Times of Oman - November 20, 2016

SUNDAY

November 20, 2016 . 20 Safar 1438 AH

Volume 41 No. 225 . 56 Pages . Baisas 200

FOUNDED 1975 . ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

WE LOVE THE SULTAN I Love the Sultan campaign Thousands have come together to celebrate the month-long ‘I Love the Sultan’ campaign. >A4

46th National Day celebrated People from all walks of life in Oman celebrated the 46th National Day. >A2

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

OMAN C O M M E N TA RY

A tribute to the lasting legacy of His Majesty the Sultan

SUNDAY BEAT SALEH AL SHAIBANY

T

he legacy of the father of modern Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said will live on as we celebrate the 46th Anniversary of the birth of the Renaissance.

On July 23 1970, when he was 29 years old, he charted a new path that would lead to honour and justice for his people. At that young age, he demonstrated unparalleled courage to follow his convictions, that the people of Oman enjoy today. He fulfilled every promise he made and even exceeded many expectations. His nobility of spirit still lights up the nation, which has put the Sultanate in a dazzling light and in the radar of international recognition.

Compassionate leadership His abiding compassion for others is legendary, as he continues to lead by example.

Oman was deeply divided when he came to the throne.

Yet, tribal feuds and status differences, complicated by territorial ambitions, did not diminish his confidence. There were turbulent moments in his life from many political fronts in the early years of his rein, but His Majesty prevailed over them systematically due to his belief in righteousness.

His personal sacrifice to better the lives of Omanis is wellknown, and his commitment

to preserve the local heritage is unquestionable.

During a past National Day speech, he addressed the nation by saying,“We will not move forward if we ignore our customs and traditions.” It was a clear vision that he had to preserve and respect the rich culture of the country, that has been handed over from one generation to another for many centuries. It is true that in just a few decades he has transformed Oman from a laid back country to a modern nation, even while modernisation has kept intact the wealth of its history.

Won the hearts Immediately after taking office as Sultan, His Majesty won the hearts of the people by making himself available to them in his annual ‘Meet the People Tours.’

He demonstrated his keenness to rule by taking the advice of the people and involving them in strategic decisions. This is one of the factors that made him unique in the governance of a nation among other leaders, past or present. By making him accessible to ordinary people on a regular basis, he quickly gained huge popularity and the respect of the people of Oman.

Women’s rights defender Unlike some Arab and Islamic leaders, His Majesty has fiercely defended the rights of Omani women over the years.

In a speech addressed to his compatriots, he famously said, “If we don’t give women equal opportunities, then we are using only 50 per cent of our resources.”

More than twenty years after making this wise comment, his words ring true now, as women slightly outnumber men in the population of Omanis. In the higher education

system, female students make up 52 per cent of all students enrolled in diploma and degree courses. Women now serve in the cabinet, at the helm of corporate businesses and are involved in creating the country’s legislation.

A world statesman But His Majesty is not merely a national leader, but a world statesman, as well. His nonaligned political policies have worked well over the years in the international arena.

Maintaining the Sultanate’s neutrality has won him many accolades. The world has also taken special note of his peaceful arbitration skills, as he brought feuding nations to the negotiating table. Superpowers, such as the United States, Great Britain, France, China and Russia, pay attention to his nonviolent ideals. His negotiating skills have mended many political fences and diffused potentially explosive issues, in the true spirit of his unselfish statesmanship.

Original idea Closer to home, His Majesty was a Founding Member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Indeed, the organisation stemmed from his original idea in the late 1970s to establish a political and economic alliance in the region for the six nations to coexist peacefully. In 1981, the first GCC meeting took place in Riyadh, marking Sultan Qaboos’ emergence as the leader of a wider vision at home, regionally and internationally.

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NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATED WITH FERVOUR

People from all walks of life celebrated the 46th National Day with patriotic fervour across Oman by organising rallies and shows on Friday. Almost all streets in Muscat were packed with nationals and residents waiving the National Flags and singing patriotic songs until early Saturday morning. Also, street decorations lit up the Muttrah Corniche and Qurum Street after the sun went down. Adding glitter to the celebrations, Omanis residing outside Oman also organised a variety of events.

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EVENTS

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INTERNAL SECURITY SERVICE

Global orthopaedic surgery Internal security website launch congress comes to Oman Times News Service

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: World Congress of the International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery (SICOT) 2019 will be held at Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Oman.

The World Congress on orthopaedic surgery is being held in association with the Pan Arab Orthopaedic Society (PAOS).

SICOT holds the World Congress annually, attracting up to 4,000 delegates including leading surgeons, clinicians and researchers from all over the world.

Scientific papers and lectures are presented in the traditional fields, and invited speakers pro-

vide contemporary thought on the latest concepts, as well exchange knowledge on conservative and surgical treatment methods.

Since its inception in 1930, the SICOT World Congress has organised 36 international congresses across the world. Oman successfully competed against Budapest, Brussels and Belgrade at a bid presentation in Rome in September. The bid presentation was presented by Dr Mohammed Darwish from Oman, who is the President of the Pan Arab Orthopaedic Association.

The bid was supported by the Ministry of Health which provided a video from Dr Ahmed bin

Mohammed Al Saidi, as well as the OCEC and the Oman Convention Bureau. “We are honoured that Oman has been chosen to host the 2019 World Congress of the International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery,” Darwish said.

“We look forward to warmly welcome our international colleagues from around the world, showcasing our recent regional research developments and industry insights within orthopaedics and traumatology. We’re excited to meet with medical stakeholders to exchange valuable ideas and strengthen our scientific skills and knowledge,” he added.

MUSCAT: Oman’s Internal Security Service (ISS) launched its official website on Thursday.

The website https://iss.gov.om is available in English and Arabic, and the homepage includes condensed speeches by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

According to the website, citizens and residents may contact ISS through the website’s ‘Contact us’ page.or by contacting a “known ISS employee in order for them to pass on the message.”

Operating with other security and military bodies, ISS protects the State, ensures its stability and integrity and secures tranquil-

ity and peace for both citizens and residents.

It was established in 1954 as part of the Sultan Armed Forces (SAF).

Two other branches of the Intelligence Authority were also established in 1954 in Nizwa and Sohar.

Later, more branches began operating in Rustaq and Dhofar.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

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I LOVE THE SULTAN

CAMPAIGN HITS 80,000!

seen in Oman, and MMG is perfectly placed to provide all the interactive channels to make it happen. We already know how much the people love His Majesty, now we can help them reflect their affection.”

The month-long campaign, ‘I Love the Sultan’, has gathered more than 80,000 names with one intention in mind: loving His Majesty Times News Service MUSCAT: Tens of thousands of citizens and residents of Oman have come together to celebrate His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The month-long campaign, ‘I Love the Sultan’, has gathered more than 80,000 names with one intention in mind: loving His Majesty.

More than ten schools have participated in the campaign, as did the Oman Football Association

(OFA) and RedBull.

Of the 80,000 names registered, 65 per cent of them were males, while 35 per cent were female.

More than 70 per cent of the participants are residents of Muscat, and the majority of respondents are between the ages of 26 and 35.

More than five different nationalities participated in the campaign, including citizens from Pakistan, Philippines and Bangladesh.

Within just the first hour, the campaign signed up some 3,500 participants. By 3pm the same day, that number had jumped more than four times to 15,000 names.

Three days before the campaign ended, the total count was at a whopping 59,487 people. Hours before registration ended, an estimated 10,000 people took time

out of their lives to show their gratitude to HM. Muscat Media Group (MMG) Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali initially predicted that the campaign would only collect 20,000 participants by the end of the month. Naturally, Al Zadjali was pleased to see 15,000 names at 3pm on the first day of the launch.

“We didn’t think that people would immediately react to the campaign. It’s very overwhelming.

This is proof that locals and Omanis here and aboard truly love His Majesty.” Al Zadjali said.

Commenting on the programme, Richard Pakenham, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Times of Oman, noted, “This is the most inclusive media campaign ever

All round support Even bloggers, such as Salma Al Hajry and Halima Al Abdulsalam, helped with the programme. Government officials and company executives, such as Shura member Dr. Mohamed Al Zadjali, have also supported the campaign.

In celebration of National Day, MMG will be giving away a variety of gifts to lucky winners. The draw for the give-away will happen tomorrow and winners will be notified this week. More than 80 winners selected electronically from the 80,000 names will have the opportunity to win an auto from Suhail Bahwan Automotive, a room at the Sheraton Hotel, diamond watches from Malbar Gold, Apple Watches from Seven Store and an international holiday package by Travel Point.

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QANOON.OM

Omani laws to be available online in Arabic, English TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Omani laws will be available in English in the near future to provide non-Arabic speakers in the Sultanate with the ability to easily access the nation’s laws, said the co-founder of Qanoon.om.

Qanoon.om, a website dedicated to publishing the Sultanate’s Royal Decrees, Ministerial Decisions and their amendments, plans to translate the laws into English in a future version of the website.

“The plan is to have the Royal Decrees available online in Arabic by next year. The laws, with their amendments incorporated, will be addressed separately, but we intend on making them also available as soon as possible” said Yousuf Al Busaidi, Co-Founder of Qanoon.om and a prominent Omani lawyer.

“While it is not definite at this stage, our intention is to work on

the (English) translations from 2019 onwards. We are considering different methods for producing these translations in an efficient and systematic manner, and we might provide an online subscription option,” he added.

In addition to making available Royal Decrees and Ministerial Decisions in Arabic as soon as they are published, Qanoon.om will provide English translations of the laws to journalists, academic researchers, investors interested in doing business in Oman, or individual residents living here.

“We put the Royal Decrees and Ministerial Decisions online for free, because we seek to make access to the law easier and intuitive in Oman. The English translations would be a major addition to the website, and we must make sure that we have a sustainable project plan when we start this next phase of the project” said Al Busaidi, explaining why the English version has not been made available until now.

This project will involve the translation of over 200 laws, 4,000 Royal Decrees and 4,000 Ministerial decisions into English, which will constantly be updated.

The founders of Qanoon.om are considered the most qualified in providing such translations, as they were primarily involved in translating the only law to be officially translated in Oman, the Basic Statute of the State, which is deemed to be Oman’s constitution.

“Qanoon.om is meant to assist lawyers and legal advisors to advise their clients. While any person may use it, I think it can be best utilised by legal professionals and academic researchers looking into the history and legal development of Oman,” he added.

The public is invited to access all Royal Decrees and Ministerial Decisions in Arabic at www. qanoon.om, and can follow this initiative on twitter or Facebook at @QanoonOm andwww.blog. qanoon.om.

SOME COUNTRIES

Stricter entry rules for women visiting Oman Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Stricter entry rules for women from certain countries have been introduced by the Royal Oman Police, according to a statement on the force’s official twitter account.

“The Royal Oman Police confirms that certain restrictions have been put in place for women tourist visas coming from certain countries,” the ROP tweet read.

Visas stopped In February, Oman had stopped issuing visas for domestic workers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, Guinea and Cameroon.

Recently, restrictions aimed at reducing the number of Bangladeshi workers coming to Oman had also been implemented.

“There is a move to decrease the number of Bangladeshi workforce in the Sultanate. It’s not for all professions. The focus is only on (reducing) the unskilled workforce. Sanad offices have been directed by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) to follow these instructions,” a senior official had said.

The official added that the police have adopted such measures, given the increase in the number of certain nationalities coming to Oman.

ACCURACY

Invest Easy helps improve transactions Times News Service MUSCAT: Invest Easy system has led to transactions with high rates of accuracy among the concerned parties, and helped authorities to make their decisions based on high quality data, said Hamad bin Salem Al Shekeli, the director of the directorate general of commerce and industry in South Batinah province.

The system also contributed to treating the matter of multiple registers and improved the business environment for investors, he added.

Salem Al Shekeli said: “We discussed some notes that came from investors about the price disparity between the offices that present the same services, also urging the owners to use the authority given to the office to finish transactions, instead of registering with the civil ID of the investor where the service will be self-service.”

“Further the challenges facing the owners of these offices were discussed, and we went through spotting some violations committed by the employees therein related to trade names, and they were notified that it is highly important to maintain strict controls of the trade name,” he added.

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

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016 Oman Air’s investment in this training facility will add an important milestone in the airline’s contribution towards the development of the Sultanate Darwish Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Finance Affairs

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Aerobatics display

by Red Arrows today The team’s tour display will be at Shatti Al Qurum near the Intercontinental Hotel on Sunday

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Red Arrows, the aerobatics display team of the UK’s Royal Air Force, will have a display in Muscat at 3pm on Sunday, the team has tweeted on its official twitter account.

Sayyid Badr bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs will preside over the function.

“The team’s next #RedArrowsTour display will be in #Muscat, #Oman, at Shatti Al Qurum near the Intercontinental Hotel on Sunday at 1500,” the tweet read.

R O YA L O M A N P O L I C E

FLY PAST: More than 20 displays and several fly pasts are

planned during the two-month long tour that began on September 29. – Supplied picture

The Red Arrows are on the Asia-Pacific and Middle East Tour 2016, the team’s biggest overseas tour in a decade.

More than 20 displays and several fly pasts are planned during the two-month long tour that began on September 29.

The deployment will contribute to the UK government’s GREAT campaign and showcase the best of British innovation and

industry. The team – flying British-built aircraft – has performed in more than 55 countries around the world.

“Our Asia-Pacific and Middle East Tour is the Red Arrows’ largest overseas deployment for a decade and will see the team perform in China for the very first time,” RAF Red Arrows Squadron Leader David Montenegro, team leader of the RAF Aerobatic Team

and Red 1, was quoted as saying on the website.

“Ever since the team’s first season in 1965, the Red Arrows have performed on a global scale. This year, in 2016, we are honoured to represent the United Kingdom on an even greater platform, to new locations,” he added.

“The two-month deployment will raise awareness of Britain,its economy and industry, and as a country that celebrates arts, science, sport, education and diversity.

“Indeed, our colourful, dynamic aerial display of precision, formation aerobatics – together with the associated events on the ground – are a vivid showcase of British engineering, teamwork and creativity,” he added.

The Red Arrows were in Oman for over a day last month before performing in India on October 8. They will also perform in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and head to Kuwait before returning home.

Displaying their skills since 1965, the Red Arrows is one of the world’s premier aerobatic display teams. They assist in recruitment for the armed forces, and act as ambassadors for the UK.

S TAT E - O F - T H E -A R T

Oman Air inaugurates its first flight training centre TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com

New cards have higher security standards and are more difficult to counterfeit.

Expats, Omanis to get new ID cards from today Staff reporter MUSCAT: Expats and Omanis will be able to get the new modified version of residential and ID cards starting from Sunday.

According to the Royal Oman Police, the new cards have higher security standards and are more difficult to be counterfeit.

The design has been changed and one more picture of the card’s owner will be printed in the centre of the card.

The modifications also included the smart card so it can be used for different new electronic applications.

MUSCAT: Oman Air opened its first Flight Training Centre (OAFTC) on Thursday.

The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with a Boeing 737 flight simulator and a full motion Airbus A330 simulator, where cabin crews are trained for emergencies, such as when aircraft land in the sea, along with deploying escape slides to train for evacuations, among other emergencies.

Oman Air crews will no longer be sent abroad for training, but will train in Oman, in a bid to reduce expenses .

“From now on Oman Air will not send crews abroad and spend foreign currencies in other countries, because we can keep the Omani rial, with an investment of OMR3 million, in the country,” said Oman Air CEO Paul Gregorowitsch.

The facility is also open for other airlines to send cockpit crews for training.

“We can earn money because the capacity is there to train crews from the other airlines,” he added.

Darwish Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Finance Affairs and Chairman of Oman Air, commented at the opening about the importance of OAFTC to Oman Air and the Sultanate.

“Oman Air’s investment in this training facility will add an

COST-EFFECTIVE: Oman Air crews will no longer be sent abroad for training, but will train in Oman,in a bid to reduce expenses.

important milestone in the airline’s contribution towards the development of the Sultanate,” said Al Balushi.

Vital role “As Oman Air’s fleet and network expansion program continues, OAFTC will play an increasingly important role in our company’s operation,” he added.

By 2020, Oman Air plans to open 75 routes worldwide, while operating a fleet of 70 aircraft.

He spoke about Oman Air’s expansion, and its impact upon the Winter 2016/2017 schedule and

Summer 2017 schedule.

“Having launched many attractive and popular destinations over recent months, we look forward to further expanding the airline’s network in the course of the Winter 2016/2017 and Summer 2017 schedules. Perhaps the most notable of these will be Guangzhou, China, which will start December 9,” said Al Balushi.

He added, “A major highlight of our Summer 2017 schedule will be our daily flights to Manchester, complementing the twice-daily service we currently offer to London.

4 6 T H N AT I O N A L D AY

8 vital road projects opened Times News Service MUSCAT: Eight major road projects have been opened in Oman, making travel throughout the Sultanate easier and faster.

These projects were built on 150 km of roadway, according to the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC).

The newly opened road projects include the Mahdha-AlRowdha dual carriage way project, Dhank-Al-Khabeeb Road project (2nd phase), the internal road project for Al-Aflaj village in Al-Mudhaibi, Bardh road project in Al-Mudhaibi, Falaj Al-Qabaeel flyover in So-

National Day The roads were opened to celebrate the 46th National Day Celebrations, the Ministry said.

Ministry of Transport and Communications officials said that it is going ahead with several projects to connect the transportation sector in the Sultanate Oman.

har, Al-Ainya-Boore-Somra villages road project in Samaeel, Samad Al-Shaan-Wadi Andaam road project in Al-Mudhaibi and Wadi-Menqal-Wadi Bani Jabber road project in Sur.

Safe travel “We are providing new roads which enable safe travel for motorists, as well as improve the socioeconomic, tourism and commerce flow in these governorates,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Transport.

DRAFT BUDGET

Shura to host finance minister MUSCAT: Majlis Al Shura would host tomorrow Darwish bin Ismael Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs for a discussion on the draft state general budget 2017, said Sheikh Ali bin Nasser Al Mahrooqi, Sec-

retary General of Majlis Al Shura.

This will be the third regular meeting of the second annual sitting ( 2016/2017) of the 8th Term ( 2015-2019).

It is worth mentioning that the Economic and Financial Com-

mittee of Majlis Al Shura has earlier reviewed the draft state general budget with the undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance and vice chairman of the Supreme Council for Planning..

—ONA

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N AT I O N A L D AY

HM’s vision, leadership praised by Pakistan PM MUSCAT: November 18 is celebrated as the National Day to commemorate the new chapter of growth and prosperity of the Omani Nation; a landmark achievement under the sagacious leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It thus rejuvenates our spirit.

In his message from Pakistan addressed to His Majesty, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has praised the vision and leadership of His Majesty the Sultan as a beacon of peace & friendship in the region.

His Majesty’s vision has been successfully translated into practice by the Omani Nation to attain a remarkably peaceful and prosperous society. It is a direct consequence of the noble principles of amity and non-interference that have earned His Majesty, and the Sultanate, regional respect and international praise.

I therefore convey our heartiest felicitations to His Majesty and our brotherly Omani people on the occasion of the National Day of the Sultanate of Oman and extend our sincere prayers for His Majesty’s health and happiness.

May Allah Almighty grant him further success in his endeavours to serve his people.

Modern day Pakistan and Oman’s are both strategically T O D AY

State Council to discuss role of women’s associations MUSCAT: First regular meeting of the second annual sitting of the sixth term of the State Council will be held under the chairmanship of Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, chairman of the State Council.

The agenda of the meeting comprises the opening speech of the Chairman of the State Council and approval of the minutes of the 11th regular meeting of the first sitting of the sixth term.

The Council will also discuss the report of the team assigned with the study on “the mechanism for developing the role of the Omani woman associations”, the report of the Secretariat General, the reports of the Committees, the reports and indices of the information and research centre, a report on the Sultanate’s ranking in some international indices and a paper on “ inflation in Oman”. —ONA

Ali Javed, ambassador of Pakistan to Oman

placed individually in their regions. Our two people have enjoyed relations pre-dating Islamic history which have remained deeply anchored in the two nation’s shared values. Their proximity and historical links accord them further strategic significance with respect to each other.

I am pleased to observe that Oman is a home to over 260,000 Pakistanis. Our community take prides in its modest contributions to the development and prosperity of Omani society and feel at home among the most hospitable Omani nation.

On the auspicious occasion the quarter million Pakistanis residing across the country are holding

“7 cities – 7 days festival” to mark the National Day Celebrations which was formally launched from Pakistan School Salalah on November 12, 2016. This is a reflection of the strength of our historical bilateral relations and the blood bond between our two people.

Therefore, I take this august opportunity to extend our heartfelt felicitations to His Majesty and the brotherly Omani people on the Sultanate of Oman’s 46th National Day. May Allah bless the Sultan and Omani people.

Long live Pakistan-Oman friendship!

Ali Javed Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Oman

AMBASSADOR’S GOLF TOURNAMENT

Pakistan’s Embassy in Oman and Mohammed Riaz Group hosted a two-day ambassador’s golf tournament at the Ghala Gold Club, which saw several ambassadors take part. The award ceremony was held in the presence of Mohammed Al Rumhy, the Minister of Oil and Gas and Ali Javed, the Pakistani ambassador to Oman.

GDP in second quarter dips MUSCAT: The Sultanate’s GDP decreased 11.1 per cent at the end of the second quarter of 2016, registering at the current prices OMR11,509.2 million, compared to OMR12,949.2 million during the same period in 2015, according to the NCSI. Oil activities led the decline with a drop of 32.9 per cent, registering OMR3,134.1 million, compared with OMR4,671 .4 million by the end of the second quarter of 2015.

The share of crude oil in oil activities during the second quarter of this year was OMR2,518.9 million, with a drop of 38.4 per cent from the second quarter of 2015, in which the crude oil recorded OMR4,087 million. -ONA

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

REGION END CALL SAVE LIVES

NEAR MOSUL

A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

IS kills 12 tribal fighters, police in Iraq TIKRIT: IS killed seven minority sect tribal fighters who support the Iraqi government and five policemen on Saturday in a town south of Mosul, the insurgents’ last major city stronghold in Iraq, local security sources said.

The tribal fighters and police were gunned down at two fake checkpoints set up by the insurgents in Shirqat, a town between Mosul and Baghdad, they said.

IS has escalated attacks on forces and officials opposed to its rule as it fights off a military campaign to retake Mosul, the largest city held the extremist group. The group claimed an attack on a wedding west of Baghdad that killed at least 12 people on Thursday.

It staged attacks and bombings over the past weeks in the towns of Falluja and Rutba, also west of the capital. Iraqi armed forces began their offensive on Mosul on October 17, with air and ground support from a US-led coalition. — Reuters

Yemen truce strained by air strikes, fighting Yemen’s Saudibacked government and its Houthi adversaries blamed each other for the violence in Taiz where thousands of civilians are trapped

DIRE STRAITS: A girl carries a jerrycan filled with potable water

and many have been

from a charity tap during the first day of a 48-hour ceasefire in Sanaa, Yemen, on Saturday. — Reuters

wounded

SANAA: A truce aimed at ending more than a year of war in Yemen began on Saturday, although residents said fighting was still going on in parts of the country.

The 48-hour ceasefire by the Saudi-led military coalition raised hopes of an end to a humanitarian crisis caused by a war that has drawn in regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The truce seemed to be largely holding up despite gun battles in the Western city of Taiz and air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition reported by residents in villages east of the capital Sanaa.

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government and its Houthi adversaries blamed each other for the violence in Taiz where thousands of civilians are trapped and many have been wounded.

Government forces this week made advances on Taiz threatening to break a year-long siege by the rebels.

Saudi Arabia and allied Gulf states began a military campaign in March last year to prevent the Houthis and forces loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh from taking control of the whole country.

The Saudi-led coalition expelled enemy fighters from the

southern port city of Aden last summer but the Houthis continue to hold the capital and tracts of the country, with the help of Saleh loyalists.

More than 10,000 Yemenis have been killed in the war.

The truce started at noon (0900 GMT), the Saudi Press Agency reported, and could be extended if the Houthis show commitment to it and allow aid into areas such as Taiz.

The Houthis said on Wednesday they were ready to stop fighting and join a national unity government.

“The Yemeni people exercise their right to self-defence and when Saudi Arabia stops fighting, the war will stop,” Mohammed alBukhaiti, a member of the Houthi politburo, told Reuters on Saturday when asked about the group’s commitment to the truce.

But he said Saudi Arabia’s decision to announce the ceasefire just a few hours before it began meant there was not enough time to arrange for aid convoys to be delivered.

Saturday’s ceasefire was announced after diplomacy by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, but Hadi’s camp said that although its Gulf allies had been consulted, his government had been sidelined.

The coalition has not said whether it accepts the U.N.-bro-

kered peace plan which gives the rebels a share of power. Hours before the ceasefire began, a soldier in Saudi Arabia was killed by a missile fired by the Houthis, the interior ministry said, the type of cross-border attack that the Saudis insist must stop.

Any “military movements” by Houthi forces will be “addressed by the coalition”, said the SPA statement, adding that controls imposed by the coalition on Yemen’s ports and airports to stop arms getting to the enemy will remain in place.

The near-blockade on air, sea and land access has caused food shortages in a country that imports over 90 per cent of its staples, driving up prices and making it impossible for many Yemenis to feed themselves and their families.

No side has emerged as the dominant force in a war that has dragged into stalemate, displaced more than 3 million people and given room for a powerful branch of Al Qaeda to expand its operations.

The frontline has changed little over recent months, with the Houthis and their allies holding most of Yemen’s northern half, including the capital Sanaa, while forces loyal to Hadi share control of the rest of the country with local tribes. — Reuters

CONFLICT

All hospitals in eastern Aleppo out of action BEIRUT: All hospitals in Syria’s besieged rebel-held eastern Aleppo are out of service after days of heavy air strikes, its health directorate and the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday, but a war monitor said some were still working.

“This destruction of infrastructure essential to life leaves the besieged, resolute people, including all children and elderly men and women, without any health facilities offering life-saving treatment... leaving them to die,” said Aleppo’s health directorate in a statement sent to Reuters by an opposition official.

Elizabeth Hoff, the WHO representative in Syria, said a U.N.-led group of aid agencies based over the border in Turkey “confirmed today that all hospitals in eastern Aleppo are out of service.”

However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said that some hospitals were still operating in the besieged parts of Aleppo but that many residents were frightened to use them because of heavy shelling. Medical sources, residents and rebels in eastern Aleppo say hospitals have been damaged by air strikes and helicopter barrel bombs in recent days, including direct hits on the buildings.

Health and rescue workers have previously been able to bring damaged hospitals back into operation but a lack of supplies is making that harder.

Intense air strikes have battered eastern Aleppo since Tuesday when the Syrian army and

its allies resumed operations after a pause lasting weeks. They launched ground attacks against insurgent positions on Friday.

Syrian state television said on Tuesday the air force had targeted “terrorist strongholds and supply depots” in Aleppo.

Russia has said its air force is only conducting air strikes in other parts of Syria. The Damascus government describes all the rebels fighting it as terrorists.

Both countries have denied deliberately targeting hospitals and other civilian infrastructure during the war, which began in 2011 and was joined by Russia’s air force in September 2015.

The war pits President Bashar Al Assad backed by Russia and regional militias against a medley of rebels including groups supported by the United States and Turkey, as well as extremist groups. Aleppo, for years split between a rebel-held east and government-held western sector, has become the fiercest front.

During the summer, pro-government forces managed to besiege the districts held by insurgents which are home to about 270,000 people, according to the United Nations.

An army offensive backed by a major aerial bombardment from late September to late October killed hundreds, according to the United Nations, and tightened the siege, leaving eastern Aleppo with little food, medicine or fuel.

A rebel counter-attack early this month involved shelling that killed dozens of civilians, the U.N. said, but it quickly petered out and the army and its allies. — Reuters

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INDIA

BJP, rivals clash over note ban Sitharaman rejected

WRECKAGE: The army vehicle

which was part of a convoy ambushed on the PengeriDigboi road near the Pengeri reserve forest in Assam’s Tinsukia district by suspected militants on Saturday. - PTI

Three soldiers killed, four injured in ambush

the opposition charge that there was panic in the government following the launch of demonetisation drive which was reflected in fresh announcement of measures for easing

GUWAHATI: A group of ULFA(I) and NSCN(K) militants on Saturday ambushed an army convoy at Pengeri in upper Assam’s Tinsukia district, killing three Army jawans and injuring four others seriously.

The group of 15 militants attacked the army convoy early on Saturday morning and damaged two vehicles killing one jawan on the spot and seriously injuring six others, a defence spokesman said.

Two of the injured succumbed to their injuries on way to the hospital, he said. Tinsukia Superintendent of Police Mugdhajyoti Mahanta said the ambush was carried out jointly by National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) and United Liberation Front of Assam(Independent) militants carrying very sophisticated weapons including rocket propelled grenade, AK-47 rifles and mortars. The security personnel retaliated but the militants managed to escape and it was yet to be ascertained whether there were any casualty or injuries among the militants, Mahanta said.

A huge crater was created at the site of the ambush and two vehicles — a jeep and a Shaktiman truck were completely damaged.

Operations have been intensified in the area with army, police and CRPF personnel surrounding the area and launching massive combing operations. - PTI

A9

people’s problems

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI/KOLKATA: The sabre-rattling between parties on rival sides of the political divide over demonetisation showed no signs of softening Saturday with the government accusing Congress of engaging in “fear mongering” and the latter hitting back calling the exercise a “not well thought out move” whose after-effects will last long.

Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was fielded by the government to mount an assault on the opposition on the issue, rejected the charge that demonetisation of high-value currency notes had hit the common man and insisted that despite facing problems people were backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s action targeted against black money.

Fear-mongering “Congress is trying to create fear in the common man’s mind. It is not needed. It is fear-mongering,” she told reporters in Delhi, responding to the opposition party’s claim that it will take seven to eight months for the situation to stabilise. Sitharaman rejected the opposition charge that there was

PROTEST: Congress activists hold replicas of the 500 and 1,000 notes and protest against BJP government in Mumbai on Saturday. - PTI

Queues shorter at banks; ATMs continue to pain people KOLKATA/MUMBAI: Bank branches provided some respite to customers in terms of cash availablity on Saturday eleven days after demonetisation but long queues outside ATMs persisted even as three more deaths stated to be due to cash crisis were reported in Uttar Pradesh.

Many banks reported shorter queues following some restrictions on exchange of scrapped Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes but people were still seen waiting in frustration at ATMs due to cash scarcity.

All banks served only their respective customers and will

panic in the government following the launch of demonetisation drive which was reflected in fresh announcement of measures for easing people’s problems.

The government, she said, had undertaken as much preparatory work as it could before announc-

not exchange the old Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes from customers of other banks.

However, this restriction was not applicable on senior citizens as they are allowed to visit any bank branches to exchange the defunct notes.

A 75-year-old man identified as Kamta Prasad was standing in a queue before Dhikauuni branch of Bank of India in Harodi in UP when he was taken ill and died on the spot, Shyam Babu Shukla, Station officer of Atrauli police station, said.

In Aligarh, 50-year-old Babu Lal, a resident of Nagla

ing the decision to demonetise Rs500 and Rs1,000 bills.

However, senior Congress leader and former finance minister P. Chidambaram did not concur with the government’s claim and termed the exercise as “not well thought out” and whose after-ef-

Mansingh, died due to heart attack after apparently failing to exchange old currency notes despite making persistent efforts at different banks since the past three days, his family claimed.

The victim was under tremendous pressure as his daughter’s wedding was slated for November 26, they said. In another incident also in Aligarh, Mohammed Idrees (45), a resident of Jamalpur locality under Civil Lines police station, died of heart attack while he was on his way to a bank to exchange old currency on Friday, his family claimed. - PTI

fects will last longer than expected. He also wondered if the government had consulted “the only knowledgeable economist” in the dispensation CEA Arvind Subramanian before announcing it.

“You are seeing the first-order effects of withdrawing, sucking

out 86 per cent of the currency in circulation from the market.

The first order will continue for several weeks now. Then you will see the second-order effects,” Chidambaram said in Mumbai. “My suspicion is the only knowledgeable economist in the government, Dr Arvind Subramanian, was not consulted,” he said.

