Times of Oman - December 20, 2015

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

Before the third session of the Council of Oman 2003

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Human enterprise can only succeed if there is constant endeavour, accompanied by determination, a strong will and a sense of responsibility.

SUNDAY, December 20, 2015 / 8 Rabi Al Awal 1437 AH

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Underage drivers a big threat on roads games, young children without driving licences, are getting behind the wheels and posing a great threat to lives in Oman, says a study of SQU

HASAN SHABAN Al LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Parents in Oman are wrongfully allowing their children to drive cars without obtaining a licence.

One out of three secondary school students claimed they had driven a vehicle in Oman at least once without a licence, according to a recent study conducted

by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) researchers.

Among the 3,345 secondary school students surveyed, 34 per cent also reported that they liked to over-speed while driving, the study says.

When contacted, a senior Royal Oman Police (ROP) official said some children take to driving under the influence of video games.

“Video games, which encour-

age reckless and irresponsible driving, are the main reason youngsters are putting their and other people’s lives at risk,” he said, adding that parents should keep an eye on what children are exposed to through media’s different channels.

“Besides, a lack of supervision by family members is also one of the causes,” he noted.

He added that people driving without licences were being jailed for 24 hours in Oman.

“Besides, their vehicles are also impounded and they are slapped with a fine of OMR50,” he said.

Some parents admitted it’s very difficult to control children at times. “It is a passion for them to drive a vehicle from a very early age and I know someone,

C B O C H I E F ’ S S TAT E M E N T

‘Oman will not raise key interest rates’ A E JAMES businesseditor@timesofoman.com

Saraya Bandar Jissah participates in Cityscape Kuwait 2015

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MUSCAT: Oman is not going to increase benchmark interest rates although four Gulf states did so, following the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate hike last week.

“We have no plans at the moment to change the official benchmark rates,” Hamoud Sangour Al Zadjali, executive president of the Central Bank of Oman, told the Times of Oman.

Four GCC countries — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Kuwait

— last week raised their benchmark interest rates (mainly repurchase rate and reverse repurchase rates) by 0.25 basis points, triggering a rate hike across the board.

Repurchase rate (or Repo rate) is the rate at which the central bank of a country lends money to commercial banks in the event of any (temporary) shortfall of funds, while reverse repo rate is the rate at which the central bank of a country borrows money from commercial banks, after issuing securities. >A6

OMANI TURTLE RANGER

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HASAN SHABAN Al LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com

Mohammed Al Hassani

MUSCAT: “Our beaches are safe, I promise to take care of your babies. Come again!” Mohammed Al Hassani, the one and only turtle ranger in the Sultanate, said while addressing turtles.

Al Hassani, who has saved more than 3,000 baby turtles so far, said he had started saving turtles from fishing nets since he was 12 years old.

“When I used to go to the Qantab beach for snorkelling with my friends and family, I used to release the turtles, which were trapped in the fishing nets. That was when I made a promise to

protect these little creatures when I grow up.” When the Omani turtle ranger spotted a nesting area, he surrounded it with fences and warning signboards so that tourists and beach walkers did not accidentally step on the eggs of the green and hawksbill turtles.

With the help of his lifeguard friends, Al Hassani started patrolling the Muscat coastline from Al Waha, Al Bandar to Al Husn’s private beach in the early morning, and sometimes late in the night, to ensure the turtles’ safety.

Although the nesting sea-

son starts in January and ends in August, Al Hassani works throughout the year so that “no one is left behind.”

Interestingly, one of Al Hassani’s secret pleasures is to name the turtles he rescues.

He gives them Arabic names, such as Aisha, Khalfan, Saeed, Fatima, Alia and Shamsa.

Asked how he can tell if an egg will produce a male or female turtle, Al Hassani explained that warmer sand temperatures produce female hatchlings, while cooler sand temperatures—less than 30 degree Celsius—produce more or all males.

Al Hassani has been working with the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa since 2005.

He has always striven to raise awareness among fishermen to not use illegal fishing nets and release turtles if any are caught mistakenly.

Maximum fatalities Hamed Al Reesi, a PhD student at SQU, who is a part of the study, said males in the age group of 16 to 25 years accounted for maximum fatalities during road crashes in Oman, constituting 38.7 to 59.7 deaths per 100,000 capita.

“This is mainly due to rash driving, overspeeding, the nonuse of seat belts and the use of cell phones while driving,” he stated.

The study also reveals that 69.6 per cent were found at fault by the ROP at the time of the investigation, of whom 89.6 per cent were males and 94.7 per cent were of Omani nationality. >A6

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ALAWI MEETS BAN KI-MOON

The Sultanate participated in an international meeting on the Syrian crisis in New York. Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, chaired the Sultanate’s delegation at the meeting. The leaders discussed ways to resolve the Syrian crisis.

Alawi also met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

During the meeting, they discussed the ways of boosting cooperation between the Sultanate and the UN. -ONA

who fled with the car when his father went to the washroom,” Nasir Al Busaidi, who lives in Mabella, said.

The Times of Oman even spoke to a teenager, who confessed to having started driving at the age of 16 after she passed out of Class X. “I used to even go the nearby shops to bring groceries when my elder brothers were not available,” the teenager, who refused to be named, said.

Daryle Hardie, chief executive officer of Road Safety First, said school students take to driving due to negligence. He also pointed out that rural areas lack checkpoints and have lesser number of patrols and road blocks.

“But over the years, the ROP has made a dramatic improvement in regulating violators in Oman by intensifying checkpoints and pulling aside drivers to check the vehicle’s condition and validity of licence,” he said.

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Why women are lagging behind in the Sultanate

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Last Thursday, I attended a Women’s Forum organised by an international auditing company and the first thing one noticed was the female turnout. >A3

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Remittances rise

Liwa plastics deal

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Expats in Oman are cashing in on as Indian rupee skidded to the highest 66.34 against dollar. >A4

As many as 15 pacts , including four major EPC contracts were signed by the

Orpic. >B1

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Why Omani women are lagging behind

SQU holds key meeting Times News Service

SUNDAY BEAT SALEH AL SHAIBANY

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ast Thursday, I attended a Women’s Forum organised by the international auditing company PWC and the first thing I noticed was the female turnout.

I was expecting it to be a full house, but found no more than 30 women seated there.

There was an ever smaller male turnout. I could count the men attending the Forum on the fingers of my right hand.

Before the event, they were struggling to find a panel of speakers since a couple of them had politely declined. Out of the five, only one was a man and that was the beginning of the problem. The whole forum was dictated by him and the four female panellists were timid.

Although there was a gallant effort from one of them, who happened to be a seasoned defender of women’s rights, the rest were like lambs being led to a slaughter house.

The women delegates were no better. Either they looked like they really did not want to be there or did not see the point of being there and already knew what would be the outcome.

The topic under discussion was, “Women in Business”, but the role of businesswomen was never discussed. It was really about women at workplaces and their struggle in offices.

I was amused to hear them talk about employment opportunities rather than concentrate on their path to the top tier of management.

My amazement did not end there. The women in the panel were almost apologetic about their defence and completely resigned to the fact that “no change could come out of all this” and why bother?

To start with, their arguments lacked a cutting edge.

There was no vigour or dynamism — even conviction for that matter. It was as if they had found themselves in unchartered territory.

Secondly, at least most of the time, both the panellists and the female audience ducked under the umbrella of feminism, instead of pushing their arguments to the centrepiece of equality at workplaces.

For example, they blamed the social impact, tradition and customs of Oman as factors

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that had stood in their way to make it to responsible positions in offices. They also saw the biological differences between men and women as another factor. They then contradicted themselves by agreeing with the panellist who demanded a longer maternity leave. To me, a longer maternity has nothing to do with competitiveness in the workplace.

A woman can still get two months off from work after the delivery of a child, but it does not prove she will be good enough to win a promotion when she comes back to the office.

They also said men see women as “pretty faces with their make up on” and this is the reason why they are not taken seriously.

Instead of highlighting the ‘fire’ and ‘passion’ they have for their careers, the female speakers went into a self-destructive mode to draw attention to factors that have obvious solutions. They also clung to the “emotions” angle that men often accuse them of. Emotion

is a feeling of the heart when it battles with the thoughts in the mind. These women did not see it that way.

Men also go through intense moments of emotions. How could ‘emotions’ erect a wall that prevents women from making it to the boardroom?

It is true that women are under-represented in employment and the national statistics prove that.

Women own businesses Females make up only 26 per cent of the private sector and 29 per cent of the civil service.

There are no statistics available in Oman about how many women own businesses, but it would not be a big percentage either.

The bold truth is that since data shows that only a small percentage of them are in the workplace, it makes sense that only a small percentage of them should be in top positions. Instead of ‘moaning’ about the lack of opportunities at the top rung of the ladder, Omani women must shed their inferiority, stop making excuses about their emotions and their biological differences from men and work harder.

They have to earn the top positions. These will not be given to them just because they have to represent the ‘female species.’

ZUBAIR SMALL ENTERPRISES CENTRE

Forum to focus on opportunities in tourism MUSCAT: A panel discussion on the opportunities available for entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, will be held by Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (ZSEC), at Bait Al Zubair Museum on Monday, as part of “My Experience” series.

The session aims to identify investment opportunities with the most important tourism sector

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for entrepreneurs of small business owners before starting the application of the tourism strategy in the Sultanate and the most important challenges faced by the owners of those institutions when they start to implement their tourism projects.

Philip Giorgio, representative of the strategy of the Tourism Committee at the Ministry of

Tourism will lecture the session and will throw light on the most important strategic features and procedures that will be followed by the ministry in order to implement the strategy, in addition to available opportunities and projects to the private sector and the opportunities offered to entrepreneurs.

Adel al-Abri, CEO of Uniboats

for Water Tourism and Amir alRawahi, CEO of Arabian Adventures for Eco-tourism in the Sultanate reviewed their experience in the implementation of projects related to the tourism sector in terms of the steps and procedures at the implementation of those projects and the most important challenges they faced when implementing their projects. — ONA

MUSCAT: An Advisory Council meeting was held recently by the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences (CAMS), Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).

The meeting was chaired by His Highness Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Julanda Al Said, assistant secretary general for Promotion of Innovation at The Research Council, in the presence of the Council’s members.

The meeting included a welcoming speech delivered by Dr Rashid bin Abdullah Al Yahyai, dean of CAMS, where he talked about the college’s vision and its goal to be recognised internationally for all its specialties.

Further, the college plans to contribute to meet the needs of the Sultanate in this area.

Al Yahyai added that the college’s mission is to serve the Sultanate through three aspects: building abilities, protection of food and water sources, and economic and social development of the country.

He also spoke about the college’s departments’ duties, its academic structure and their programmes.

Research at the college usually focuses on the sustainability of food and water and the management of renewable sources.

Updates on the status of CAMS, degrees programmes, research priorities and training programmes were also discussed.

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SU N DAY, DECEMB ER 20, 2015

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The rupee, which had rallied after breaching 67 per dollar earlier this week, is expected to gain.

Tonny George Alexander, director, Oman UAE Exchange

P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E D E S T I NAT I O N

Saraya Bandar Jissah showcased at Cityscape Kuwait Times News Service MUSCAT: Showcasing Saraya Bandar Jissah, Oman’s newest premier lifestyle destination and global winner of ‘Best International Mixed-Use Development 20142015,’ its developers participated at Cityscape Kuwait 2015.

The luxury Integrated Tourism Complex premiered at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds at the December 9-11 event.

The event is considered a premier platform for developers to display their projects to an audience that included investors and real estate professionals and to network with industry experts in a dynamic business environment.

Currently one of the largest and most spectacular developments under construction in Oman, Saraya Bandar Jissah is featured at stall E50 at the exhibition.

Sharing his thoughts on promoting the development regionally, Sheikh Hamood bin Sultan Al Hosni, CEO of Saraya Bandar Jissah, noted, “Following the success of the first phase of the Saraya Bandar Jissah project, we have consistently received great response from buyers and investors, not only in the Sultanate, but from the GCC and beyond. Since the project is now steadily moving towards completion, we wanted to expand our horizons and take the project to Kuwait, which is a key

market. Kuwait has always been a major player in this region and we are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase Saraya Bandar Jissah to our Kuwaiti investors and customers.”

He also added, “The recent awards that Saraya Bandar Jissah has been recognised with, further cement our pledge to deliver a one-of-a-kind luxury development with two 5-star beachfront hotels, a boutique hotel and resort hotel to be operated by world-class operators — Jumeirah Group, five residential zones, and a state-ofthe-art recreational facility, staff accommodation and technical zone. We believe that our presence in Kuwait underlined these unique

offerings to the regional and global real estate market.”

Cityscape Kuwait is the nation’s premier real estate investment and development event. It opened its doors on December 7 at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Meshref. The second edition of this three-day event was attended by exhibitors from the domestic, regional and international real estate markets and concluded on December 11.

Event provided a platform for the regional real estate industry to share knowledge, debate current issues, and form partnerships with policy makers, regional and international investors, business leaders, and real estate professionals.

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE: Saraya Bandar Jissah is located on

the outskirts of Muscat on a secluded beach surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. - Supplied picture

Indian expats in Oman cash in on rupee’s slide THE RUPEE WEAKENS AGAINST THE DOLLAR Indian rupee skidded

Rupees per dollar

to the highest 66.34 against $1 and

December 18 2014

On January 28, the Rupee began its steady weakening against the dollar

62.990

61.358

70

2015 RECORD September 7 2015

December 18 2015

66.315

December 11 2015

66.885

67.148

172.287 against OMR1 on Friday after consistent

60 August 24 2015

50

66.814

falls reported during the past few

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months spurring 30

quick homebound dispatches

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STAFF REPORTER

MUSCAT: As the Indian Rupee continues to weaken against powerful US dollar, the country’s expats in Oman are cashing in and remittances are climbing. The Indian rupee skidded to the highest 66.34 against $1 and 172.287 against OMR1 on Friday after consistent falls reported during the past few months spurring quick homebound dispatches.

Expected to gain “The rupee, which had rallied after breaching 67/dollar earlier this week, is expected to gain. According to India Ratings, the Indian Rupee will stabilise between 66.30 and 66.60 per dollar during the week,” Tonny George Alexander, director of the Oman UAE Exchange, said.

On Wednesday, the US Federal Reserve hiked interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade, signalling faith that the US

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Major changes (More than 0.70%) Source: investing.com

economy had largely overcome the wounds of the 2007-2009 financial crisis.

“I’m not sure how it fares for the country, but such moments are rare and favourable for workers like us,” says Toheed Ahmed, a salesman at a Muscat hypermarket.

The Rupee’s decline, he said, reflected the bad state of affairs in India, which, he said, is good as long as his bank balance is increasing.

“In the Gulf, people like us are always happy when the Rupee weakens,” he stated.

Graphics

Others, such as S Kumar, supervisor at a local consumer products company, has been sending money home ever since the Indian Rupee’s plunge began.

Pick up pace “I remember it started in August (63.79 for $1) this year when the dollar started to pick up pace.

Since then I have been frequent in remitting money,” he told the Times of Oman.

He said he has come across cases in his company where people remit money after having taken out salaries in advance or

by taking personal loans to gain from the trend.

Bulk money holders The sliding India Rupee has fared well for white-collar employees in Oman too.

“It’s a great opportunity for those with residual or extra money. You can say I’m one of those who would want to grab such opportunities all the time,” said Adeel Hamid, assistant manager at WJ Towell. “The idea is to save money in the months when Rupee is strong and remit when the Indian Rupee falls drastically.”

T U E S D AY T O U R I S M TA L K S

Academician shares experience of conducting tourism studies at sea Times News Service MUSCAT: To promote intercultural communication and tourism studies in a live tourism laboratory, Prof. Dr Nevenka Čavlek has created the International Tourism and Hospitality Academy at Sea (ITHAS) in Croatia in 2005.

As part of the series of Tuesday Tourism Talks (TTT) held at GUtech, Department of Logistics, Tourism and Service Management, Čavlek delivered a public talk entitled, “Experiential Learning for tourism education; the case of International Tourism and Hospitality Academy at Sea.” Čavlek is the Head of Postgraduate Studies in Tourism Management at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb in Croatia. The Tourism Department is part of the UNWTO Education Council and Čavlek is also the Editor-in-Chief of the scientific journal Acta Turistica, published twice per year.

“In Croatia, tourism accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the Gross

– Supplied picture

Domestic Product (GDP) and today all business students at the Faculty of Economics and Business have to study a compulsory tourism course,” said Čavlek while talking about the importance of tourism in her home country.

“Prior to my work in academia, I worked in tourism,” she said, adding that the idea of starting a special programme for students to get a first-hand experience in tourism, conducted outside the lecture hall and outside the traditional vocational training practices had grown. “The uniqueness is that the programme differs from common practices. Our main goal

was to create an exciting opportunity for travelling and studying at the same time,” she said.

In 2005, Čavlek initiated the first seven-day intensive study module at sea in Croatia, entitled, “Island Tourism Management.”

Since then, Čavlek has organised various trips on various topics, for e.g. not only on cruise tourism on the river Danube, but also in Croatia and other topics along the Adriatic coast (Montenegro, Albania). “During the sail, students attend lectures delivered by well-known academics of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism. Last year, we had 26 different nationalities onboard. Between 80 and 130 students participated and were selected well in advance and according to their study achievements. Lecturers circulated and the students stayed on board,” she said. The programme combines real life experiences, reflective observation, abstract conceptualisation and they learn about the most important aspects by tourism by active experimentation.

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How to avoid flu this winter Home remedies to get rid of flu

The best thing to

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RECOGNITION

SQU team wins second prize at Gulf robot competition

do this season is to practice good hygiene and wash hands often, as a good hand wash kills the virus, say doctors

Times News Service MUSCAT: If you want to avoid flu this winter, the ideal word is caution, city-based doctors said on Thursday.

“The best thing to do this season is to practice good hygiene and wash your hands often as a good hand wash will kill the virus,” Dr Basheer, a specialist of Internal Medicine and a Diabetologist based in Badr Al Samaa, Ruwi said.

Cold and flu bugs affect people, who are tired and rundown, because the body is too weak to defend itself.

“If you want to have a good immune system then you should not smoke, eat a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and control your blood pressure,” doctors said.

Highly contagious, influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently.

Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and can spread it to others.

– Times file picture

“Recurring during the change in season, flu is both unpleasant and inconvenient and patients feel absolutely miserable for days,” said a doctor in Muscat, adding that flu could last from seven to 10 days and leave one totally exhausted. “A dry, persistent, racking cough is often one of the last symptoms to go.”

Often flu is confused with other influenza-like illnesses, especially the common cold, but it is a more severe disease, and is a major killer of vulnerable people.

“It’s not the same as the common cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses and the symptoms tend to start more suddenly, can be more severe and will last longer. People aged 65 and over and people, with long-term health conditions, including diabetes and kidney disease, are particularly at risk,” noted Basheer said.

However, containing the infection is quite easy. “Maintaining general hygiene, including regular washing of hands, also helps contain the spread of the infection, as the virus can be deactivated by soap. Flu jabs, or flu vaccines also give good protection against flu,” added Basheer.

For otherwise healthy and affected individuals, a proper rest and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will quickly end the infection. Children are another potential group for the swift spreading of flu, according to a doctor.

1. Drink up: The flu can leave you dehydrated, especially if are vomiting or diarrhoea. So be sure to get enough fluids.

Water is fine. So are fruit juices, soda, and electrolyte beverages. Herbal tea with honey can soothe a sore throat.

If you feel nauseated, try taking small sips of liquids—gulps might cause you to throw up.

You may want to stay away from caffeinated drinks, because caffeine is a diuretic, and strictly no alcohol.

2. Sip some soup: Hot chicken soup may help with symptoms of the upper respiratory tract infections like the flu. Chemistry alone just does not explain the soup’s apparent benefits: when you lean over a bowl of hot chicken soup, the vapour travels up your nose, and you definitely feel better.

3. Be a couch potato: Listen to

“Children are a vulnerable group. Being in the formative years, a change of season unrelentingly translates into repeated bouts of flu, cold and fever, amongst them,” she stated.

Stressing on the need to educate parents about not sending their sick wards to school, as it would lead to the swift spreading of diseases, doctors said, schools must encourage parents to keep their sick wards at home, and make sure no sick child attends the school until they have fully recuperated.

It is better to consult a doctor, than play one yourself, advised

your body. If it’s telling you not to exercise, don’t. If it’s urging you to spend all day in bed, do.

4. Swish it n spit it: Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily.

To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle, such as tea, which contains tannins, to tighten the membranes.

Or use a thick, viscous gargle made with honey, sage and cayenne pepper, all of which are slightly antiseptic.

5. Humidify: Breathing moist air helps ease nasal congestion and sore throat pain. Indulge in a steam shower, or use a humidifier.

6. Make a tent: Need a quick way to open clogged airways?

Bring a pot of water to a boil and remove it from the heat. Drape a towel over your head, close

Basheer. “Most viral flu’s including the potentially dangerous ones, such as the H1N1 or Corona Virus, initially present similar symptoms, and it is better to consult a doctor if the symptoms do not begin to subside within three to four days. It must be noted that it is easy to control the dangerous flu in the initial stage. Once the flu progresses to stage two or further, there is no effective treatment available as such,” he stated.

Also flu is different from cold, although the symptoms are quite similar for the two, and it could sometimes be difficult to tell if you

your eyes, and lean over the water under the tent, breathing deeply through your nose for 30 seconds.

7. Try a warm compress: A warm cloth on the forehead and nose is a great way to relieve headache or sinus pain.

8. Sucker punch: Cough drops, throat lozenges, and hard candy can be surprisingly effective at easing cough or a sore throat.

9. Nasal irrigation: To ease stuffiness and a post-nasal drip, and perhaps cut the risk of getting a sinus infection, some doctors recommend nasal irrigation. Opt for a saline squeeze bottle.

10. Sleep well: Don’t skimp on night time sleep. Good sleeping cycles help the immune system work well, so it’s important to get your full eight hours of sleep each night.

have flu or just a cold, he added.

“The symptoms of flu usually develop within one to three days of becoming infected, and usually include fever and aching muscles.

Most people will feel better within a week. However, one may have a lingering cough and still feel very tired for a further couple of weeks.

Cold symptoms on the other hand come on gradually, are fairly mild, and mainly affect the nose and throat According to doctors, a common misstep among patients looking to counter viral infections is resorting to antibiotics.

MUSCAT: It was a sterling feat for the Electrical and Computer Engineering team from the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), as they won the second prize at the recently held GCC Robot Challenge Competition.

The team represented the Sultanate in this competition, the final round of which was held in Kuwait at the Holiday Inn Hotel. The Kuwaiti team came first, the Saudi team stood third, and teams from Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates followed in that order.

Oman’s team Oman’s team included Tariq bin Ahmed Al Ma’amari, Asa’ad bin Hamad Al Qasimi, Ahmed bin Salim Al Balushi, Hamad bin Khalfan Al Busaidi, Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Kindi, Muath bin Ahmed Al Madhani, and took part in the competition under the supervision of Dr Ashraf Salim of the SQU College of Engineering. The Engineering and Technology Institute, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Sabah AlAhmad Centre for Giftedness and Creativity had organised the competition. All Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries participated in the competition. The winner is awarded a cash prize of $1,000 and second spot winner gets $500. — ONA

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SU N DAY, DECEMB ER 20, 2015

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Writers often wish they could draw or play music with their words. It is said that painters are musicians, who provide us with silent symphonies and we provide the words Ahlam Mosteghanemi, Algerian novelist

Bait Al Zubair hosts Rashmi’s exhibition

QUALITY WORK

Royal Hospital honours outstanding employees

In some of her works, the artist has also used Omani heritage products, to create paintings and in some others she has highlighted the Omani environment TEAM EFFORTS: Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of

and its aesthetic

Health, was present at the function at the Royal Hospital.

landscapes MAGNIFICENT CREATIONS: The exhibition featured 35 of Rashmi Dauria’s artworks, which are a mix of modern art, Omani heritage and portraits. – Supplied picture

Times News Service MUSCAT: “Reflections”, an exhibition by artist Rashmi Dauria, was hosted by Bait Al Dalaleel at Bait Al Zubair on Wednesday.

This was the artist’s first solo exhibition in Oman.

The exhibition featured 35 of her artworks, which are a mix of modern art, Omani heritage and portraits.

Dauria also used in some of her works, Omani heritage products, to create paintings and in some others she has highlighted the Omani environment and its aesthetic landscapes.

Her continuing odyssey into the fascinating and colourful world of art and painting started as a toddler. True to the saying that artists are just children, who refuse to put down their crayons, Dauria continued with her magnificent obsession to create more and more enthralling pieces that are on display here.

Her works truly open the eyes of the viewer to the many overlooked beauties that are sometimes right in front of us, yet we do not see them.

The artist has also aimed to make people understand and appreciate beauty and harmony

around us. Beauty is not only vibrant colours, but it also lies in a human’s heart and hands.

Dauria described her art as, “the bridge across forever, arching above the sea, adventuring for our pleasure, living mysteries for the fun of it, choosing disasters, triumphs, challenges, and impossible odds.”

Readers are invited to this special journey of self discovery, a journey that they will enjoy just as much as Dauria has, in putting this event together especially for them.

Bait Al Dalaleel at Bait Al Zubair is an art space created for

young Omanis to display their work for new audiences in a relaxed and beautiful environment.

Artists and audiences alike can explore a wide variety of art books and magazines, as well as discover some new creativity and talent in Oman. Throughout the year, Bait Al Dalaleel offers workshops and meetings for young creative talent to explore their work and develop their talent.

The exhibition will continue at Bait Al Dalaleel until the end of December and can be visited during working hours from Saturday to Thursday, between 9:30am and 6pm.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Outstanding medical and administrative employees of the Royal Hospital were honoured under the patronage of Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health.

The ceremony was held at the hospital in the presence of Dr. Qasim Al Salmi, director-general of the Royal Hospital, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the Hospital.

On the occasion, Al Salmi delivered a speech in which he said: “We are proud of our country’s achievements in health, education, communications, industry and other sectors, and we wish that the same pace of progress will continue in the years and decades

to come.” He also added: “In the health sector, we are fortunate to be led by Al Saidi.”

“He has very supportive of our needs. The Royal Hospital has progressed and achieved success because of the efforts of its medical, nursing, technical and support staff. The increase would have been much more pronounced were we not limited by space, facilities and manpower. These improvements in productivity and quality have been possible only because of the efforts of our staff. Today, we will be recognising some of these individuals and teams, who have contributed to this success,” added Al Salmi.

At the end of the ceremony, the Health Minister also praised the outstanding employees.

E X H I B I T I O N I N G E N E VA

‘Strings of Love’ is the embodiment of Omani youth spirit Times News Service MUSCAT: The common thread of the world of literature, arts and calligraphy was showcased at ‘The Strings of Love’ art exhibition in Geneva.

The respective art disciplines expressed the imaginations of individuals, their feelings and great love for creativity.

For the exhibition, acclaimed Omani artist Alia Al Farsi combined her art work with quotes of Algerian novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi. The exhibition included 10 paintings and a sofa entitled “Woman Awaits,” and was complemented with the calligraphy works of Algerian-Swiss artist Abderrazak Hamouda.

The extraordinary idea for the exhibition stemmed from Al Far-

si’s fascination with the writings of Mosteghanemi, which began in 2004. Inspired by the possibilities of combining her artistic talents with his prose, she contacted the famous writer and began a close and enduring collaboration.

Al Farsi travelled to Switzerland to put together the concept and direction of the exhibition, which has received critical acclaim in Geneva and abroad.

Ambassador Abdullah bin Nasser Al Rahbi, Oman’s ambassador to the United Nations and other Organisations in Geneva, presided over the inauguration event, which also included the presence of the Governor of Versoix and the Deputy Governor.

Commenting on the art exhibition, Al Rahbi noted, “This exhibition is organised as part of the del-

egation’s celebrations of the 45th National Day. The Omani artist Alia Al Farsi is sharing her paintings in an exhibition titled ‘Strings and Love,’ and she is the true embodiment of the spirit of Omani youth and women in particular.”

Mosteghanemi said, “Writers often wish they could draw or play music with their words. It is said that painters are musicians, who provide us with silent symphonies and we provide the words. I am delighted to see this joint symphony by two exceptional talented artists, who are inspired by what I write.”

As to the reason for choosing this title for the exhibition, AlFarsi noted, “There are a number of reasons behind that, including the fact that many of my paintings embody this title, demonstrating the strong relationship between

the connotations of literary texts and meanings carried by art. There is no art without cognitive connotations, expressing the deep experiences of human life. The main reason behind the success of the exhibition was the collaborative efforts to highlight this initiative, as we are all celebrating a joyous period of the 45th National Day.” Al Farsi holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has furthered her artistic training at the Central Saint Martins in Graphic Design.

She entered the art world during the mid-90s, and soon became a well-known artist, and has participated in over 20 countries, including China, Japan, Korea, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden and Germany.

LOVE FOR CREATIVITY: Acclaimed Omani artist Alia Al Farsi

combined her art work with quotes of Algerian novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi, for the exhibition. – Supplied photo

CIVIL SERVICE MINISTER

F I N A N C I A L H E A LT H

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A1 Deposit, lending rates may rise < FROM

These are monetary policy instruments which are used to control the liquidity and general interest rates in the country.

The US Federal Reserve hiked key interest rates by 0.25 basis points since 2006 as a mark of confidence in the world’s largest economy.

Although the benchmark rates are not going to change, bankers and market analysts expect the interest rates – both deposit and lending rates – to go up in view of dearth of liquidity in the financial system.

Liquidity is tightening, which is a trend across the Gulf region, as governments and governmentrelated entities are taking away funds from the banking system.

The banks will gradually reprice their loans, especially dollar loans, said LoaiB Bataineh, general manager and head of investment banking group of Oman Arab Bank. “Interest rates have been increasing for the last couple of months. Banks have to pass on the cost of deposits to their borrowers to maintain interest margin,” added Bataineh.

However, he noted that banks would not be able to pass on the entire additional cost of funds to their customers due to competition, which, in turn, will affect the net interest margin.

Echoing a similar view, Joice Mathew, head of research at United Securities, said the de-

posit rates have started going up, which will force commercial banks to raise lending rates of corporate customers.

Oman rates have been going up in the last couple of months due to lack of liquidity, rather than speculation on US Federal rate hike. “Deposit rates were going up for the last one month.” The term deposit rate is 2-3 per cent for deposits with more than three years’ maturity.

As far as lending rates are concerned, the banking regulator controls only interest rates on personal loan, which is capped at 6 per cent. However, commercial banks are offering at below the ceiling rate to attract retail customers.

A senior banker, who does not want to be named, said the tight liquidity situation in the Gulf region is a temporary phenomenon.

In the medium-to-long-term, this will be alleviated by governments raising money from international markets, divesting state-owned assets and using reserves.

The increase in cost of funds will put further pressure on bank’s margin and corporate sector’s financing cost.

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Three-day Arab conference MUSCAT: A three-day Arab conference on administrative development titled “The Role of Civil Service Laws in Administrative Development: Arab and International Experiences,” will begin under the patronage of Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, at Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel, on Monday. -ONA SAFETY TIPS

< FROM

A1

Enforce the use of seatbelts

The SQU study suggested enforcing the use of seatbelts for all passengers and the introduction of a licencing system, where people have to clear road tests at night. This will reduce the number of road accidents in Oman.

The study showed that road accidents are the second leading cause of death among adults aged 15 to 44 years and the leading cause of deaths among those aged 15 to 29 years.

Hardie said introducing hefty fines is the most effective way to reduce the number of road violations in Oman as this strategy has been successful in reducing the rate of accidents around the world.

S U N DAY, D E C E MB E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

A7

REGION

Three years ago, officials blamed smog for more than 4,000 deaths across the country. Since then, President Hassan Rouhani’s government has pledged to tackle pollution and introduced measures such as converting vehicles to cleaner fuel.

VIOLENCE AFTER DEAL

At least 14 killed in clashes in eastern Libya’s Ajdabiya

IN THE BATTLEFIELD: Armed Yemeni tribesmen from the Popular Resistance Committees, supporting forces loyal to Yemen’s Saudibacked President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, fire rocket as they hold a position in the area of Sirwah, west of Marib city, on Friday. – AFP

Panel set to oversee ceasefire in Yemen The committee will be headed by a Lebanese army general and will consist of representatives from President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi and the Houthi movement

DOHA: Yemeni negotiators taking part in UN-sponsored peace talks agreed on Saturday to form a committee to oversee a fragile ceasefire after fresh fighting imperilled their efforts to end Yemen’s civil war, sources close to the talks told Reuters.

They said the committee would be headed by a Lebanese army general and consist of representatives from the Saudi-backed gov-

ernment of Yemen’s President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi and from the rival Houthi movement.

Both sides arrived at a hotel in the Swiss city of Biel on Saturday to attend a fifth day of talks aimed at halting the eight-month conflict in the Arab world’s poorest nation, which has killed thousands of people and caused widespread destruction and a major humanitarian crisis.

A supposed one-week truce came under strain on Friday when troops loyal to Hadi seized an important northwestern city and a military base from Houthis who still control the capital Sanaa, residents and tribal sources said.

Planes and gunboats from a Saudi-led military coalition also bombarded targets in northern Yemen, residents said. The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen voiced deep concern at “numerous reports of violations of the cessation of hostilities”, a UN statement said on Friday. Yemen, which was swept by mass protests in 2011, was this year plunged into war after the Houthis overthrew the Sanaa government, prompting Saudi Arabia and other Arab states in March to launch a widescale bombing campaign.

The UN talks started away from television cameras on Tuesday

DANGEROUS LEVEL

Air pollution forces closure of schools across Tehran DUBAI: Schools across Tehran will be closed on Sunday and residents have been warned to stay at home as a thick smog of pollution hangs in the air, officials said on Saturday.

Suspended “All educational establishments in the city of Tehran, and some towns in the province, are suspended on Sunday due to air pollution,” the city’s top education official Esfandiar Chaharband was quoted as saying by the Mehr news agency.

Outdated vehicles and inconsistent enforcement of emissions regulations are the main drivers of pollution in Iranian cities, F R I E N D LY F I R E

US aircraft mistakenly kills nine Iraqi soldiers ON BOARD THE USS KEARSARGE: A US aircraft appears to have mistakenly carried out an air strike that killed Iraqi security forces near the city of Fallujah, US Defence Secretary Ash Carter said on Saturday.

The Iraqi Minister of Defence Khaled Al Obeidi said earlier that nine soldiers died in the strike on Friday.

Carter said he spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi by phone on Saturday to express his condolences over the deaths.

He said it appeared a US aircraft had carried out the air strike.

“That’s the information I have now,” he told reporters while on a trip to the Middle East. He (Abadi) and I agreed that this was an event that we both regretted and that there would be an investigation of it, but that these kinds of things happen when you’re fighting side by side.” — Reuters

which officials have blamed for thousands of deaths from respiratory illnesses. The warning came as officials in China issued a “red alert” to prepare for smog and a week after almost 200 countries reached a landmark accord to combat climate change.

Air pollutants “The most important sources of air pollutants in Tehran are motorcycles and cars whose catalytic converter has been removed,” health official Khosro SadeghNiat was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. Tehran, a dense city of at least 12 million inhabitants, suffers the most as the snow-

capped Alborz mountains form a basin that shields its air from cleansing winds.

Pollution is more severe in winter as cold air prevents the smog from rising.

Three years ago, officials blamed smog for more than 4,000 deaths across the country. Since then, President Hassan Rouhani’s government has pledged to tackle pollution and introduced measures such as converting vehicles to cleaner fuel.

