Times of Oman - January 21, 2016

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6 085010 120010 FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

To the students of Sultan Qaboos University, 2000

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ During the ministerial meeting of Indian Ocean Rim States - an association we have long worked for and which has been achieved thanks to God’s good grace - I spoke personally to the group and told them that the ocean unites us, its waters unite us, the resources it contains belong to us all and that it is up to us to conserve them. A number of joint schemes and programmes are due to be prepared on the best ways of conserving and exploiting these resources.

THURSDAY, January 21, 2016 / 11 Rabi Al Thani 1437 AH timesofoman.com

ASSIGNED BY HIS MAJESTY

Oman takes part in Davos meeting DAVOS: Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Dr. Salim bin Nasser Al Isma’eeli, Chairman of the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa), took part in the 46th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF), which began in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

The four-day event discusses the progress in the information and digital technologies, innovation and the contribution of this

progress in upgrading the lives of communities and human development, in addition to highlighting the global challenges, such as healthcare and food security.

WEF is an annual event in which top international economic decision makers, as well as a number of politicians and representatives of the non-government organisations take part to exchange views on various issues. -ONA

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‘Expect VAT in 2017 to shore up economy’ To earn additional revenue, a Majlis

Value Added Tax around the world

Nordic countries have high VAT rates

Sweden

25%

Standard rates

China

World highest VAT rate

18%

Saudi Arabia Qatar

Hungary

GCC

China

27%

the final stages of

17%

Kuwait Bahrain

Nepal

13%

British Virgin Islands

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com

Princess Beatrice to speak at Oman’s .Open Minds conference

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Struggling economies With crude prices touching alltime low, economists in Oman and neighbouring countries have been stressing the need for VAT’s implementation to cushion the struggling economies.

Governments in all the GCC countries have been working on a model which could be implemented across the members simultaneously.

Bermuda

UK

Australia

20%

10%

Venezuela

MUSCAT: As 2016 is set to be a challenging year for everyone, Oman Air announced it will be increasing the frequency of flights this year and will introduce new destinations.

Chief Operating Officer, Abdul

Cayman Islands Anguilla Gibraltar Turks and Caicos Islands

15%

Guernsey Turkey

New Zealand

18%

Alaska

15%

Montana US

Argentina

21%

Second lowest tax rate in Asia, after Taiwan (5%)

According to the Shura member, once implemented, the VAT amount would be about three to five per cent, with foodstuff and certain other products to be exempted from the tax.

“Through the introduction of VAT, we estimate that Oman will

5.5%

be able to earn between OMR200 million and OMR300 million extra every year,” the Shura member added.

Nasser Saidi, a GCC-based economist, said VAT is the most notable reform that Oman and its neighbours could adopt to boost

Oregon New Hampshire

India

Delaware

Graphics

revenue, while Manjot Sing Chug, a business tax advisor in Muscat, said given the current oil prices, the implementation of VAT is likely to be accepted as a positive measure for diversifying and strengthen the governments’ revenue base. >A6 TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Oman Air to raise frequency, flights tariqh@timesofoman.com

British Overseas Territory

Bangladesh

12%

NEW YEAR PLANS

TARIQ AL HAREMI

UAE

Oman Mexico

16%

MUSCAT: Value Added Tax (VAT) will be introduced in Oman by the middle of next year, or even earlier, a member of the Majlis Al Shura’s economic committee has told the Times of Oman.

“Implementation of VAT is in the final stages. Oman is working out a mechanism on how to collect the tax. So, by the mid2017, we can expect VAT being introduced in Oman,” Tawfiq Al Lawati said.

Hong Kong

Russia

the VAT plan is in implementation

VAT-free countries and territories Macao

Al Shura member confirmed that

France was the first to introduce VAT on April 10, 1954. Some critics say that the poor pay more, as a percentage of their income than the rich

Rahman Al Busaidi, said, “2016 is a challenging year yet exciting”, as he expressed his delight at the increase in the number of flights to international destinations.

Following a deal signed with Indian aviation authorities, Oman Air has now increased its passenger seats per week to more than 5,000, resulting in the doubling of

‘Visa ban on expats to hurt Omani market’

daily flights to both Cochin and Bangalore, as well as increasing frequency to Lucknow. Flights to Jaipur have also been increased from seven flights a week to 10.

Flights to London, have also increased with a second daily flight starting from March 27, where Oman Air will depart from Muscat at 1 am. >A6, See also >A3

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Tightening of the two-year visa ban on expatriates in Oman will impact the market, said a Chamber of Commerce official. >A5

WORLD

BOOST TO TOURISM

Licence for Oman’s first low-cost carrier Times News Service MUSCAT: An air services operator licence has been awarded to Muscat National Development & Investment Company, Asas, to establish the Sultanate’s first lowcost carrier.

Awarded by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, this new venture is anticipated to fuel economic growth underpinned by strong air traffic demand which is expected to grow by 40 per cent by 2019.

Eng. Khalid bin Hilal Al Yahmadi, CEO of Asas, said, “At Asas, our aim is to become one of the main development and investment arms for the government and pension funds in the country.

“To that end, we have identified a portfolio of potential development projects for the next 5 to 10 years across various industries.

One of the core sectors is tourism and we are adopting an integrated approach that covers its entire supply chain of which transporta-

tion plays an instrumental role as an enabler for the development of the economy in general and tourism in particular.”

He added, “The national budget airline will provide access to economical and efficient means of transport and advance the aviation sector in Oman. It will naturally complement our diverse projects that will soon come on stream, including our real estate and entertainment projects to maximise impact and generate

sustainable returns. The growth of the aviation sector in the region is what drove us to explore the sector and create value for Oman.”

Established in 2014, Asas’s mandate is on identifying new investment opportunities and intelligent solutions that enrich the quality of life of people in Oman.

The company’s business model revolves around collaborating with public and private sectors efforts in tourism, logistics, healthcare and education.

Israel plans to grab West Bank farmland

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Israel plans to appropriate a large tract of agricultural land in the occupied West Bank. >A15

MARKET

Sohar freezone master plan in 2016

3

Freezone Sohar will finalise its master plan to develop a huge area of 4,500 hectares of land by the middle of this year. >B1

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

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The accused have been charged with abducting, beating and stealing the mobile phone and purse of the Asian man.

Spokesman, Royal Oman Police

CHILDREN’S REHABILITATION CENTRE A memorandum of understanding was signed on Wednesday at the office of His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Honorary chairman of the Association for the Welfare of Children with Disabilities, between the Association and Al Habib & Co., by which the latter will fund the construction of a rehabilitation centre in the Wilayat of Al Mesana’ah for children with disabilities. — ONA

ROP CRIME FILE

Five arrested for abduction Times News Service MUSCAT: Five people have been arrested in South Batinah on the charge of robbery, abduction and beating up their colleague, according to the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

A top ROP official in South Batinah region said a team had been constituted to investigate the case.

The accused have been charged with abducting, beating and stealing the mobile phone and purse of the Asian man.

The victim was driven to Sur, held captive and his family was asked to pay a ransom. Subsequently, the accused were arrested, the ROP source said.

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Oman Air strong show boosts 2016 prospects

.OPEN MINDS FORUM

Muscat to host top thought leaders

Working to boost Omanisation percentage in 2016: CEO

Owing to the hard work of the commercial and

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operational teams,

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Oman Air was able to reduce that loss to OMR13.8 per passenger in 2015, the CEO said

Oman Air Chief Executive Officer, Paul Gregorowitsch. — ONA

TARIQ AL HAREMI

new equipment and buildings being constructed for Oman Air, Gregorowitsch is eyeing an 11.2 per cent in capital growth, including a 14.1 per cent growth in passengers and a 50 per cent growth in cargo. The Oman Air chief said the loss per passenger will further reduce from OMR13.8 in 2015 to OMR6.83 in 2016.

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman Air is becoming less dependent on government support, due to its recent strong performance, which has also helped reduce losses for the airline. According to Oman Air’s financial results for 2015, loss per passenger was reduced by 42 per cent, owing to changes in fuel prices. In 2014, the government provided OMR130 million in financial support to Oman Air, which was then reduced to OMR54 million in 2015.

“Owing to the hard work of the commercial and operational teams, we were able to reduce that loss to OMR13.8 per passenger in 2015,” said Oman Air Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Paul Gregorowitsch, where the loss per passenger was OMR24 in 2014.

Looking ahead at 2016, Oman Air is planning to achieve a further 45 per cent reduction in loss per passenger. Government support will also be reduced to OMR35 million, compared with last year.

Despite the heavy capital cost,

Passenger traffic Oman Air’s passenger traffic is expected to surge 142 per cent to touch 22 million passengers by 2034, according to IATA. The Sultanate’s economy is also set to grow by 6.2 per cent on an average for the next two decades and by 2034 it will see approximately 22 million passengers annually, according to an IATA spokesperson.

The Middle East region as a whole is set to be the joint-fastest growing region, along with the Asia-Pacific, at 4.9 per cent a year on average until 2034.

“That will lead to an extra 237 million passengers en-route to, from and within the region for a total market size of 383 million passengers,” Gregorowitsch told

MUSCAT: Oman Air will aim to ramp up its Omanisation percentage in 2016 from 2015, which will see the national carrier recruiting more Omani employees in the company in order to maintain the rate set by the government.

Oman Air’s “Shape and Size” programme will remain effective throughout 2016, supporting increased efficiency and ongoing cost reductions throughout the company.

In addition, Oman Air will increase the percentage of Omani citizens it employs from 62 per cent in 2015 to 63 per cent in 2016, in line with its commitment to the Sultanate’s policy of Omanisation.

Supporting enhanced employment opportunities in Oman will also be achieved through Oman Air’s continuing investment

the Times of Oman (TOO). Aviation experts said the growth is foreseeable, with more airlines joining the Muscat skyline and Oman Air going on an expansion spree by buying new aircraft and introducing new destinations, such as Goa, Dhaka, besides increasing flights to several destinations in India.

Gregorowitsch also revealed that the government has sup-

G L O B A L S H A P E R S M U S C AT F O RU M

PANEL DISCUSSION: Major issues, such as injecting ambition in youth, the purpose behind being an entrepreneur, and starting and sustaining businesses in the current economic conditions were discussed. - Picture by AR Rajumar/Times of Oman

Top experts discourage fear of any economic downturn STAFF REPORTER

MUSCAT: Don’t fear the economic downturn; there will be more opportunities, said panellists during a discussion on the subject of “Igniting Entrepreneurship,” an initiative by Global Shapers Muscat.

The Global Shaper’s Muscat hub organised the discussion for its representation at Shaping Davos 2016, a platform created by the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, to draw light to the existing issues in a region, which would be relayed at the Davos annual meet from January 20 to 23.

According to the panel members, more research and development institutions are required for bridging the opportunity gaps.

“Institutions, such as Injaz are needed more, because one is not enough for a whole nation,”

the panel suggested. The panel included Abdullah Al Jufaili, general manager of Sharakah, Dr Adham Al Said, partner at the Firm and assistant professor of Economics at the Sultan Qaboos University, Shabib Al Mamamri, executive director of Injaz Oman, Sharifa Al Barami, executive partner at AGSI, Rym Aoudia, president of Knowledge Oman and Mahmood Zeyad, managing director of Startup Oman and Global Shaper.

Under the patronage of the key speakers, issues, such as injecting ambition in youth, the purpose behind being an entrepreneur, starting and sustaining businesses in the current economic condition were discussed.

According to the organisers, “The primary objective of ‘Igniting Entrepreneurship’ at the Muscat hub is to place Oman’s

youth under the spotlight, discuss entrepreneurial implications, hurdles and more in a local and global context and to share the innovative solutions of the Omani youth on a global platform.”

“Igniting Entrepreneurship” also suggested that a more lucrative environment should be created for giving awards.

“With the economic challenges facing the region, entrepreneurship could not be more relevant.

Creating opportunities could be the next big challenge for our generation,” Global Shaper’s Zeyad said during the event.

“Once we have entrepreneurs by choice and not by need, we will be able to create a solid, healthy ecosystem” said Al Mamari from Injaz Oman, who has also been chosen as the virtual speaker from Oman for the Live Panel Discussion at Davos 2016.

MAJLIS AL SHURA

Committee discusses key issues MUSCAT: The agreement related to post payment services, which was referred by the Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers, was discussed by the Services and Social Development Committee at Majlis Al Shura on Wednesday, at a meeting under the chair of Sheikh Hamoud bin Ahmed Al Yahya’ee, Head of the Committee.

This discussion comes within the framework of hosting special-

ists from Oman Post Company and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).

The Committee’s members viewed the joint principles applied to the post payment services in terms of the content of the agreement, general principles, services quality and the principles associated with exchanging computer data, as well as the rules applied to the post payment services. The members also in-

quired some items of the agreement, post price for individuals, old and current companies with clarifying some reasons behind the price hike comparing to the previous periods.

The TRA specialists explained some upcoming amendments to the agreement as the agreement will be permanent. This agreement will be declared at the 26th Universal Postal Congress due to be held at Istanbul. — ONA

in the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises and support for national sustainability programs.

“We launched ‘Shape and Size’ in 2014 and it was an effort to see if we were able, on top of our nationalisation programmes and efficiencies, to save additional money,” said Oman Air Chief, Paul Gregorowitsch, adding that the airline was able to save OMR2.5 million due to the programme.

Last year, Oman Air recruited 21 Omanis to join its Cadet Training Program. It involves them undergoing initial flight training at ENAC in Toulouse, France for 18 months. If they complete the training successfully, they undertake a type rating course, which will qualify them to become members of Oman Air’s flight crew.

Meanwhile, pilot training and career development will also be enhanced following the opening of Oman Air’s own simulator building later.

ported them with OMR138 million for financing Oman Air’s expansion plans, which has resulted in an OMR420 million return in contribution to the Sultanate’s economy.

The OMR35 million in financial support from the government, which will be given to Oman Air will return OMR440 million to OMR450 million to the economy by the end of 2016.

Dr Amer Al Rawas

Ahmed bin Suwaidan Al Balushi

Princess Beatrice of York

Ruud Gullit

Times News Service MUSCAT: Second edition of the .Open Minds forum presented by AVOD (Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives) will be held on February 10 and 11, 2016 at the Ballroom of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah resort.

The two-day forum will feature some of the topmost thought leaders of the world who will provide an intellectual treat with words of wisdom and inspiring tales to all those who wish to have their minds open. The list includes entrepreneur Chris Gardner, princess Beatrice of York, Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit and a host of other top names.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Suwaidan Al Balushi, former telecom minister and Dr Amer Al Rawas, group CEO, Tasneea Oil and Gas Technology are the two main Omani speakers.

The central theme of the Open Minds forum is that an “open mind will help open doors” and the

Chris Gardner

forum sets to synergise, motivate and educate (SME) young Omani entrepreneurs,” a spokesperson from the Black & White, organisers of the event, said, adding that the event is packed with “experience, knowledge, thoughts, positivity, inspiration, attitude, entertainment and presentation”.

For more information and registration: Contact: 99620757, 95122430; email: bwopenminds@gmail.com; openminds2016@gmail.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

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WIDE SELECTION: Riyada had been invited by the Muscat Municipality to take part in the festival like in the previous years as SMEs are registered with the authority. — Pictures by Talib Al Wahaibi/Times of Oman

Omani products prove a big draw Around 96 small and medium enterprises have showcased a wide range of products on display, including garments, accessories, perfume and frankincense, electronics, dates, spices, foodstuff and handicrafts SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Visitors to the Muscat Festival, who are interested in buying Omani products, can now find local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a more organised way at the Amerat Park.