Talking about the first-order effects, he said there are many people now living with very little money and not consuming, which means produce, especially perishable items like vegetables and fruits, are not being sold. Chidambaram said the second-order effects are already visible in places like Tirupur and Surat, where lay-offs and retrenchments have started. The second-order effects will be more prominently felt if farmers, who have sown their farms, do not have money to buy fertiliser and hire labour.

“So I think the consequences will certainly be negative,” he said.

“The PM’s time out for 50 days might ease the liquidity crisis at individual’s hands, but it won’t solve many other problems.

“Take a simple arithmetic...they demonetised Rs22 billion Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes. The capacity of all printing presses taken together is 3 billion per month. So, even if you print note for note, it will take seven months. If you print smaller denominations notes like Rs100 for Rs500, it will take five times more time...Think somebody didn’t think through...that’s not unusual for government,” Chidambaram said.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that demonetisation would bring about probity in political and administrative work, besides reducing the gap between the rich and poor. He said the problems being faced by the people were for a short time as the government was making efforts to normalise the situation.

“Naturally, this decision will result in curbing economic sources of the corrupt and terrorists. It will also increase probity in political and administrative works,” Singh said. - PTI

A10

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

PAKISTAN

Pakistan’s total imports of goods in the first four months of 2016-17 were $13.56 billion as opposed to $13.28 billion in the comparable period of 2015-16, which means an annual increase of 2 per cent.

Workers may revolt if Pervez Musharraf takes over MQM Having All Pakistan Muslim League chief Pervez Musharraf onboard will add credence to what the London-based leaders have been saying all along about their Pakistani counterparts about the split: they betrayed the party’s founder

KARACHI: If reports about MQM-Pakistan’s bid to replace APML chief Pervez Musharraf as its new chief are accurate, the party could possibly face an internal revolt, with a number of workers pouring out their pent-up rage against the top cadre.

The same workers scarcely grumbled when the party’s leadership dissociated itself from Altaf Hussain. Until now, the party workers thought that the manoeuvre to divorce the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) founder was simply a desperate political stunt to escape a potential ban.

The August 23 news conference was perhaps the hardest decision ever taken by the party leader — and it was even harder for the workers, who looked up to the MQM chief as their “spiritual leader”. They were, however, appeased only when

RUMOURS: In this photograph taken on December 29, 2013, Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf addresses foreign media representatives at his farmhouse in Islamabad. - AFP file photo

the Pakistan-based leadership clarified its stance.

But having Musharraf onboard will add credence to what the London-based leaders have been saying all along about their Pakistani counterparts about the split: they betrayed the party’s founder.

Desperate move “No such decision by the party leadership will be accepted. Altaf Hussain was, and still is, our leader. The decision of dissociating from him was a desperate move,” says an MQM worker, who previously held the post of a joint in-charge at one of the party’s sector offices.

“If Farooq Sattar had not done so, the party would have had to face the worst crackdown (in its history). The party itself could have been banned. This strategy proved successful, we are (out) in the streets albeit with lesser power,” he says.

The MQM, some claimed, was a political party where even a common worker could get hold of the chief who lived in self-imposed exile in London via fax or other means of communication.

This system, they maintained, was so powerful that even the party’s top cadre feared consequences if they did something wrong.

Its effectiveness, however, de-

graded over time in the wake of Altaf Hussain’s declining health and his companions in Edgware office gained greater control.

A former leader of the All Pakistan Muttahida Students Organisation, MQM’s student wing, explained that Sattar’s announcement was inevitable. “Who could have owned Altaf Bhai’s comments?” he stressed.

Workers, he said, reporting to Farooq Sattar’s faction “are convinced that Altaf is no longer in the driving seat, but Nadeem Nusrat, M. Anwar and others, who are promoting someone else’s agenda and interested in just minting money”.

Meanwhile, MQM-Pakistan’s spokesperson, Aminul Haq, said: “The release of a video by Musharraf-led All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) leader Ahmed Raza Kasuri, the emergence of Khawaja Izharul Hasan’s pictures with the former military ruler at a meeting in Dubai, the appearance of APML graffiti in Karachi and news making rounds that a deal is close to be struck are all part of an organised disinformation campaign launched against the party.”

Haq said that MQM-Pakistan “categorically rejects such an alliance and all (such) rumours are part of a prolonged campaign against the party”.

“The MQM remains unified … under Dr Farooq Sattar,” he maintained, denying reports that the party was about to join Pakistan Peoples Party on the treasury benches in the Sindh Assembly.

According to the MQM leader, the poster and banner campaign was being run by the same people who wished that the party was banned after August 22.

He did not specify.

He said: “Now they are spreading misinformation to hinder MQM’s political struggle,” he maintained. APML leader Ahmed Raza Kasuri was not immediately available for comment.

MQM activists contended that a number of party workers were in touch with London-based leaders via web and cell phone applications. This tendency is stronger in Hyderabad, they said.

Almost the entire party structure in Karachi was under Dr Farooq Sattar’s control, they said.

“The struggle for ascendancy is more pronounced in APMSO where London and Pakistan factions have both intensified their efforts to gain the upper hand.”

If, they say, the APML-MQM alliance is forged, workers may react violently and even resort to dislodge the top leadership.

- Express Tribune

BOOSTING TRADE TIES

Argentina seeks partnership in agriculture, livestock LAHORE: Embassy of Argentina’s Head of Consular Section Maria Carmela Mirabelli and Deputy Head of Commercial Section Guido Maiulini have expressed interest in boosting trade and economic ties with Pakistan.

During a recent visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Argentinean envoys said Pakistani businessmen should establish partnerships in the field of agriculture and livestock of Argentina where huge opportunities were available.

They threw light on a number of issues hampering bilateral trade between the two countries and forwarded various proposals to give a boost to two-way trade. They said Argentina could extend technical assistance to Pakistan in the field of agriculture. LCCI President Abdul Basit said the agriculture sector of Pakistan continued to be the single largest driving force for economic growth as well as the main source of livelihood for 66 per cent of the population.

“It has a lot of potential to grow but due to lack of required resources, knowledge, experience and technology, it is battling hard to survive.” He said the concept of corporate farming was picking up in Pakistan but its proportion was too small to make any impact on the performance of the sector.

Similarly, the per-acre production is on the lower side compared to other countries. “Around 40 per cent of our agri-produce is wasted in post-harvest losses due to lack of preservation and transportation facilities,” said Basit.

“We know that with the help of required technology and knowledge, this sector can be transformed into a high-yielding industry. The economy of Argentina is twice the size of Pakistan’s and it is ranked among world’s major agricultural producers.” He said Argentina and Pakistan were known for cash and food crops all over the globe. - Express Tribune

S TAT E B A N K O F PA K I S TA N D ATA

Current account deficit expands 63% to $1.76b KARACHI: Pakistan’s current account deficit widened by 63 per cent in the first four months (JulyOctober) of 2016-17, increasing to $1.76 billion from $1.08 billion in the same period last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday.

With the difference of exports and imports being the biggest determinant of the current account balance, a deficit/surplus reflects whether a country is a net borrower/lender with respect to the rest of the world.

The 63 per cent increase in deficit means the government faces pressure to address the country’s balance of payments position in the medium- to long-term. However, experts believe this current account deficit is positive for the country in the present situation.

“This is a positive development for Pakistan because this current account deficit is led by investments instead of consumption,”

Invest and Finance Securities CEO Muzammil Aslam said.

Since China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is in construction phase, Pakistan is witnessing more outflows than inflows. Investments are being made in the country due to which we are witnessing current account deficit in short term, but the situation will change once the returns of CPEC start coming in, he added.

As a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), the current account deficit widened to 1.7 per cent in the first four months of 2016-17 as opposed to 1.1 per cent in the same period of the last fiscal year. Pakistan exported goods worth $6.86 billion in the first four months of 2016-17 as opposed to exports totalling $7.09 billion in the comparable period of fiscal year 2015-16, reflecting a year-onyear decrease of 3.2 per cent.

The value of goods exported in October 2016 was recorded at

$1.82 billion, up 8 per cent compared with $1.69 billion in September 2016.

Pakistan’s total imports of goods in the first four months of 2016-17 were $13.56 billion as opposed to $13.28 billion in the comparable period of 2015-16, which means an annual increase of 2 per cent. On a month-on-month basis, the value of goods imported rose by 3 per cent, as Pakistan imported goods valuing $3.34 billion in October 2016 compared with $3.24 billion in September 2016.

Balance of trade in both goods and services at the end of the first four months clocked up at -$7.79 billion compared with the deficit of $6.9 billion recorded in the same period of the preceding fiscal year. Workers’ remittances remained $6.26 billion in the first four months of 2016-17, down 4 per cent from the same period of the last fiscal year when they totalled $6.51 billion. - Express Tribune

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

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Malaysian protesters march against Najib Prime Minister Najib Razak has faced criticism since the Wall Street Journal reported last year that around $700 million from state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad was diverted into

SEEKING OUSTER: People gather to listen to former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohammad speak during a 1MDB protest organised by pro-democracy group Bersih, calling for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to resign, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday. — Reuters

the personal bank account of the PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Tens of thousands of protesters, undeterred by the arrests of opposition leaders, marched in Malaysia’s capital on Saturday demanding that Prime Minister Najib Razak step down.

Protesters clad in yellow shirts marched through the heart of Kuala Lumpur bringing traffic to a standstill in several tourist spots, wrapping up peacefully in front of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers after an initial plan to assemble at Independence Square was thwarted by police.

Najib has faced criticism since the Wall Street Journal reported last year that around $700 million from state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) was diverted into the personal bank account of the prime minister.

Najib ran into further trouble when lawsuits filed by the US Justice Department in July said over $3.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB, which was founded

by Najib, and that some of those funds flowed into the accounts of “Malaysian Official 1”, whom US and Malaysian officials have identified as Najib. The demonstration is unlikely to shake the prime minister, who has denied wrongdoing and weathered the crisis, consolidating power by cracking down on dissenters. Eleven activists and opposition leaders were arrested on Friday and at least two more were detained at the rally.

The Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said there could be more arrests in the coming days.

Maria Chin Abdullah, the chair of pro-democracy group Bersih that organised the rally, was detained under Malaysia’s Security Offences (Special Measures) Act, or Sosma, her lawyers said.

The law was introduced in 2012 to protect the country from security and extremist threats.

Laurent Meillan, acting regional representative of the United Nations Human Rights Office in South-East Asia, said the use of Sosma was very concerning.

“Security legislation should not

be used against peaceful demonstrators. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Maria Chin Abdullah and other activists,” Meillan said.

Another Bersih leader, Hishamuddin Rais, and artist Fahmi Reza were also arrested.

“We are not here to bring down the country. We love this country! We are not here to tear down the government, we’re here to strengthen it,” Bersih deputy chair Shahrul Aman Shaari told the crowds gathered at the National Mosque.

Najib has taken steps which critics say aim to limit discussion of the scandal, such as sacking a deputy prime minister, replacing the attorney-general, suspending newspapers and blocking websites.

Najib retains significant support within UMNO and from the long-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

Turnout was lower than a similar rally last year, with police saying that about 15,500 Bersih supporters took part, while news portal Malaysiakini esti-

A1 1

mated around 40,000. As many as 200,000 people showed up last year at one point.

Police had said the rally is illegal and that they would not hesitate to use tear gas or water cannon if things got out of hand.

State news agency Bernama said about 7,000 policemen would be on duty near the protest areas.

Still, spirits were high among those that gathered, with drums heard along with speeches, songs and chants by participants calling for a clean Malaysia and people power.

Former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad, Najib’s fiercest critic, joined protesters in front of the Twin Towers.

“Let him come and arrest us all. We will stand up for our leaders including Maria Chin who has been arrested for the wrong reasons,” said 91-year-old Mahathir.

Muhyiddin Yassin - the former deputy premier who was sacked and now leads a new party chaired

by Mahathir - was also present, leading the crowds in chants of “Step down Najib!”

“Our country is being governed by clowns and crooks. So I’m here to protest against our prime minister,” said the artist Reza before being arrested.

Azalina Othman Said, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, on Saturday said it was unlawful for any party to try to unseat an elected government via street protests.

Fears of clashes between Bersih and a pro-Najib group called Red Shirts mounted earlier this week after the latter threatened to target Bersih supporters, though no major clashes were reported on Saturday.

The pro-Najib group also rallied on Saturday and police estimated that about 2,500 supporters of Najib turned up. Jamal Yunos, an UMNO member and leader of the Red Shirts, was arrested on Friday. — Reuters

POLITICAL SCANDAL

FURIOUS: Protesters hold candles during an anti-government

rally in central Seoul on Saturday, aimed at forcing South Korean President Park Geun-Hye to resign over a corruption scandal.

— Reuters/Jung Yeon-Je/Pool

Thousands take out to streets calling for Park to step down SEOUL: Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Seoul on Saturday in the fourth straight weekend of protest against embattled President Park Geun-hye.

Park is resisting calls to step down amid an ongoing political crisis in which she is alleged to have let an old friend meddle in state affairs. The scandal has rocked Park’s presidency and united Koreans in disapproval, culminating in a protest last weekend that saw a million people march on Seoul by some estimates.

Saturday’s protest was smaller as protest groups also organised demonstrations in regional capitals. Police said at least 155,000 people had packed into a central Seoul square early on Saturday evening for a candle-lit rally.

Organisers said the number was 500,000.

Park has pledged to cooperate in an investigation into the scandal.

Prosecutors are expected to bring indictments against Choi Soon-sil, Park’s friend at the cen-

tre of the crisis, and two former presidential aides on Sunday.

Not all Koreans are calling for the president to resign, however.

A short drive away from the main protest, a group of conservative protesters gathered outside Seoul station in defence of the president.

“Sixteen million people elected this president to office. It does not make sense to simply ask for her withdrawal,” said Geum Sangchul, a 78-year-old pensioner and member of the Korean Veterans Association. Geum had joined a group of counter-protesters that police estimated at about 11,000-strong, while organisers said the number was higher.

“We can not give into the proNorth Korea supporters,” said Geum, using a derogatory term that Korean conservatives have for the more progressive wing of Korean politics.

Park’s approval ratings have been at a record-low 5 per cent for the last three weeks because of the scandal over her friend. — Reuters

A12

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

WORLD Indonesians hold rally against intolerance Dressed in red and white shirts, the colours of the Indonesian flag, religious leaders, members of human rights groups, lawmakers and others marched along a central Jakarta street

JAKARTA: Thousands of Indonesians held a peaceful rally on Saturday to promote unity, saying they were worried by signs of growing racial and religious intolerance in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.

Dressed in red and white shirts, the colours of the Indonesian flag, religious leaders, members of human rights groups, lawmakers and others marched along a central Jakarta street.

Some held posters with the national motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika”, which means unity in diversity, while others performed traditional dances.

Separate politics “This is about diversity, but also about unity. We have to separate politics from ethnicity, religion, and race,” said 25-year old Iwan Saputra. “I want Indonesia to stay united.”

Concerns about rising extremist sentiment in the country of 250 million people have grown

SEEKING UNITY: People take part in a rally against what they see as growing racial and religious

intolerance in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday. — Reuters

since police decided on Wednesday to investigate a blasphemy complaint by groups against the Christian governor of Jakarta.

More than 100,000 Muslims protested against Governor Basuki Purnama Purnama earlier this month.

Police fired tear gas and water cannon to quell the protest.

“The economy is growing, infrastructure is being built everywhere. Don’t let this all be destroyed just because of ego,” said Saidiman Ahmad, an activist with Liberal Islam Network.

Some analysts have said the police decision to pursue the case was a blow to democracy as well as diversity.

Indonesia recognises six religions and is home to several minority groups that adhere to traditional beliefs. — Reuters

ACTIVISM: A man attending a rally watches from a bus as others

take part in the rally against what they see as growing racial and religious intolerance in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday. — Reuters

TRUMP UNIVERSITY

Trump defends decision to settle varsity lawsuits CHICAGO: Donald Trump on Saturday defended his decision to settle lawsuits over his Trump University real estate seminars for $25 million, saying he does not have time to fight the fraud cases in court now that he is headed to the White House.

The lawsuits cast a shadow over the Republican’s presidential campaign and led to one of the more controversial moments of his run for the White House when he claimed the judge overseeing two of the cases was biased because he was of Mexican ancestry.

While denying any wrongdoing, Trump agreed on Friday to pay $25 million to settle the lawsuits.

“I settled the Trump University lawsuit for a small fraction of the potential award because as President I have to focus on our country,” Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday morning.

“The ONLY bad thing about winning the Presidency is that I did not have the time to go through a long but winning trial on Trump U. Too bad!” He said in a second tweet. In announcing the settlement, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the deal followed repeated refusals by Trump “to settle for even modest amounts of compensation for the victims of his phony university.”

Stunning reversal In a statement, Schneiderman called the settlement a “stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university.” Students had claimed they were they were lured by false promises into paying up to $35,000 to learn Trump’s real estate investing secrets from his hand-picked instructors. Trump’s lawyers denied this.

The deal covers three lawsuits relating to Trump University: two class actions suits in California

I settled the Trump University lawsuit for a small fraction of the potential award because as President I have to focus on our country, Donald Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday morning

and a New York case brought by Schneiderman.

Judge’s approval US District Judge Gonzalo Curiel in San Diego must still approved the settlement.

During his election campaign, Trump said that Curiel, who was born in Indiana to Mexican immigrant parents, could not be impartial because of Trump’s campaign pledge to build a wall on the USMexico border to control illegal immigration. — Reuters

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READERS’ FORUM Resorts must be such that natural beauty is preserved This refers to the report‚ Tanfeedh in Oman set to announce 120 proposals (November 16). Natural beauty and landscapes of Oman should be preserved and while making resorts or developments for tourists. These include those of of Yeti beach, Jebel Shams and Jabel Akhdar.

— Hammad Ashiq, via Facebook

Scan this QR code to send letters to the Readers’ Forum, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Parks needed in interior regions This refers to the report‚ Tanfeedh in Oman set to announce 120 proposals (November 16). More public parks are needed in interior regions, for example, Ibri does not even have a single public park.

— Suresh Balakrishnan, via Facebook

ADEBIMPE ADEBIYI

West Africa is home to some of the world’s highest rates of malnutrition. That includes the most obvious “face” of the condition: roughly 9 per cent of West African children under five are wasted, or too thin for their height. At its most severe, wasting is fatal.

Low cost hotels with basic needs at tourist sights are needed This refers to the report‚ Omran to hire 1,000 people to run three new hotels (November 15).

Oman just does not need 5 star hotels to develop tourism. What is needed are low cost ones with basic needs at their tourism sites.

There is a need to focus on developing the small cities and villages so that they can welcome all kinds of tourists from all around the world.

Mostly sightseeing places are in the interior region.

— Qurratulain Aamir , via Facebook

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Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

WINSTON CHURCHILL

Worldwide action to stem climate change W

etlands, forests, and oceans absorb and store carbon, which makes them a vital asset for countries pursuing the Paris climate agreement’s targets for reducing CO2 emissions. So how can we use them most effectively?

The Paris accord was concluded by 196 governments last December, and came into force earlier this month. Now, its signatories are meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, for the annual United Nations climate change conference. Several conference events specifically focus on how countries can use natural systems to meet their CO2-reduction targets.

While the climate-change challenge is immense, so, too, is the opportunity to accelerate sustainable development and ensure a better future for everyone on the planet. Under the Paris agreement, governments have committed to reducing their carbon emissions drastically, in order to keep global warming below 2°C. The vast majority of signatory countries have already presented national action plans for achieving this goal, and these plans will become more ambitious over time.

These Nationally Determined Contributions include renewable-energy targets and proposals for sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and education. In addition, countries should consider adopting policies to manage natural capital better.

The Paris agreement itself recognises the important role that natural ecosystems play in limiting the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, and governments should not neglect such powerful tools.

Governments will need to take action to conserve existing ecosystems – and restore and expand degraded ecosystems – in people-friendly ways. This is particularly true of wetlands, which include all land areas – such as lakes, floodplains, peatlands, mangroves, and coral reefs – that are covered with water, either seasonally or permanently.

Peatlands are particularly important. Though they cover only 3 per cent of the world’s total surface area, they store twice as much carbon as all forests combined. Peatland soils are composed of carbon – in the form of decomposed plant material – that has accumulated for thousands of years; and when peatlands are drained or burned, that carbon is released into the atmosphere. In fact, draining peatlands releases two times more carbon into the atmosphere than the aviation industry does.

In 2015, fires raged across Indonesia’s forested

peatlands, raising concerns worldwide about how much carbon was being released into the atmosphere, to say nothing of the far-reaching health effects. Indonesia’s government estimates that peatland fires and deforestation alone account for more than 60 per cent of the country’s total greenhousegas emissions.

Conserving and restoring peatlands could significantly reduce global CO2 emissions, which is why, in 2015, the Nordic Council of Ministers announced a commitment to preserve the region’s peatlands.

Almost half of Nordic countries’ peatlands have been lost, and this ecosystem degradation contributes 25 per cent of their total carbon emissions.

The Paris agreement entered fully into force in less than a year. This indicates that there is global momentum for concrete action to address the causes of climate change, as well as its effects, such as the disastrous floods, water shortages, and droughts already afflicting many countries.

That sense of urgency is not surprising. According to UN-Water, 90 per cent of all natural hazards are water-related, and they will increase in frequency and intensity as climate change worsens.

But natural systems can mitigate them: wetlands act as sponges that reduce flooding and delay the onset of droughts; and mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs all act as buffers that protect against storm surges. And wetlands, oceans, and forests do far more than just absorb and store carbon; they also provide fresh water, and are a food source for nearly three billion people. Countries have a readymade platform that they can use for their future wetlandconservation efforts. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty under which 169 countries have committed to conserve and sustainably manage their wetlands, is an ideal vehicle for help them reach their CO2-reduction targets, as well as meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. The Paris agreement’s longterm objective is to achieve climate neutrality – no net greenhouse-gas emissions – in the second half of this century. Climate neutrality is necessary to keep global warming below 2°C; to reach it, we must reduce emissions to the point that they can be fully and easily absorbed by nature. - Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES OCTOBER 2001 Meet on money laundering held MUSCAT: Bank Muscat has organised a conference on money laundering at Oman Sheraton Hotel. Inaugurating the conference Abdul Razak Ali Issa, chief executive of Bank Muscat, said money laundering crime has direct implications for banks because they provide variety of services and instruments that can be used to launder illegal money. He said Bank Muscat was committed to the international efforts to combat money laundering and has provided considerable resources to achieve that objective.

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PICTOGRAPH

FOREIGN TRADE RECORDED MERCHANDISE IMPORTS LIVE ANIMALS AND ITS PRODUCTS (in million Omani Rials) Total end of December 2014

2015

473.0

450.1

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

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

1962: President John F. Kennedy bars religious or racial discrimination in federally funded housing.

1978: South Africa backs down on a plan to install black rule in neighbouring Namibia.

1981: Microsoft Windows 1.0 released.

1998: First module of the ISS, Zarya, is launched.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

LIFESTYLE WELLNESS Occupational therapy plays an important role in health and medical services around the world and should be considered as a critical part of healthcare in Oman, says occupational therapist at Al Harub Medical Centre.

REACH YOUR POTENTIAL WITH

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Occupational therapy is the art and science of enabling engagement in everyday living, through occupation; of enabling people to perform the occupations that foster health and well-being; and of enabling a just and inclusive society so that all people may participate to their potential in the daily occupations of life (Townsend & Polatajko, 2007).

What do occupational therapists do? How does it work?

Occupational therapists help people to overcome the side effects of disability caused by illness, ageing, or accident so that they are able to carry out their day to day work with ease. Depending on the problem, the occupational therapist can help in the following ways: 1. Helping the person overcome disability: It educates the patient on how to do things with the help of their own abilities. For example: Techniques in remembering facts in times of poor memory, dressing or cooking with only one hand or easy use of wheelchair, and more.

It also teaches the patient to maintain and improve the abilities. It also tries to improve coping strategies, increase strength and coordination, boost confidence, and

improve concentration.

2. Adapting the material or equipment one uses: Occupational therapists helps to adapt to some of the household items used. They help in implementing the changes in the things one uses around the house. For example, use of a can opener that can be manoeuvred with only one hand; car modifications such as one-handed steering wheels or hand operated accelerators, brakes and bicycles modifications. It also suggests modification in the things one uses at work or school. For example, a special chair to help a patient in need to sit up straight, self-opening scissors, and writing boards to help keep paper still. These modifications can also be done for leisure activities.

3. Recommending changes to the

environments where one does occupations: It recommends changes in the physical layout of the work place, home, or school. Some examples are wheelchair ramps and adjustable desktops. The health professional can also help in finding out about the support in your community.

What are the services that are provided in this?

Focusing on the environment that is suitable for the person occupational therapists does an individualised assessment of one’s performance in self-care, work, study, volunteerism, and leisure. On the basis of that a plan is formulated.

What is the role of an occupational therapist?

Occupational therapists have different roles to perform. They deal

with adults and children with different conditions, most commonly the ones related to mental health illness, physical or learning disabilities. Some occupational therapists deal with specific conditions like arthritis, neurology, hand therapy developmental coordination disorder, mental illness, or spinal cord injury.

Is occupational therapy only related to autism and people with other special needs? Or is it equally important in other conditions?

If so what are they?

Occupational therapy help children with disabilities to cope in school and other social situations.

It also helps adults to recover from physical injury and regain their lost skills. It provides support for aged people, those who are experiencing physical, cognitive, and mental changes. Occupational therapists also help children in achieving their developmental milestones such as fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. One of the important roles of an occupational therapist is also to educate and involve parents, teachers and others to facilitate the normal development and learning of children. For the

aged, an occupational therapist helps clients to regain or enhance their daily lives after specific events such as hip replacement or stroke. And for acute care they render specialist interventions in various health conditions including surgery, burns, HIV, and acute mental health.

How important is occupational therapy in Oman?

Are people aware of this?

Occupational therapy plays an important role in health and medical services around the world and should be considered as a critical part of healthcare in Oman, especially with its rapidly growing population. Occupational therapists have the knowledge and training to assist people across the lifespan, with varying disabilities, injuries and levels of function.

They can have a vital influence on not only an individual’s well-being, independence and daily functioning, but that of their family, friends, carers, and the greater community as a whole. The level of awareness and understanding of what occupational therapy is seems to be limited amongst the general population in Oman.

In fact, people have a difficulty differentiating between an oc-

cupational therapist, physical therapist, child psychologist, and social worker.

What are the main areas of concerns here in Oman where occupational therapy is concerned?

Najat Saif Mohammed Al Busaidy and Alan Borthwick published a study in 2012 suggesting that “Occupational therapy in Oman is under-researched; work is needed to confirm cross-cultural validity of specific assessments and practice models.”

Occupational therapists, as well as the other allied health specialists, could certainly benefit from more funding and support in both public and private sectors. There are a limited number of therapists currently working across the health sector and a definite lack of positions available. A professional alliance group in which therapists could share knowledge, experience and support each other would be a great initiative.

–swati@timesofoman.com Al Harub Medical Centre Way No. 2830, House 2258 Al Kharijiyah Road Sarooj - Shatti Al Qurum Call: +968 2460 0750

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

WEATHER

TEMPERATURE

HUMIDITY

31 - 18 84-45% 0

0

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

11.57pm 3.04pm 5.25pm 6.39pm 5.06am

LIFESTYLE

A1 5

A16

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

LIFESTYLE Doctor’s Column Dr Amina Kauser

HERNIA: What You Should Know What is hernia?

Hernias erupt when a weakened abdominal muscle tears open, permitting the organs inside to push through. Typically, a hernia will pouch out, looking like a balloon beneath the skin. Two areas are especially vulnerable. Inguinal hernias appear at the point where the leg joins the abdomen.

Men feel this type of hernia as a lump in the scrotum. Umbilical hernias crop up at the navel. Surgical scars present yet another opportunity for hernias, in this case called incisional hernias.

What are the common types

essary, and the torn muscle are closed. A mesh may be applied to the inside of the muscle wall to strengthen it. ÄŠĹ— * ,)- )*# Ĺ—" ,(#),," *"3Ćŗ This version of the procedure is accomplished through small incisions. With the aid of a tiny lighted scope, the surgeon uses miniature surgical instruments to make the repair from within the abdomen. A mesh is inserted Which are the latest tech- through the ports and ďŹ xed by sutures or staples. niques in use nowadays? ÄŠĹ— ),Ĺ—"# . &Ĺ— ( Ĺ— # *", !' .# Ĺ— ÄŠĹ— * (Ĺ—Ĺ—" ,(#),," *"3Ćŗ (Ĺ—."#-Ĺ— approach, a single long incision " ,(# -Ćŗ " Ĺ— .3*# &Ĺ— )* , .#)(Ĺ— over the hernia is made, the pro- consists of putting back the protruding sac is removed if nec- truded organ (most of the time, of hernia?

You may have also a diaphragmatic hernia or a hiatal hernia which is responsible of a reux.

The risk of not repairing a hernia is to strangle the bowel inside it which will need an emergency surgery and may require a bowel resection. An umbilical or inguinal hernia repair is known medically as a herniorrhaphy.

the stomach) in the abdominal cavity, closing the gap by sutures or a mesh, and doing an anti-reux valve if it is a hiatal hernia.

Which type of hernia repair is best? And how long it would take to cure?

In Burjeel Hospital, Dr El Zaqui

" Ä…Ĺ— Ĺ—! ( , &Ĺ— ( Ĺ—& * ,)- )*# Ĺ— surgeon usually perform the procedures through laparoscopy.

The operation lasts around one hour; it is usually performed under general anaesthesia, though spinal anaesthesia can be done for an open inguinal herniorrhaphy.

The hospital stay is typically

for 24 to 48 hours after the laparoscopic surgery, depending on the general status of the patient.

Is there any risk involved during the surgery?

The risk of the surgery is the classical risks, consisting of haematoma and infection. However, if the hernia isn’t repaired, there’s a chance that a portion of the intestine will get stuck in it. As the blood supply gets compromised, this tissue could eventually die, leading to a life-threatening case of gangrene. The patient can return to normal activities two weeks after the surgery, if it

is performed through laparoscopy, in case of open surgery, it may take up to two months. —lifestyle@timesofoman.com Dr Amina Kauser is dermatologist at Al Burjeel Hospital

H E A LT H N O T E

5 Best Natural Ways to Cure your Heartburn AS SOON as people notice heartburn symptoms they really want to understand what causes this issue and how to treat it.

There are a lot of causes of heartburn ranging from the form of foods you eat to the beverages you drink. Heartburn is because of the acid in your stomach area backing up inside your oesophagus. The symptoms of this heartburn disorder is a painful burning sensation within the area of your chest and it worsens as soon as you lie down or bend over.

Thankfully there are many helpful ways to treat this uncomfortable problem.

1

Drinking peppermint tea is a useful natural heartburn treatment. You will have to steep a few fresh peppermint leaves within boiling water for at least 4 to 6 minutes and then strain the peppermint leaves. You can add a small quantity of honey for taste and you will have to sip it gradually. If you do not have fresh peppermint leaves you should utilise peppermint infused tea bags or loose tea. Utilising peppermint is an efficient way to remove heartburn pains rapidly.

2

Eating anise is another useful natural heartburn cure.

You will have to wash, cut, and eat the bulb section on the anise. You can try eating a few pieces of anise once you are done eating to help digestion, put an end to heartburn and reduce heartburn symptoms.

Along with consuming anise, you can also utilise activated charcoal right before every meal. Activated charcoal will certainly put an end to heartburn pains.

3

Eating papaya or drinking papaya juice is a wonderful natural treatment for this problem. You can get a hold of papaya in the form of a pill or in capsules. Making use of papaya is one of the top natural remedies for this problem.

4

Try mixing 1/3 of a teaspoon of baking soda to an 8 ounce glass of water. This natural treatment can easily neutralise acid in your stomach and end the burning sensation.