Last month, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a set of environmental policy directives and called for the government to support investments in clean energy. — Reuters

and have been marked by distrust, with each side accusing the other of violating the truce. Face-toface talks between Hadi’s government and the Houthi group have not occurred since Wednesday evening, after the Houthis rejected demands for the release of detained senior officials, including Yemen’s defence minister and Hadi’s brother, said sources close to the talks. The UN special envoy, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, is shuttling between the two sides to try and bridge differences.

The Houthis say they are ready to free the prisoners once a permanent ceasefire is agreed, another source close to the talks told Reuters. Hospital sources said on Saturday that limited medical aid had reached a few Houthi-controlled districts in the central city of Taiz, one of the worst-affected cities. — Reuters

BENGHAZI: At least 14 people have been killed and 25 wounded during clashes in eastern Libya between armed groups loyal to official government and hardline groups, two medical sources said on Saturday.

The fighting, which was continuing on Saturday, erupted on Thursday in the town of Ajdabiya, the same day as Libya’s warring factions signed a United Nationsbrokered agreement to form a unity government. Western powers hope the deal will bring stability and help to combat a growing IS militant group presence.

Agreement However, the agreement faces questions from critics about how representative the proposed government will be, and whether armed factions on the ground will obey the new government. Some brand it a UN-imposed deal.

Casualties in the Ajdabiya fighting included civilians or members of groups supporting the Libyan National Army, said the sources who asked not to be named. They added that casualties from the other side were not treated in the town’s hospitals.

It was unclear whether the

hardline fighters were affiliated to IS militants.

Guards wounded In a separate incident, two guards were wounded when an unknown group attacked the military intelligence building in the western town of Sabratha, the mayor said.

IS has exploited a growing security vacuum in Libya, where two administrations - each with its own government and parliament - are fighting for control four years after the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi.

Working from hotels The official prime minister and parliament have been based in the east since a rival group seized the capital Tripoli. Its government has been working from hotels in the city of Tobruk, about 270 km (167 miles) from Ajdabiya.

Both sides have several former anti-Gaddafi rebel groups fighting for them. After Gaddafi’s ouster, the various factions split along political, regional and tribal lines.

Militants loyal to IS, the group which has seized large parts of Syria and Iraq, have taken over the central city of Sirte, to the west of Ajdabiya. — Reuters

A8

SU N DAY, DECEMB ER 20, 2015 The present government is deliberately targeting the opposition and making full use of the state agencies to do so. Nobody is going to be scared from it. We will continue our fight Sonia Gandhi, Congress president

INDIA IMPROVE LEARNING

CBSE books, learning material to be made available online for free NEW DELHI: All Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) books and learning material will be made available online for free as part of the Centre’s good governance efforts, HRD Minister Smriti Irani said here on Saturday.

At a function organised at a Kendriya Vidyalaya in east Delhi, she also said that initiatives would be undertaken to ensure holistic nurturing and improve learning outcomes at these schools.

“We made NCERT books available online for free through e-books and mobile applications a monthand-a-half ago.

We are similarly going to make CBSE books available online along with additional learning material and videos as part of our good governance efforts,” Irani said at the inauguration of a new building of the school in Khichripur.

Responding to the call by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia at the function that endeavours be made to ensure that children not only excel professionally but also become good human beings, Irani asked her ministry’s officials to organise ‘Baal Sabha’ (Child Conventions).

These conventions will feature

interactions between children and professionals from fields including defence to help the former grow into “good human beings”.

Irani also reiterated that the Centre will launch ‘Shaala Darpan’ and ‘Saransh’ services (for Class I to Class XII students) in Kendriya Vidyalayas in the next academic year. The ‘Shaala Darpan’ service is aimed at using SMSes to keep parents informed about their wards’ attendance, time table and marks in exams while ‘Saransh’ will help parents compare the subject-wise learning outcomes of their children, with others at the

“When we read in newspapers about communal violence, rapes somewhere, then we feel we fell short somewhere. Hence, we will have to take responsibility. A person is giving us 20 years of his/ her life. So, we will have to ensure we impress on him/her that it is equally important to be a good human being as to be a good engineer or other professional,” he said.

East Delhi MP Maheish Girri also addressed the event, which was attended by senior Human Resource Development ministry officials and local public representatives. - PTI

district, state and national levels.

Earlier, addressing the function, Sisodia stressed on the role of education in the lives of children.

Focus “You need to check whether you are doing better than yesterday.

Are we behaving better than yesterday. The focus should be that if a child gets out of educational institutes 20 years later, he/she should pass out as a sensible person,” he said. The Aam Aadmi Party leader urged schools to take the responsibility of turning children into good human beings.

Sonia, Rahul appear in Delhi court in Herald case, get bail SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

SPELLING OUT: Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday said all CBSE books and learning material would be made available online for free as part of the Centre’s good governance efforts. - PTI

GANG-RAPE CASE

Before release, juvenile rape convict sent to undisclosed location

ARTICLE, PHOTOS

The case is based on

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

a private criminal ings. As the proceedings began Swamy opposed the bail saying the accused including Sonia and Rahul are “highly influential” people and can flee the country and that their passports should be seized and travel restrictions be imposed on them.

A battery of Congress lawyers including Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi told the court that these are people who have deep roots in society and they hold high office and do not have any previous charge against them.

complaint lodged by Subramanian Swamy charging them with cheating, conspiracy and criminal breach of trust

NEW DELHI: Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul on Saturday sought and got bail in the National Herald case after a local court rejected complainant Subramanian Swamy’s opposition to the relief for them on the ground they are influential and can flee the country.

Amidst media hype and hoopla and tight security, Sonia and Rahul and three other accused Motilal Vora, Oscar Fernandes and Suman Dubey appeared before Metropolitan Magistrate Lovleen in the Patiala House courts complex in the heart of the capital in pursuance of the summons issued to them on December 8.

The case is based on a private criminal complaint lodged by Swamy against them of cheating, conspiracy and criminal breach of trust.

“The accused are reputed persons having deep political grassroots and there is no apprehension that they will flee,” the magistrate noted while granting them bail on furnishing personal bond of Rs50,000 each and one surety.

He posted the case for further hearing at 2pm on February 20, next year.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh stood surety for Sonia, while Priyanka Vadra gave surety for her brother Rahul.

A.K.Antony stood surety for Fernandes and Ghulam Nabi Azad

COURT HEARING: Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi leave the Patiala House Courts after a hearing in National Herald Case in New Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

‘Modi targeting Opposition, we won’t bow down’ NEW DELHI: Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul on Saturday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of levelling “false allegations”against them and making “full use” of government agencies to “deliberately target” the Opposition.

Sonia and Rahul, who came straight to the AICC office from the court where they were granted bail in the National Herald case, asserted that they will continue to fight and “not bow down”.

“Today we had appeared before the court with a clean

and Ajay Maken for the other accused. Sam Pitroda, yet another accused, was granted exemption from personal appearance on Saturday on medical grounds.

In his reaction, Swamy said all their claims that they would not

conscience. We did what any law-abiding citizen should do.

The laws of the nation applies to everyone without any discrimination. I have no doubt that the truth will come out,” Sonia Gandhi told reporters.

Coming down heavily on Modi government, the Congress President said, “The present government is deliberately targeting the opposition and making full use of the state agencies to do so.

Nobody is going to be scared from it. We will continue our fight.”

Making a direct attack on the Prime Minister, Rahul

seek bail proved false. ”They said they will not take bail. What happened now,” he told reporters.

Earlier, Manmohan Singh and a host of Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Ambika Soni,

Gandhi said, “Modiji levels false allegations and thinks that the Opposition will bow down, I and Congress party will not succumb.”

Referring to the case filed

by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, Sonia Gandhi said that she was totally aware of the intention of the people behind the case.

“These people have been trying for long to target us.

They will not succeed,” she asserted.

Asserting that Congress will continue to fight for the poor, Rahul said, “We will not budge an inch.” - PTI

Summons The summons were issued by the court on December 8 after the Delhi High Court the previous day had refused to quash the summons issued to them earlier to appear as accused.

Both Sibal and Singhvi told reporters after the proceedings that the court rejected Swamy’s plea and gave bail to the leaders.

“It is most unfortunate that Swamy sought to impose conditions including restrictions on travel abroad but the court granted unconditional bail,” Singhvi said.

“I don’t see the slightest reason for dissatisfaction with the court order,” he added.

Rejecting Congress criticism that he was doing vendetta politics at the behest of Congress, Swamy said look at the evidence in the case and not vendetta.

“I have so many friends (in the BJP).I am a Jan Sanghi. I know them (BJP leaders) personally.

I have not taken an appointment with the prime minister and spoken to him at all about the case,” he told reporters. - PTI

Shiela Dikshit, Ashwini Kumar, Meira Kumar arrived at the court complex shortly before the hearing was to commence at 3pm.

A smiling Sonia followed closely by Rahul emerged out of the court after 15 minutes of proceed-

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SET TO WALK FREE: A file photo

of the juvenile delinquent in the December 16 gang-rape case after being produced at Juvenile Justice Board in New Delhi in August 2013. - PTI

NEW DELHI: A day before his scheduled release, the juvenile convict in the December 16 gang rape case has been moved out of the correction home and sent to an undisclosed location.

The convict, who is now 20 years old, has been sent to an undisclosed location amid concerns that there was threat to his life, and several agencies are keeping an eye on the matter, said a highlyplaced source.

He was moved out a day after the High Court refused to stay his release. The convict is likely to walk free from the undisclosed location on Sunday, in adherence to the existing legal provision, the source added.

Delhi government has said it had submitted a rehabilitation plan for the juvenile convict in December 16 gang rape case.

The government said that as per the plan, a one-time financial grant of Rs10,000 will be given to the youth and a sewing machine will be arranged for him so that he can rent a tailor shop.

The convict along with five others had gangraped and murdered the 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on December 16, 2012, an incident that shook the nation and led to protests in the country. - PTI

A L L E G AT I O N S

Will expose DDCA corruption, unmask impostor: Kirti Azad NEW DELHI: BJP MP Kirti Azad on Saturday said he will “expose biggest DDCA corruption” and “unmask the impostor” On Sunday at a press conference, rebuffing party’s attempts to dissuade him from going public with his allegations said to be targeting Arun Jaitley.

The MP from Bihar also appeared to be taking a dig at the Finance Minister over his reported description of him as a “Trojan horse”. “Not a Trojan horse but Achilles heel; wait till I unmask the ‘behroopiya’ (impostor),” Azad said in a tweet.

“Will expose biggest DDCA corruption with audio-visual tomorrow at 4pm,” he said in another tweet and quoted a poem of Bharatiya Janata Party stalwart Atal Behari Vajpayee to suggest that he will carry on and not “concede” defeat.

BJP chief Amit Shah had called Azad on Friday to impress upon him that he should not go ahead with his charges at a time when opposition parties, especially AAP, have gone after Jaitley over

BRIEFING: Union Finance Min-

ister Arun Jaitley talks to the media regarding Aam Aadmi Party’s DDCA related corruption charges against him, at his office at Parliament in New Delhi on Thursday. - PTI

the alleged corruption in DDCA when he headed the cricket body.

Azad had, however, later reiterated his decision of holding a press conference on Sunday.

The three-time MP has been a known detractor of Jaitley over his stewardship of DDCA. Meanwhile, stepping up attack on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

over alleged corruption in DDCA during his tenure, the AAP on Saturday posed more questions to him, saying it would continue to raise its voice against graft in the state cricket body.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh alleged that the Finance Minister has sent a legal notice to him and his colleague Ashutosh “through” Lokesh Sharma, who is Managing Director of private firm 21st Century Media, and said that they are ready to face one thousand such legal notices and will not be deterred from exposing “corruption” in DDCA. Jaitley has strongly rejected the allegations calling them a propaganda technique of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to deflect attention when he himself was in the “dock” following a CBI raid in Delhi Secretariat.

Addressing a press conference here, Singh accused Jaitley of trying to “suppress” alleged corruption which had taken place in Delhi and District Cricket Association under his watch by sending legal notice. - PTI

S U N DAY, D E C E MB E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

INDIA

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A9

PLAN TO ROLL OUT IN APRIL 2016

Jaitley accuses Congress of delaying GST bill for ‘collateral reasons’ NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday indicated that the government may not be able to pass the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill in the ongoing session of Parliament, but will introduce the bankruptcy Bill.

Accusing the Congress for delaying GST for “collateral reasons”, he said: “Some people do get sadistic pleasure in seeing India slow down. But then, it’s a sadistic pleasure at a very severe national cost. We cannot allow that.”

The minister further said the government will push through changes in the arbitration Act and commercial court Bill in the Rajya Sabha in the remaining “crucial” three days of the winter session, which ends on Wednesday.

Addressing the Ficci AGM, Jaitley said, “I have no doubt in my mind that attempt to delay (GST) is entirely for collateral reasons.

And the only collateral reason I suspect is if I couldn’t do it, then why should somebody else do it?”

He maintained that “a delayed GST is better than a flawed GST”.

Persuade The minister added that he would “still urge and persuade” the Opposition to give up their rigidity on Constitution-prescribed tariffs.

“The Constitution-prescribed tariffs actually can be an albatross around the neck of the future generation. And we owe it to them not to create situations of this kind,” he said.

The GST Bill is stuck in the Rajya Sabha where the ruling NDA government does not have a majority as well as stiff opposition by the Congress Meanwhile, Congress leader Anand Sharma said: “It (GST) is not going to happen in this session. We will engage with them, but this is not the right time. April 1, 2016, is not sacrosanct and not achievable at all.”

The GST Bill is stuck in the Rajya Sabha where the ruling NDA government does not have a majority as well as stiff opposition by

the Congress.

The government had planned to roll out GST from April 2016.

Asked if the Congress would support the bankruptcy Bill, Sharma said: “We are in favour of passing what is urgent, what is appropriate.” Jaitley further said the remaining three days of Parliament are “extremely crucial” and the government will try and push

President for constant defence tech upgrades Pranab said as young technocrats, it is the responsibility of the graduating officers to adapt to the latest technological

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: President Pranab Mukherjee in a group

photograph during the convocation ceremony of Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, in Hyderabad on Saturday. - PTI

developments for use by defence forces

HYDERABAD: President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday called for constant defence technology upgrades for India to maintain an edge in military capability over its adversaries.

Pranab made the call to young

military technocrats while telling them to harness the latest defence technologies and ensure that the Indian Army benefits from these.

“The nation will look upon you to define and modify the way the defence forces operate, by using technological advances to provide a comparative edge over our adversaries,” he said, adding that technology has a decisive role on the outcome of armed conflicts.

The President was delivering the address at the convocation ceremony of 96th Degree Engineering and 24th Technical Entry Scheme courses, at Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) at Secunderabad here.

The history of warfare bears testimony to the decisive role of technology on the outcome of military conflicts, Pranab said,

NORTH INDIA

Cold wave, fog disrupt normal life NEW DELHI: Cold wave coupled with fog affected normal life in most parts of north India, as road and rail traffic were hit in the region, while mercury hovered around freezing point in some parts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan on Saturday.

Delhiites woke up to a chilly Saturday with the minimum temperature settling at 6.8 degrees Celsius, one notch below the sea-

son’s average. Foggy conditions were witnessed in the city during the morning, significantly reducing the visibility to 500 metres.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar witnessed the season’s coldest night so far with the minimum temperature settling at a low of minus 4.4 degrees as the cold wave tightened its grip in the Valley where mercury slipped further below the freezing point.

The mercury in Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir Valley, also went down to a low of minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, the MeT official said. The tourist resort of Pahalgam which serves as a base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir registered a low of minus 7.9 degrees Celsius.

The famous ski-resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 10.5 degrees Celsius. - PTI

adding that to maintain an edge in military capability over potential opponents, constant efforts are required to upgrade technology.

Armed forces and technology have been strategic partners, in developing and enhancing defence capability of the nation, he said.

The President said as young technocrats, it is the responsibility of the graduating officers to adapt to the latest technological developments for use by the Defence forces.

Observing that the Indian Army has been a torch-bearer of many non-military innovations, he said military technology has benefited civil society immensely.

Stressing that knowledge is the ultimate power, he said the knowledge and enthusiasm of the young officers would lead to creative ideas and innovations.

“Your passion to accept and overcome challenges would empower you to achieve both national and organisational goals,” he said. -PTI

some of these reforms. The biggest challenge at the moment is to get the Indian politics to support the economic reforms in the midst of the global slowdown, he said, adding that the endeavour should be to overcome political obstacles coming in the way of growth.

“Is the Indian politics going to be a support in this adverse global situation, to add the extra per cent or two to our current level of GDP or is it going to be an obstacle?...

“These are important pieces of reforms which we are going to try and I hope nobody tries to hurt the country’s interest by again invoking the word ‘but’.”

Jaitley explained: “There is no point saying that ‘GST is good and we brought in the GST proposal,

but’, I think this ‘but’ is a terrible phrase as far as Indian politics is concerned.”

GST is being touted as the biggest reform in indirect taxation since Independence. Sharma hoped GST will become a reality, but the government has to address the concerns of the Opposition “in the interest of the country”.

“Opposition cooperation is not rubber stamping of what the government wants. We are authors of GST and this country will have GST,” Sharma said. The Lok Sabha has already passed the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Bill and Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill. - PTI

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SU N DAY, DECEMB ER 20, 2015

PAKISTAN

Stimulus package worth Rs9.4b approved for PIA The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet approved the cash subsidy, which will be given by issuing a supplementary budget BIG BOOST: The government approved the Rs9.4 billion package amid preparations to privatise the

airlines under a condition of $6.2 billion International Monetary Fund programme. — File photo

ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday approved another bailout package — Rs9.4 billion including Rs4.4 billion cash injection — for a struggling, but to be privatised, Pakistan International Airlines, raising questions on the proposed sell-off of the national carrier that has moved to an advanced stage.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved the cash subsidy, which will be given by issuing a supplementary budget, as the current fiscal year 2015-16’s federal budget does not have any allocation for PIA. The ECC also approved $200 million equity share of Pakistan in the Turkmenistan, AfghaniA S S A S S I NAT I O N

PML-N’s councillor of Haripur killed in court HARIPUR: A Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz member of the district council in Haripur was killed on court premises in the early hours of Saturday.

According to reports, Javed Khan Jadoon died on the spot after he was shot at point blank range.

“Unidentified men opened fire at Jadoon as he was leaving the court following a hearing in a murder case,” police officials and eyewitnesses confirmed.

“No first investigation report (FIR) has been lodged thus far,” police officials told The Express Tribune.

Arrest A resident of Basti Buland Khan, Jadoon was earlier arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of a Toru Dhok resident, Bilal.

He was, however, recently released on bail by the Abbottabad bench of Peshawar High Court.

— Express Tribune

stan, Pakistan, India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project Company. The ECC also approved the proposal by the Privatization Division for payment of two-month salaries – Rs64 million – to employees of the Pakistan Machine Tool Factory (PMTF) Karachi.

The government continued its policy of raising revenues through indirect taxes, while dishing out money to loss-making entities. It has already approved Rs6.5 billion subsidy for sugar barons after it imposed Rs40 billion mini-budget.

“On a proposal submitted by the Aviation Division, the ECC granted approval for cash support of Rs4.4 billion for PIA ena-

bling the airline to improve its products and services,” according to an official handout of the Ministry of Finance.

It added that the ECC also endorsed an agreement between the Finance and Aviation Divisions, enhancing the present federal government sovereign guarantees limit from Rs141 billion to Rs146 billion. PIA will use the Rs5 billion to create additional space for borrowing from the commercial banks.

The Rs4.4 billion cash will be used to add premium services in long-haul flights, according to an official.

The government approved the Rs9.4 billion package amid prepa-

rations to privatise the airlines under a condition of $6.2 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. The government is bound to invite Expression of Interests from prospective investors by December 31 and sell the airline by June next year.

Privatisation Commission Chairman Mohammad Zubair said on Thursday that the financial adviser has finalised the transaction structure of PIA, which will now be taken to the PC Board for approval.

Earlier this month, the federal government refused to service Rs248 billion debt of PIA from the budget. The PIA Board of Directors had demanded Rs3.5 billion

per month to avoid default until the airline was privatised.

To remove a legal hindrance in the privatisation, the country’s president has already promulgated an Ordinance to repeal the 1956 Act of PIA, triggering protests by employees and inviting criticism from opposition parties for bypassing parliament.

After issuing the Ordinance, the government converted its Rs23.6 billion loan into equity, increasing its share to over 94 per cent from 88 per cent.

The ECC also accorded approval to invest $200 million as equity share of Pakistan in the TAPI Gas Pipeline Project Company. It also allowed release of $12 million out of this share for the Pre-FID activities in four equal tranches starting from January 2016 as per the disbursement plan.

It also gave approval of the draft shareholders agreement, investment agreements and authorised the Inter State Gas Systems (Private) Limited ISGS to sign these agreements.

The total cost of TAPI project is $10 billion and Turkmenistan, being the consortium leader for the project, has agreed to contribute 85 per cent. The remaining equity would be equally shared by Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

The four state gas companies of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India have established the company that will build, own and operate the planned 1,800-kilometre TAPI natural gas pipeline.

— Express Tribune

EXTREMISM

Taliban reject Baghdadi’s ‘leader’ claim DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Pakistan’s Taliban have rejected IS chief Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi’s claim to be the global leader of all Muslims, the movement said in a statement seen by Reuters on Saturday.

The Pakistani Taliban’s statement comes after a similar rejection by the Afghan Taliban following pledges of allegiance from low-level commanders of both extremist movements to the IS group.

The latest statement from the Pakistani Taliban comes amid speculation that the movement’s leadership is actually wary of IS, which is driven by different ambitions that have little to do with South Asia.

Late last year, a few breakaway factions of the Pakistani Taliban declared allegiance to IS. Pakistani authorities say IS has no financial ties with any Pakistani group.

But there are concerns about further turmoil in the region as US-led foreign troops withdraw from Afghanistan, with groups like the Haqqani network and IS likely to exploit the security vacuum.

The entry of IS, while its numbers remain small, will also complicate Pakistan’s fight against indigenous extremist militants fighting to overthrow the government.

The Pakistani Taliban have been beset by bitter internal rivalries in the recent past, with the influential Mehsud tribal faction of the group refusing to accept the authority of Mullah Fazlullah, who came to power in late 2013. — Reuters

C I V I L WA R V I C T I M S

Educate Afghan refugees: UN goodwill ambassador pressed immense solidarity with them commemorating the tragic loss”, said UNHCR Representative Indrika Ratwatte.

He said it was extremely crucial to invest in Afghan refugee children to give them necessary skills because they were the future human capital of Afghanistan.

ISLAMABAD: UNHCR goodwill ambassador (GWA) in China Yao Chen has stressed the need for educating Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.

Chen, who is on a four-day trip to Pakistan, visited Afghan refugee camps in Mianwali district and also met Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee teacher and recipient of the 2015 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award.

At a press briefing in Islamabad on Friday, the GWA lauded Pakistan for providing education and health care facilities to refugees with several schools for girls, and for continued support to the UN Refugee Agency.

Progressive society “Women and girls constitute more than 50 per cent of the world’s population. Therefore, for the formation of a progressive society, it is imperative to eliminate gender disparity in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational trainings for women, persons with disabilities and children in vulnerable situations”, she said.

“She has changed the fate of many refugees. I’d say she has become my idol; I have learnt a lot

RETURNING HOME: An Afghan family arrives at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

(UNHCR) repatriation centre on the outskirts of Peshawar on February 10, 2015, as they prepare to return to their home country after fleeing civil war and Taliban rule. — AFP

from her”, she said of Asifi.

Stressing the need to educate refugees, she said, “Education is an investment that helps refugees rebuild their lives and even go back

to the country they belong to and work there.

Knowledge is more powerful than the weapon”, she added.

“During her days here, the

goodwill ambassador spent a lot of time with refugees and host communities. On anniversary of the tragic APS attack, she was in Mianwali with students and ex-

Refugee crisis Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Dr Imran Zaib appreciated the GWA’s visit and hoped it would highlight the Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan at a time when refugee crisis was spreading all over the world.

“Her focus has been on education and youth empowerment.

More than 67 per cent of the Afghan refugees in Pakistan are under the age of 25. It is important to channelise their energies in a positive manner so they can rebuild Afghanistan when they go back”, he said.

He also said that Yao’s stress on education and children’s education was extremely essential because education is the basis of nation building.

“If education is essential, female education is imperative”, he said.

— Express Tribune

E D UC AT I O N WO E S

Enrolment of children in government schools drops to 9% KARACHI: Enrolment of children at the primary level in Karachi’s government schools is less than nine per cent, a survey by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has revealed.

According to the organisation, which conducts frequent surveys, the enrolment rate of primary schoolchildren was 30 per cent in 1998. In 2002-2003, the figure dropped to 26 per cent and further to 24 per cent in 2005-2006. Today (in 2014-2015), it is less than nine per cent.

HRCP secretary-general I. A. Rehman shared the findings of the latest survey at a news conference at Karachi Press Club on Friday.

“It is the responsibility of the state to provide education to children,” he said, stressing that standards need to be improved.

Rehman said there was no organisation or mechanism to explain where the remaining 91 per cent primary-school aged children were getting an education from: whether they were going to madrassas, private schools or were out-of-school.

The survey revealed that there

It is the responsibility of the state to provide education to children I. A. Rehman

Secretary-general of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

DISMAL: Enrolment of children at the primary level in Karachi’s government schools is less than nine per cent, a survey by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has revealed. — Reuters file photo

were 325,715 students enrolled in government schools in 1998, while in 2014-15 the number stood at 207,218.

The survey found out that in six

districts of the city, there were 248 one-roomed schools.

The highest number of enrolment is in Korangi District, followed by Central Karachi. While

East district has the lowest number of schools — 300 — and lowest enrolment of 52,769 students.

Today, there are a total 3,097 government schools in Karachi, as

compared to 3,302 in 2001.

There are many schools in Karachi where the number of teachers is greater than the number of students. There are some schools where the number of students is high and teachers less than the requirement.

Teachers also give a monthly bribe of Rs5,000 to ensure their daily attendance, it was noted.

Moreover, 45 per cent of schools

have no teachers for Maths, Science and English.

In 87 government schools, a survey of 110 students revealed that 45 pupils complained of teachers’ behaviours, 86 informed that the school has a washroom with no water whereas 80 per cent students said there were no co-curricular activities like sports and debates.

HRCP’s Qazi Khizer Hayat said in co-education schools, the number of girls is higher, with a 60:40 ratio.

Shortage of staff Moreover, surveyors found out that there was a shortage of nonteaching staff like peons, gatekeepers and sweepers, while there was interference of political groups as well. Multiple schools were also said to be located in the same buildings.

Sharing more data, it was revealed that around 20 per cent schools had no electricity, and 45 classrooms had no fans. Five per cent schools had washrooms but 90 per cent of them could not be used. — Express Tribune

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China warns residents of a ‘choking weekend’ China had warned residents across a large part of its north to prepare for severe smog arriving over the weekend, which would hit Beijing, prompting the capital to issue its second ever ‘red alert’

BEIJING: China’s capital Beijing was bracing for four days of choking smog starting on Saturday, but residents said the haze was less severe than forecast, with some questioning why the government had issued its highest air pollution alert.

China had warned residents across a large part of its north on Friday to prepare for severe smog arriving over the weekend, the worst of which would hit Beijing, prompting the capital to issue its second ever “red alert”.

A red alert is triggered when the government believes air quality will surpass a level of 200 on an index that measures various pollutants for at least three days.

Very unhealthy The US government deems a level of more than 200 to be “very unhealthy”.

On Saturday morning the Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Centre was showing an air quality reading of 104.

“Today I have to work. And where is the smog?” posted one

RED ALERT: Cars are seen with headlights switched on for better vision at daytime as China’s capital Beijing braces for four days of choking smog starting Saturday, in Beijing. - Reuters

Beijing resident on Weibo, China’s Twitter equivalent. “The smog is not so bad. Why do they have driving restrictions?” said another Weibo user in the capital.

The Beijing city government issued its first “red alert” last week following criticism that previous bouts of smog had failed to trigger the highest warning level.

In Beijing, a red alert means around half the vehicles are removed from the roads, with an odd-even licence plate system enforced. Schools are recommended to close and outdoor construction is banned.

Wang Bin, head of the emergency response division of the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau, said that measures

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were taken in advance to reduce the impact of the pollution and help people to prepare, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Air quality The red alert issued earlier this month prevented further deterioration of air quality, the report added, citing the authorities.

Beijing’s latest red alert is due to last until midnight on Tuesday.

The National Meteorological Centre said on Thursday that parts of north China will see the

ROZO CROWNED MISS WORLD

Mireia Lalaguna Rozo, centre, of Spain is crowned by former Miss World Jolene Strauss after winning the new title at the Miss World Grand Final in Sanya, next to Miss Russia, Sofia Nikitchuk, left, and Miss World Indonesia, Maria Harfanti, right, in southern China’s Hainan province on Saturday. Contestants from over 110 countries compete in the final of the 65th Miss World Competition. - AFP

150,000 SECURITY PERSONNEL TO BE DEPLOYED

Indonesia to beef up security for Christmas, New Year celebrations JAKARTA: Indonesia will deploy more than 150,000 security personnel and several religious organizations to safeguard churches and public places around the country during Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, the military chief said late on Friday.

Indonesia has already stepped up security and surveillance in some areas in the wake of attacks in Paris last month that killed nearly 130 people and for which IS claimed responsibility.

“We call on all communities, such as Islamic and Hindu youth organizations, to participate in safeguarding churches during Christmas,” armed forces chief Gatot Nurmantyo told reporters

at the national military headquarters in Jakarta.

“Some of the youth organizations have stated their readiness,” he added.

Over 80 per cent of Indonesia’s population is Muslim, but the country recognises five other religions including Catholicism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Police in Indonesia will be on their highest alert level between December 24 and January 2, national police chief Badrodin Haiti told reporters earlier this week.

Military and police troops will be on standby at airports, train stations, houses of worship, Haiti said, as millions of people travel across the archipelago for the holidays. - Reuters

ROUGH SEAS

Ship with 100 passengers in trouble off Indonesia JAKARTA: A ship carrying more than 100 passengers was adrift in rough seas off the coast of Indonesia’s Sulawesi on Saturday, officials said, contradicting earlier reports that the vessel had sunk.

“The ship has not sunk,” South Sulawesi police spokesman Frans Barung said by phone, adding that port authorities lost contact with the vessel.

Bambang Soelistyo, chief of Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Team Agency, said a team of rescuers was trying to reach the stricken ship.

“The ship had 122 people on board. The team from our headquarters...all that we have, we are deploying there but we’re facing high waves,” he said. -Reuters

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worst smog so far this year, starting on Saturday. But it only issued a yellow alert for the city and many surrounding areas on Saturday.

Yellow is the second level on China’s four-tier colour-coded pollution alert system.

Wear face masks The weather observatory said that areas including southern Beijing, central Hebei, north Henan and west Shandong would be affected by heavy smog, which would start to dissipate from Wednesday.

It advised the public to take protective measures and those who suffer from respiratory diseases were urged to stay indoors or to wear face masks if they need to go out. - Reuters

OVERLAPPING CLAIMS

‘Situation in South China Sea stable’ BERLIN/ BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday that the situation in the disputed South China Sea was “relatively stable” and urged countries beyond the region to help it to stay that way rather than fuelling conflict there.

China has overlapping claims with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei in the South China Sea. This week China’s military carried out war games there, with warships, submarines and fighter jets simulating cruise missile strikes on ships, a Chinese newspaper said.

“Some countries outside of the region are concerned about this region and we totally understand that, but I think these states need to support attempts to keep this region stable rather than just aggravating tensions or playing countries off against each other,” Wang said during a visit to Berlin.

The US Pacific Fleet Commander has warned of a possible arms race in the South China Sea which could engulf the region, as nations become increasingly tempted to use military force to settle territorial spats.

Meanwhile, in a significant move in the ongoing dispute over the South China Sea, China and Vietnam on Saturday launched

joint inspection of a section of the waters. A ceremony was held in south China’s Guangzhou for the launch of a China-Vietnam joint inspection of the waters outside the Beibu Gulf which is bordered by the two countries.

Chinese and Vietnamese experts will inspect the terrain and geological conditions outside the mouth of the Beibu Gulf.

The inspection will be carried out by China’s Fendou No 5 ocean research vessel. The inspection area is potentially rich in resources, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

China and Vietnam agreed to launch the inspection when President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Vietnam last month.

The inspection is an important beginning for maritime cooperation between the two countries, according to the joint statement issued after the visit.

China and Vietnam have been negotiating how to demarcate and develop the waters outside the mouth of the Beibu Gulf since 2012.

The launch of the joint inspection, which is the result of bilateral negotiation, shows that both countries are committed to solving maritime differences via cooperation in an appropriate way, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. - Agencies

MARITIME COOPERATION: A Chinese Coast Guard vessel, right,

passes near the Chinese oil rig, Haiyang Shi You 981, left, in the South China Sea, about 210km from the coast of Vietnam. In a significant move in the ongoing dispute over the South China Sea, China and Vietnam on Saturday launched a joint inspection of a section of the waters. - Reuters file photo

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READERS’ FORUM Parking in slots meant for the physically challenged This refers to the news story ‘Call for stiffer fines for using parking meant for disabled in Oman’ (December 19). As everyone wants to find a parking place closer to the main entrance of shopping malls, they don’t even mind occupying the parking slots dedicated to people with physical challenges. I have seen on numerous occasions customers taking parking slots marked for people with physical challenges and do not bother to pay attention to the signage. Even though there are markings on the floor as well as at the entry point, some individuals only look at their own Scan this QR code convenience and overlook the inconvento send letters to the ience it causes to others. Many a time long Readers’ Forum, waiting people with physical challenges containing not more than 200 words with are seen looking for suitable parking spots full name, address and security personnel are unable to locate and telephone the owners of the wrongfully parked venumber, may be sent hicles. Such people disrespect those who by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, face physical challenges either by birth or P.C. 112, Ruwi). due to accidents. I have seen some customers arguing with mall security personnel when they were asked to shift their vehicles from the dedicated parking for people with physical challenges.

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errorism on the scale witnessed in Paris last month is nothing new in Africa. In Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, the extremist group Boko Haram – famous for its kidnapping of 276 school girls in 2014 – has inflicted thousands of casualties with suicide bombings and assaults on civilians. In Kenya, the Somali group Al Shebab has carried out two major attacks, on Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall in 2013 and on Garissa University in 2015, as well as many smaller acts of terror.

Meanwhile in Tunisia, the IS group has targeted tourists – orchestrating attacks on a museum and a beach resort. And in Mali, shortly after the attacks in Paris, gunmen belonging to an Al Qaeda affiliate stormed the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, killing 22 people. Terror, it seems, has become part of the new normal in Africa.

These attacks, and others, have cast a dark shadow across the continent’s long-awaited economic rise. It is not difficult to see why. Terrorism risks derailing Africa’s economic and political development in six important ways.

For starters, there is the sheer scale of the humanitarian catastrophe. Since 2009, Boko Haram alone has killed more than 10,000 people in Nigeria and has driven nearly a half-million from their homes.

Traumatised populations have fled to refugee camps in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, where malnutrition and disease are becoming increasingly prevalent – especially among children.

Second, terrorism is undermining GDP growth and weighing down overall economic performance in affected countries; the economy of northern Nigeria, for example, has been devastated by the ongoing violence. The International Monetary Fund now includes terror threats among the major risks to the economic outlook in Nigeria, Tunisia, and Kenya.

Already, economic indicators in these countries have been revised downward after terrorist incidents. Following the attacks by the IS, for example, Tunisia’s projected annual GDP growth for 2015 was cut from 3 per cent to 1 per cent. The damage to the sector – and, more broadly, to investor confidence – will trickle across Tunisia’s economy, pushing down output, fiscal revenue, and foreign reserves.