Around 96 SMEs have showcased a wide range of products on display, including garments, accessories, perfume and frankincense, electronics, dates, spices, foodstuff and handicrafts. Some companies are also offering their technical and professional services.

According to the information provided by the Public Authority for SME Development (Riyada) to the Times of Oman, this is the first time that such a section has been allocated to SMEs. Omani products were being showcased and promoted during previous editions of the festival as well, but this time they have been accommodated in buildings rather than tents.

Promoting SMEs Riyada had been invited by the Muscat Municipality to take part in the festival like in the previous years as SMEs are registered with the authority.

Given the fact that Riyada was a member of the organising committee, it was decided that this time it would take part only in Amerat Park for various reasons that would benefit the SMEs. Riyada believes that the initiative and the festival, supported by the Muscat Municipality, is a very good move which would help promote and support local companies.

According to the authority, the exhibition not only provides an opportunity for SMEs to introduce, promote and sell their products and services to visitors, but also helps local companies get to know

each other and explore ways for collaboration.

Selling products The exhibitors have received a very positive response for their products from the visitors coming to Amerat Park and are pleased with the initiative, especially be-

cause they are allowed to sell their products and generate income.

Generating revenue is obviously important for all SMEs as it helps them continue their activities in the market and grow their business further, according to Riyada.

Ahmed Al Mashani, a visitor to the SME section, hailed the initia-

tive, saying that since the Muscat Festival is an Omani festival, great emphasis should be placed on promoting local products.

“It supports the national economy and at the same time gives visitors, especially foreign tourists, a chance to buy locally produced items as souvenirs,” he added.

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‘Two-year visa ban on expats to impact market’ The new move will affect the market, which is already struggling due to the oil price fall.

A senior Chamber of Commerce and Industry official said they have tried to resolve the issue with the government and the police

FAHAD AL GHADANI & REJIMON K

fahadnews@timesofoman.com reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Tightening the twoyear visa ban imposed on expatriates in Oman will impact the market, said a Chamber of Commerce official on Wednesday.

“The new move will affect the market. Already it is struggling due to the oil price dip. Due to the new move, the market will be affected. We have tried to resolve the issue with the government and the police. However, nothing has happened,” Mohammed Hassan Al Ansi, senior official at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) said.

Two days ago, Royal Oman Police (ROP) officials said possessing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) will not ensure that an expat can return to Oman after leaving his job within two years of exit from a new job.

Many complaints filed Another ROP official said the decision was taken as there were many complaints filed with the public prosecution against the police force itself from previous

A majority of the NOCs have been issued in unskilled workers’ cases. It’s a racket.

ROP’s move will put an end to it Member Shura Council

employers as many NOC letters that were presented were fake.

A Shura member welcomed the ROP’s move and said it will reduce bad NOC practices in the market.

‘It’s a racket’ “A majority of the NOCs have been issued in unskilled workers’ cases.

It’s a racket. ROP’s move will put an end to it,” the Shura member

said. “We should understand that a skilled person will not run after the NOC. He can find a job back home or in other countries. So, why should he?” he added.

Visa request denied Meanwhile, on Wednesday an Indian expatriate confirmed from India that his new company officials’ request to possess a visa for him was denied even though a NOC was presented.

“I have left my car, money in account, and household items in the rented flat in the hope of returning to Oman on a new job. Today (Wednesday), the company is saying that they will not be able to process the visa for me even though there is a NOC. I am totally clueless about what I should do.

I have lost the job, which I had in my hand, and couldn’t manage to get a new one,” Vinay M, told the Times of Oman (TOO).

Many other expats, who left their jobs in Oman in the hope of returning, are now planning to go to the United Arab Emirates.

Re-consider their move Tonia Gray, general manager at Competence HR, said when the new rule becomes widely known, many expats may well in the first instance focus their search for employment in the other GCC countries, where the regulations are less restrictive.

Mohammed Al Khaldi, board member of the General Federation of Oman Trade Union, told TOO, “It will force workers to toe the employer’s line, which does not fall under the purview of the contract. The rule might have been implemented in a good sense to avoid workers shifting jobs frequently, but it seems it’s going to hurt the workers badly.”

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An important pillar of India’s strategic partnership with Oman is the growing mutual investment and trade. Mutual investment between the two countries has been growing and is estimated at around $7.5 billion Indra Mani Pandey, Indian envoy

5.5 PER CENT

Rial’s exchange rate index rises MUSCAT: Omani riyal exchange rate index increased by 5.5 per cent by the end of November 2015 to hit 106.3 points compared to 100.8 points in the corresponding period in 2014 reflecting the increase in its purchasing power, according to the initial statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI ).

The value of rial in circulation rose by 11.1 per cent to hit OMR1,752,700,000 by the end

of November, 2015 compared to OMR1,578,000,000 during the same period in 2014.

Narrow money supply (M1) in the Sultanate stood at OMR5,351,700,000, marking a 12.2 per cent growth over last year’s OMR4,771,200,000.

The local cash flow by the end of November jumped by 12.5per cent to hit OMR14,914,100,000 compared to OMR13,253,900,000 during the same period in 2014.-ONA

SHIMMERING SPECTACLE The shimmering spectacle at the sunset in Oman and the lengthening of shadows presents a beautiful sight to the eyes. Photographer O K Mohammad Ali captured this beautiful scene as part of the Times of Oman’s #OmanPride campaign.

SUPPORTING ECONOMY

Shura discusses ways to rationalise expenditure MUSCAT: Ways to boost the Omani economy and help the government reduce the budget deficit, rationale expenditure and encourage the private sector to play a bigger role in supporting the national economy, were discussed by Majlis Al Shura and heads of permanent committees with experts in economy, planning, banking, oil, tourism and logistics fields.

They highlighted the need to reduce the burden on expenditure on unproductive manpower in the public sector and provide more ways for retirement for those at advanced ages or transfer employees from Ministries that have excess manpower to ministries that have shortage of manpower.

It also discussed with them a number of other aspects and indicators that augment the balance of payment, reduce deficit and rationalize expenditure.

The session reviewed the mechanisms to improve the economic performance of the Sultanate and listened to their views on the current economic perfor-

mances, the challenges facing the Omani economy and the solutions that may help in containing the implications of sharp decline in oil prices.

The experts provided a number of options, including long term economic solutions rather than short term financial solutions, in addition to proposals related to preventing the exhaustion of foreign currency reserves, providing more incentives to local investors to enhance the added value of the Omani economy and introducing strict legislations and controls that prevent corporate tax evasion. These solutions hopefully can enhance the growth of the national economy.

The experts affirmed that the banking sector should play a bigger role in supporting the development plans and establishing a specialised investment bank that may contribute to diversifying sources of income.

They added that the private sector has an ideal opportunity to start economically feasible

projects. Some experts called for subsiding the added value commodities. They also hailed the government decision to increase the tax on the net profits in some sectors and lifting the subsidy on fuels and tourism activities.

They also proposed to consider providing private sector with staff working for the public sector alongside with some incentives to reduce the burden on the current budgets.

The office hosted Abdul Qadir Asqalan from the banking sector, Murtadha Hassan Ali from the economic planning sector, Eng. Said Al Maamari from oil sector, Eng. Mohammed bin Hassan Al Dheeb from the logistics sector, Loay B. Batainah from the investment sector, Eng. Ali bin Ahmed Al Barwani, from oil sector, Eng. Abdul Rahman Burham from tourism and economic development sector , Abdullah Al Shizawi an economy writer and His Highness Sayyid Adham bin Turki Al Said, economy academician.

Majlis on Wednesday held its

7th regular meeting of its first annual session (2015-2016) of its 8th term (2015/2019) under the chair of Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of Majlis Al Shura.

On the other hand, the Office reviewed the reply of the Chairman of Oman Environmental Services Holding Company S.A.O.C “be’ah” to the question about awarding a contract for consultancy services for one of the private sector companies.

Omanisation Majlis Al Shura’s Youth and Human Resources Committee discussed the Omanisation in senior positions in the private sector, highlight the major challenges and obstacles that stand in front of Omanising those positions in the private sector.

The meeting reviewed some statistics and figures on Omanisation rates in senior positions in some sectors, pointing to the need for a clear and accurate data on Omanisation and accurate job titles in all sectors in Oman.-ONA

India-Oman investment, trade rising, says envoy The mutual investment between Oman and India is growing and is estimated at around $7.5 billion Indra Mani Pandey

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: No destination is better than India for investment purposes, said Indian ambassador to the Oman, Indra Mani Pandey at a seminar recently.

“India is the best place for investment as it can provide you

the returns on whatever you have invested,” said the ambassador on the sidelines of the ‘Invest in India’ seminar.

According to the ambassador, investment between India and the Sultanate is on the rise.

OMAN AIR

A1 Flights increased < FROM

It will arrive in London at 5:30 am GMT. Return flights from London will be at 8:40 am GMT and will arrive in Muscat at 7:40 pm local time. “The arrival and departure time to London is very important because it allows Oman Air to provide convenient connections,” said Al Busaidi. Paris flights have increased from five flights per week to daily flights. Oman Air also commended Oman’s relationship with Iran where Al Busaidi said, “We will expand our operation to Iran and as you know, the relationship between Iran and Oman is very intimate and close.”

Flights to Tehran will increase from 13 flights to 21 flights per week with one wide-body aircraft to be used daily. Oman Air also announced that direct flights to Mashhad will be launched on August 1 this year. Oman Air’s new destination to China is planned to commence its flights on July 1 with 4 flights per week to Guangzhou. Al Busaidi also announced that Oman Air will add 4 new aircraft to their current fleet which includes two Boeing 787 Dreamliners and two Boeing 737.

“An important pillar of India’s strategic partnership with Oman is the growing mutual investment and trade. Mutual investment between the two countries has been growing and is estimated at around $7.5 billion,” said the ambassador.

According to the Indian embassy in Oman, the first tranche of India-Oman Joint Investment Fund of $100 million has already been invested and discussions are underway to finalise the second tranche of $300 million. There is a huge untapped potential, said the official.

The fundamentals of India’s economy remain strong and it is poised to grow at a fast pace in the future. The fast-growing economy offers immense opportunities for foreign direct and portfolio investments from Oman.

The embassy has accorded high priority to explore and uti-

lise every available opportunity to enhance interactions with the Omani business community as well as the Indian business community in Oman.

Attractive for business Even though the Omani business community is familiar with the investment opportunities in India, it has been felt that there is a need to highlight the new initiatives taken by the present Indian government, aimed at making India an attractive place to do business.

With a view to reaching out to the Omani and Indian business communities in Oman, the Indian embassy in Muscat, organised the ‘Invest in India’ seminar.

Oman’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy was the chief guest of the seminar which was held on the embassy premises.

VAT

A1 ‘Need for recurrent property tax’ < FROM

“While VAT is likely to be implemented at a uniform rate across the GCC, Oman should also plan to introduce selected excise taxes (e.g. on recreational vehicles, such as cars, boats, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, telecom services, hotels, energy products etc.),” Saidi stated.

Last December, there were media reports that countries in the GCC had agreed on key issues regarding the implementation of VAT in the region, but were still in talks about finalising and unifying the process.

“VAT cannot be implemented unilaterally, but has to be part of a Gulf-wide decision and if all GCC states agree on a deadline, then some could implement it ahead of the others,” Anchan CK, an investment advisor in Muscat, noted.

During the first week of January and while unveiling the details of the OMR3.3 billion deficit general budget, the government had focused heavily on austerity measures, such as

increasing the contribution of non-oil revenues to total revenues, reducing dependence on oil revenues and the introduction of tax reforms.

Last year in December, Majlis Al Shura had voted yes for a 3 per cent increase in corporate income tax.

Corporate income tax The current corporate income tax for companies, which is 12 per cent, was raised to 15 after approved by the State Council this month.

According to Saidi, in addition to VAT, a recurrent property tax could also be levied, given the difficulty in evasion and potentially large base; plus, the tax could be extended to vacant land, as was implemented recently in Saudi Arabia.

“Furthermore, the government could move towards a more efficient, equitable pricing of public services and utilities, as was done in Abu Dhabi last year,” he added.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

REGION

‘Dubai hotel fire caused by short-circuit’ In a presentation to media, police officials said there had been no trace of any flammable liquids such as petrol at the site of the blaze, which occurred before a

TOWERING INFERNO: People run away as a fire engulfs The Address Hotel in downtown Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on December 31, 2015. — Reuters

New Year’s event

DUBAI: The fire which engulfed one of Dubai’s most prominent hotel skyscrapers ahead of New Year fireworks was caused by an electrical short-circuit, Dubai’s police chief said on Wednesday.

In a presentation to media, police officials said there had been no trace of any flammable liquids such as petrol at the site of the blaze at the 63-storey hotel and residential block, close to the world’s tallest building.

“The direct cause was an electrical short-circuit,” police commander Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina told reporters.

He declined to say whether the cladding - layers fixed to the outside of buildings for decoration, insulation or protection - had affected the development of the fire, and directed queries about building materials to the Dubai Civil Defence authority.

Flames shot skywards from one

The Address Downtown Dubai building was quickly evacuated with only minor injuries reported, and authorities went ahead with a New Year’s fireworks display at the 160-storey Burj Khalifa tower a few hundred metres away

side of the luxury Address Downtown Dubai, owned by developer Emaar Properties which stands across a plaza from the Burj Khalifa tower where people had gathered for the fireworks show.

In a statement, Dubai police said the short-circuit which caused the fire occurred in an area between the 14th and 15th floors of the hotel at around 21.25 local time.

On the night, television pictures showed pieces of blazing

debris raining down from The Address as evacuated occupants hurried away from the building, some running.

Emaar said on January 3 the fire should have “no material impact” on the company because the building and risk of fire were covered by its insurance.

The company also said it had hired a local contractor, Dubaibased DUTCO Group, as a contractor to clear and restore the building. — Reuters

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016 With this satellite in place, within our country we will be able to get 24/7 provisional a good positional accuracy A. S. Kiran Kumar, ISRO chairman

INDIA

India puts fifth navigation satellite into earth’s orbit IRNSS-1E is the fifth navigation satellite in the IRNSS space system, comprising seven satellites, which would be on par with US-based GPS once the full complement of spacecraft is launched

SRIHARIKOTA: India on Wednesday successfully launched its fifth navigation satellite IRNSS-1E on-board the workhorse PSLV-C31 here, taking another step to join a group of nations equipped with own satellite navigation systems like the United States-based Global Positioning System (GPS).

In a precise textbook launch, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C 31 blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) here, about 110km from Chennai at 9.31am and released the satellite into the orbit 19 minutes and 20 seconds later.

Team congratulated President Pranab Mukherjee congratulated the ISRO team on the launch. “Heartiest congratulations to ISRO team on the successful launch,” he said.

Lauding the “dynamism and determination” of ISRO scientists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said they have made the country

BLAST OFF: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s PSLV-C31 carrying IRNSS-1E takes off dur-

ing its launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Wednesday. - PTI

proud. “Congratulating the dynamism & determination of @ isro & our scientists on successful launch of PSLV C31 & putting IRNSS-1E in orbit precisely”, he said on twitter.

“Spoke to the scientists at @ isro & congratulated them on their accomplishment today. Our scientists keep making us proud”, Modi said.

IRNSS-1E is the fifth navigation satellite in the IRNSS space system, comprising seven satellites, which would be on par with US-based GPS once the full complement of spacecraft is launched.