-.&3ąŗ (ŗ 2., ŗ ( ./, &ŗ heartburn cure is to blend a tablespoon of baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar, 3 to 4 drops of peppermint inside an 8 ounce glass of water. Now you can utilise 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons to treat your heartburn symptoms. —Artipot

5

B

INDIAN MARKET DECLINES Indian stock market continued to decline for the fourth consecutive week, tumbling by another 669 points to end at six-month low at 26,150.24 after fears of acute cash crunch arising out of the government’s recent decision to remove high-value notes. — PTI

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

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Value added tax to add $1b to government coffers Value added tax (VAT), a consumer tax, will account for nearly 1.5 per cent of the gross domestic product although the amount can fluctuate depending on variables such

Being a consumer tax, individuals will end up paying the VAT, which in turn will affect purchasing power and possibly have an impact on wage demands. If public perception about VAT remains negative, people may trade down and save money due to which high-end products may suffer Justin Whitehouse

Indirect tax leader – Middle East, Deloitte

as compliance rate and exemptions

SYED HAITHAM HASAN

haitham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The implementation of value added tax (VAT) is expected to add close to a billion dollar to government coffers according to an estimate by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to IMF, VAT, a consumer tax, will account for nearly 1.5 per cent of the gross domestic product although the amount can fluctuate depending on variables such as compliance rate and exemptions.

While government policies on VAT are not conspicuously stated yet, they are expected to follow international standards that aim to minimise effects on the country’s

economy. This includes the policy of exempting essential products and services such as food items and education or industries like export-oriented products, which will have adverse effects.

With tightening liquidity in the markets and lower disposable income due to dwindling oil prices, VAT is expected to have a certain degree of negative impact on Oman’s GDP; however experts argue that the rate of VAT is well below variance threshold.

“All taxes have a negative impact on the overall GDP of the country, but the rate planned is very low by international standards so we expect to have relatively lower impact,” said Justin Whitehouse, indirect tax leader – Middle East, Deloitte.

“Being a consumer tax, individ-

uals will end up paying the VAT, which in turn will affect purchasing power and possibly have an impact on wage demands. If public perception about VAT remains negative, people may trade down and save money due to which high-end products may suffer,” he added. However, Whitehouse mentioned that individuals are more concerned about potential implementation of personal income tax and VAT is unlikely to cause a major change in public perception of the markets. Similarly, businesses are expected to consider VAT as more of a compliance issue rather than something that affects decision making.

Echoing his comments, Kanaga Sundar, head of research at Gulf Baader Capital Markets, explained that the VAT would be

reasonable and it is needed in view of soaring deficit. “Government clearly needs such reforms to increase revenue in these times.

The rate of 5 per cent is too less to cause discomfort among general population,” he added.

From January 2018 The Omani government has recently announced the implementation of the VAT from January, 2018 and conventionally, there is a spike in sales in the time leading up to date of implementation of a tax. According to Whitehouse, Oman’s retail sector, following similar trends, will see an increase in sales towards the end of 2017, especially in larger or more expensive items.

“As we approach the implementation deadline, it is reasonable to

see the demand peak, especially for items like vehicles, household appliances, etc. Likewise, consumers may even choose to shop early for smaller items,” he said.

He also pointed out that businesses will need to consider the implication of these demands on areas including stocking, staffing and their ability to cope with financing them.

Since GCC economies often function in a similar fashion and aided by the general design of VAT systems,there would be less acute economic spillovers or competitive issues. Commenting on GCC implementation of VAT, Whitehouse said that it is expected that all Gulf countries would implement the law at the same time and any GCC country unable to implement VAT simultaneously can encourage illegal trade of taxed goods.

The law is definitely essential to GCC countries; however, the time period for enforcing the law is often debatable. Most experts have expressed concerns that early 2018 maybe a very small time-frame for companies to prepare IT systems and educate their employees. Whitehouse says that even though the companies should be able to get their IT systems ready within the next 12 months, the time is very tight. He advises that organisations need to prepare in advance instead of acting after the lawis enforced.

“Some businesses may wait for the law to become available, but our advice would be to start looking at IT systems now and consider getting resources in place.

There are a lot of work that can be done in advance,” he said.

INVEST EASY SERVICE

Issues related to trade names discussed at key meeting Times News Service MUSCAT: Challenges and controls related to trade names and other issues were discussed during a meeting with businesses owners with the director of the Directorate General of Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI).

During the meeting, further challenges facing the owners of such offices were discussed and spotted some violations committed by the employees relating to trade names.

They were notified about the importance to strictly follow the trade names and to help the investor in choosing a name serving their commercial activities, Hamad bin Salem Al Shekeli, director, directorate general, Minitsry of Commerce and Industry in South Batinah province, said.

He also shed light on the importance of assuring the validity of documents annexed through “Invest Easy” service, especially the bank certificates. This should be accredited from the bank with the seal and signatures, as all the annexed certificates will be later checked by the concerned parties.

There has to be a price list displayed at a prominent place in the office outlining the details of all the services provided along with its prices. The “Invest Easy” system has contributed in aiding several transactions with high accuracy for exchange of information among the concerned parties.

Also it has contributed in treating the matter of multiple registers and improved the business environment for investors, Hamad Al Shekeli, said.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

MARKET Wall Street wants a fellow insider to be Treasury chief under Trump cit hawk and a critic of the wave of financial regulation enacted after the 2008 financial crisis, his private-sector experience has not been in finance. In fact, most of his interaction with Wall Street has come through his role as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

Among a handful of possible contenders, former Goldman Sachs banker and Hollywood movie financier Steven Mnuchin, who served as Trump’s campaign finance chairman, is seen as frontrunner to be Treasury chief WALL STREET BULLISH: The last Wall Street insider to serve in the

NEW YORK: With United States President-elect Donald Trump promising to spend as much as half a trillion dollars on infrastructure and slash taxes — initiatives that could add dramatically to the US debt and balloon the budget deficit — Wall Street is far more focused on who will next head the US Treasury than it was in the previous selection process under President Barack Obama.

Unlike current Secretary Jacob Lew, who assumed the role in early 2013 with little fanfare and has operated largely in the background, the next Treasury chief is expected to be a featured player in articulating and executing the Trump administration’s economic policies and initiatives.

“You need somebody who has the experience and the knowledge and understands the gravity of the position,” said Richard Bernstein, chief executive of Richard Bernstein Advisors, an asset management firm.

“It’s a huge position. It has implications not only for the US economy but also the global economy.” Among a handful of possible contenders, former Goldman Sachs banker and Hollywood movie financier Steven Mnuchin, who served as Trump’s campaign finance chairman, is seen as front runner.

“He knows financial markets very well,” said Joachim Fels, a managing director and global economic advisor at Pimco. “I think it’s interesting that he also has ex-

post was Henry Paulson, a former head of Goldman Sachs who was appointed by George W. Bush in 2006 – Bloomberg News

perience outside of financial institutions, the movie industry.”

Others in the mix, according to published reports, include JP Morgan Chase chief executive Jamie Dimon and US Republican Jeb Hensarling of Texas.

Both Mnuchin and, in particular, Dimon, who heads the largest US bank and the biggest bond dealer, are seen well equipped to manage the relationship between Washington and the banks that facilitate the trillions of dollars of borrowing required of the next administration.

Under Obama, the US debt has

nearly doubled to $19.6 trillion from about $10.7 trillion. Under Trump’s stimulus proposals, that could grow quickly, as would the federal budget deficit, which has actually shrunk by about two thirds during Obama’s tenure.

“It’s very likely that we get rising fiscal deficits, at least initially,” Pimco’s Fels said.

“I think this administration, like all administrations, will need the bond community.”

Hensarling, who was just elected to an eighth term in his district east of Dallas, would not have such deep Wall Street ties. A noted defi-

Clear on policy The last Wall Street insider to serve in the post was Henry Paulson, a former head of Goldman Sachs who was appointed by George W. Bush in 2006 and whose term was dominated by navigating through the financial crisis.

He was succeeded in 2009 by Timothy Geithner, who moved into the post from running the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and worked extensively with Paulson during the crisis. Wall Street is keen to avoid an appointment that resembles either of Paulson’s two immediate predecessors, John Snow and Paul O’Neill.

The two Bush appointees ran large industrial corporations before taking over Treasury and lacked deep experience in financial markets. Snow was CEO of railroad CSX and O’Neill ran aluminium producer Alcoa.

Both are viewed to have strug-

gled to enunciate the Bush administration’s policy preferences on issues key to investors, such as the strength of the dollar, the world’s main reserve currency.

“You go back to Bush with his Treasury secretaries,” said Gregory Peters, senior investment officer at Prudential Fixed Income, said Tuesday at the Reuters Global Investment Outlook Summit in New York. “The markets hated them.” “O’Neill every other week had a different dollar policy,” Peters recalled.

One relationship important to Wall Street is how the Treasury secretary interacts with and accepts advice from the Treasury Borrowing Advisory Committee, or TBAC. The panel of executives from Wall Street’s biggest bond dealers and fixed-income investment managers meets with Treasury four times a year to advise on the scope and make up of the hundreds of billions of dollars in Treasury bonds, notes and bills issued by the government each year. - Reuters

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REFORM PROGRAMME

IMF approves $162m loan to Sri Lanka COLOMBO: International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a loan of $162 million to Sri Lanka under its programme to aid the government’s reform programme which aims to promote inclusive growth.

The announcement came as the Sri Lankan parliament on Friday approved its 2017 budget which aims to boost tax revenue.

“The reinstatement of the amendments to the value added tax will help boost revenues, while

the 2017 budget proposal should strengthen government finances,” the IMF said in a statement.

Sri Lanka was approved a three-year extended arrangement by the IMF in June valued about $1.45 billion subjected to the government’s reform programme, supported by the IMF which aims to reduce the fiscal deficit, rebuild foreign exchange reserves, and introduce a simpler, more equitable tax system to restore macro-

economic stability and promote inclusive growth. Following the Executive Board’s discussion of the review, the IMF’s Tao Zhang, Acting Chair and Deputy Managing Director, said, “While inflation has abated, credit growth remains strong.”

The central bank indicates its readiness to tighten the monetary policy stance further if inflationary pressures resurge or credit growth persists. - PTI

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

B3

MARKET GCC businesses use social media to achieve marketing objectives form of huge popularity of channels such as Sa7i and Eysh Elly on YouTube. Retail industry is one of the top industries on Facebook in almost all the GCC countries.

As an increasing number of internet users utilise social media to interact with and reach out to brands, the businesses in GCC are also increasing their presence and are being very active on social media. The most used social media channels for businesses in the region are Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The number of social media users in GCC will grow and hence it could be expected that the activity of the businesses on social media will also increase, says a report

Times News Service MUSCAT: Increasing Internet penetration, growing young population and mobile subscription rate, it is evident that the number of social media users in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will grow and hence it could be expected that the activity of the businesses on social media will also increase and take on new forms of interaction with the consumers.

The Marmore report stated that based on the increasing Internet penetration, growing young population and mobile subscription rate, it is evident that the number of social media users in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will grow and hence it could be expected that the activity of the businesses on social media will also increase and also take on new forms of interac-

tion with the consumers.

Over the past decade, social media has exhibited an exponential penetration into the daily lives of individuals, the operations of businesses, and the interaction between governments and their respective people, Marmore Mena Intelligence, a subsidiary of Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz), said in a recently released report discussing the usage of social media by GCC businesses.

Social media From 2000 to 2015 the Internet penetration grew by compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27 per cent in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, registering second highest growth behind Africa, the report said.

The Internet penetration in GCC countries is on an increas-

INTERNET PENETRATION: Over the past decade, social media has exhibited an exponential penetration into the daily lives of individuals, the operations of businesses, and the interaction between governments and their respective people. – Supplied photo

ing trend, and is catching up with the developed countries. This increasing Internet penetration and increasing presence of youth on social media are opening up new avenues for companies to market their products and services.

Like in the developed countries, the businesses in GCC are also becoming more aware of social media marketing.

The business in GCC can lever-

age the social media for achieving objectives such as business growth, brand enhancement and as a marketing tool.

Retail, telecom, e-commerce, electronics, airlines, FMCG food, and retail food are some of the industries that have engaged the most with their customers using social media.

In Saudi Arabia, online entertainment has tasted success, in the

Facebook However, Facebook is the most preferred medium in the GCC region.

In GCC countries, the twitter usage is relatively high compared to countries like Germany, India and US. The average number of followers for top 20 brands in twitter in Saudi Arabia is much more than that of UK, Germany and India. Also the social media presence of Gulf SMEs is on the rise in the region.

LinkedIn conducted a study in 2015 on 260 SMEs, to know their presence on social media.

According to it, 92 per cent of the respondents are already on social media platforms, with a further five per cent preparing to establish a presence.

Moving away from traditional

media, digital media has been increasing and has become the preferred medium for marketing of the products and services.

According to the estimates by McKinsey, by 2019, the digital spending will account for more than 50 per cent of overall media spend. By 2017, digital marketing consisting of internet and mobile advertising will surpass the TV and will become the largest advertising category.

Among all the regions North America spends the highest amount on digital ad spending followed by Asia-Pacific. The digital ad spending in Middle East & Africa is lowest among all the regions.

Even in terms of digital ad spending per network user, North America leads with $197 per Internet user in 2015 followed by Western Europe. The digital ad spending per network user in the Middle East & Africa is lowest among all the regions. However, the encouraging factor is the growth in ad spending on social media is highest among the Mena countries.

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APPEASING INVESTORS

UA E I N N O VAT I O N

Facebook to buy back $6 billion worth of shares for the first time

KEY SPEAKER: Honeywell’s president for the Middle East, Russia and Central Asia regions, Norm

Gilsdorf, will speak to an audience of experts from government and business sectors during the summit. - Supplied photo

Honeywell to focus on role of connectivity at summit Times News Service MUSCAT: In support of the UAE’s drive towards a more innovative future, Honeywell is set to highlight the role of connectivity and technology in supporting national progress at the Innovation Live! summit, the official anchor event for UAE Innovation Week.

The event takes place on November 21, in Dubai.

Innovation Live! is the first initiative of its kind designed to combine government and business approaches to innovation ideologies and subsequently find solutions to benefit the sustainable energy, smart cities, education, healthcare, transport and industrial diversification sectors.

As set out in the UAE Innovation Strategy and the UAE Vision 2021, the country aims to enter the Top 10 cities on the Global Innovation Index (GII). Honeywell has been leading technology innovation around the world for over a century and has 60 years of experience supporting industries and governments across the Middle East to realise national goals.

Honeywell’s president for the

Middle East, Russia and Central Asia regions, Norm Gilsdorf, will speak to an audience of experts from government and business sectors during the summit. The session will focus on how connected building technology is fuelling the UAE’s smart building revolution and how these buildings- combined with sustainable solutions - are the fundamental building blocks of energy efficient smart cities.

New visions, innovation “The UAE continuously strives to embrace new visions, innovation and the latest technologies that connect us and drive us forward.

Connectivity is at the core of everything we do at Honeywell, and we are truly excited about the opportunities this presents to the country’s future growth and development,” said Norm Gilsdorf, president for Honeywell’s Middle East, Russia and Central Asia regions.

“At Innovation Live!, we look forward to highlighting how ‘smart’ buildings form the fundamental buildings blocks of ‘smart’ cities, and sharing insights obtained through the Middle East’s

first Honeywell Smart Building Score survey. By adopting technologies and solutions that make buildings more green, safe and productive, we can work together for the continued success of UAE Vision 2021 and Smart Dubai Initiative towards a better, brighter future for the country.”

Innovation Live! is a fitting stage for the culmination of the company’s inaugural Middle East Honeywell Smart Building Score Awards – the first-of-its-kind regional awards programme to assess the ‘smartness’ of buildings in the Middle East, based on three key indicators – how green, safe and productive they are.

At the summit, Honeywell will announce regional award winners in the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, based on a universal framework designed for the comprehensive assessment of any building – the Honeywell Smart Building Score.

Honeywell remains committed to the growth and innovation strategy of the UAE, and in doing so, has developed an initiative that aims to encourage and advance building innovation throughout the country.

SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook said it will buy back as much as $6 billion in shares, its first repurchase programme, in a bid to appease shareholders awaiting the results of big investments in potentially risky new growth areas.

The buyback involves Class A common stock and will start in the first quarter of 2017, the company said in a regulatory filing. Facebook has $26 billion in cash and marketable securities and is deploying some of that for buybacks while still planning to increase its spending on growing the business.

Facebook shares rose 1 per cent in after-hours trading on Friday, following the news. The company joins a growing group of big United States technology firms using buybacks to keep shareholders happy.

The boom in digital advertising has left Facebook and Alphabet’s Google with billions in cash and investors often complain if that’s not being put to profitable use.

“Facebook is very efficient with its capital and very responsible with how it uses that capital,” said Brian Wieser, an analyst at Pivotal Research Group, citing multibillion dollar acquisitions of WhatsApp and Oculus in 2014.

“Although some people took issue with their choices at the time, they clearly saw value.”

Still, Facebook has been an out-

FLUSH WITH FUND: Facebook has $26 billion in cash and market-

able securities and is deploying some of that for buybacks while still planning to increase spending on growing the business. – Bloomberg News

lier. Among the top 10 US technology companies, ranked by cash and marketable securities, Facebook was the only one not buying back stock, according to data. Alphabet announced its first buyback in October 2015. Apple began repurchases in 2012.

US technology firms US technology companies have more than doubled their repurchases of shares since 2012, spending $131 billion last year, according to data on companies in the sector worth more than $5 billion.

It’s not that Facebook has run

out of places to invest. The company has said that 2017 will be a year of increased spending, especially on hiring engineers and expanding its infrastructure. The buybacks could to help return value to shareholders while other longer-term investments play out.

Facebook’s shares outstanding have increased as it compensates employees through stock options.

The company has 2.9 billion shares trading, up from just over 2 billion in 2012, according to data. Repurchases could also help keep that number from rising too quickly. - Bloomberg News

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

FEATURE

BEAM ME UP THE BOOMING SATELLITE BUSINESS NEEDS INDIA’S ROCKETS Like other big contractors, American space companies have long expected some friendly support from their government. And Uncle Sam has usually been more than happy to help. Sometimes, though, government help causes more harm than good.

Since 2005, US satellite manufacturers have been prohibited from hiring India’s space agency to launch their equipment. Private American launch companies, such as SpaceX, are quite happy with this arrangement, which was intended to protect them.

But the ban is not only wrong in principle — it’s actually impeding an exciting new American industry.

Last month, under pressure from satellite operators and manufacturers, US trade officials began reviewing the decade-old policy. They should heed the pressure and overturn it.

Emerging India may seem like an unlikely competitor for Silicon Valley rocket companies. Yet since 1969, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has consistently punched above its modest weight class, racking up a series of cheap and practical achievements.

One of its most important feats was the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which was designed to carry satellites for monitoring agriculture and water resources, among other things.

What made the PSLV unique was that it was designed to launch small satellites. And that's a good niche to occupy at the moment.

Over the past few years, the small-satellite market has boomed as advances in miniaturisation made space accessible to governments and companies that might never have considered it. The uses for such gear seem almost limitless, from shoebox-sized climate-monitoring devices to Samsung’s plan to use thousands of micro-satellites to provide global internet access. Some $2.5 billion has been invested in the industry over the past decade. But getting all those satellites into space is now proving to be a problem, and US policy is partly to blame.

In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan’s administration sought to protect nascent private launch companies from subsidized foreign competition by setting up Commercial Space Launch Agreements. The idea was simple: In exchange for the chance to put US satellites into space, foreign governments agreed to launch quotas and set fees.

Both China and Russia signed such agreements. In 2005, India was asked to do the same. While the US waited for an answer (it was and continues to be “no”), it imposed an export moratorium on satellites for Indian launch. The timing was no accident. In 2005, SpaceX was building its Falcon 1 rocket, which was designed to carry small satellites. The ban even came to be known as the “SpaceX Agreement.” Problematically, though, the Falcon 1 had only one commercial launch before it was retired in 2009. At the time, the small satellite boom hadn’t yet taken off, and SpaceX didn’t believe there was a commercial justification for the rocket. (It’s now scrambling to correct that mistake.) Since then, no other US company has offered a rocket for small satellite launches (though some are reportedly in the works), even as demand has surged.

That leaves American satellite companies with few options.

The US Trade Representative has handed out occasional waivers from the moratorium. And a European government consortium now offers its own small satellite launch vehicle, for a hefty fee.

But a far cheaper and more reliable option — going to India — remains off the table. That’s only hurting American companies, while sending the wrong message to India. Civilian space cooperation would benefit the economies of both countries, and restraining it to protect American companies — which have had 10 years to come up with a competitive product — can’t be justified from a business or diplomatic standpoint. If the US government wants to help its space companies shoot for the stars, it should stop shooting itself in the foot. — Bloomberg News

Emerging India may seem like an unlikely competitor for Silicon Valley rocket companies.

Yet since 1969, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has consistently punched above its modest weight class, racking up a series of cheap and practical achievements.

INDIA

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ROUND-UP

Renault Captur comes with upbeat features Since its launch in Oman last year, the Captur has gained considerable popularity and is a rave amongst auto enthusiasts

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

It is a crossover packed with a turbocharged engine for those occasional bursts of controlled fun.

The engine producing 120BHP and 190 Nm of torque is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Made in Spain, the Renault Captur stands out from the crowd by delivering the best of three different worlds: The expressive styling and driving position of an SUV, the cabin space and modular interior of an MPV and the agility and driving enjoyment of a compact saloon

car, says a press release.

Since its launch in Oman last year, the Captur has gained considerable popularity and is a rave amongst auto enthusiasts.

It is a good option for those wanting small hatchback dimensions and costs, but with a shadow of thrill. It offers much greater personalisation with its ‘themed collection’ - The adventurous and exciting ‘Arizona’ collection, the vibrant blue ‘Miami’ collection and the urban inspired ‘Manhattan’ collection. Each of the three themes is then split into four packs – colour, exterior gloss, interior touch and style – offering abundant personalised possibilities according to each customer’s preference and interest.

The Captur draws on Renault’s extensive expertise and long lasting history in car manufacturing, which is apparent through its su-

perb design, functionality and the latest in terms of technology. The Captur has an attractive design, including an original two-tone paint, giving it a strong personality.

Its compact size with high ground clearance, large wheels and underbody protection allows you to explore all facets of everyday life.

At almost 1,100kg, the Renault Captur is a relatively light car. Despite its SUV looks, all models are two-wheel drives. Add in the turbocharged petrol engine and the Captur is a monster to reckon.

All models are well equipped, with air conditioning, cruise control and hill assist as standard, while the top-of-range models add a TomTom-based sat-navigation system, larger wheels and heated seats. Furthermore, the Captur is equipped with a highend audio and navigation system, Bluetooth phone and MP3 player

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connectivity plus removable and washable seat covers and a full keyless go option.

In terms of safety, the Captur earned a ďŹ ve-star crash test rating from Euro NCAP, and was awarded very high percentage scores for adult and child occupant protection, as well as a better score for its safety systems.

Renault is a world class brand today, focusing mainly on the important aspects such as safety, style, performance, value and reliability - keeping alive the motoring heritage of Renault.

The Renault principle of safety is outlined in four basic points: Prevent, correct, protect and educate. Renault provides equipment that performs auxiliary tasks automatically to promote the responsibility of drivers by warning them when they are not in a position to control their vehicle or when they put themselves in a position of potential danger. For example, the visual and audible seatbelt reminders and tyre pressure monitoring. The inherent handling and braking qualities of a vehicle are fundamental factors of its overall dynamic, active safety and accident avoidance performance. Moreover, Renault is also known to have the maximum number of Euro-NCAP Five Star rated models globally.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Renault Oman’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman.

INSULIN THERAPY

New generation basal insulin now available in Oman MUSCAT: Novo Nordisk has launched Tresiba (insulin degludec), in Oman recently.

Tresiba is a once-daily basal insulin for people with diabetes that successfully achieves equivalent reductions in blood glucose levels, with a lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia versus insulin glargine. Tresiba allows for exibility in day-to-day dosing time, when needed without compromising efficacy or risk of hypoglycemia, says a press release.

One of the key challenges with insulin therapy is the risk of hypoglycemia, when blood glucose levels fall to lower than normal levels, causing unpleasant symptoms, such as dizziness and confusion, unconsciousness and sometimes leads to death. Research shows that fears and concerns about hypoglycemia can interfere with achieving optimal glycaemic control in people with diabetes using insulin. Hypoglycemia that occurs at night is of particular concern for people living with diabetes, as it is unpredictable and difficult to detect.

Results from studies over a two-year period show the new insulin therapy successfully achieves equivalent reductions in HbA1c, but with a lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia compared to insulin glargine: ÄŠĹ— ÞýĞŗ ),Ĺ— * )*& Ĺ— 1#."Ĺ— 3* Ĺ— ßŗ diabetes ÄŠĹ— ßÿĞŗ ),Ĺ— * )*& Ĺ— 1#."Ĺ— 3* Ĺ— 1diabetes “The new insulin therapy can

Tresiba is a once-daily basal insulin for people with diabetes that successfully achieves equivalent reductions in blood glucose levels be administered at any time of the day, offering exible dosing when needed. This exibility could help improve the lives of patients, as poor insulin adherence contributes to poor glycemic control,� said Dr Mohammed Lamki - Consultant Endocrinologist at the Royal Hospital –Oman.

Complications from diabetes caused by failing to keep optimal glycaemic control can be serious, and may include problems such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage and premature mortality. “Maintaining good blood glucose control with insulin treatment can be challenging for healthcare professionals and patients due to concerns over hypoglycaemia and night- time hypoglycaemia in particular.

Tresiba has shown less risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia than the most widely used basal insulin,� said Vikrant Shrotriya, VP Gulf, Novo Nordisk.

SPECIAL OCCASION

DELICIOUS

McDonald’s Chicken McWings available for limited period MUSCAT: Tasty and crunchy Chicken McWings are now back in McDonald’s Oman.

Made from tender, halal meat, Chicken McWings are seasoned with spicy onion, garlic and pepper, cooked until crispy and golden and served hot with a selection of delicious dipping sauces.

Chicken McWings are available for a limited period in McDonald’s Oman, says a press release.

Succulent Chicken McWings are back due to popular demand and served as A La Carte or as an added value to every meal. “Since we ďŹ rst launched the Chicken McWings in 2010, customers have always requested to bring them back. We pay close attention to what the customers want and so this year we are delighted to offer again the Chicken McWings, giving our valued customers the tasty and crunchy taste that they love,â€? said Ali K. Daud, development licensee and president of McDonald’s Oman (Al Daud Restaurants).

McDonald’s Oman recognises the preferences of its expansive customer base and caters to the taste requirements, while introducing exciting new products that satisfy their cravings.

McDonald’s is the world’s leading quick service restaurant serving high-quality food at more than 36,000 restaurants catering to 69 million people each day in more than 100 countries. McDonald’s is committed to quality, service, cleanliness and value in every aspect of its operations in the region. In Oman McDonald’s opened its ďŹ rst restaurant #(Ĺ— ĂťÄƒÄƒĂžÄ„Ĺ— -Ĺ— ) Ĺ— ." Ĺ— ."#, Ĺ— +/ ,. ,Ĺ— of 2016, there are 21 McDonald’s restaurants across Oman.

Al Injaz celebrates 46th National Day MUSCAT: Al Injaz Private School & , . ŗ ." ŗ ÞĀ."ŗ .#)( &ŗ Day with pride and festivity with a spectacular programme performed by the students.

The grand function was attended by Fatma bint Abbas Noorani, the director general for Private Schools, Siddiqa Abdulmajid Al Lawati, director of International Schools, Nabil Abdullah Al Khambashi, director of department for Supervisions of Private Schools, Ministry of Education of Oman and Amita Sharma, the school director along with several respected guests and supportive parents,

says a press release.

The Omani culture was displayed magniďŹ cently on a colourful backdrop. The spirit of patriotism and colour of celebration

were in the air as all the students were dressed up in traditional Omani dresses and the entire school was decorated in the national tri colours. The dynamic

students displayed the traditional Omani culture by presenting folklore and traditional performances, reciting beautiful poems praising His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and Oman; and delivering heart touching inspiring speeches about patriotism.

The students of the Section for Special Needs left the audience spellbound by their zeal, enthusiasm and energetic performance. " ŗ -.#0 ŗ ÞĀ."ŗ .#)( &ŗ 3ŗ celebrations by the school carved a niche in the hearts of all, of renewed patriotism and promise of a bright future for Oman.

B6

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

ROUND-UP Lincoln MKZ brings quiet luxury to life

EXTENSIVE RANGE

The Lincoln MKZ is a styling study that rides on an all-new midsize platform

MUSCAT: Lincoln Motor Company has pioneered automotive luxury since years, making it a preferred brand for many around the world. The MKZ is one fine example that signals a significant step in Lincoln’s reinvention, providing a clear vision of its next-generation vehicles, says a press release.

The MKZ’s shape is a vision of simplicity completed with just a few strokes. Warm hues are evident in every aspect of the new vehicle’s exterior. The deep finish is achieved with a rich base coat covered in multiple layers of tinted clear-coat finishes. By retaining key, recognisable brand design elements, the MKZ remains clearly identifiable as a Lincoln. One example is the more refined interpretation of the split-wing grille, introduced on the 1938 LincolnZephyr, says a press release.

The sedan’s profile is dominated by a long, sleek and sweeping roofline that allows the design to break away from the traditional sedan three-box shape. The lengthening of the roofline enables a more flowing, elegant and more naturally aerodynamic appearance.

A panoramic glass roof spans uninterrupted from the windshield to the top of the backlight.

Integrated into the sedan’s aluminium and boron steel superstructure, the fixed-glass expanse extends to the side roof rails of the cabin, creating an airy, open interior. LED technology enabled an extremely thin and distinctive fullwidth tail lamp graphic. Exhaust tips are cleanly integrated into the rear fascia.

The Lincoln MKZ’s four-seat interior is open, warm and inviting.

The front graphic is repeated in the dramatic sweep of the instrument panel, helping tie the interior to the exterior.

Innovative interior features include push-button transmission gear selection, an open, tiered centre console and liquid crystal instrumentation. The reconfigurable 10.1-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD positioned ahead of

the driver operates with the latest version of MyLincoln Touch as does the nearly flush-mounted centre 8-inch LCD touch screen.

Responsibly harvested poplar wood, aluminium in bright and satin finishes as well as leather help create a sculptural, luxurious and comfortable interior space.

Champagne-coloured leather seats with dark taupe accents feature a champagne perforation pattern, so-called because the perforations on the seat backs conjure the image of champagne bubbles rising from the bottom of a glass.

The Lincoln MKZ is a styling study that rides on an all-new midsize platform. The sedan is capable of utilising multiple powertrain options in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The Lincoln MKZ features Lincoln Drive Control and the sophisticated Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjust-

A P P R E C I AT I O N C E R E M O N Y

able suspension.

Lincoln has built a dedicated team – including designers, engineers, quality and manufacturing experts as well as marketing and sales leaders.

The team includes people from luxury brands, some outside of automotive industry. Many of the team members are working from the all-new Lincoln Design Studio in Dearborn, which will ultimately house more than 180 modellers, engineers, stylists and designers in a space that encourages creativity and collaboration.

The luxurious Lincoln MKZ is available in two variants – MKZ Premier Front Wheel Drive, with a 307 PS, 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 engine and the MKZ Preferred All Wheel Drive with 307 PS, 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 engine.

In Oman, Lincoln vehicles are brought to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co.

Leather & Lather provides grooming products for men MUSCAT: Grooming and association with leather have been man’s time honoured traditions and a gentleman has strived to look good and always kept a fine leather product by his side.

The style of traditional wet shave, the smell of the classic colognes and the feel of real leather are what define a man and hold true to purveyors of exceptional taste. Leather & Lather bring these traditions to you at its exclusive store in the Oman Avenues Mall, Bausher, says a press release.

With heritage brands originating since 1790 and Royal Warrants of appointment to the Queen and the Prince of Wales of

the UK, we have the finest gents full range of grooming products, which include hair management, skin care, special shaving care for sensitive skins, bath and body products, all of which are naturally handmade.