Third, the fight against terrorism is sucking up

scarce financial resources. Scaling up military missions is costly, and the unpredictability of terror strikes often requires extra spending on security, which sometimes causes governments to miss their fiscal targets. After the Garissa University attack, for example, the Kenyan government increased security-related spending by 0.3 per cent of GDP and provided additional financial assistance to the tourism sector.

In Central and West Africa, the fiscal pressure has been especially intense. In addition to the outlays required to equip the armed forces engaged against Boko Haram, Nigerian officials estimate that billions of dollars will be needed to rebuild ravaged infrastructure in the north. Similarly, Chad’s soldiers fought alongside French troops against terrorists in Mali, and now they have coalesced with those of Nigeria and Cameroon in fighting Boko Haram. In April, the country was granted $170 million in debt relief – the payoff for years of economic reform. But now it is being forced to use part of its hard-won fiscal space to finance the fight against terror.

Fourth, the countries at risk are among the most promising frontier markets. In Nigeria, which recently became Africa’s largest economy, a dynamic private sector has been diversifying an economy that has long been dominated by oil production.

Similarly, Kenya, home to a thriving ICT sector, is leading the world in the rollout and leveraging of mobile money. If these economies are upset, they risk dragging down Africa’s overall performance.

Fifth, terrorism is undermining state building.

In most African countries, the military is weak and insufficiently equipped to handle this new threat, whereas terrorist groups are often well-funded and deploy committed combatants equipped with stateof-the-art weapons. Such face-offs undermine the state’s monopoly on the means of violence and pose a challenge to its power and legitimacy.

Finally, the risk that fighting terrorism poses to civil liberties is especially acute in Africa, where institution building is still an ongoing process. Some non-democratic regimes may take advantage of anti-terrorism policies to prey on their own people.

There is also a threat to the fabric of society.

Most of the civil conflicts that held back Africa’s development for decades have finally come to an end. But terrorism risks undermining the continent’s hard-won stability and strong GDP growth. - Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES DECEMBER 2000 Oman–Malaysia talks MUSCAT: A Malaysian delegation headed by Dr Mohammed Kamal Hussain, vice chancellor of the Islamic University in Malaysia held discussion with officials of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. The delegation met Sheikh Ali bin Funkhar Al Shanfari, director general of the development of Awqaf funds, and Sheikh Ziyad bin Talib Al Mawali, director general of the Sharia Science Institute. Shanfari said the discussions focused on cooperation between the ministry and the Malaysian-based Islamic University.

PICTOGRAPH PASSENGERS ARRIVED IN MUSCAT AIRPORT in Millions

3.9 3.8

3.4

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

1802: The United States buys the Louisiana territory from France.

1938: First electronic television system is patented.

1989: US troops invade Panama to oust General Manuel Noriega and replace him with Guillermo Endara.

1995: NATO begins peacekeeping operation in Bosnia.

2014

2013

2012

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Embattled Assad makes rare visit to church in Syrian capital SCAN THIS TO VISIT

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DAMASCUS: Syrian President Bashar Al Assad attended Christmas choir preparations in an ancient church close to a frontline area in the capital Damascus where his army is engaged in heavy fighting with rebels, state media said on Saturday.

State television showed footage of Assad and his wife Asma making the visit overnight to the Notre Dame de Damas Church, where he was shown chatting to the choir. He took a seat near the altar and listened to a recital of Christmas poems in the main cathedral hall.

The surroundings of the church in the old part of the ancient capital were hit by mortar fire on Friday, officials said.

Rebel-held suburb The church is only 2 km away from Jobar, a neighbourhood of the rebel-held eastern Ghouta suburb of Damascus that has been the focus for months of heavy aerial bombardments and more recently Russian bombing that have left dozens of mostly civilian casualties. — Reuters

DEFIANT: A handout image obtained from the official Facebook page of the Syrian Presidency shows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, centre-left, and his wife Asma Al

Assad, centre-right, posing for a picture with a Syrian man as they attend a Christmas choral presentation at the Lady of Damascus Catholic Church in the Syrian capital on December 18, 2015. - AFP/HO/THE OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE OF THE SYRIAN PRESIDENCY

69 Kurdish militants die in Turkey fighting A two-year ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK fell apart in July, shattering peace talks and reviving a conflict that has afflicted the mainly Kurdish southeast for nearly three decades

DIYARBAKIR: Sixty-nine Kurdish militants and two Turkish soldiers have been killed in four days of fighting across southeast Turkey as security forces ramp up operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), security sources and the military said on Saturday.

The military said Turkish warplanes taking off from their southeastern base in Diyarbakir had also bombarded PKK camps in northern Iraq on Friday, destroying shelters and weapon posts.

A two-year ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK fell apart in July, shattering peace talks and reviving a conflict that has afflicted the mainly Kurdish southeast for three decades, killing more than 40,000 people.

One Turkish soldier was killed and another was lightly wounded on Saturday in clashes in Sur district, which has remained under a police curfew for the past two weeks, in the predominantly Kurdish Diyarbakir province.

One of two soldiers wounded in the border town of Cizre on Friday also succumbed to his injuries, the army said.

It said the number of Kurdish militants killed in four days of

NO TO WAR: Members of Turkey’s leftist unions and politicians stage a protest outside the parliament in Ankara, calling for an end to military operations against Kurdish militants in southeastern Turkey, on December 19, 2015. The banner reads: ‘No to war, we will defend the peace’. - AFP

General Hulusi Akar, visited troops in the region on Saturday and was briefed on the operations, security sources said.

Although traditionally rooted in the countryside, the group has shifted its focus in recent years to towns and cities in the southeast, setting up barricades and digging trenches to keep security forces away.

DAMAGED: A woman walks past a building which was damaged

during security operations and clashes between Turkish security forces and Kurdish militants, in the southeastern town of Silvan in Diyarbakir province, Turkey, on December 7, 2015. — Reuters

operations in Cizre and Silopi, near the Syrian and Iraqi borders, had risen to 69.

The towns, both under curfew, are central targets in Turkey’s

latest anti-PKK offensive, in which media reports say 10,000 police and troops, backed by tanks, are taking part.

The head of the armed forces,

Annihilated Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said this week that Kurdish militants would be “annihilated” in their trenches and houses and that the operations would continue until the area was “cleansed” of the militants and their barricades destroyed.

Peace talks between jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan and the state ground to a halt early this year. The PKK is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. — Reuters

ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN DISPUTE

Switzerland in bid to end dispute over Karabakh ZURICH: The presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan met in Switzerland on Saturday in hopes of making progress on a peaceful resolution to a deadly, two-decade-old conflict that has left some 30,000 people dead.

President Serzh Sarksyan of Armenia and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan were in the Swiss capital of Berne for talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict at the invitation of Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter.

The two leaders concluded talks by about noon, according to Swiss Foreign Ministry officials.

Burkhalter said he used the meeting to urge Sarksyan and Aliyev to pursue a “comprehensive negotiation process” that reinforces dialogue while refraining from acts of violence or provocation that have repeatedly brought the two sides to the brink of war.

“The South Caucasus is a priority region of Switzerland’s peace-policy commitment,” Burkhalter’s office said after the meeting concluded.

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the 57-country group that is helping coordinate the peace talks, said separately that

both presidents expressed concern about the violence, including civilian casualties caused by heavy artillery.

“The presidents confirmed their readiness to continue engagement on proposals regarding a settlement currently under negotiation,” the OSCE said in its statement.

According to Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, the last meeting of the two presidents to discuss the dispute was in Paris in October 2014.

Nagorno-Karabakh, which lies inside Azerbaijan but is controlled by ethnic Armenians, has run its own affairs with heavy military and financial backing from Armenia since a separatist war ended in 1994.

Its Armenian-backed forces hold seven Azeri districts surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh.

The conflict over NagornoKarabakh broke out in the dying years of the Soviet Union.

Efforts to reach a permanent settlement have failed despite mediation led by France, Russia and the United States.

Aliyev and Sarksyan have had several meetings before, but with no tangible results.

— Reuters

PEACE INITIATIVE: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, right, meets with Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan for talks about their conflict over the breakaway Nagorny Karabakh region, in Switzerland’s capital Bern on Saturday. — AFP

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SU N DAY, DECEMB ER 20, 2015

GLOBAL EYE

FRANCE: A man rides a skateboard through French artist Rachid Khimoune’s installation which features a thousand turtle-shaped sculptures in front of the city hall in Paris, France, on Saturday. - Reuters

UNITED STATES: Police block off a street as demonstrators, calling for the resignation of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, march near downtown in Chicago, Illinois, on Friday. A recently released video showing the shooting of teenager Laquan McDonald by Chicago Police officer Jason Van Dyke has sparked almost daily protests in the city. Demonstrators have accused Emanuel of trying to cover up the circumstances surrounding the shooting. — Scott Olson/Getty Images/AFP

SPAIN: Spanish chef Jordi Roca, centre, of 3 star Michelin kitchen voted world’s best restaurant by British magazine ‘Restaurant’, El Celler de Can Roca, poses in front of a banner during a dive with sharks at the Aquarium of Barcelona on Saturday during a publicity stunt to celebrate Christmas. — AFP

CHINA: A woman wearing a protective mask stretches at a park

as China’s capital Beijing on Saturday. — Reuters

ITALY: Matthias Mayer of Austria is lifted into an emergency helicopter after he crashed during the men’s downhill race at the Alpine Skiing World Cup in Val Gardena, northern Italy, on Saturday. — Reuters

UAE: Birds fly near camels during the Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival in the desert near the city of Madinat Zayed, 150 km west of Abu Dhabi, on Saturday. The festival, which attracts participants from around the Gulf region, includes a camel beauty contest, a display of UAE handcrafts and other activities aimed at promoting the country’s folklore. — AFP

S U N DAY, D E C E MB E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

A1 5

WORLD

Nearly half of the world’s migrants were born in Asia, which has provided the most migrants — 1.7 million people per year — over the last 15 years, followed by Europe.

UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs report

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

FESTIVE SPIRIT

Young Palestinian women listen to one of them playing the guitar outside of the Church of the Nativity, in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, on Saturday, ahead of Christmas. — AFP

Waiter returns $32,000 in cash left at restaurant LOS ANGELES: An Applebee’s waiter in central California turned over $32,000 in cash that a family forgot at a table, an amount that exceeds his annual salary after taxes, because it was the right thing to do, the waiter told Reuters in an exclusive interview on Friday.

Brian Geery, 33, said he found a canvas pouch at a table in the restaurant where he works in Fresno after a family finished eating, and noticed a rectangular shape inside.

18 migrants drown as boat sinks off Turkey town coast Hearing the screams of the migrants, some fishermen alerted the Turkish coast guard, who picked up the bodies from the sea

ISTANBUL/NEW YORK: Eighteen people died and 14 were rescued late on Friday after a boat carrying migrants trying to sail to Greece sank off the southern Turkish town of Bodrum, Dogan News Agency reported.

Fishermen hearing the migrants’ screams of migrants alert-

ed the Turkish coast guard, who picked up the bodies from the sea after the wooden boat carrying migrants from Iraq, Pakistan and Syria capsized about 3.5 km off the coast.

Those rescued were taken to the hospital in Bodrum, many in serious condition, the agency said.

The coast guard was not immediately available for comment.

Exodus A record 500,000 refugees from the four-year-old civil war in Syria have travelled through Turkey then risked their lives at sea to reach Greek islands this year, their first stop in the European Union before continuing to wealthier countries. Despite the winter conditions and rougher seas, the exodus has continued, albeit at a slower pace.

Nearly 600 people have died this year on the so-called eastern Mediterranean sea route for mi-

grants, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Turkey struck a deal with the EU on November 29 pledging to help stem the flow of migrants into Europe in return for 3 billion euros of cash for the 2.2 million Syrians Ankara has been hosting, visas and renewed talks on joining the 28-nation bloc Meanwhile, the United Nations said that the number of international migrants soared to 244 million this year, an increase of more than 40 per cent from the year 2000, as economic need, global

PROTEST AGAINST GOVERNMENT

Thousands rally in Poland as constitutional row drags on WARSAW: Thousands of Poles gathered on Saturday to protest against the government for the second time this month, putting pressure on the month-old conservative cabinet which they accuse of testing the boundaries of democracy.

Critics say the administration, formed by the eurosceptic Law and Justice (PiS) party, is emulating Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban in undermining democratic checks and balances.

But the government says it needs to strengthen its hold over state institutions and to ensure the country’s voice is heard abroad and the benefits of economic progress are shared more evenly. There was no indication so far that the government would change its course in response to the protests.

Saturday’s demonstrations were organised through social media in more than 20 Polish cities. In Warsaw, protesters filled a square outside the parliament, waving Polish and European Union flags and chanting “Stop destroying democracy!” A Warsaw city official put the number of protesters at 20,000.

Last Saturday, the same official estimated that 50,000 marched through the city to protest against the government. Police later put the number of protesters at around 20,000.

A pro-government demonstra-

DEMONSTRATION: Protesters shout slogans during an anti-government demonstration in Warsaw on Saturday. Critics say the administration, formed by the eurosceptic Law and Justice (PiS) party, is emulating Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban in undermining democratic checks and balances. – AFP

tion last Sunday also gathered thousands.

Election The row began when PiS, which scored a landmark election win in October, appointed five out of 15 judges to the constitutional court, Poland’s highest judicial body, in a move the opposition described as illegal. PiS denies the charge. It said judges in the constitutional

court need to be replaced to ensure the balance of power in the body, and that it was the previous government that broke the law when they made the original appointments.

But gaining control of the court is key for the party. It may determine whether it is able to implement its flagship policy plans, which include an overhaul of the retirement system. — Reuters

markets and a desire for better lives put more people on the move.

Nearly half of the world’s migrants were born in Asia, which has provided the most migrants - 1.7 million people per year - over the last 15 years, followed by Europe, according to a report by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Europe has seen nearly 900,000 refugees and migrants so far this year, about half of them Syrians fleeing war in their homeland, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said earlier this month. The number

of migrants around the world will no doubt rise, fueled by economic disparities, globalized markets and people seeking better lives, UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said presenting the report.

He called for stronger efforts to protect people undertaking dangerous journeys as they flee their homes, and efforts to fight migrant smuggling and human trafficking. He also said migrants should not be victimized nor made into scapegoats.

“The many stories of their resilience, strength and heroism are too often eclipsed by xenophobia and pervasive anti-migrant sentiments,” Eliasson said.

Two thirds of all international migrants live in just 20 countries, the report said. The largest number, 47 million, live in the United States, followed by 12 million in Germany, 12 million in Russia and 10 million in Saudi Arabia, it said. — Reuters

Pouch He showed the pouch to his manager, who suggested it might contain medicine, and at his boss’s suggestion Geery opened the pouch to check.

The rectangular shape was a stack of bills. “I couldn’t believe it, I’d never seen so much cash in my life before,” Geery said.

Carrie Hellyer, Applebee’s regional director, said Geery declined a reward from the family, and initially withheld his name from media outlets wishing to cover the story.

“He just said that he did it because it was the right thing to do and he didn’t want the right thing being overwhelmed by anything else,” Hellyer said.

Geery, a 10-year Applebee’s veteran who said the money exceeded his annual income after taxes, gave the pouch to his manager and went back to waiting tables. “I’m a big believer in karma,” he said. “I just feel like you treat others as you would want to be treated.”

The loss The cash was picked up by police later in the day, said Fresno police spokesman Lieutenant Joe Gomez. When the family called police on Thursday to report the loss, arrangements were made for them to pick it up at the station, Gomez said.

Underscoring the waiter’s honesty, Hellyer said there was no surveillance camera in the area where the family left their money.

Gomez said the money was returned to the family only after a detective determined it was obtained legally. The cash came from rental properties and a Mexican restaurant the family operates in San Jose, he said.

“You know how some people don’t use banks, I think they’re that type of person,” he said.

The family had attempted to rent a safe deposit box at a bank on Wednesday, but one was not immediately available, he added.

As a result, he said, they had the cash with them at Applebee’s when they went there to eat and simply forgot it. — Reuters

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SU N DAY, DECEMB ER 20, 2015

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Star Wars fans raise their lightsabers during Lightsaber Battle LA in Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles, California late Friday. New images captured by the Hubble space telescope shows a cluster of stars — forming what looks like a double-bladed ‘lightsaber’ — an image that will likely excite Star Wars fans. — AFP

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

Car bomb kills three in Mogadhishu MOGADHISHU: A car bomb exploded on Saturday on a busy street in the Somali capital Mogadishu, killing at least three people and wounding at least eight, a police officer said.

The number of casualties is likely to increase, police Major Nur Farah said at the scene of the blast, which was claimed by Al Qaedalinked Al Shabaab militants. “The place is busy with hotels and supermarkets. Most of the casualties are pedestrians. The casualty number is sure to rise,” Farah told Reuters by phone.

Al Shabaab militants have launched frequent attacks in Mogadishu in their bid to topple the Western-backed government, including a major assault on a hotel used by government officials and lawmakers in November, in which more than a dozen people were killed. A Reuters reporter said the explosion on Saturday was followed by gunfire, and smoke could be seen rising from the scene. Part of a supermarket and a number of cars were destroyed. “We were behind the blast operation. Some government officials and soldiers died and others were injured,” Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, an Al Shabaab spokesman, told Reuters on Saturday, without giving details of the number of dead. — Reuters

B R U TA L WA R

Two convicted war criminals handed over to Congo KINSHASA: The International Criminal Court (ICC) handed over two convicted war criminals to Congolese authorities on Saturday, the justice minister said, the first time it has entrusted enforcement of its sentences to a country.

Thomas Lubanga Dyilo and Germain Katanga will complete their sentences in Democratic Republic of Congo’s central prison of Makala in Kinshasa for crimes committed during the brutal war in the central African country’s northeastern region of Ituri.

Millions of people died in resource-rich eastern Congo’s two regional wars between 1996 and 2003, mostly from hunger and disease, and the area is filled with dozens of armed groups.

“Thomas Lubanga Dyilo and Germain Katanga were handed over... in the morning to the qualified authorities,” said Justice Minister Alexis Tambwe Mwamba in a statement read on public radio and television.

Both men had indicated a preference to serve the remainder of their sentences in Congo, the Court said in a statement.

Lubanga, who was found guilty of recruiting child soldiers, was sentenced in 2012 to a 14-year sentence including time already served. He is due for release in five years.

Katanga, who was convicted last year for murder, pillaging and attacking a civilian population in a 2003 attack on a village, was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment. The duration was reduced on appeal and he will be released in January 2016. — Reuters

Uganda to restart talks as Burundi violence escalates The government and Burundi’s largest opposition coalition welcomed the move

KAMPALA: Uganda said on Saturday it would resume mediating peace talks for Burundi after violence that has pushed the Central African country close to civil war and led the African Union to prepare for the imposition of a peace keeping force.

Both the government and Burundi’s largest opposition coalition welcomed the move to restart talks. On Friday, the African Union said it was preparing to send 5,000 peace keepers to Burundi to protect civilians, for the first time using powers to deploy troops to a member country against its will.

Tensions have been running particularly high since gunmen attacked military sites in the Burundi capital Bujumbura last week, unnerving a region where memories of the 1994 genocide in neighbouring Rwanda are still raw. Burundi slid into crisis in April when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced plans for a third term in office.

The United Nations says at least 400 people have been killed since April when Nkurunziza’s decision triggered protests and later a failed military coup.

RISING TENSIONS: Burundian soldiers withdrawing from the restive Cibitoke neighbourhood in

Bujumbura after a police operation during the celebrations of the country’s 53rd Independence anniversary in this file photo taken on July 1, 2015. – AFP

dian society, including the ruling party, opposition parties and civil society would attend the talks.

Uganda’s defence minister, Chrispus Kiyonga, told a news conference in Kampala the security situation in Burundi had been deteriorating.

“It is now considered appropriate and critical that the dialogue resumes,” Kiyonga said.

He said about 14 groups representing various sections of Burun-

Open to talks Burundi government spokesman Philippe Nzobonariba said the government has always been open to talks and was waiting for an invitation. “It’s an inter-Burundian dialogue and only Burundians will determine what to discuss,” he told Reuters.

Nzobonariba however ruled out holding talks with anyone it ac-

cused of being behind the May attempted coup.

“It may be an occasion to put hands our on them as they are sought by Burundi justice,” he said.

Pancrace Cimpaye, spokesman for Burundi’s largest opposition coalition known as CNARED, welcomed the resumption of talks, though he said the group was yet to receive an invitation.

“For us talks are between two parties in conflict, and the two warring parties today is Nkurunziza and his government on one side, and CNARED on the other”, he told Reuters.

The talks will resume in Uganda on Dec. 28 and thereafter move to Arusha in northern Tanzania.

Arusha is the headquarters of the regional bloc East African Community (EAC), to which Burundi belongs. In July the EAC appointed Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni to mediate in the conflict and initial meetings were held in Burundi’s capital Bujumbura in the same month.

In the worst clashes since the failed coup in May, insurgents attacked military camps in the capital Bujumbura last week and nearly 90 people were killed.

Rights groups have reported violent clashes between protesters and authorities, gun attacks and detentions of government critics.

The government dismisses reports of rights abuses.

Hundreds of thousands have also fled the worst violence to hit the country since it emerged from an ethnically charged civil war in 2005. — Reuters

AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION

Rwandans approve extension of presidential term limits

VOTE FOR CHANGE: Rwandan President Paul Kagame is accompanied by his family to cast his vote in Rwanda’s capital Kigali on Friday, during a referendum, as Rwandans vote to amend its Constitution to allow the President to seek a third term. – Reuters

KIGALI: Rwandans voted overwhelmingly to support changes to the constitution that would allow President Paul Kagame to extend his term in office, possibly until 2034, provisional results showed on Saturday.

Kagame, 58, would be able to run again in 2017 after his second term ends. He has been president since 2000 but effectively in control since his rebel force marched into Kigali in 1994 to end a genocide.

“The electoral commission declares in public that 98.3 per cent of voting Rwandans accepted the constitution as amended in 2015,” National Electoral Commission chairman Kalisa Mbanda told a news conference after Friday’s vote. Mbanda rejected a statement issued on Friday by the local European Union delegation that there

was no independent monitoring in place during the vote. “I don’t see any basis on which one can say that there were no independent observers. We registered 630 observers and all are independent,” he said.

The number of those who voted in favour of the changes was 6.16 million. The commission released some partial results late on Friday and final results are expected on Monday. The vote took place despite criticism of such an amendment by the United States and other Western donors.

Kagame has not said if he would run again, but he is widely expected to. He said on Friday the vote to change the constitution was the people’s choice. The tiny Democratic Green Party, the only real opposition party, tried to get the constitutional changes blocked

through the courts but this was rejected. The party also said it was not given a chance to campaign against the changes.

“The Democratic Green Party... will not give up on the struggle to make Rwanda a vibrant democracy. We will continue to work towards achieving a peaceful transfer of power in Rwanda,” Frank Habineza, the party’s president, said in a statement late on Friday.

Despite its success in delivering economic and social change, rights groups accuse Kagame’s government of stifling the media and political opposition, a charge it denies. The debate about extending presidential terms has swept other African nations. It has triggered violence and instability in Burundi and Congo Republic, but not in Rwanda. — Reuters

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2015

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Deals signed to build $6.4b-Liwa plastics complex Fifteen agreements, including four

Contractors told to maintain 25 per cent in-country value

major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts, were signed. EPC packages worth $4.5b have been awarded to global contracting firms

Times News Service MUSCAT: As many as 15 agreements, including four major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts, were signed by the Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) with contracting firms and financial institutions to build and operate the prestigious $6.4 billion Liwa Plastics Industries Complex (LPIC) in Sohar.

Orpic signed the agreements to award four EPC packages worth $4.5 billion for the Liwa Plastics project to leading global contracting firms on Thursday at an event attended by ministers, undersecretaries, members of council of Oman, Orpic’s board members and high-ranking officials from financial institutions and leading global contracting firms.

The first EPC contract for building a steam cracker and utilities was bagged by CB&I and the CTCI Corporation joint venture; the second one, for building a plastic unit, was won by Tecnimont; a third project for the NGL extraction unit was bagged by GS Engineering and Construction and Mitsui joint venture and the fourth EPC contract for the NGL pipeline was won by Punj Lloyd.

The formal agreements were signed by Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Orpic chairman of and Musab Al Mahruqi, Orpic chief executive officer (CEO), along with the CEOs and senior officials of the awardwinning companies. Moreover, more than 20 local and international banks, financial institutions

A. E. JAMES businesseditor@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) has asked various contracting firms that won the mega Liwa Plastics Industries Complex to maintain a minimum in-country value (ICV) of 25 per cent, while awarding sub-contracts and procuring materials for building the mega project.

In-Country Value is the total expenditure retained within the country that can benefit business development, contribute to human capability and stimulate productivity in the Omani economy.

“That is our target,” said HenkPauw, general manager of the Liwa Plastics Industries Complex. “There is a condition for in-country value, training and Omanisation. We want 30 per cent Omanis. They (contracting firms) need to train at least 15 per cent to a good level.”

“This project will enhance the in-country value of products and will provide the necessary materials to grow the downstream sector in the Sultanate, with a focus on the plastics industry.

LPIC will also enhance the contribution of the industrial sector towards domestic production to 9 per cent by 2020 and will create more than 13,000 new employment opportunities for Omanis,” said Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, chairman, Orpic.

“The feasibility study indicated that this project will

and export credit agencies have committed to providing $3.8 billion. Al Mahruqi said the successful proponents were selected due to the strength of their technical and financial bids. “Today marks an important milestone in the history for Orpic and LPIC with the signing of the EPC contracts

contribute approximately 2 to 3 per cent towards the Sultanate’s GDP, and will create nearly 1,000 direct employment opportunities and more than 12,000 indirect job opportunities,” added Al Habsi.

Orpic currently employs around 2,000 people. An estimated 1,235 additional jobs will be created by the growth projects between 2014 and 2018, of which 75 per cent will be Omanised.

The project, which will require up to 20,000 fulltime equivalents during the construction phase, is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs in the local area, is on schedule for completion in 2018 and commercial operation in 2019.

Pauw said the project will be partially funded by local banks, including Bank Muscat and BankDhofar. Referring to the recent plunge in commodity prices and its impact on the project, Pauw said, “It is making it bit more difficult.”

However, he added that the price of petrochemicals and plastic products might increase when the Liwa Plastics project starts production in 2019. “We are expecting the prices to go up.

The project still makes sense at the current oil price.”

Studies show that global demand for these materials will improve during the next five years by about 35 million tonnes. “There is a big market and there are not enough projects around at the moment to meet the growing demand,” noted Pauw.

and finance agreements to cover a majority of the financing required for this project,” he added. “We are confident that once the plant commissioning is completed in 2019, LPIC will change Orpic’s product mix by extracting more value from natural gas and crude oil,” said Al Mahruqi. >B4

DISINVESTMENT

Oman to privatise three firms Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman will privatise three state-owned companies next year, according to a Reuters report, which quoted Finance Minister Darwish Al Balushi.

Gulf governments are expected to consider privatising state assets as they seek to raise cash at a time of lower oil prices, which have hit their revenues.

Oman posted a budget deficit of

OMR2.68 billion in the first eight months of this year, against a OMR205.7 million surplus a year earlier, because of lower oil export prices.

Al Balushi early this year said the planned privatisation programme of a number of stateowned firms was under preparation and would be carried out in the next three years, after getting necessary approvals.

Oman government has plans to

divest stakes in as many as eleven state-owned companies via initial public offerings in an apparent move to spur stock market trading and pass on the benefits of corporate earnings to the nationals.

Like in the previous divestment programmes, priorities will be attached to those companies that make profit. According to reports, Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries is one of the companies identified for privatisation.

B2

SU N DAY, DECEMB ER 20, 2015

MARKET

Bank Muscat’s new mobile app to focus on innovation KEY SERVICES

Easy-to-use

International fund transfer facility has a maximum daily limit of OMR2,500

mBanking services include fund

Maximum daily limit for speed transfer to the Philippines and Sri Lanka is OMR500

transfers across the world via the bank’s SWIFT network,

Transaction limit for mutual fund purchases is OMR5,000 a day

speed transfer to the Philippines and

Customers can make Zakat payment up to a maximum of OMR2,500 a day

Sri Lanka, mutual fund purchases, Zakat and charity

For charity payment, the maximum daily limit is OMR500

Times News Service MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate, in line with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and focus on innovation to provide a distinct banking experience, has launched an all-new, feature-rich mobile banking application, introducing unique new services and enhancing existing services to do more banking from anywhere, anytime.

The new easy-to-use mBanking services include fund transfers across the world via the bank’s SWIFT network; speed transfer to the Philippines and Sri Lanka; mutual fund purchases; Zakat calculator and payments and charity payments.

The international fund transfer facility has a maximum daily limit of OMR2,500. For speed transfer to the Philippines and Sri Lanka, the maximum daily limit is OMR500.

The transaction limit for mutual fund purchases through Bank

Muscat Asset Management is OMR5,000 a day. Customers can make Zakat payment up to a maximum of OMR2,500 a day and for charity payment, the maximum daily limit is OMR500. For each of these services, mBanking customers are allowed up to five transactions a day.

With the introduction of the new mBanking app, the old app will cease to function and all mobile banking customers are required to update the mobile app available on the IOS, Android and Blackberry stores.

The existing user names and passwords of mBanking customers will remain valid and all data relating to beneficiaries registered for payment transactions, including utility bill payment, will be available. Additionally, data relating to payment beneficiaries registered on internet banking and branches will also be au-

tomatically reflected in the new mBanking app.

Winner of the coveted His Majesty Sultan Qaboos award for the Best Public eService, Bank Muscat’s mBanking is Oman’s preferred mobile banking service with more than 350,000 registered customers.

Bill payments, top-ups Instant bill payments and top-ups for Omantel, Ooredoo and OIFC is another attraction of the new mBanking service. Customers will be able to check their outstanding bills and then make real time payments for these billers.

Customers will also have the option to set up standing instructions for future dated and recurring transactions on mobile banking for most of the key services like bill payments, funds transfer and remittances.

The new non-financial mBank-

ing services include loan statements, loan calculator, request of statement through email, request for changing email and mobile number, customer profile views and push notifications. For mBanking registration, customers can provide a local as well as international mobile number.

Tariq Atiq, AGM - Cards & eBanking, said: “At Bank Muscat, we continuously strive to innovate to provide our customers with a rewarding banking experience with focus on convenience and security. mBanking has recorded massive success both in terms of usage and customer adoption since it was launched and we are delighted to add exciting elements to this service.”

“In keeping with the bank’s focus to provide world class banking products and services, especially electronic services which spell convenience to customers, the new

mBanking service complements the government’s efforts in creating a digital society. Bank Muscat enjoys an edge in hi-tech products and services and the new mBanking services further fulfill the banking requirements of a young, tech-savvy generation,” he added.

‘Anytime, anywhere’ The ‘anytime, anywhere’ mBanking has made banking truly mobile for the largest banking family in Oman who can bank 24/7 ‘anytime, anywhere’. Notably, the mBanking application works on most of the mobile phones and is customised for iPhones, Blackberry, Android and Java based phones with simple icons and menus. The mBanking application is available in both English and Arabic.

The mBanking transaction limit for transfer of funds to other banks within Oman is OMR2,500 a day. The limit for transfer of funds within own accounts is OMR7,500 a day. The transaction limit for transfer of funds within Bank Muscat accounts is OMR5,000 a day while utility bill payments limit is OMR2,500 a day. The limit of speed transfer to India is OMR2,500 a day.

Robust security features have been built into the ‘trusted’ mBanking application. Data exchange from this application is encrypted based on best industry standards and dual factor authentication.

Driven by the latest technological features and offering a wide range of options, mBanking presents a unique facility from Bank Muscat that lets customers bank at convenience from ‘anywhere, anytime’. For people constantly on the move, mBanking service is a boon.

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BRIEFS

Panel discussion on investment in tourism sector MUSCAT: Zubair Small Enterprises Centre will organise a panel discussion on the opportunities available for entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, as part of ‘My Experience’ series on Monday at Bait Al Zubair Museum. The session aims at identifying investment opportunities in the tourism sector for entrepreneurs of small businesses before implementation of the strategy. It will also indentify challenges faced by the owners of these institutions at the time of implementing their projects. Philip Giorgio, representative of the strategy of the Tourism Committee at the Ministry of Tourism will conduct the session and throw light on strategic features and procedures that will be followed by the ministry in order to implement the strategy. It will also discuss projects to the private sector and the opportunities offered to entrepreneurs.

Export agency adopts credit limits worth OMR2.25m MUSCAT: Export Credit Guarantee Agency of Oman (ECGA) conducted its seventh meeting, which was presided over by Said bin Saleh Al Kiyoumi, chairman of both Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and ECGA. The ECGA board adopted several credit limits with a total value of OMR2,254,500. The share of the approved credit limits for domestic sales was OMR435,000 while the approved credit limits for Omani non-oil exports amounted to OMR1,819,500.

The ECGA Board also approved the renewal of credit policies for some insured exporters at Export Credit Guarantee Agency and the compensation of one policy holder at the agency against the loss of one of the buyers in Saudi Arabia. - ONA

T H R E E - D AY E V E N T

Exhibition on packaging to be held in February MUSCAT: Oman International Trade and Exhibitions will organise the Oman Exhibition for Packaging and Material Handling on February 8 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

The three-day exhibition will give visitors an opportunity to meet top operators in the industrial field and identify the characteristics of the products of these companies, specialised in manufacturing and the provision

of corrugated paper, paperboard, boards and packaging.

150 trade delegates A conference will bring together 150 trade delegates from various industrial sectors on the sidelines of the exhibition. It will highlight the current trends and major challenges faced by the packaging industry in the Sultanate, as well as the opportunities it presents, new innovations and

systems of modern automation in the field of material handling sector and logistics.

Tariq Ali, director-general of the Oman International Exhibitions and Trade said that the exhibition will witness the presence of well-known suppliers in packaging, in addition to companies working in the field of material handling, logistics solutions, storage and warehouses, stores and internal logistics companies.

He expects the packaging market in the Middle East and Africa (Mena) region to witness a significant growth between 2014 and 2019 at a compound rate of 5 per cent to $4.52 billion. He also said that the logistics sector is expected to grow in Oman to more than $12 billion by the year 2017.

The Sultanate of Oman is seeking to turn into a main industrial and logistical hub at the level of the region and beyond. - ONA

EXPORT RESTRICTIONS

US lifts four-decade-old ban on oil export limits WASHINGTON: With the stroke of a pen, United States President Barack Obama has ended 40 years of US crude oil export limits by signing off on a repeal passed by Congress earlier in the day.

The restrictions lift under a provision in the spending and tax package that the President signed into law. Congressional leaders earlier in the week reached an agreement to end the trade restrictions, established during US oil shortages in the 1970s, as part of a grand bargain that includes tax breaks for renewable-energy companies and refiners.

“I don’t doubt you’ll see some exports next year,” ConocoPhillips chief executive officer Ryan Lance said in a telephone interview after the Senate vote. “We’re pretty excited about it, but we’ve also got to get the infrastructure” in place.

Repeal of the crude-export restrictions reverses four decades of a policy that has defined the nation’s relations with the rest of the world. Without the trade limits, the US — now the world’s largest oil and gas producer — is free to export its crude, as it already does with refined products including gasoline. The US Senate passed the bill with a vote of 65-33 after the House approved the measure 316-113 hours earlier.

Oil producers including Cono-

Barack Obama. – Bloomberg News

coPhillips and Continental Resources had lobbied in favour of repeal, which American Petroleum Institute president Jack Gerard described in a statement as ‘a historic moment in our energy renaissance’.

Foreign oil companies While the law allows these and other producers to ship their crude abroad, it may also lure investment to the US from foreign oil companies that want to be able to export oil for consumption in their home countries, according to Scot Anderson, global head of the energy natural resources group at law firm Hogan Lovells in Denver.