As the rocket soared into the clear blue sky at the end of the 48 hour countdown, all the four stages of PSLV executed their functions as programmed, to the joy

of ISRO scientists at the mission control centre.

After the satellite’s injection into geo synchronous transfer orbit (GTO), the two solar panels of IRNSS-1E will be automatically deployed in quick succession.

The Master Control Facility in Hassan (Karnataka) would then take control of the satellite to perform orbit raising operations.

Though the earlier four satellites would be sufficient to start operations of the IRNSS system, the remaining three would make it more “accurate and efficient”, he said.

Congratulating the ISRO team for the success of the launch, a beaming ISRO Chairman A. S. Kiran Kumar said, “Today with this new year we are starting the

Indian Regional Navigation Satellite fifth launch, fifth of the seven satellite constellation.

“With this satellite in place, within our country we will be able to get 24/7 provisional a good positional accuracy”.

Plan On the future launches, Kiran Kumar said, “We have a long way to go. This year we are planning to launch the earth observation satellites. Let me congratulate the entire ISRO team for the work they have done and we are having a long way to go.

“We have got two more satellites to be launched in this constellation, which would happen in next couple of months”, he said from the Mission Control Centre.

He said the ISRO scientists intended to complete this year the launch of GSLV-Mark III which will carry heavier satellites into geo-stationary transfer orbits.

“And, we have a long way to go.

And I would like to remind all my colleagues, while we have started the new year with success, we need to dedicate ourselves for completing the task on hand”, he said.

Mission Director B. Jayakumar said, “ISRO starts the New Year with a grand success. IRNSS-1E has been injected very precisely into the intended orbit. We have employed the most powerful vehicle for this launch with that able to carry the satellites. We have three variants in PSLV and with this launch we have completed 33 launches in PSLV.” “With this, the uniqueness is 11,11,11. The core alone version 11xL variant is 11 and generic variant is 11. It is first Mission for ISRO in new year”, Jayakumar said. IRNSS-1E has configuration similar to its predecessors IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and carries two types of payloads — navigation and ranging payloads.

The navigation payload will transmit navigation service signals to the users and operating in L5-band and S-band, while the other comprises a C-band transponder that facilitates accurate determination of the satellite range.IRNSS-1E has a lift-off mass of 1,425 kg and carries Corner Cube Retro Reflectors for laser ranging and a highly accurate rubidium atomic clock (also part of the navigation payload of the satellite).

The four satellites already launched include IRNSS-1A on July 1, 2013, IRNSS-1B on April 4, 2014, IRNSS-1C on October 16, 2014, IRNSS-1D on March 28, 2015. ISRO scientists plan to put all the seven navigation satellites in to the orbit by March 2016.

The mission life of IRNSS-1E is 12 years. - PTI

ALLEGED PLOT

Four ‘terror suspects’ arrested in Haridwar NEW DELHI: With the arrest of four persons with suspected IS links from Manglour in Uttarakhand, Delhi Police on Wednesday claimed to have unearthed a terror plot to target the ongoing Ardh Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, particularly trains heading there and some strategic locations in the national capital.

The suspects, identified as Akhlaq ur-Rehman, Mohammed Osama, Mohammed Azim Shah and Mehroz were arrested from Manglour town in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar district on Tuesday and produced in a court here on Wednesday which sent them to 15 days’ police custody, Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Arvind Deep said.

“The four suspects were tracked down with inputs from a central intelligence agency. They had planned to carry out terror attacks at the Ardh Kumbh mela, trains heading towards Haridwar passing through Roorkie and some strategic locations in Delhi,” Deep said.

Questioned According to sources, the suspects were allegedly in contact of a former Indian Mujahideen operative, who later went for training in Syria and is presently believed to be a key member of Ansar-ut Tawhid fi Bilad al-Hind (AuT) which has pledged allegiance to the IS. One of the suspects, Akhlaq, is also being questioned in connection with the attacks at Pathankot.

Meanwhile, their involvement in all possible networks, including the AuT-IS, is being verified, the source said.

The suspects have been booked under provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Special Commissioner Arvind Deep refused to comment on the outfit which the suspects belong to but said, “The national capital faces threat until the entire module is busted.” - PTI

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WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM ANNUAL MEETING

India can grow at 8-9% in friendlier global market: FM DAVOS: With global headwinds hitting emerging markets as well, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said volatility has become a global norm, but India can certainly grow at 8-9 per cent in a friendlier global climate.

The view was echoed by business leaders from India and other countries here at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting even as they felt that not “all perfect storms” in the world today would hit the Indian economy.

“Certainly, the world is facing a difficult and challenging situation. I don’t think we are going into extreme conditions because there is predictability but volatility today is the norm and no country is immune to it,” Jaitley said.

Admitting that exports have shrunk, currencies and stock markets are impacted, Jaitley said at a panel discussion here on the India growth story that the government is always trying to prepare itself to meet such challenges.

“The fact is we are (the) fastest growing economy, but we can do much better. Given a better climate and global situation, we can do much better. In a friendly global environment, we can do it (8-9 per cent).

“We had two bad monsoons while domestic and global issues impacted several sectors and that in turn has impacted banks.

“We are growing at 7-7.5 per cent. In a more favourable environment, getting an extra 1-1.5 per cent is not difficult,” he said.

The finance minister said “oil prices have helped us replan the government expenditure.

One of the biggest reforms that have happened today is rationalisation of subsidies”.Speaking in the same session, noted economist Nouriel Roubini, widely known as Dr Doom because of his earlier predictions, said he

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INDIA

Irani: Do not instigate students on caste lines The minister sought to do damage control by addressing a press conference when she accused political rivals of trying to ignite passion on caste lines and asserted that Vemula’s suicide

We are growing at 7-7.5 per cent. In a more favourable environment, getting an extra 1-1.5 per cent is not difficult Arun Jaitley Finance minister

does not see a global financial crisis like that of 2008 imminent, but there are risks on several fronts and there are “many perfect storms”.

“There are proxy wars in various parts of the world.Fall in oil prices should be a positive for the global economy, but the reality is it is leading to sharp negative reactions in various markets, including in India,” he added.

He said falling commodity prices are a net positive for India, but low oil prices also present a risk to its growth. - PTI

was not a Dalit versus non-Dalit issue

HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI: Under attack over the suicide of a dalit student, HRD Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday launched a counter offensive accusing rivals of instigating students across the country on caste lines even as political leaders made a bee line to Hyderabad University.

Claiming that an attempt was being made to project the issue as dalit versus non-dalit confrontation, she also dismissed the demand for her resignation.

The other minister under the scanner, Bandaru Dattatreya, whose letter to her is blamed as one of the reasons for the suicide of dalit student Rohith Vemula, said that as a local MP he had only forwarded a letter of complaint.

Demanding legal action BSP chief Mayawati demanded legal action against the two union ministers and Vice Chancellor Appa Rao over the suicide as a host

HITTING BACK: Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani along with her cabinet colleagues Vijay Sanpla, Thawarchand Gehlot and Nirmla Sitaraman address a press conference on the suicide of young research scholar Rohith Vemula in the University of Hyderabad, in New Delhi on Wednesday. - PTI

of leaders including CPI(M)’s Sitaram Yechury, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’ Brien and YSR Congress President Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy visited the university and met the agitating students.

“The Human Resource Development minister has to go,” Yechury said. Students belonging to proCPI All India Students Federation tried to hold a demonstration near the residence of Dattatreya.

A delegation of NDA ally Lok Janshati Party led by party MPs Ramchandra Paswan and Chirag Paswan also met the protesting students and demanded a compensation of Rs5 million to the next kin of the deceased Vemula and strict punishment for those responsible.

After keeping a low profile for two days, Irani sought to do damage control by addressing a press conference in the capital when she accused political rivals of trying to ignite passion on caste lines and asserted that Vemula’s suicide was not a dalit versus non dalit issue.

Flanked by three Union Ministers (Thaawar Chand Gahlot, Nirmala Sitharaman and Vijay Sampla), the HRD minister said “An effort is on to instigate students all over the country. My appeal is, please do not instigate students and communities deliberately. Claiming that “there has been a malicious attempt to ignite passion and present this as a caste battle which it is not.”

Advocating restraint, she said, “it is very easy to ignite passions and then regret.”

Attacking Congress, Irani said “Congress wants to shoot politically on the issue, which is expected but unfortunate.”

Asked about the demand for her resignation, she said “they (rivals) need to look at these reports (protocol on VIP communications). I want to reply to Rahul Gandhi’s statement only through these reports.”

As opposition parties targeted the government over the suicide, the minister reminded that the

ABVP student, who was attacked in student rivalry earlier, also belonged to the OBC community as was Dattatreya, who had written a letter to her about the attack.

Seeking to turn the table on Congress, Irani also cited a letter written to her by Congress MP V Hanumantha Rao in November 2014 and said he has also mentioned about suicides of students of marginalised sections that had been happening in the University during the past four years.

“Why did the Congress not debate and fix the issue then? Why it is debating it now?, she asked adding “the Congress MP says it’s not a new problem but one that persisted for four years.

If they (Congress) had fixed the problem four years ago, perhaps Rohith would have been alive,” the minister said.

Irani also produced a certified copy of the suicide note of Rohith to say that it did not mention any university official, political organisation or any MP. - PTI

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

PAKISTAN 19 killed as Taliban rebels attack varsity in northwestern Pakistan A security official said the death toll could rise to as high as 40 at the Bacha Khan University while the army said it had concluded operations to clear the campus six hours after the attack began

CHARSADDA/ISLAMABAD: Armed militants stormed a university in volatile northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, killing at least 19 people and wounding dozens a little more than a year after the massacre of 134 students at a school in the area, officials said.

A senior Pakistani Taliban commander claimed responsibility for the assault in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province but an official spokesman later denied involvement.

The violence nevertheless shows that militants retain the ability to launch attacks, despite a country-wide anti-terrorism crackdown and a military campaign against their strongholds along the lawless border with Afghanistan.

A security official said the death toll could rise to as high as 40 at Bacha Khan University in the city of Charsadda.

The army said it had concluded operations to clear the campus six hours after the attack began and that four gunmen were dead.

A spokesman for rescue work-

CARNAGE: Pakistani rescuers shift an injured victim in an army ambulance from a hospital following an attack by militants in the Bacha Khan University in Charsadda, about 50 kilometres from Peshawar, on Wednesday. — AFP

ers, Bilal Ahmad Faizi, said 19 bodies had been recovered including students, guards, policemen and at least one teacher, named by media as chemistry professor Syed Hamid Husain.

Many of the dead were apparently shot in the head executionstyle, TV footage showed.

The militants, using the cover of thick, wintry fog, scaled the walls of the university on Wednesday morning before entering buildings and opening fire on students and

TROUBLED FINANCES

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

teachers in classrooms and hostels, police said.

Students told media they saw several young men wielding AK47 guns storming the university housing where many students were sleeping.

“They came from behind and there was a big commotion,” an unnamed male student told a news channel from a hospital bed in Charsadda’s District Hospital.

“We were told by teachers to leave immediately.

Some people hid in bathrooms.”

Poetry recital The gunmen attacked as the university prepared to host a poetry recital on Wednesday afternoon to commemorate the death anniver-

sary of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a popular ethnic Pakhtun independence activist after whom the university is named.

Vice Chancellor Fazal Rahim told reporters that the university teaches over 3,000 students and was hosting an additional 600 visitors for the poetry recital.

Umar Mansoor, a senior Pakistani Taliban commander involved in the December 2014 attack on the army school in Peshawar, claimed responsibility for

D E B AT E I N S E NAT E

Steel mill losses mount because of China imports KARACHI: Pakistan’s largest industrial unit, the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), continues to ride heavily in the red, bleeding billions in one form or another.

While bail-outs have continued to inject some life into the sick unit, stiff competition in the form of Chinese steel has dented whatever hope it had of resurrecting.

On average, Pakistan’s imports of hot-rolled coils (HRC) from China amounted to 150,000 to 175,000 tons per month since January 2015, which is more than three times the 50,000-ton monthly average in calendar year 2014.

In January last year, the government imposed 15 per cent import duty on different steel products to protect the local industry.

The list of products included billets, bars, and wire rods while 5per cent duty was also imposed on imported cold rolled coils (CRCs) and galvanised platted sheets. But the move did not help PSM because the list of products did not include HRC – the main product of PSM. The imposition of 15 per cent duty helped reduce Chinese imports in 2015 but the industry continues to demand more protection. It wants the government to slap at least 40 per cent duty on imports.

On the other hand, the government imposed 12.5 per cent duty on HRC products on March 19, 2015. PSM officials say the delay in imposing duty on HRC products helped importers in importing cheap Chinese steel in 2015.

The competition forced PSM to reduce its prices of HRC products and hence it faced losses on its inventory.

Slow economic growth and low consumption of steel in China produced a glut of steel which forced Chinese exporters to massively reduce prices of HRC products for international buyers in 2015.

PSM is at standstill since mid

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the Charsadda assault and said it involved four of his men.

He told Reuters by telephone the university was targeted because it was a government institution that supported the army.

However, later in the day, official Taliban spokesman Muhammad Khorasani issued a written statement disassociating the militants from attack.

“Youth who are studying in nonmilitary institutions, we consider them as builders of the future nation and we consider their safety and protection our duty,” the statement said.

The reason for the conflicting claims was not immediately clear.

While the Taliban leadership is fractured, Mansoor is believed to remain loyal to central leader Mullah Fazlullah.

The Pakistani Taliban are fighting to topple the government.

They are loosely allied with the Afghan Taliban who ruled most of Afghanistan until they were toppled by a US-backed military action in 2001.

By afternoon on Wednesday, the military said all four gunmen had been killed.

“The operation is over and the university has been cleared,” Pakistan army spokesman General Asim Bajwa said.

A security official close to the operation said he had seen the four gunmen’s bodies riddled with bullets.

He said none of the gunmen was wearing a suicide vest but carried guns and grenades.

Television footage showed military vehicles packed with soldiers driving into the campus as helicopters buzzed overhead and ambulances lined up outside the main gate while anxious parents consoled each other.

Shabir Khan, a lecturer in the English department, said he was about to leave his university housing for the department when firing began. — Reuters

Despite reducing its prices by 29 per cent since January 2015, the Pakistan Steel Mills has failed to compete with rampant import of Chinese steel that has grabbed a chunk of the market share last year because of the nonavailability of required gas pressure to run its plants. Meanwhile, its semi-finished products of approximately Rs6 billion which include slabs, metallurgical coke and iron ore also stand idle.

The Sindh government on Monday asked for more time to decide whether the provincial government is going to acquire PSM or not. The federal government gave a deadline of January 21 to the provincial government to decide about the acquisition.

After facing various setbacks and opposition from the Sindh government in privatising PSM, the federal government in October 2015 said the provincial government should acquire the mill if it is against its privatisation.

The federal government is under pressure from the IMF as both the troublesome cases of privatisation – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and PSM – are still unresolved mainly because of political differences.

The current management of PSM says that the mill is in a crisis because it can neither sell its finished nor semi-finished products.

The ongoing gas supply and payment of dues problem between Sui Southern Gas Company and PSM is still unresolved making the matter more complicated for PSM. — Express Tribune

Parliament should make decisions, not all-party conferences: Opposition ISLAMABAD: The opposition in the upper house of parliament on Tuesday advised the government to avoid making decisions out of the legislative assembly and, instead, make them on the floor.

Opposition leader Aitzaz Ahsan, a leader of the Pakistan People’s Party made his remarks after he was asked for his opinion on holding a discussion on concerns regarding the western route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) after Raja Zafarul Haq of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz opposed the move, saying the issue had been settled in a recent all-party conference (APC).