There is an extensive range of exquisite and genuine leather ware, which include wallets (also with a Royal Warrant to the Prince of Wales of the UK), belts, travel bags and briefcases. Its ziptop briefcase (handmade in the USA) is the choice of President Barack Obama. Leather & Lather invite you to experience the old world charm and elegance at the ground floor of Avenues Mall.

BUSINESS MEETINGS

Oman LNG, PSAMQ celebrate two years of LTI-free towing operations

Over 200 attend Oman Cleaning and Facilities Management conference

MUSCAT: In line with Oman LNG’s commitment towards ‘Goal Zero’ and strong partnerships with its contractor, PSA Marine Qalhat (PSAMQ) Oman LNG held an appreciation ceremony for PSAMQ’s staff and tug boat crew.

The purpose of the appreciation ceremony was to give formal recognition of PSAMQ’s HSE achievement since it commenced towing services for the Oman LNG plant in January 2015. During the ceremony, PSAMQ announced that it would also commemorate the newly achieved milestone through a donation to the Oman Women’s Association (OWA) in Sur as part of their continuous efforts to collaborate, care for, and contribute to the local community where they have operations, says a press release.

In addition, PSAMQ has also been awarded the ‘International Safety Management Document of Compliance’ and other accolades for meeting the International Organisation for Standardization

MUSCAT: The first edition of the Oman Cleaning and Facilities Management (OCFM) conference concluded successfully recently. The event was inaugurated

by Eng. Mohsin bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Sheikh, chairman of Muscat Municipality.

The event was sponsored by 20 local and international companies which attracted key industry professionals from Oman to the event.

Over 275 business meetings were scheduled between these companies and business professionals.

Business visitors came from different companies like OAMC, Saud Bahwan Group, Carillion Alawi, PEIE, etc, says a press release.

Seventeen renowned speakers discussed some key issues in industry and shared important information about the latest trends and technologies in facilities management and pest control. Over 200 delegates attended the conference which showed positive sign for the future of this industry in Oman.

The first day of the conference focused on the products, peo-

(ISO) and Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Services (OSHAS) standards.

Oman LNG annually holds HSE Day which offers an opportunity for staff, contractors and their families to reflect on good process and personal safety practices at work and home, health care enlightenment on health mishaps and provides free screening exercise.

Harib Al Kitani, chief executive officer of Oman LNG said, “Oman LNG is proud to witness the significant milestone of two years LTIfree reached by PSA Marine Qalhat throughout their towing operations

at the terminal of the Oman LNG plant in Sur. This achievement is a testament of relentless team efforts towards safety.”

Er Chor Meng, general manager of PSAMQ commented, “I am pleased that PSA Marine Qalhat is able to work alongside Oman LNG to achieve these important safety targets since the start of the provision of terminal towage services at Oman LNG. This milestone would not have been achieved if it weren’t for the strong teamwork, dedication and commitment from the management and staff of both Oman LNG and PSA Marine Qalhat.”

ple and practices to enhance the health, efficiency and reduce the cost involved in the FM industry.

It was a line-up of world-class presenters covering everything from the nuts and bolts of facility management, to the future of high-tech buildings and to the trends regarding sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Some of the speakers included Karl Dixon, GM- Interserve Oman; Adrian Jarvis, GM-FSI Solutions Middle East; Neelesh Sogani, Corporate HSE manager-Powertech Engineering; Hassan Benhamadi, SuloPlastic Omnium group France; Ashok D. Khemlani, Clean India Group; Jennifer Peltenburg, S&M director, Interserve; Francisco Jimenez, sales director, Bucher Municipal AG and speaker from Ministry of Manpower.

The second day of the conference was aimed to converge solution providers and government bodies at one platform towards assessing the best solutions for improving the standards of pest control across the Sultanate. The

speakers included from Muscat Municipality; Sumitomo Corporation; Eng Safwan Al Fakhri – Orkin; Dr Marshed M.N. Kharusy – Sur Overseas; Dr Ali Al WahaibiSultan Qaboos University and a speaker from Al Ariq Equipment.

The conference 2016 was backed by strong support from Middle East Facility Management Association, Oman Green Building Council and Oman Society of Engineers as Supporting Associations; Tanzifco and Kalhat as platinum sponsors Oman International Group as gold Sponsor; Al Jarwani Hospitality, Teejan Equipment, FSI Middle East, Oman Shapoorji, Interserve, Al Ariq Equipment, Easy Business, Kiehl, Sur Overseas, Muscat Oversees Group, Gulf Services & Industrial Supplies Co., Orma, Roots, Barik Group, Bait Al Osool and Origo Integrated Products as silver sponsors.

The next edition of OCFM will be held as exhibition & conference in the newly built Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre between September 11 and 13, 2017.

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

WCAS students placed at multinational companies

B7

ROUND-UP

Renault offers multiple benefits to customers Customers who buy Renault vehicles are guaranteed

MUSCAT: Students of Waljat College of Applied Sciences (WCAS) from final year of engineering participated in placement drive organised by parent university, Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi in India.

Total five students are selected by the leading companies, namely, Cognizant Technology Solutions and Infosys. The students are Komala Sruthi Pilladi, Sonal Attavar, Eram Kasmani, Rachana Visavadiya and Mriganka Harsh.

One student of BE-ECE Sruthi got two offers from Infosys as well as Cognizant Technology Solutions, says a press release.

Congratulating the students Dr S. L. Gupta, dean stated, “This was all together a different experience for students of Waljat.

First time they have gone through a rigorous process where they have competed against a large group of students. Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi, India (BIT) is one of leading deemed universities in India and it is recognised internationally for its academic excellence, innovative research and entrepreneurship development programmes.”

P. K. Singh, Professor – in Charge Training, Placement and Industry Engagement at WCAS stated that most of the leading multinational companies of dif-

assured cash gift of upto OMR2,000, free registration, six years/unlimited mileage warranty, periodic vehicle ferent sectors are visiting regularly to BIT to hire quality graduates. WCAS uses this platform to provide the unique opportunity to its graduating students for shaping up their career. WCAS also organises career fair every year at its campus located in Knowledge Oasis Muscat to give an opportunity to all its students to interact with leading companies from Sultanate of Oman as well as GCC. The training, placement & industry engagement department takes utmost care in preparing the candidates to prepare CV and organises mock interviews.

It is to be noted that about 4,000 students are graduated from WCAS with Master Degree, Bachelor Degree, Advanced Diploma and Diploma. Most of the graduates are well placed in various industries in Oman as well as other parts of the world.

maintenance and AAA/ Road Assistance Card

MUSCAT: Renault Oman, from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA), has announced an attractive scheme for the benefit of customers on Renault’s top selling and new models under a special campaign.

Renault’s new scheme which has already begun will go on till December 31. Renault Oman’s scheme offers multiple benefits for customers purchasing their popular models as well as latest models.

As per the scheme, customers who buy Renault vehicles are guaranteed assured cash gift of upto OMR2,000, free registration, six

years/unlimited mileage warranty, periodic vehicle maintenance and AAA/ Road Assistance Card, says a press release.

All customers purchasing Renault vehicles during the scheme period will be eligible for free first year vehicle registration. All Renault vehicles except Dokker purchased during the scheme period will have an extended six years/unlimited mileage warranty. Customers purchasing Renault vehicles in the scheme period will get free periodic vehicle maintenance of two years/20,000km (whichever is earlier). This offer excludes battery.

Offers are not applicable for rent a car/ taxi/driver trainer segments.

Some offers are not available on commercial vehicles too. Free AAA/Road Assistance card will be given on the purchase of Renault saloon cars, hatch back and SUV vehicles for the first year only and as supported by AAA Oman.

A spokesperson for SBA said, “To guarantee the very best in customer satisfaction, Renault Oman has put in a lot of effort while creating this special scheme for the customers of Renault.”

Attractive scheme Symbol 1.6 litre: Customers who purchase Renault Symbolwill be entitled to receive assured cash gift of OMR1100, free registration,six years/unlimited mileage warranty, periodic vehicle maintenance and AAA/ Road Assistance Card.

Fluence 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre: Customers who purchase Renault Fluencewill be entitled to receive assured cash gift of OMR1,300, free registration,six years/unlimited mileage warranty, periodic vehicle maintenance and AAA/ Road Assistance Card.

Safrane 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre: Customers who purchase Renault Safranewill be entitled to receive assured cash gift of OMR1,800, free registration, six years/unlimited mileage warranty, periodic vehicle maintenance and AAA/ Road Assistance Card.

Talisman Tce 190 EDC and 2.0 litre: Customers who purchase Renault Talisman will be entitled to receive assured cash gift of OMR1,800, free registration, six years/unlimited mileage warranty, periodic vehicle maintenance and AAA/ Road Assistance Card.

Koleos 2.5 litre: Customers who purchase Renault Koleos will be entitled to receive assured cash gift of OMR2,000, free registration,six years/unlimited mileage warranty, periodic vehicle maintenance and AAA/ Road Assistance Card.

Duster 2.0 ltr PE, LE and SE model (2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive): Customers who purchase Renault Duster will be entitled to receive assured cash gift of OMR850, free registration, six years/unlimited mileage warranty, periodic vehicle maintenance and AAA/ Road Assistance Card.

Captur 1.2 litre PE, SE and LE models: Customers who purchase Renault Captur will be entitled to receive assured cash gift of OMR1500, free registration,six years/unlimited mileage warranty, periodic vehicle maintenance and AAA/ Road Assistance Card.

Dokker LE 1.6 litre M/T model: Customers who purchase Renault Dokkerwill be entitled to receive assured cash gift of OMR1,000, free registration,six years/unlimited mileage warranty, periodic vehicle maintenance and AAA/ Road Assistance Card.

S AV I N G S S C H E M E

C U LT U R A L P R O G R A M M E

Sohar Institute for Music & Arts extends ahlibank announces support to Association of Early Intervention MyHassad winners MUSCAT: Sohar Institute for Music & Arts conducted a cultural programme titled ‘Madhura Margham’ in Sohar which was choreographed and directed by Githa Ravishannkhar, a wellknown dancer and guru. The institute raised OMR6,600 to help the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability.

“Githa has been promoting art and culture for the last 35 years and helping voluntary associations,” Ravishannkhar said in his welcome speech. He also mentioned that Githa Ravishannkhar has raised over OMR80,000 through such charity cultural programmes over the last 10 years in Oman. The programme started with the melodious rendering of Carnatic and Hindustani music.

The dances part of the programme followed the sequence set in Natya Shastra for the conduct of Bharatanatyam recital. The highlight of the day was the solo dance for a Meerabhajan song Hari Tum Haro which was dedicated to the

legendary singer, Bharat Ratna M. S. Subbulakshmi as it was one of her master piece compositions.

The Aranga Aaraadhanai by tiny tots drew a thunderous applause.

The students of Sohar Institute for Music & Arts delighted the audience with such dances as Varnam, an elaborate dance giving enormous scope for foot work, ex-

pression and story- telling ability, pure dance of Swarajathi, Thillana and many more different kinds of dances. The chief guest, Indra Mani Pandey, Indian ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman congratulated all the boys and girls and particularly girls whose performances were amazing. He also congratulated Sohar Institute for

Music & Arts and its teachers for their relentless efforts in teaching and training the children. He encouraged the children to continue the training to become accomplished dancers.

Dr. J. Retnakumar, the founder of Bhavalaya and CEO of Insurance Services Centre and a leading promoter of art and culture in Oman congratulated Githa Ravishannkhar for continuing to promote the fine arts of music and dances of India abroad for the past 35 years. He praised the musicians who provided live music.

Sabah Al Bahlani thanked the Institute for organising a programme to help their association.

The programme was sponsored

by C. Steinweg Oman, Sharq Sohar Steel Rolling Mills, Middle East Traders (Oman), Sohar Steel, Oman, Al Nahdha Group of Companies, Insurance Services Centre, SubbaMadhav Rao and Mohamed Redha Abdul Ameer Al Lawati.

Oman Printers & Stationers Ltd were print sponsors.

MUSCAT: ahlibank announced the names of the MyHassad daily prize draw winners.

Mattar Hashil Mattar Al Gheilani from Sur branch, Sulaiman Nasser Saif Al Maawali from Seeb branch, Wisam Mohamed Saleem Abdul Khaliq from Oman Avenues mall branch, Issam El Mallah from Al Khwair branch and Omar Peer Mohd Khudadat Al Balushi from Al Khoudh branch, were the lucky winners of OMR1,000 each for the week, says a press release.

MyHassad savings account continues to successfully satisfy the existing customers and attract new ones. MyHassad Saving Scheme was introduced in July 2008 as an extension of the bank’s tradition of product innovation.

Opening MyHassad Saving account is simple and easy. Customers need only to open their MyHassad account with OMR100 for their chance to win OMR1,000 in the next working day’s draw hence their chance to “open today

and win tomorrow” continues.

Further enhancements in March 2009 allows customers to participate in the OMR10,000 monthly draw, by maintaining a minimum OMR250 during the month.

Effective from June 2010 customers can also transfer their salaries to MyHassad saving account and will be eligible to enter in the daily, monthly draw as per the balance maintained. This highlights the commitment of the bank to its long-term MyHassad account holders.

As one of the leading banks in the Sultanate, ahlibank pledges to provide innovative, efficient and secure products and services to give their valued customers a convenient banking experience.

Opening an account with ahlibank is the first step towards smarter and convenient banking services. ahlibank accounts deliver an extensive and comprehensive range of benefits, personal banking services and instant access through Online and SMS banking.

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Bank Muscat celebrates 46 years of Oman’s Renaissance achievements The opportunity was utilised by the employees to express gratitude and admiration for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the beloved leader of Oman, and commemorate the Renaissance achievements of Oman under his leadership during the past 46 years

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, celebrated the 46th National Day at the head office and branches across all regions as the national pride and spirt of patriotism rang loud and clear in various activities reflecting the Omani sentiments associated with the auspicious occasion.

The opportunity was utilised by the employees to express gratitude and admiration for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the beloved leader of Oman, and commemorate the Renaissance achievements of Oman under his leadership during the past 46 years, says a press release.

Brightly decorated with the national colours of red, green and white, a festive atmosphere prevailed at the head office where the bank’s senior management team joined the celebrations in honour of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.

The highlights of the celebrations included live performances by the Drum Chord and Steel bands from the Royal Guard of Oman, traditional folklore band and poetry recital by employees in honour of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. An exhibition of Omani handicrafts was also arranged as craftsmen made live demonstration of their skills. The opportunity helped visitors to familiarise themselves with the Sultanate’s traditional

crafts, heritage and culture.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive, said, “On the occasion of 46th National Day, Bank Muscat is honoured to congratulate and extend best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the architect of modern Oman.

“The great occasion is remembered with pride as the progress made during the blessed renaissance by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos during the past four decades has elevated the Sultanate to a unique position in the world. The journey was not easy, but pursued with solid resolve, dedicated efforts and great sacrifices, which have yielded lasting benefits to citizens and residents.”

AbdulRazak Ali Issa added, “Great achievements are the results of inspiring leadership. The all-round progress, development and the glorious achievements witnessed by the Sultanate are the result of His Majesty’s farsighted vision which encapsulates the roadmap for the present as well as the future development march in the Sultanate encompassing all spheres. During renaissance years, Omani citizens have been the basis and focus of development which is well reflected in the national qualified cadres occupying important positions in all fields. Complementing the impressive achievements made by the Sultanate un-

der the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Bank Muscat remains committed to contributing to further progress of the nation, prosperity and welfare for all.”

Marking Oman’s 46th Renaissance anniversary, Bank Muscat launched Imprints social responsibility initiative. Highly ambitious in its scope and reach, the Imprints initiative is a unique public-private

partnership in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tourism, Muscat Municipality and the Public Authority for Consumer Protection.

In line with the bank’s ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in sustainable national development programmes, the focus of Imprints include four key programmes to inculcate financial

E X PA N S I O N

literacy, promote sustainable tourism, sustain green environment and encourage enriched lifestyle.

The new CSR initiative stemming from the Royal directive of His Majesty to accord priority for social responsibility is the firstof-its-kind in Oman in terms of its scope and reach, uniting different segments in making a big difference in reciprocating to what the country has given us. The initiative marks a big step in the publicprivate partnership to make lasting contributions to society and the nation.

As the leading bank in the Sultanate, Bank Muscat is at the forefront in contributing to society and thereby setting a fine example for the corporate sector to develop social responsibility as a corporate culture. The Imprints for the nation reiterate the bank’s commitment to set benchmark standards in social responsibility.

Building up the tempo, the bank launched an exciting social media campaign as part of the Imprints initiative. The Instagram cam-

paign offers a great opportunity for citizens and residents to share their experiences of reciprocating to what the country has done to them in short video clips. The campaign offers attractive prizes of OMR1,000 for the best entry, OMR500 for the second prize and OMR300 for the third prize.

The participants are required to follow Bank Muscat Instagram account and post their videos on it. The campaign, which runs till November 27, is open for all but the Instagram hashtag caption needs to be in Arabic.

Participants are not required to be Bank Muscat account holders and winners will be selected by a committee based on the quality and creativity of the videos.

The bank also organised al Mazyona open day celebrations on the occasion of 46th National Day at Muscat Grand Mall. The highlight of the 2-day family event was the special al Mazyona National Day draw, offering a total prize money of OMR100,000 shared by 10 winners across Oman.

C A K E A N D PA S T RY C O M P E T I T I O N

Modern Oman Bakery wins honours in contest

Al Fayha Hypermarket opens new outlet MUSCAT: Al Fayha Hypermarket, a diversified division of Suhol Al Fayha Trading, inaugurated its 13th outlet at Mabela recently.

The store was inaugurated by the delegation from the Ministry of Information (media attaché) Muhammed Jumeah Al Farazi and Zahir Said Zahran Al Harrasi, chairman - Suhol Al Fayha, says a press release. The 2,000 sq. m retail market at this convenient location offers a wide range of FMCG, at very attractive prices and offers.

The group has introduced offers such as buy for OMR20 and get OMR10 gift voucher.

“Easy access to quality produces and competitive prices is what we have got to offer,” said Abdul Jabbar, one of the group’s managing directors. “I remember the support offered by our valued clients in the interior markets and that’s our confidence to expand to the capital,” said Abdul Vahid and Abdul Latheef BK, group managing directors.

“Our brand One-Point and full range fashion store will be a surprise gift to the residents at Mabelah. We intend to expand the brand across Oman soon,” said Shafi Hamza, director - Al Fayha Hypermarket.

ISN athletes showcase outstanding performance

Al Hashar organises blood donation camp donation as a healthy exercise and encouraged employees to donate blood on a regular basis. Conducted under the supervision of a paramedic team and officials from the Ministry of Health, the annual camp is arranged and organised through the Central blood bank, says a press release.

“Millions of people need blood transfusions every year. There is a

top three honours in the three tier Wedding Cake Category. This year Modern Oman Bakery has also won the second position in the Petit Fours category, says a press release.

Suresh Kumar, general manager, said, “Our pastry chefs have done us proud once again. The winners RJ, Rayan , Sherwin and Michael are our heroes.”

CBSE OMAN CLUSTER

R A I S E S AWA R E N E S S

MUSCAT: In its unwavering commitment to serve the community, Al Hashar Group, one of the pioneering business houses in Oman, organised a blood donation camp at its head office in Azaiba.

The camp witnessed active participation from employees who volunteered to donate blood for this noble cause. The campaign also raised awareness about blood

MUSCAT: Twelve of the country’s top chefs came together to a contest of imagination, artistry and skill in Oman’s most prestigious cake and pastry competition held as part of the Food and Hospitality Oman 2016 organised by Oman Expo and Oman Chef’s guild recently.

Modern Oman Bakery won the

demand-supply gap in the Sultanate when it comes to blood, and more blood donation efforts are needed to bridge this gap.

Important role “Business firms play a valuable role in ensuring that the Sultanate has sufficient stock of blood, by organising blood donation drives and encouraging as many employees

as possible to take part in them,” stated a Ministry of Health official.

Speaking on the occasion, a senior official at Al Hashar Group said, it gives us immense contentment to be able to contribute towards our community by way of donating blood for the needy. We would like to thank all employees, volunteers and officials who have joined us in this cause.”

MUSCAT: The promising athletes of Indian School Nizwa (ISN) brought glory to the school by bringing in a haul of 14 medals in the CBSE Oman Athletic Cluster, held at Indian School Muscat recently.

All the gold medal winners have been qualified to participate in the CBSE Nationals to be held at Varanasi. Games and sports is an integral part of the ISN curriculum that ensures an all-round development of the students. It helps to develop a healthy mind in a healthy body acquired by a true spirit of sportsmanship and companionship and this is what has motivated the athletes to perform well, says a press release.

The medal haul brought in by these promising athletes has made the school proud. All credit goes to the teachers for their tireless coaching regime and support

and of course the enthusiastic dedication and hard work put in by the students.

The president of the school management committee, the SMC members, the principal and teachers congratulated and applauded the whole team for their outstanding performance.

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ASHWIN AND KOHLI PUT INDIA IN GOOD POSITION

Virat Kohli hit a fifty to consolidate India’s position after Ashwin picked up another five-wicket haul to help bundle out England for 255 and give the hosts a first-innings lead of 200 on Saturday. >C3

Al Faisal makes winning start at Porche GT3 Cup Challenge Porsche newcomer Al Faisal won GCC

I’m very pleased with the result from race one.

Bahrain is a very good circuit, I really enjoyed the race and the track provided a lot of close racing at the front. It’s great to start the season with the GCC Rookie win

Rookie class on category debut and also made great beginning to Porsche ME campaign

MUSCAT: Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East rookie Al Faisal Al Zubair made an impressively strong start to the 2016-2017 season at Bahrain International Circuit on Friday, by winning the GCC Rookie class and taking second in the Silver class on his debut in round one of the campaign.

Making an excellent start to the season-opening race weekend, which forms part of the Bahrain Motorsport Festival featuring the finale of the FIA World Endurance Championship, Al Faisal lapped sixth fastest overall and the top ‘Silver’ class runner — as well as fastest rookie — in first practice.

He went on to conclude the subsequent second session as the quickest Silver driver and top rookie once more, inside the outright top eight, to prepare very well indeed for the all-important qualifying session at the 5.4-kilometre Sakhir circuit.

Continuing his tremendous form, the Omani teenager posted a superb time of two minutes and

Al Faisal Al Zubair Omani racer

SENSATIONAL START: Al Faisal Al Zubair, centre, celebrates on the podium after winning the GCC Rookie class on category debut at Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East series in Bahrain. – Supplied photo

05.774 seconds (154.9 km/h) — a full 0.7 seconds faster than his previous best — which secured seventh on the grid for Friday evening’s encounter, but a penalty for a rival elevated him into sixth.

Race one took place at 18.15 local time, and therefore under the Sakhir floodlights, and at the start

Al Faisal put the 460bhp from his Porsche to good use by launching away well as he edged alongside British racer Tom Oliphant in a battle over fifth.

Although edged back to seventh soon after, during the second half of the opening lap Al Faisal closed right up on the sixth placed car and

CRICEKT

Boult strikes late against Pakistan, Wagner collects 100th Test victim CHRISTCHURCH: Trent Boult grabbed three late wickets after Neil Wagner collected his 100th Test victim to put New Zealand firmly in control of the first match against Pakistan at the close of the third day’s play on Saturday.

The visitors were reduced to 129 for seven in their second innings, a lead of 62 runs, with Asad Shafiq on six and Sohail Khan on 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Until the last 45 minutes on play, the visitors had taken the day’s honours by inching into the lead and setting themselves up to build on Sunday.

Boult, however, took the catch to dismiss Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq (13), then got the wickets of Azhar Ali (31), Sarfraz Ahmed (2) and Mohammed Amir (6), giving his side the chance to finish off the Test on Sunday and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

The 30-year-old Wagner had earlier become the second fastest New Zealander to the 100-wicket mark, achieving it in his 26th Test.

Richard Hadlee, the country’s most prolific wicket taker with 431, took 25 Tests to reach 100.

Pakistan’s seamers had dragged their side back into the game when they captured seven wickets in the first session to bowl the hosts out for 200.

Sohail (three for 78), Rahat Ali (four for 62) and Amir (three for 43) shared the wickets after the hosts had resumed on 104 for three only to be bundled out with just a 67-run lead. Pakistan were content to slowly chip away at the deficit, losing opener Sami Aslam for seven just after lunch.

Azhar and Babar Azam continued to grind away until well into the final session before Wagner’s short-pitched tactics paid off when Babar gloved a ball down the leg side to wicketkeeper BJ Watling to become the left armer’s 100th Test wicket.

Wagner then captured the prolific Younis Khan (1) with a perfect bouncer that he was unable to avoid and the ball flew through to Watling to leave Pakistan in trouble at 64 for three.

Azhar, who scored a triple cen-

LATE STRIKES: New Zealand’s Trent Boult appeals for a lbw decision against Pakistan’s Sami Aslam during the third day of the first Test match at the Hagley Park in Christchurch on Saturday. – AFP

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan 1st innings: 133 New Zealand 1st innings T. Latham lbw Amir 1 J. Raval c Aslam b Amir 55 K. Williamson c Aslam b S. Khan 4 R. Taylor c S. Ahmed b R. Ali 11 H. Nicholls lbw S. Khan 30 C. de Grandhomme c R. Ali b S. Khan 29 B. Watling c Y. Khan b R. Ali 18 T. Astle c Shafiq b R. Ali 0 T. Southee c S. Ahmed b Amir 22 N. Wagner c Shafiq b R. Ali 21 T. Boult (not out) 3 Extras (lb-1, nb-4, w-1) 6 Total (all out, 59.5 overs) 200 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-15, 3-40, 4-105, 5-109, 6-146, 7-146, 8-171, 9-177.

Bowling: M. Amir 18-4-43-3 (nb-4, w-1); S. Khan 22-5-78-3; R. Ali 15.5-2-62-4; Y. Shah 4-0-16-0.

tury against West Indies in Dubai last month, guided Pakistan into the lead when he deflected Wagner past gully for a boundary before he and Misbah looked to consolidate.

Pakistan 2nd innings S. Aslam c Watling b de Grandhomme 7 A. Ali b Boult 31 B. Azam c Watling b Wagner 29 Y. Khan c Watling b Wagner 1 Misbah-ul Haq c Boult b Southee 13 A. Shafiq (not out) 6 S. Ahmed b Boult 2 M. Amir c Astle b Boult 6 S. Khan (not out) 22 Extras (b-5, lb-7) 12 Total (7 wkts, 66 overs) 129 Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-58, 3-64, 4-93, 5-93, 6-95, 7-105.

Bowling: T. Boult 15-5-18-3; T. Southee 1910-43-1; C. de Grandhomme 14-4-23-1; N. Wagner 14-6-21-2; T. Astle 4-0-12-0.

Umpires: Ian Gould, Sundaram Ravi.

TV umpire: Simon Fry. Match referee: Richie Richardson.

Misbah, however, was caught in the deep by Boult off Tim Southee for 13, before the left armer took three wickets in three successive overs. - Reuters

mounted a challenge into the second tour. Enjoying good drive out of the last corner, he moved alongside over the line into lap two and under braking for the right-hander at Turn One he sealed the pass to move into the top six again.

Holding position for the next couple of laps, Al Faisal was then

nudged back to seventh once more and spent the remainder of the race there. Coming under some pressure late on, the 18-year-old from Muscat didn’t put a wheel wrong to secure the Rookie win and second in the Silver class.

“I’m very pleased with the result from race one,” said a delighted

Al Faisal. “I had quite a good start actually, I went side-by-side with (Tom) Oliphant, and although I was then passed by another car I got the place back into Turn One at the start of the second lap.

“Unfortunately, I went back to seventh but then kept the place to the finish. We did have a minor gear-shift problem towards the end, but it was nothing too bad and the pace was still good. Bahrain is a very good circuit, I really enjoyed the race and the track provided a lot of close racing at the front. It’s great to start the season with the GCC Rookie win.”

C2

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Salman Stores, Powertech post contrasting victories Batting first, Ooredoo were all out for 168 in 39.1 overs. In reply, Salman Stores scored 171 for eight in 32.4 overs

MUSCAT: Salman Stores registered a two-wicket win over Ooredoo in a Khimji Ramdas-sponsored A Division cricket match on Friday.

Batting first, Oordeoo were all out for 168 in 39.1 overs. Vijeesh top scored with 38. Abdul Nawed and Sajjad Ali claimed three wickets each for Salman Stores.

In reply, Salman Stores scored 171 for eight in 32.4 overs. Abdul Majeed top scored with 51.

Brief scores: Ooredoo 168 in 39.1 overs (Vijeesh 38; Sajjad Ali 3/24) lost to Salman Stores 171 for 8 in 32.4 overs (Abdul Majeed 51). Points: Ooredoo – 0, Salman Stores – 5.

Al Mada beaten In a B Division match, Powertech defeated Al Mada by 14 runs. Batting first, Powertech scored 202 for nine in 30 overs. Prabhakaran

B DIVISION: Powertech players pose for a group photo after their win over Al Mada. – Supplied photo

top scored with 65. Rajesh Shetty and Nishant Bhaskar claimed two wickets each for Al Mada.

In reply, Al Mada were bowled out for 188 in 28.5 overs. Shebaz top scored with 50.

Younis Murad claimed three wickets for Powertech.

Brief scores: Powertech 202 for 9 in 30 overs (Prabhakaran 65) bt

Al Mada 188 in 28.5 overs (Shebaz 50; Younis Murad 3/38). Points: Powertech – 2, Al Mada – 0.

Al Mardhuf win In a C Division match, Al Mardhuf defeated Newrest Wacasco by four wickets. Batting first, Newrest Wacasco were bowled out for 118 in 19.5 overs. Jakir Hussain claimed

four wickets for Al Mardhuf.

In reply, Al Mardhuf scored 122 for six in 15.3 overs. Shoaib Al Balushi top scored with 52.

Brief scores: Newrest Wacasco 118 in 19.5 overs (Bibin Sasi 36; Jakir Hussain 4/18) lost to Al Mardhuf 122 for 6 in 15.3 overs (Shoaib Al Balushi 52). Points: Newrest Wacasco – 0, Al Mardhuf – 3.

OMAN TENNIS

Fatma finishes second in Rabat MUSCAT: A battling Fatma Al Nabhani settled for runners-up place in the women’s singles competition of the $10,000 Rabat ITF Pro Circuit tournament in Morocco on Saturday.

In the summit clash, the second-seeded Omani gave her all against top seed Georgina GarciaPerez but failed to stop the Spanish girl from taking the title.

Fatma, despite losing the first at the 6-3, came back strongly to win the second and take the match into the third set.

But at the end Georgina proved too good in the deciding set and won the match with a final score-

line of 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. Fatma had to settle for second runners-up place in as many days after losing the final of the doubles.

On Friday, Fatma and her Spanish partner Olga Parres Azcoitia were beaten 6-3, 1-6 (10-5) by Romania’s Cristina Adamescu and Daian Negreanu.

Fatma was taking part in the third consecutive tournameent in Morocco after having played similar $10,000 ITF Pro Circuit Tournaments in Casablanca.

Fatma will now stay back in Moroccoa to take part in the Arab Tennis Championships that is scheduled to begin on Sunday.

RUNNER-UP: Fatma Al Nabhani

CRICKET

Steyn backs du Plessis over ball tampering allegations SYDNEY: South Africa pace spearhead Dale Steyn has not allowed a series-ending injury to prevent him from backing his captain Faf du Plessis over allegations of ball tampering, suggesting Australia are using the incident as an excuse for losing.

Du Plessis was charged with ball tampering on Friday after Australian television pictures showed him applying saliva to the ball with a sweet in his mouth during the second Test, which South Africa won to clinch the series with a match to spare.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) could ban Du Plessis from one Test match if he is found guilty, putting him in doubt for next week’s third Test in Adelaide. Du Plessis has pleaded not guilty.

Hashim Amla and the rest of the Proteas squad made clear on Friday how they felt about the charge, the batsman describing it as a “joke” with his teammates standing behind him.

Dale Steyn

Steyn added his thoughts on Twitter on Saturday.

“Beaten with the bat. Beaten with the ball. Beaten in the field.

Mentally stronger. Here’s a idea, Let’s blame it on a lollipop, #soft,” he posted.