“I would suspect that it would make foreign direct investment

into the United States energy market more attractive,” he said in an interview. The firm represents producers, refiners and midstream companies.

Some independent refiners, such as PBF Energy, said they may be harmed by an end to the crude-export restrictions. The spending bill contains a tax deduction for those refiners to help blunt any potential negative impact on them. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California said that when Congress returns from its recess in January, she may seek to provide additional assistance to some mid-Atlantic refiners who could be excluded from the tax benefit. “That’s some unfinished business that we have to do,” she said at a press conference after Friday’s vote.

Environmental groups including the Sierra Club opposed ending the crude-export limits, saying that any increase in oil output would exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions. The bill is a “massive giveaway to Big Oil” while phasing out tax breaks for wind and solar producers, Senator Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, said in a statement.

Repeal may not provide an immediate boost to US crude exports.

A global oil-supply glut has pushed prices to their lowest levels in almost seven years. - Bloomberg News

S U N DAY, D E C E MB E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

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MARKET BANKING

Bank assets in Oman rise 16% MUSCAT: Total assets of commercial banks increased by 15.7 per cent to OMR28.3 billion in October 2015 from OMR24.5 billion a year ago. Of the total assets, credit disbursement accounted for 65 per cent and increased by 10.4 per cent as at the end of October 2015 to OMR18.4 billion.

Credit to the private sector increased by 10.8 per cent to reach OMR16.0 billion as at the end of October 2015. Of the total credit to the private sector as at the end of October 2015, the share of the non-financial corporate sector stood at 46.8 per cent, closely followed by the household sector (mainly under personal loans) at 45.2 per cent, financial corporations at 5.4 per cent and other sectors the remaining 2.6 per cent.

Commercial banks’ overall investments in securities declined by 12.5 per cent to OMR2.6 billion as at the end of October 2015 from OMR3 billion a year ago.

The drop resulted mainly in bank’s investments in Central Bank of Oman’s (CBO) certificates of deposits, which fell from OMR1.4 billion in October 2014 to zero in October 2015. Investment in government development bonds, however, increased by 32.5 per cent over the year to OMR751.7 million at the end of October 2015.

Treasury bills Banks also invested OMR294.5 million in Government Treasury Bills as at the end of October 2015. Commercial banks’ investments in foreign securities stood at OMR717.1 million in October 2015. Aggregate deposits held with commercial banks registered an increase of 5.9 per cent to OMR18.2 billion in October 2015 from OMR17.1 billion a year ago.

Government deposits with commercial banks increased by 0.3 per cent to OMR5.1 billion.

Deposits of public enterprises increased by 13.4 per cent to OMR1

Sur water plant expansion to be finished by mid-2016 Total production of the plant is expected to reach 131,000

billion during the same period.

Private sector deposits, which constituted 64.9 per cent of total deposits with commercial banks, increased by 8.1 per cent to OMR11.8 billion in October 2015 from OMR10.9 billion a year ago.

Sector-wise, the share of households was 49.6 per cent of the total private sector deposit base, followed by non-financial corporations at 28.6 per cent, financial corporations at 19.1 per cent and other sectors at 2.7 per cent.

Islamic banking Islamic banking entities provided financing to the extent of OMR1.6 billion as at the end of October 2015 when compared to OMR0.95 billion a year ago. Total deposits held with Islamic banks and windows also registered a significant increase to OMR1.4 billion in October 2015 from OMR0.5 billion outstanding as at the end of October 2014. The total assets of Islamic banks and windows amounted to OMR2 billion as at the end of October 2015, which constituted about 6.6 per cent of the banking system assets.

As at the end of October 2015, narrow money stock (M1) when measured on year-on-year basis, grew by 12.8 per cent to OMR5.3 billion. This rise was a result of increase in currency with the public by 7.7 per cent coupled with increase in demand deposits by 14.5 per cent.

Broad money supply stood at OMR14.9 billion at the end of October 2015, up from OMR13.3 billion a year ago, registering an increase of 11.6 per cent during the period. - ONA

cubic metres per day and will enable the supply of drinking water to almost

POTABLE WATER PROJECT: Nearly 70 per cent of the Sharqiyah Desalination Company’s expansion project for water desalination in Sur is complete. – Supplied picture

600,000 residents

Times News Service MUSCAT: As much as 70 per cent of the Sharqiyah Desalination Company’s water desalination project expansion in Sur is complete. The additional water capacity produced by the extension project is expected to be completed by mid-2016, said Veolia, the global leader in optimised resources management.

In January 2015, Oman’s Sharqiyah Desalination Company had announced an agreement to ex-

pand the 80,000 cubic metres Sur desalination plant, which is 160km south west of Muscat.

With 70 per cent of the construction now complete, under the amended Water Purchase Agreement (WPA) with state-owned Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), the Veolia-led company is adding 51,000 cubic metres to what is already one of the largest Independent Water Projects (IWP) in Oman.

The additional water capacity will help meet the projected demand for potable water in the Sharqiyah region. The total production of the plant is expected to

reach approximately 131,000 cubic metres per day and will enable the supply of drinking water to almost 600,000 residents.

“A growing population, limited resources and increased requirements for water have triggered an increased focus on water conservation in the Sultanate of Oman.

The Sur plant has put much effort into reducing the environmental impact of the desalination process through energy recovery devices.

We are pleased to witness the progress of the plant extension. This project once again demonstrates Veolia’s strong commitment towards Oman,” said Xavier Joseph,

chief executive officer of Veolia Middle East.

Veolia, the global leader in optimised resources management, has also showcased the construction progress at the extension site of the Sur desalination plant in Oman.

The project has achieved one million man-hours worked without injury and international skills being brought on the project, including 600 people of 15 nationalities.

Sur, the world’s largest beach well reverse osmosis plant, today provides 350,000 inhabitants of the Sharqiyah region with clean drinking water. The reverse osmosis process, which forces high pressured water through a semi-permeable membrane, separates salt, bacteria and other particles allowing clean water to filter through.

The Sur Desalination Plant was built by a consortium composed of OTV, a Veolia subsidiary and Bahwan Engineering Company in 2007 and is currently operated by Bahwan Veolia, which is a joint venture between Bahwan and Veolia.

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SU N DAY, DECEMB ER 20, 2015

MARKET ECONOMY

New Brazil finance minister promises 'fiscal discipline' BRASILIA: Brazil’s incoming Finance Minister Nelson Barbosa has pledged to maintain fiscal discipline and sustain economic policies after financial markets hit new lows on the departure of Joaquim Levy.

Barbosa will be sworn in on Monday as finance minister, inheriting a deepening economic crisis marred by political turmoil, eroding fiscal accounts and investor scepticism.

The real extended losses in late-afternoon trading on Friday and the benchmark Ibovespa stock index closed at more than a six-year low, as investors fear Barbosa will adopt looser fiscal policy. Brazil’s risk perception, as measured by five-year creditdefault swaps, rose to the highest level since September.

“Levy leaving is a clear negative,” said Phillip Blackwood, managing partner at EM Quest Capital.

Barbosa now faces the daunting challenge of convincing investors and rating companies that he has the political support and personal conviction needed to shore up fiscal accounts. While Rousseff says she backs measures to raise taxes and cut spending, her allies are reluctant to tighten the belt amid surging unemployment and shrinking wages.

Speaking to reporters soon after his new appointment, Barbosa said he would continue to push for the kind of austerity programs that Levy championed. But in a sign that he may be more willing than his predecessor to open purse strings, Barbosa said some industries could receive government subsidies.

Nelson Barbosa. – AFP

Austerity plan Levy had trouble persuading Congress and Rousseff’s cabinet to adopt large parts of his austerity plan, which he said was key to reviving investor confidence and

Real estate tax eased on foreign investors in US group, said in a statement.

Cross-border investment in US real estate has totaled about $78.4 billion this year, or 16 per cent of the total $483 billion investment in US property, according to Real Capital Analytics. Pension funds accounted for about $7.5 billion, or almost 10 per cent, of the foreign total, according to the New Yorkbased property research firm.

“Foreign pensions are such a low percentage of foreign investment in US real estate because of FIRPTA,” Corl said.

The 35-year-old taxlaw modification on foreign investment potentially opens the door to greater purchases by overseas investors, a major source of capital since the financial crisis

SEATTLE: United States President Barack Obama signed into law a measure easing a 35-year-old tax on foreign investment in US real estate, potentially opening the door to greater purchases by overseas investors, a major source of capital since the financial crisis.

Contained in the $1.1 trillion spending measure that was passed to avoid a government shutdown is a provision that treats foreign pension funds the same as their US counterparts for real estate investments. The provision waives the tax imposed on such investors under the 1980 Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, known as FIRPTA. “FIRPTA has historically made direct investment in US property a non-starter for trillions of dollars worth of foreign pensions,” said James Corl, a managing director at

private equity firm Siguler Guff & Company. “This tax-law modification is a game changer” that could result in hundreds of billions of new capital flows into US real estate.

Foreign investors have flocked to US real estate since the global economic meltdown, drawn by the relative yields and perceived safety of assets from office towers and shopping centres to apartments and warehouses.

The demand has helped drive commercial real estate prices to record highs. Many foreign investors structured their purchases to make themselves minority investors and bypass FIRPTA. REIT purchases The new law also allows foreign pensions to buy as much as 10 per cent of a US publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) without triggering FIRPTA liability, up from 5 per cent previously.

“By breaking down outdated tax barriers to inbound investment, the FIRPTA relief will help mobilize private capital for real estate and infrastructure projects,” Jeffrey DeBoer, president and chief executive officer of the Real Estate Roundtable, an industry lobbying

Investment surges Foreign investment has surged from just $4.7 billion in 2009, according to Real Capital. Foreign buying this year as a percentage of total investment in US real estate is about double the 8.1 per cent average in the 10 years through 2012.

Despite a perception that FIRPTA was a response to the wave of Japanese buying of trophy US property in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including Rockefeller Center and Pebble Beach, the act was actually passed in 1980 in response to international investors buying US farmland. Under old rules, foreign majority sellers had to pay 10 per cent of gross proceeds from the sale of US real estate as well as additional federal, state and local levies that could increase the total tax burden to as much as 60 per cent, according to the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. - Bloomberg News

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stimulating growth. He had threatened before to resign, raising concern that would lead to a credit downgrading.

On December 16, those concerns were obviated when Fitch Ratings cut Brazil’s credit rating to junk status, following Standard & Poor’s, which in September removed the investment grade it awarded the country in 2008.

Analysts said Barbosa is associated with less fiscal discipline and enjoys Rousseff’s support for a lower budget surplus before interest payments.

“I’m not saying Barbosa will be fiscally irresponsible, but probably he does not have the keen sense of urgency that the authorities need to turn around the fiscal very quickly,” Alberto Ramos, chief Latin America economist at Gold-

man Sachs Group Inc, said before the formal announcement of the cabinet change. Barbosa tried to dispel that view on Friday.

“Today our biggest challenge is fiscal, which is totally up to the Brazilian government to solve,” he told reporters. “We’re focused on resolving our current problems.”

Levy’s departure Levy’s departure crowns a dramatic set of events in recent months for Latin America’s largest economy, including the start of impeachment proceedings against Rousseff and the arrest of highlevel corporate executives in its largest corruption scandal ever.

The country, once a darling of Wall Street with more than seven percent annual growth, has been unable to get back on its feet.

Gross domestic product will shrink 3.5 per cent this year and 2.5 per cent next, marking Brazil’s longest recession since the Great Depression, according to analysts.

Unemployment will continue to rise through at least 2017 and inflation will persist above the government’s target of 4.5 per cent, according to their forecasts.

Many investors are now asking themselves whether Barbosa can steer Brazil out of the recession when Levy, an experienced, University of Chicago-trained economist, could not. With Rousseff’s disapproval rating at a record high and Congress rattled by scandals and impeachment proceedings, the challenge is as political as it is economic. Levy succeeded in winning congressional approval for some tax increases. - Bloomberg News

L I WA P L A S T I C S P R O J E C T

SEALING THE DEAL: The agreements were signed by Darwish bin Islamil Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, chairman of Orpic, and Musab Al Mahruqi, CEO of Orpic, along with top officials of the award-winning companies. - JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman.

Orpic contributes 5 per cent B1 to the Sultanate's economy < FROM

Being located in Sohar as part of an integrated complex that also houses the Sohar refinery, aromatics plant, polypropylene and steam cracker unit for LPIC, Orpic operations will be one of the most integrated refinery and petrochemical operations in the world and will enable the company to extract the maximum value from Oman’s oil and gas,” Al Mahruqi added.

An independent socio-economic impact study was commissioned by Orpic to ascertain Orpic’s current total impact across gross domestic product (GDP), employment creation, and trade surplus, to identify opportunities for further improvement and forecast the impact on the commissioning of strategic growth projects.

Contribution to GDP In terms of GDP, Orpic currently contributes on average $4.2 billion per year to Oman’s GDP, which is equivalent to 5 per cent of the total annual GDP. Upon the commissioning of all growth projects, this number is forecast to increase to $6.5 billion per year for Oman’s economy.

“Studies show that global demand for these materials will increase during the next five years by about 35 million tonnes. The company currently produces 200,000 tonnes of polypropylene and it is expected that after the commissioning of this project, production of both materials will increase to 1.4 million tonnes annually,” said the Orpic chairman.

LPIC has played a strategically important role in the integration of Orpic’s refinery and petrochemical operations.

LPIC will enable Orpic to utilise the existing products of the refineries and the aromatic plant, which are currently being ex-

ported as feedstock for LPIC, in addition to Natural Gas Liquids leading to producing high value products that will help Orpic double its profits.

This project will also enhance the downstream sector in Oman as it will produce, for the first time, 880,000 tonnes of polypropylene and polyethylene, which rates highest in terms of demand in the global market, and is used in 40 per cent of all applications of plastics.

Polypropylene production The project will produce approximately 300,000 tonnes of polypropylene, which is considered the fastest growing plastic in the world and among the first in terms of global usage and demand. The project is connected to the existing industries in Sohar Industrial Port, and will contribute towards increasing fuels production in Orpic’s Sohar refinery and aromatics plant by about 232,000 tonnes annually.

With the highly integrated complex in Sohar, including the refineries, aromatics plant, steam cracker and the downstream polypropylene and polyethylene plants, the operation will be one of the best integrated refinery and petrochemical facility combinations in the world, and will be able to achieve the maximum value-added for Oman’s hydrocarbon molecule.

Revenue growth Upon commissioning in 2019, the Liwa Plastics Industries Complex will transform Orpic’s product mix and business model, double company profit, create new business opportunities, generate significant employment opportunities and support the development of the downstream plastics industry in Oman.

Following commissioning, plastics production is forecast

to have increased by more than one million tonnes, giving Orpic a total of 1.4 million tonnes of polyethylene and polypropylene production.

With the global market for plastics growing, the Liwa Plastics Industries Complex will firmly reinforce Orpic as a recognised player in the international petrochemicals marketplace — enabling Oman, for the first time, to produce polyethylene, the form of plastic that rates highest in terms of global demand and increase the current production of polypropylene.

The Liwa Plastics Industries Complex consists of a gas extraction plant in Fahud, a 300-kilometre pipeline from Fahud to Sohar, a steam cracker plant and a polymers plant in the Sohar Industrial area. The steam cracker plant will process light ends produced in Orpic’s plants in Sohar, as well as rich gas received from the Fahud plant.

Project finance The overall cost of the project is estimated to be $6.4 billion and international financial institutions will finance 60 per cent of the cost of the project. The company has obtained loans from local banks to finance its contribution towards the project, which is 20 per cent of the overall cost of the project. The remaining cost (approximately 20 per cent) will be financed by the government and the Oman Oil Company.

LPIC is one of three strategic growth projects being delivered

by Orpic, namely the Sohar Refinery Improvement Project, the Muscat-Sohar Pipeline and the Al Jifnain Terminal.

These projects will cement Orpic’s position as a market leader in the Sultanate of Oman, the Middle East and the international oil and gas sector.

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ROUND-UP

Liali Jewellers to open new outlets in Oman

S P E C TA C U L A R D AY

Sports Day held at ISWK

Poised for a glittering future, Liali’s newest showrooms will be located at Muscat City Centre, Oman Avenues Mall and Qurum City Centre

MUSCAT: Revealing a significant growth route to launch its first phase of expansion plans in the GCC, Liali, region’s favourite jewellery brand in designer gold and diamond, announced the opening of three new outlets in Oman.

Poised for a glittering future, Liali’s newest showrooms will be situated at Muscat City Centre, Oman Avenues Mall and Qurum City Centre; which are easily ac-

cessible to a large number of consumer bases in Muscat, says a press release.

The locations were chosen bearing in mind proximity and the growing demand for customised designer jewellery to burgeoning markets. All the showrooms will retail and have on display Liali’s signature fancies that include Love Bands, the ‘Midnight Rose Collection’, and ‘Memories’ along

with retailing of solitaires with IGI certification.

Built on the fundamentals of customer education, superior quality, exquisite craftsmanship and fair and transparent pricing, brand Liali intends to take forward it’s 16 years old legacy to serve trend-savvy consumers in the Sultanate of Oman.

Anuraag Sinha, MD of Liali jewellery said, “After complementing the different tastes of jewellery connoisseurs in the UAE, we feel encouraged and reckon ample growth opportunity in Oman.

While the consumers devour aesthetics and designer-brilliance in customised jewels and ornaments, the region will also serve as an inspiration for new designs to bring about innovation in our future collections.”

Spread across 76 sq. m in Muscat City Centre, 68 sq. m in Oman

FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

led by Sudharshan Bala and other athletes brought back the brightness. Then appeared the testimony to ISWK’s vim and vigour – the March Past commanded by the Head Boy Ashwin Titus and Head Girl Mamata Gopinathan and followed by contingents representing all the four houses of students – Akbar, Ashoka, Tagore and Vivekananda.

The chief guest acknowledged the salutes heralded by the Guard of Honour. The head girl then addressed the august audience welcoming them at the heart of ISWK. The meet was declared open by the chief guest.

The best Marching House Trophy was won by Tagore House.

The Tagore house bagged the Champion’s trophy. The runnerup position was won by the Ashoka house. Vote of thanks was proposed by the Deputy Head Girl, Disha Suresh.

PROMOTING SME SECTOR

Mistal celebrates IWC Schaffhausen’s victory MUSCAT: For the second consecutive time, the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team has taken the Formula One Constructors’ World Championship.

IWC Schaffhausen who has been official engineering partner of the Mercedes racing team since 2013 offered its warmest congratulations on this fantastic team achievement. As official dealers in Oman of this much esteemed and internationally revered name, Mistal is proud of IWC Schaffhausen’s successful associations, says a press release.

Keeping par with their elegance, class and aristocracy, Mistal, a part of the Ajit Khimji Group, is the sole distributor of this much acclaimed name. Mistal has introduced to Oman the finest collection of luxury watches and jewellery from the world over.

The showrooms radiate an aura of nobility and it’s tastefully decorated interiors speak of a distinct style of the elite.

“This exclusive watchmaker that has been writing history since generations, IWC Schaffhausen has strong partnerships that have always carried its name forward with great pride,” said Dharmesh Ajit Khimji, “As local partners, it is indeed an honor to have such close associations with this highly venerated brand.”

Brand ambassador, Lewis Hamilton, like last year, dominated the season to emerge undisputed Formula One world champion and Nico Rosberg’s outstanding performance throughout the year

Avenues Mall and 56 sq. m in Qurum City Centre, all the showrooms have been designed and furnished to attain continuity in branding just as Liali’s showrooms in the UAE. The operations in Oman are headed by Rajesh Govindan, country manager for Liali Oman who brings over 24 years of experience in the Oman jewellery fraternity.

MUSCAT: The 23rd annual athletic meet and PT display of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK) showcased the school’s incomparability in the field of quality education pushed far beyond reading, writing and arithmetic.

The chief guest for the programme Redha Taqi Al Lawati, the secretary general of Oman Hockey Association, who is a visual representation of Indo-Oman amity by means of popularising hockey, and the guest of honour Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi, special consultant with Oman Hockey Association were welcomed by the president of the School Management Committee, Harshendu Shah, other distinguished members of the SMC, Principal D. N. Rao and student Scouts and Guides of Classes VI to VIII, says a press release.

As soon as the daylight started dimming the ISWK Torch Run

brought him to the second place on the podium. To mark the partnership between IWC and Mercedes AMG, in 2005, IWC unveiled two Ingenieur models in titanium.

They underline the values of precision, performance and engineering expertise, shared by both the technology specialists in Schaffhausen and Affalterbach.

Further, bringing the two names closer, the completely redesigned Ingenieur watch collection for 2013 was created entirely with the cooperation of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. IWC Schaffhausen created some excep-

tional designs, drawing inspiration from the range of materials used in Formula One. With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing watches of lasting value since 1868.

The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world’s leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of Haute Horlogerie at its finest, combining supreme precision with exclusive design.

Zubair SEC participates at SAF Entrepreneurship Exhibition MUSCAT: Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) took part at the Entrepreneurship Exhibition organised by the Sultan Armed Forces (SAF) held in Al-Bandar Military Commercial Complex in cooperation with the SMEs Development Fund, under the patronage of Mohammed bin Nasser Al Rasbi, secretary-general at the Ministry of Defence, in the presence of LieutenantGeneral Ahmed bin Harith Al Nabhani, chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

Zubair SEC presented through its stand the various services and programmes offered by the centre to its members; entrepreneurs and owners of small enterprises, says a press release.

The Ministry of Defence organised this exhibition mainly for the Sultan Armed Forces retirees and those about to retire, in addition to members of the general public interested in entrepreneurship.

The exhibition received a high number of visitors interested in the services provided by the various institutions and major organisations supporting entrepreneurs and owners of small enterprises in the Sultanate.

The exhibition is one of the endeavours of the Sultan Armed Forces to support entrepreneurship and promote awareness of the self-employment culture among retirees and members of the Armed Forces.

Zubair SEC participated in the exhibition along with 25 public and private sector organisations supporting entrepreneurship.

The centre presented to its visitors and entrepreneurs the opportunities and services it offers for entrepreneurs to start and sustain their projects, as well as the competitive programmes it runs on annual bases, such as the Direct Support Programme.

The exhibition concentrated on encouraging the Sultan Armed Forces retirees and those about to retire to enter the field of entrepreneurship and launch their own small projects.

The main aim is to offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to continue investing their time and extensive experiences to enhance the sustainability of the national economy of the Sultanate, and secure a stable income for them and their families through establishing their own businesses.

Lina Hussein, head of Communication & Social Impact at Zubair SEC, said: “Zubair SEC participation in this exhibition falls within our efforts to promote the culture of entrepreneurship and raise further public awareness of the importance of small

and medium enterprises as pivotal in achieving sustainable development and a sector that is perceived as one of the key pillars of national economy. Our participation at this exhibition serves as a unique opportunity to exhibit Zubair SEC’s various services including specialised advisory and guidance, business development opportunities, empowerment and many other benefits.”

Zubair SEC is one of the initiatives which emanated from The Zubair Corporation’s Social Responsibility strategic vision towards the Omani society. The vision reflects the corporation’s belief in the importance of small enterprises in enhancing the national economy and contributing to sustainable socio-economic development. The centre comprises a team of socially engaged and business savvy advisors who put all effort to contribute to leveraging the Omani community through equipping and enabling entrepreneurs and start-ups to grow with their businesses in a sustainable and responsible manner.

G R A N D C E L E B R AT I O N

Indian School Sohar celebrates 31st annual day in style MUSCAT: Indian School Sohar celebrated its 31st Annual Day recently. On the first day, Neelima Vyas, chief operating officer, Sohar Free Zone attended the occasion as chief guest and Asha Shakrani, founder principal, Indian School Sohar was the Guest of Honour.

The grand celebration continued on to the second day with Indra Mani Pandey, ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman attending the occasion as the chief guest and Sheikh Kanaksi Khimji, as the Guest of Honour. Kiran Asher, vice-chairman, BOD Indian schools in the Sultanate, the members of the School Managing Committee and other distinguished guests were also present, says a press release.

More than 400 students dressed in colourful attire staged various performances under the insightful stewardship of the principal and

teachers. All the luminaries were accorded a floral welcome by the council members. Head Boy Prateek Prabhu delivered the welcome note. Sunil Sharma, member, SMC welcomed the august gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Sanchita Verma said, “The school turned on one more leaf in the calendar of events with the resonance of assiduousness and accomplishments in the colossal field of education, when another eventful academic year is reaching its culmination.”

The evening witnessed a rainbow of cultural wonders of music and dance. The students instilled the spirit of patriotism with the presentation of a dance drama, portraying the saga of sacrifice and courage of Queen of Jhansi. The English skit The Dear Departed highlighted the message that we must show love and concern for the

elderly in our families. The grand sets prepared especially for these programme awed the audience.

Through the Arabic dance the students extended their heartfelt and earnest felicitations to the benevolent ruler His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the hospitable people of Oman on the occasion of the 45th National Day. Garba, a leading folk dance of Gujarat, Gof-Raas - an exotic confluence of colourful cultural

strands left the audiences awestruck with their talent and skill.

TerahTaal - Rajasthani folk dance, where the students swirled to the rhythms of the Manjiras, the optical illusion dance, the Haryanvi dance, Nasa presentation, were the highlights among many others.

The Formation Dance: ‘A Page From A Student’s Diary’ staged by the boys was another inspiring and refreshing addition to the evening.

A perfect blend of synchronised

movements, fabulous formations and a heart-touching theme conveying a powerful message of an angel helping the kids for their education. Another formation dance, Jhanda Unchaa Rahe Hamara, instilled values of love, sacrifice, humility, along with patriotic feeling for our motherland.

The school choir enthralled the audience with their melodious notes on both the days presenting the Ragas, some famous Bollywood numbers reflecting different moods and styles based on Raag Yaman and Kalyan and some patriotic numbers. The school band accompanying the choir was highly appreciated by all.

The grand finale, a Kathak dance recital Jal Sanjhi portrayed grace and an expression, which continues to stun its audience since the Mughal Era, was truly mesmerissing. The students performed all

the different forms of Kathak in water presenting the evolution of elements in the cosmos and the importance of Jal or water among the elements. The audience was astonished when it actually rained on the stage.

Sanchita presented the annual report highlighting the achievements of the school throughout the year through a power point presentation. Meritorious students in academics from Classes VI to XII were felicitated. As many as 65 subject-toppers of Class XII and 13 students of Class X with a CGPA of perfect 10 were presented with gold coins.

Archana C. M. who made her Alma Mater proud by not only attaining first position in the school but also among all the Indian schools in the Sultanate of Oman, with 98.2 per cent marks was awarded a trophy and merit certificate.

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SUN DAY, DECEMB ER 20, 2015

ROUND-UP New Kia Cerato now comes with cash gift Customers looking to own a Kia Cerato 4 Door can choose any one option and enjoy either a cash gift of OMR1,000 or a service package for 30,000km/18 months (whichever is earlier) and insurance of one year (Oman only) plus a cash gift of OMR650

MUSCAT: Cruising past public places, there’s a great chance that speeches of silence will fill the air.

Welcoming with avid glances the stylish and well-designed Kia Cerato. And those yearning to get their hands on a Cerato couldn’t really wish for a better opportunity than this.

Customers looking to own a Kia Cerato 4 Door can choose any one option and enjoy either a cash gift of OMR1,000 or a service package for 30,000km / 18 months (whichever is earlier) and insurance of 1 year (Oman only) and a cash gift of OMR650. There also is an at-

tractive offer on 14YM Cerato 4-door sedan that is a cash gift of OMR1,100 or 1 year insurance, five years/100,000km service (whichever is earlier) and a cash gift of OMR400, says a press release.

Regarding this scheme, the Kia spokesperson said, “The cash gift offers flexibility to meet payment commitments towards vehicle financing, which is why we are offering it to our customers. But, the time to hurry is now, since the scheme will end by December 24.”

The 3rd generation Kia Cerato is designed by Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer to provide the maximum cabin space, shoulder and legroom space in its category. Premium additions on the new Cerato include LED daytime running lights, touchscreen audio with camera, steering controls audio, cruise, bluetooth, paddle shifter, trip computer, front and rear parking sensors, power driver lumbar support and rear A/C vents (which is usually seen in higher

segment cars). Kia’s new Flex Steer system provides three different settings for the steering to match customer preference with normal, sport and comfort modes. The effort required to turn the wheel varies with mode, but the gearing remains the same. Comfort mode is ideal for city driving whereas normal and sports are suitable for high speeds and long drives.

The ergonomically designed driver space makes every drive truly comfortable and stress-free.

A multi-function 4-spoke steering wheel offers precise fingertip control, together with class-leading comfort. Taking centre-stage is a hi-tech supervision cluster that displays a comprehensive range of vehicle information such as service interval reminders, welcome light, etc. The Touchscreen Audio unit, with large central LCD display provides easy through finger touch menu changes in audio and bluetooth modes. It offers stun-

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ning visibility and features a rear view camera.

Other important features include front fog lamps, cruise control, central locking, electric rear windows and driver’s seat height adjustment, 60/40 split folding rear seat backrest, twin tweeter speakers; and adjustable rear seat air vents. In Oman, Cerato customers enjoy a choice of two gasoline engines – Kia’s 160 HP 2.0-litre ‘Nu’ engine and the popular 129 HP 1.6-litre ‘Gamma’ engine.

These high performance engines produce the highest horsepower in this class.

The new Cerato has earned the highest crash safety rankings from international safety bodies such as National Highway Traffic Safety Administration & IIHS. Customers eager to experience the Kia Cerato are encouraged to visit any Kia showroom at their convenience. Kia Cerato is equipped with some dealer installed non-Kia accessories to enhance its looks, feel and functionality. Customers are welcome to get the full details by visiting a Kia showroom.

Reliable International Automotive (RIA), the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a rewarding ownership experience for customers. Excellent product attributes and unmatched facilities easily ensure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way. No wonder then that Reliable International Automotive has been ranked amongst the top Kia distributors worldwide and has been honoured with prestigious accolades including the ‘Good Partnership award, ‘Family Like Care’ Service award’, and ‘Kia ‘Distributor of Distinction’ award.

H E A LT H C A R E

Senior specialist in OBG, reproductive medicine joins Al Hayat International MUSCAT: Al Hayat International Hospital, Al Ghubra welcomed Dr Geetha C. Haripriya who offers excellent obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine services.

Dr Geetha received the Blue Ring Award from the International Diabetic Federation for her work in the field of Fertility and Diabetes. She was awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Award

by GOAL Committee in collaboration with Harvard University in 2010. She was also honoured with a prestigious award by the Government of Tamil Nadu for being the Best Performing Doctor in 2013 as well as 2014.

She has been the recipient of an award from the state government of Tamil Nadu for meritorious service in the field of Medicine in 2014. At a recently concluded function in Delhi, Dr Geetha Haripriya received an award for ‘IVF Centre for International Excellence’ from IIMTC, says a press release.

On an academic perspective, she has delivered several lectures in national forums and conducted several workshops in reproductive medicine. She constantly updates herself with the latest trends in assisted reproduction by participating in national and international conferences.

Dr Geetha has performed more than 40,000 procedures in assisted reproduction and has delivered more than 27,000 babies from assisted reproductive techniques. She has performed more

than 45,000 laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures successfully. She has delivered close to 3,000 babies for couples from Sri Lanka and has many patients coming from all over the world.

Al Hayat offers obstetric services ranging from pre-conception counselling, prenatal care, family-based labour and delivery care to evaluation and diagnostic services for complex obstetrical patients. They also provide a wide array of gynaecological and women’s health services including contraceptive technologies, diagnosis and treatment for STD’s and abnormal pap smears, annual gynaecological exams and hormone replacement therapy. Diagnostic procedures and treatments such as colposcopy, cryotherapy, LEEP, endometrial biopsy, hysterocopy, endometrial abalation and traditional surgeries such as hysterectomy, ovarian surgeries, laparotomy and tubal ligation are also provided.

Al Hayat also had a laparoscopic surgeon, who is an expert performing laparoscopic hysterectomies and ovarian surgeries.

Dr K. P. Raman, chairman, Al Hayat International Hospital said, “The demand for our gynaecology services has resulted in the expansion of our gynaecology department. It is our constant endeavour to make available the most modern facilities to our patients.”

Dr Geetha will be available today for free consultation from 9am to 9pm.

E D UC AT I O NA L T OU R

Qatar Airways expands network in South Africa DOHA: Qatar Airways launched new services between Doha and Durban on Thursday, offering passengers the opportunity to experience another idyllic subtropical destination.

The four-times-weekly service to Durban further complements the airline’s existing daily flights to Cape Town and double daily flights to Johannesburg, and is an expansion of the airline’s operations in South Africa. Travellers can now choose from a total of 21 flights a week to South Africa from Qatar Airways’ hub Hamad International Airport, says a press release.

Visitors to Durban — South Africa’s third largest city — will appreciate its subtropical climate, culturally diverse population and the variety of outdoor activities. Known for its beautiful beaches and warm seas, the city enjoys 300-plus days of sunshine during the year, ideal for surfing and shopping at its various outdoor markets.

Qatar and South Africa have a very strong trade relationship, further strengthened by Durban’s significant economic growth which has been bolstered by a number of multinational companies recently building their presence in the city.

Qatar Airways’ new route will help to meet a growing demand from passengers seeking business and leisure trips to Durban and will better serve travellers from South Africa who are seeking greater connections to the Middle East, Europe, United States, Asia Pacific and South Asia.

“Qatar is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners in the

Qatar is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners in the Middle East and we are proud to strengthen this business relationship with the launch of our new route connecting Durban directly to Doha Akbar Al Baker

Group chief executive, Qatar Airways

Middle East and we are proud to strengthen this business relationship with the launch of our new route connecting Durban directly to Doha.

“With its excellent aviation infrastructure and the development of the Dube Trade Port, we expect the number of business and employment opportunities in Durban to increase,” said Akbar Al Baker, group chief executive, Qatar Airways, who travelled on board the inaugural Qatar Airways Boeing 787-Dreamliner on Thursday.

“Durban’s prestige is recognised by the world-class events it has been chosen to host, further reinforcing the city’s strong and vibrant future as a global tourism destination,” added Al Baker.

Both Doha and Durban will each host major global events in 2022.

Doha will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and during the

same year, Durban will host the XXII Common Wealth Games.

Passengers to and from Durban will have the opportunity to enjoy award-winning Business and Economy Class service while travelling on a Qatar Airways Boeing 787, including up to 2,000 films, music titles and TV shows on Oryx One, the airline’s world-class inflight entertainment system. One of the newest aircraft in the Qatar Airways fleet, the Boeing 787, also known as the Dreamliner, accommodates 254 seats configured in two classes.

The new passenger service will complement Qatar Airways’ existing freighter services to Johannesburg. Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s third largest cargo carrier, has been an active player in the development of the South African export business by connecting it with worldwide markets, via Doha.

Oman Quarries welcomes University of Nizwa students MUSCAT: Oman Quarries, one of the largest limestone and dolomite mountain crushers in the Sultanate of Oman, welcomed students of management accounting from University of Nizwa at its manufacturing plant in Al Beir/Al Jaylah (Wilayat of Samail) recently.

A total of 28 students were accompanied with Dr Kaneez Fathima. The visit aimed at providing a broader understanding of the business operations in the mining industry and linking business theories with real world situations, says a press release.

The programme consisted of lectures by managers and executives of various departments followed by the question-answer session.

Quarry tour was also arranged aimed at highlighting the costing procedures that are implemented by the industry, importance of managerial decision making, marketing, logistics and crisis management.

The lectures were taken by

Mumtaz Alam, head of Operations, Amro Al Sholi, finance manager, Irfan Ali Khan, head, Sales & Marketing and Mir Mohammed, executive, Market Intelligence.

On behalf of the Dean of University of Nizwa, Dr. Ahmed Al Kindi, Fatima expressed their sincere gratitude and thanks for taking initiatives such as these.