“Decisions are made, but it is imperative to bring them in the house for discussion,” said Ahsan, adding that decisions were being made by two men — in an obvious reference to PM Nawaz and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif.

“Decisions should be made on the floor of the house and not by individuals.”

He supported the call for holding a discussion on an admitted adjournment motion on the CPEC, saying that it would help the government clear misunderstandings.

Decisions are made, but it is imperative to bring them in the house for discussion. Decisions should be made on the floor of the house and not by individuals Aitzaz Ahsan Pakistan People’s Party leader

Senator Mohsin Leghari, who presided over the proceedings in the absence of Chairman Raza Rabbani, also advised the government against ignoring parliament.

“Parliament is rendered insignificant when decisions are taken in APCs.” During the discussion, senators expressed a range of concerns and shared proposals, but they were unanimous in demanding that the premier be in the driving seat on CPEC-related projects.

PPP Senator Osman Saiful-

lah said the trade corridor was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“We should ensure that the entire country benefits from it, instead of any particular region.”

New designs, maps National Party’s Mir Kabeer Muhammad Shahi complained that the lawmakers were kept in the dark and were shown new designs and maps every time they made inquiries about the CPEC. He asked the government to ensure there are no demographic

changes in Gwadar and to inform the house about the estimated income of the province once the port becomes operational.

Usman Kakar of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party said: “We respect the decisions of the APC, but issues should be discussed in parliament. Lack of confidence is the biggest issue.”

PPP’s Sassui Palijo pointed out that the discussion on the trade corridor should have taken place at the Council of Common Interests. — Express Tribune

CHINA CORRIDOR

Sindh to hire veterans to secure project KARACHI: The Sindh apex committee decided on Tuesday to hire 2,000 retired army men for the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects in the province.

Chaired by Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, the meeting decided that the trained personnel would provide security to the Chinese engineers and other staff working on around 13 projects across the province.

The committee also resolved to establish more than 10 safe houses and appoint 200 police officials for the protection of eyewitnesses in heinous crimes.

Participants decided to send 25 terrorism cases to the military courts — including the Sabeen Mahmud murder case, eight Abbas Town cases, Manghopir bomb factory case and the case of the attack on a mosque in Federal B Area that had left five people dead.

Attendees at Tuesday’s meeting included Governor Ishratul Ebad, Karachi Corps Commander Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar, Rangers DG Maj Gen Bilal Akbar, Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal, Chief Secretary Siddique Memon, Finance Minister Murad Ali Shah and Sindh IGP Ghulam Hyder Jamali.

The apex body reviewed its past

decision to implement the National Action Plan and stressed on controlling street crimes in Karachi.

“Special attention is required towards street crimes, and we can get help from CCTV cameras installed in various parts of the city,” a source quoted the corps commander as saying.

“The committee also ordered checking the status of CCTV cameras installed across the city and solving street crimes with the help of a command and control centre.

A detailed report on street crimes will be submitted to the body.”

IGP Jamali told the meeting that the security situation in Ka-

rachi and other parts of Sindh had improved.

“Five terrorist incidents had occurred in 2015 as opposed to over 22 the year before. Similarly, one kidnapping for ransom case was reported last year as opposed to 59 in 2014.”

A representative of the Federal Investigation Agency was also invited to the huddle, in connection with the AKD Securities raid.

Chief Minister Shah and the finance minister told the meeting that the raid had caused resentment among the business community and affected business at the stock exchange. — Express Tribune

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CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

27 Bangladeshi nationals held in Singapore, repatriated for terror links SINGAPORE: Singapore, a wealthy multi-ethnic city state, arrested 27 Bangladeshi construction workers who supported extremist groups including Al Qaeda and IS and deported 26 of them, the government said on Wednesday.

The 27 were arrested in November and December, the home ministry said.

Twenty-six were deported, while the last one was jailed for attempting to leave Singapore illegally after hearing of the arrest of the others, the home ministry said.

Twelve of the 26 have since been jailed in Bangladesh on “terror charges”, Bangladeshi police said.

The Singapore investigation revealed that several members of the group had considered carrying out armed violence overseas, but did not plan any attack in Singapore.

Some of them had contemplated taking part in armed extremism in the Middle East, the ministry said.

“I appeal that we be more vigilant, whether against radical teachings and ideologies, or of any suspicious activities around us,” Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim said on his Facebook page.

“At the same time, I hope we will remain united and not resort to discriminating (against) foreign workers here.” Singapore broke up plots for militant attacks after the September 11, 2001, Al Qaeda attacks on the US. Maruf Hossain Sardar, a deputy commissioner of Bangladesh police, said 14 of the 26 had been jailed on “terror charges”. - Reuters

ASIA

Thailand draft constitution aims to curb abuse of power more uncertainty. “I don’t know what is going to happen if the charter does not pass,” said Meechai Ruchupan.

Getting a new constitution

Continuous making and remaking of constitutions takes up a lot of political energy, can cause instability and does not allow political arrangements to settle

approved in a referendum is a key part of the junta’s ‘roadmap to democracy’ and a general election in 2017

BANGKOK: A draft constitution for army-run Thailand to be unveiled this month will be “strong medicine”, the constitution panel head said on Wednesday, adding that there was no guarantee it would pass a referendum, meaning a further extension of military rule.

The May 2014 coup ended months of political protests in Bangkok aimed at ousting a civilian government, since when the junta has curbed basic freedoms and pushed back the timetable for elections to 2017.

Meechai Ruchupan, 77, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, said the constitution aimed to solve long-running problems such as abuse of power by lawmakers, but might not solve decades-long political divisions.

Sumit Bisarya SPELLING OUT: Meechai Ruchupan, head of Thailand’s Constitution

Drafting Committee, gestures during an interview at the parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday. - Reuters

“If we are to reform the country, we have to use strong medicine, even if political parties do not agree,” Meechai said in an interview.

“I can’t promise it will be Thailand’s last constitution.”

A previous draft was rejected in September by a now-defunct National Reform Council. Some critics called the draft “unconstitutional” and fear a repeat.

A second failed draft would give the army additional room to prolong its stay in power, say analysts.

“The difference between this

SOVEREIGNTY ISSUE

Transparent China relations a priority, says DPP official WASHINGTON: A senior official of Taiwan’s independenceleaning Democratic Progressive Party said on Tuesday it would propose legislation to have greater transparency in relations with mainland China, which he said will be a priority for the recently victorious party.

“We will, in a new session of the legislature, put forward the Cross-Strait Agreement Oversight legislation as a priority to highlight our interest in peaceful and stable relations with China,” Joseph Wu, the DPP’s secretary general, said in a speech at a Washington think tank.

Tsai Ing-wen and her Democratic Progressive Party won a victory in both presidential and parliamentary elections last week, in what could usher in a new round of instability with China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own.

She risks antagonizing China if she attempts to forcefully assert Taiwan’s sovereignty and reverses eight years of warming China ties under incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou of the Nationalists.

Wu said in order for people in Taiwan to understand any engagement with mainland China, “we need to handle it in a more transparent way and we also need to have some guiding principles or rules and norms.”

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ELATED: Democratic Progressive Party chairperson and presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen waves as she arrives at the headquarters of DPP, following the DPP’s victory in presidential and parliamentary elections, in Taipei, on Monday. - Reuters

China has deployed more than 1,000 short- and medium-range ballistic missiles as well as cruise missiles in coastal areas facing the Taiwan Strait, according to Taiwan’s defence ministry.

Wu added that building trust between mainland China and Taiwan would be a “step by step” process. In an interview with Reuters later, Wu said the DPP would “find a mechanism” to work with Taiwan’s Nationalists “on some pressing issues” but did not plan to create a shadow cabinet before Tsai is sworn in on May 20.

“We want to ensure that the transition is a smooth one, we want to work with the outgoing government so that the political

conditions can be stable in Taiwan,” Wu said.

Wu said the party was keen on expanding relations with the United States, including potentially joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. It looks for Washington to encourage Beijing to work with Taiwan.

“That kind of encouragement is going to be very helpful. It helped before and I think it should help (again),” he said.

The United States has expressed concerns about the danger of worsening China-Taiwan ties at a time when China’s navy is increasingly flexing its muscles in the South China and East China seas. - Reuters

time and last time, however, is there might be more restlessness on the parts of political parties, especially if the army fails to show them how they fit into their longterm governance plans,” said Ambika Ahuja, Southeast Asia analyst at Eurasia Group.

“The army’s main goal is still to prolong its stay in power for as long as possible.”

Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha, a former army chief who led the 2014 coup, has publicly said he does not want to hold on to power and that the military is working

Constitution Building Head of Mission at International IDEA

towards restoring democracy quickly. Getting a new constitution approved in a referendum is a key part of the junta’s “roadmap to democracy” and a 2017 general election.

It’s also one of the biggest hurdles for the junta, known as the National Council of Peace and Order, because if the draft doesn’t pass, it would add to pressure at home and abroad for a quick return to elections.

The interim constitution does not say what will happen if the draft is voted down, leading to

Turbulent democracy The constitution would be Thailand’s 20th in 84 years of often turbulent democracy.

“Continuous making and remaking of constitutions takes up a lot of political energy, can cause instability and does not allow political arrangements to settle,” said Sumit Bisarya, Constitution Building Head of Mission at International IDEA. For the past decade, Thailand has been locked in a bitter conflict between the Bangkok-based royalist-military establishment and supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, and their Puea Thai Party.

Meechai said the current draft, running at 261 pages, was not aimed at limiting the influence of the Shinawatra family, which has won every election since 2001, nor that of any political party.

“If people want to vote for Puea Thai, then they will get the vote,” he said.”This charter is not designed to be an obstacle to any political party.” The referendum on the draft constitution is expected in July. - Reuters

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oday’s global refugee crisis recalls the period immediately after World War II. By one contemporary estimate, there were more than 40 million refugees in Europe alone.

These “displaced persons,” as they were called at the time, were forced to flee their homes because of violence, forced relocation, persecution, and destruction of property and infrastructure.

The dire postwar situation led to the creation in 1950 of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was expected to serve only a temporary mandate, protecting displaced people for three years. But the problem never went away.

On the contrary, the UNHCR is not only still with us; it is sounding an alarm.

In its 2015 mid-year report, the agency put the number of “forcibly displaced” people worldwide at 59.5 million at the end of 2014, including 19.5 million internationally displaced, which they define as true refugees. Some countries – Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Colombia, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine – each accounted for more than a half-million forcibly displaced people at the end of 2014. The report noted that the total number had certainly grown substantially since.

Unfortunately, the report underscores the incompleteness of our understanding of the refugee problem. In fact, throughout history, the fate of refugees seeking asylum in another land has largely been unstudied. Historians record wars, and they mention diasporas, but they rarely show much interest in how refugee crises arose or were resolved.

To the extent that history is written by the victors, that is not surprising. The knowledge that one’s country terrorised a minority to the point that its members had to flee, or that a substantial share of one’s forebears arrived in defeat and panic, is not exactly an inspiring source of national identity. So the stories, unheard and untold, are lost.

That is why we need more research on what can and should be done for refugees in the long term.

The UNHCR has been doing an important job in protecting refugees, but it cannot possibly address their needs alone. Its budget of $7 billion in 2015 may seem large, but it amounts to only about $100

per displaced person – not enough to cover even essentials like food and shelter.

As President of the American Economic Association for 2016, I felt a moral obligation to use our annual meeting earlier this month as a setting in which to bring attention to serious economic problems. And the refugee crisis, whatever else it may be, is an economic problem. But a dearth of papers addressing it had been submitted to the meeting.

So I decided to create a session entitled Sixty Million Refugees, and invited some of our discipline’s most distinguished scholars on migration. I asked them to describe the dimensions of the refugee problem in economic terms, and to propose some sensible policies to address it.

One of the papers, by Timothy J. Hatton of the University of Essex and Australian National University, examined refugee flows around the world, to see what drives them. Hatton confronts a popular argument against admitting refugees: that asylum-seekers are not really desperate, but are just using a crisis as a pretext for admission to a richer country. He finds that, contrary to some expectations, refugee flows are driven largely by political terror and human rights abuses, not economic forces. People in fear for their lives run to the nearest safe place, not the richest. There is no escape from the moral imperative to help them.

Semih Tumen of the Central Bank of Turkey presented evidence regarding the impact of the 2.2 million Syrian refugees on the labour market in the border region. Tumen’s paper, too, takes on an argument frequently used to oppose admitting refugees: that the newcomers will take locals’ jobs and drive down wages. He found that in the formal sector, jobs for locals actually increased after the influx of refugees, apparently because of the stimulative effect on the region’s economy. If further research backs up this finding, countries might actually welcome the inflow of labour. Another paper, by Susan F. Martin of Georgetown University, described the arbitrariness of our current refugee procedures, calling for “legal frameworks based on the need for protection, rather than the triggering causes of the migration.” But formulating such rules requires some careful economic thought. Economists can help by testing which international rules and institutions are needed to reform an inefficient and often inhumane system. - Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JANUARY 2001 Alawi, Khamis hold talks with Austrian minister MUSCAT: A session of official Omani-Austrian talks was held at the Foreign Ministry yesterday. The Omani side was headed by Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, minister responsible for foreign affairs, while Benito Ferrero-Waldner, Austria’s foreign minister, who is currently visiting the Sultanate, headed the Austrian side. The talks covered the warm relations between the Sultanate and Austria, in addition to bilateral, political and economic cooperation in the interests of the two countries and their peoples. Several other matters of mutual interest were also discussed including the Middle East peace process.

PICTOGRAPH EXPAT WORKERS IN HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS Oman. From November to December, 2015

November 2015

98,767 96,270

December 2015

Total

Male +935

99,711 97,205

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

1968: In Vietnam, the Siege of Khe Sanh begins as North Vietnamese units surround U.S. Marines based on the hilltop headquarters.

1976: Leonid Brezhnev and Henry Kissinger meet to discuss Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT).

1977: President Carter urges 65 degrees as the maximum heat in homes to ease the energy crisis.

2,497

Female +9 0

2,506

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

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WORLD Lavrov expects Syria talks to go ahead amid differences

Possible ninth planet beyond Neptune, say researchers CAPE CANAVERAL (US): The solar system may host a ninth planet that is about 10 times bigger than Earth and orbiting far beyond Neptune, according to research published on Wednesday.

Computer simulations show that the mystery planet, if it exists, would orbit about 20 times farther away from the sun than Earth, said astronomers with the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

So far, the planet has not been observed directly.

“It’s a pretty substantial chunk of our solar system that’s still out there to be found, which is pretty exciting,” astronomer Mike Brown said in a statement.

The research is published in this week’s Astronomical Journal. — Reuters

Negotiations are scheduled to start in Geneva on January 25 but there is a dispute over which groups will represent the opposition leaders of the country

ZURICH/RIYADH: Internationally-brokered talks between Syria’s government and opposition groups should start this month as planned, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday after talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Speaking after his meeting with Kerry in the Swiss city of Zurich, Lavrov told reporters neither he nor his US counterpart had thought about seeking a postponement of the talks, which are scheduled to start in Geneva on January 25.

Lavrov also said that a meeting this month between Kremlin aide Vladislav Surkov and US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland to talk about Ukraine had been an initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader Barack Obama.