Steyn later tried to clarify his comment with another post. “Just so we clear, I’m not blaming the Aussies, but I won’t let a fantastic series win be tarnished by some lollipop fabrication. 3-0 mission.”

A fractured bone in his shoulder, sustained in the first Test in Perth, has ruled Steyn out for the remainder of the series and is likely to keep the paceman on the sidelines for six months.

His fellow South African quick Kagiso Rabada also took to Twitter to give his opinion more obliquely, posting a dictionary definition of the word “excuse”.

Du Plessis may yet play in Adelaide starting on Thursday as Cricket South Africa have asked the ICC to give them time “to consult and appoint legal representation and make the necessary logistical arrangements”.

“We are now waiting on the ICC to inform us of the date for the hearing,” chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement.

Du Plessis was fined 50 percent of his match fee for ball tampering in the second Test against Pakistan in 2013 after being caught on camera rubbing the ball against a zip on his pocket. - Reuters

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

C3

SPORTS ISC TENNIS

Prithvi, Shlok, Surya and Siddhaant move into quarterfinals

FIVE-FOR: India’s Ravichandran Ashwin, second right, celebrates with teammates after dismissing England’s Ben Stokes

during the third day of their second Test match at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. – AFP

Ashwin and Kohli put India in good position SCOREBOARD

After opting not to enforce the follow on, India lost three quick wickets but Kohli and Rahane combined in an unbroken stand of 58 to take the team to 98 for three, an overall lead of 298

VISAKHAPATNAM: Virat Kohli hit a belligerent fifty to consolidate India’s position after Ravichandran Ashwin picked up another five-wicket haul to help bundle out England for 255 and give the hosts a first-innings lead of 200 in the second Test on Saturday.

After opting not to enforce the follow on, India lost three quick wickets but captain Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane combined in an unbroken stand of 58 to take the team to 98 for three at the end of the third day, an overall lead of 298.

The 28-year-old Kohli, who hit 167 in the first innings, hit six CRICKET

HCC to host Etihad Catering Cup tourney MUSCAT: Holiday Cricket Club (HCC) will organise the inaugural edition of Etihad Catering Cup on December 2 and 9 at HCC Ground in Wadi Adai.

The eight overs-a-side matches in the tennis ball tournament will be played on a knockout basis. The tournament is retricted to ten teams with the entries accepted on first come first served basis.

According to the organisers, each team will have to use a minimum of five bowlers in each match and each bowler will allowed to bowl only two overs in a given match.

The tournament draw is scheduled to take place on November 25. All the matches will be played in the morning session.

Etihad Catering LLC manager Jay Victor will preside over the prize-giving ceremony.

For further details please contact Iqbal (97881776) or Praveen (92735479).

India 1st innings: 455 England 1st innings A. Cook b Shami 2 H. Hameed run out 13 J. Root c U. Yadav b R. Ashwin 53 B. Duckett b R. Ashwin 5 M. Ali lbw Yadav 1 B. Stokes lbw R. Ashwin 70 J. Bairstow b U. Yadav 53 A. Rashid (not out) 32 Z. Ansari lbw Jadeja 4 S. Broad lbw R. Ashwin 13 J. Anderson lbw R. Ashwin 0 Extras (b-6, lb-3) 9 Total (all out, 102.5 overs) 255 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-51, 3-72, 4-79, 5-80, 6-190, 7-225, 8-234, 9-255.

boundaries in his unbeaten 56 and looked in no trouble on a surface which has tested all other batsmen with the turn and variable bounce on offer.

Stuart Broad dismissed India openers Murali Vijay and Lokesh Rahul cheaply after overturning umpire Rod Tucker’s not out decisions on both occasions.

James Anderson, England’s most prolific wickettaker, then got a ball to swing in late to breach first-innings centurion Cheteshwar Pujara’s defence, reducing India to 40 for three.

Off-spinner Ashwin is the world’s top-ranked Test bowler at the moment and his 22nd five-

Bowling: M. Shami 14-5-28-1; U. Yadav 18-2-56-1; R. Jadeja 29-10-57-1; R. Ashwin 29.5-6-67-5; J. Yadav 12-3-38-1.

India 2nd innings M. Vijay c Root b Broad 3 L. Rahul c Bairstow b Broad 10 C. Pujara b Anderson 1 V. Kohli (not out) 56 A. Rahane (not out) 22 Extras (lb-5 w-1) 6 Total (3 wkts, 34 overs) 98 Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-17, 3-40.

To bat: R. Ashwin, W. Saha, R. Jadeja, J. Yadav, M. Shami, U. Yadav Bowling: J. Anderson 8-1-16-1; S. Broad 6-5-6-2; A. Rashid 12-1-37-0; B. Stokes 5-025-0 (w-1); M. Ali 3-1-9-0.

wicket haul in only his 41st Test earlier helped bring an end to some stout resistance from the tourists.

“I haven’t had a five-wicket haul against England. It was at the back of my mind but definitely not something I was worried about,” Ashwin said. “I knew it would come if I stuck to the basics and bowled the way I’ve been bowling over the last couple of years.

“It’s very important to get a rhythm going and I got it today.”

Ben Stokes and Bairstow had hit half-centuries and combined in a sixth-wicket stand of 110 to launch England’s fightback.

Stokes, who survived a close call on Friday when a delivery from

debutant off-spinner Jayant Yadav kissed but did not dislodge his bail, had another slice of luck when wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha missed a stumping chance off Ashwin with the batsman on 21.

Batting on 18, Bairstow also saw an edge off Umesh Yadav fly between the first and second slip.

The pair kept the hosts at bay before being separated 10 minutes before lunch when Umesh Yadav finally dismissed Bairstow for 53, the paceman’s delivery hitting the batsman’s pad before crashing onto the stumps. Stokes fell for 70 to Ashwin, who had dismissed Joe Root and Ben Duckett on Friday, and the batsman was unable to overturn the umpire’s leg before decision on review.

“Very few balls spin on this wicket so you’ve got to work hard to create the conditions where it might spin,” Ashwin said.

“Got one to spin to Stokes this morning but beyond that there’s not a lot of spin there.”

Ashwin, who has won the man of the series awards in India’s last four Test series, wrapped up England’s innings by dismissing Broad and Anderson lbw in consecutive deliveries.

“It isn’t really special until you’ve seen the game off so I’m not counting the chickens,” Ashwin added.

“I thought Virat batted beautifully ... and I think we find ourselves in a good position.” - Reuters

MUSCAT: Prithvi Raj, Shlok Ail, Surya Mariappan and J. Siddhaant advanced to the quarterfinals of the boys under-14 singles event at the Falcon Insurance Companysponsored Annual Tennis Tournament organised by the Indian Social Club (ISC) Muscat.

Third seed in the boys under-14 singles, Prithvi Raj continued to show fine form and put in good serves and consistency in his ground strokes to cruise into the last eight stage with a comfortable 8-0 blanking of Joy D’Souza.

Fourth seed Shlok Ail also recorded a similar 8-0 win over Shrehtak Acharya.

In another second round matches, J. Siddhanth faced some anxious moments before overcoming R. Varoon with a hardfought 8-5 verdict.

Siddhaanth started on the right footing and reced to a 5-1 lead be-

fore Varoon broke in the eighth game and held to reduce the deficit to 4-5.

Fluent ground strokes Varoon kept up the fight but Siddhaanth maintained the lead and broke again to win his place in the quarterfinals .

Surya Mariappan posted two impressive victories to advance to the last eight.

Surya played fluent ground strokes on both flanks and coasted to an impressive 8-3 victory over Abhinav Raghu in the first round and in the second, showed no mercy on his way to a convincing 8-0 demolition of Jainum Kothary.

Subodh Achar posted an impressive 8-0 first round victory over Ryan Rajan in the under-14 singles and put in a fine effort in the second before going down to big server Varun Deepak.

C4

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

SPORTS TRI-SERIES

Tiripano heroics earn Zimbabwe tie with West Indies BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe seamer Donald Tiripano bowled a superb final over to help his side earn a dramatic tie in their Tri-Series One-day International (ODI) against West Indies in Bulawayo on Saturday.

The visitors lost three wickets, including two run outs, in a desperate last five balls as Tiripano gave them nothing to hit with a succession of full deliveries that restricted the West Indies to 257 for eight.

Captain Jason Holder had the chance to win the game off the final ball but could not make contact and wicketkeeper Peter Moor ran out a charging non-striker Jonathan Carter.

Zimbabwe celebrated as if they had won the game and well they might after the visitors had seemed sure of victory.

West Indies batsman Shai Hope hit 101 from 120 balls, his maiden ODI ton in his second match, and

SCOREBOARD

ZIMBABWE B. Chari c Holder b C. Brathwaite C. Chibhabha run out C. Ervine c R. Powell b Gabriel S. Raza c K. Brathwaite b C. Brathwaite S. Williams lbw Nurse E. Chigumbura c Hope b Holder P. Moor c R. Powell b Holder G. Cremer c Gabriel b C. Brathwaite D. Tiripano b Gabriel T. Chisoro (not out) C. Mpofu b C. Brathwaite Extras (w-8) Total (all out, 50 overs) Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-46, 3-190, 4-197,

15 25 92 77 2 8 6 8 14 0 2 8 257

added 162 for the third wicket with Kraigg Brathwaite (78).

When he was dismissed West Indies needed 38 runs from 32 balls with seven wickets remaining, but they could not get over the line due to tight bowling and poor shot selection.

5-218, 6-228, 7-233, 8-255, 9-255.

Bowling: S. Gabriel 10-0-45-2 (w-4); J. Holder 10-0-47-2 (w-1); S. Benn 8-0-45-0 (w1); C. Brathwaite 10-0-48-4 (w-1); A. Nurse 10-0-55-1 (w-1); J. Carter 2-0-17-0.

WEST INIDES Innings J. Charles lbw Tiripano 19 K. Brathwaite c Ervine b Williams 78 E. Lewis c Chibhabha b Cremer 18 S. Hope c Moor b Mpofu 101 R. Powell b Williams 17 C. Brathwaite c Williams b Tiripano 9 J. Holder (not out) 4 A. Nurse run out 0 J. Carter run out 1

Zimbabwe won the toss and made 257 all out in exactly 50 overs. Their innings was built around the third-wicket stand of 144 between Craig Ervine (92) and Pakistan-born Sikandar Raza (77), but petered out as they managed only 67 runs from their final

Extras (b-1, lb-3, nb-1, w-5) 10 Total (8 wkts, 50 overs) 257 Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-58, 3-220, 4-234, 5-242, 6-255, 7-255, 8-257.

Did not bat: S. Benn, S. Gabriel Bowling: C. Mpofu 10-0-64-1 (w-2); D. Tiripano 6-0-26-2 (w-1); T. Chisoro 10-1-42-0; G. Cremer 10-0-44-1; S. Williams 10-0-52-2 (nb-1); S. Raza 4-0-25-0.

Umpires: Russell Tiffin, Chettithody Shamshuddin TV umpire: Michael Gough Match referee: Javagal Srinath Result: Tie

seven wickets in 11.2 overs. With all three sides having played two matches, West Indies head the triseries table with seven points from Sri Lanka (5) and Zimbabwe (2).

Zimbabwe will be back in action on Monday against Sri Lanka at the same venue. - Reuters

HONOURS EVEN: Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine, right, shakes hands

with West India’s Sulieman Benn during their tri-nation ODI match at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Saturday. – AFP

Sensational Toure return sees Man City join Liverpool on top While Liverpool’s progress was checked with a goalless draw at Southampton, City clambered back level with the Reds on 27 points thanks to the double from old favourite Toure

LONDON: Yaya Toure returned to the Manchester City ranks on Saturday after his public apology to manager Pep Guardiola and scored both goals in a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace to lift them back to the top of the Premier League alongside leaders Liverpool. While Liverpool’s progress was checked with a goalless draw at Southampton, City clambered back level with the Reds on 27 points thanks to the double from old favourite Toure, whose stand-off with Guardiola was quickly forgiven and forgotten.

On an afternoon when Jose Mourinho moaned that Manchester United were “the unluckiest team in the Premier League” after Arsenal had snatched a 1-1 draw

EMOTIONAL RETURN: Manchester City’s Yaya Toure celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal

during their Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday. – Reuters

with an 89th-minute equaliser at Old Trafford, there was nothing lucky about City’s victory.

While resting key players before the Champions League clash with Borussia Moenchengladbach on Wednesday, Guardiola took the chance to reintroduce Toure for his first league appearance of the season after the midfielder’s apology following comments the player’s agent had made about the club and manager.

He repaid the Spaniard’s faith with a 39th minute run and shot and, after Connor Wickham had

equalised in the second half, netted an 83rd-minute winner.

After a three-month stand-off involving Toure, his agent and Guardiola, the Ivorian sounded emotional as he talked of being applauded back into the dressing room by his teammates.

“They have always been brilliant with me, always supportive. I always want to be there to help them.

I am professional, I always want to improve my game,” he said. “I was prepared mentally and I knew that one day my manager would need me.

You must always stay professional.”

Driving rain Liverpool’s recent magisterial progress ended in driving rain at St Mary’s where, although they did extend their unbeaten sequence to 10 games, the league’s top scorers failed to find the target and squandered a series of chances.

It left them still leading the table on the strength of having scored more goals than City but Chelsea, two points behind, have the chance to jump ahead of both if they win at Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Arsenal missed the chance to go top but had to be grateful just

to extend their unbeaten streak to 17 games in all competitions after a last-gasp header from substitute Olivier Giroud earned them a barely deserved point at Manchester United.

Juan Mata had put United ahead in the second half of a game they dominated but Giroud’s late rescue act left Mourinho cursing his luck, even if he had stretched his unbeaten league record against old foe Arsene Wenger to 12 matches.

“We are the unluckiest team in the Premier League,” Mourinho said. “I’m not going to say they (Arsenal) didn’t want to win but they couldn’t be the way they normally play football.

“They were the lucky ones and we were the unlucky ones - but that’s football.”

The draw left Arsenal fourth on 25 points, the same as Chelsea.

At the other end of the table, Victor Anichebe scored twice as Sunderland finally clambered off the bottom with a 3-0 win over fellow strugglers Hull City.

Swansea City are now at rock bottom, with American Bob Bradley still looking for his first win as manager after Seamus Coleman equalised for hosts Everton in the 89th minute to secure a 1-1 draw.

Leicester City’s difficult reign as champions continued as they went behind to an Etienne Capoue goal at Watford after 33 seconds and ended up losing 2-1, a defeat that left them two points above the relegation zone. - Reuters

LA LIGA

Barca held at home by nine-man Malaga BARCELONA: Barcelona dearly missed Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as the La Liga champions were held to a goalless draw at home to nine-man Malaga on Saturday, missing the chance to go top of the standings.

Messi was taken ill before the game while Suarez, joint-top scorer in La Liga along with the Argentine, was suspended. Captain Andres Iniesta was also injured and Luis Enrique’s side were incapable of prising open a Malaga side happy to sit back and soak up pressure for the majority of the game.

Barcelona stayed second on 26 points, one behind leaders Real Madrid. Despite dominating possession Barca struggled to carve

out many opportunities and on the rare occasion they created a chance, Malaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni was there to frustrate them, clawing away efforts from Gerard Pique in either half and producing a sensational save to deny Neymar in injury time.

Malaga had defender Diego Llorente dismissed in the 69th minute

for a straight red card following a lunge on Neymar, but Barca still could not find a way through, although Pique had what looked a clear penalty appeal turned down after his shirt was tugged in the area by Mikel Villanueva.

Frustrated the Catalans Neymar was one of few Barca play-

ers who looked capable of finding a winner but found few willing partners, with stand-in striker Paco Alcacer produced an anonymous display and defender Pique looking far more threatening in attack.

Malaga have proved difficult opponents for Barca recently at the Nou Camp, beating Luis Enrique’s side 1-0 in February 2015 and only losing 1-0 last season.

They frustrated the Catalans again by employing a conservative 5-4-1 formation and defending deep for most of the game, although they created one clear-cut chance, midfielder Juankar firing wide of the near post after rounding Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Malaga’s Juankar was shown a

straight red card in stoppage time for dissent.

Sevilla turnaround Earlier on Saturday, Gabriel Mercado scored a controversial stoppage-time winner as Sevilla produced a sensational late turnaround to come from two goals down to win 3-2 at Deportivo La Coruna and provisionally go third.

Deportivo were denied a penalty late in the second half while leading 2-1 when Argentina international Mercado pushed Florin Andone over in the area.

Mercado escaped a possible red card and netted from close range in the 92nd minute after Vitolo had levelled in the 87th. - Reuters

FOOTBALL

England did not do enough to protect Rooney, says Mourinho LONDON: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho feels England did not do enough to protect captain Wayne Rooney after he was pictured socialising in the early hours of the morning while on international duty last week.

Rooney made a public apology on Wednesday after images were published of the striker looking worse for wear at the team hotel after last week’s victory over Scotland at Wembley.

“The only thing I say is the player goes to the national team, he belongs to the national team — I learned since I was a kid, if someone lends me something I have to take care of it even better than if it was mine,” Mourinho told British media.

“You know — your friend lent you a pencil, you have to take care of the pencil better than if it was your pencil.

“So I think when one day if I become a national manager, I will try.”

Several other Premier League managers have leapt to Rooney’s defence, including Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Liverpool’s Juergen Klopp, who felt there had been an overreaction to the episode. - Reuters FOOTBALL

Kane dreams of being skipper LONDON: Prolific English striker Harry Kane is proud of his leadership skills and dreams one day of captaining both boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur and England.

“It’s my personality. I’ve always been a leader, on and off the pitch. I don’t think a captain is just having the ability to shout on the pitch, or moan at someone,” Kane said in an interview with the Times.

“It comes with a whole package ... meeting with the fans and having that aura in the dressing room. I’ve managed to captain Spurs a couple of times.

“It would be a dream to captain Spurs full time and captain England. Who wouldn’t want to do that?” - Reuters

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

VACANCY

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

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FOR SALE * 6BR Villa in Al Ghobra Facing the beach for sale. Ύ ŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů Θ ZĞƐŝĚĞŶƟ Ăů >ĂŶĚ ŝŶ Al khuwair for sale. * warehouse in Wadi Al kabir for sale.

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^ Ed/E/ ϯ dzW Ϯ ^dKZ z s/>> t/d, ϰ ZKKD^ W>h^ D / ZKKD d > DKh: W, ^ ϰ͘ 'Z d >K d/KE t/d, h> ^ &KZ W Z</E'͘ PURCHASE OPEN TO NON-OMANIS AS WELL.

PREMIUM VILLA FOR SALE

CONTACT NO. 91257475

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Contact: 99024730 New 2BHK flats in Ghala near Al Maha 300/- O.R. Contact: 91403136

Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM 1&2 BHK Ruwi CBD. Contact: 99024730

2BHK M.B.D. Contact: 92144045 1BHK Ghubra R.O 250/- & 225/-.

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Ready occupancy in Darsait Mumtaz area 2BHK RO 300 rent with car parking and security, Darsait opposite to church and temple.

Contact 96395603 whatsapp.

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Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Kuwaiti Mosque in Wadi Kabir.

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Contact: 99376454

S U N DAY, N O V E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT 2 BHK Al Khuwair R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045 Flat in Al Khuwair, ground floor, Majlis and 3 rooms.

Contact: 99242119 Room in Azaiba. Contact: 99555843 Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Oman house in Muttrah.

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Self contained furnished room with bath available in a secured gated villa in North Ghubra.

Contact 95309526 2BHK MBD, Ruwi, Bank Muscat building R.O 380/-.

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Contact: 90999945/92222045/ 99105602 Flat for rent in Al Ghobra, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 family sitting room, 1 kitchen. RO 400/Contact - 95919059 2BHK flat and shops available location Muttrah more details please. Contact: 99364735 / 91214849 Villa at Al Khuwair 33 – Very next to newly opened Al Shifa Hospital - Ground Floor - 3 Bed room/ 3 bathroom / Hall/ Dining area with A/C’s. R.O. 450/-. (Families).

Contact : 94934353 - 9 am to 7 Pm. Email : forrentksd@gmail.com Apartment for rent full furnished, one room furniture Al Khuwair area.

Contact: 99389989 after 5 O’clock PM Flats sand shops for rent in Ruwi MBD area Mumtaz area and Honda road. Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 / 94579531 Fully furnished room for executive bachelor in CBD area, WiFi internet free, advance deposit.

Contact: 90631572 2 bedroom flat luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair, 1 bedroom flat - luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair. For short or long term lease contract contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact 99436312 / 94617563 / 92888376, tel : 24833848 / 24833848.

2 BR apartments available for rent, close to Muscat Grand Mall, next to Diwan’s Office, South Ghubra. Contact: 2456256 / 99833747 New flats in Al Amerat, Height 7, 3 bed rooms, 3 toilets, kitchen & hall.

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Flat for rent Behind GMC Al Ghubra. Contact: 99373728 Showroom in Ghala 435 SQM 1850/-. Contact: 91403136 Villa for Rent behind mazoon mousqe 7 bedroom, living room, dining room . Contact 95150809 for 750 R.O nogotiable 3 bedroom ground floor house for rent in South Al Hail behind Al Hail Hypermarket.

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FOR SALE Good Condition Sanyo washing machine, semi automatic, RO 30 for sale in MBD Contact; 99737812 Twin Villa for sale in Azaiba near Sultan Centre. Each side has three floors, five bedroom plus maid room.

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Contact : 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 Digital printing shop near ROP building backside of Honda road opposite light house.

Contact: 99338568 Voltas A/C (new), Double coat with bed, gas cylinders, single piece sofa with teapo, dining table set, small wardrobe etc. Contact 92307916 Lister Generator 15kva 2 cylinder for sale / Contact 99575652/ 94347878 BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALEWell-furnished running building material-electrical shop (4 shutter / 200sqm) in Al- Khoudh- 6, for immediate sale- shop with stock or stock only.

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Contact - 97682922 FOR SALE ϭ͘ WŽƌƚĂ ĂďŝŶ Ϯ͘ ŽŽŬ >ŽĂĚĞƌ ;EĞǁ ,ŽůůĂŶĚͿ ϯ͘ tĂƚĞƌ dĂŶŬĞƌ ;,ŝŶŽ ϮϬϬϬ 'ĂůůŽŶͿ ϰ͘ ZŽůůĞƌ ;: ϯ dŽŶͿ ϱ͘ ZŽůůĞƌ ;: Θ tĂĐŬĞƌ͕ ϭ dŽŶͿ ϲ͘ ^ĐĂī ŽůĚŝŶŐƐ ϳ͘ , W ƵĐƚ WŝƉĞƐ ;ϯϬϬ ŵŵ ƚŽ ϭϴϬϬŵŵͿ ϴ͘ dŽǁĞƌ ,ŽŝƐƚ

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Sharing accommodation available with W/E at Al Khuwair 33. For a small family or non-cooking bachelors. Contact - 92834145

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MATRIMONIAL Ezhava boy from Thrissur age 27 M. Com working as Accountant in Oman for 4 years seeks suitable proposals. Contact 99718868

LOST Kamal Hossain has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AA 3841477.

Finder please handover to ROP

AVAILABLE Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 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

SITUATION WANTGOOD NEWS ED Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic clinic, 18th November Street Al Ghubra (North).

Contact 99639695 / 97397320

LOST Vijayan Avatham Veettil Kunhi Krishnan has lost Indian Passport No. J 9714811. Finder please handover to ROP. Jamil Ahmed has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AD 3488756.

Finder please handover to ROP

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SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT JOB OPPORTUNITY Wanted 1No. Junior Civil Engineer WŝƚŚ ŵŝŶŝŵƵŵ ϯ LJĞĂƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟ ŽŶ͘ ƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ ǁŝƚŚ EK ŝƐ ŚŝŐŚůLJ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ͘ &

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SALES ENGINEER (Mechanical)

SITUATION WANTED

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Experience : 4-5 Years Oman Experience with Driving License.

Field / Skill : Fabrication, Structural, Pipe Line, Tank Send your CV’s to

Site Engineers (Civil), Senior MEP Engineer, MEP Engineers, QA/QC Civil, HSE Supervisor, Foreman (Civil), Foremen Electrical, Foremen Plumbing. ƌĂŌ DĂŶ Ͳ ŝǀŝů͕ ƌĂŌ DĂŶ Ͳ DĞĐŚĂŶŝĐĂů͕ ƌĂŌ DĂŶ Ͳ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů͕ Y^ Ͳ ŝǀŝů͕ QS - MEP, Experienced Purchaser, Store Keepers, Experienced person ŝŶ tĂƚĞƌ WƌŽŽĮ ŶŐ ŽŵďŽ ^LJƐƚĞŵ͘

Contact :

Interested Candidates to send CV to below email.

hr@oasisgrace.com

+968-99881459

ACCOUNTS Indian Accountant having 13 years experience in accounts in Oman & 6 years in India, Oman driving license excellent knowledge in Tally & MS Office, Seeking suitable placement Contact: 79039690 Email: thomas.mahesh@gmail.com

Email: info@durat.om

Sales Executives Applicants are invited for existing vacancies in a leading information Technology company.

Interested candidate should have the following criteria: - Background in marketing. (MBA is preferable) - 2-3 years experience in Oman for selling IVMS Products or Information Technology solution.

- Well versed with Oman market.

- Omani driving license must.

- All Nationalities are welcome to apply.

Interested candidate may send CV to hr@kginfotech.com

Indian chartered Accountant 17+ years experience in Accounts , Finance and Business management working in reputed group in Muscat looking for suitable change. Oman Driving Licence and NOC available 95562708 pandukp2016@gmail.com Indian male 30 yrs, B.Com 4 years experience in GCC, Sales / Accounts looking for suitable vacancy, currently on visit. Contact: 99727595 Email: samie61@gmail.com Chartered Accountant Finance Manager B.Com, CA, CIA focus, Sap Oracle, MS Office. Contact: 94641805 Sri Lankan Chartered Accountant (female), Graduate in B.Com (SP) having 2 years visa. Working experience in Accounting & banking sectors, looking for a suitable position in Muscat. Contact: 96356974 / 97488363 Email: hansikamail@yahoo.com Indian male, B.Com, MBA in Finance, 4 yrs in Larsen & Tourbo, 26 yrs in Oman, English/ Arabic speaking with driving license. NOC available. Contact 95588565

ACCOUNTS Accountant 2-3 years experience.

Candidate should be Indian, English speakers. NOC is a must.

Email: mohammad.jwabreh@ bearingcitysc.com. Fax: 24509312

Syed Tousiff,B.Com,7 years Experience India, Currently in Oman seeking suitable job.

Contact:+968 90846557.

Email :syedtou23@gmail.com

Reputed mineral water company required the following HEAVY/LIGHT DUTY DRIVERS VAN SALESMAN with Omani driving license

SALES SUPERVISOR/SALES KͳKZ /E dKZ with Omani driving license , >W Z^ ͳ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ϯ ƚŽϱ LJĞĂƌƐ

Accountant Sri Lankan National Inter CA 3 yrs exp in finance, ready to join immediately.

Contact: 79049355 Email: ahamedfiham777@gmail.com

Contact - 90372638

ADVOCATE MEDICAL Indian / South African lawyer needed - required 5 years experience Omani license required male / female. Contact: 99378253

ADMIN Urgently required HR Manager (Omani National): Minimum 2 years experience good command over English & Arabic.

Should be capable of handling Administration, all type of correspondence & routine office works independently, and good skill in MS-Office is must. Interested candidates may send in their CVs to Fax # 24600217 or email on: starmail@omantel.net.om

CATERING Urgently required a Cook for an Omani Family in Muscat. Experience in Arabic / Chinese / Indian is a must. Contact on 96445912 for more information.

Required Waiters, pantry chef, South Indian Cook and kitchen stewards for an outlet in mall.

Attractive salary and accommodation. Contact 99859150

DRIVER Heavy driver with GCC license 1 Nos , Heavy driver without license 1 Nos + JCB operator with operator with GCC license .

Heavy machinery mechanic with electrician knowledge 1 nos.

Contact: 99454425 Wanted Driver for heavy (sewage vehicle) and light vehicle with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 97991654 / 97991652 Kindly send CV at Email: construction@remasalseeb.com / remaschandran2020@gmail.com

Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc.

Ready to join as early as possible.

Contact 96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com

Wanted Orthodontist, Pedodontist and oral surgeon, implantologist for a specialty dental clinic. Email - medident5000@gmail.com Lab technician prefer lady with experience in Oman MOH license for a established clinic in Muscat.

Send CV to Email: sultanmedicalcentre@gmail.com Wanted female & Male Nurse with or without license (good salary, food & accommodation with other benefits. Contact 92989109, Email: medicoport@gmail.com GP, Pediatrician, Gynecologist, General Surgeon, Orthopedician, Dentist, Pharmacist urgently required to work in a Polyclinic in Sur. Candidates with MOH license preferred. Contact 00968 24446454, 00968 91164581, 98280628, Sunday to Thursday : 8.30 AM to 9 PM. Wanted GP, Dentist & Nurse with or without MOH. Contact : 95042101 or send CV to Email : azad.a.asif@gmail.com Required Optometrist for a leading Optical group in Oman.

Email : albasilopticals@gmail.com contact 93822557

MISCELLANEOUS Urgently required handsome Sales & Marketing person for computer shop at Ruwi (IT knowledge) Oman driving license will be an advantage (preference for Keralite). Contact: 98048903 mail: info@smartpointcomputer.com Urgent required : Store labors.

Candidate should be Indian, English speakers. NOC is a must.

Email: mohammad.jwabreh @bearingcitysc.com, Fax: 24509312

DOMESTIC HELPER

Indian male age 26 visit visa, B.Sc Mathematics 4 years experience as an Accountant seeks suitable job. Contact: 98615171 / 95374978.

Email: worksite.tinson@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Required sales and marketing executive for a 4-star hotel in muscat. candidate with excellent communication skills and having 3+ years experience need apply. driving license will be an advantage. email: hoteljobsmuscat@gmail.com Position - Regional Coordinator we are looking for a business development cum Projects Coordinator for an Engineering and Project Management organization, qualification, B.E (Civil) / MEP experience – 10 yrs work experience in Oman is essential.

Email: hr@syconepmc.com A reputed trading firm in Muscat is looking for Sales Manager / Sales Executives, experienced in selling construction equipments & tools. Email: alhajoil@omantel.net. om Fax: 00968 24701683 Carpentry workshop located at Muscat looking for expert Marketing executive with Oman driving license & NOC. Send C.V to kwk585@gmail.com Required well experienced dynamic candidate in Real Estate Evaluation Field beside Building Management Techniques.

Contact 91246444, Email: rescooman@gmail.com Wanted Sales man for a printing press Whatsapp: 94756618

MANAGER Wanted part time housemaid to clean two flats once a week.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

SKILLED LABOUR Construction Project Manger with 10 years Oman experience in big projects (preferred with PMP) Contact: 99441122

MEDICAL SECRETARIAL / OFFICE Urgently required a Pharmacist/Asst Pharmacist with MOH license for 1 month leave vacancy or permanent position.

Contact 99048170, Email : murtafatmct@yahoo.com Fusion Medicare Polyclinic, Muscat wants GP, staff Nurse holding MOH license & Receptionist (Omani) Contact 97698004 email: medicare@fusionlogicoman.com

Required Office Assistant with driving license present in Oman on contract basis only, Salary: RO 175 + food + Accommodation.

Contact: 99454425 Wanted Office clerk having two years experience. Contact: 92891888

Urgently wanted experienced Senior boat man.

Contact: 99466062 Required “Supervisor Civil construction” site accommodation provided send CV: arabianhomellc@gmail.com Tel : 95371525 Required Experienced Auto Electrician and Automobile Mechanic for a reputed service station.

Contact : 91232638 hashim@ramainvestment.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED ACCOUNTS Indian (M), 25 yrs, B Com, 2 yrs procurement experience in Oman for a Real Estate Maintenance Division and 18 month accounts experience in India, Very strong in Advanced Microsoft Excel M: 91511923, Email Id: aruns9145@gmail.com.

B.Com Graduate with 10+ years experience in Admin & Purchase, looking for suitable positions.