Furthermore Fatima expressed her views at the end of the visit, “I express sincere thanks to Oman Quarries team for taking such initiatives, and to welcome such type of visits as it is not only beneficial to the students but is also seen as a collaboration between

the education and industrial sectors in motivating students who would like to work in the mining industry and establish businesses themselves in the future.”

Sheikh Moosa Ali Ahmed Al Hooqani, general manager of Oman Quarries, welcomed the students and said, “At Oman Quarries, we are always glad to welcome students at our facility to learn about the industry.

Knowledge is the key to success for the youth, and the youth are the future of our county. It was a wonderful experience to have these students to be a part of our company for a day.”

S U N DAY, D E C E MB E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP

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GMC Terrain comes with exciting benefits Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Sons is offering limited models of the 2015 Terrain at an unbeatable offer of OMR9,995 along with additional benefits

MUSCAT: Well appointed, powerful, refined, practical and can make heads turn – GMC Terrain has been referred by all these adjectives and more. The comprehensive package that the Terrain offers is worth a lot more than the cost price to it.

To get it even more with the reach, Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Sons is offering limited models of the 2015 Terrain at an unbeatable offer of OMR9,995 along with additional benefits that include extended warranty for five years, OMR100 shopping vouchers and free registration for a year, says a press release.

Ranked highest in its segment in the 2015 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study that tracks vehicles in the third year of ownership,

Terrain has cemented its position based on an extensive roster of interior and exterior features.

2016 Terrain features power and efficiency highlighted by the standard Ecotec 2.4 litre, four-cylinder engine with direct injection and camshaft phasing to optimise performance and fuel efficiency.

It is also available in 3.6 litre V-6 engine with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing and is SAE certified at 301 horsepower and 369 Nm of torque. Remote start with remote cooling is a feature available on 3.6 litre model that has been a high point with the customers, especially during the peak summer months.

Terrain is offered in SLE and SLT trim levels. All models in-

clude an array of passive and active safety features as standard including, but not limited to; fourwheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, six air bags and rear-view camera.

Smart features The spacious interior of the GMC Terrain is complemented with the user friendly and feature rich IntelliLink infotainment system.

IntelliLink uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver smartphone to Terrain’s new seveninch, high-resolution, full-colour touch screen display radio. IntelliLink allows smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls as well

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as streaming stereo audio from the phone. Most importantly, IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices with Terrain’s infotainment system, allowing minimum driver distractions.

“Highly popular in the compact crossover segment, the current price of the GMC Terrain has made it even more favoured. A winning combination of styling, utility and efficiency, the vehicle offers many additional reasons to be behind the wheel,” stated Virendra Agarwal, CEO Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co, exclusive distributors of GMC vehicles in the Sultanate of Oman with branches and a service network that covers all major locations across Oman.

EUROMONEY CASH MANAGEMENT SURVEY

HSBC Bank named ‘Best Domestic Cash Management Bank’ MUSCAT: HSBC Bank Oman has been voted as the ‘Best Domestic Cash Management Bank’ in the Sultanate for the fourth consecutive year by the globally acclaimed Euromoney Cash Management Survey 2015.

It was praised for the effective coordination of its payments and cash management services in both corporate and financial institutions categories, with survey responses highlighting the bank’s ability to establish strong client relationships through continued delivery of efficient and high quality solutions, says a press release.

The local recognition of HSBC Bank Oman was complemented by other HSBC successes in Asia, Middle East and Australasia. In total, HSBC Group was named as ‘Best Domestic Cash Management Bank’ in 29 countries worldwide. Euromoney’s 15th Annual Cash Management Survey provides cash managers, treasurers and financial officers with the opportunity to comment on the standard of the international cash management services they receive and rate the financial institutions they bank with.

Iain Morrison, general manager and head of Commercial Banking at HSBC Bank Oman, said, “Being recognised for four years in a row by our clients demonstrates our clear ability to support their trading requirements locally and internationally. We have an award-winning cash management

The local recognition of HSBC Bank Oman was complemented by other HSBC successes in Asia, Middle East and Australasia proposition, used by over 225,000 clients globally, comprising 773,000 corporate users across five regions. By applying this international expertise locally, our clients in Oman benefit from globally tried and tested platforms that can best meet their cash management needs.”

HSBC Bank Oman provides access to a wide range of business products and services for Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through to large Corporates. Corporate financing solutions, including Trade, Treasury, Global Payments and Cash Management, Corporate Credit Cards, Custody, Clearing, and Time Deposits are available to more than 10,000 corporate clients across the county.

HSBC Bank Oman is part of a global network of 6,100 offices in over 72 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, North and Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

SUPPORT

LU X U RY AWA R D S E V E N T

Bank Sohar participates in SME exhibition, conference

Mercedes-Benz launches new generation A-Class MUSCAT: Mercedes-Benz welcomed the highly anticipated dynamic new-generation A-Class to its spectacular all-star line-up at the lavish Crème de la Crème Luxury Awards at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissa Resort and Spa. The iconic automotive company was lead sponsor of the inaugural luxury and fine living event and presenter of the ‘Best Fashion Label Award’, which embraced the Mercedes-Benz philosophy of ‘the best or nothing’, says a press release.

Speaking after the exclusive event, David Swain, general manager of Mercedes-Benz Oman passenger cars enthused: “It is with particular pleasure and great excitement that we have presented the latest evolution of the hot-hatch A-Class to Oman at this premium event. A car that is ready for a new generation and driven by ambition, the new and innovative A-Class is wider, sportier and feistier looking, allowing its drivers to accelerate and live life to the full. Standing out for all the right reasons, it is set to surpass even

the overwhelming success enjoyed by its forerunner.”

With striking lines, dynamically curved surfaces and coupé-style window lines, the new generation A-Class delivers a sporty presence, sparkling like a jewel in the big city with a look that is modern, urban and young.

Meeting the wishes of customers, Mercedes-Benz has also increased the range of available engines with two superlative options now available. Sure to be popular, the A 250 produces a peak output of 155 kW (211 hp) and maximum torque of 350 Nm while the world’s most powerful mid-sized sports model, the Mercedes AMGA 45 4MATIC, boasts a peak output of 280 kW (381 hp) and maximum torque of 475 Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. With its dramatic design in the style of the successful Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, the special ‘Motorsport Edition’ model will particularly appeal to racing fans.

Ensuring enhanced comfort, the revised gear ratios, aerodynamic

fine-tuning and the new dynamic select driving modes, adjustable in seconds at the touch of a button, raise overall performance to a higher level, underlining the AClass leadership in this market segment. Benefitting from Mercedes-Benz state-of-the-art safety systems, the new generation AClass gives its driver and passengers comprehensive support and protection with upgraded driving assistance systems as standard.

Following a design philosophy of sensual purity with an emphasis on sportiness, the new generation A-Class benefits from a wealth of distinctive new features, from its diamond grille and optional LED High Performance headlights to its newly designed tail lamps and dual tailpipe trim integrated flush into the bumper.

Available in a range of fresh ‘on-trend’ colours and finishes, the new generation A-Class offers two-tone Sahara Beige and Black leather interiors in the Exclusive Package and a new high-comfort seat design with red or green highlights in the style line.

MUSCAT: Bank Sohar, as part of its firm belief in the shared responsibility of the public and private sectors to support the Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) sector in the Sultanate, alongside its Islamic Window – Sohar Islamic, recently participated in the ‘Ministry of Defence SME Exhibition’ organised by Trifoil Expo.

The conference and exhibition, which took place at the Lulu Al Bandar in Mawaleh recently was opened under the patronage of Mohammed bin Nasser Al Rasbi, secretary general at the Ministry of Defence. Representing Bank Sohar and Sohar Islamic at the opening ceremony were Rashad Ali Al Musafir, acting CEO, Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, senior AGM & head of Marketing and Customer Experience, Nanda Kumar, senior AGM Corporate SME and Talal Ali Al Zadjali – senior chief manager, Micro & Small Enterprises, says a press release.

Bank Sohar and Sohar Islamic SME team members represented the bank at its two exhibition booths and offered their guidance to visitors on the services and benefits offered to SMEs by both; Bank Sohar and Sohar Islamic.

Commenting on the bank’s support and sponsorship of the event, Rashad Al Musafir said, “In line with the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the highly valued recommendations by the SME Symposium, which was held in Seih Al-Shamekhat in early 2013; there has been a grow emphasis on diversify our incomes and reduce our dependency on the oil and gas sector. This is necessary in order to grow and maintain a sustainable economy. SMEs play a critical role in helping us do so by reducing the need for import of products and services and by

providing vital support to the existing business in Oman.

“In doing so, SMEs also help maintain and promote in-country value, which in turn sets the groundwork for maintaining a healthy and thriving economy.

Furthermore, SMEs themselves have the capability of making a significant contributions to the Sultanate’s gross domestic product (GDP) whilst also providing lucrative employment opportunities within the private sector.”

“However, all SMEs require some measure of guidance and the adequate acquisition of finances, resources and skills to establish itself and continue to evolve and grow. This is why we at Bank Sohar have always been committed to supporting the growth of SMEs in the Sultanate. This commitment is reflected not just through our products and services, but also our active participations in forums and events such as this one,” he added.

The main objective of this year’s SME Exhibition was to introduce and showcase business opportunities in the SME sectors and inform participants about various challenges faced when starting up, successfully runningand scaling up new businesses.

The well-received event included

a comprehensive conference in the morning hours of the first two days of the expo.

It included various videos and speeches by prominent business leaders and experts in the field covering all types of businesses, the challenges they face and important business ethics and policies to follow. The exhibition was open to the public for the duration of the three days in both the morning and evening hours.

Internally, Bank Sohar has demonstrated its commitments to the sector by setting up a department specifically responsible for providing SMEs with financial services.

Bank Sohar’s exclusive unit has been set up conveniently located in Azaiba, near the industrial area in Ghala, for easy client accessibility as well as to better facilitate senior level interaction by the relationship managers at the clients’ locations. The department plays an essential role in supporting newly established businesses in varying fields. In order to further support such companies the bank has also implemented a policy that not only facilitates an easy approval system with a high delegation of authority, it also offers attractive interest rates and easy terms and conditions.

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ROUND-UP

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New Fiat 500X 2016 is now available in Oman The Fiat 500X combines the authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics that are synonymous with the Fiat brand

MUSCAT: The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X, is the latest addition to the Fiat lineup and is now available at Dhofar Automotive, dealers of the Fiat range in Oman.

The Fiat 500X combines the authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics that are synonymous with the Fiat brand, together with an advanced allwheel-drive system, unmatched functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features, says a press release.

That’s not all; the Fiat 500X significantly expands the reach of the Fiat brand in the Middle East. It delivers the Italian design and personality that the brand is known

for, along with an unprecedented level of equipment and technology.

In addition, it is the first vehicle in the brand’s portfolio to offer an advanced all-wheel-drive system that will provide customers with peace of mind in all driving conditions.

With comfortable seating for five, world-class craftsmanship, and superior ride and handling, the Fiat 500X delivers driving excitement, technology, safety and functionality to the rapidly growing small crossover segment.

In Oman, the all-new Fiat 500X is available with a choice of the fuel-efficient 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine paired with a sixspeed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with an output of 140 hp or the 2.4-litre Tigershark MultiAir2 engine that produces 184 hp and is paired exclusively to a nine-speed automatic trans-

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mission on all-wheel and frontwheel-drive models.

A disconnecting rear axle allows for reduced parasitic loss when all-wheel-drive capability is not needed, improving fuel efficiency. The Dynamic Selector system allows the driver to choose from three modes (Auto, Sport and Traction +) for the most suitable vehicle configuration for different driving conditions.

The Fiat 500X offers up to 70 standard and available safety and security features, including Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. Electronic stability control (ESC) with Hillstart Assist and electronic roll mitigation is standard on all models, as are seven air bags.

Loaded with technology and

convenience, the Fiat 500X is available with features like Uconnect6.5 radio with a 6.5-inch (165.1mm) high-resolution touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, Uconnect Access Via Mobile, a 3.5-inch (88.9mm) full colour thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display and Keyless Enter-N-Go. “The all-new Fiat 500X was designed at the Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, where designers leveraged the character and iconic features of the Fiat 500 into a larger and more mature package,” said Abdullah Kharusi, Sales manager of Fiat, Dhofar Automotive. “On the exterior, design elements like double headlamps, a trapezoidal nose, the signature “whiskers and logo” face and the rounded clamshell hood pay homage to the original Cinquecento. The purposeful and distinct Italian design carries through to the interior with clever storage, body-colour instrument panel, a circular cluster display and iconic door handles of the Fiat 500X. We are confident the car will be wellreceived in Oman.”

The Fiat 500X is available as the ‘Urban’, and for a more rugged look, ‘Cross’ versions.

The Cross model features unique front and rear fascia designs, and satin silver accents for a distinct, adventurous appearance.

PROMOTION

Sale at Aftershock MUSCAT: Aftershock store at Oman Avenues Mall is offering 20-25 per cent discount on selected products.

This promotional campaign is to provide added benefit to the customers. This sale is certainly a great opportunity for the buyers to take home their favourite dresses for a never before pricing from the store that offers stunning collection of dresses for today’s fashion conscious women.

With the launch of this promo-

tion, many items in the store can be purchased at extremely affordable prices, says a press release.

Aftershock is one of the brands that Mustafa Sultan Enterprises has brought to Oman to its fashion savvy customers.

Aftershock London is a British based designer womenswear brand. It offers an array of casual wear, occasion wear as well as stunning accessories to complement the collection within its womenswear range.

AFFORDABLE PRICES

B.young offers 20% discount on clothing MUSCAT: B.young, a popular brand of Denmark based DK Company, is offering a 20 per cent discount on over 1,200 products available at the outlet in the Oman Avenues Mall.

This promotional campaign is to provide added benefit to the customers, says a press release.

This sale is certainly a great opportunity for the buyers to take home their favourite dresses for a never before pricing from the store that offers stunning collection of dresses for today’s fashion conscious women.

With the launch of this promotion, many items in the store can

be purchased at extremely affordable prices.

B.young is one of the brands that Mustafa Sultan Enterprises has brought to Oman to its fashion savvy customers.

The b.young label offers value for money and luxury for less.

B.young is all about the creation of great fashion styles.

With b.young, you have the perfect opportunity to express your own personality through new and fresh styles all year around.

B.young has 150 stores worldwide. Mustafa Sultan Enterprises is one of the leading groups in the Sultanate of Oman.

SUPPORTING SME SECTOR

ahlibank participates in SME exhibition, conference MUSCAT: As part of its firm belief in the shared responsibility of the public and private sectors to support the Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) sector in the Sultanate, ahlibank recently participated in the Entrepreneurship Exhibition and Conference held recently at Lulu Al Bandar in Mawaleh, under the patronage of Mohammed bin Nasser Al Rasbi, secretary general of the Ministry of Defence.

The event was held in collaboration with the Sultan’s Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence and SME Development Fund and was conducted with the aim to introduce and showcase business opportunities in the SME sector, inform participants and visitors about various challenges for startups, and provide them with solutions related to making startups commercially viable, says a press release.

ahlibank’s SME team represented the bank at a specially designed booth at the exhibition, and offered their guidance to visitors and participants on the services and benefits offered to SMEs by the bank.

Lloyd Maddock CEO, ahlibank said on the sidelines of the event: “ahlibank pursues a distinct policy in regard to implementation of social projects that help augment the potential and growth of communities. Our participation at the conference and exhibition comes in line with the bank’s awareness of its social responsibility.

“The bank participates and supports such events with the aim to help create business opportunities for Omanis, as well as help them become financially independent and self-sustainable.”

“SMEs play a critical role in the growth of a sustainable economy, especially in a country like Oman

SMEs have the capacity to provide employment while making significant contributions to the Sultanate’s gross domestic product. In recognition of their importance to the growth and sustainability of the Omani economy, ahlibank has always been committed to supporting the growth of SMEs in the Sultanate Azzan Al Saleh

Deputy head, SME Business, ahlibank

LIGHT DUTY VEHICLE

PROMOTION

Higer pick-ups now available at TAC showroom MUSCAT: The pick-up range of Higer is now displayed in all the 11 showrooms of Towell Auto Centre (TAC). TAC is a leading automobile distributor in the region and the exclusive distributors of Higer pick-ups, buses and coaches in the Sultanate of Oman, says a press release.

The Higer pick-up is a highgrade light duty vehicle with a new generation look. Available at a starting price of OMR4,749, Higer pick-ups have gained popularity in Oman because of their durability and strength. The Higer pickup has enhanced interiors and is available in single and double cabins. The powerful 2.2 litre 4 cylinder engine, 5 speed manual transmission is ideal for long drives and for hauling heavy loads.

Its remote control key, power windows, 3 point seat belt, rear parking sensor and plush interiors ensure comfort and security. In addition to being sturdy, the Higer

where there is a need to diversify incomes and reduce dependency on the oil and gas sector. SMEs also provide critical support to the existing business in Oman and play an important role in reducing imports of products and services,” he added.

Azzan Al Saleh, deputy head, SME Business from ahlibank said, “SMEs have the capacity to provide employment while making significant contributions to the

Sultanate’s gross domestic product (GDP). In recognition of their importance to the growth and sustainability of the Omani economy, ahlibank has always been committed to supporting the growth of SMEs in the Sultanate. This commitment is reflected not just through our products and services, but also our active participations in forums and events such as this one.”

SMEs demand a wide range of products and services especially designed to fulfil their specific banking requirements. ahlibank recognises the importance of providing SMEs with innovative and specialised banking solutions, and provides them with support and help to achieve their individual goals by determining their unique financial needs and providing them with uncomplicated financial solutions at competitive prices.

pick-up is economical to maintain, making it the superlative choice for the small and medium business houses in the country.

A senior spokesperson of TAC comments: “Higer pick-ups have a well-deserved reputation for being an ideal means of transportation for personal and professional utility. It offers many benefits such as better fuel economy, higher actual payloads, comfortable seating

for big families and more towing capacity. Higer is also a popular award-winning brand within China and is trusted for its commitment to research and innovation.

We are delighted to announce that the entire range of Higer pick-ups is now available in all our showrooms across the Sultanate. And we sincerely hope that the pick-up admirers and SMEs will benefit from this move.”

Nissan Altima offers unique benefits to its customers

MUSCAT: The Nissan Altima, which breaks new ground for the mid-size sedan segment is handsdown the most engaging vehicle in its class. And if you’ve never driven an Altima before, get ready to have your notion of a mid-size sedan redefined.

Nissan has a heritage of showcasing some of the most amazing benefits for its customers by introducing unique offers on its prestigious line up of vehicles. In an effort to make Nissan vehicles affordable and accessible to all, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has taken up this unique initiative.

Benefits Auto enthusiasts can now avail exciting benefits on the Nissan Altima 2.5L and 3.5L that include cash gift up to OMR1,000, free service for two years or 20,000km (periodic maintenance only), free registration, six years unlimited

mileage warranty and easy and convenient financing options.

Flexible EMI’s can also be tailor made for any individual requirement from in-house Auto Finance team, says a press release.

Social media Customers can also get unlimited access to Nissan’s prestigious vehicle line up at the comfort of their homes or offices.

Simply visit Nissan Oman’s Facebook page i.e http://www.facebook.com/Sbanissanoman or send an SMS to get updated information on any of the vehicles from the house of Nissan.

A refined vehicle in its own right, the Nissan Altima aims to attract a wider audience with its contemporary good looks, eyecatching exterior colour range, spacious and fashionable interior, in addition to a powerful high performance engine and a range

of other options to make city driving easier Suhail Bahwan Automobiles offers wide range of after sales service with modern technology and state-of-the-art facilities in strategic locations. Their practice of Total Ownership Experience and customer-centric approach will ensure that customers of the Nissan Altima are given par excellence professional services for all car related needs.

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Five-wicket Chameera sparks New Zealand batting collapse SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka 1st innings D. Karunaratne c Watling b Southee 12 K. Mendis c Watling b Southee 31 U. Jayasundera run out 26 D. Chandimal c Watling b Bracewell 47 A. Mathews c Latham b Southee 77 M. Siriwardana c Taylor b Boult 62 K. Vithanage c B. McCullum b Boult 0 R. Herath run out 4 D. Chameera c B. McCullum b Bracewell 4 S. Lakmal c Williamson b Wagner 4 N. Pradeep (not out) 2 Extras (lb-11, w-12) 23 Total (all out, 80.1 overs) 292 Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-44, 3-115, 4-121, 5-259, 6-259, 7-264, 8-284, 9-288.

Bowling: T. Boult 20-2-51-2; T. Southee 21-5-63-3 (w-1); D. Bracewell 22.1-4-81-2 (w-1); N. Wagner 9-1-51-1 (w-2); M. Santner 7-0-34-0; K. Williamson 1-0-1-0.

New Zealand 1st innings M. Guptill c Mathews b Herath 50 T. Latham c Karunaratne b Chameera 28 K. Williamson c Lakmal b Chameera 1 R. Taylor c Chandimal b Chameera 0 B. McCullum c K. Mendis b Herath 18 M. Santner c Chandimal b Pradeep 38 B. Watling c Vithanage b Lakmal 28 D. Bracewell (not out) 30 T. Southee c Jayasundera b Chameera 4 N. Wagner c Vithanage b Chameera 17 Extras (lb-3, nb-7, w-8) 18 Total (9 wkts, 78.4 overs) 232 Fall of wickets: 1-81, 2-83, 3-86, 4-89, 5-128, 6-168, 7-196, 8-201, 9-232.

To bat: T. Boult Bowling: S. Lakmal 16-4-48-1 (nb-1, w-1); A. Mathews 11-7-25-0; N. Pradeep 17-434-1 (nb-5, w-1); R. Herath 22-1-75-2; D. Chameera 12.4-3-47-5 (nb-1, w-2).

Doug Bracewell was unbeaten on 30 with Neil Wagner dismissed for 17 with two balls remaining in the day’s play as the hosts finished on 232 for nine, 60 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first innings of 292

HAMILTON: Paceman Dushmantha Chameera took careerbest figures with aggressive shortpitched bowling to give Sri Lanka a slight advantage at the close of play on the second day of the second Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Saturday.

Doug Bracewell was unbeaten on 30 with Neil Wagner dismissed for 17 with two balls remaining in the day’s play as the hosts finished on 232 for nine, 60 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first innings of 292.

Chameera had sparked a toporder collapse shortly after lunch by taking three wickets in 13 balls before he returned to pick up two more after tea to end the day with figures of five for 47.

“We haven’t batted the way we would have liked and the way we should have,” New Zealand opener Martin Guptill told Radio Sport.

“It was just one of those things that happens in cricket.

“Sri Lanka are allowed to bowl well and they did bowl very well for a period there.

“The guys couldn’t get through it as well as we would have liked. We are still in the game, a little bit be-

CAREER-BEST FIGURES: A smiling Dushmantha Chameera, right, of Sri Lanka walks off the field after taking five wickets during the second day of their second Test match against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Saturday. – AFP

hind the eight ball, but not very far.”

Chameera’s previous best had been three for 53 against Pakistan in Colombo in June and his spell after lunch had reduced the hosts to 89 for four before New Zealand’s lower order buckled down.

Mitchell Santner (38) and BJ Watling (28) thwarted Sri Lanka

for 19 overs and just 40 runs for the sixth wicket before Santner got the thinnest of edges off Nuwan Pradeep through to wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal after tea.

Watling then fell to a low catch

by Kithuruwan Vithanage at gully off Suranga Lakmal just after he and Bracewell had reduced the def-

icit to under 100 runs. Chameera, however, returned for the final 40 minutes of play and got his fourth wicket when Tim Southee became the third batsman to fall into Angelo Mathews’ leg-side trap.

New Zealand had been well placed at 61 for no loss at lunch and proceeded to take 20 runs from the

first two overs after the break before their innings fell apart.

Chameera, the quickest bowler in the match, had conceded 13 runs in his first over after lunch, but then tightened up considerably as he bowled with pace and aggression and to a plan by Mathews to stack the leg side with fielders.

He had Tom Latham caught at leg gully for 18 and Kane Williamson snapped up by Suranga Lakmal at deep backward square for one.

The 23-year-old then angled a short delivery across Ross Taylor (0) that caught his glove and went through to Chandimal to leave the hosts on 89 for four. Left arm-spinner Rangana Herath also grabbed two wickets before tea, dismissing Guptill for 50 and captain Brendon McCullum for 18. - Reuters

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SU N DAY, DECEMB ER 20, 2015

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Khawaja’s bid to claim Boxing Day Test spot against Windies on track Prepared to open with Warner

If he emerges from that unscathed,

It’s going to be a test.

I don’t want to go into the Boxing Day Test match not having that confidence. I want to go out pretty hard

Khawaja is expected to be picked for the second Test against West Indies in Melbourne, leaving selectors with a tough call to drop either

Usman Khawaja

opener Joe Burns or

Australian batsman

Shaun Marsh MELBOURNE: Usman Khawaja’s bid to reclaim his spot in Australia’s top order for the Boxing Day Test against West Indies is back on track after the batsman was passed fit to play in the domestic Twenty20 competition.

Khawaja missed the West Indies series-opener in Hobart and the third and final Test against New

Zealand in Adelaide last month after suffering a hamstring injury against the Black Caps in Perth.

The left-hander was rested for Sydney Thunder’s ‘Big Bash’ opener on Thursday but passed a fitness test the following day and will pad up for the side in Melbourne on Sunday.

If he emerges from that unscathed, Khawaja is expected

to be picked for the second Test against West Indies in Melbourne, leaving selectors with a tough call to drop either Joe Burns or Shaun Marsh.

“If there’s one thing that gets real sore after a T20 game, it’s my hamstring,” Khawaja, who turned 29 on Friday, told reporters on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a test and I’m not

going to go out there and nurse it in any way because I want to test it. I don’t want to go into the Boxing Day Test match not having that confidence. I want to go out pretty hard.”

Khawaja scored back-to-back centuries in the first two Tests of Australia’s 2-0 series win over New Zealand, a brilliant return after two years in the wilderness. - Reuters

SYDNEY: Australian batsman Usman Khawaja on Saturday said he is prepared to come in as opener alongside David Warner for the Boxing Day Test against West Indies.

Khawaja missed the opening Test due to a hamstring injury and is now set to put it under stress again as he takes on the field for Sydney Thunder on Sunday.

“It doesn’t bother me batting anywhere in the top six, I wouldn’t want to bat seven. I’m easy, in first-class cricket I’ve batted every position from one to six. If they wanted me to bat one, three, five, I’ll still approach the game in the same sort of manner. That’s not a big deal to me,” Khawaja said.

“There’s been plenty of times where I’ve been there the second ball batting, there’s not a big difference batting three or opening at

times, at other times there is.

Sometimes I can be in there in the 30th over batting at three, but it’s just a mindset sort of thing. I grew up all my life opening; I started playing for New South Wales (NSW) at five and six, so I’ve had a bit of both,” he said.

The 29-year-old also said he has almost recovered from the injury and is doing well now.

“I had to do some hamstring tests, they went really well, a big improvement from where I was a week ago. I’ve done fitness tests all the way through the last four weeks, yesterday was probably the final one ... it tests your hamstring strength. I had to make sure I was above a certain number and make sure my left and right were within a certain number so there wasn’t a big discrepancy.”

“I got through that really well, so happy with it.” - IANS

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Lyon hoping to show white ball form ahead of World Twenty20 MELBOURNE: Australia spinner Nathan Lyon fought hard to cement his place in the Test team and now hopes to convince selectors of his white ball prowess in time for the World Twenty20 in India.

Lyon celebrated his 50th Test against West Indies in Hobart last week but played the last of his eight One-day Internationals (ODIs) more than a year ago and has yet to represent Australia in a T20 international.

The 28-year-old will have a chance to impress on Sunday when he bowls for the Sydney Sixers in the domestic ‘Big Bash’ T20 tournament, a match pitting him against the Hobart Hurricanes’

Cameron Boyce, the incumbent spinner in the national team.

Lyon collected eight wickets from his four Big Bash (BBL) matches last season and was one of the Sixers’ best in their opening loss to cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder on Thursday.

Although he made his test debut in 2011, it took Lyon nearly three years to nail down a permanent place in the side after a number of false starts and setbacks.

Proving himself a contender in the shorter formats has also been a slow process and he was omitted from the squad that secured a fifth 50-over World Cup victory for Australia in march.

“You’re going to have to ask Rod Marsh and the rest of the selectors about that one,” Lyon told reporters on Saturday of his fleeting appearances in limited-overs cricket. “I want to be the spinner in all three formats. I don’t know how many times I have to say it.

“That’s my goal and the T20 World Cup is definitely on my radar. I just have to come out here and perform well for the Sydney Sixers and enjoying bowling in the BBL.” Lyon will also have to battle for his spot in the squad for the March 8-April 3 World T20 against spinbowling all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and Ashton Agar. - Reuters FOOTBALL

Qatari owner of Malaga club faces legal action MADRID: Former Malaga CEO Vicente Casado announced that he has initiated legal action against “arbitrary and unfair decisions” being taken by the football club’s new group of advisers under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, a member of Qatar’s royal family and the country’s prime minister.

Casado told EFE on Friday that he is directing the legal action at Al Thani, his two sons and the corporate network that owns Malaga, adding that he decided to take the matter to the courts to defend his rights and reputation against unacceptable allegations.

In a statement to the Malaga fans and club workers Casado said that he did his job with great affection towards the club and feels immensely proud of the results achieved, thanks to his work and that of his team. - IANS

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SPORTS Yuvraj, Nehra back in India Twenty20 team

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While Brainder Sran and Hardik Pandya were the new faces in the squads for ADVICE: England bowling coach Otis Gibson advised to Mark

Footitt to ‘relax in this environment because that’s the way for him to produce his best’.

upcoming tour to Australia early next

Final chance for England players to win Test places CAPE TOWN: England’s players get a last chance to book their places for the first Test on Boxing Day when they begin a final warmup match against South Africa A in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.

Alex Hales, Gary Ballance, Nick Compton, Steven Finn and Mark Footitt will be under especially close scrutiny if they are picked for the three-day game.

England face much tougher opposition than the Invitation XI who offered them their first look at local conditions in a drawn encounter at Potchefstroom this week.

Coach Trevor Bayliss has already said Hales is likely to open the batting with captain Alastair Cook in the first Test in Durban.

However, Bayliss will be concerned Hales looked short of confidence and scored a total of 16 runs in two innings against the Invitation XI. Hales is set to make his Test debut after impressing in limited-overs internationals but another failure might see England reconsider their options.

Bayliss must also decide between Ballance and Compton

for the number three slot against South Africa in Durban, and on an extra seamer.

Compton scored a half century in the first innings in Potchefstroom but Ballance batted only in the second, making 25.

Footitt missed out on a chance to shine when the Invitation XI’s second innings was curtailed by bad weather.

The 30-year-old newcomer was erratic as he took two for 51 in 12 overs in the first innings and received some advice from bowling coach Otis Gibson later.

“He’s impressed the selectors, that’s why he got picked, so the best thing he can do now is relax in this environment because that’s the way for him to produce his best,” Gibson told reporters.

England may prefer Finn, a late addition to the squad, to Footitt.

Finn was forced out of the Test series against Pakistan in October after injuring his left foot.

“He hasn’t played a game but, given the facilities here, he has done a lot of good stuff in the nets and put himself right in the frame,” Gibson said of Finn. - Reuters

year, Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami were brought back into the ODI team which had no place for Suresh Raina

NEW DELHI: Veterans Yuvraj Singh and Ashish Nehra were handed fresh lifelines with a recall in India’s Twenty20 squad while Punjab left-arm seamer Brainder Sran and Baroda all-rounder Hardik Pandya were the new faces in the squads for upcoming tour to Australia early next year.

Lanky paceman Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami were brought back into the One-day International (ODI) team which had no place for Suresh Raina, who was overlooked to test new players. Shami, who has now recovered from his injury, has been named in both the ODI and T20 squads, announced by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Anurag Thakur after a meeting of the selection committee here.

Rishi Dhawan and Manish Pandey were also included in the ODI squad. There were a number of

‘EXTENDED THE POOL’: Indian cricket board secretary Anurag Thakur, second left, chief selector Sandeep Patil, left, captain MS Dhoni and selector Vikram Rathore pictured during a selection committee meeting in New Delhi on Saturday. – PTI

players like Stuart Binny, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ambati Rayudu, Mohit Sharma, Amit Mishra and Harbhajan Singh, who were omitted from the ODI squad.

Off-spinner Harbhajan, however, kept his place in the T20 squad.

Dhoni to lead The 23-year-old Sran and 22-yearold Pandya were rewarded with a berth in the ODI and T20 squads respectively for their consistent performance in domestic circuit.

The squad, to be captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has expectedly been packed with seamers, keeping in mind the conditions in Australia where India will play five ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals from January 12 to 31.

The selectors preferred to give another opportunity to Yuvraj and Nehra, both of who had represented with distinction in the past.

“Keeping in mind World T20 lot of players this was chance to pick for World T20 and use it as a platform. Those not selected were all discussed. We have extended the pool,” chairman of the selection committee Sandip Patil told re-

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Ravindra Jadeja and Gurkeerat Singh will provide more variety in the attack in ODI squad.

The pace department will be spearheaded by Ishant and will have Shami, Umesh Yadav, Rishi Dhawan and Sran for support.

India will open their tour with an ODI at Perth on January 12, followed by matches in Brisbane (January 15), Melbourne (January 17), Canberra (January 20) and Sydney (January 23). The T20s will be played at Adelaide (January 26), Melbourne (January 29) and Sydney (January 31).

ODI squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Gurkeerat Singh, Rishi Dhawan and Brainder Sran.

T20 squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Harbhajan Singh, Umesh Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and A. Nehra. - PTI

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‘Sri Lanka gave back as good as they got’ HAMILTON: After being peppered by New Zealand’s pace bowling quartet by a barrage of short-pitched bowling, Sri Lanka gave it back to the hosts in spades on Saturday to gain a slight advantage on the second day of the second Test in Hamilton.

The visitors’ chief destroyer was rookie fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, the quickest in both sides, as he took a career best return of five for 47 to reduce New Zealand to 232 for nine, still 60 runs behind his side’s first innings of 292.

Chameera, who took three toporder wickets in the space of 13 balls after lunch, was aided by captain Angelo Mathews’ tactics, where he packed the leg side with fielders and dared New Zealand’s batsmen to take them on.

Strangely, the hosts did, despite it being apparent what the Sri Lankans were planning.

At one stage, Mathews had a forward short leg, a square leg and deep forward square standing virtually in a straight line from the wicket to the boundary waiting for a lofted shot from Neil Wagner.

While Wagner did not succumb at the time — he hit Chameera for two fours and a six in one over with the fielders hovering — the tactic did work earlier, with Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee all falling to the leg side trap.

Chameera also had Ross Taylor caught behind for a duck as the batsman tried to fend off a

porters after the meeting.

Speaking about Yuvraj and Nehra’s comeback, Patil said,”Yuvi is special and captain is happy to have him back. We can’t guarantee him place but chance to perform will be given. Nehra is a consistent performer in T20 format. He will be useful in the team. We will need experienced players in the T20 WC. Australia tour perfect chance to give them a shot.”

“Australia tour will give selectors a chance to take a look at other players. Suresh Raina not in the ODIs is a chance to see other players. He is still there in T20 team. In the last three years we have given chance to many youngsters but for World T20 we need experience,” Patil said, explaining the decision to include veterans.

Patil said the decision to select the final XI will remain with the captain and team management.

The team’s batting has remained more or less the same with Dhawan, Rohit, Kohli, Rahane comprising the top-order in both the squads. Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel are the two specialist spinners while all-rounders

Indian official virtually rules out Pakistan cricket series NEW DELHI: Virtually ruling out the chances of playing Pakistan in the proposed bilateral series, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Anurag Thakur on Saturday said that it will be “impossible for PCB” to arrange a series in such a short time.