Lavrov said contacts in this format were needed to help ensure a long-term solution for the conflict between Kiev’s forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Meanwhile, at a news conference during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that the opposition delegation at the centre of fierce diplomatic dispute

S PAC E

WA R O F W O R D S

‘Ukrainians in Poland not refugees’ RETURNING HOME: Displaced Syrians sit in a bus in Damascus as they return to their homes in the rebel stronghold of Qadam, on the southern outskirts of the capital, on Wednesday, after a truce deal was reached between the government and opposition fighters. The deal called for an end to fighting and the return of a total of 2,000 families, Damascus governor Bushr Al Sabban said. — AFP/STRINGER

should not include members of three internationally recognised “terrorist groups”.

Those were IS, Al Qaeda and the Nusra Front.

But Zarif said it was not up to Iran to decide who attended the talks.”That is for Mr de Mistura to decide who will participate and I’m sure he’ll apply those criteria,” he said.

Asked about Western demands that Assad should leave power as part of any settlement in Syria, the Iranian minister said it made no

TUSSLE

sense to set preconditions before the talks even began.

Syria’s civil war had dragged on for nearly five years because many countries were entrenched in the position that Assad must go before there could be a political process.

“You cannot determine the outcome of this political process before it starts. You do not enter a negotiating room with the outcome already decided,” Zarif said.

He repeated Tehran’s insistence that it was up to Syrians to

decide Assad’s fate through elections after a new constitution is negotiated in peace talks.

Russia blamed Furthermore, Riad Hijab, who heads the Syrian opposition council accused Russia of impeding negotiations, and also told a news conference in Riyadh that the opposition could not negotiate while Syrians were dying from blockades and bombardment.

He also announced the names of opposition figures that would

negotiate on behalf of the council in any talks.

They included Mohamed Alloush, a political figure in the Jaysh Al Islamrebel group that is deemed a terrorist group by Damascus and Moscow.

“The opposition delegation is now ready,” George Sabra, an opposition politician also named as a negotiator, told opposition channel Orient TV. Asaad Al Zoubi, another opposition figure, was named as the head of the negotiating team. — Reuters

WARSAW: Ukraine’s ambassador to Poland on Wednesday rejected the Polish prime minister’s claim that her country hosts a million Ukrainian refugees, saying they were not refugees and could at most be called “economic migrants”.

Poland’s ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party has repeatedly said it should not be forced to accept refugees from Syria and North Africa as it already faces influx of refugees from Ukraine.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Poland, Andriy Deshchytsia, said on Wednesday that while it was possible a million Ukrainians entered Poland in any given year, they were not refugees. — Reuters

FRESH CRISIS

Iranian body rejects Rouhani-supported candidates ahead of upcoming elections DUBAI: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday those opposed to Iran’s religious values should not be allowed to run for parliament, signalling a rift between him and its president over the February elections.

President Hassan Rouhani engineered the implementation of Iran’s nuclear accord with world powers this month, including the lifting of sanctions on Tehran, hoping to parlay that success into a majority for his supporters in parliament and the Assembly of Experts, the body that will pick the next Supreme Leader.

Almost 12,000 candidates have registered for the February 26 elections in the Islamic Republic, where the 290-seat parliament and 88-member assembly have long been dominated by members close to Khamenei.

But Iranian media reports indicate the Guardian Council, a vetting body made up of clerics and jurists, has disqualified the majority of candidates close to Rouhani and reformists.

“The primary reports I’ve received did not make me happy at all,” Rouhani told a news conference on Monday.”I will use all my power to protect the rights of candidates.”

Rouhani said he was obliged as president to hold a free and fair electione.

But in a meeting on Wednesday with officials involved in organising the elections, Khamenei made clear he did not agree with Rouhani on who should be able to take seats in parliament.

Not affected by pressure Ahmad Jannati, the head of the Guardian Council, assured Khamenei at the same meeting that its consideration of candidates’ qualifications would be done “carefully and will not be af-

Iranian media reports indicate the Guardian Council, a vetting body made up of clerics and jurists, has disqualified the majority of candidates close to President Hassan Rouhani and reformists

fected by any pressure”.

Hossein Marashi, a reformist politician, told ILNA news agency 3,000 reformists had registered for the election so far but only 30 had seen their candidacies certified.”On this basis only one percent of reformists were approved,” he said.

Lifting of sanctions “The Guardian Council has ruined the joy that arose from the lifting of sanctions,” Shahrbanoo Amani, a former reformist MP and now disqualified candidate told Fars news agency.

Disqualified candidates can appeal against the decision with the Guardian Council reviewing their cases within a week.

Iran’s success in winning an end to international sanctions in exchange for curbing its disputed nuclear programme is expected to intensify a power struggle within an elite split into conservative and moderate-reformist factions.

STREET BATTLE: Protesters throwing rocks are seen amid tear gas fired by police in Kasserine, Tunisia on Wednesday. — Reuters

Thousands demand jobs in Tunisia as police fire tear gas on protesters KASSERINE (TUNISIA): Police fired tear gas and clashed with protesters demanding jobs in the impoverished Tunisian city of Kasserine on Wednesday, as smaller demonstrations broke out in the capital and at least eight other towns, residents said.

Large crowds burned tyres and chanted “Work, freedom, dignity” during a second day of demonstrations that erupted in the central city after an unemployed man killed himself, apparently after he was rejected for a job.

The death and protests evoked memories of Tunisia’s 2011 “Arab Spring” uprising that broke out when a struggling young market vendor committed suicide, unleashing a wave of anger that forced longtime leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to flee and inspired mass protests across the Arab world.

Police fired clouds of tear gas after protesters tried to storm a po-

time.... We just want to live with dignity,” said Samir, 30.

Protesters had stayed out on the streets overnight, defying a curfew imposed on Tuesday.

“We don’t have a magic wand to fix the situation in Kasserine straight away, but we are working on public investments that will start soon there,” government spokesman Khaled Chaouket said.

FURIOUS: An unemployed graduate shouts slogans during a demonstration to demand the government provide job opportunities near the Interior Ministry in Tunis, Tunisia on Wednesday. — Reuters

lice station in Kasserine, a Reuters witness said.

Burning tyres blocked streets as police chased down groups of protesters.

“It’s been seven years of no work for me.

“We’re sick of just promises. We won’t go back to our homes until we get something concrete this

Protests across country Residents said young people also took to the streets in Seliana, Tahala, Feriana and Sbiba, El Fahs, Kairouan, and Sousse, as well as the capital Tunis, where several hundred marched on the city’s central Habib Bourguiba Avenue.

Despite a shift to democracy since the toppling of Ben Ali, many Tunisians worry more about unemployment, high living costs and the ongoing marginalisation of rural towns - all factors that helped fuel the 2011 uprising. — Reuters

A 14

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

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Austria to cap number of migrants, tighten borders Calls for a cap on the number of migrants by members of the centre-right People’s Party within the coalition government have grown

The government plan announced on Wednesday provides for the number of asylum claims to be restricted to 1.5 per cent of Austria’s population, spread over next four years

VIENNA: Austria declared on Wednesday it would cap the number of people allowed to claim asylum this year at less than half last year’s total, and its chancellor said border controls would have to be stepped up “massively”; but how that would be done was unclear.

Hundreds of thousands of people have streamed into this country of 8.5 million since September, when it and Germany threw open their borders to a wave of

BUILDING WALLS: Austrian Vice Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner, left, and Chancellor Werner Faymann address a news conference after a meeting on limiting the number of people allowed to apply for asylum in Vienna, Austria, on Wednesday. - Reuters

people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Crossing the country The vast majority of arrivals simply crossed the country on their way to Germany, but a fraction have stayed.

Roughly 90,000 people, or more than 1 per cent of Austria’s population, applied for asylum last year.

Public fears about immigration have fuelled support for the far right, and calls for a cap on the

number of migrants by members of the centre-right People’s Party within the coalition government have grown.

“We cannot take in all asylum seekers in Austria, or in Germany or in Sweden,” Werner Faymann, a Social Democrat who has resisted calls to cap immigration, told a joint news conference, referring to the countries that have taken in the most migrants.

The government plan announced on Wednesday provides for the number of asylum claims

to be restricted to 1.5 per cent of Austria’s population, spread over the next four years.

Breaking down the four-year cap, the statement said the number of asylum claims would be limited to 37,500 this year, falling annually to 25,000 in 2019.

Asked what would happen if the number of people who wanted to apply for asylum exceeded that figure, Faymann said only that experts were due to examine the issue.

“We must also step up controls at our borders massively,” Faymann told the joint news confer-

ence with Vice Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner and other officials, without explaining what that would involve.

The Slovenian police said later on Wednesday that Slovenia planned “the same action” as Austria on its southern border with Croatia if Austria, which lies north of Slovenia, took further steps to limit the inflow of migrants.

As Germany has tightened its border controls in recent months, Austria has often followed.

Turning away people Austria’s interior minister said last week it would start turning away people who were no longer being let into Germany, prompting a knock-on effect further down the main route into Europe.

Faymann said he had discussed his government’s plans in principle with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and their Slovenian counterpart.

Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert, however, declined to comment on the Austrian plan.

“The German government still favours a joint European solution that tackles the causes of migration in order to reduce the number of refugees significantly and noticeably,” he said. — Reuters

CRISIS MEASURES

Serbia sets conditions for migrants BELGRADE: Serbia will deny migrants access to its territory unless they plan to seek asylum in Austria or Germany, a government minister was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

The ban follows action by Austria, which announced last week it would bar all migrants intending to pass through its northern neighbour Germany to other western European countries.

On Wednesday it said it would cap the number of people it allowed to claim asylum this year at less than half last year’s figure.

Expressing intention Labour Minister Aleksandar Vulin - the Serbian government’s pointman for the migrant crisis - said Serbia would respond in kind.

“From today... migrants will not be able to continue their travel (through Serbia) if they have not expressed intention to seek asylum on the territory of Austria or Germany,” state news agency Tanjug quoted him as saying.

In Zagreb, outgoing Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic said neighbouring Croatia would also ask migrants if they intended to seek asylum in Austria or Germany, state news agency Hina quoted him as saying. — Reuters

PA R L I A M E N T D I S S O LV E D

Kazakh leader calls for snap poll amid fiscal woes ALMATY: Veteran Kazakh leader Nursultan Nazarbayev called a snap parliamentary election on Wednesday in an attempt to strengthen his grip on power amid mounting economic hardships caused by the crash in global oil prices.

Nazarbayev, who has led the large, energy-rich Central Asian state since 1989, brooks little dissent and has no opponents in the 107-seat lower house of parliament, but the president sees risks of greater public discontent as the economy slows sharply.

Unite, rebuff “Our people, as always, need to unite and rebuff, by means of lawmaking if needed, any potential provocations at this hard time.

And (also rebuff ) those who try to politicise and seek culprits for the situation worsening,” Nazarbayev’s office quoted him as saying in a statement.

“The most important thing in this complicated situation is for all of us to realise that we must live within our means, preserve resources and save jobs,” he said, adding that Kazakhs had to learn to live with lower commodity prices.

Parliament, which is dominated by Nazarbayev’s Nur Otan party and routinely approves government legislation, had originally been expected to work until late 2016 or early 2017.

The election will now be held on March 20, according to a Twitter message posted by Nazarbayev’s press service.

Kazakhstan has never held an

The election will now be held on March 20, according to a Twitter message posted by Nursultan Nazarbayev’s press service election that Western observers judged to be free and fair.

Nazarbayev himself, who is 75, was re-elected for another fiveyear term last April.

The former Soviet republic is particularly vulnerable to ructions in the energy sector, which accounted for 70 per cent of its exports before the deep slide in world crude prices.

This month the World Bank estimated Kazakh growth had slowed to 0.9 per cent in 2015 from 4.4 per cent a year earlier.

This year the bank sees just a slight acceleration to 1.1 per cent.

Currency devaluation The former Soviet republic’s tenge currency has lost half of its value against the dollar since the authorities abandoned their pegged exchange rate policy last August.

This has hurt the incomes of ordinary Kazakhs, many of whom - as in neighbouring Russia - have come to see over the past decade their limited political freedoms as a fair trade-off for the country’s relative prosperity. — Reuters

J O U R NA L I S T S TA R G E T E D

Seven die in Kabul suicide bomb blast KABUL: A suicide car bomber targeted a van carrying journalists working for a private Afghan television channel on Wednesday, killing seven people during evening rush hour close to the national parliament in Kabul, officials said.

It was the latest in a series of suicide attacks in the Afghan capital that coincide with renewed efforts to revive a peace process with Taliban insurgents that broke down in July.

The bomber targeted a vehicle owned by a company that works with Tolo News, Afghanistan’s first 24-hour news channel, Kabul Police Chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi told reporters.

He did not say how many of those in the van were killed or wounded.

Battle for Kunduz The Taliban openly threatened to target the television channel last year after it reported allegations of summary executions, rape, kidnappings and other abuses by its fighters during the battle for Kunduz.

The insurgents briefly captured the northern city last year, their biggest success in the 15year insurgency, before being ousted by government forces.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Wednesday’s attack. — Reuters

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

WORLD Israel plans to grab farmland in West Bank The land, already partly farmed by Jewish settlers in an area under Israeli civilian and military control, is situated near the northern tip of the Dead Sea

TARGET: A view shows Jordan Valley near the West Bank city of Jericho on Wednesday. — Reuters

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel plans to appropriate a large tract of agricultural land in the occupied West Bank, Israel’s Army Radio said on Wednesday, a move that has angered Palestinians and is almost certain to draw international criticism.

The report said the land, covering 154 hectares (380 acres), was in the fertile Jordan Valley close to Jericho, an area where Israel already has many settlement farms built on land Palestinians seek for their own state.

international law. She challenged the international community to hold Israel to account.

“Israel is stealing land specially in the Jordan Valley under the pretext it wants to annex it,” she told Reuters.”This should be a reason for a real and effective intervention by the international community to end such a flagrant and grave aggression which kills all chances of peace.”

The report said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon had already signed off on the appropriation and that technical details were being finalised ahead of a declaration expected soon. The Defence Ministry declined to comment.

The land, already partly farmed by Jewish settlers in an area under Israeli civilian and military control, is situated near the northern tip of the Dead Sea. For years, Israel has drawn intense criticism for its settlement activities.

Most countries regard the pol-

Condemnation The appropriation, which Army Radio said would be announced shortly but was not immediately confirmed by the Israeli Defence Ministry which administers the occupied West Bank, comes at a time of increased international condemnation of settlement policy.

Hanan Ashrawi, a senior official in the Palestine Liberation Organisation, described Israel’s reported move as a violation of

icy as illegal under international law and a major obstacle to the creation of a viable Palestinian state. Palestinians want to form an independent state in the occupied regions of West Bank and Gaza Strip, with occupied East Jerusalem as the capital.

The last talks between Israel and the Palestinians on a socalled “two-state solution” broke down in April 2014.

On Tuesday, US State Department spokesman John Kirby reiterated the United States’ opposition to Israel’s settlement building, which usually begins with land seizures.

“We remain deeply concerned about Israel’s current policy on settlements, including construction, planning, and retroactive legalisations,” he said.

Hagit Ofran, a member of the anti-settlement group Peace Now, said that unlike previous Israeli governments that largely avoided land seizures, Netanyahu has carried out several approprations. — Reuters

A15

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Indian Rs ...................................176.40 Pakistan Rs .............................272.20 Sri Lanka Rs ............................ 371.75 Bangla Taka........................... 203.20 Phil Peso ................................... 123.60

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......14.05

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$23.44 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$22.94 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) .........$26.10 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ......... $21.79 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........ $27.90 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ......... $27.47

* Rates as of Jan. 20 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

* Rates are as of Jan. 20 Source: Bank Muscat

Freezone Sohar master plan by mid-2016: CEO The plan will finalise development of a huge area of 4,500 hectares of land Eng. Jamal T. Aziz. – Supplied picture

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Freezone Sohar will finalise its master plan to develop a huge area of 4,500 hectares of land by the middle of this year, said a top-level official of Freezone Sohar.