Contact 97014673 or maheshsoman.pillai@gmail.com Accountant (M. Com) having 7 years of exp with knowledge of Tally & Focus looking for a suitable job with valid D/L - (NOC/Release available). Contact: 93864278 Indian male with NOC , 12 yrs Oman experience in Operations, facility management banking project coordination with Oman D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 98183667 Indian male, Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah.

More than 20 yrs experience in Accounting job (upto the finalization of accounts), 8 yrs working experience in Middle East in Dubai, Muscat & Salalah.

Contact 91325029 Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization on monthly basis, finalization works. Contact: 96247295 Indian male 24 yrs, B.Com Graduate with 1 year experience in accounts, looking for suitable position. Contact: 91247507 Assistant Accountant looking for job. Contact: 90119212

Accountant 8 Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 Indian (m) MBA (F), more than 6 years of experience in accounts, proficiency in various A/C software SAP (F1/CO) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 95920740 mail: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com Indian female, 26 years,brought up in oman,M.COM(FINANCE) CA Foundation(CPT),CA INTER(DOING) presently on family visa seeking for immediate and suitable placement.

Contact -97174201/99663957 Email-anishasasi@gmail.com Indian female 26 yrs, MBA finance 2 yrs exp with MNC. Email: rilooozmali@gmail.com.

Contact : 90551366.

54 years Indian male having 20 years of experience in Accounts / finance seeking suitable positions.

Contact: +91 9495274949 Email: jayangk@gmail.com Finance Manager, 17 + years Gulf exp. in Accounts, MIS, budgets, strategic planning, cost control, cash flow management, seeks job.

Contact 99489784, E mail :- vijay.564@hotmail.com Accountant & Administrator, 18 years experience (7 yrs in UAE) Accounting software’s knowledge.

Contact: 91729724 Indian male working in Oman for last 8 years as an Accounts Executive having driving license and NOC. Looking for an opportunity.

Contact 95731665.

Manager Accounts / finance professional, 15 years Oman experience looking for a opening.

Contact: 92168401

ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. Contact 99284193

Accountant B.com Indian male 12 yrs exp seeks suitable job.NOC available . Contact : 91212471 Email: rennyj6@gmail.com

Indian male 10 yrs experience as accountant (6 yrs Oman exp) on visit visa seeking suitable job.

Contact: 93488505 Email: rahmath.kara@gmail.com, rahmathkara@yahoo.in

Post Graduate M.Com (finance) having 20 years experience in Accounts in seeking suitable placement, NOC available.

Contact: 96275019 Email Id: vjkmr9583@gmail.com

Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. Contact 93953613, Email-allen.mathew83@gmail.com Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: anishkhan991867@gmail. com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Male MBA (marketing & Finance) B. Com with SAP ERP & Accounts (SAP Certified), diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards (IAAP-UK), peach tree and experienced seeks placement.

Contact- 92324692 Indian Senior Accountant, B com, Having 8yrs Experience in Oman, Up to Finalization, Oman D/L, Release Available, Contact - 93484122 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com 8 yrs exp. in Admin & Accounts (3 yrs in Oman), MBA, exp. in Tally ERP 9, Indian (F) seeks placement.

Contact 97243806 Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing. Contact: 96976240 Omani female Accountant, 32 years, having 10 years exp in admin/accounts seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93295953 Indian male MBA (fin) 5 years experienced looking job on visit visa. Contact: 97127584 Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin.

Contact :94743790 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact : 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Certified Public Accountant (Filipino, Male, 27-yrs-old) with four years experience, seeking suitable placement in accounting/ audit, currently on visit.

Contact; 94959606, email: czesar.42@gmail.com 7 Years experience as Financial Analyst, MBA in finance. Responsibilities- research contributor, financial statement analysis, generating MIS & efficiency report, managing TAT, business & clients.

On visit visa in Muscat.

Contact 90191628 / 96175780 Chief Accountant / Senior Accountant having 16 years experience can handle accounts up to finalization, MIS, C FLOW, Budgeting, ERP, Costing & liasing with auditors, looking for suitable position. NOC available.

Contact: 97205058 / 94885686 Indian (M), 31 yrs, M Com 9 yrs experience in Oman, looking for Manager or Executive position in Fin & Accounts, NOC Available.

Contact 968 96166178/ +919768537435: mohammednajeem@yahoo.com Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394

ARCH./ INTERIOR DEC. Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com

S U N DAY, N O V E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED B.COM GRADUATE WŝƚŚ ϯϬ LJĞĂƌƐ KŵĂŶ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ǀĂƌŝŽƵƐ Į ĞůĚƐ ůŝŬĞ ĐĐŽƵŶƚƐ͕ ĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ͕ KƉĞƌĂƟ ŽŶ͕ ƌĞĚŝƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ĞƚĐ͘ ǁŽƌŬĞĚ ŝŶ ƌĞƉƵƚĞĚ ĐŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐ ĂƐ DĂŶĂŐĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ KŵĂŶ driving license and knowledge of basic Arabic language.

Contact - 98185350

ADMIN 8 years experience in administration and guest relations department in Oman With valid omani driving licence. Seeking suitable jobs. Ph: 98145825 email: getcb@rediffmail.com Omani, male, 26 yrs experience looking for job in reputed Companies as PR, having experience at airport / Emigration, Ministries/ Manpower with Oman D/L. Contact 95445779 25 yrs experience of office Administration/Sales/IT in Oman & have NOC/release. Have own car & ready to join any company as freelance also. Contact 99008870 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have vocational M.B.A diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time.

Contact: 95933288 Indian lady, B.Tech MBA*,around 3 year experience. Looking for HR/ admin post.GSM 91156408 E-maild - ivyasara16@gmail.com Office admin/ Accountant Asst, BBM, Diploma in logistics, NOC available. Contact : 98269281 Indian female, qualified masters degree & having work experience, seek suitable placement.

Contact 99436069, Email: ramanrami@rediffmail.com Egyptian woman resident, considerable experience in the Administration and Secretarial Executive for company.

Contact : 97221126 Indian female MBA-HR having three plus experience in HR, Administration, Customer support, Office coordinator with good computer skills. Now on family visa.

Contact :- 92427359.

Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position.Contact 90196235 Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

BEAUTICIAN Beautician exp in India (overseas). Contact 95175192.

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN Free lance Autocad works experienced (arch, struct, MEP, shop drw) rate a0/a1 sheet ( 10-17 OMR) ph : 97103168 8 years in Oman Architect Drafts man working in Engineering Consultancy Muscat, language known Arabic, English, Hindi & Malayalam GCC driving license.

Contact: 92466495 Indian, female, B. Sc Interior Designer (Scientific College- Muscat) 23, with 1 year experience, on visit visa, seeks suitable opportunity, as family resides in Oman.

Contact: 99334391 Email: k.fazlurahman@gmail.com Freelance / part time 3d design works, interior /exterior.

PH - 97103168 Tunisian girl looking for job in media field, has 8years experience in publishing Contact 97816917 Free lance / part time autocad works / make boq 2d /3d arch , structural, shop drawings interior drawings. Contact 97103168 mkgroupoman@gmail.com Autocad d/man / Site Supervisor, experienced knows 2d/3d arch stru, interior civil ITI / Diploma PH : 99506977

Canadian-Graduate interior designer. Proficient in many 3D & 2D design software. Speaks English, Arabic, and conversational French. Mobile: 97945233 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

DOMESTIC HELPER Indian (F), maid for cooking and all types of household work, 7AM to 3 PM, Ruwi areas & capital areas part time. Contact: 92115082 Indian house maid seeking part time job between 12 pm to 4 pm.

Contact: 92072866 South Indian lady looking for housemaid job. Contact: 91487124

DRIVER 2 Yr experience in Oman, seeking job (D/L). Contact: 94338977 Looking for driving job 3 yrs exp.

Contact: 91659265 Driver with license looking for suitable job. Contact : 98340015 Driver with license looking for suitable job. Contact: 97314941 Indian light driver need job.

Contact: 96693613 Light driver looking for job exp.

Oman 13 years. Contact: 93940319 Driver with license available immediately with own car fluent Arabic, English & Hindi.

Contact: 90744740 Heavy & light driver and operator (Omani and GCC valid D/L) (overseas). Contact 95175192.

Light driver 10 yrs. exp in Oman.

Contact: 99465319 Heavy vehicle driver Pakistani looking for job. Contact: 93916645 Driver with car part time 4 year’s experience, looking for job.

Contact: 94390979 Looking for light driver job, 6 years experience in Muscat, knows English / Arabic.

Contact: 92747280 Looking for driving job experience Oman 8 years K.S.A 5 years education H.S.C. Contact: 94297563 Looking for driving job language English, Arabic & Hindi experience in shipping Companies.

Contact: 95283531 Looking for driving job 2 yrs exp.

Contact: 95145988 Looking for driving job Executive education speak good English and Arabic 4 years experience in Oman. Contact: 99474870 Looking for driving job.

Contact: 97418036 Looking job for driving (with car).

Contact: 92005311 Looking for job exp having driving license. Contact: 97363138 Driver looking for job.

Contact 95892363 Bangladeshi, light driver looking for job, 4 yrs exp. Contact: 92681457 Experienced driver available with 4WD willing to work fulltime / part-time, familiar with all tourist destinations in Oman.

Contact: 24814231 / 91941545

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Electrical Engineer: Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

Experienced IT Professional

Contact - 93864278

Contact # 96654216

ǁŝƚŚ ŽǀĞƌ ϮϬ LJĞĂƌƐ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ͘ ĂŶ ŵĂŶĂŐĞ ZW ƐLJƐƚĞŵƐ͕ ,ĂƌĚǁĂƌĞ͕ EĞƚǁŽƌŬ͕ tŝͲ&ŝ ĂŶĚ Biometric Devices.

EK ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR. PH : 92279784

Indian male, 33 yrs, M.Com, ,ĂǀŝŶŐ ϳ LJƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ĐĐŽƵŶƟ ŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ŽĨ dĂůůLJ Θ ĨŽĐƵƐ ĂďŝůŝƚLJ ŽĨ Į ŶĂůŝnjĂƟ ŽŶ ŽĨ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ͕ Į ŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚƐ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ Ă ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ũŽď͕ ǁŝƚŚ ǀĂůŝĚ ͬ>͕ EK ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘

Indian (male) B. Tech. Mechanical/ HVAC Engineer, 4 years experience in design consultancy NOC available, holding valid Oman driving license seeking suitable placement. Contact 93965156 Mechanical Engineer with a bachelor degree honors seeking a suitable job in a good company.

Contact: 94957250 Civil Engg: B. Tech 6 yrs exp in Building Construction seek suitable Job.NOC Available.

Contact 94682380, mathivananred@gmail.com Electronics & Telecom Engineer (MSC, B-tech), 7 Years’ experience in Aviation Industry, seeking for suitable placement, on visit visa.

Contact: 96565797, 98372393 Email: inampatriot@yahoo.com Civil Engineer with 8 years experience performs multi- task job to structural work , building construction , infrastructure , planning , site development & architectural finishing works, NOC available valid Oman D/L. Contact:97474593 Email: a.baraka.om@gmail.com Mechatronics Engineer with NEBOSH and three years experience in Oman with license.

Contact: +968-94180383, khalid_khogli@hotmail.com HSE Engineer, NEBOSH IGC and IOSH certified, having 3 years experience looking for a suitable position. NOC available. Please contact +968 91476537.

Young Indian B.Tech Computer Science Engineering seeking suitable job, express visit visa.

Contact 91311003 Indian Graduate with 15 years of consumer electronic exp with NOC looking for suitable vacancy.

Contact: 96473121 Indian male 24 B.E Mechanical Engineer, 1 year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 98530806 / 99362006 A computer aided Mechanical Engineer with a bachelor’s degree honors well trained in designing programs & mechanical manufacturing processes. Contact: 98003627 Senior Project Engineer with 15 years experience in the field of ELV Engineering (Security Systems, Specialized Airports Systems) with sound knowledge in Project Management, Project Execution/ Procurement. Contact : 98117213 ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, B-Tech, Indian Female one year freelance experience in Firefighting Company in Oman worked in technical, Planning and admin works, seeking opportunity.

Contact: 94355787 / 96794339, Email-pdeepthi53@gmail.com Civil Engineer 5 years experience in building construction, having valid Omani D/L and NOC available. Contact: 94452524 , Email:sibin.asiaticn@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer Indian with 2 years experience as Quality Engineer Contact 94538906 Civil Engineer having 7 years experience in Oman with AutoCAD. Contact: 98947460 Aeronautical Engineer Indian male having three years experience technical, Record handling, operations seeking suitable job position in Oman. Currently on visiting visa. Contact: 92779128 Email: tonyaero123@gmail.com Civil Engineer seeks a suitable senior position, 9 years experience in projects management planning, coordination, quantity survey, structural design AutoCAD. (NOC Available). Contact : 79097475 Email: a-shaqfa@hotmail.com Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973 Mechanical Engineer, Indian, 5 yrs Experience, Automobile Diploma, HVAC, On Visit Visa, Contact – 93042025

Indian Male 22, BE Civil Engineer with few site and internship experiences looking for a suitable position in your firm. Got knowledge in (Primavera, Autocad, Staad pro).

Currently In visit visa. 98327644 or shakib842@gmail.com Electrical Engineer 2 years exp in construction & distribution seeking job available on visit. Contact: 98361217 / 94110178 Email:shariqsiddiqui09@gmail.com Male, 25 yeas Diploma Instrumentation and Control Instrument Technician, 2 years experience, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96946408 Email: anfeeranfu4@gmail.com Indian male 26 years Mechanical Engineer with 2 yrs exp in Oman.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 91328079 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. #92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Indian male Civil Engineer 1.6 yrs exp, having Omani D/L, looking for suitable position. NOC available. Contact – 92157694 / mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Diploma in Mechanical Engg, 10 years exp in steel fabrication site work with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 94696192 Diploma Civil Engineer Indian male, 15 yrs GCC experience, valid Oman D/L, NOC available, seeking suitable placement.

Contact :99794456

Electrical Engineer (BSc) 8 Yrs Exp in Telecom Industry looking for Job Cell: 93872547 email: daniyal.badar@gmail.com Young Engineer with 2 years working experience as Business Analyst, Data Analyst and Business Strategist looking for suitable position in the field of Research & Developing Marketing strategist is on a visiting Visa. Contact : 91983892.

Email: utkarshgupta8@hotmail.com Electrical & Electronics Engineer 2 years of work experience is looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96739500 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrs exp seeks suitable position in a reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com B. Tech Mechanical HVAC site Engineer 4 years experience, currently on visit. Contact 92837696 / mdabdulather@gmail.com Civil Engineer 5+ years experience in Building construction & Steel structural building with having valid D/L. Contact: 93850440/ shahadat033@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer 27 yrs Indian male 4 yrs experience (Oman, UAE) ASNT level II, ASMEB 31.3 certified looking for suitable position. Contact: 98843671 Email: ifthikharahmedpo@hotmail.com

Electrical Engineer having 16 years experience in switchgear / Transformer / over head lines & trading for Sales / Procurement & Project Execution with valid Omani D/L, also available on contracts basis. Contact: 968 - 95994727 Email: qurm340@gmail.com

Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961

Piping Engineer with 10 years experience. Contact: +968 96745181 Email: khan121008@gmail.com

B.Tech Civil Engineer Indian male with 2 years experience looking for junior position job on visit visa.

Contact: 97206179

Indian male 23 yrs, B.Tech Mechanical Engineer 1 year experience in India having piping engineering and quality control certification looking for suitable job, currently on visit visa. Contact: 90957740 Email: nishadphoenix@gmail.com

Indian male 25 B.Tech Electrical, 3 years experience in industrial automation & supervision.

Contact: 97207570 / 90481773 2 yrs well experienced Structural Engineer with good knowledge on ETabs & fast in using AutoCAD looking suitable for suitable placement. Contact: +968 96118135 Civil Engineer with B.Tech in Civil Engineer seeking new job opportunities, on employment visa in Sultanate of Oman with no objection certificate for two years, Eby Joe Witalius. Contact: 93671405 32 years male Indian Civil Engineer, advanced surveying (land surveying) 6 years of experience (Gulf experience) seek immediate employment. Contact: 98443218 Surveyor Supervisor Pakistani male 30 diploma in Civil 12+ year’s exp 9 years in KSA looking for suitable job, on visit visa with valid driving license. Contact: 97255028 Email: leo-khurais@yahoo.com

Mechanical Engineer with 4yrs exp in PAEW, Maintenance, Design and having GCC D/License Contact:+968 95712436 & tejab17@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, 24 yrs, Indian Male, Fresher, Training Undertaken in Electrical Draughtsman, Fire Alarm, Fire Fighting and Industrial Automation. Contact: 94989767, Email: Junaiz987@gmail.com Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat.

Contact - 91176187 Email: syam036@gmail.com Indian male, B.E Mechanical with 2 years experience as Maintenance Engineer in Cochin Refinery and 1 year experience in Chevrolet seeking job. Ph number: 97964862, Email:jossyabraham20@gmail.com

Age 29, UK Computer Engineer Graduate, 5 years experience, 10 years in Oman, NOC & D/L available. Contact: 94423351

Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283

Piping Engineer (B.E Mechanical) with 5+ years experience in Gulf and India seeks suitable position.

Contact: 91987143

Mechanical/ Piping Engineer (B.Tech.) on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 94703350 mail: nadeembcoolboy@gmail.com

Pakistani, Land Surveyor, experience 5 years, 3 years in Pakistani & 2 years in Oman Muscat, building and roads and 3 years civil diploma, NOC available.

Contact: 94791214 / 98489700

Indian female B.Tech (CSE), 22 with 4 months experience as System Engineer in leading MNC on visit visa seeks suitable opportunity as family resides in Oman.

Contact: 71198596 Email: divyamarch94@gmail.com

Engineer buildings diploma 3 years Sudanese National 4 years experience in the construction sites & management. Contact: 91183608 Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com

Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. Contact 96570891

An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).Looking for a Suitable position. Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa. Contact: 92157694. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS and Low current systems and has good knowledge about Electronic Security Systems, currently working in Oman, NOC Available. Contact: 94737033/ mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com Graduate Civil Engineer 20 yrs GCC experience with Omani D/L, seeking job NOC available.

Contact: 98621645 Email: imtiazcv@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer Sudanese 6 years exp in Gulf HVAC fire protection plumbing with D/L. Contact: 90609377 Indian male, B.E Mechanical with 2 years experience as Maintenance Engineer in Cochin Refinery and 1 year experience in Chevrolet seeking job. Contact : 97964862, Email:jossyabraham20@gmail.com Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. Contact: 98921022 Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Male, 30yrs. Experienced in Steam turbines and Thermal Power house seek employment.

Contact - +91 8130553668 or mohamedshah7@gmail.com Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. #99739415 / 92091528 Indian female 24. Masters in Computer science engineering, seeking job in colleges, schools and institutes. Having in good skill in teaching and advanced technologies. Contact : 93356858 Email id : annielino11@gmail.com Indian male Biology / Science teacher M.Sc, B.Ed from a University with 8 years teaching experience in School seeking placement.

Contact: 91190636 29 years, Indian, male, 4.5 years experience in structural designing with education qualification M.E (Hon) seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95528918 Email: shyam.s.thampy8@gmail.com Mathematics Lecturer , Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University, B.Ed qualified, distinction holder with 6 yrs teaching experience in colleges.

Contact : 91360147.

Maths Teacher 30 years experience IGCSE bilingual I.B, A& AS levels. Contact: 98016336 Indian Female, Phd in Chemistry having 3.5 yrs of Experience in India. Staying here on Family Visa & seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact – 99675828, Email anupam.tiwari67@gmail.com

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S U N DAY, N OV E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED HOSPITALITY

MISCELLANEOUS

SKILLED LABOUR

Indian male, 24 yrs , Diploma in Hotel management, 2 years experience front office management in 4 star hotel Dubai, currently on visit visa. Contact: 97937504 mail:febinpalathingal01@gmail.com

Indian male (B.Com) with 15 years experience in procurement and logistics on visit seeking suitable openings. Contact: 96086290

Mason, Sh/carpenter, steel fitter (overseas) with medical. #95175192

Indian male 31yrs old with hotel management degree,03 yrs experience in F&B services at 5 star hotel Dubai, 05 yrs in American 06 star cruiseliner has butler. Has Oman driving license. Contact 99859150.

IT IT Support Engineer Indian male 5 years experience seeking suitable jobs in Oman.

Contact 90117664 System and Network Administrator 30 yrs male, Indian over exp 5 years of experience in India with MCA Graduation and CCNA certification seeking placement in IT, Now in Muscat on visiting visa.

Contact: 92805363 Email: anoopmprakash@gmail.com 27, Indian male: Software Developer having 5years+ experience in oracle forms & reports 10 g, BI publisher. Contact:91156571 Indian male, 25 yrs, B.Tech CSE with 3 yrs experience as Software Developer (ASP.NET, AZURE & ANGULARJS) in a leading MNC, on visit visa seeks suitable opportunity. Contact 99062642 / 97216920, Email : kbrijas@gmail.com Indian male, B.Tech (CSE), MCSE, 25, with two years’ experience in IT support and system administration in a multinational firm, on visit visa seeks suitable opportunity. Contact 92655401, e-mail tonysamthomas@gmail.com Egyptian male on visit visa, diploma in Computer Software hardware, Networking, Installation of CCTV cameras, IT support, install and configure finger print machines. Contact: 90203139 IT Support Eng seeks placement 1 year exp, networking hardware software. Contact: 94988634 Email: sajid.ullah100@yahoo.com B. Tech (IT) Graduate having one year experience in search engine optimization, seeking a job in IT field. Contact: 96336292 Email: nazrinkhan.s@gmail.com IT Systems and Network Administrator with 8 years of experience in Qatar & Bahrain, holding MCITP & CCNA, certified professional with Bahrain D/L currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact: 91765841 8+ years experience as Software and multimedia Developer currently in Microsoft India seeking suitable opening in Oman. #93936878 IT Engineer male, 28 yrs, over 7 yrs experience with NOC, D/L available seeking placement in IT / Network / Telecom field. Contact 93563297 Email: monuzv24@gmail.com CFA level 1 cleared (pursuing level 2) MBA operations research, female, 5 yrs experience as Analyst, have a valid Oman driving license, looking for related openings.Contact 95818892 IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact 94672759 Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available.

Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement. Contact 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact 98660672 Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement. Contact 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com Female, master in mass communication, B.Ed, experience in media channel and teaching PH : 99362024

LOGISTICS Experienced Indian Male seeking placement in “Stores & Logistics”.

Contact: 91927039

Indian male 10 years exp in Gulf country exp in store keeper seeks suitable job salary 175 to 225 Riyal. Contact: 90198237 9 year experienced industrial painter and sand blaster with Oman driving licence. NOC available. Seeks suitable placement.

Contact ZakeerHussain 96681934.

21, Indian female B.com graduate on family visa looking for immediate and suitable placement. Holds valid Omani Driver’s license.

Contact: 97208869 Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements.

NOC available. Contact: 92066 523 BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com Sudanese male bachelor geology and mining with 3 years experience in MUD logging and training in soil investigation. Contact 92956848 B.Com,IICL Certified Container Inspector(No.150850),Visit Visa, Six months experience, need placement. Phone 90880935,99023279, Email solexyesudas@gmail.com.

Indian male, 29 yrs, Diploma in Polymer Technology & Fire Safety,7 yrs of experience in Polymer Production Supervisor (Plastic & Rubber Industry).Seeking suitable placement. Contact : 9818 8418

House boy, Office boy, looking job (overseas). Contact 99531802 Watch repair and service looking for job, 24 yrs experience.

Contact: 99530405

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE India PG diploma in Business Administration, 24 year experiences (22 years in Oman) in diverse field handling office administration independently, Sales and Marketing, highly motivated, hard working skillful and willing to work in hallenging environments seeks suitable placement. Having valid Omani driving license. Contact 99120500 Indian female B.Ed & BCA experienced looking for office assistance, date entry or receptionist job.

Contact: 97384206 Email: rani_sweet786@live.com Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Contact: 95244761 Secretarial & Office: Indian(F), MBA in Finance, 2 years experience as Associate in Branch Operations (Record Keeping, Desk job)on family visa. Ph: 93186865 ; email: ddthoppil@gmail.com Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827

SALES / MARKETING MANAGER / SUPERVISOR Experienced Manager, 6 yrs Oman & 10 yrs India, in Procurement, Contracts, Transportation, Administration & Marketing. NOC available.

Call/Whatsapp: 91030909 Indian, male, 15 Years GCC experienced Finance professional looking for senior position in Finance, immediately. 96779717, Email : finsagu@gmail.com Experienced profit center Manager for Aluminum /glass fabrication & installation industry available as Advisor / consultant, NOC available. Contact: 94951527 General Manager Indian National With 20 yr Experience In managing Civil Construction Business Seek Opening in reputed Civil Company. Contact-97464650.

Manager FMCG distribution / Supermarket expert 15 years Oman experience looking for a opening.

Contact: 92787747

MEDICAL Indian female dentist with 3 years of experience looking for a suitable placement well versed with tooth extraction and RCT, cleared Pro metric exam.

Contact: 95981802 Email: jyotsnasandeepk@gmail.com Pakistani male MBBS, 1 year exp.

Contact: 0092345 4557131, Email: drluqman101@gmail.com Indian male, Nurse with more 7 years experience MOH license, P.D.O license, dataflow, NOC available looking for job in Oman. #93604827 Email: subinraj37@gmail.com Experience Indian male Doctor available for locum.

Contact: 92506636 Looking for job Dentist Indian female with 2 years experience.

Contact: 95894258 An Arabic speaking Assistant Pharmacist with MOH license & over 5 years of extensive experience in public and hospital pharmacies (Mobile: 94109327) Veterinary Doctor: Indian Female looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 96906534 /99014885, Email: monishmajeed@gmail.com Filipino male Medical / Sales representative with 3 yrs experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: 92610394 Dr.Ayman Abduljalil Ali, E.N.T Specialist (Otolaryngologist), Yemeni-male, looking for job.

Mobile: 00201096542706, Email: aymanjalilorl@gmail.com

Indian male, looking for sales & marketing job, Oman license holder. Contact: 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com Sales professional (Graduate) additional qualification CCNA & MCSE having more 10 years experience in handling IT hardware, Networking & security products (project based) and experience in Education and training Industry in Oman, seeking employment in relevant IT companies.

Contact: 99354209, Email: sandy6673@gmail.com Indian male MBA and Diploma in management from Australia. On visit visa, looking for a suitable job in sales & marketing.

Contact – 71189884 Indian male with 6 years experience in sales in oman. NOC available, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95364128 Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India. +918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com Oil & gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license. Contact:96143430 / 99875919 Marketing Executive MBA Marketing & HR 32 yrs 6+ years exp with Oman D/L NOC, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 90258303 Indian male 26 years of experience of sales & marketing in surgical and laboratory equipments.

Looking for good replacement.

Contact – 92015894 /95774854 Indian male age 24, B.Com. having 2 year experience and currently in visit visa. Looking for suitable placement in Sales, Marketing & finance. Contact: 90766307 Email: shhaazz.007@gmail.com Indian male 1 yr exp in sales automotive (TBL) looking for best opportunity , NOC available.

Contact# 97793879 Email: shyampkn@gmail.com Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position.

Conatct 95792820 Client Relations and Sales Professional with 8 years in the Business Process Outsourcing industry, looking for suitable opportunity in Muscat. Contact +96879050752

SALES / MARKETING Indian male (B.Com) with 15 years experience in sales of Medical/ Surgical item, currently on visit visa, seeking suitable openings.

Ph: 96086290 Sales Executive 3+ experience in GCC / having GCC D/L post Graduate seeks job as Sales Executive & business development Executive.

Contact: 93887916 , Email : shamji3851@gmail.com Indian Sales/Marketing Executive having 5 years experience, looking for suitable job, residing in Muscat. Contact: 94782695 Indian Graduate D/L & 7 yrs experience in marketing release available. Contact: 96628154 Salesman Merchandiser, on visit visa, have 4 years experience.

Contact: 91211018 Looking for a part time job, having Oman driving license fluent in English, Arabic & Hindi, and Marketing experience. Contact: 91460280 Indian male, MBA in Marketing and PGDM in HR, looking for suitable job knows English, Hindi & Malayalam, on family visiting visa.

Contact: 97127799 Email: vijinviji00@gmail.com Looking for job as purchaser / storekeeper have bachelors degree with more than 8 years experience in procurement field, knowledge in MS Office, JDE (ERP software).

Contact: 71234389 / 93403540 Indian male Graduate, 11 years experience in Oman seeks job in sales / marketing. Contact: 96367331 Engineering Graduate having 5+ years of exp as Marketing coordinator in advertisement company and 6 months as security system service engineer. MobileNo.79059197 Social worker and counselor, M.S.W, M. Phil, 36 yrs, male, 8 years experience including 1 year GCC experience as social worker, counselor and welfare officer, on visit visa, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 93001084 Email: nimson4u@gmail.com NOC available, Indian male, 30 yrs MBA, BE (Electronics & Telecomm) 7 yrs in Oman in sales, marketing & projects seeks suitable placement, valid Oman D/L, Contact: 98518776 Indian female 29 years Post Graduate with computer Knowledge 2 years of Oman experience in coordinator & 5 years of experience in customer service, client relation officer with excellent communication skill seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95337665 Sales & Marketing professional seeks suitable Senior position with 10 years Gulf based experience in hospitality airlines, NOC available with driving license.

Contact: 95544612 MCA Graduate with 1.6 years experience Indian female looking for any suitable job currently on visit visa. Contact 97993250 / 91447261 Indian male 30 yrs, MBA, 5 plus yrs. work experience in sales, services, marketing G.C.C valid driving license in Oman work visa.

Contact: 91739031 BBA Bachelor of business administration exp in custom clearance procedure, also done international logistics management & Nimb National Institute business management (US) certification all documentation work related logistics. contact – 91949050 / akram.chaush001@gmail.com Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity.

Contact: 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail.com Marketing Manager 29 years professional experience in GCC / Oman in marketing in building materials / High tech products.

Contact: 92284066 / 98559317 29 years Indian (MBA) having 4 years experience in marketing and 3 years in Supervision seeking suitable positions. NOC available having KSA valid driving license.

Contact: 97904189 Email: anzar.amu@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity.

NOC available. Conatct 96001877

Procurement, Warehouse & Logistics, Pakistani Male, Graduate, Over 10 years experience, Looking for Suitable Placement, Currently on Visit Visa Contact Oman : +968-91257663 E-Mail:waqasmehar1@gmail.com MBA (UK), raised in Oman & with 2 yrs work experience holding valid Oman driving license, seeks job in sales / business development. Contact: 99513132 India PG diploma in Business Administration, 24 year experiences (22 years in Oman) in diverse field handling office independently administration, Sales and Marketing, highly motivated, hard working skillful and willing to work in challenging environments seeks suitable placement. Having valid Omani driving license. Contact 99120500 Resident in Oman 18 years, 10 years experience in setup marketing plans and strategies, sales, import & logistics, procurement, Omani government tenders, organizing projects & events, import fireworks for festivals, NOC available, have car. Contact 94123939.

Email: 002015r@gmail.com

TOURS/TRAVELS Indian male 29 years old on visit looking for a suitable position in air ticketing and tours, overall 10 years of experience, 6 years experience in gulf. On visit, ready to join immediately. Contact – 97189669/ info.awaiz2015@gmail.com Indian male 27 years IATA diploma currently on visit visa Hindi, English fluent good communication skill looking job in travels / sales experience 6 months Galielo & abacus.

Contact: 98679664 Emil: junaidcraze@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Male 39 Years- Executive Secretary (To the Top Management), having 10 years experience in Oman. Also well experience in HR Executive & Admin related jobs. Local release & Oman driving license available. Seeking for immediate suitable placement.

Contact 92215110; email: hellosajans@gmail.com An Indian female, B.Tech teacher having an experience of 6 y in college on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact 99083475 Indian male (44), MBA, 19 yrs experience in Oman. Present Industry: Natural stones for construction. Responsibilities: Production, Business development and overall management, looking for an immediate opening.