“It is not possible to arrange a se-

MAKING UNCOMFORTABLE: Suranga Lakmal of Sri Lanka looks at Tim Southee of New Zealand

during the second day of their Test match at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Saturday. – AFP

short-pitched ball that was angled across him. “We got as good as what we gave,” New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, who had raced to 81 without loss with Latham before Chameera struck, told Radio Sport. “There was a period after lunch where it just went away from us and they made it uncomfortable for us. It was a tough little period for a while.”

Chameera, who topped out at more than 146kph, was not the only bowler to adhere to the short-

pitched game plan with Nuwan Pradeep having Brendon McCullum caught at fine leg for 17 off a top-edged hook.

The New Zealand captain only survived because Pradeep had overstepped, though he fell just one run later when he was caught in close by Kusal Mendis off Rangana Herath.

Despite being nine down at the close, Guptill was confident his side were still in the game and that Doug Bracewell (30 not out)

and Trent Boult could eat into the lead early on the third day before they get the ball back.

“I think Dougy has shown us some very good fight there in the number eight position and ... hopefully Boulty can stick around and Dougy can have some fun,” he said.

“We just have to come out tomorrow and get as many runs as possible, then bowl well (and)... we could get them four (wickets) for not many in the morning.

Cricket is a funny game.” - Reuters

ries in such a short time,” Thakur told reporters.

“Even if we get a go ahead (from government) next week it will be virtually impossible to arrange a series in such a short time. At the same time it will have to be arranged by PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board),” Thakur added. - PTI

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OMAN CRICKET

ISC ease to nine-wicket victory over Galfar MUSCAT: Indian Social Club (ISC) eased to a nine-wicket victory over Galfar in a Khimji Ramdassponsored A Division cricket match at the Municipality Ground II during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, Galfar were bowled out for 95 in 20.5 overs. Khalil Ahmed top scored with 46 runs.

Puneet Singh and Ansar Ansari claimed four and three wickets respectively for ISC. In reply, ISC scored 96 for the loss of just one wicket in 12.4 overs. Ashwin Lobo top scored with an unbeaten 58.

Brief scores: Galfar 95 in 20.5 overs (Khalil Ahmed 46; Puneet Singh 4/11) bt ISC 96 for 1 in 12.4 overs (Ashwin Lobo 58 n.o).

Points: ISC – 3; Galfar– 0.

New Media win In another A Division match, New Media recorded a seven-wicket win over Al Amerat at the Municipality Ground I during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, Al Amerat were bowled out for 161 in 24.4 overs with Faris Said top scoring with 26. Imran, Chadith, Chandana

MARDHUF SHOPPING STARS:

Vishal and Tejas. – Supplied photos

claimed two wickets apiece for New Media. In reply, New Media scored 162 for three in 12.4 overs with Roziro Kamaldeen top scoring with an unbeaten 55.

Brief scores: Al Amerat 161 in 24.4 overs (Faris Said 26; Chandana Jaganath 2/6) lost to New Media 162 for 3 in 12.4 overs (Roziro Kamaldeen 55 n.o). Points: New Media – 3, Al Amerat - 0.

Easy for Bisya In an Al Ansari Group of Companies-sponsored B Division match, Bisya defeated PDO by 69 runs at the Municipality Ground II during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, Bisya put on 169 for five wickets 20 overs. Adnan top scored with 72 runs. Naeem

claimed two wickets for PDO. In reply, PDO were restricted to 100 for nine in 17.2 overs. Adnan claimed four wickets for Bisya.

Brief scores: Bisya 169 for 5 in 20 overs (Adnan 72; Naeem 2/24) bt PDO 100 for 9 in 17.2 overs (Adnan 4/18). Points: Bisya – 3, PDO - 0.

Mardhuf down Newrest In a Raha Poly Products-sponsored C Division match, Mardhuf Shopping defeated Newrest Wacasco by 34 runs at the Municipality Ground IV. Batting first, Mardhuf put on 181 for nine in 20 overs. Vishal top scored with 59. Rajith claimed three wickets for Newrest. Mardhuf completed their victory by restricting Newrest to 147 for eight in 20 overs.

Jagannathan top scored with 39 for Newrest. Monty and Tejas claimed two wickets each for Mardhuf.

Brief scores: Mardhuf Shopping 181 for 9 in 20 overs (Vishal 59; Rajith 3/32) bt Newrest Wacasco 147 for 8 in 20 overs (Jagannathan 39; Tejas 2/21). Points: Mardhuf Shopping – 2, Newrest Wacasco – 0.

A DIVISION: Indian Social Club players pose for a group photo after their win over Galfar. – Supplied photo

River Plate hope to face full-strength Barcelona River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo said he hoped Messi and Neymar, doubtful due to illness and injury respectively, would play in what he described as an “emblematic game” for the Argentine club

YOKOHAMA: River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo was happy to accept the role of underdogs in Sunday’s Club World Cup final against Barcelona, saying that while European champions had the best players, his team had a big heart.

He added that he hoped Lionel Messi and Neymar, doubtful due to illness and injury respectively, would play in what Gallardo described as an “emblematic game” for the Argentine club.

“I would like all the best players to play,” Gallardo told reporters on Saturday. “For me, it’s a pleasure to face the best three or four players in the world.”

Although South America produces a stream of world class players, a difficult financial reality means they are all based with European clubs.

As a result, South American teams, who once competed on equal terms with their European counterparts, now look upon the competition as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to face a top team.

River’s team is made up a mainly journeymen professionals with only a smattering of international caps between them.

“It would have to be a perfect game for us to have any chance,” said Gallardo, who himself played for Argentina at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. “They are a very complete team, it’s a big challenge for us and we are going to have to play very intelligently and be very intense to have a chance.”

DOUBTFUL: Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, left, attends a training session ahead of their Club World Cup final match against Argentine club River Plate in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, on Saturday. – Reuters

Messi, Neymar still doubtful for final YOKOHAMA: Barcelona forwards Lionel Messi and Neymar are still doubtful for the Club World Cup final against River Plate, coach Luis Enrique told reporters on Saturday. Messi missed Thursday’s semifinal against Guangzhou Evergrande because of pain caused by a

kidney stone and Neymar was recovering from a small strain in his abductor muscle.

“The two are improving,” said Luis Enrique without giving further details.

Team captain Andres Iniesta added: “They haven’t been able to train and it will depend on how their sensations, I

River won the old Intercontinental Cup, played only between the European and South American champions, in 1986 and were beaten by Juventus 10 years later, when Gallardo was in the team.

“I don’t know if it’s the biggest match of our lives, but it is the most emblematic,” said Gallardo, who has transformed the team

during his 18 months in charge.

“They have the best players and we have a big heart, we have a big desire to compete,” he said.

Gallardo remembered that River were promoted from the second tier of Argentine football less than four years ago, having suffered relegation for the only time in their history in 2011.

hope they can play.”

European champions Barcelona meet River, their South American counterparts, on Sunday. Messi never played professionally in Argentina and has faced an Argentine side only once before, when Barcelona met Estudiantes in the 2009 final. - Reuters

“For the history of Argentine football and for our institution, this is one of the most important games, because of who we are playing against,” he said.

“Also, it hasn’t been easy to get here,” he added.

“The last few years have been difficult and now we are in a privileged situation.” - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Amiable Club World Cup a far cry from its ugly predecessor YOKOHAMA: European champions Barcelona have been thronged by admiring fans and autograph hunters in Japan whenever they have appeared in public since their arrival this week for the Club World Cup. Japanese fans formed long queues to buy official Barcelona merchandise on the way to the stadium for Thursday’s semifinal against Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande where most of the crowd were rooting for the Catalans.

On the pitch, team captains took part in the so-called Handshake for Peace, described by FIFA as “a gesture of friendship and respect intended to inspire the world to unite in peace, solidarity and fair play.”

It has all been very amiable — and a complete contrast to its forerunner. From 1960 to 1979, the Intercontinental Cup, an annual meeting of the champions of Europe and South America played over two legs, was a sorry history of intimidation, brawls, violence and skullduggery.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has already said it will feel odd to face River Plate, a team from his native Argentina in the final, but at least he will not be subjected to the same treatment that Nestin Combin went through in 1969.

An Argentine playing for Italian side AC Milan, Combin had a less than friendly reception when they went to Buenos Aires to face Estudiantes.

His nose and cheekbone were broken when he was elbowed in the face, and photographs showed him on the ground covered in blood. At that point, he was arrested by Argentine police and accused of dodging his military service before he emigrated.

He was eventually released after spending a night in jail.

Reports of the match allege that Milan players had hot coffee poured over them as they entered the field and that Estudiantes players kicked balls at them while they trained. Television footage certainly show an extraordinary sequence of late tackles, punches, wild kicks and fights.

Estudiantes goalkeeer Alberto Poletti later spent 30 days in prison for his involvement and was banned from football for seven years. In an interview in 2005, he

told the Spanish newspaper As that the team were under pressure from the military government.

“They wanted us to win because there were rebellions by the workers, strikes and they wanted to put a lid on this... We were young, I was 23 years old...”, he said, denying rumours that his teammates also stuck needles into their opponents.

Two years earlier, Argentina’s Racing Club and Scotland’s Celtic had been involved in what became known as the battle of Montevideo after their two-leg tie went to a playoff in the Uruguayan capital.

Amid yet more wild scenes, six players were sent off, one of whom refused to go and managed to play until the end amid the confusion.

Celtic defender Tommy Gemmell said in a documentary that he deliberately kneed a Racing player in the genitals behind the referee’s back after the player concerned had “spat in the faces of all the Celtic forwards”.

In 1972, Johan Cruyff scored a brilliant individual goal for Ajax away to Independiente, only to be put out of the game by a vicious tackle before the half hour.

The Dutch were so angry about the tackling that they threatened to abandon the match at halftime and, although they went to on to win 4-1 on aggregate, declined to take part the following year after retaining the European Cup. A series of further withdrawals by Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in subsequent years led to a change of format, with a single one-off match in Tokyo from 1980 which turned out to be considerably calmer.

FIFA become involved in 2000 by organising a Club World Cup with the champions of other continents. Financial problems meant the competition was not held again until 2005 and since then it has taken place annually.

Yet, it had all begun so promisingly, with Pele leading Santos to an 8-4 aggregate win over Benfica in 1962. His performance in the second leg in Lisbon, when he scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 win, is regarded as one of the best of his extraordinary career. Santos’ display has never since been matched in either the Intercontinental Cup, or its successor. - Reuters

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Chelsea, who began the day a point above the relegation zone, moved up one place to 15th after a 3-1 win over EYEING THE TITLE: Chennaiyin FC’s Italian coach Marco Materazzi, left, and FC Goa’s Brazilian coach Zico. – AFP

Sunderland. With

Zico and Materazzi eye title triumph in Indian Super League

managerial spotlight

MARGAO: Seeking to culminate a journey so far characterised by ups and downs, highs and lows, on a triumphant note, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC lock horns in what promises to be a cracker of a title clash in the Indian Super League (ISL) here in the western Indian state of Goa on Sunday.

Playing in front of their home crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, FC Goa are expected to have a slight edge going into the big match against a team that has had a roller coaster ride over the past two and half months.

Both teams have faced each other on four occasions with FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC winning two apiece.

Interestingly, both the finalists failed to capitalise on the home advantage, only managing to win their away fixtures.

If Chennaiyin’s story was a typical roller-coaster ride with heart-wrenching lows and exhilarating highs, FC Goa too had a bumpy ride.

A peek into the table may give one the impression that the journey to the final destination was a smooth one but the Goans know that the reality is something else.

While they kept three clean

sheets on home soil, Goa never won more than two games in succession this year and their longest unbeaten streak has been a stretch of four matches which featured two wins and two draws, culminating in their 7-0 blitz of Mumbai City FC — the biggest win in the history of the franchise-based league.

The Goans’ forte is scoring goals and they topped the league standings with 29 strikes prior to the final. The attacking style of play, however, also caused their legendary coach Zico problems as they suffered heavy 4-0 and 4-1 defeats against Chennaiyin FC and Atletico de Kolkata.

Zico’s side will be boosted with Rafael Coelho being declared fit after the Brazilian striker was stretchered off in the second leg of the semifinal against Delhi Dynamos. FC Goa have a host of strikers to play alongside Coelho with Dudu Omagebmi making a strong case after a powerful performance against Delhi Dynamos earlier this week.

They also have Thongkhosiem Haokip, who combines well with his fellow attackers. Victorino Fernandes and Chinadorai Sabeeth are the other options. - PTI

Mourinho sacked, the

intensified on Manchester United’s Van Gaal as his side were beaten 2-1 by Norwich City

LONDON: Chelsea began the post-Jose Mourinho era with a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge to ease away from the Premier League’s bottom three on Saturday while Leicester City moved five points clear at the top.

Mourinho, sacked on Thursday after Chelsea’s worst start to a season since 1978, had his name chanted throughout by fans while Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, who some fans have blamed for the club’s slide, were booed.

Some sense of normality was restored in west London with Branislav Ivanovic, Pedro and Oscar all on target as Guus Hiddink, confirmed on Saturday as interim coach for the second time having also performed that role in 2009, watched on from the stands.

Leicester’s remarkable title challenge continued with a 3-2 victory at Everton that ensures they will spend Christmas top of the table, a year after occupying bottom place heading into the hectic holiday schedule.

Two Riyad Mahrez penalties and a goal from Shinji Okazaki

RELIEF: Chelsea players celebrate after scoring their third goal during their Premier League match

against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. – Reuters

put Leicester on 38 points from 17 games, with chasing Arsenal and Manchester City, who clash on Monday, on 33 and 32 respectively.

Chelsea, who began the day a point above the relegation zone, moved up one place to 15th.

With Mourinho sacked, the managerial spotlight intensified on Manchester United’s Louis van Gaal as his side suffered a third consecutive defeat, lowly Norwich City winning 2-1 for their first victory at Old Trafford since 1989.

Tottenham Hotspur took advantage of United’s woes to move above them into fourth place on goal difference thanks to a 2-0 win at Southampton — Harry Kane and Dele Alli scoring.

Mourinho spent the day watching Brighton and Hove Albion play Middlesbrough in the Championship while his former charges finally produced a display worthy

of champions, having lost nine of their opening 16 matches. That did not stop the home fans displaying their loyalty to the Portuguese who delivered three league titles in his two stints in charge.

“Delighted to get the three points today,” captain John Terry told Sky Sports. “There was pressure on us before the game but we brought that on ourselves.

“We are not used to being (in this position) but the fans will support us through this, and more performances like this will put smiles on their faces.”

Those waiting for Leicester to falter were disappointed again as Claudio Ranieri’s team showed the attacking verve that has earned 11 league victories.

Mahrez slotted home from the spot in the 26th minute after Okazaki was bundled over by Ramiro Funes Mori but Romalu Lukaku

equalised soon after with his 13th of the season. Algerian Mahrez converted his second penalty just past the hour before Okazaki struck and Kevin Mirallas’s late replay proved in vain for the home side.

Mahrez now has 13 league goals this season, two behind team mate Jamie Vardy.

Manchester United were booed off at halftime and fulltime at Old Trafford where they trailed to goals from Norwich’s Cameron Jerome and Alex Tettey before Anthony Martial replied for the misfiring Reds.

Sixth-placed Crystal Palace won 2-1 win at Stoke City while Bournemouth claimed a third consecutive league victory with a late Charlie Daniels penalty sealing a 2-1 success at West Bromwich Albion who had James McClean sent off in the first half and Salomon Rondon in stoppage time. - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Platini accuses FIFA ethics panel of finding him guilty in advance LONDON: Suspended European soccer chief Michel Platini has accused a FIFA ethics committee of denying him a fair hearing on the corruption allegations against him and finding him guilty in advance.

Platini declined to attend a meeting of the ethics committee on Friday, instead sending a statement which was read out by his lawyer and released to the media on Saturday.

“I decided not to come before you to present my explanations in person. For one reason, and one

only: I’ve already been judged, I’ve already been found guilty,” the former French midfielder and head of European soccer body UEFA said.

Anonymous briefings Platini was the favourite to replace Sepp Blatter as head of world governing body FIFA but has himself become mired in the corruption scandal engulfing the sport, in which dozens of former top officials and marketing executives have been indicted

by U.S. authorities.

He himself has not been charged, but FIFA is investigating him and Blatter, who is also suspended, over a two million Swiss francs ($1.97 million) transfer from FIFA to Platini in 2011. Both men say it was a legitimate payment for work the Frenchman had done.

In the statement read by his lawyer, Platini said a series of comments by FIFA officials, including anonymous briefings to the press, had made clear that the ethics committee had already determined his guilt.

“I no longer have confidence in the disciplinary bodies of FIFA. They have shown their bias, their prejudices, their inability to respect confidentiality, the presumption of innocence and the rights of the defence,” he said.

Blatter appeared before the ethics committee on Thursday and a final decision is expected by the end of this month.

Earlier this week, Blatter wrote to FIFA’s 209 member state associations, on his own stationery, proclaiming his innocence. - Reuters

NO CONFIDENCE: Michel Platini

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Chelsea turn to Hiddink again to revive fortunes Hiddink, 69, had a caretaker spell in charge at Stamford Bridge in 2009 when Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari was fired and Chelsea went on to reach the Champions League semifinals and win the FA Cup under his care

INTERIM MANAGER: New Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink, Didier Drogba and owner Roman Abramovich celebrate after Pedro scored their second goal during their Premier League match against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. – Reuters

LONDON: Chelsea turned again to experienced Dutchman Guus Hiddink to guide them out of a crisis when they named him interim manager on Saturday for the rest of the season following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

Hiddink, 69, had a caretaker spell in charge at Stamford Bridge in 2009 when Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari was fired and Chelsea

went on to reach the Champions League semifinals and win the FA Cup under his care.

“I am excited to return to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world but is not where it should be at the moment. However, I am sure we can all turn this season around,” Hiddink said in a club statement.

Hiddink’s first priority will be

to breathe some life into Chelsea’s Premier League campaign after the champions lost nine of their first 16 matches this season — a calamitous run that ended with three-times title winner Mourinho’s dismissal on Thursday.

Chelsea, embroiled in their worst start to a league season since 1978, are one point above the relegation zone ahead of Saturday’s

home clash with fellow strugglers Sunderland. Hiddink will attend the match although assistant coaches Steve Holland and Eddie Newton will take charge.

Mourinho was sacked for the second time as Chelsea manager on Thursday, seven months after leading them to the title.

The Portuguese was also fired in 2007, having won back-to-back

league titles, after falling out with the club’s billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

Since signing off from Chelsea with an FA Cup win over Everton, Hiddink has been manager of Turkey, Russian club side Anzi Makhachkala and most recently a dismal second spell as Netherlands coach which ended in his sacking after they failed to qualify for next year’s Euro 2016 finals.

However, he made a great impression in his brief stay in London in 2009 and proved popular with the Chelsea players.

Further ahead he will have the chance to steer Chelsea in the Champions League in which they face Paris St Germain in the last 16 when the tournament resumes in February. Hiddink has enjoyed an itinerant career that has included a spell at Real Madrid and national team roles with South Korea, Russia and Australia.

He took his first head coach’s job at PSV Eindhoven in 1987 and won the Dutch title in three consecutive seasons as well as winning the European Cup in 1988.

After leaving PSV and joining Fenerbahce in 1990, he returned to the club in 2002 and won three more league titles in a four-year spell. - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Glum Chelsea fans lament Mourinho’s exit, players booed LONDON: Despondent Chelsea fans expressed dismay and anger at the departure of the club’s most successful manager Jose Mourinho as they arrived at Stamford Bridge on Saturday for the first match since he was fired.

Many of them pinned the blame for Premier League champions Chelsea’s spectacular collapse in form squarely on the players

rather than the self-proclaimed “Special One” who was unable to halt a rapid slide to the edge of the relegation zone.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chelsea fans stand in silence for the whole game. It’s a very, very depressing day,” Roger Edgell, 69, said as he bought his match-day programme. “I can’t see any benefit from this process at all. It’s some of

the players who should have left and we should offload them in January.

It’s not a dip in form. It’s deliberate.”

Despite the slump, fans had continued to chant Mourinho’s name in recent games. One banner, next to a cardboard cut-out of Mourinho on Saturday read: “Our Jose sacrificed, Why?” When striker Diego Costa’s name was read out prior to kick-

off, fans booed. “I am 100 percent behind Jose and I will be shouting his name today. He is indispensable for me, the best manager in the world whatever they say about (Bayern Munich coach) Pep Guardiola,” Daniel Siverns, a 20-yearold student, said.

He said he was still shocked by the news of Mourinho’s departure.

“I was so gutted. I texted my mum

to tell her how gutted I was. She knows how much I loved Mourinho. It was devastating to lose someone you idolised.”

Siverns said he feared another period of upheaval at Chelsea, similar to the appointment and dismissal of a string of coaches after the club fired Mourinho for the first time in 2007 only to reappoint him in 2013. - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Player power not behind Mourinho’s exit: Terry LONDON: Chelsea captain John Terry said Jose Mourinho’s sacking was not caused by a mutiny in the dressing room and denied that any players had deliberately performed badly in order to hasten the departure of Chelsea’s most successful coach.

“We are aware there have been rumours about player power at the club but I want to make clear that is not the case,” Terry wrote in his column in a matchday programme for Chelsea’s home game against Sunderland on Saturday.

“Believe me when I saw that all of us go out to win every game and we players have to look at our performances and take responsibility for where Chelsea sit in the table right now.”

British media have picked out Diego Costa and Eden Hazard as the worst performers in Chelsea’s woeful season so far, which has left the champions just above the relegation zone, and both of them had strains in their relationships with Mourinho.

When Hazard limped off in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat by Leicester on Monday, Mourinho’s last game in charge, some commentators wondered if he was really injured.

Terry has been one of Mourinho’s most trusted lieutenants and was captain throughout the coach’s two spells with the London side dating back to 2004.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said on Saturday the decision to fire Mourinho had been difficult and club owner Roman Abramovich and the board “anguished over it for some time.”

“But the start we made to the season came as a major disappointment to the owner, the Board and Chelsea fans everywhere,” Buck said. “We firmly believe we have the ability and the opportunity to turn this season around.” - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Jimmy Hill, credited with transforming English soccer, dies LONDON: Jimmy Hill, a player, manager and pundit who helped transform English soccer by leading a campaign to remove caps on footballers’ salaries, has died at the age of 87, his family said.

Hill was chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) when it succeeded in 1961 in scrapping players’ maximum salaries, which at the time were capped at 20 pounds a week, to stave off a threatened strike. The move paved the way for the huge sums top professionals earn today.

He also championed the idea of awarding teams three points for a win instead of two to encourage more attacking play, which the English Football Association embraced in 1981. His family said Hill had died after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

“In many ways, Jimmy Hill was football,” FA chairman Greg Dyke said in a statement.

During his 11-year playing career Hill represented London clubs Brentford and Fulham. He went on to become manager of Coventry City, taking them from the third tier of English football to the top flight, and was chairman of Coventry and Fulham.

A distinctive figure with a sharp chin and dark beard, he

Jimmy Hill

later moved into broadcasting and became a household name in Britain as the host of BBC TV’s soccer highlights show “Match of the Day”. He was credited with revolutionising TV match analysis and bringing in expert pundits to scrutinise matches in depth.

Tributes poured in from explayers, clubs and fans.

“He was a successful player, a great manager at Coventry City and changed the game as chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association,” FA chairman Dyke said. “He was a popular presenter, a hugely influential figure and, such was his style, he was loved by millions - even among those who didn’t follow football. He was a true great of the game.” - Reuters

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SECTION

Health LIFESTYLE

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LISTEN TO YOUR HEART Arrhythmia, a heart disorder characterised by irregular heartbeats

By Hubert Vaz

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LIFESTYLE

I

If you often find your heartbeats racing (and you’re not in love or in a rage), you might be suffering from arrhythmia, a heart disorder characterised by irregular heartbeats.

f you do find your heart pounding in your side when you’re about to whisper the three magical words to your lover, or feel your world blanking out when seated in an examination hall, you really need not worry. But, if you do find your heart rate accelerating or slowing down without any obvious reason, it could be a pointer to disturbed electrical impulses within your heart.

According to the World Heart

Federation, an estimated 17.3 million people die of cardiovascular diseases every year. However, there are millions living with various heart conditions that seriously alter their way of life, and many are even unaware of their affliction.

Several factors contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. While some people are born with conditions that predispose them to heart disease and stroke, doctors say most people develop cardiovascular disease

because of adopting a faulty lifestyle loaded with risk factors like consumption of unhealthy food, lack of physical activity, addictions like smoking, and stress.

Many of the risk factors cause atherosclerosis (narrowing and thickening of arteries) or ischaemic heart disease (development of fatty deposits or blocks in arteries), both of which can suddenly cause stroke or heart attack. However, one heart disorder that the common man is unaware

about, is arrhythmia, which refers to abnormal heart beats (slow or fast) that has various causes including coronary artery disease.

Irregular heart rhythms can be caused even in normal, healthy individuals who take up sporting or stressful activities. It can also be caused due to certain medications, or excess consumption of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, drugs, inhaled aerosols, diet pills, even common cough, and cold remedies. Also, extreme emotional

states of fear, shock or stress can also cause irregular heart rhythms. However, when one consistently experiences irregular heartbeats without taking up any activity that causes it, one needs to seek immediate medical help.

Treatment of the underlying cause of arrhythmia usually corrects the condition. However, if it persists, there are certain medications and procedures that help eliminate or control the abnormal heart rhythm.

Dr Satish Manoharan, Cardiologist, Al Hayat International Hospital, provides insights on arrhythmia, a heart disorder not commonly understood by people.

How does arrhythmia affect a person?

Arrhythmia can cause a lot of trouble to the heart and affect the stability of the patient. A person who has 50-60 heartbeats per second can be said to have an ‘athlete’s beat’ with a well trained heart. However, if the heart rate accelerates, it can cause strain to the heart muscles, but it is considered normal during sporting activities when heart beats exceed 100 per minute. However, if the heart beats exceeds the normal rate without taking up any activity, then it is considered abnormal. Patients with such accelerated heart beat

can suffer from giddiness or palpitations or other symptoms.

arrhythmia. When there is a block in the electrical conduction between nodes in the heart, the heart rate becomes slow and if there is an extra path connecting the different chambers in the heart (which is abnormal), this can make the heart beat faster than normal. Simply put, there is a track through, which the electrical currents have to pass in the heart; when there is an extra track or if the normal track is affected by a scar in the heart muscle, there can be a disturbance in the conduction causing irregular heartbeats.

patients with arrhythmia experience?

Patients having arrhythmia experience giddiness because the supply of blood from the heart to the brain gets disturbed. Also, most experience palpitations as they can hear their own heart beat becoming faster than normal. Some can even experience breathing problems due to this.

the cause. Arrhythmia is also one of the complications, which heart disease patients experience.

What is arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia simply means that a patient’s heart beats are not normal. It does not refer to slow or fast heart beats, it only means the heart beat is out of the normal rhythm. Every heart beat has to be spaced equally in a normal person, but those having arrhythmia have irregular heartbeats.

What is the normal heart rate?

The normal heart rate should be between 60-100 heartbeats per minute, depending on each individual. When it falls below 50 per minute or exceeds 120 per minute for a long time, without any additional activity to raise or lower the heart beat, then it is considered as arrhythmia.

What causes the heart rate to go slow or to accelerate?

There are genetic factors as well as conduction defects, which cause

What typical symptoms do

What are the treatment options?

Arrhythmia can be diagnosed and confirmed by doing an ECG. Patients are given medication and injections to control the heart rates, depending on

What precautions must arrhythmia patients take?

Taking a healthy diet, regular physical activity and less mental stress, is what all patients need to follow.

However, taking regular check-ups, especially those above 35 years who also have other risk factors (like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol levels), is very important for ensuring that all abnormalities are taken care of in good time. hubert@timesofoman.com

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LIFESTYLE

Try

BRIEFS

Diabetic women at greater heart disease risk

W hy

Here are a few simple, time-tested foods, techniques,

and remedies to try, and a bit about why. Have you tried any of these tricks? How did you like them? Do you have a favourite remedy of

Eat Cloves to Boost Immunity In Ayurveda, clove is used for developing and protecting the immune system. The dried flower bud of clove contains compounds that help in improving the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count. It can be chewed plain or used for seasoning food.

your own? Tell us about it at lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Women with Type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have coronary heart disease compared to men, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement. “Cardiovascular disease may be more deadly for women with Type 2 diabetes than it is for men,” said Judith G. Regensteiner, chair of the statement writing group and director of the Centre for Women’s Health Research at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver. While scientists do not fully understand how the inherent hormonal differences between men and women affect risk, they do know that “some risk factors for heart disease and stroke affect women differently than men and there are disparities in how these risk factors are treated”. The statement said that the women with Type 2 diabetes have heart attacks at earlier ages than men; are more likely to die after a first heart attack than men; and are less likely to undergo procedures to open clogged arteries, such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting than men.

Daily exercise boosts brain power

Use Tomatoes for Healthy Hair and Skin Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is an ingredient used in many facial cleansers. Peel tomatoes and place them on your face like a mask for about 10 minutes for a clear complexion. Eating tomatoes also helps in building healthy hair while tomato paste can also be used as a conditioner to add shine.

Treat Dry Skin with Milk Cream Milk cream is an excellent moisturiser. Add a few drops of lemon juice to one teaspoon of milk and two teaspoons of milk cream, and rub it on your hands and legs. Leave it on for 15 minutes before you take a shower. Alternatively, apply a paste of milk cream and a little gram flour before you take a shower.

Learning, memory, and brain repair depend on the ability of our neurons to change with experience says a new study. Researchers in Italy concluded following a study that exercise may enhance the essential plasticity of the adult brain. “We provide the first demonstration that moderate levels of physical activity enhance neuroplasticity in the visual cortex of adult humans,” said Claudia Lunghi from the University of Pisa in Italy. “By showing that moderate levels of physical activity can boost the plastic potential of the adult visual cortex, our results pave the way to the development of non-invasive therapeutic strategies exploiting the intrinsic brain plasticity in adult subjects,” Lunghi said.

Brain plasticity is generally thought to decline with age.

This decline in the brain’s flexibility is especially pronounced in the sensory brain, which displays far less plasticity in adults.- IANS

Common Paediatric Disorders

DECODING DOCTOR Dr Elena Martinova, SpecialistPaediatrics, Al Hayat International Hospital, shares some key information on paediatric disorders in Oman.

What are the most common paediatric disorders in Oman?

High fever, underweight, anaemia, and viral infections are the most common afflictions of children who visit paediatricians in Oman. The main cause for this is the spread of viruses at nurseries, schools, and the community itself, since people gather often at home for various occasions. Also, children do not have proper eating habits and consume a lot of sweets and snacks between meals.

Are there any typical causes for these disorders?

I have worked in Kuwait for many years, so I am familiar with the traditions in the Middle East.

Faultyeatinghabits is one common cause of many ailments while poor hygiene is also responsible for many disorders. Also, as per tradition, people come in large numbers to visit when a child is born in the family, thereby exposing newborns to many viruses.

usually stop breastfeeding when they resume work after 40 days.

Many women also feel compelled to follow traditions laid down by senior members of the family, which may not be good for the child. Breastfeeding is a great bond that benefits mother and child in many ways.

What are the key precautions parents need to take to ensure good health of their kids?

With regard to food habits, what changes are needed?

The most important precaution is breastfeeding to prevent many diseases like asthma, allergies, eczema, and many other disorders.

I have noticed that women in this part of the world are not keen on continuing breastfeeding as many of them are working women and

Bad food habits are very common among children in Oman and it is the duty of parents to take necessary precautions. There are two types of people in Oman, either overweight people with obese kids or underweight with malnourished kids who are also anaemic.

What needs to be done to change these faulty lifestyles?

On our part, we are constantly advising and guiding parents who bring their kids for treatment to change or correct their eating patterns. We have also been distributing leaflets to people in the city, giving them tips regarding what to eat and what to avoid in order to ensure the good health of their children.

We also discuss the main problems with parents and advise them to continue breastfeeding of infants, instilling good food habits for growing children, introducing them to sports activities, and avoiding watching television for more than two hours or using other devices.

– Hubert Vaz

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MUSCAT GRAND MALL Star Wars: The Force Awakens -3D (Action | Adventure | Fantasy ) PG12 Cast : Oscar Isaac, Harrison Ford 11:00AM, 12:45, 4:30, 6:15, 9:00 & 11:45PM Gold Class: 3:00, 8:45 & 11:15PM Dilwale (Action | Romantic | Comedy) PG12 Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, 1:30, 3:15, 8:45 & 11:30PM Gold Class: 5:45PM The Good Dinosaur-3D (Animation) U Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand 10:45AM & 7:00PM

Adventure)(3D)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 4:45, 9:15 pm Star Wars: The Force Awakens - (Action) (VIP LOUNGE)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 2:45, 5:15, 11:00 pm Star Wars (Action, Adventure)(MX4D)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 2:30, 5:45, 9:00, 11:30 pm Dilwale (Action, Romance)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:15, 11:45 pm Dilwale (Action)(2D)(PG12)-VIP LOUNGE Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 7:45 pm BAJIRAO MASTANI (Drama)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 2:45, 5:45, 8:45, 11:45 pm The Good Dinosaur (Animation)(3D)(U) Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla 2:30, 7:15 pm

Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhavan, Kriti Sanon 11:45 AM, 2:00, 2:30, 5:00, 5:30, 8:00, 8:30, 11:00, 11:30PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens - 3D (PG12) (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan 2:00, 4:25, 6:50, 9:15, 11:45PM Bajirao Mastani – 2D (PG12) (Drama, History, Romance) Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra 11:15 AM, 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:15PM

PANORAMA MALL Star Wars: The Force Awakens - (Action,

AZAIBA Dilwale – 2D (PG12) (Action, Romantic)

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

Marmul

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

07:00

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Dilwale (Hindi) (Act\Com) Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol & Varun Dhawan 3-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema Main; 6-30 pm at Cinema-2 Bajirao Mastani (Hindi Rom\Act/Drama) Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone & Priyanka Chopra 6-30 pm Cinema Main; 3-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema-2 Amar Akbar Anthony (Mal) (Act/Drama) Cast : Prithviraj & Jaya Surya 6-45 pm Cinema -3 Salt Mango Tree (Mal \ Com) Cast Biju Menon, Sohasani & Mani Ratnam 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema -4 Bengal Tiger (Teligu // Act Cast: Ravi Teja, & Tamannaah 3-45 Cinema -4 Pathemari (Mal/ Drama) Cast : Mammootty & Jewel Mary 3-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema- 3 Programmes are subject to change

WITH LOVE

0

SAHITH NULU December 20, 2004

Minimum

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

50-57%

MOHD ABU ZAR December 20, 2003 Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

10:25

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Ruwi

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

07:00

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

25 18

Dilwale (Action / Comedy) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon 1.00, 4.00, 7.00 & 10.00 PM CP No: 3047 (PG12) Close Range (Action / Crime) Cast: Scott Adkins, Nick Chinlund, Caitlin Keats 6.15 & 10.15 PM CP No: 3041 (12+) Hyena Road (Drama / War) Cast: Rossif Sutherland, Paul Gross, Clark Johnson 4.00 & 8.00 PM CP No: 3043 (15+) Howl (Horror) Cast: Ed Speleers, Holly Weston, Shauna Macdonald 2.00 PM CP No: 3042 (18+)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

Daily Daily Daily

BURAIMI Star Wars: The Force Awakens– 2D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Daisy Ridley, Oscar Issac, Harrison Ford 3:15, 6:00, 9:15, 11:30PM Close Range– 2D (Action, Crime) (12+) Cast: Scott Adkins, Nick Chinlund, Caitlin Keats 7:45, 11:30PM The Good Dinosaur – 3D (Animation, Adventure, Comedy) (U)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

SUR Star Wars : The Force Awakens (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 5:45, 8:10 PM Diwale (Action | Romance ) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon 3:00, 8:45, 11:35 PM Bajirao Mastani (Action | Romance | History) ( PG12) Cast : Ranbir Singh, Dipika Padkone, Priyanka 5:50, 10:35 PM The Good Dinosaur 3D ( Animation) ( U ) 3:50 PM

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

SALALAH In the Heart of the Sea (3D) (PG12) (Action | Adventure | Biography) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan 4:00PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens (3D) (PG12) (Action|Adventure|Fantasy) Cast: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 10:15 AM, 12:45, 6:15, 9:20, 11:55 PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2D) (PG) (Action|Adventure|Fantasy) Cast: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 3:00PM Dilwale (2D) (PG12) (Action | Romantic | Comedy) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan 12:00, 3:25, 6:25, 8:45, 11:45PM Bajirao Mastani (2D) (PG12) (Drama/ History) Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 5:30, 8:30, 11:30PM The Good Dinosaur (3D) (U) (Animation| Adventure |Comedy) Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla 10:00AM, 2:00PM When Marnie was There (2D) (PG) (Animation | Drama | Family) Voice Overs: Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura, Nanako Matsushima 12:00PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 1.00 PM Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM Screen 3 Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 1.00 PM Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM

BAHJA CINEMA

Voice Overs: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla 5:45PM Dilwale – 2D (Action, Romantic, Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 3:00, 6:00, 8:50, 11:45PM Bajirao Mastani– 2D (Drama, History) (PG12) Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 3:15, 8:30PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

RUWI Screen 1 Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 12.30 PM Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.09pm 3.09pm 5.29pm 6.45pm 5.23am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

S U N DAY, D E C E MB E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

C11

LIFESTYLE ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

By Hubert Vaz

Water Therapy Water therapy helps in ďŹ&#x201A;ushing toxins from your system and hydrating the body in many ways

ASK DR. GERRY

INSERT HEADLINE HERE

Y

ou donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to visit a physician to take up water therapy to rid yourself of many ailments. Water therapy helps in ďŹ&#x201A;ushing toxins from your system and hydrating the body in many ways that promote good health and keeping diseases away.