“We will be finishing the master plan for 2040 for our area by the middle of this year, which will show what type of industries and what sort of growth we expect to see in the years to come,” said Eng. Jamal T. Aziz, chief executive officer of Freezone Sohar, while addressing the annual gathering of Sohar port and free zone here on Tuesday.

Freezone Sohar is preparing the major plan to take advantage of the port’s planned railway and

air connectivity to the rest of the region to become a major logistics hub for the region. Eng. Aziz said the free zone has attracted OMR300 million worth investments so far in various sectors, which include logistics.

In the last four months, the free zone has signed agreements with four new tenants, which include a Chinese firm that plans to set up a manufacturing facility for products used in oil and gas industry.

“We have started to focus more on logistics, because we are well connected. The road to connect Saudi Arabia will be ready this year. The first segment of the national railway will connect Sohar with other GCC states,” elaborated the chief of Freezone Sohar. The logistics firms coming up with in the free

zone include those supporting oil and gas and automobile sectors.

The strategic location, energy availability and a deep-water port make it a major attraction for investors to set up their base in Sohar. Several investments in Sohar free zone are from India, either as 100 per cent investment or as joint venture partners.

Freezone Sohar has completed the first phase development, which has around 500 hectares of land. The first phase of the freezone is more or less full and the authorities are embarking on expansion of the second phase.

Eng. Aziz also noted that two ferrochrome projects – Al TammanIndsil Ferrochrome and Gulf Mining Materials - have commenced operations at the free zone and are exporting finished products to several countries, which include China.

He also noted that the recent slump in commodity prices may not have an impact on these firms, since they can control their production to suit the market demand. Eng. Aziz also said that there is an ample potential for downstream plastic industries with the newly announced Liwa Plastics Industries project.

Waste disposal facility to come up in Sohar Times News Service MUSCAT: A modern waste reception and management facility for all types of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes will come up within Sohar free zone.

“We have already allocated land and the construction work is going to start soon,” Engineer Jamal T Aziz, chief executive officer of Freezone Sohar said yesterday.

HAVE YOUR SAY Send us your comments at facebook.com/timesofoman blog.timesofoman.com haveyoursay@timesofoman.com

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.06 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............ 130.75 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 123.75 * Rates as of Jan. 20 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

DEBUT SUKUK

Omantel’s sukuk gets good response Times News Service MUSCAT: Book-building process for the Omantel sukuk via private placement is currently being done.

A large number of Omani and international investors have expressed strong interest in the debut sukuk issuance of Oman’s largest telecom operator Oman Telecommunications.

The proposed OMR50 million issuance is the country’s first multi-denominated sukuk, offered in both Omani rials and US dollars.

The bankers have been holding one-on-one meetings with key investors, and said that the issuance is gathering pace amongst both Omani and international investors.

“We are excited about the response that the sukuk is generating in the local and regional markets, and the response as expected has been very positive. We are positive that this will help create a favourable investment climate, and enhance liquidity in the domestic market by attracting fresh foreign capital,” said Talal bin Said Al Mamari, CEO of Omantel.

“The sukuk will help investors by providing an instrument to diversify their portfolio. It is also important to note that the sukuk is denominated in multiple-currencies, both in Omani rials and US dollars,” he added.

Talal bin Said Al Mamari

Five years tenor Earlier, had assigned a provisional A3 (stable) rating to the sukuk. The sukuk will have a tenor of 5 years and mature in 2021. The minimum subscription amount for the sukuk is OMR100,000 or $260,000. The profit rate on the sukuk will be set through a uniform price auction and will be finalised upon closing of the subscription period.

Interested investors can get further information on the sukuk from the Investment Banking Division of National Bank of Oman who are acting as the issue manager and collecting bank. Subscription closes on January 26.

B2

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

MARKET MSM in red zone again

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index .......................................4,980.27 .............. 4,889.36 ...................4,890.65 ...................4,981.58................-90.93 .................. -1.83 Financial Index .....................................5,927.00 ...............5,784.56 ................... 5,784.56 ....................5,947.15..............-162.59 .................. -2.73 Industrial Index ....................................6,489.55 ...............6,473.89 ................... 6,473.89 ...................6,488.37................-14.48 .................. -0.22 Services Index ...................................... 2,845.14 ...............2,810.45 .................... 2,811.13 ...................2,848.33................-37.20 ...................-1.31 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................814.09 ..................803.10 ...................... 803.28 ...................... 814.09................ -10.81 .................. -1.33 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 16,044,180 ..................3,768,993 .....................788 ................15,165,329,742 .................. 4 ......................21 .................... 15 .........................40

Al Madina Investment, up by 2.04%, was the top gainer, while the top loser was Global

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20

Financial Investment, down by 9.91% ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: After Tuesday’s rebound, renewed weakness in crude prices and geopolitical factors pressured markets on Wednesday. The MSM30 Index shed 1.83 per cent to close at 4,890.65 points. The MSM Sharia index ended at 803.28 points, down by 1.33 per cent.

Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Al Madina Investment, which was up by 2.04 per cent, was the top gainer while the top loser was Global Financial Investment, down by 9.91 per cent.

As many as 788 trades were executed on Wednesday, generating a turnover of OMR3.77 million with 16 million shares changing hands. Out of 40 traded securities, four advanced, 21 declined and 15 remained unchanged.

Omani investors were net buyers for OMR232,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR126,000 followed

by GCC and Arab investors for OMR106,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index declined heavily by 2.73 per cent to close at 5,784.56 points. Al Madina Investments and Ominvest gained 2.04 per cent and 0.45 per cent, respectively. Global Financial Investment, Al Izz Bank, Oman United Insurance, Bank Nizwa and Al Anwar Holding declined by 9.91 per cent, 9.52 per cent, 8.52 per cent, 7.58 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index ended the session at 6,473.89 points, down 0.22 per cent. Al Jazeera Steel, up by 0.73 per cent, was the only gainer.

Oman Fisheries, Galfar Engineering, Construction Materials and Al Maha Ceramics declined by 4.17 per cent, 3.57 per cent, 3.45 per cent and 0.59 per cent, respectively.

Services Index closed at 2,811.13 points, down 1.31 per cent. Renaissance Services, Al Jazeera Services, OIFC, Oman

Education & Training and Omantel fell by 9.84 per cent, 8.73 per cent, 5.29 per cent, 3.13 per cent and 3.10 per cent, respectively.

Saudi stocks plunge Saudi Arabian stocks joined a retreat among Middle East equity markets as Brent crude dropped below $28 per barrel for the second day this week.

The Tadawul All Share Index fell 5 per cent to finish at the lowest since March 2011, as Saudi authorities were said to have ordered local banks to stop offering options contracts that allow speculators to take bets on a devaluation of the riyal. Dubai’s DFM General Index tumbled 4.6 per cent to the weakest close since September 2013.

The Bloomberg GCC 200 Index, which tracks the region’s largest companies, ended at the lowest in almost five years.

“Fear’s in the air,” said Ahmed Shehada, the Dubai-based executive director for advisory and institutions at NBAD Securities, the brokerage arm of one of the United Arab Emirates’ biggest bank. “Any chance of a recovery has been quickly clouded by oil dropping again and by the global selloff.”

The declines came as emerging-market equities slid Wednesday to the lowest level since 2009 as Chinese shares in Hong Kong slumped amid heightened concern that global economic growth is faltering. Volatility among stocks of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council is climbing as investors weigh the impact of oil prices at the lowest in 12 years against some of the cheapest share valuations since 2011.

Brent crude, a benchmark for half the world’s oil, fell 2.8 per cent to $27.96 per barrel heading for the lowest close since November 2003. Saudi Arabia next week plans to raise 20 billion riyals ($5.3b). - United Securities/Bloomberg News

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

OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................10,000 ..................500........................1 ........... 0.050 ...........0.050 ...........0.050........... 0.050 .............0.049 ............0.001 ............. 2.041 ................0.050..............0.046...................0.050 .................. 10,357,569 .........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 795,430 ......... 109,539..................... 27 ............0.138 ........... 0.144 ...........0.132 ............0.138 ............. 0.137.............0.001 ............. 0.730 ................0.132 .............. 0.125...................0.136................... 17,235,918 .........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 943,130 ........ 424,409......................17 ........... 0.450 ...........0.450 ...........0.450........... 0.450 .............0.448 ........... 0.002.............0.446 ................0.450..............0.450...................0.460 .................248,787,739 ........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .............................................................10,000 .............. 2,940........................5 ........... 0.294 ...........0.294 ...........0.294 .......... 0.294 .............0.294 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.294............. 0.290...................0.302 ..................14,700,000 .........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ............. 100,000 ........... 20,925........................5 ........... 0.209........... 0.210 ...........0.209 .......... 0.209 .............0.209 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.209............. 0.204...................0.208 ................... 7,016,433 ..........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ............................................................. 920 .................. 876........................1 ........... 0.952 ...........0.952 ...........0.952........... 0.952 .............0.952 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.952............. 0.900...................0.952................. 190,400,000 .......0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY........................................... 800 ...............1,204........................3 ............1.505 ........... 1.505 ...........1.505 ........... 1.600 .............1.600 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.505 ..............1.500...................1.505..................143,520,000........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 100,000 ...........28,800........................2 ........... 0.288 ...........0.288 ...........0.288........... 0.288 .............0.288 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.288............. 0.280...................0.288 ..................85,309,540.........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ........................................................................2,960 .................. 533........................3 ............0.180 ........... 0.180 ...........0.180........... 0.184 .............0.184 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.180..............0.166...................0.179 ................. 262,206,650 .......0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ........................................................1,605 .................. 633........................8 ............0.412 ........... 0.412 ...........0.384........... 0.420 .............0.420 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.384............. 0.000...................0.384 ..................25,410,000 .........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER......................................................................60 .....................21........................1 ........... 0.350 ...........0.350 ...........0.350........... 0.352 .............0.352 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.350............. 0.000...................0.350................... 77,795,520 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 152,536............ 93,104..................... 10 ............0.612 ........... 0.612 ...........0.608............0.612 ............. 0.612............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.612 ..............0.608...................0.612..................398,377,869........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................39,422 ...............2,760........................4 ........... 0.070 ...........0.070 ...........0.070........... 0.070 .............0.070 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.070..............0.068...................0.073...................12,250,000.........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 383,621.............71,352.....................20 ............0.185 ........... 0.186 ...........0.185 ........... 0.186 ............. 0.186............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.186 ..............0.186...................0.190..................125,529,062........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 344,480........... 64,073......................18 ............0.186 ........... 0.186 ...........0.186 ........... 0.186 ............. 0.186............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.186 ..............0.186...................0.190..................132,879,579 ........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ................................30,166 .......... 140,883......................14 ........... 4.690 ...........4.690 ...........4.650........... 4.670 .............4.690 ...........-0.020 ........... -0.426 ...............4.670............. 4.400...................4.690 ..................45,673,609 .........1.000 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .................................................. 11,039 ................3,741........................9 ........... 0.340...........0.344 ...........0.334........... 0.338 .............0.340 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.588 ...............0.334..............0.334...................0.340 .................. 17,745,000 .........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH................................................19,820 ............ 46,628........................7 ............2.375 ........... 2.375 ...........2.320 .......... 2.355 .............2.375 ...........-0.020 ........... -0.842 ...............2.320 ............ 2.320...................2.375..................224,801,694 .......1.000 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 671,000 ........... 53,250......................19 ........... 0.080 ...........0.080 ...........0.075........... 0.079 ............. 0.081............-0.002 ........... -2.469 ...............0.075..............0.075...................0.078.................... 4,648,614 ..........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION .........................415,111 ..........584,134..................... 55 ............1.450 ........... 1.450 ...........1.400............1.405 ............. 1.450............-0.045 ........... -3.103................1.400..............1.390...................1.400................ 1,053,750,000 ......0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 273,900 ............14,666..................... 35 ........... 0.056 ...........0.056 ...........0.051 ........... 0.054 .............0.056 ...........-0.002 ............-3.571................0.051 ..............0.050...................0.051...................15,658,954 .........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ...................................................... 20,000 ...............2,210........................2 ............0.111 ............0.111 ............0.110 ............0.110 ............. 0.115 ............-0.005 ........... -4.348 ...............0.110 ..............0.108................... 0.113 ...................34,184,144 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 1,567,532.......252,573..................... 82 ............0.166 ........... 0.166 ...........0.160............0.161 ............. 0.170............-0.009 ........... -5.294 ...............0.160.............. 0.159...................0.160.................. 32,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 799,294 ............97,987..................... 23 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.120............0.123 .............0.130............-0.007 ........... -5.385 ...............0.120.............. 0.118...................0.120.................. 177,297,120 ........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 2,544,560 .....969,467...................109 ........... 0.390 ...........0.390 ...........0.378........... 0.380 .............0.404 ...........-0.024 ........... -5.941................0.388..............0.376...................0.384 .................870,892,587 .......0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,786,510....... 251,830..................... 58 ............0.144 ........... 0.144 ...........0.138 ............0.141 .............0.150............-0.009 ........... -6.000 ...............0.139 .............. 0.138...................0.139................... 21,160,575 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 997,978...........161,170..................... 36 ............0.176 ........... 0.176 ...........0.159 ............0.161 ............. 0.176............-0.015 ........... -8.523 ...............0.159 ............. 0.000................... 0.161 ...................16,100,000 .........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ...............................................8,174 ...............1,880........................6 ........... 0.230 ...........0.230 ...........0.230........... 0.230 .............0.252 ...........-0.022 ........... -8.730 ...............0.230............. 0.000...................0.230 ..................14,076,983 .........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 725,662 ........... 79,826......................16 ............0.110 ............0.111 ............0.110 ............0.110 .............0.122 ...........-0.012 ........... -9.836 ...............0.110 .............. 0.110................... 0.114 ................... 31,971,612 .........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 194,951 .............19,500......................11 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.101............0.100........... 0.100 ............. 0.111 ............-0.011 ........... -9.910................0.100............. 0.000...................0.100.................. 20,000,000 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 12,950,661........3,501,412 ............607 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......30........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000002911 ............THE FINANCIAL CORPORATION ..............................560 .....................63........................1 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.112 ............0.113 ............. 0.113 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.112 ............. 0.000................... 0.112 .................... 7,913,385 ..........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 1,091,440 ...... 140,889..................... 68 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.127 ........... 0.129 ............. 0.131 ............-0.002 ............-1.527................0.127 ..............0.127...................0.128..................188,675,588 ........0.100 OM0000002580 ...........OMAN EDU. & TRIN. INV. HOLDING....................10,000 ............... 1,550........................1 ............0.155 ........... 0.155 ...........0.155 ............0.155 .............0.160 ...........-0.005 ............-3.125................0.155 ..............0.144...................0.157 ...................10,850,000 .........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................... 22,114 ...................619........................3 ........... 0.028 ...........0.028 ...........0.028........... 0.028 .............0.029 ...........-0.001 ........... -3.448 ...............0.028..............0.028...................0.029 ...................2,380,000..........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ...................................................... 68,400 ............... 3,172......................13 ........... 0.047 ...........0.048 ...........0.046........... 0.046 .............0.048 ...........-0.002 ........... -4.167 ...............0.046..............0.045...................0.046 ................... 5,750,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,240,156 ........ 76,092..................... 66 ........... 0.065 ...........0.065 ...........0.060........... 0.061 .............0.066 ...........-0.005 ............-7.576................0.062..............0.061...................0.062 ..................91,500,000.........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 477,000 ............27,189.....................24 ........... 0.057 ........... 0.057 ...........0.057........... 0.057 .............0.063 ...........-0.006 ........... -9.524 ...............0.057............. 0.000...................0.057...................57,000,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,909,670......249,573................... 176 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 7........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS AND SUKUK MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 .......................................... 60,000 ...............6,240........................1 ............0.104 ........... 0.104 ...........0.104........... 0.104 ............. 0.101............ 0.003.............2.970 ................0.104..............0.104...................0.200 ..................33,242,838.........0.100 OM0000004628 ...........BANK SOHAR BONDS 4.5 ............................................... 540 .....................53........................2 ........... 0.095 ........... 0.100 ...........0.095........... 0.109 .............0.109 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.100..............0.095...................0.110 .................... 7,793,500 ..........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ................... 123,309 .............11,714........................2 ........... 0.095 ........... 0.095 ...........0.095........... 0.095 .............0.095 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.095..............0.095...................0.099...................30,795,353 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 183,849 ............18,007........................5 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 3........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

FOREIGN CURRENCY

Rupee plunges to its 28-month low MUMBAI: Hit by global growth concerns, the Indian rupee on Wednesday crashed below the 68-level after 28 months and closed 23 paise down at 67.95 on fresh demand for the United States currency from importers amid a massive fall in domestic stock markets.

