSITE

Ezhava boy, B.Tech, MBA, 26/178, Rohini working in Bangalore looking alliance from parents of professionals.Contact 24798043 / 94193031 Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590

SIT.WANTED Indian male,27, IT/Telecom Engineer, 2 yrs exp in Oman, with valid Oman D/L, NOC Available.

Ph: 9393 8727

CLASSES

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: 98184170 Indian male having 4 years of experience in IT Support & networking. Currently on visit visa. seeking suitable opportunities. Contact 92013641.

Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking. 1 year sales experience. MSc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com Finance Manager / Chief Accountant / Audit Manager, C.A , MBA ,ACCA , CPA..15years in GULF , Expert in Banking ,Financing, Profit Maximizations , Admin & Management, Business Developments , ERPs Software’s, Audit Exp. with Big 5 , NOC & Driving License Call 94403270 or 94504505 29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts is seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin.

Contact:96141283.

MEP Quantity Surveyor-Estimation-Project, 10 Years Experience (3 years in Oman). Having NOC & Oman D/L. Looking for suitable job, Contact – 98291626

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

SIT.WANTED ACCOUNTANT, Indian Male, 25 years old, 5 years Experience (2 years in Oman & 3 years in India) Presently working in Oman. Going exit on this week with NOC. Seeking suitable opportunities.

GSM : 97018783

Spoken English IELTS & Computer classes.

Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

MANPOWER

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

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

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 96236476

Used house & office furniture & electronic items. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 93769089 / 95323517

Supply fixing Wallpapers, all carpets. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

Air condition maintenance installation window AC, split a/c, ducted AC and package type units.

Contact: 98667326

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 House shifting & packing.

Contact: 99657644 /98518013 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

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 Pest Control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants, Rodents & Termites, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723/ 99357908 General cleaning & Shampooing. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723/99357908 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Required investors for different projects. Contact: 99674870 We will register LLC trade license for foreign investors and do all actions. Contact: 92833566

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DAILY GUIDE

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

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTCARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

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

RENT A CAR

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