The Japanese drink water immediately after waking up every morning, which is considered to have a string of health beneďŹ ts.

Water therapy, the Japanese say, is a 100% cure for many diseases including aches, arthritis, heart disorders, fat reduction, bronchitis, asthma, TB, urinary disorders, digestive disorders, piles, constipation, diabetes, eye problems, menstrual disorders, and respiratory disorders.

Drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily helps in improving respiration, digestion, cardiovascular function as well as brain power, besides mobilising joints and relieving pains of all type.

The method Immediately after waking up each morning, before brushing teeth, drink about 600ml (2-3 glasses) of water. Some have trained them-

selves to drink 4-5 glasses of water. After brushing, do not eat or drink anything for about an hour.

Then have your breakfast, but after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, do not drink or eat anything for two hours.

Those who are unable to drink much water in the beginning, can start with smaller quantities, and then slowly increase it to 4 glasses in the morning. During the day, one must drink at least 6-8 glasses of water to keep the system hydrated and all organs functioning properly. It helps in improving respiration, digestion, cardiovascular function as well as brain power, besides mobilising joints and relieving pains of all type.

The following diseases can be controlled or cured by water therapy: Pains and aches â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 week Digestive disorders â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 week Respiratory disorders â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2-3 weeks Diabetes, high blood pressure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 weeks

MOVE OF THE WEEK

HIP RAISE

The hip raise is an excellent exercise that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need any equipment but which helps in building a ďŹ rm abdomen. It helps in strengthening the group of muscles called rectus abdominus on the front of the abdomen, commonly referred to as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;six-packâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Lie on your back on the ďŹ&#x201A;oor with your knees bent and feet ďŹ&#x201A;at on the ďŹ&#x201A;oor.

Place your arms at your sides at a 45-degree angle, palms facing up. Now, tighten your abdomen, squeeze your glutes and raise your hips so your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold this position for ďŹ ve seconds, then lower your body to the starting position.

THERE ARE 4 GROUPS OF MUSCLES IN THE ABDOMEN

Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; (( ,Ĺ&#x2014;) &#+/ -Ĺ&#x2014;ÄĄ)(Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;-# -Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014; )' (Ģ Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; /. ,Ĺ&#x2014;) &#+/ -Ĺ&#x2014;ÄĄ)(Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;-# -Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;#(( ,Ĺ&#x2014;) &#+/ -Ģ Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ./-Ĺ&#x2014; )'#(/-Ĺ&#x2014;ÄĄ." Ĺ&#x2014;Ăł .Ĺ&#x2014;'/- & -Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014; ,)(.Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;, ,, Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014; -Ĺ&#x2014;-#2Ä&#x161;* %Ģ Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; , (-0 ,- Ĺ&#x2014;'/- & -Ĺ&#x2014;ÄĄ&) . Ĺ&#x2014; ( ."Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;, ./-Ĺ&#x2014; )'#(/-Ģ

Do 2 sets of

10 REPETITIONS,

resting for a minute in between A ďŹ rmer abdomen will appear in just

4 WEEKS TIME

Dear Dr. Gerry, I am a 14-year-old boy and I am fond of sports like football, cricket, but I do not have much interest in studies. My performance in school is average but I do well in sports. However, my parents always complain, they want me to give up sports and concentrate on studies. What should I do? I do not want to give up my sports. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anand Dear Anand, I know you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to give up your sports but you need to understand why your parents are complaining. You are probably in the ninth and your parents are worried about your studies. They realise the next few years are going to be critical for your studies and want you to concentrate on doing better on your education. The solution to this problem lies in you. My friend we are all called upon to do our duty and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important you understand that. Look at the scenarios, you study well and get into a college that has a good academic and sports programme. Your parents are happy and you get to follow your love of sports.

The other scenario is you do poorly, ďŹ nally drop out or join an inferior college, where do you go from there? So be smart, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop your sports completely but work hard on your academics, allay your parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fears and build a brighter future for yourself.

All the best, Dr G

Dr Gerry Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Costa has an MD in psychiatry and a special interest in the areas of anxiety, depression, addiction, and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s psychiatry.

He has practiced as a specialised psychiatrist at Badr Al Samaa hospital in Ruwi for the last 9 years.

Starting next week, Dr Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Costa will begin offering his advice and professional insights to the readers of Times of Oman.

Send your mental health questions to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

C12

SU N DAY, DECEMB ER 20, 2015

LIFESTYLE

6 STEPS TO A HAPPY HOLIDAY OF HEALTHY EATING The festive season is approaching, and with it comes buffets, sweets and food-laden tables. You can think of that as temptation or realise that you have the power to make good-for-you choices, whether you‘re managing diabetes or aiming for healthy eating in general. The American Diabetes Association has simple recommendations for enjoying delicious foods and good nutrition during the festive season and beyond.

Here are some tips:

Enjoy the Party, Don’t Overdo it

Bring Your Favourites

Enjoy Beverages in Moderation

Stay Active

Get Back on Track

Focus on What Matters

Eat slowly and really enjoy a few of the foods that are special to you this time of year. If you’re counting carbohydrates and calories as part of your diabetes management plan, think about devoting your carbs to what you like best-and skipping the rest.

For example, if you want dessert, cut back on foods such as dinner rolls or stuffing and “spend” your calories and carbs on a small serving of pie. Remember, moderation is key — so stick to small portions and skip seconds.

Bring your favourite healthy dish to share. If you’re counting carbs, check your recipe’s nutrition facts so you know how many grams are in one serving as well as the proper serving size. At some gatherings, it’s best not to mention a dish is “healthy” and let the flavour speak for itself; or perhaps the folks at your gathering may appreciate a card that notes the nutrition facts.

Some beverages can add significant calories to your holiday intake, so keep blood glucose levels in the safe range. Avoid high-calorie mixed drinks that include sugary soda or juice. Opt for sugar-free mixers instead.

Think of physical activities during the holidays as a chance to spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Use your extra time away from work or school to exercise — or to participate in a local holiday walk or run. Start a game of pick-up football with family in the yard or take a walk after eating.

If you eat more than you planned for, don’t think you’ve failed.

Focus on enjoying the company of those around you. Then, the next day, get back on track by gifting yourself with healthy eating, regular exercise and monitoring blood glucose levels as directed, if that’s part of your diabetes care routine.

The holidays are a time to slow down and catch up with your loved ones, so remember to focus on your friends and family, not the food. Play games together, volunteer or spend time outdoors.

Great memories don’t have to be made only at the dinner table.

- brandpointcontent.com

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D8

FOR RENT

Business in Oman for Sale

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Serious parties may send email to :

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D2

S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

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WAREHOUSE IN MABELA

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Contact - 92525766 Email-

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K&&/ ^W &KZ Z Ed

Profs / jack. Contact 93219378

ů EĂŚĚĂ dŽǁĞƌ Ϯ͕ Į ƌƐƚ Ň ŽŽƌ͕ ϭϬϮ Ň Ăƚ ŶŽ͘ KƉƉŽƐŝƚĞ Ͳ WŝŽŶĞĞƌ Θ ϯ ŝŐ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵƐ ĨŽƌ ĂĐĐŽŵŵŽĚĂƟ ŽŶ ďĞƐŝĚĞ 'ƵůĨ DŝŶŝŶŐ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ 'ŚĂůĂ Ͳ DƵƐĐĂƚ

V. Nice flat in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95755953 /95555162

Contact : ϵϵϱϵϭϵϭϮ ͬ ϵϮϳϭϴϳϯϯ

Call: 99888007 - 99473500

2 BHK flat for rent opp. Sheraton, CBD. Contact 99046569 1 BHK flat near Star cinema RO.210/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.

RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 2 BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact – 95865686 Studios flats starting from 140 in Qurum near Mars supermarket call 96755181 or 91219688 2 BHK flat for rent near (ISM) Indian School Muscat. #99489594 Store for rent in Mabela, road no. 10, total area 700 sq.mt, built up area 200 sq.mt with covered shed, open area 500 sq.mt. With boundary wall.

Contact -98273761 /96677134.

New villa at south Mawalah 5 bedroom, family hall, Majlis, 5 twl for RO.650/- Contact - 99332367 Flat for rent, 2 room, 2 bathroom with AC 250/-. Contact: 94447825

Flat villa type for rent - in al khuwair 33/, 4 Bed Rooms .4 bath Rooms, 1 Family Hall, 1 Dining Room, 1 Living Room, 1 Kitchen, Store.

Contact 99315515 3 Room flat in North Ghubra, 18 November Street with three toilets.

For residential or commercial use.

RO. 315/- Contact 94477222.

One & Two bedroom apartments available for rent near grand mall, opposite panorama mall, next to Diwans office, at south Ghobrah.

Contact: 99833747 Villas available for rent at Al Hail close to the wave (Al Mouj) compound swimming pool & gym.

Contact: 99833747 3 Bed with split A/C near Hojar roundabout R.O 275/-. Contact: 99326048/ 95250986 Flat for rent 3BRM hall, 2 toilets, kitchen, store payment R.O 350/payment 12 cheques monthly in Darsait (ENT) .

Contact: Morean 98292846

One / two B/R RES / comm. flat near Oman Medical College directly from owner. Contact: 92158031

1 Flat for rent 4 BRM hall 4 toilets, kitchen, store rent R.O 400/- (per month) in Darsait 12 cheques monthly . Contact: Morean 98292846

1BHK R.O 170/-, & 2BHK R.O 215 near medical Darsait Muttrah house. Contact : 95076261

New deluxe 1BHK for rent in Darsait behind ISD School.

Contact 99142314

2bedroom centrally Ari conditioned flat in CBD, central bank Area.

Contact: 24714625 /99053493

1BHK R.O 225 close to Indian Nursery, Darsait, 2BHK close to ISWKG Wadi Kabir bldg 1690 R.O 300/-.

Contact : 99476728

At Wadi Kabir Industrial two floor showrooms, 80 sm each, rent 450/R.O (PDC). Contact: 99879939 At Al Athaiba (2nd floor) 2 bed, sitting room , 1 bathroom , kitchen , split AC rent 310/- PDC. Contact: 99879939 2bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact: 92584715 / 24700120 House for rent in Al Amerat .

Contact: 92532371 / 92294259 Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

1000sqmtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 /92584715 Ghubra-Beautiful Room, attached bath, separate entrance, huge terrace, near Shell & Bank Muscat, for Male/Female - Indian/Asian/Western. OMR 180. Strictly for Vegetarian, non-drinker. Contact 99283938 (No Kitchen).

Shops for rent good for offices + stores behind bldg, behind whole sale center Al Amerat space 11 x4 meters R.O 250/- per month.

Contact: 92877449

6 B/R villa for office use in Al Khoudh, 2 & 3 B/R flat in AL Khuwair for office.

Contact: 99776071 /99057348 4 B/R, 3 flats building in Azaiba behind Al Meera. Contact: 99776071 /99057348 Big room attach bath kitchen in Muscat near Palace R.O 90/-.

Contact: 95094028 1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Hamriya Mabela and Al Khoud shop at Al Khoud. Contact: 24834644 / GSM : 93994401 /02/03/3lines NEW WAREHOUSE FOR RENT at Ghala Ind. Area. 800 & 2500 approx sqms Near Hotel Al-Madinah Holiday, Ghala. Container can enter.

Immediate access to roads & highways. Contact : 94583320 02 BHK commercial / residential (with split AC) flats at Honda Road.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 2 bedroom luxury fully furnished flat for rent at Ghala short or long term basis. Contact: 99886386 / 99881653

S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

STOCK CLEARANCE SALE

USED EXCAVATORS

Indian Granite 600x300x20 - 15000 sq mts Indian Granite Slabs 20000 Sq mts Our factory yard at Ghala Industrial area.

t ,0."546 1$ t )*5"$)* t ,0#&-$0

Contact 99337723 / 95118906

FOR SALE

1MFBTF $POUBDU 99855374 / 98517544

FOR RENT

MV SALE Toyota Corolla Oct 2012 Regd MY. Excellent condition, km done.

33,000/- Contact - 97717152 Hummer H2 model 2006, 178000 km, Full options Number 1 Army edition.OMR 7200. Contact -99466773 Jeep Wrangler 2012 20,000km, Expat from new, dealer serviced, RO6500 Contact 99440320 Sohar Open showroom AL Ghobrah 18 November 175SQM & office space Al Qurum next to Al Araimi Complex.

Contact: 94300909

2 BHK with split / AC in MSQ opposite Al Fair. Contact: 96708000 1.2.3 BHK & villa. Contact: 97799175 1BHK Darsait R.O 225/-.

Contact: 92144045 /97799175 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 92144045 /97799175 1BHK M.B.D R.O 280/- & 250/-.

Contact: 92144045/97799175 2BHK available near Hamriya round about main road rent R.O 170/- PM. Contact: 99513510

Shops, studio ďŹ&#x201A;at and spacious outlet and offices (good for clinic) are offered for rent in Al Amarat opp. ROP police station.

Contact: 91231380 New apartment for rent at Al Amerat second ďŹ&#x201A;oor consists of two rooms with two toilets, reception with toilet, kitchen.

Contact: 95588568 Villa, 2 ďŹ&#x201A;ats at Al Khuwair (17/2) Contact: 99444786 02 BHK residential ďŹ&#x201A;at opposite to Al Nadha hospital. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/- & 350/-. Contact: 97799175

Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789-97201688

2BHK ďŹ&#x201A;ats available for near PDO gate no 2 Qurum.

Contact: 94057023

Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789-97201688

Flats for rent at Al Mablah block eight. Contact: 99445177

Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact - 9405178997201688

Single BHK ďŹ&#x201A;at available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/99367448

Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789-97201688

2BHK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti mosque. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Offices in Ghala. Contact 94051789-97201688 2 B/R ďŹ&#x201A;at in Wattaya and Azaiba.

Contact: 99776071 /99057348 Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact - 94051789-97201688

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 3 BHK behind Oman House, Muttrah. Contact: 99319149

Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

600 SQT commercial ďŹ&#x201A;at for rent opposite Oman ďŹ&#x201A;ourmill Darsait more details. Contact: 91214849/ 99364735

Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454

Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum. Contact - 94051789-97201688

7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North. Contact - 96420432

Duplex villa in QURUM 29.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

1000 sqm industrial land with compound wall & two rooms at Misfah.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

1BHK ďŹ&#x201A;at near Star Cinema 220/-.

Contact 99358589 /95570288

4WD Mitsubishi Pajero 2008 model 3.8 CC white 137000km maintained by Mitsubishi work shop. Contact: 99513510 New car PathďŹ nder Classic 4X4,4L V6.Only 11500 OMR. Zero KM.Call 99416162 Yaris 2011, full automatic Toyota warranty, 90,000 km, expat use R.O 3100/-. Contact: 92227165 Mazda 626 in VGC, 2001 model, single expat Owner, full service history with dealer, 180000 kms.

Offer price OMR 1000.

Contact 99296768 Single owner Ford Escape 2012 white, 2.5L, 10100 kms. All tyres recently replaced, Comprehensive insurance including UAE Mulkiya valid Oct 2016. OMR 5250 Contact 92320155 Email: divadmuscat@gmail.com Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale.

Contact 92194205 BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.

Contact 96364990 Ford focus, automatic, 2010 model, silver colour, expat driven, 58000 kms, dealer serviced, registration till sep 2016, price ro 2750.

Contact- 93207590

FOR RENT Flats for rent in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact: 99388994 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman ďŹ&#x201A;our mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking. Rent RO.250/350 per month. Contact: 99229263; 93221054; 95215289 One ďŹ&#x201A;ats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610

FOR SALE Exercise cycle for sale.

Contact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 92847957 Marble factory for sale, location Misfah. Contact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 98586828 Cradle lift for external building painting hundred mtr height almost new. Contact: 99235701 /97747705

FOR SALE Dozer Kom 355A -3 Dozer Kom 155A- 3 Grader Champion 780 Excavator PC 400 with breaker Man green water tanker 5000 IG All are in good condition

99310448/99612010/95208455

Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Azaiba prime location behind Al Fardan building. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411

Mangalorean restaurant at Wadi Kabir & shop at Ruwi for sale.

Contact: 98428507 / 93655003

Shop for sale in CBD area prime location call 97449011

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 155 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Studio for sale in Athaibah.

Contact: 92478970 Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808-97201688 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact - 9505680897201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact -9505680897201688 Running restaurant with seven clearance for sale Awabi Muscat.

Contact: 95497007 Al Qurum, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sitting, kitchen, split ACs price 65,000 R.O. # 9879939 Sports shop for sale at Ruwi.

Contact: 98453599 /93050776 Top Quality sparingly used Outdoor Catering & Bakery Equipments including chairs etc for sale in Muscat .Please call for viewing 99471085.Serious buyers only.

Barber shop for sale in Ghubra.

Contact 92955874 5 plots of fertile agriculture lands in Misfah East totaling 4,532 sq mtrs having date trees and using falaj water for irrigation. OMR 158 Thousand for all 5 plots. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

WANTED Wanted carpentry shop with clearance. Contact: 99055571 /97982406 /95306030

ACC. AVAILABLE Sharing accommodation available opp. to Oman house at Muttrah, for executive bachelors.

Contact 92350595 Furnished room, attached bath in Mumtaz area. Contact - 99743709

2,688 sq mtrs commercial land in MBD North. OMR 1.39 Million.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

For rent independent room with attach B/room & kitchen near BP Petrol pump & Seeb Indian School, Mabela for RO.100 /- without Elect & Water. Contact 91516775

Window AC 30 Nos (general make all good conditions), refrigerator, freezer & mess equipments for sale. Contact: 98064113/ 99315878 Quotation fax on: 24448101 /24448103

Family sharing accommodation available for rent at Honda road Indians only O.R 130/-. Contact: 99519161

Grade one, non residential civil construction company, seven months old, with all approvals, in Sohar, for immediate sale.

Contact: 98236616

ACC. AVAILABLE

Scrap available for sale, power cables & accessories. # 24446399 / Email â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ravi.ztc@omzest.com Zawawi Trading Road no.8 Rusayl

Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069

3Ton Forklift, Special made for Oman market, Japanese Isuze C240 Engine, Cascade side shifter, High amount exhaust, 3m lifting height, Solid tyres, One year warranty. Contact: 98883445

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, Kitchen & store including utilities bills at Al hail.

Contact 92817777

Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage. # 93687466 Single room, toilet, and sharingkitchen near Azaibah Bank Muscat family only. Contact 96755127 A Bedroom along with separate bathroom available for rent for an Executive Bachelor in Al Khuwair (near Zawawi Mosque). Contact 92138451 Room for rent available in a ďŹ&#x201A;at for Executive bachelor at Azaiba, behind Al Meera Hypermarket with attached bath with cot & A/c, rent inclusive of water & electricity. Contact 96404166 / 97433992 Single room bathroom in Darsait R.O 140/-. Contact: 93289652

Shop for sale at Ghala Sanaya main junction (prime location) shop for sale #: Kamil 92696479

Big room available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact : 99495131

60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

1 Bedroom with attached Bath, fully furnished, separate entrance at Mabela for ladies only.

Contact: 99634841

Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120. Water and electricity included. Contact 98803261

Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970

D4

S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT Urgently Required for Frozen Division

ALUMINUM 461&37*403

Van Salesman - (2) Sales Supervisor - (1) Driver - (2)

Having ability to manage workshop -

Candidates with relevant GCC experience can mail their resume at omanjobsdcg@gmail.com ƌĞŶŽǁŶĞĚ ƐĐŚŽŽů ŝŶ DƵƐĐĂƚ ŝƐ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJ ƐĞĞŬŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚ Ă

SITUATION WANTED

REQUIRE Yh >/&/ Θ yW Z/ E

MARKETING y hd/s ^

ACCOUNTANT5 year experience, up to finalization of accounting

Contact emailrgeorge@omantd.com & atalibus@omantd.com

ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ďĂƐĞĚ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ ;DƵƐĐĂƚͿ ŝƐ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ƵƌŐĞŶƚůLJ ƚŽ ŚŝƌĞ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉŽƐŝƟ ŽŶ͗

WŽƐŝƟ ŽŶ͗ ĐĐŽƵŶƚĂŶƚ

&Žƌ ƐĂůĞƐ ŽĨ 'ŝŌ ŝƚĞŵƐ Θ ǁĂƚĐŚĞƐ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ǀĂůŝĚ ĚƌŝǀŝŶŐ ůŝĐĞŶƐĞ ͘ D > E / d ^ KE>z͘

;KŵĂŶŝ KŶůLJͿ ; ĂĐŚĞůŽƌ Žƌ ŝƉůŽŵĂ Ϳ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ͗ Ϯ ƚŽ ϯ LJĞĂƌƐ

Contact - 91544446

ŵĂŝů͗ƚŚĞƌĞĐƵŝƚĞƌΛŚŽƚŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

&Ădž EK͘ ϮϰϱϵϲϰϰϬ

REQUIRE

VACANCY

&ƌĞŶĐŚ dĞĂĐŚĞƌ

Yh >/&/ Θ yW Z/ E

YƵĂůŝĮ ĐĂƟ ŽŶƐ Θ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ͗ ĂĐŚĞůŽƌƐ Žƌ DĂƐƚĞƌƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞůĞǀĂŶƚ ƐƵďũĞĐƚ dŚŽƌŽƵŐŚ ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ĂŶĚ Ăƚ ůĞĂƐƚ ƚŚƌĞĞ LJĞĂƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ džĐĞůůĞŶƚ ĐůĂƐƐƌŽŽŵ ƉƌĂĐƟ Ɵ ŽŶĞƌ KŶůLJ ĞůŝŐŝďůĞ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ Θ ƋƵĂůŝĮ ĐĂƟ ŽŶ ŵĂLJ ĂƉƉůLJ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĞĂƌůŝĞƐƚ WůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗

MARKETING y hd/s ^

ƌĞƉƵƚĞĚ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ŽŶƚƌĂĐƟ ŶŐ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŝŶǀŝƚĞƐ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟ ŽŶƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƋƵĂůŝĮ ĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉŽƐŝƟ ŽŶƐ͘

ĂƉƉůLJŝŐĐƐĞΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

&Žƌ ƐĂůĞƐ ŽĨ 'ŝŌ ŝƚĞŵƐ Θ ǁĂƚĐŚĞƐ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ǀĂůŝĚ ĚƌŝǀŝŶŐ ůŝĐĞŶƐĞ ͘ D > E / d ^ KE>z͘

Contact - 91544446

ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů dĞƐƟ ŶŐ Θ ŽŵŵŝƐƐŝŽŶŝŶŐ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ Ͳ Ϯ EŽƐ͘ YƵĂůŝĮ ĐĂƟ ŽŶ ʹ ͬ dĞĐŚ ŝŶ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ʹ DŝŶ͘ ϱ LJĞĂƌ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ƚĞƐƟ ŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵŵŝƐƐŝŽŶŝŶŐ͕ ƉƌĞĨĞƌĂďůLJ ŝŶ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ͘

ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů dĞĐŚŶŝĐŝĂŶ Ͳ Ϯ EŽƐ͘ YƵĂůŝĮ ĐĂƟ ŽŶ ʹ ŝƉůŽŵĂ Žƌ /d/ ŝŶ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ʹ DŝŶ͘ ϱ LJĞĂƌ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ĞƌĞĐƟ ŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵŵŝƐƐŝŽŶŝŶŐ ũŽďƐ͕ ƉƌĞĨĞƌĂďůLJ ŝŶ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ͘ /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ ŵĞĞƟ ŶŐ ĂďŽǀĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞŵĞŶƚƐ ŵĂLJ ĂƉƉůLJ ǁŝƚŚ ƌĞĐĞŶƚ ďŝŽͲĚĂƚĂ ƚŽ ĂĚŵŝŶΛĐĞƐŽŵĂŶ͘ĐŽŵ͘ WƌĞĨĞƌĞŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ ǁŝƚŚ EK ͘

SITUATION VACANT Leading MEP contracting company looking for following gulf experienced hands

URGENTLY REQUIRED

1. Asst. Operations’ Manager – preferably B Tech (Elect) with min 5 years in building service with good communication& administrative skills.

&ŝƌƐƚ 'ƌĂĚĞ͕ dĞŶĚĞƌ ŽĂƌĚ ZĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟ ŽŶ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ZĞƋƵŝƌĞƐ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ^ƚĂī Θ tŽƌŬĞƌƐ ŚĂǀŝŶŐ EK ĨŽƌ ŝŵŵŝĚŝĂƚĞ dƌĂŶƐĨĞƌ

2. A.C Engineer – B Tech (Elect / Mechanical) with min 2 years in building service.

Kindly include the details of projects handled by you, in your CV.

Send your CV to hr.green.mct@gmail.com ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Wanted Indian Accountant with experience in OmanContact 91339401 We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience.

Contact: +968 24702133 Email: admin-dept@daud.om

BEAUTY Urgently require a Female Beautician for a saloon in Sur, must have exceptionally good skills in threading ,waxing ,haircuts & facial treatments .Hair styling & bridal make ups would be added advantage .(Visa available)For more details please contact on 95214535

CATERING Shawarma / griller / helper wanted. Contact 95529970

DRIVER Driver cum maintenance person.

Wanted cheerful, caring, clean and honest young man for an Indian family. Must have excellent driving skills and a valid GCC license. Can do and helpful attitude. Age 28 to 35, good references and English.

Attractive salary, please apply to jobscharismat@gmail.com or call 99471085 for interview.

Required Indian driver to work in a house. Salary RO 150/Contact – 96255558 Light duty driver.

Contact 98505294

DOMESTIC HELPER Urgently required for full time a Gujarati House maid for small family (2 members), aged around 40-50, Visa Available. Contact 99370306, after 08:00 pm only or Whats app.

Looking for full-time housemaid - please call 99385119

DESIGNER Required Graphic designer and sales person for Advertising agency. Contact: 97982406 Email: choice.ap@gmail.com

ENGINEER Wanted Chemical Engineer with 5-10 years experience in STP Operations and Maintenance.

Kindly send your resumes to advance@omantel.net.om or Fax us at +968-24792175.

Wanted Market Research Expert with experience in Feasibility Studies. Kindly send your resumes to advance@omantel.net.om or Fax us at +968-24792175.

DESIGN & ESTIMATION ENGINEER (HVAC+ FIRE FIGHTING) Degree/ Diploma in Mechanical Engineering with 3 to 4 years of experience in estimation, designing and tendering.

Working knowledge of AutoCAD is must. Should have good communication skills. Contactvacancyforoman@gmail.com A Grade Construction company in Muscat urgently requires “Safety Officer”. Send C.V hr.azatllc@gmail. com or fax C.V to 24422458 Engineer consultancy company urgently require (2) Architectural Draftsman (Filipino) with experience 2 years. Contact: 99201222 Email: sahd35@yahoo.com Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227 Urgently Required: Civil Engineer with an experience minimum in 5 years in building construction, MUST have NOC and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com.

IT (SALES) An IT Company dealing with wireless connectivity /networking requires a Salesman urgently.

Forward your CV to vctsjobsoman@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs.

Al Khoudh. Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com or call 91159905 Required building material sales man, CCTV Technician, Maintenance supervisor & Mason.

Contact - 99383044

Experienced Petrol Mechanic, denter required. Contact: 98045373

Travel agent in Muscat require experience Counter Staff (male/ female) Sales & Marketing (male/ female) interested send CV on jobavailable2016@hotmail.com

Planning Engineer (HVAC) Degree/ Diploma in Mechanical Engineering with minimum 7 years of experience in the planning and coordination of multiple projects, cost evaluation/ control and handing over.

Good communication skills. Email vacancyforoman@gmail.com

Urgent Staff requirement for Omar Al Khayyam Group of restaurant (restaurant manager, restaurant cashier, waiters, Indian / Chinese / Tandoor cooks.

Contact: +96893798969 or email: ok.office2013@gmail.com

ENGINEER

ϭ͘ WƌŽũĞĐƚ ŽͲKƌĚŝŶĂƚŽƌ Ϯ͘ DĞĐŚĂŶŝĐĂů ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ ϰ͘ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů Ś͘ ,ĂŶĚ ϲ͘ dŝůĞ DĂƐŽŶƐ ϴ͘ ĂƌƉĞŶƚĞƌƐ ϭϬ͘ ͛Ɛ dĞĐŚŶŝĐŝĂŶƐ ϭϮ͘ WůƵŵďĞƌƐ

Ͳ ΀KŵĂŶŝ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů KŶůLJ΁ ϯ͘ DĞĐŚĂŶŝĐĂů ^ƵƉĞƌǀŝƐŽƌ ϱ͘ WůƵŵďŝŶŐ Ś͘ ,ĂŶĚ ϳ͘ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů DĂƐŽŶƐ ϵ͘ ^ƚĞĞů &ŝƩ ĞƌƐ ϭϭ͘ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐŝĂŶƐ

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϱϮϴϭϲϴϬ͕ ϵϱϮϴϭϱϬϮ &Ădž͗ ϮϰϴϭϲϱϯϮ ŵĂŝů͗ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚƵƐΛŶďĐŽŵĂŶ͘ĐŽŵ MISCELLANEOUS

SECT. /OFFICE

Looking for a FOREIGN STAFF has experience in Oman in real estate field. Interested contact: #99109094 Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com

Urgently required Female Secretary : Oman based leading manufacturing company has immediate requirement Graduate with min. 5 yrs of experience & capable to handle Management office work independently & Secretarial work, knowledge of computers & accounts will be an advantage. Age limit upto 30 yrs.

Send CVs to vacancyinoman123@gmail.com

Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com or call Ph:+968 99450811 Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same field with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CV’s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700

MEDICAL Leading medical services company looking for GP Doctors, Nurses - male & female. Preference given to candidates in oman with MOH/prometric.

Send resume to athirababylon@gmail. com, tamara@babylon-om.com. ph: 24613069 Reams Clinic - Muscat-Al Khoudh urgently required Medical Laboratory Technician salary + Accommodation, Minimum 3 years Experience in Sultanate of Oman GP Nurse salary +Accommodation minimum 5 years Experience in Sultanate of Oman.

Contact - towershr70@gmail.com Wanted Lab Technician for Ibra clinic. Very attractive salary for MOH license holders. Send biodata to jmjmedicare@gmail.com 99373493 Urgently required Philipina Nurse with MOH license at prometric parsed. Contact: 99724013 Wanted a Staff Nurse with MOH license for a well running clinic in Seeb. Contact: 99442701 Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and benefits. Drop your cv at 0careerhr1972@gmail.com.

Looking for new private clinic GP Doctor who finish license in Oman, Muscat. Contact: 97882811

SALES / MARKETING Looking for Salesman (outdoor) experience in building material, consulting, Contraction Company.

Should have Driving license, must have good spoken English, should have working knowledge of computers. Please send your CV to alshayac@omantel.net.om Urgently required Graphic Designer & marketing executive please forward your CV arshedkm@gmail.com Reputed building materials company looking for outdoor Sales executive having valid Omani driving license with more than 2 years local sales experience in tiles / sanitary ware.

Please fax CV to 24798709 Email: united@omantel.net.om Urgently required Salesman having experience in marble and granite D/L and NOC must.

Contact: 93484330 Email: preciousmrbl@gmail.com Insurance agency company require Sales Executive with experience Oman driving license.

Clearance available.

Send CV to: ahiginsurance@gmail.com Looking for experienced sales candidates in (outdoor & industrial signage, exhibition stands & media locations). Fluent English.

Email : creativityeast@gmail.com Kitchen cabinet manufacturing company is looking sales person, most have Oman D/L and must know any kitchen designed software and two years experience.

Contact: 93326636

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Accountant, Indian Male, 15 Years experience (8 Years in Oman with Driving License & NOC) Seeks suitable placement, Contact 94117616, 91238272 Email: praveen78oman@gmail.com

Indian male , B.Com, 21 yrs, accountant with 1 and half years experience looking for suitable job for more discussion. Contact: 96512733 Email: azazahemad968@gmail.com

15 years GCC experienced in finance treasury management CPA, CMA, ACCA, MBA qualified chartered accountant available for immediate joining. Contact: 94872345 Email: mfta27@gmail.com

CA (Inter), MBA, 25 yrs exp. in Accounts, Sales, Marketing & Administration in poultry industry seeks suitable placement immediately.

Contact 91 9704075855, +968 96500893, Email : sanaullah.sheikh@rediffmail.com

Chartered Accountant 15 yrs- UAE exp, seeking suitable job in Oman.

Contact – 0091 9446230586 / shamshad.pareed@gmail.com Chief / Senior Accountant having 12 years of Oman experience in reputed firms. Looking for suitable placement. Contact – 99513082 Indian male 25 yrs MBA finance/ marketing. Over all 2 yrs of exp in accounts/ finance field. Currently on visit visa in Oman, immediately available. Contact – 92989197 / 94786544 Email:abdulhizer2004@gmail.com Finance Controller 15 yrs exp in Oman. Contracting, consultancy, trading oil & gas, tourism, IT etc.

Project financing feasibility ERP cost control. Contact – 98571309 AACA/ B.Com 3.7 yrs exp looking for accounts/ audit job. Contact – 97769145 / mnaem02@gmail.com Experienced male accountant available 3 yrs & 9 months exp in Oman as accountant NOC available ready to join. Contact - 95368181 ACCOUNTS AND ADMIN MANAGER Degree in Accounts with minimum 8 years of experience in accounts/finance and administrative work. Good analytical and managerial skill to control and operate the department independently. Contactvacancyforoman@gmail.com ACCA /B.com (3.7 years experience) looking for accounts / audit job. Contact: 97769145 Email: mnaem02@gmail.com ACCA, 8 years comprehensive experience of audit, Engineering/ Manufacturing & Trading-FMCG is looking for a change.NOC available Contact: 91147885 Young 24, ACCA affiliate, advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit with valid driving license.

Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com Indian Male 32, MBA (Marketing & Finance) with 10 years experience in Marketing of Banking Products & Insurance Industry. Seeking for a job in Oman. Contact: 93576980, 97750460 Email: senthil.cbe83@gmail.com Indian male 11 yrs exp in accountant (4 yrs in Oman with D/L & NOC) seeking suitable placement in Sohar area .Contact: 91212471 / 94049967 Email: rennyj6@gmail.com Indian male 29 yrs, M.Com, MBA, ICWA (pursuing) 5 years experience in finance & accounts, Tally, SAP , Sage &MS Office on visit visa till December . Contact: 92840519 / 98450609 Chartered Accountant with ICWA Inter having 5 years experience in Finance, Accounts, Costing, Budgeting, Insurance, Treasury & Banking operations - NOC Available + Oman Driving License Contact : 97881548 Email-financecost2@gmail.com Filipino, 29, Male, BS Commerce, 5years experience Payables/Receivables/Payroll/Document Control.Excellent Communication/MS Office skills. Contact: 95057206 patrick110486@yahoo.com Indian Female, CA Final, 5+ years’ experience in A/cs. Currently in Oman.Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Chief Accountant IndianMale, B.Com Graduate+ PGDCA, Total 18 Years Experience, 13 Year in GCC, 7 Years in Oman. Exposure in Tally ERP9, Peach Tree, MS Office.

Having NOC Available for Immediate Joining. Contact - 97060826 Email-tomnedum71@yahoo.co.in

Accountant Indian female, 26 yrs, B.Com 2 yrs experience in accounting, purchase vouchers, bank reconciliation. Contact: 95690207 Email: pereira.rita08@gmail.com

Indian male accountant cum admin with good experience in India & Oman knowledge of tally ERP.9 currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement. Contact: 94834687

SIT. WANTED

SKILLED Looking for experienced construction laborers as a subcontractor for a villa construction in Mawaleh.Contact: 96203333

28/male/MBA - Finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ india experience looking for a suitable placement. shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com 90187483 Male Indian with 7 years experience in accounting & 6 years experience in sales and marketing very good knowledge of tally currently in Muscat on a visit visa. # 96148427 Email: jijokurianp@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 25 years (20 years in Oman & 5 years in Indian) well experienced finance controller seeking for suitable position, with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 99756765 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available. Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com Indian male, MBA finance, B.Com have 1 and half years experienced as Accountant and office assistant of India, on visit visa.

Contact: 97445488 Accountant looking part time job.

Contact: 99867456 Email: ashkar7673@gmail.com Indian male 37 yrs,(M. Com finance) with 12 yrs experience (9 yrs in Oman) in accounts up to finalization can join immediately having NOC & Oman driving license looking for suitable placement. Contact: 90194907 Email: ke.jinson@gmail.com 28/ male MBA – finance /B.com – accountant with 4 years of Dubai / India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 90187483 Email: shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Indian male MBA, 8 years experience in hospitality industry, accounting looking for a job, now in visit visa. Contact: 92115860 Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman. Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com Indian male 9 years experienced Accountant cum store keeper with D/L Oman & UAE transfer available. Contact: 97085435 Email: sudhimohd@gmail.com Pakistani male age 28 years MBA finance work experience 3 years as Accountant currently in Muscat Oman on visit visa.

Contact: 99685330 Email: hussain_ca87@yahoo.com Indian male 28 yrs, 3 years experience Oman driving license available accounts/ assistant accounts/ sales representatives, Tally, focus experienced Graduated, diploma in Accounting +2 SSLC. # 96565010 Indian Male 28. B.Com with 11yrs experience in in secretarial and document controller field in Saudi Arabia with Saudi license looking for a vacancy contact 00966501913557 and yarajunun@gmail.com Indian CA, 8 yrs + Exp (6 yr in Oman & UAE ) in Finance , Accounts & Auditing , seeking suitable position in Muscat/Dubai, Can Join Immediately, NOC Available , Contact: 98707434 / Email: casmart007@gmail.com Part time Accountant services, yearly finalization works, monthly report, profit& loss report, consulting and audit works. Contact: 96247295

S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ADMIN Egyptian woman resident has considerable experience in the administration and secretarial executive for companies. Contact: 97221126 Indian male 12 yrs exp in Oman as administrator/ HR/ operation manager with D/L & NOC. Contact – 96055815 / shaiks111@gmail.com Young dynamic professional with 4yrs of Oman Experience in HR & Admin looking for suitable placement.(NOC Available)-91507099 Now in visiting visa looking for job, fluency in Arabic writing, typing, reading & speaking, looking in Admin, document controller secretary translator & HR Assistance. do needful. Contact: 968- 97240204 Email: dmethaju@gmail.com 15 yrs experience in administration (rent a car) in UAE, holder of UAE driving license on visit in Oman seeking suitable post. Contact: 98606800 / 99431708 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position.

Contact - 99897280 10 years experience in secretarial / Admin job. Contact: 94868626 HR/ Admin with total 7 years GCC experience looking for immediate change over with suitable position NOC available. Contact 95521535 Email: kbino110@gmail.com HR & Admin Executive (MBA) Indian male 26 years, with more than 4 years experiences in HR / Admin (16 months in Oman) looking for suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 968-98757304 / 968 -98314238 Email: muroollah789@gmail.com Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 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

ARCHITECT Senior Architect with 16+ years experience in Multi turnkey projects in KSA, UAE, Qatar, Libya, Oman, India.

Contact: +974 433657155 Email: aftab1706@gamil.com

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DRIVER

Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement 97950869 Bangladeshi male 48 yrs, light driver 14 yrs of exp, need job & visa. Contact - 98236656 Driver looking for a job with visa NOC available.

Contact: 91039598 Indian light driver.

Contact: 92279370 Driver with experience of 10 years in Oman seeks suitable placement. Contact: 92191698 Light driver. Contact: 96313100 Driver with car available.

Contact: 93015630 Driver with big Pajero only pick, drop. Contact: 91800277 Light driver looking for job.

Contact: 98549627 10 yrs exp in GCC driver.

Contact: 93722881 Light driver, looking for job.

Contact: 98372745/99090362 Looking for Job driving.

Contact: 97418036 Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Multimedia and graphic designer Filipino male 25 , looking for job in Muscat 3 years experience in 6 graphic and 3D design on visit visa immediately available.

Contact: 95844940 Email: chrisrimas@gmail.com Interior designer 4+ exp, turnkey projects & freelancing for flats, office & corporate.

Contact – 93140552/ ajaytungir.id22@gmail.com 25 years male BA. English , Qualified as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97917357 Autocad , Oman exp in ARCh, structural, interior, knows 3D ph : 96946306 Professional architect 3ds max (interior, exterior) looking for private work. Contact: 96041201

DOMESTIC HELP House maid looking for job.

Contact: 98257659

Well experienced team available to provide feasibility reports & business solutions, product development, risk management methods for startups, progressive, defunct operations.

Creating of ERP modules.

Contact - 93343251 (PDLO SUR¿ WRPDQ#JPDLO FRP

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer Indian male having 5 yrs of exp in designing, execution & planning in electrical field.

Having valid GGC driving license.

Looking for a suitable job.

Contact – 98052942 / azamjeelani@gmail.com

B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578

Male, B.E in industrial & production engineering, 8 years experience (5 years in oil & gas) and 3 years in available currently on visit visa, seeking immediate placement.

Contact: 97863823

Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer with 2 yrs exp in the field of manufacturing, on visit visa, looking for suitable job. Contact – 91417949 / dannyrangde@gmail.com

Indian male 23 years BE degree in electronics & telecommunication, diploma in industrial control & automation, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 95726383 Email: christosvaidyans@gmail.com

Civil Engineer having total 5 years experience in building construction, looking for suitable placement. D/L available.

Contact – 94450270 Indian 27 years, Procurement Engineer with 7 years of experience including 3 years in Oman looking for a suitable. NOC & driving license available.

Contact: 95852033.

Building construction site supervisor with Omani D/L since Mar .2010 in Oman looking placement in good company.

Contact: 93061107 Civil Draughtsman having 10 years experience in engineering consultancies N.O.C available.

Contact: 00968- 96712846 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Indian Male, 35 years old, ITI – Mechanical Maintenance Technician (Total 14 years) 7years Oman experience. Ready for NOC , VISA transfer, ready to join immediately, Mob .96254637 Email.abilashbt@gmail.com Indian Male, 36 years old, ITI – STEEL FABRICATION Supervisor (13 years) 11 Oman experience.(6 years in Plant maintenance) Ready for NOC , VISA transfer, ready to join immediately, Mob + 92257422 Email: jacktcr@gmail.com Indian male, 26 yrs, 4yrs experienced as Telecom engineer in ooredoo FTTX project in Qatar with valid GCC driving license, currently in Oman, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 90194856 Email: azeezvallikkad@gmail.com Diploma in Electrical Engineering with 6 years’ experience in Electrical Automation , Programming, Project, Power, Energy and Supervision in Civil Work.

Currently in Oman and looking for suitable position, Please contact 94873560/92406652

7 years Gulf experienced Automatic door system technician. All type of automatic door, gate barrier, Access control, CCTV, working in Oman (NOC available).

Contact 96707646 Email: pramod.raj.p@gmail.com

WŚŽŶĞ ͗ нϵϭ ϵϳϳϯϴϮϴϲϲϯ͕ EŵĂŝů ͗ ũǀƉϮϵϭϯϲϳΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

B.Tech Civil Indian female(2 years of teaching exp;on family visa) looking for engineering job.

96289945; E-mail: athirasree1@gmail.com

IT

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

10 year experience fit – out project Engineer, holding Omani driving license searching for a suitable placement. Contact: 95896061 Email: supreethshetty88@gmail.com

B.Sc Civil Engineer. Work Experience 11 years 11 Months.

Last 7 years have been working in Oman in the field of Civil Construction. Present Position: Resident Engineer of a Consulting Company. Looking for the post of Project Manager/Coordinator/Resident Engineer. Have driving license. Visa could be transferable.Contract:93592334, e-mail:tipucee34@gmail.com

ƌĞƐƵůƚ ŽƌŝĞŶƚĞĚ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ͘ ͘;DĞĐŚͿ͕ ϯϬн LJĞĂƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ WƌŽũĞĐƚƐ͕ &ĂďƌŝĐĂƟ ŽŶ͕ Z Θ D ĂŶĚ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͘ ^ĞĞŬŝŶŐ ũŽď ĂƐ 'D͕ K͕ ŽƵŶƚƌLJ ,ĞĂĚ͘ EK Θ ŝŵŵĞĚŝĂƚĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďŝůŝƚLJ͘

Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com B.E Civil Engineer having 10 years experience (04 years in Oman) looking for a suitable placement NOC available.

Contact: 98065360 Email: shafeeqahmedr@gmail.com Indian, looking for work building maintenance electrical & plumbing. Contact: 99365092 Looking for a suitable job (4 yrs experience) electrical engineer.

Contact: 96649586 Email: sattarali863@yahoo.com Electrical engineer Indian male 30 years , having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in Indian ( MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com An Indian male HSE professional 9yrs experience out of 6yrs in Oman 3 yrs in India. Graduate, safety diploma, IOSH & NEBOSH . Working as Sr. HSE officer in a reputed MNC in MCT. NOC available, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 90187224 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598 29 yrs Indian male B.E (ECE) with more than 5 yrs experience in Oman with valid D/L. # 96652145 Electronics & Communication Engineer : Master degree in VLSI & Embedded systems , looking for electronics/telecom/embedded jobs or teaching in colleges or schools or institutions . Currently on family visa. #97092459 or 91342287 remyaramaswamy1991@gmail.com Robotics/Embedded Systems Engineer, Masters in Electronics Engineering, experience in software field & robotics, seeks suitable opportunities.

Email: mariaannajoseph@gmail.com Mob: 91306841 Electrical Project Engineer 5 years experience in primacy substation cables and OHL valid driving license. NOC available.

Contact: 91204243 QA Engineer 5+ years experience executing ISO internal audit implement QA document. NOC available.

Contact: 95361454 Email: mohamedshalifawaz@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer with 5 years experienced AutoCAD primavera & GIS Arabic & English language looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 91340584

Electrical Engineer ( B.Tech) Indian female 4 years experience in India presently located at Al Ghubra on family visa. Contact: 97228117 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1Year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 97416564, Email: jovinmathias@gmail.com Indian male 24 yrs bachelor mechanical 2 yr experience looking for job. Contact: 95179021 /96974981 Email: atharhussain54@gmail.com Indian male diploma Civil Engineer having total 6 years experience in building continuation looking for suitable job. Contact- 94257287 Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656 Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com Female Engineer material / controller 3 years experience in road companies, with D/L. Contact: 98001764 Civil Engineer (Diploma) looking for urgent placement (final exit).

Contact: 95200650 Need for job Generator Mechanic 2 years auto diesel cores, exp. 7 years Pakistan 1 and half years in Oman oil filed. Contact: 92849823

Civil Engineer with 6 years exp in Oman. Contact: 93242103 Email: mohamedf91987@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian m with good knowledge in MEP, currently in Oman on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 90154793 Email: sangu.vazhoor@gmail.com Indian female on visit visa master of engineering (M.E) in computer science with 2 years experience software trainee, worked as mathematics and IT Teacher seeking for suitable job.

Contact: 94528019 Email: indhu101291@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com Project Engineer 6 years experience in Oman, construction (site manager) fluent Arabic, English and good Hindi.

Tele 97858589 Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270 Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95345591 Sr. Civil Engineer, Indian male with 22 yrs of experience in building construction, pipeline work specialist in tendering, billing, quantity surveying with Gulf experience. contact 95225759 Email : rafiksimna@gmail.com Civil maintenance painting, tile works decor works, plumbing, electric, shop furnishing carpentary works and all other maintenance. Contact 97897831, 92112094 (Indian, Keralite)

Indian Female 25 BE.CS Engg with 2yrs Exp in Tech Support at Hewlett Packard & S/W Development at ISRO India,looking for a job in IT/TechnicalSupport/HR/ Administrative/Teaching field.

Contact : 92891427, 24128682 reshmatj@gmail.com Female 26 years B.Tech computer science with 4 yrs exp in India Tableu Qlik view hive and software testing. Looking for suitable placement. Contact – 97139075 anand20789@gmail.com B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 IT / Net work Engineer with MIT , CCNA certified CCNP and MCSE training , 2 years working experience currently on visit visa in Muscat. Contact: 94153542 Email: shahzadmahmood51@yahoo.com Indian female MCA IT 3years experience in the field of computer hardware and windows, Network Administration on visit visa.

Contact: 96730971 Email: anjuretankar@gmail.com Hardware & net working, 2 years exp. Contact: 96244031 Female, 24yrs, B-tech Computer Science, currently on visit,1yr experience and certified special training .skills in software testing,managem ent,administration,java,oracleDB,A ndroid,C++,C.seeking suitable placement.Contact:98741930, amruthamohandas515@gmail.com Indian male IT, CCNA, RHCE, MCITP, 3 years experience have GCC driving license seeking suitable position on visit visa (until 27th Dec). Contact: 93311963 Email: sajal035@gmail.com An Indian male 27yrs, B. Tech in (Computer Science) 6 years of exp in technical support, troubleshooting and managing seeks suitable placement. Contact:- 97483775, email:- mir.jak89@gmail.com

BCA & GNIIT Higher diploma in NIIT. Looking for job, .presently in Muscat oman. Looking for a suitable position, Able to get NOC from the present company. Network management in computer, software developing, Accounting.

Contact 98631210

Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com

Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975528

Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience. Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com

Age 28 years experience 2years & 8 month in IT accounting technical skill, java, J.S.P tally Peachtree M.S excel, SQL ,Working java programmer India , accountant , Dubai ,Qualification MCA, B.C.A mathematic visit visa. Contact: 95673451

EDUCATION

MISCELLANEOUS

STP Operator having 25 yrs experience in Oman. Contact: 93089468 Project Manager / Site manager two years experience with BE Civil Engineer + DAE civil technology skills Primavera 6, Ms Office, age 26 years seeking suitable job.

Contact: 94842408 Email: engrali300@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience as HVAC design engineer rev IT M.E.P AutoCAD. Contact: 91050913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.com QA/QC Engineer 10 yrs experience 7 yrs in GCC oil& gas industry looking for opportunity in Oman.

QMS Auditor CSWIP3.1, API 570 BE MECH, MBA-PM NOC available.

Contact 94663812 Email: srsaamy@hotmail.com Buyer cum expeditor having more than 7 years of experience in oil& gas sector major client Oman gas company & British petroleum, knowledge in logistics and shipping clearance. NOC available.

Contact: 98708758 Email: sakthivigneshraj@gmail.com Indian male Mechanical Engg with 6 yrs experience in MEP field, seeking suitable placement with GCC license now in visit visa.

Contact: 98086267 Email: khaleel1586@gmail.com Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97646908 Civil Supervisor, 5 yrs experience in high rise buildings worked in BP Khazzan projects. NOC available.

Contact: 96259407 Email: rp2251990@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518

Indian female M.SC B.ED qualified TEFL two years experience in gulf seeking suitable job in teaching.

Contact: 91706466 Computer Teacher M.SC Indian male 10 years teaching exp in Maldives as O level computer teacher presently located at Berha on family visa.

Contact: 94867456 / 95262691 Indian female MSC, B, ED M.PHIL currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement, 2 years experience Contact: 96916534 / 91969756 Email: aryanair23@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Indian male, 27 years BHM 7 years experience in cruise and hotel, currently on visit, seeking suitable placement.

Contact 92731145/93968437.

Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470 Dutch male qualified commercial pilot (Faa-ME-IR certified) is looking for job openings in middle east. rutjestom@outlook.com

CCNA MCITP network support /network technician with 2 years experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. Contact : 93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com

Candidate with communication & analytical skills. Contact 90187827 Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Seeking suitable job for QA/QC Inspector multi discipline, having 8 yrs exp with CSWIP 3.1 AWSCWI BGAS Grade II B.E Mech. NOC available. Contact – 97312558 / avittathoorak@gmail.com Indian male having more than 10 yrs exp in sea fright & air freight, having GCC D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact – 91714980/ medileep@gmail.com Indian male 42 years 13 years experience with Oman driving license in MEP contracting looking job store keeper / purchaser. #95197065 Indian 28 yrs, 5 years experience in purchase looking for a suitable NOC available, driving license available. Contact: 96772166 Indian Male, 34 years with 14 years oil & gas tankers sailing experience in reputed firm with Class 1 UK COC Master’s license seeking suitable placement in port/drydock/terminal facilities/ shipping and marine services.

Contact- 98842135/99090098 email:-menon.dhanesh@gmail.com

D6

S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SIT. WANTED MISCELLANEOUS

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

SALES / MARKETING

Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com

Electrician, plumber (exp gulf / Indian) looking job. Contact 95175192

Indian 18 years experience in Oman Driver cum Sales man fields NOC available. Contact: 92459603

Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 9880-5474

Required expatriate manpower goods loading & unloading labors.

For inquiry Contact: 98111363

Game operators & gardener, with at least relevant field experience.

Please send your CV to fuad@hadidmajan.com

SALES / MARKETING MEDICAL Experienced Indian female Dentist with MOH licence looking for job. Contact 98437191 Indian BDS doctor looking for a suitable position prometric passed. Contact: 90377433 MSc Bioinformatics BSc Biotechnology, 3 to 4 years experience in outsourcing related to U.S based Pharma Company regarding cheminformatics and drug designing work related to human kinases. Contact – 93871822 / anshulv45@gmail.com Experienced prometric cleared Indian female dentist seeks suitable placement in Muscat.

Contact: 94673720 /92880267 An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. # 96436517 /97396088

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR MBA (marketing) with 17 years experience in freight forwarding/ logistics industry in GCC & Oman.

Presently working as branch manager in Muscat. Looking for a suitable position. Release and NOC available. Contact: 99856331 MBA In Operations Management Indian male : MBA in Lean Operations And Systems with 3 years of experience seeks suitable placement in Oman.

Contact : 0096894369897 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. Contact: - 92385033 Indian male 8 yrs exp in Oman working as housekeeping supervisor in star hotel, seeking for a job NOC available.

Contact – 91753210 Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job. #91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com Indian male 4 years experience M.S.C Marine biotechnology, looking for Production Manager.

Contact: +919629032023 Email: evergreenram88@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business.

Contact :- 92385033

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian lady with release paper. searching for admin or accounts asst or showroom sales job.

Contact 94417080 MCA, Indian female looking for a job in admin office works.

Contact: 96370225 Secretary MBA Indian male 5 years exp in India, 1 yr exp as Secretary / document controller in tendering dept in Oman seeking urgent placement. Contact 91566118 / 93089367

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Looking for job as Mason, steel fixer, electrician. Contact: 93015630 Masonry / finishing foreman 20 years experience NOC available.

Contact: 98435309/ India + 91 9446958838 Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192

Capable confident hard working Indian male B.Com MBA looking suitable jobs. Contact – 93279943 Candidate with good communication. Contact 90187827 Indian, 38 years with 15 years in sales & marketing filed with GCC valid license. Contact: 94744746 Indian male with Oman driving license and 27 years Oman experience in FMCG sales/newspaper distribution across the Sultanate seeks job. No objection certificate/release letter is available from the present employer. Contact 98962942 Indian male 11 yrs exp in Oman looking for job in sales /mrkt, office work having Oman D/L. Contact: 99501046 Indian male 23 years with 4 years experience in Purchase and Sales, graduate in EC, currently on visiting visa, seeking suitable job in Oman. Contact: 96761020. Email: adikmuthumuttam@gmail.com Male B.com 8 month experience in sales seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98371144 Indian male graduate with 7 yrs exp in sale & marking immediate join NOC available. Contact : 96746107 Indian Male 32, MBA (Marketing & Finance) with 10 years experience in Marketing of Banking Products & Insurance Industry.

Seeking for a Job in Oman.

Contact: 93576980, 97750460 Email: senthil.cbe83@gmail.com Sales & Marketing Executive MBA with 3 years experience in sales looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91345727.

Age 26 Indian male B.Com completed 3 years outdoor sales experience, one year Gulf experience good marketing knowledge, having Oman driving license. NOC available seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98792682 Indian male sales marketing with G.C.C license 7 years exp.

Contact: 98097459 Email: shl_kami@yahoo.com Indian male with Oman driving license and 27 years’ Oman experience in FMCG sales /newspaper distribution across the Sultanate seeks job. No objection certificate/release letter is available from the present employer. Contact: 98962949 Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 9880-5474 12 years of experience in Oman; marketing strategies & operations, logistics, government tenders, public relations & dealing with international companies -4 years of experience in UK, engineering CNC & industrial areas, have dual nationality, fluent in English & Arabic speaking and writing , (I can travel abroad easily without visa, for finalizing business or any other purpose). Contact: 94123939 Indian male, MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with Driving license, Hospital Phrma Herbal Marketing, construction A/c & sales , F&B industry, Contact : 93379044 Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com Indian male 46 years, Sales Manager experience in modular kitchens & furnitures.

Contact 94522616

HOME THEATER & KARAOKE

TECHNICIAN /MECH. Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license call Ph:+968 99450811 Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com

TOURS & TRAVELS Indian female BSC IATA, 14 years exp in travel & tourism in Oman looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96433490 Email: indu623@yahoo.co.in Indian female 24 yrs, Bachelor in Travel & Tourism and 2 year exp in Oman as ticketing executive.

GDS-Sabre, Amdeus, Galilio. seeking suitable job. Contact- 95883404

MISCELLANEOUS HR & Admin Executive ( MBA) Indian male 26 year old, with more than 4 years of experiences in HR& Admin (16 month in Oman) looking for suitable placement, NOC available. Contact: +968-98757304 Email: nuroollah789@gmail.com Indian Male, 28, MBA Finance & Mcom. more than 5yrs exp. in A/c & Finance (Including 2 yrs in Oman), NOC available, Seek Suitable Placement, Contact: 93939421, email: baleeq.ams@gmail.com Indian Accounts professioanl with 2 years of experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job openings Contact: Gsm: 92395449 jaleelcabdul@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 Post graduate master of social work having 5 years experience at present visit visa seeking suitable opportunity.Contact 99876307 Planning Engineer: B.E(Electrical and Electronics Engineering): Indian Male 33 yrs with 10 years of experience in UAE & Muscat. Skilled in the areas of project coordination, planning & procurements.

Contact: 00971503529608 Email Id: saravananbe44@gmail.com 29 year Indian male B-Tech Engineering, with 6 yrs of Professional experience in Manufacturing Oil & Gas Industries seeking for a suitable placement (NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 94628362, emailmahinathdevani@yahoo.co.in MBA (F), B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for job. presently on family visit visa.

Contact :- 94704661. Email:bhumicapandya@gmail.com Indian-male 34yrs,m.Com with 14 yrs exp.( 8 Yrs in oman) working as procurement officer in contg & trdg co llc.( Worked for road,civil,electro-mechanical,corr osion,scaffolding,insulation & Others Projects in Oman ) and having Oman LT D/L, Looking for suitable placement- M:94064650, Email: nagauae@gmail.com Indian youth BA warehouse manager/sales in Oman 1 year provide NOC, OMAN Driving license holder seeks jobs.94 525213 lojikts@gmail.com.

Indian Expat female, BSc Physics and Tally ERP 9, educated with valid Oman Driving license seeks suitable position. Please contact: 0096894864575 Civil Engineer 5 Years EXP 2 years in Oman as a QS Seeking for part time job as QS. Contact - 91507508

Indian male, 24, MBA Marketing and HR, I year experience. On visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact 94014073

B Sc. Computer Application + M B A from UK With 3 years of Experience, Mumbai, India Available on Visit Visa (27Years)looking for a suitable Placement.

Contact: 94030166/ 96739581 Email ID: asokpanicker1001@gmail.com

Marketing Executive/Merchandiser, Omani License, BA 8 years Experience in Multinational Groups. Contact 97601343

Part time accountant available, well experienced in accounting up to finalization. Knowledge in tally also. contact. 92643875

BRING HOME - LIVE MUSIC & CINEMA GENERAL ELECTRONICS SERVICES LLC CONTACT: 99627299 / 93327841

SIT. WANTED MISCELLANEOUS MBA - (F), M.Com,B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. Presently on family visa. Contact :- 91892264.

Email: yashicapandya@gmail.com 31 year Indian male PG in HR with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” , looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. #90182494, Manojmallya999@gmail.com

/E> z^ͬ DKd/&^ͬ ^/'E^ tKZ<^ tĞ ŚĂǀĞ ĨƵůůLJ ĐŽŵƉƵƚĞƌŝnjĞĚ ƐƚĂƚĞ oĨ ƚŚĞ Ăƌƚ ǁĂƚĞƌ ũĞƚ ŵĂĐŚŝŶĞƐ ĨŽƌ ŵĂƌďůĞͬ ŐƌĂŶŝƚĞͬ ƉŽƌĐĞůĂŝŶͬ ĐĞƌĂŵŝĐ Ɵ ůĞ͘ /ŶůĂLJƐͬ DŽƟ ĨƐͬ ĞƐŝŐŶƐ Ăƚ ǀĞƌLJ ƌĞĂƐŽŶĂďůĞ ƌĂƚĞƐ͘ dŽ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌ LJŽƵƌ ĞŶƋƵŝƌŝĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĂďŽǀĞ ǁŽƌŬ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗

Dƌ͘ ZĂǀŝ ϵϲϱϮϵϲϳϵ Žƌ Dƌ͘ KƐĂŵĂ ,ĂƐĂŶ ϵϵϯϳϲϬϮϬ ŵĂŝů͗ ƌĂǀŝΛĂůůŝĞĚŽŵĂŶ͘ĐŽŵ Žƌ ŽƐĂŵĂŚĂƐĂŶϳΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

Indian male, totally 8+ years experience in IT Assistant, 5 Years in Oman, Looking for a suitable position in Oman, Holding Oman Driving license & also NOC is available. Contact: 98248024, email- bala.abins@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3 yrs exp. in IT / networking/ server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 ACCA (Associate Certified Chartered Accountant) with 2 years experience. Looking for opportunities in Finance, Accounts. Presently Available in Oman for Personal interviews -# 96124257, 93692578.

Email at naeemnoe5@gmail.com Indian male, QA/QC Instrument Inspector, 8 years exp in GCC, on visit visa. # 92430370 Email: rajeshgcc.kumar@gmail.com, Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052366.

Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, Experienced in Logisitics (Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) Contact; 90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com Male 27, BCA, Diploma in Networking, CCNA certified engineer, 4 years experience in IT support & networking seeks job.

Contact-90193811 Indian female, 27, food technologist (MSc Food Technology), 2years experience in research and development - instant foods, seasonings. Contact -93987174 email :mayacnair@outlook.com 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact 93790601 Project Manager in Mechanical Engg. (M.sc.) with 8 years experience in Building Construction, oil & gas seeking jobContact - 94625598 (nima.azimzadeh@gmail.com) Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logistics and Shipping Management, Experienced in Logistics(Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement.

Currently on visit visa (Oman) Contact; 90291092 email: iyas.adhur@gmail.com Driver Cum Salesman Professional, Indian male having 7 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving License working as a Office Driver, Looking for a suitable Position, NOC available.

Contact: 99680429 Email:anzarkutty1975@gmail.com

TRANSPORTATION

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

53"/41035"5*0/ 7 Ton/ 10 Ton- Trailer Local transport- MCT- UAE

Contact 96609857 Amir Ali Transportation & tours. Contact: 99324045 Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact: 99099714 Transportation available Ruwi Seeb. Contact 99867456 Transportation. Contact: 98505294

Required expatriate partner or investor, to invest various commercial fields. For inquiry.

Contact : 98209820 We will register LLC. trade license for foreign investors and do all actions. Contact: 92833566

SITUATION WANTED 31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com MBA(HR & Marketing) & B.Com, Indian male 28 yrs,2 yrs exp. in Qatar, having oman driving license, currently on family visa (NOC available).looking for hr, admin, assistant accountant, marketing & sales job in salalah.

Contact:98138376, email: subinabraham87@gmail.com Software Engineer , Oracle EBS R-12 Technical Consultant 9 Years Experience. HRMS/ Payroll, Education, Hotel, Textile, Shipping Container Terminal.

Email: sziahussain@hotmail.com.

Contact 97912264

Indian male 25 yrs, MBA (Finance, Marketing), Overall 2 yrs exp in Accounts/Finance field, On Visit Visa. Immediately available.

Contact - 92989197/94786544. abdulqhizer2004@gmail.com Indian male, 11 years exp. in accounting, knowledge in tally also.

Looking for a part time job.

Contact. 98983122 Indian male 24yrs, B. tech in (Computer Science) 4 years of exp in technical support, sales and networking, seeks suitable placement. Contact:- 95955696, email:- mir.jak89@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3 yrs exp. in IT/ networking/ server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532

S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE TOURS

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

DRIVING

CLASSES Learn driving with professional.

Contact: 94022250

*&-54 13&1"3"5*0/ MANPOWER

MANPOWER dŝůĞ DĂƐŽŶƐ͕ DĂƐŽŶƐ͕ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐŝĂŶƐ͕ WůƵŵďĞƌƐ͕ &ĂůƐĞ ĞŝůŝŶŐ ͬ 'LJƉƐƵŵ tŽƌŬƐ ĂŶĚ ĂƌƉĞŶƚĞƌƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ŝŵŵĞĚŝĂƚĞůLJ ŽŶ >ĂďŽƌ ƐƵƉƉůLJ ďĂƐŝƐ͘ /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ƉĂƌƟ ĞƐ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ

'^D͗ ϵϲϳϳϱϬϮϯ ͬ ϵϲϳϳϱϬϮϰ

Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

MATRIMONIAL Rose Mary age 25 yrs Born Oman, B.com 2 years ACCA, MBA. Contact: 92841175 T.C.R. EKM .DT. Only Kerala RC boy 31 yrs paramedical working in Oman hailing from Tellichery Dioces. Contact: 92866673 Keralite, Thiruvananthapuram based “Young and Handsome Boy”, Hindu – Viswakarma (Carpenters), Birth Star – Pooyam, MCA, 29 years(05/11/1985, 01.30 AM), 176 cm height, Wheatish colour, Moderate family, Working as ‘Commercial Assistant’ in a reputed automotive company. seeking alliance of girls from the suitable family. Contact: Rejeesh - 92801583, 94238934, Shanmughan - +919895891202, +914712619230

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

IELTS & TOEFL Academic / General Target Band 8 TQT Institute.

Ph # 24480800 / 99347202

WEBSITE

COMPUTER

RCSC MOH Nurse working in Ministry hospital Sur seeking suitable alliance from Keralite Malayalees Christian boys (preference in Muscat, well educated). Contact: Gince Sebastian 98055621 / 97929487

^ Zs/ ^ tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020

Kerala Ezhava boy 28 years MBA working in Oman seeking suitable alliance. Contact: 98185755 23 Years Malayalee Christian girl born & educated in Bangalore, seeking suitable alliances from well settled Keralite Malayalee Christian boys. Contact - 99494371

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 98342990 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

GOOD NEWS Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723

AL RAZI AYURVEDIC CLINIC EĞĂƌ <Śŝŵũŝ DĂƌƚ͕ D ƌĞĂ͕ ZƵǁŝ KƵƌ LJƵƌǀĞĚŝĐ dƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ďŚLJĂŶŐĂŵ͕ <ŝnjŚŝ DĂƐƐĂŐĞ͕ ^ŚŝƌŽĚŚĂƌĂ͕ sĂƐƟ ͕ hĚǁĂƌƚŚŶĂŵ ϱϬй ŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽŶ ĨƵůů ďŽĚLJ ŵĂƐƐĂŐĞ͘

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ϮϰϴϭϰϮϮϮ Žƌ ϵϳϭϭϮϱϭϬ ĨŽƌ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ

FOR HIRE

Balloons beautiful design & Archie’s works for party, birthday & New Year functions all events.

Contact 95194801/96594592 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Car with driver available for rent.

Contact: 93015630

Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Marble grinding resurfacing & ceiling crystallization / polishing general cleaning of villas & flats.

Terrazzo floor scrubbing, ceiling, polishing & buffing.

Contact: 98598280 /94134784

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact : 93769089 / 95323517

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/ 24792998

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130

Debt collection services your money we collect value commercial services. Fax: 0096824783669 Contact: 009682479815 /00968- 24701422 /00968- 94665476 Email: salim@valuedbtcollection.com

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

House shifting. Contact: 99657644/98518013

D8

S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 0, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

ABDULHAKIM AL BIMANI TRADING & CONTRACTOR Expert in Shipping cargo by sea & air to Zanzibar, Pemba, Dar es Salam in Tanzania, Burundi, The Philippines, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

Reasonable price.

Contact: 97440625/95416662 Email: abdulhakimalbimani@hotmail.com

NRI

RENT A CAR

royal castles

vakathanam, kottayam Luxurious villas in a Gated community with all the modern facili es at Vakathanam By-Pass (MC road-NH 220) Web: www.royalcastles.in email: info@royalcastles.in +968 92855909, +91 9961 11 9988 Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District, walk able distance to existing colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price.

Contact – 0091 8686631669 Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune 95272138,(+918390982975) Rental car. Contact: 92516090

AVAILABLE

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

AVAILABLE Available office space in Prime location on 18th November Street, Azaiba Kindly. Contact: 99288664

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

FOR LADIES Home service for ladies only facial, waxing, body massage, (if you not waxing menicure pedicure) only 20 Riyal, Contact 9243 0239

LOST MD Rubel has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. C 1650811. Finder please hand over to ROP. Raheel Arshad has lost Pakistani Passport No. BU 1911021. Finder please hand over to ROP