A forex dealer said that persistent foreign capital outflows also affected the market sentiment.

The domestic unit resumed lower at 67.77 per dollar as against Tuesday’s closing level of 67.65 at the interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market.

Later, it depreciated further to cross 68-level after 28 months

at 68.17 per dollar before ending at 67.95, showing a loss of 30 paise or 0.44 per cent. It had last touched 68.62 a dollar on September 4, 2013. The domestic unit hovered in a range of 67.77 and 68.17 during the day.

The dollar index was down by 0.15 per cent against a basket of six currencies in the late afternoon trade. Overseas, the US dollar traded mostly higher against its main rivals in early Asian trade, but retreated against Japanese yen as crude oil prices descended to near 13-year lows, hitting risk asset markets and putting safe-haven currencies back in favour. - PTI

AUSTERITY MEASURE

UAE’s RakBank to cut expatriate staff DUBAI: National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RakBank) said expatriate staff will account for as many as 250 job losses that the United Arab Emirates lender plans as it adjusts to slowing growth.

Headcount had grown by about 600 in the past three years, “on the back of a significant increase in new business volume, which has now settled at more sustainable levels,” chief executive officer Peter England said in a statement to Abu Dhabi’s stock market on Wednesday.

Banks in the UAE are prepared for deteriorating conditions as oil prices remain lower for longer, leading to a decline in govern-

ment spending, slower economic growth and falling asset quality, Standard & Poor’s said on January 11. Loan-loss provisions at Abu Dhabi-based Union National Bank jumped 57 per cent in the third quarter and United Arab Bank PJSC swung to a loss from a year-earlier profit in the period.

RakBank, as the Ras Al Khaimah-based lender is known, said there’s no change to its business strategy. It recently re-entered wholesale banking and “has been significantly increasing its product offerings and headcount in this segment, which is set to continue throughout 2016.”

- Bloomberg News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

B3

MARKET PERFORMANCE

Sohar Port handled 1m tonnes of cargo a week in 2015 Times News Service

Andre Toet. – Supplied picture

MUSCAT: Total cargo volume at Sohar Port and Freezone touched 50 million tonnes in 2015, a rise of 12 per cent compared to 2014 — an impressive average of almost one million tonnes a week.

Following the first full year of additional traffic from Port Sultan Qaboos, container traffic was up by

a massive 62 per cent from 2014.

Break bulk also grew at Sohar Port, with a rise of 46 per cent from 2014, to over 1.9 million tonnes.

RoRo figures saw one of the biggest increases and were up by more than 90 per cent, with over 230,000 vehicles handled in 2015.

Sultan Al Habsi, chairman of Sohar Port and Freezone, as well as Sohar CEOs Andre Toet and Jamal

Aziz, attended Sohar business event.

Gateway to Gulf “An average cargo throughput of close to a million tonnes a week in 2015 is testament to the success of our operations at Sohar. Our rapid growth further strengthens our position as the new gateway to the Gulf region and our continued development as a very significant regional

Omani exporters to get support from Kuwait There is a possibility for the direct export of Omani products to Kuwait but then they have to enter a competition in the market, the official explained.

Omani producers, who are willing to export their products to Kuwait, have been offered incentives through Kuwait’s Union of Consumer

PROMOTING LOCAL PRODUCTS: The Kuwaiti union has proposed

Cooperative Societies

that Omani products be supplied to Kuwait under the name of UCCS and with their special packaging. - SHABIN E./Times of Oman

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Various incentives will be offered to Omani producers who are willing to export their products to Kuwait through Kuwait’s Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies (UCCS), said an Omani official.

The potential for cooperation between Omani companies and UCCS was discussed during a business-to-business meeting organised by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) at Grand Hyatt Hotel on Wednesday.

The first-of-its-kind event was attended by Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani, chief executive officer of the PEIE, Omani industrialists and a high-profile delegation from UCCS. It explored the prospects of signing deals to supply Omani products to the Consumer Cooperative Societies in Kuwait.

Al Hasani said that the meeting was organised as part of the PEIE’s initiatives to support local companies and help them promote and sell their products locally and internationally. Around 50 per cent of Omani products are exported to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market, so enhancing trade with Kuwait is important, he noted.

Supply of products Speaking to Times of Oman, Eng. Basim bin Ali Al Nassri, director general of marketing and media at the PEIE, said that UCCS is interested in supplying Omani products

Three new industrial estates to be developed in five years ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s Public Establishment for Industrial Estate (PEIE) aims to develop the three newly introduced industrial estates in around five years, according to a senior official.

It was recently announced that Oman plans to build three new industrial estates in Thumrait, Al Mudhaibi and Shinas, in a move to diversify the country’s economy and create employment opportunities for young Omanis.

Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani, chief executive officer of the PEIE, told Times of Oman

to Kuwait’s market through the union and offers a number of incentives to Omani companies. The union has proposed that the Omani products be supplied to Kuwait under the name of UCCS and with their special packaging, he said, adding that the name and logo of the Omani manufacturer will also be printed on the packaging.

It will be regarded as an Omani product in Kuwait and it would be

FOURTH QUARTER

Shell’s profit dips on sluggish oil LONDON: Royal Dutch Shell, which is buying BG Group in the industry’s largest deal in a decade, expects fourth-quarter profit to drop at least 42 per cent after the rout in crude prices deepened.

Profit adjusted for one-time items and inventory changes probably shrank to $1.6 billion to $1.9 billion, Shell said on Wednesday in a preliminary earnings statement. That compares with the $1.8 billion average estimate of nine analysts sur-

veyed, and profit of $3.3 billion a year earlier. BG also published a provisional results statement that showed its 2015 oil and natural-gas production will probably beat forecasts.

Crude’s collapse below $30 a barrel has driven down Shell’s market value to the lowest in almost seven years and prompted concern it may be overpaying for BG’s production and cash flow.

Shell has prepared for a prolonged market fall. - Bloomberg News

that the decision was made as the occupancy of other industrial estates is increasing and there is a need for new estates.

The development of these new estates falls within the Ninth Five-Year Plan and the land plots are available, he said on the sidelines of an Oman-Kuwait meet held at Grand Hyatt Hotel on Wednesday.

Asked if all the three estates will be developed in five years, Al Hasani said, “That is what we are aiming for.”

The demand is going up, the official said, adding that the new estates will be dedicated to certain sectors which will be announced later.

mentioned that it has been made in the Sultanate, Al Nassri said.

Several benefits According to him, cooperation with UCCS will benefit Omani producers in several ways as they will not have to pay the shelf rate or registration in the union and also they will not have to repay for the sale of their products later from the profit that they will make.

Potential products Asked about the potential products that can be supplied to Kuwait through UCCS, Al Nassri noted that they include tea, ketchup, mayonnaise, hygiene-related products and pharmaceutical products among others.

He said that in general, Oman is currently exporting many products to Kuwait such as vegetable oil, dairy products, chicken and other meat supplies as well as some petrochemical products.

The director general of marketing and media at the PEIE added that more than 120 Omani companies, including around 20 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), participated in the business to business meeting.

Opex 2016 Commenting on the next Omani Products Exhibition (Opex), Al Nassri said that it will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from April 11 to 14. So far over 60 companies have registered to take part in the event and the target is to take around 100 to 120 companies to the African country, he added.

Various sectors and products will be represented in the exhibition, including building material, pharmaceutical products, foodstuff, metal and plastic.

Union’s objectives According to the PEIE, Saad Mubarak Al Shabo, chairperson of UCCS, said that the union performs several duties such as representing all members before official and non-official local, Arab and international agencies, raising consumer cooperative awareness in Kuwait, harmonising the work of all of its members and performing local and external purchases.

It is also endeavouring to reduce costs and improve the service level, control price rises of consumer commodities, protect consumers, unify prices in all cooperative societies and fund the construction of productive units. Al Shabo expressed hope that trade relations between the Sultanate and Kuwait would be enhanced.

logistics hub,” said Andre Toet.

In 2015, Sohar added a number of new direct lines to its already impressive roster, announcing the addition of global players Hanjin, Evergreen and Simatech, adding more direct links to the Far East which in turn will sink costs all the way along the supply chain.

“As the port grows so does our Freezone and we are seeing more

and more companies coming in to leverage our excellent logistics infrastructure. Not just the proximity of a world-class port, but also new and uncongested highways to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a new cargo airport, and this year work will start on our first rail connection from Sohar to the Emirates border at Buraimi,” Jamal Aziz, CEO of Sohar Freezone, said.

CRUDE OIL MARKET

Oil extends fall as US supplies rise HONG KONG: Oil extended its decline from the lowest close in more than 12 years before weekly United States government data forecast to show crude stockpiles expanded, exacerbating a global glut.

Futures lost as much as 3.2 per cent in New York after falling 3.3 per cent on Tuesday to the lowest since September 2003. Inventories probably increased by 2.75 million barrels last week, according to a survey before a report from the Energy Information Administration on Thursday. Markets could “drown in oversupply,” sending prices even lower as demand growth slows and Iran boosts exports, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

“The outlook for the oil market is pretty negative at the moment,” Angus Nicholson, an analyst at IG Ltd. in Melbourne, said by phone.

“Iran is adding to the concerns.

Once the market does get a gauge on Iran’s potential, there will probably be less uncertainty affecting the market.”

Crude is down 25 per cent this year amid volatility in Chinese markets and speculation the removal of restrictions that capped Iran’s oil sales will help to prolong a worldwide oversupply. Bank of America said on Tuesday it set aside $500 million to cover potential losses as its energy borrowers struggle to stay afloat with crude below $30 a barrel.

West Texas Intermediate for February delivery, which expires Wednesday, fell as much as 91 cents to $27.55 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $27.65. Monday’s transactions were booked with Tuesday’s

because of the Martin Luther King Jr holiday. The more-active March future slid 78 cents to $28.79.

Oil supplies Brent for March settlement lost as much as 63 cents, or 2.2 per cent, to $28.13 a barrel on the Londonbased ICE Futures Europe exchange. The contract rose 21 cents to $28.76 on Tuesday.

The European benchmark crude traded at a discount of 56 cents to WTI for March.

US crude stockpiles were about 100 million barrels above the fiveyear seasonal average at the end of 2015, according to EIA data. Supplies at Cushing, Oklahoma, the delivery point for WTI and the biggest US oil-storage hub, increased for a tenth week through January 8 to a record 64 million barrels.

The IEA trimmed 2016 estimates for global oil demand as China’s economic expansion weakens and raised forecasts for supplies outside of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec). While non-Opec supply is set to drop 600,000 barrels a day in 2016, Iran’s comeback could fill that gap by the middle of the year.

As a result, world markets may be left with a surplus of 1.5 million barrels a day. - Bloomberg News

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

FEATURE

RUSSIA, SAUDI BET ON SLIPPERY PATH firm, has said it Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil offering. Russia, would seek to go for initial public atisation of 19.5% for its part, is considering the priv oil company that is of Rosneft, the country’s biggest now 69.5% state-owned

S

audi Arabia and Russia are on opposing sides in the Syrian war, and fierce competitors in the global oil market. Both suffer from an overreliance on oil for fiscal revenue and a lack of interest in political and economic change. Now, the governments of both countries have come up with similar ideas for boosting their lagging economies.

Saudi Aramco, the governmentowned oil company that claims to produce “roughly one in every eight barrels of the world’s oil supply,” has announced that it would seek to go public, either by listing its own shares on the stock exchange or by selling stock in a “bundle of its downstream subsidiaries.” Russia, for its part, is considering the privatisation of 19.5 per cent of Rosneft, the country’s biggest oil company that is now 69.5 percent state-owned.

It’s clear why officials in both oil countries have turned to privatisation. Last year, Saudi Arabia overshot its spending target by 13 per cent and revenue came in 15 per cent lower than planned.

It paid for the deficit by dipping into its international reserves, which declined 13 per cent. Russia has hung on to a bigger share of its reserves — they only dropped by about 5 per cent in 2015 — but was only able to do so by means of a steep devaluation, which the Saudis avoided. Russia’s budget deficit approached 3 per cent of gross domestic product by the end of the year.

Since both countries may have missed the chance to make their economies less oil-dependent while oil prices were high (oil rent accounts for 43.6 per cent of Saudi GDP and 13.7 per cent of Russia’s economic output, according to the

World Bank), asset sell-offs could be the most readily available response. I doubt, however, that Russia will sell the Rosneft stake this year. And if Saudi Arabia does take Saudi Aramco public, the kingdom’s rulers and potential investors should remember Rosneft’s history.

Russia first sold off part of the oil giant in July 2006, in a ‘people’s IPO’: The public was invited to subscribe for shares. About 150,000 Russians did, at $7.55 per share. Until the middle of 2008, investors were ahead. Then the global financial crisis erupted, and their luck ran out. Rosneft shares topped the IPO price for brief periods, but never rose above $9.44.

The oil collapse of 2014 did them in. Rosneft now trades at $3.16 per share, and its market capitalization, $33.4 billion, is about oneninth of Exxon Mobil’s, though its

revenue is about one-third of the United States company’s.

Investors view Rosneft’s fortunes as tied to those of Putin and his regime, which is known for using big state companies as political tools and milking them for money for side projects that can’t be financed from the government budget. These companies operate more like corruption-ridden slush funds than like businesses.

No wonder the markets don’t see Rosneft as a particularly safe investment. The stock price of Saudi Aramco, too, may suffer from the perception that the company is too close to an unpredictable government. Saudi Arabia is fighting a war in Yemen, it’s involved in Syria and tensions are rising with its main regional rival, Iran.

Investors might have trouble pricing in these conditions.

The Saudi equity market has

deeper problems than the Russian one, though. Foreign investors have only limited access to it since June 2015 — and these only are big institutional investors. The Saudi government wanted their help in reducing volatility. Even if Saudi Aramco is listed outside of Saudi Arabia, it would be weighed down by the government’s iron grip on its management.