Contact : 90992631 Indian male Executive Secretary (To Top Management) having 10 years experience in Oman. Also well experience in HR Executive & Admin related jobs. Local release & Oman driving license available, seeking for immediate suitable placement. Contact 92215110; email: hellosajans@gmail.com Pakistani male, looking for a suitable placement as Document Controller, Computer Operator.

Contact 93919064 25/Male/Sales Executive 5 years of experience working in Oman with driving license and NOC, Can communicate fluently in multiple languages.

Contact: 92756031 Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs.

5+ years’ experience in Muscat.

Current visa status: Family joining. Contact: 92139298 Bangladeshi Male, University M. Com, working as an Administrator cum Accountant in Oman since last year; Tally ERP9, searching better job. Phone: 94864966, email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com 33year Indian Male MBA-HR, MSC having 8.9yrs Exp (HR-operation / SAP/ Admin) with Oman Driving License. Seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/backend jobs.

Contact:+968 99322978 B.A Graduate, 28 yrs old, with Good English communication skills,5.5 years Experience in hospitality and hotel industry is looking for a suitable job in Muscat. (In Visiting visa).

Contact No:90146616.

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female, BBA Graduate seeking for suitable job in Sales and Marketing, HR, Administration. Contact: 96463881 Accountant Indian, 13 years experience can handle accounts up to finalization, tally, busy accounting, smart accounting, NOC/release available. Contact 96133146.

Email: kkcjob786@gmail.com Indian male 23 yrs, Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP. Contact : 9586 1251, Email : zufarajaib@yahoo.com Indian male, 26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int. Standards, B tech in Mech engg. Contactrahulkunnath23@gmail.com Indian Male (25), BSc Electronics, M.B.A seeking suitable openings, Having 3 years’ experience in, sales and Marketing of financial products with Oman Driving License. Contact 94774550 B.A Graduate, 28 yrs, with Good English communication skills, 5.5 years Experience in hospitality and hotel industry is looking for a suitable job in Muscat (on Visiting visa). Contact : 90146616.

Indian male, 24 years, B.Com, MBA(Finance) with overall 3 years experience in accounts/ finance field. On Visit Visa.

Contact:90115058/ safwanmeadows@gmail.com Indian male, Network cabling technician (19 years gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP will be happy to hear from you. Contact : 9586 1251, Email : zufarajaib@yahoo.com Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs.

5+ years’ experience in Muscat.

Current visa status: Family joining. Contact: 92139298.

Expat with 13 yrs experience in sales and marketing, seeking suitable placement. Contact 92100116 HSE Engineer, 3+years of experience, bachelor of engineering(EEE), Nebosh, IOSH, DHSE, first aid.

Contact :+97474018995, email: midhunmich@gmail.com, skype: midhunmike Indian male civil Engineer 8 years good working experience searching for suitable job. barathidasancivil@gmail.com, +91- 9176451772, +91-955157008 Job wanted as admin/clerk/office Bank, and money exchange ,I have 7 years of banking experience in Pakistan and have two years visa with Noc . Nawab khan 9497640 Indian male B. Com Graduate, 1.5 Year exp. in various office works, Valid Oman driving license Looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 95322175 / 91987965 Pak. (Male), M.B.A (Management) having 2 years experience Admin + Accountant. Good Knowledge of Tally and M.S office in Oman on visit visa looking for job.

Contact 97094221, Email: mubinbrw@gmail.com Indian male, BBA and Diploma in logistics, looking for a suitable position. Contact 92267276 28, male, ACCA finalist, BSc Honours, have 4 years of professional experience in Finance of different industries independently. NOC available, seeking for permanent replacement at a Senior Position.

Contact -97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@gmail.com IT Systems and network Administrator with 8 years of experience in Qatar & Bahrain , Holding MCITP & CCNA certified professional. With GCC D/L .Currently in Oman in Visit Visa, looking for a suitable placement .

Kindly contact 91765841.

(NOC NOT REQUIRED) Indian female B.E (I.T) : Good experience in documentation and CRM. Having good communication skills. Seeking for job from reputed organization. Previous experience in Oman and India.

Contact - 97301058, 97136975.

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

SITUATION WANTED Indian female Nurse with MOH License, looking for suitable placement in Muscat.

Contact: 95537685.

Indian male, 27 Yrs Age, MSW (HR) looking for Job any reputed organization. Having more than 1.5 years in India in the area of HR & Admin seeks suitable position.

Contact : 93353912 Indian male, completed BBA and diploma in logistics and transportation, fresher. Visa type: visit visa.

Contact :92267276 Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian Male, Expert in AutoCad, Revit Arch, Staad, Primavera seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact : 90198202, nanduchandran94@gmail.com Filipino, Female, 37 years old having 9 years’ experience in office administration. Looking for Admin/HR related jobs, on visit visa.

Contact 96209384. Email: rechie.labandria@gmail.com

DRIVING

Bangladeshi Male, University M. Com, Working as an Administrator cum Accountant in Oman since last year; Tally ERP9, searching better job. Phone:94864966, Email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com Indian male 24 MBA, having 2 years of experience in accounting and admin field, looking for job.

Contact no- 91626565 Mechanical/Production Engineer, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B. Tech in Mech Engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified. Contact arn9895@gmail. com, Mob 00919895233155 Indian Male Wood Designer & Wood works 7 Years good working experience searching for suitable job. +919698637279, GSM 91894487 BE-Diploma Mechanical Engineering with 4 years experience in Oman as QA/QC in production, looking for valuable offer, with valid driving license.

Contact 99335742

Specialist for road test drum and slope. Contact 94022250 Muscat Driving School.

Contact 94085688

SITUATION WANTFOR LADIES Special packages, Facial, Pedicure, Eyebrow, only 10 RO. Al doom Beauty Parlour Contact- 99619409

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact 99839898

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S U N DAY, N OV E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED TOURS

SITUATION WANTED TOURS

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDU./CLASSES

We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898 Enjoy Camping in Wahiba desert & all over Oman & tour.

Contact: 92226866

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SERVICES

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

We Provide Cleaners, Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ General cleaning etc. ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. Contact: 98294551

MANPOWER

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS

WE SERVE OMAN

Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance Barka, Mabela, Ruwi area. Contact: 96236476 General cleaning new villas cleaning Barka , Mabela, Hail area.

Contact: 99557080 / 95323517 Painting & plumbing work.

Contact: 95963682

SERVICES TRANSPORTATION

A/C maintenance & Servicing, Fridge / Washing Machine / dish washer repairing, 2) Painting and cleaning service, Electrical & Plumbing. Contact 94147874 / 24504281, Email : globalaccessunited@gmail.com

Transportation available, pick & drop. Ruwi, Al Khuwair, Azaiba & Al Hail. Contact - 94297820

Transportation. Contact: 94087276

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & antitermite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

Transportation. Contact: 94510847

Transportation. Contact 94510847

We undertake building construc-

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

Pick & drop available 24 Hrs. Contact: 98522914

Transportation. Contact 92015894

tion and maintenance, we have 40 Indian skilled & labors.

Contact: 91797549 / 99539433

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Transportation. Contact: 99664703

We undertake new construction & maintenance & gypsum works.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

02

TIMES O F OMAN

OMAN: THE LAND OF FRANKINCENSE

FRANKINCENSE TREE AND ITS GIFT

Cutting tool Al manqaf is a unique iron knife which the Dhofari frankincense harvester used to tap or peel the bark:

Frankincense, also called olibanum, is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfume. It is obtained by cutting the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bark of the genus Boswellia which grows in Arabia, Africa and South Asia. The English word is derived from Old French franc encens (high quality incense). Many centuries ago, a huge enterprise of caravan was established along the Arabian peninsula when the Mediterranean civilizations discovered and fell captivated by its aroma. Soon this commodity became even more expensive than gold, and up until petroleum was discoverd in Arabia. Many experts agree that the best kind of frankincense is produced by the species which are native in Oman.

60 - 100 years

Harvesting

Average life span of frankincense tree

10 - 20 kg

Blade

7cm

Wooden handle

20cm

Optional blade

7cm

Average yield of resin for each tree per season

Boswellia sacra tolerates the most critical conditions and often grows on rocky slopes and ravines and can start to produce resin from 8 to 10 years old.

Frontal view

Side view Most of the trees are leaďŹ&#x201A;ess during the frankincense resin harvesting season. On this illustration we added leaves to show how the tree looks in all its splendor

MAKING INCISION According to studies, wounds are made on the eastern and western sides of the tree to allow sufficient exposure to sunlight for quick drying of the resin. However on bigger trees, they are on the sides where they do most of the tapping.

Main tapping areas

East

South

West

Trunk

Sunrise

Sunset

A

B North Harvesters prefer to tap the branches to avoid scabs from old wounds.

The lower portion of the tree trunk produces more resin

Scab The tree responds to an injury quite similar to the human body. After the cut, scabs will appear.

Bark

The total number of cuts per tree:

Fresh wound As soon an incision is made, the sap begins to surface. The optimal size of tapping must not exceed a surface of 12 sq cm.

from

20 40 to

Remaining scar after the scab fell off

Minimum separation between the cuts

B

30

Precious white sap turns into resin as it dries

A

cm

4 cm

3 cm

The reason why a plant or a tree produces saps or resins is it serves as a defence mechanism to seal off its injury, to prevent desiccation, and to protect against insect and fungal attacks, as well as decay.

East

Frankincense trees grow favourably in stony soils rich in limestone

West

Average daily production per worker: 8 to 12 kg

TAPPING PROCEDURE

A

Trees are induced to bleed by making incisions in the outer bark.

Wounding is made in the trunk and on larger branches.

B

The sap oozes

C

The resin hardens into clumps or chunks.

D

After two weeks the harvester returns to the tree and collects the accumulated batch of resin and cuts again. This step is repeated every two weeks during harvest season.

Sources: Dendrochronology and bark anatomy of the frankincense tree by Motuma Tolera Feyissa | Burseraceae of Dhofar by Ahmed Mohammed Mustahil Al Kathiri | The Plant List (theplantlist.org) | Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew, London) Frankincense & Myrrh: A Gift of Tree History by Kim Coder | Frankincense, Myrrh, and Balm of Gilead by Shimshon Ben-Yehoshua | Interview to Mr. Amin Saad Said Al Mahri

E

The resin is left to harden for a few weeks before being brought to market.

Scab

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

03

Species The Burseraceae is a family of trees or shrubs characterized by the peeling or flaking aromatic bark and the resin present within the plant tissue. The resin from many species in this family is being used as incense. There are two prominent genuses in the Burseraceae family: the Bowellia (its resin is called frankincense) and the Commiphora (its resin is myrrh).

GENUS

BEISELIA FAMILY

1 species

SUBTRIBE

SPECIES

The resin considered as frankincense is produced by all 30 species in the Boswellia genus but only four are considered the ‘true frankincense producers’, the other 26 species produce resin with lesser compounds that characterizes its distinctive aroma.

Boswellia frereana Somalia

AUCOUMEA 1 species

CANARIEAE

MINOR GRADE OR NOT FRANKINCENSE

170 species

GARUGA

BOSWELLIA

37 species

30 species

BURSERA

BURSERACEAE

Boswellia papyrifera Ethiopia, Eritrea, Uganda & Sudan

26 species

5 species

BOSWELLIINAE

Boswellia serrata India

120 species

645 species

TRUE FRANKINCENSE

Boswellia sacra

4 species

Oman, Yemen & Somalia

TRUE MYRRH

Commiphora myrrha Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Yemen & Oman

1 species

BURSERINAE 342 species

MINOR GRADE MYRRH

Commiphora abyssinica

4 species

COMMIPHORA

Commiphora foliacea

222 species The genus Commiphora encompasses 222 different species of trees, from which only five produce a resin, but only one single specie is considered as ‘true myrrh’.

PROTIEAE

Commiphora playfairii Commiphora serrulata

96 species

Frankincense tree geographic distribution

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

Pakistan

Boswellia papyrifera

The Burceraceae family grows in the tropical regions of all the continents but its genus Boswellia is constrained to Africa and Asia.

Oman Eritrea Boswellia sacra

Sudan Caribean Mesoamerica

Tropical zone

Burceraceae family

India

Saudi Arabia

Asia

North America

Tropic of Cancer

Yemen

Southeast Asia

Africa

Boswellia serrata

Socotra island

Ecuator Ethiopia

True frankincense South America

Minor grade frankincense

Somalia

Australia

Arabian Sea Boswellia frereana Ecuator

Uganda Other Boswellia species Mainly in East-Central Africa

Vascular system of the tree

Madagascar

Burseraceae trees are characterized by resins that are present within the plant tissue from the resin ducts in the bark.

Two types of resin canals in frankincense tree:

1

SPROUTING RESIN

2

Radial resin canals Bear low amount of resin

When the scab is formed, it develops a rose-like shape incrustation surronded by thin papery bark layers.

Axial resin canals Bear great amount of resin and located in the inner bark

Growth rings

Radial resin canals

Radial resin canals

A resin is a mixture of many compounds but its characteristic aroma is due to terpene, a volatile hydrocarbon.

Outer bark Resin pockets With limited resin circulation

Stages of extraction SHAPES OF NUGGET

One single frankincense tree is cut on nine occasions at the same locations during the season. The seasons for cutting the trees vary from one region to another. The best season in Oman is called Hojari which starts on April 15 and ends on September 1 .

Month Day

April 1

May

15

1

June

15

1

15

1

4

Workers cut the trees

Workers collect frankincense and cut again in the same wound

Monsoon

2 Cut in the same wound.

Frankincense still not coming

3 Cut in the same wound. Frankincense still not coming

July 1

August

15

1

15

6

8

Collect the resin and make a cut in the same wound

Collect frankincense and make a cut in the same wound

5 Again, collect frankincense and cut in the same wound

September 1

15 Chief workers declare the end of the season. They collect frankincense without cutting more

7

9

Collect frankincense and make a cut in the same wound

Collect frankincense and make a cut in the same wound

Tapping season statistics

45 - 60

In Oman, frankincense is distributed in markets as solidified resin pieces which usually range in size from one to five centimetres and are sold in bulk and by weight.

Each resin comes in a variety of shapes, but the most common appearance is like a drop or a tear Medium size frankincense nuggets (Actual size)

Average number of trees per worker in a season

800 - 1,600 kg Average production of each worker per season Globular

10 - 20 Usual number of workers per location

Sometimes, during burning produces a leftover core

Pear shape

Nail shape

Stalactitic Burns completely

04

TIMES O F OMAN

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

OMAN: THE LAND OF FRANKINCENSE Jabal Khadar (Al Hajar Mountain range) Elevation: 2,200m Sur

The steep slope of Samhan mountain serves as a natural barrier against the rain-charged clouds which can significantly reduce the quality of the highly prized frankincense

Masirah Island

Ra’s Al Mishayu

Ra’s Al Hadd

Jabal Samhan Ridge Clouds

Wahiba Sands

Ra’s Al Madrakah Duqm

Ghubbat Sawqira h

NOR TH

Haima

C

HASKI

The typical landscape of Dhofar where Boswellia sacra cohabits with other species of shrubs and trees

Ra’s Qarwaw Al Qibliyah

Ra’s Manja Al Hallaniyah

Ra’s Ash Shuwaymiyyah Gulf of Al Hallaniyat

Marmul

HOJARI

Wadi

CROSS SECTION 1

Al Hasikiyah

Ra’s Muntajib Hasik

B

The best quality class produced from eastern dry parts of Dhofar

Andur

D

As Sawda

Jabal Habarit

Jabal Naws

Jabal Musayrah Sadah

Wadi Dawkah (Frankincense Reserve)

NAJDI

Desert

I

Ayun

Jabal Shibob Jabal Mithwil Jabal Juz

The second best quality class, produced from trees found in the desert parts behind the mountain.

RIDGE

G Port of Salalah (Raysut)

Jabal Darmat

Ra’s Hamar

Jabal Darat

Najdi Trees Growing conditions vary significantly, affecting the tree development and resin produced. Trees in the narrow fog-laden zone where the desert meets Dhofar mountain range, a region known as the Nejd, grow extremely slowly and produce very high quality resin.

Mughsayl

Jabal Had

SHAZRI

SAHLI

Dhofar, located at the southern part of Oman, prides itself as the home of the world’s best quality frankincense resin known as the Royal Hojari. This is due to the fact that Dhofar’s perfectly situated geographic location produces quite unique weather. To understand this map, start from the ridge of Dhofari mountain chain (blue line) which divides Dhofar into two main domains: the coastal plain which annually receives monsoon rains (or khareef), and the plateau, a drier tract which produces the best frankincense.

Ghubbat al Fazayih

Third best quality class, produced from trees found in the wadies of the western parts of Dhofar.

Jabal Kamah

Jabal Duzah

Ra’s Sagir

A

THE BLESSED DHOFAR REGION

Al Baleed

Tomb of Nabi Ayoub (Job)

SE

Taqah

SALALAH Ittin

N BIA ARA

Mirbat

Khor Rori

Khasbar cave

A

H

SHEQUOF

Jabal Al Qara

IA N

SE

Rawiyyah

A Wadi Hinnah

Jabal Aram

Jabal Nashib

Bandar Qinqari

Jabal Shereef

Jabal Ashur

Jabal Khasbar

Thumrait

E

Jabal Qinqari

Jabal Daw’an

Taiq sink hole

Jabal Hifit

CROSS SECTION 2

The inferior quality which is produced from trees that spread throughout the coastal plains of Dhofar.

Jabal Samhan

C

F

SHAIBI

AB AR

Jabal = Mountain

Jabal Al Qamar

Wadi = Dried up riverbed

Unesco site

Ancient frankincense collection point

RIDGE

Rakhyut

Plateau

Coastal plain

Jabal Rakhyut

SHEQUOF

SOURCE AND QUALITY The primary factor that determines the quality of resin is the location of the frankincense trees. The coastal areas in Dhofar receive too much rain in the months of July and August which affect the quality of resin, as well as the increasing humidity and impurities. Fresh frankincense produced by the trees far from coastal areas look greenish but turn yellowish when they get older. Resin produced by the trees near the coastal area are light brown when fresh and darker brown when older.

Dalqut

Best

With impurities but still good

Good

With impurities

The older the frankincense, the darker its colour

Fresh

Old

Jabal Sayq

DHOFAR CROSS SECTION

Distance (kilometres) 57

25

23

Best quality

28

Inferior quality

Sarfayt Elevation (metres)

HOJARI

Good quality

Exagerated ten times for explanatory purpose

The famous Hojari frankincense is produced in a zone which goes 25 kms inland from Jabal Samhan ridge.

This zone receives occasional rains so the resins obtained from the trees are not damaged by the rains but such dryness would almost kill the trees as their roots couldn’t receive the needed nutrients.

Ra’s Darbat Ali 1,500

500

NOR TH

1,500

W in d

Fog

D

Andur CROSS SECTION 1

F

Thumrait

CROSS SECTION 2

Wadi Dawkah (Frankincense Reserve)

H

MO NS

Desert

sa

nd ra in

880

I

E

0

OO

From this point and the density of Boswellia sacra starts to decrease towards the inland

Elevation (metres)

Fog

1,000

Hawf

Too much impurities in frankincense resins are due to rain.

Dry Plateau

N

North-facing cliffs

Foothills

Coastal plain

G

0

Sea

Escarpment

SIZE AND SHAPE OF THE TREE Plant species have certain range and characteristic. They are greatly dependent on the climate, the availability of water, quality of sunlight, temperature and soil.

Thus, the Boswellia sacra in Oman may vary in many ways:

IRAN Muscat

VANTAGE POINT The map above is seen from the coast of Yemen facing the Sultanate and the location where frankincense trees abundantly grow spanned within the area of the page. Note however that in this perspective the scale is a bit skewed due to the roundness of the Earth’s surface.

UAE SAUDI ARABIA

Point of view

Ra’s Al Hadd

OMAN

DHOFAR

Salalah

Coastal Plain Single-stemmed tree up to 6m tall in areas with good water supply

Hasik peninsula

YEMEN Arabian S

Plateau & Desert Multi-stemmed trees and shorter than the ones in the coastal plain

Trees under extremely dry condition: Up to 1 metre

ea

Desert

Plateau

Sources: Burseraceae of Dhofar by Ahmed Mohammed Mustahil Al Kathiri | Interview to Annette Patzelt (Oman Botanic Garden’s Director of Science) | Phytogeographic zones of Dhofar by Mauro Raffaelli & Marcello Tardelli | Boswellia sacra Flueck in the Hasik area, Mauro Raffaelli, Stefano Mosti & Marcello Tardelli | Around Guides

06

TIM ES OF OMAN

SUNDAY, S U N DAY, NOVEMBER N OV E MB ER 20, 2016

OMAN: THE LAND OF FRANKINCENSE

INCENSE BURNING

On natural charcoal

Frankincense provides one of the most redolent scents in the history of aromatics. Its fresh, fruity, pine-lemon bouquet with delicately sweet and woody undertones, slows and deepens breathing and has been used since ancient times to awaken higher consciousness, and enhance spirituality, meditation and prayer. It is burnt daily in Oman to welcome guests, perfume clothes and home spaces and erase cooking smells, among other uses.

In Oman, the charcoal used is either from Sidr or from Sumr tree.

Uses

1

Take some charcoal and burn it in a pan made with holes in the base.

2

Once ignited, place them inside the incense burner.

3

Take the resins, and place it over the coal.

To obtain more smoke, add more charcoal and more frankincense.

Home The incense is carried around and its smoke is wafted into a person’s beard or over one’s body. After dinner or house functions, incense is burnt as a sign of farewell.

On smoldering charcoal

1

In the morning, it is used regularly in the kitchen and in the living room.

2

In the evening, it is used in other areas of the house, such as bedrooms.

3

Light an edge. When it starts to sparkle a bit or makes a slight crackling sound, the saltpeter has been activated and the coal is igniting.

The charcoal is ready in about 4 to 5 minutes.

The coal can burn at up to 1500 degrees farenheit.

Take a small piece of frankincense and place it in the middle of the coal.

Clothing It is often used by Omani families to soak their clothing with the smoke using special wicker frames called mabkharah.

Adding sand or white ash to the censer is recommended. It absorbs the heat from the censer and lets air under the charcoal for better burning.

A thermal isolation chamber is present in most of the Omani majmars, to protect the surfaces where the censer is placed and to protect the majmar itself.

Wedding Frankincense is burnt just before the ceremony.

Omani censers Birth Burning incense throughout labour to protect the mother and also after safely delivering her baby.

Incense is burnt near the baby’s cradle to honor and protect new life.

During and after birth, frankincense was burnt for 40 days in order to protect mother and child.

Omani censers are called majmar. Most popular are the terracota hand made models. Omani women usually paint them and each censer is unique. Its size varies depending on the ability to burn more or less incense

The biggest majmar, mainly used in Mosques and weddings.

Medium size models is often used at home, offices and places outside houses.

Four squre censers are popular. They are sold with or without paint at the same value.

This is a machine-made burner. Cheaper than hand-made models.

The smallest type is used only as souvenirs

Price range in Omani Rial (at Muttrah Souq)

Life of a frankincense nugget

25.0

22.5

20.0

17.5

15.0

12.5

10.0

7.5

5.0

2.5

0.0

We conducted a test inside a room 20 square metres. In 20 minutes, a nugget is completely burnt but smoke stays longer. After the smoke disappears, the fruity smell persists in the air. More charcoal and more incense make the smell stay longer and stronger.

Frankincense release oils first

In a few minutes the smoke begins to rise in a thin line

After 10 minutes the tear loses colour and turns black

At 15 minutes, it is almost completely consumed

Minutes

In 20 minutes, it stops emitting smoke and is completely charred

Thereafter it is preferable to remove the tear.

You can replace it with a new one and extend the effect.

01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 24:00 25:00 26:00 27:00 28:00 29:00 30:00

Source: The Power of Omani Frankincense, Sultan Qaboos University | The craft heritage of Oman, Marcia Dorr & Neil Richardson | Typology of incense burners, Sterenn Le Maguer | Interview to Mr. Amin Saad Said Al Mahri

08

TIMES O F OMAN

OMAN: THE LAND OF FRANKINCENSE EUROPE 3500 BCE

3200 BCE

Humanity first began trading frankincense from Dhofar in response to a demand from southern Mesopotamia.

Sumerian clay tablets tell the story of the sailors and the caravaneers who brought the incense to the region.

The earliest tangible record of incense use in the region is an incense burner found in the ruins of a temple at Tepe Gawra, near Mosul in modern Iraq

Trading aromatics was already in place in eastern Arabia by the third millennium BCE and most likely by circa 5000 BCE.

Tepe Gawra MESOPOTAMIA Uruk

BEFORE COMMO N ERA

U

N

D

Archeological evidence indicates that dromedary camels were first domesticated in the southeastern Arabian Peninsula around 3000 BC. Then overland trade routes were vastly extended.

2800 BCE

It is possible that Egypt was receiving high grade Boswellia sacra from Oman to the north east via the Red Sea

In the early years of the overland trade, frankincense was carried in donkey caravans in which the distances between water sources were difficult.

2630 BCE

Egyptians used frankincense.

A form of aromatherapy was being practiced using infused oils.

2500

BCE

BCE 3500

0

2500 BCE

By the early dynastic times extending through the early Bronze Age, seafaring boats linked Oman with the Indus Valley, the Emirates, Bahrain, Eastern Arabia, and the Sumeria.

Chronological milestone

Trivia

EM

Egyptian

PI

RE

Duration of each dynasty or empire for over time

AN

Babylonian Asiatic

NI

Main consumers in ancient times

A

Since its discovery, frankincense has been linked to the human need to have a solemn connection to their gods. It became a symbol of luxury associated with prestige and tradition. Trade gave life to powerful kingdoms in southern Arabia and its decline also caused the collapse of these societies. Today, the frankincense trade is a shadow of what it was and it is incredible to imagine that a long time ago it was one of the most prized possessions in the ancient world.

Since frankincense plant distribution was restricted botanically to southern Arabia, the trade would necessarily have come northward either by land or sea.

3000 - 2000 BCE

3

Major milestone

SE

CE

0B

300

The Babylonians living in the Fertile Crescent region around 3000 to 600 BCE imported frankincense from Africa.

KINGDOMS AND EMPIRES

Dhofar Region

For almost thirty centuries, Ancient Egypt was the dominant civilization in the Mediterranean world, and perhaps the main frankincense consumers at that time.

BABYLON

HOW TO READ

ARABIA

RE

EGYPT 2

Consumer area

M

EGYPT

1 Before 6000 BCE, monsoon rains disappeared in the Arabian region and frankincense trees prospered in the drought conditions.

Harvest area

DIL

Its frangant white smoke first recorded spiralling upwards in Summerian temples.

EUROPE

BY

LO

Greek Persian

BA

Roman Incense trade saw growth in several kingdoms and its decline meant their extinction

Rome

Sayhadic (Southern Arabia) Trade agents

Frankincense’s soothing power was well known to the royal family. Imhotep (2,667 2,600 BCE), an Egyptian high priest, cleaned and applied the princes’s eyes with a cream with frankincense.

Nabatean (Northern Arabia) Hymiarite (Southern Arabia)

2000 B

CE

4

NORTH AFRICA

2000 BCE EGYPTIAN DYNA

Consumer area By 2000 BC, caravans were using the main south-north route following the coast of the Red Sea. The journey covers as much as 2,400 miles linking production areas with markets.

Harvest area

STI ES

The use of sntr incense in Egypt, was replaced by frankincense and myrrh. They believed that their souls would fly up to the sun god Ra on the wings of the smoke, holding long-handled smokers called amschirs beneath their noses.

The Roman Empire in 117 CE, at its greatest extent

1600 - 1046 BCE

The use of incense in China would appear to be as ancient as the civilisation itself. The Shang Dynasty has bequeated a legacy of ornate bronze incense burners. Incense was originally conveyed along the Silk Route.

1800 BCE

In temples for the Babylonian sun deity Baal and the Greek god Apollo, frankincense was burnt in large quantities as a chemical substance with the power to bring devotees close to their divinities.

150 0

BCE

1224 BCE

5

In the wall reliefs of a Karnak temple, artwork depicting Ramses II offering an incense.

950 BCE

A visit by Queen Sheeba to King Solomon was to ostensibly test his wisdom but almost certainly to secure an agreement on frankincense and myrrh.

1000 BC

E

A thousand talents (or 30,000 kilogrammes) of frankincense was burnt every year during the feast of Baal in Babylon.

30,000 kg (30 tonnes) is the equivalent weight of six adult African elephants.

6

1478 - 1457 BCE

Queen Hatshepsut commissioned a big temple which she described as “a garden for my father Amun”. The temple was lined with incense-bearing plants including myrrh (and most likely, frankincense).

SAYHADIC

Sayhadic (Old South Arabian) is a group of four closely related extinct languages spoken in the far southern portion of the Arabian Peninsula.

GREECE Although Greeks were importing incense from Syria (5th century BCE), Herodotus knew that frankincense came from further south of Arabia.

1200 BCE

1333 BCE

Rameses III had a special building constructed near Thebes to store incense for the veneration of Amon.

Frankincense was used for the tomb of Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptians.

Sources: Frankincense, Oman's Gift to the World by Juliet Highet | Food for the Gods by David Peacock & David Williams | The True, Legendary Omani Frankincense: Boswellia Sacra by Scott Johnson | Ancient Arabia: A brief history and time-line by M.Macdonald & N. Nebes

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

Presently, 10 to 12 tonnes of frankincense are exported from Dhofar annually. The bulk goes to thriving modern Arab perfumery.

2007 CE

10 tonnes

The Land of Frankincense Museum, located at Al Baleed (Dhofar), opened its door to the public, showcasing fossils and artefacts found in Oman’s archeological sites

Khor Rori is an ancient fortified town and one of the four places included in the Land of Frankincense.

The remains of the fortress are located on a rocky spur. The port was refounded at the end of the 1st century to control the frankincense trade in Dhofar.

2000 CE

UNESCO inscribed four new World Heritage Sites in Oman, collectively called “The Land of Frankincense”

2000 CE

1895 CE 1900 CE

The beginning of the era of oil, black gold supplanting white after the World War II. The fatal blow for the mass Omani export of frankincense was delivered by the development of a synthetic substitute.

09

Nowadays, steeped in perfume culture, many Arab households burn incense every day at sunrise and sunset.

The Bents reported that 450 tonnes of frankincense was exported annually from Dhofar to Bombay.

10

1830 CE

Indian markets re-export incense in different forms from Mumbai.

The periplous route: From Dhofar to China From the first century ships were plying their periplous route laden with aromatics. Maritime routes from the Arabian Gulf to South China Sea.

Before 1970, bedouins still used frankincense as currency

Hong Kong

7,000 tonnes

Canton (Quangzhou)

When Poppaea died in 65 CE, it is said that her husband Nero burned a year’s worth of Arabia’s incense production (7,000 tonnes) at her funeral.

Al Baleed Nicobar Islands Sri Lanka

1500 CE

Maldives Chinese city of Quanzhou imported approximately 174 tonnes of frankincense from Al Baleed.

At Roman funeral ceremonies, frankincense was heaped onto the pyres to honour the dead and disguise the stench of burning flesh.

Hong Kong In 9th century, the thurible, a swinging ng from chains, had been censer hung invented. Its construction allowing clouds of sacred smoke to stream out.

9

1285 CE

Marco Polo recorded in his journal that Al-Mansura (Al Baleed) was engaged in exporting both white incense and horses with China.

By 7th century, the Arabs traded with areas producing fragrant materials as far as South East Asia. Their chemists discovered the techniques of distillation, blending and fixing. The landed price of frankincense in China reflected the hazards and longeurs of the two year round trip.

The apex of trade Roman Republic heralded the most intensive use of frankincense in its entire history. The sacred incense was an indispensable element of imperial culture for devotional and state ceremonies.

1000

CE

Perfume

Jabir ibn Hayyan (721 - 815 CE), known as the father of Arabic chemistry, described distillation using an alembic in the 8th century.

600 AD

There were still huge caravans of two thousand or so camels traveling north which carried frankincense.

Although increasingly, more oriental and African luxury goods were carried.

Pre-Islamic traders from Mecca revived the control of the overland route. Trade by sea continued to areas outside the Roman Empire.

Arab and Persian traders had been granted leave to establish settlements on the outskirts of Canton, one of the great incense markets of the world.

8

300 CE

Alexandria Petra

The economic crisis within the Roman Empire meant that demand for frankincense and other eastern luxuries luxur went This into steep decline. T and marked the fragmentation fragmen incense weakening of the in southern Arabia. kingdoms of southe

NORTH ARABIA

Per fumun Burning frankincense

ASIA During the Tang Dynasty (618 - 906 CE) and Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 CE), sophisticated refinements of China were introduced to Japan. The Song Dynasty in China sent its porcelain to Arabia to trade for frankincense.

1300 - 1700 tonnes of frankincense were being carried to Rome in some 7,000 - 10,000 camel-loads

Fragant Harbour Etymology of Hong Kong’s name (fragant harbour) relates the reception and processing of incense.

500 CE 500 CE

From 6th to 9th century, there was a great decline in the frankincense production and trade.

Desiccation and over-grazing caused the withering of trees.

323 CE PI

EM

N B

O

C LI

R E 0C NE O

A

At the time of the birth of Jesus Christ, who was given frankincense, as well as myrrh and gold, the incense trade was at its height.

M M CO

In Wadi Rum (south of Petra), a 3,000-year-old cave paintings depict camel caravans passing through the valley and the bandits who preyed on them.

PERSIA 400 BCE

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, recommended frankincense as treatment for ulcers.

326 BCE

Alexander the Great was so enthralled by the prospect of owning the means of production of frankincense that he considered adding Arabia to his conquests. Only his death prevented him from fulfilling his ambition.

Admiral Nearchos, sailed with a fleet of fifteen hundred vessels from India and in his journal, refers to Maketa on the Cape of Arabia. He describes it as “the emporium for the sea-borne trade in frankincense and all the other fragrant products of Arabia.”

Darius I (522 - 486 BCE) was already receiving voluntary tributes of frankincense from Arabia.

Rise and fall of Sayhadic kingdoms

These kingdoms (Sabaea, Quataban, Ma’in and Hadhramau) emerged to the west of Dhofar: Saba (1000 BCE to 200 CE)

The rise of a new powerful tribal group, the Himyarites, shifted the centre of power away from the Sayhadic kingdoms.

Hadramawt (1000 BCE to 300 CE) Qataban (800 BCE to 200 CE) Ma’in (600 to 100 BCE)

Himyar (110 BCE to 525 CE)

500

In Greek society, frankincense had replaced animal sacrificies.

1000

600 BCE

In Persepolis and Susa (modern day Iran), frankincense was a prized commodity. Monuments at the Persepolis show King Darius I himself offering incense.

BCE (Before Common Era)

CE (Common Era)

1000

PU

4 BCE

7

500

500 CE

ROM

RE AN

Rome expanded and annexed Nabatean Kingdom.

0

ROME

M

A The grandeur of the Nabatean cities flourished, as Petra gained profits from the Arabian incense trade by selling to the Greek and then Roman Empire.

117 CE

Romans outlawing the use of frankincense in cremation rites in favour of simple burials without the embellishment of incense.

R

NABATEA During the Roman Empire, 2.5 to 3 million kilogrammes of frankincense were reported to have been exported to Rome from Southern Arabia.

With the introduction of Christianity, the earliest followers rejected the pagan rituals of the past, outlawing the use of frankincense in religious ceremonies.

RE

Petra was a thriving trading centre and the capital of the Nabataean Empire between 400 BCE and 106 CE

10

TIMES O F OMAN

OMAN: THE LAND OF FRANKINCENSE

THE FRANKINCENSE TRAIL

Land of Frankincense Wadi Dawkah, Shisr, Khor Rori and Al Baleed are the four components known collectively as the Land of Frankincense declared in the UNESCO World Heritage list. They dramatically illustrate the trade in frankincense that flourished in this region for many centuries and constitute outstanding testimony to the civilizations in south Arabia since the Neolithic age.

A network of trade routes had been established between kingdoms for many centuries, carrying goods such as salt, wheat, wine, weapons, dates, and animal skins from one fortified settlement to another. These paths were the basis of the frankincense trade routes between the kingdoms of southern Arabia, which formed the starting point of the route towards the north. Frankincense was a sought after commodity throughout Egypt, Rome, Greece, Persia, Assyria and Babylon and was one of the most prized substances of the ancient civilized world, valued as highly as gold and the gift of kings. For centuries, incense trade routes from Arabia Felix to the Mediterranean where specifically made via camel caravans, although, this was not the only route. Several possible routes varied over time. From the Dhofar region where the frankincense trees were grown, our Arabian ancestors had to make several long journeys trough some hostile territories.

Northward crossing Rub’ Al Khali 2

Shisr

Wadi Dawkah served as one of t main production areas. There w several collection points, such a Andhur and Hanoon.

Wadi Dawkah 1

Inland routes Route 1

Exit to sea r

Route 2

ANCIENT TRADE ROUTES

Route 2A

Route 2B Alternative routes connecting the other main inland routes.

From Hegra, routes went to west via Myos Hormos and Caenopolis, crossing Red Sea, then onwards to Alexandria.

From Petra, the route branched in five directions, most significant was the one heading to Alexandria (or Gaza, Jerusalem, Jerash) then to Damascus.

To E u

rop e

Gaza, the main spice entrepot of the ancient Greco-Roman world, was the final stop on this northward journey. And from Gaza, frankincense was shipped to Mediterranean.

To Greece and Rome

Jerusalem

Gaza

Silk road

Jerash

10 Petra

Palmyra Alexandria

The three ancient routes converged in Palmyra and Petra.

Frankincense route was the oldest.

Petra

Aelana

Alexandria

Dhofar

Frankincense road

Alexandria was an important sorting and processing centre for frankincense destined for the Roman Empire since first century CE

Spice road

Domestication

3000

At first, donkey caravans transported the merchandise, but they could carry only small loads for short distances

2000

1000

BCE

It is clear that Nabataea was a bridge for the importation and exportation of frankincense and other highly products. esteemed south Arabian produc

Palmyra Damascus

Alternat goods f

Hegra ensured safe passage of trade caravans in return for large tax which made its people ultra rich.

Cairo

Hegra

(Madine Salah)

Dedan Dedan, the seat of the north Arabian Lihyanite kin

9

Myos Hornos

Luxor Archaeologists believe that the domestication occurred in the 3rd millennium BCE

Petra

FINAL HUB

Leukê Kômê

The theories range from as late as the 9th century BCE (Before Common Era) to as early as the beginning of the 3rd millennium BCE period.

Then overland trade routes were vastly extended.

Kho Rori Khor

Al Bal eed d Baleed

From Sumhuram west (inland) to Shabwa, then north through Dedan and Petra until it reaches Gaza and Mediterranean. Also a connection with Route 3, and north to Jabrin linking with Route 1.

The oldest land route. Starts from Ain Humran (Dhofar) and travelling north to Shisr, then across the Empty Quarter to Jabrin, Gerrah, and Mesopotamia.

3

4

was a commercial hub where several trade routes

(Al Ula)

8

Yathrib (Medina)

7

Yathrib, a key trading town and a thriving oasis known for its dates palm produce, was an important stop for the incense caravans and pilgrims

Caenopolis

CE 0

Humans began using camels as a pack animal in this area no later than the 16th century BCE

Mecca

Berenice

Cargo and transportation R

Camels

Load capacity

A north Arabian saddle was more practical to find a way to sit on the hump itself.

Despite the camel’s bad breath and bad temper, it often provided companionship as well as meal-ticket for its driver.

As an average Arabian camel weighs between 880 to 1,320 pounds. Each animal carried somewhere around half to third of its body weight.

Goods on each camel (in pounds) Frankincense Saffron

200

200

1,320 pounds

or 598 kg which is equivalent to 15 junia

E

300 200

North Arabian Creating some framework that shifts the weight to the animal’s ribcage on the sides.

S

300

Orris

D

Saddle

Keeping pace with the frankincense trade, camel caravans were increasing from two to three thousand.

E

Caravan

A

Myrrh

Cassia

It was not a fixed load, this representation is made based on the bibliography consulted.

Junia Each bag contains 40 kg

Size of a 1 kg bag of frankincense

According to Pliny, the expense for each camel before it arrives at the shore of the Mediterranean Sea is 688 denarii

OMR 19,208.96 1 denarii = OMR 27.92 (current amount)

The camels learn to follow implicitly a donkey that heads the procession.

A cord is is tied to a ring that is fastened to leather strips on the hips of the donkey.

Courtyard

The caravansary A specific form of architecture evolved in Arabia serving as lodging places for travellers and their animals. Constructed to provide merchants, cameleers and animals with a secure place to rest, and spend a night or longer. Shisr was one of those caravansaries, the most important from Dhofar northward.

Camel types To shuttle the incense from the growing areas to the collection points, camels with small, smooth hooves were employed.

For long journeys, the cargoes were transferred onto large caravans ready to cross the sands on camels with bigger, calloused but soft-soled hooves.

Route elevation and stopovers According to Pliny the Elder, the journey consisted of 65 stages divided by halts and stopovers for the camels, and places for merchants to pay for services.

Over sea level

START START

2,000 m 1,500 m

Shisr 283m

Shabwa was the mandatory point of taxation for all the caravans.

Every merchant would have had to enter by law, and on pain of death if someone tried to pass another way long, during his journey.

16-30 days The overland journey to Shabwa was a punishing thirty days or more.

In the ground floor, there storerooms, landing dock for animals. Perhaps a fur within the complex.

10 days

Timna 1,035m

Najran 1,700m

Marib 1,080m

6

Shabwa 949m

4 - 5 days 1,000 m

The upper floor was often dormitories, bedrooms, an suites for travellers.

2

FR The Bu in t

3 days

4

3

5

500 m

Arabian Sea 0m

1

Shisr to Shabwa: 643 km

177 km

72 km

105 km

Shisr to Gaza:

Sources: The Incense Trade by Pliny the Elder, cited in Food for the gods by David Peacock & David Williams | Frankincense, Oman's Gift to the World by Juliet Highet | Frankincense and the Nabataeans: Historical and Archaeological Evidence by Zeyad Al-Salameen | Past Scents, Historical Perspectives on Smell by Jonathan Reinarz | Documentary on the Frankinc

11

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

1

2

3

4

Wadi Dawkah

Shisr

Khor Rori

This natural park represents a region where the frankincense tree grows. Estimated by five sqare kilometers.

A caravansary and an oasis where camel trains entering the desert of Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) stopped for water.

Hadhramaut Kingdom established Sumhuram in order to control main routes to the Red Sea, Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean.

the was s

A major area where the Boswellia sacra specie are grown and cultivated.

Al Baleed The heavily fortified part is on the north, where the entrance is located.

The gate itself is a massive structure with three successive gates at the steep entry path.

Al Baleed was a trade hub and a commercial centre with ships leaving from Salalah to carry cargoes of frankincense to China and Rome.

Chinese traveller Jan Jokao wrote that frankincense was one of the main commodities produced by Al Baleed. The Chinese city of Guangzhou imported about 174 kg of resins from this town.

North

Outline of the collapse

West

Centre

East

The west is the area for the ruler.

Grand Mosque and Citadel are also located here.

Residential area, with housing, markets, and mosques

There was an open space which probably held horse stables, sardine drying elds, and frankincense storage areas.

Structural collapse (schematic view)

To Muscat To Salalah 40 km

A door towards the southeast served as an access to carry the incense to the sea

The sides facing east, south and west are naturally defended by steep slopes.

routes Shisr’s fortification was built on an underground water source.

When the underwater cavern had been drained, the city collapsed into the sands, presumably spanked by an earthquake.

The town plans shows that it was surrounded by a wall and defense towers.

Today, the pillars of Al Baleed’s great mosque are one of the remnants of this ancient town, which was built during the 10th century.

Ninevah

Collection of tributes The capital cities of the kingdoms acted as important stopping points for the merchants, who were charged high taxes or tributes on entry, and who paid substantial fees for services such as food, shelter, water, fresh camels and local guides.

Ur

tive route brought from Ur to Petra

Shisr At Wubar a tenth of the cargo would be demanded.

Dilmun

ngdom, meet.

Shabwa Caravans had to pay 10% of its loads.

Petra Traders were to pay a quarter of the goods upon entering Nabataean kingdom.

Al-Hassa

Dedan alterative rou te

connect east w ith Gerrha.

Gerrha The people from Gerrha were generally wealthy and made great profits from their position as middlemen buying frankincense, myrrh, and other aromatics from the south Arabian merchants.

Jabrin

After Najran, some merchants would branch north-east to Jabrin, heading for the port-town of Gerrha on the Arabian Gulf.

Ain Humran

Hasik

2

Sana’

Shabwa

3 Timna’ Timna’, the capital of Qatabanian Kingdom, was an inland terminus for the Indian and far-eastern luxuries that were transported from the coast at Aden.

I A N

Syagrus

Shibam

Marib

Khor Rori

To India

Mughsayl

B

4

Al Baleed Salalah

Shabwa required mandatory taxation for all caravans taking aromatics up to the north.

An oasis of green fields and trees, which were irrigated by the vast Marib Dam, surrounded Marib.

5

S E A

Andhur

Qana’ was one of the key points in the ancient aromatics trade since the first century CE — both overland and maritime routes

Qana’

Aden

Several sea routes from Dhofari ports, as Sumhuram, to Qana, then inland to Shabwa.

A

Yathil

1

Hanoon

Qarnaw

Yathil was a small and prosperous city ringed by high, strong walls and surrounded by fields and palm groves.

Shisr

R

Najran

Najran offered an oasis for merchants where they would find food, shelter and water.

START

Socotra’s precious goods at the end of each harvest were shipped to Qana’ on small boats and rafts held up with inflated animal skins.

At Qana’, goods were either sold to passing merchant ships, or stored for transportation inland to Shabwa.

A

6

From Shisr, frankincense was transported north by camel train.

Socotra

Aden’s merchants handled some 600 tonnes of gums and resins, including 300 tons of frankincense and 70 of myrrh in 1875.

Sea routes To the deeply entrenched pattern of overland trade was added in the first century BCE a new set of routes and a new pattern of Indian-Arabian-Mediterranean trade. With Egypt and its Red Sea ports now part of the Roman Empire, the volume of sea-traffic increased at an incredible rate.

Mukalla

n used for nd even lavish Malao

was ks, and stables rther open yard

Lateen sails The Red Sea was constantly exposed to contrary winds. The lateen sail allowed ships to sail into the wind.

65 days Pliny estimated that the journey from Timna to Gaza was 2,437,500 steps, 65 days travelling.

25 - 60 days

Yathrib 612m

Over sea level

RAME OF REFERENCE: urj Khalifa, the tallest building the world, stands at 829.8 m

9 - 11 days

8

7 1,014 km

: 3,096 k m

cense Trail, BBC documentary | Google Earth

Hegra Dedan 806m 654m

402 km

11 - 15 days

Petra 1,065m

2,000 m

5-7 days

10

9

1,500 m Gaza 28m

1,000 m 500 m

482 km

201

Mediterranean Sea 0m

14

TIMES O F OMAN

OMAN: THE LAND OF FRANKINCENSE

INCENSE BURNER: VISUAL TIMELINE

Material: Colour key Metalware

4000 3900 3800 3700

Gold Bronze Silver

3600 3500 3400 3300

Brass Copper alloy Iron

Earthenware

People from various cultures practiced incense burning for a variety of reasons, including for meditation or for aromatic pleasure, but incense burning is primarily performed as part of a community’s ritual — either secular or religious in context — which is evident on the vessel’s appearance or design. On this page, we chart the incense burners (also known as censers) found around the globe as proof that incense burning is as old as ancient civilizations.

Cloisonne enamel

3200 3100

Terracotta (clay)

3000

Ceramic

2900

Glazed stoneware

2800

Porcelain

Wood

3850 - 2960 BCE Egypt 3200 BCE Egypt

2700

Faience Stoneware

The oldest known censer

2600

Limestone | Calcite

2500

Jade | Nephrite

2400

Granite | Sandstone | Soapstone

2300

Lacquer

2200

2700 - 1500 BCE Greece

2100 2000

PAGE GRID AND NAVIGATION

1900 2000 - 1700 BCE Eastern Europe

1800

The vertical axis is ordered in chronological while the horizontal axis is in geographical order.

1700 1600 1500 1400 1300 1200

ANCIENT EUROPE

Ancient Europe

These dish-like censers prove that Ethnic groups from prehistoric Europe practiced incense burning in burial customs. They were found inside catacomb caves that served as burial grounds.

1700 BCE Greece

4000 BCE

The oldest censer found in Oman

Before Common Era (BCE)

1000 BCE Mediterranean

1567 - 1320 BCE Egypt

Year 0 MIDDLE EAST

Mesoamerica

1100

Common Era (CE)

1000 CE East Asia

Modern Europe

1000

2500 -2000 BCE Sharqiyah Oman

NOTE: To organise and classify all the censers, the chronological grid has been scaled logarithmically

2000 CE

1200 - 925 BCE Jerusalem

900 800

700 - 500 BCE Poland

600 BCE Egypt

1000 - 900 BCE Jordan Valley

700 700 BCE Italy

600

700 BCE Italy

700 BCE Egypt

700 BCE Egypt

300 BCE Italy

500

300 BCE Yemen

400 300

500 - 400 BCE Russia

600 - 500 BCE Italy

500 BCE Italy

400 BCE Tunisia

200 350 - 325 BCE Italy

100

500 BCE Italy

300 BCE Italy

300 BCE Greece

0

MEDITERRANEAN

100

30 BCE - 364 CE Egypt

Throughout the Mediterranean, censers came in various shapes and sizes.

Popular designs were sculpted in the form of human figures and animals.

1 - 200 CE Italy

300 BCE - 300 CE Saudi Arabia

1 - 50 CE Greece

200

300

460 - 450 BCE Greece

500 BCE Greece

450 CE Mexico

1 - 100 CE Saudi Arabia

100 BCE - 100 CE Saudi Arabia

300 - 600 CE Guatemala

400 CE Guatemala

400 - 700 CE Colombia

400 200 - 550 CE Guatemala 500

301 - 799 CE Egypt

600

301 - 799 CE Egypt 400 - 700 CE Egypt

700 695 CE Honduras

500 - 650 CE Syria

500 - 600 CE Guatemala

800

600 - 900 CE Peru

600 - 850 CE Mexico

600 - 900 CE Honduras

900 600 - 900 CE Mexico

700 - 900 CE Mexico

1000

Spain in that time was considered part of Arab domain 1100 500 - 1350 CE Costa Rica

900 - 1200 CE Mexico

1101 - 1200 CE Iraq

700 - 1200 CE Costa Rica

1200 1101 - 199 CE Italy

MESOAMERICA 1300

Similar to Mediterranean censers, the Mesoamerican counterparts were fashioned before anthromorphised figures. Interestingly, most of these censers were molded from earthen (terracotta) materials yet were very detailed in their designs.

1200 - 1400 CE Mexico

1101 - 1200 CE Spain

1201 - 1350 CE Syria

1201 - 1350 CE Syria

1200 - 1400 CE Mexico

1238 - 1240 CE Iraq 1319 - 1335 CE Iraq

1400 1530 - 1540 CE Italy 1500

MODERN EUROPE 1600

1300 - 1700 CE Turkey

The most common incense burners from modern Europe are shaped like a kettle or a coffee pot and are suspended in the air by metal chains. These types of censer are called thuribles and are used in important functions. Smoke from these censers is dispersed by swinging back and forth.

1700

1708 - 1709 CE England 1760 - 1800 CE Portugal

1760 - 1765 CE England

1770 CE England

1500 CE Syria

Omani majmars 1649 CE Turkey

1800

1300 - 1700 CE Turkey

Oman’s incense burner (locally known as majmar) is popular and coveted for its decorative and elegant design, which embodies Omani culture and hospitality. The more recent version comes in goblet or cup-like form showcasing highly elaborate design and decoration on the exterior, using mirrors, coloured metals and glasses.

The four-pointed, cube-shaped variation is inspired from the Dhofari architecture

1700 - 1720 CE Italy 1775 CE France

1901 - 2000 CE Oman

1900

1901 - 2000 CE Oman

1801 - 1900 CE Yemen 2000

Sources: Food for the gods by David Peacock & David Williams | Roman Arabia by Glen Bowersock | Oman’s National Museum | Land of Frankincense Museum (Salalah) | The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) | The Louvre Museum | FilipiKnow

1901 - 2000 CE Oman

1901 - 2000 CE Oman

1300 BCE CE Iraq

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

4000 3900 3800 3700

The earliest artifact The earliest resemblance of a censer found was made out of clay and limestone. Though rudimentary in composition, the ingenuity of our ancestors is notable by the elegantly carved depictions of early life in Ancient Egypt.

3600 3500 3400 3300 3200 3100

Omani landmark: Al Riyam Cinser

Incense burners as monuments

A prominent fixture towering along the rocky mountains of Muttrah Corniche is the collossal incense burner at Al Riyam Park. This larger-than-life landmark overlooking the glimmering Gulf of Oman provides a cozy attraction for locals and tourists alike. Its construction was completed in 1990 in time for the 20th Oman National Day celebration.

The tradition of incense burning is very much alive in Oman, so much so that the common design of modern urban structures or architecture are modeled or inspired from the shape of the censers. But the practice of building a larger-than-life structure is not only exclusive to present-day Oman, as prehistoric bronze mega structure censer can be found in China. Legend has it that it was commissioned for the King of Shang to offer sacrifices to his deceased mother.

3000 2900 3000 - 2000 BCE Pakistan

15

20m

2800 2700 2600

30m

2500 2400 2300 2500 - 1500 BCE Japan

2200

80 metres above sea level

2100 2000 1900 2000 BCE Syria

2000 BCE China

Modern enlarged version of an ancient censer (1700 - 1000 BCE) China

Circa 2012 Wadi Kabir roudabout Muscat, Oman

1800 1700 1600 1500 1400 1300 1200 1100 1000

900

1000 BCE Iran

800

1000 - 800 BCE Iran

400 BCE Saudi Arabia

500 - 400 BCE Iran

500

600 - 500 BCE Iran

300 BCE Saudi Arabia

400

100 BCE Pakistan

500 BCE Iran

300 200 BCE China

247 BCE - 224 CE Iran

400 - 1 BCE Saudi Arabia

200 100 0

100 BCE Khor Rori Oman 1 - 100 CE Yemen

600

400 - 300 BCE Saudi Arabia

400 - 1 BCE Saudi Arabia

300 BCE Saudi Arabia

700

1027 - 256 BCE China

247 BCE - 224 CE Iran

199 BCE - 400 CE Oman

100 CE Shabwa Yemen

247 BCE - 224 CE Iran

100 BCE Southern Arabia

206 BCE - 220 CE China

200

1 - 300 CE Vietnam

100 BCE - 200 CE Iran

100 BCE - 200 CE Iran

100

100 - 200 CE Pakistan

199 BCE - 400 CE Oman

300 18 BCE - 660 CE Korea

501 - 600 CE Pakistan

600 CE Pakistan

400

500

MIDDLE EAST

China

In the Arab world, censers are called by many names. The two most common are majmar and mabkhara. They are distinct for their exquisite patterns and engravings fashioned by seasoned artisans. Traditionally, they have square supporting bases and inward sloping sides on its head section — the shape of a cup.

Incense burning was part of Ancient Chinese daily tradition, especially in noble families. A common habit was to place incense burners inside the house, and even near the bed. Noblemen would have their clothes fumigated with smoke before leaving the house so that the sweet aroma of incense is relished all day long.

Iran

600

700

800

The censers dating from 12th century were mostly found in the Greater Khorasan area of Northeast Persia and depicted in meticulous detail of bird-like figures and other animals, made of bronze and silver.

900

1000

Japan 918 - 1392 CE Korea 1101 - 1199 CE Iran

1101 - 1250 CE Iran

1101 - 1199 CE Iran

1101 - 1200 CE Iran

1101 - 1200 CE Iran

1200 CE Iran

1101 - 1399 CE Iran

The Japanese censers called koro were often found during tea ceremonies. They would come in figures of animals found in everyday life, such as roosters and buffaloes. These censers can be traced back from the Edo or Tokugawa Japanese era.

1100

1200

1101 - 1199 CE Iran

1300 1350 - 1399 CE Iran

1201 - 1300 CE Iran

1200 - 1300 CE Iran

1368 - 1644 CE China

1400

1368 - 1644 CE China

1368 - 1644 CE China

1575 - 1600 CE China 1300 - 1600 CE Philippines

1644 - 1911 CE China

1644 - 1911 CE China

1662 - 1722 CE China

1615 - 1868 CE Japan

1644 - 1911 CE China

1615 - 1868 CE Japan

1800 CE Japan

1750 CE Japan

1700

1644 - 1911 CE China 1800

1644 - 1911 CE China

1644 - 1911 CE China

1644 - 1911 CE China 1820 CE Japan

1850 - 1900 CE Japan

1500

1600

1750 - 1850 CE China

1801 - 1899 CE Japan

1368 - 1644 CE China

1558 - 1637 CE Japan

1720 CE Japan

1635 CE Vietnam

1368 - 1644 CE China

1368 - 1644 CE China

1615 - 1868 CE Japan

1650 CE Japan

1500 - 1600 CE Nepal

1644 - 1911 CE China

1368 - 1644 CE China

1868 - 191 CE Japan

1850 - 1900 CE Japan

1800 - 1900 CE Japan

1770 CE Japan 1800 CE Japan

1775 - 1800 CE Japan 1900

1850 CE Japan 1850 - 1900 CE Japan

2000

18

TIMES O F OMAN

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

OMAN: THE LAND OF FRANKINCENSE

THE VALUE OF FRANKINCENSE HOW TO READ

Retail Price

The data is represented according to the size, colour, and position of the bubble. In order to find which frankincense products are sold fairly and which are overpriced, we have shown here both the retail price and the unit price.

Unit price

High

Represented by the vertical position of the bubble. The higher the bubble is located within the page, the higher its retail price.

Mid range

Low

Represented by the size of the bubble.

The bigger the bubble, the higher the unit price of the product.

More costly

If you buy 224 grammes of frankincense and the retail price is OMR 8.683, you will arrive with the unit price by calculating the following:

Moderate

Cheaper

Unit Price =

Raw resin

Amount

Powder

GRAMMES

28 56 112 448 1,000

MILILITRES

1 2 4 1 1 OZ OZ OZ LB KG

Equivalent volume

10 14 20 25 28 50 56 70 100 112 140 200 224 250 448 500 1,000 1 OZ

2 OZ

9 8

8.683 x 1,000 gm / kg 224 grammes

=

8.683 |

38.763

8.208 |

36.643

Colour key

3.5 4 OZ OZ

1 LB

1 KG

RETAIL PRICE

1 FL OZ

2 FL OZ

Yemen (Boswellia sacra) Somalia (Boswellia frereana) Ethiopia (Boswellia papyrifera) Eritrea (Boswellia papyrifera) India (Boswellia serrata)

Oman’s market price

OMR 38.763 per kg

Kenya (Boswellia neglecta) Not specified

Joss stick

Frankincense paste is formed around a stick and sold in packs containing 5 to 50 pieces

2.3 5 10 15 25 30 50 60 100 120 240 250 480 1,000 0.5 FL OZ

Oman (Boswellia sacra)

The source and tree species are factors that determine the price of frankincense.

The distilled frankincense resin is sold as oil in bottles ranging from 2.3 millilitres to a litre

Tear (nugget) Equivalent weight

RP | UP Retail Price | Unit Price

224 g

Essential oil

The solidified frankincense resin is sold in packs weighing from 10 grammes to a kilogramme

Resin state

Here’s a price guide on buying frankincense. We did an online survey to determine the various prices of frankincense and compared this data with the price in the Omani market. We focused our inquiry on these three incense products — raw resin, essential oil, and incense sticks — which are sold and packed in various ways (weight and volume)

4 8 FL OZ FL OZ

16 1 FL OZ LT

STICK PER PACK Equivalent weight

5 10 12 20 30 40 50 10 20 G G

50 G

RP | UP 456.000 | 456.000

In Omani Rial (OMR)

RP | UP 392.962 | 392.962

400

400

Most costly 1 kg pack

300

200

200

Most expensive and most costly 100 gm pack NOTE: To organise and classify all the values, the price grid has been scaled logarithmically

300

The price of 1 kg of Omani frankincense ranges from the cheapest to the most expensive

RP | UP 164.160 | 345.800 Most expensive 15 ml bottle

RP | UP 84.200 | 842.004

RP | UP 59.386 | 3,959.600 100

100

90

90 80 RP | UP 56.134 | 280.668

70

80

Most expensive 10 ml bottle

70

RP | UP 36.100 | 3,610.000

60

60

RP | UP 42.096 | 420.964

50

50

With OMR 30 per kilo, Oman is the cheapest and the best place to buy fresh and high quality frankincense

40

RP | UP 30.000 | 30.000

30

RP | UP 22.450 | 449.008 20

40

This bubble pattern forming an inverted cone indicates that some prices are inflated. Evidently, this happens when the frankincense oil is bottled in 5, 10 and 15 ml. Hence, buyers must be cautious in buying the product in such packaging if they don’t want to end up paying more.

RP | UP 21.124 | 4,225.600

Most expensive frankincense oil. Having the highest unit price per 5 ml bottle, a litre would cost OMR 4,225

20

10

10 9

9

The dominance of orange bubbles is indicative that most of the oil distilled from India has lower prices than the Omani due to its inferior quality

8 7

8 7 6

6 This 10-stick pack is costly and also the unit price per stick

5 RP | UP 4.123 | 412.300

This 50-stick pack is the most expensive but would come out cheaper per stick

4

3

30

RP | UP 3.363 | 0.336

RP | UP 3.000 | 3.000

10 gm of raw resin from Somalia costs more than OMR 4.

Yet another product from Kenya would cost half its price.

4

3 Generally, the packaging containing more pieces of stick would be cheaper in its unit price per stick, hence the size of the bubbles found in the right tend to be smaller than the ones in the left.

1 kg pack of powdered frankincense in Oman ranges from OMR 1 to 3, which is comparably the cheapest in the world

2 RP | UP 2.090 | 209.000 Though this 28 gm pack is very affordable, by calculation the unit price of 1 kg would cost more than OMR 16, so this is not really cheap.

Costing OMR 1, this is the cheapest 1 kg powder

2

Cheapest price per stick RP | UP 1.136 | 0.057

1

RP | UP 1.056 | 0.088

RP | UP 1.000 | 1.000

RP | UP 1.045 | 37.320

0.9

RP | UP 3.903 | 0.078

5

This 12-stick pack has lowest retail price

RP | UP 0.452 | 16.150

0.8

1 0.9 0.8 0.7

0.7

Grammes

10 14 20 25 28 50 56 70 100 112 140 200 224 250 448 500 1,000

28 56 112 448 1,000

Millilitres

2.3 5 10 15 25 30 50 60 100 120 240 250 480 1,000

STICKS PER PACK

5 10 12 20 30 40 50

Sources: Interview to Mr. Amin Saad Said Al Mahri | Scents of Earth | Etsy | Young Living Essential Oils | Rocky Mountain Oils | Edens Garden | Rahiiq | Norfolk Essential Oils | Plant Therapy | The Frankincense Store | Ki Aroma | Fabulous Frannie | Puritan’s Pride | NWI Trading Company Boston Commodities International | Plant Guru | Organic Infusions | The Ananda Apothecary | Floracopeia | Sydney Essential Oil | Lala Jagdish Prasad | Boswellness | Mountain Rose Herbs | Ali Express | Holistic Shop | Maher Shop | Starwest Botanicals | Bulk Apothecary | Kalyx Sunshine Day Dream Jamband Hippie Record Shop | Banyan Botanicals | Ayur Organic | Soma Luna | Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary | Mudbrick Cottage Herb Farm | Anna Riva’s Shop | Aura Cacia | Fishpond | Skodot | Absolute Angels Shop | Incense On The Way | Aroma Shop