Buying stock in such companies essentially means placing bets on the revival of the oil market, which both Rosneft and Saudi Aramco keep flooding with crude because their governments need the revenue regardless of global prices. It also means betting on the geopolitical success of Putin and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman of Saudi Arabia. That is a proposition even insiders might find scary in 2016. - Bloomberg View

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ROUND-UP

Proton cars offer absolute comfort, driving pleasure

S P O R T S D AY

ISD organises 23rd annual athletics meet

Today Proton is the vehicle of choice for Omani customers who value its sturdy performance, comfort and safety

MUSCAT: With the Roaring Tiger as its emblem, Proton cars continue to ride tall on the sleek highways of Oman.

Proton cars reflect the quality standards of Lotus — a class-leading manufacturer of sports cars and a globally respected automotive engineering consultancy — enriching the Proton ownership experience is the caring support of Al Hashar. Today Proton is the vehicle of choice for Omani customers who value its sturdy performance, comfort and safety, says a press release.

B5

The global cars from Malaysia are truly an exceptional piece of machinery. Just hear the engine to feel the exhilaration. Feel the door to see the body strength. Proton cars are renowned for offering value for money without compromising on quality.

Proton offers two world-class models in Oman — Persona a family saloon car equipped with a 1.6 L CamPro Engine. Tuned with Lotus Ride and Handling for Grip Stability Response, a technology no other car can boast of in its category.

All because Proton believes that their customers deserve better.

The new generation Gen-2 is a

semi hatchback car. Sporty aerodynamic design equipped with a powerful 1.6 L Campro Engine. Matching the personality and demands of the youth of today. Sporty steering wheel and seats, a classy dashboard, power options, dual airbags, CD player and other safety features are part of standard accessory.

Established in 1983, Proton is one of Malaysia’s largest manufacturers of automobiles producing cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences in the Middle East, across South-East Asia and Australasia, UK and Western Europe. The offerings include versatile and reliable four-

door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus. Proton believes in building cars with passion; cars that are a delight to drive and a pleasure to own. Every Proton car in Oman is backed by the complete service network of Al Hashar — one of Oman’s premier trading companies with experience of over 40 years in the auto industry. “Don’t hesitate! Have the drive of your life in a brand new, feature-packed Proton. After all, a successful person deserves a befitting statement — Proton,” said a spokesman.

A N N UA L G AT H E R I N G

ahlibank celebrates 8 successful years

MUSCAT: The 23rd Annual Athletics Meet of Indian School Darsait was held at the outer stadium of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher recently.

The chief guest Abdul Rahim Kasim, president, SMC declared the meet open in the presence of guest of honour Murad Ali Yousuf Al Houti, representative of Wilayat Muttrah, Dr Sridevi P. Thashnath, principal, members of SMC, vice principals, staff, a huge gathering of parents, students and well wishers, says a press release.

The chief guest received the guard of honour from the march past contingents belonging to four houses namely, Vivekananda, Bapu, C.V Raman and Tagore and their agility of movement, timing and coordination mesmerised the spectators. It was followed by mass drill formations by the students of Classes IV and V and VI and VII and yoga dem-

onstration by students of Classes VII and VIII. The highlights of the day were the scintillating inter-house finals of the track events. The budding athletes put up a breathtaking show which gave the audience moments of great joy and cheer.

The winners were honoured with medals and certificates by the chief guest, guest of honour and other dignitaries. While Vivekananda House won the Championship trophy, Bapu House lifted the Runners-up trophy. Moreover, the coveted trophy for march past was lifted by Tagore House whereas Bapu House grabbed the second slot. Earlier Priya Kumari, head girl, extended a cordial welcome to everyone and later Abhishek George, deputy head boy, proposed the vote of thanks to one and all for making the meet a great success. The support and participation of the parents also helped the event to be a memorable one.

BUILDING BETTER SOCIETY

Scouts camp held at Indian School Muladha

MUSCAT: To commemorate ahlibank’s completion of eight years of successful operation in Oman, an annual gathering was held for employees and their families. The day was celebrated with much festivity and fun activities at the Millennium Resort in Musannah.

The annual staff gathering included team building activities, stage shows, activities for children and giveaways, a photo-booth and

sports activities. The highlight of the day however, was the raffle draws where employees won exciting gifts, says a press release.

Lloyd Maddock, CEO, ahlibank, commented: “The success of ahlibank has always been rooted in our service to society at large. As we celebrate and reflect on the past eight years, our success has a correlation to the success of our customers. Whether it’s purchasing a

new home, sending kids to college or helping local businesses and community organisations, we are privileged to have played a part in them all. My colleagues deserve special mention, for their inspired team spirit, which is fundamental to the continuous progress and development of the bank.”

He continued: “In celebrating our 8th year of operation, we look to the future of ahlibank with even greater

optimism. The bank will continue to align its future plans with national goals and while seeking to avail of the opportunities presented.” ahlibank has always been an organisation which banks on its employees’ satisfaction and believes that events that bring employees and their families together outside the work environment go a long way in fostering team spirit and cooperation.

‘BE AMAZED’ PROMOTION

Mega winning opportunities at Panasonic showrooms MUSCAT: Omasco along with Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa (PMMAF) has launched ‘Be Amazed’ promotion with mega winning opportunities at the all Omasco Panasonic showrooms.

Customers who shop for OMR30 and above during promotion are eligible to participate in a raffle draw to win a mega prize of a trip for two to Kyoto, Japan, for three nights and four days. ‘Be Amazed’ pro-

motion also offers each and every customer anamazing opportunity to win Panasonic products and souvenirs through scratch and win coupons, says a press release.

The ‘Be Amazed’ campaign will run till March 2 across all Omasco Panasonic showrooms in Qurum, Ruwi, Sohar, Sur, Salalah and Nizwa. The promotion offer is available at all Panasonic shop-in shops at Jalan, Ibri, Ibra and Amerat.

“We constantly aim to provide delightful shopping experiences to our loyal customers and this time around we have a mega prize for one lucky winner - a trip for two to the historical city of Kyoto, Japan.

‘Be Amazed’ campaign is an extension of the bond we share with our customers as each purchase entitles a prize. An exciting experience awaits all at our exclusive brand showroom,” said Anthony Peter, di-

rector Corporate Communications & Operations Division, PMMAF. “We believe in providing innovative and high performance products to be the No. 1 preferred brand for consumer electronics in Oman.

Panasonic ‘Be Amazed’ offer with a chance to win trip to Japan is a way of saying thank you to our customers in Oman for their loyalty and support,” said George Alexander, GM, (RED) Omasco.

MULADHA: A three-day annual scouts camp was organised on the premises of Indian School Muladha recently. Sixty one scouts attended the camp under the trained scout masters Harish and Manoj.

The camp was inaugurated by Felix Vincent Gabriel, member of the School Management Committee. He enlightened the students on the values of scouting and guiding and stressed its importance in building a better society. Siddique Hassan, SMC treasurer, V. S. Suresh, vice principal and Dr Lekha O. C., coordinator, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, attended the function, says a press release.

Informative sessions on hand signals, whistle signals, first aid, patrol system, woodcraft signs, skit inspection, commands and flag hoisting were conducted during the camp. The scouts prepared dinner themselves at the campsite.

A trekking trip to Al Wadi Al Hoqain was organised on the closing day. The treasure hunt competition, conducted to sharpen their observation skills, added to the charm of the camp. Various tests such as Pravesh, Pradham and Dwitiya Sopan were also conducted as part of training.

The campfire was formally lighted by Dr M. Madhusudhanan, convenor and Academic Sub Com-

mittee chairman. Sundaram Millar, SMC member, attended the occasion with his presence. The scouts enjoyed the campfire by performing various programmes such that focused on the Scouts and Guides values. Skit and group dance were also performed Siddique Hassan, SMC treasurer, was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. Certificates and prizes to the participants were given away by the dignitaries.

Harish, Manoj, Niyas Ahamed, Muhammed Sul Ameen, Navas M. Bavakkutty and Resmal Sunny supervised the camp proceedings.

Principal Shareef appreciated the meticulous planning and team work of the teaching staff and non teaching staff that made the camp a grand success. The camp concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Harish.

LIVE-SCORING TECHNOLOGY

Khimji’s Watches brings Golf GameBook to Muscat Hills Country Club MUSCAT: Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, the first grass golf course in Oman, brings another first to the Oman golf community thanks to the foresight of Khimji’s Watches, main sponsor and lifestyle partner, and Omantel, official data partner.

Golf GameBook is a digital scorecard, an online golf community and the world’s leading live-scoring golf technology for golf clubs; all delivered through its award winning application, says a press release.

For over 150 years golf clubs and golfers have used paper scorecards and pencils to record rounds of golf. Golf GameBook is revolutionising golf administration and player enjoyment in the region, while helping the environment by cutting down on the amount of paper used by golf clubs.

Onside Sports, the official representative of Golf GameBook in the GCC, has created a package for golf clubs, which will enable the clubs to provide a hole-by-hole live scoring environment for all of their events, whether members competitions, open tournaments,

corporate golf days or golf societies. Hole-by-hole live scoring will enable golfers to see exactly where they are in the competition after every hole played, which completely alters the dynamic of competitive golf, as well as improves the overall experience for the golfer.

Aside from improving the on

course experience for golfers, Golf GameBook’s in-built social media platform enables golfers to stay connected with their golfing friends wherever they are in the world. By downloading the Golf GameBook App from the App Store, creating an account and becoming a Golf GameBook User, golfers can now connect with their golfing friends

and communicate with them in real time while on the golf course; through messages, photos and video content. Whether a social round or a competitive round, Golf GameBook provides every golfer with an audience and also connects directly to main-stream social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Nailesh Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas, said: “We’re truly delighted to be the main sponsor and lifestyle partner of Golf GameBook live-scoring technology at Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club. Khimji’s Watches has always embraced the use of technology, which shows in some of world’s best brands we represent, such as Rolex, Cartier and Chopard to name but a few.

These brands are in consonance with the elite game of golf and therefore our becoming a lifestyle partner was a perfect fit.

Ray Stopforth, director of Golf at Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, commented: “When introduced to Golf GameBook, it became apparent that the product represents the future of golf club operations and player experience, therefore a necessity for our club.

Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club are proud to deliver firsts – we were the first grass golf course in Oman and the first fully integrated residential golf community, and through the introduction of Golf GameBook we have secured another, innovative first, one we intend to embrace and build on.

Todd Dick, vice president Corporate Business Unit of Omantel stated: “Omantel, as a leader in digital technology, quickly recognised the value that Golf GameBook brings to the game of golf and how it creates and connects communities through various online channels and mediums. We are very excited to be partnering with Golf GameBook as the official data partner to enhance the Oman golf community’s enjoyment of the game of golf.

Julian Danby, partner of Onside Sports commented: “Golf GameBook is re-writing the future of golf entertainment for regular golfers. The philosophy of the team in Finland is to continue to make golf more enjoyable and this what drives their development process. This product is the future for clubs, but also for brands as GameBook provides a platform to directly reach out to golfers to impact positively on their round of golf whilst they’re playing. We’re very excited to be working with them as well as our partners in Oman to enhance the lives of our fellow golfers.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

ROUND-UP Huawei unveils Mate 8 and M2 Tablet in ME

The new flagship devices feature the world’s most advanced smartphone and tablet technology ever; a new benchmark of amazing performance and long battery life

DUBAI: Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) revealed their latest flagship devices — the Mate 8 and the M2 tablet to the Middle East region at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, UAE. Dubai became the second city globally for the Huawei Consumer Group to launch the new flagship devices, post the global launch last week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The spectacular event saw over 400 attendees including media from across the region, VIP guests and partners who were all there to witness the unveiling of Huawei’s latest innovations, says a press release.

The evening’s stellar entertainment was presented by renowned comedian Tony Abou Joude who kept the crowd entertained, by introducing the spectacular launch of the two devices. The night was then rounded off with a beautiful recital by violinist Hanine El Alam.

Featuring the most powerful chipset, a high-capacity battery and stylish design – including a unique mocha brown colour option – the Huawei Mate 8 is the ideal smartphone for today’s on-the-go profes-

sional. The Mate 8 is designed from the ground up for productivity and its hardware and software have been fine-tuned to provide an elegant, efficient experience.

Commenting on the launch of the devices, Sandeep Saihgal, vice president of Huawei Consumer Business Group said, “2015 was a successful year for the Huawei Consumer Business Group here in the Middle East and we anticipate 2016 to be an even bigger one with immense growth in the region following the launch of these two flagship devices.

“The Mate 8 is the ultimate high-end smartphone designed for the professional, striking the perfect balance between high performance and long battery life.

And when designing the M2, we equipped it with an impeccable sound system to take the user’s experience to the next level. Both of these devices reflect Huawei’s continued dedication to bringing the latest innovation and style to our consumers.”

Huawei Mate 8 Featuring groundbreaking hardware, the Mate 8 is the first smartphone to run the Kirin 950 chipset, with CPU boosting power up 100 percent, GPU performance up 125 percent, and power efficiency up 70 percent vs. the Kirin 925.

Equipped with a 4000mAh high-density battery, the Mate 8 delivers industry-leading power efficiency offering over two days of normal usage. And with rapid charging technology, the phone is able to charge a day’s worth of power in just 30 minutes.

In fact, regular users can go without charging their phone for 2.36 days, and heavy users can go without charging for 1.65 days.

The Mate 8 also features an advanced six-layer thermal mechanics, which allows higher heat dissipation leading to an excellent holding experience and lower

power consumption.

Built for productivity Running on Huawei’s EMUI 4.0, based on Android Marshmallow 6.0, the Huawei Mate 8 offers hundreds of user experience tweaks and improvements, including a built-in automatic defragmentation service that continues optimising system performance. Additionally, the Mate 8 features a split-screen mode that enables enhanced multitasking between apps.

Smart and secure The Huawei Mate 8 introduces a new generation of fingerprint security with enhanced protection technology. The circular fingerprint sensor improves the effective identification area by 10 percent.

In addition, the fingerprint friction ridge matching has three levels of security, providing higher protection for users. The new sensor design also increases the unlock speed by 100%.

The Mate 8 maintains two sets of fingerprint interface standards to improve smartphone payment experiences — the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) and Android M standards. The strong CPU also supports real-time encryption of full storage for better data protection. The Mate 8 provides a microSD card lock, preventing anyone from accessing content in the card without a password. If a phone is stolen, user data cannot be obtained.

Stunning photography Huawei invested $98 million over three years to develop the first proprietary image sensor processor for faster focusing, higher clarity, and more accurate colour shading.

A leading team of 300 engineers was assembled in France to increase the processing speed of the camera, resulting in increasing the process bandwidth by four times with 14-bit precision.

SPIRIT OF SPORTSMANSHIP

In addition, the Mate 8 adopts the revolutionary, all-new Sony 16MP IMX298, increasing the sensor size by 23 percent for breathtaking images. The Mate 8 also features an 8 MP front camera with a new beauty algorithm for taking the perfect selfie. Additionally, the Mate 8 provides document readjustment camera mode, which automatically straightens images that are captured at an angle for better viewing.

The Huawei M2 partnership Those using the Huawei M2 Tablet will have an opportunity to enjoy the rich sonic experience of Harman/Kardon, as the result of a new partnership that integrates that company’s leading audio technology into the 10-inch tablet. Harman International, with its core brand Harman/Kardon, is the world leader for personal audio solutions at home, in the car and on the go and is known for its innovative design and enterprising spirit. In the M2 Tablet, Harman/Kardon will provide its cutting-edge Clari-Fi audio restoration technology designed to recover the lost details of compressed digital music. The resulting audio is clearer, crisper, wider and more dynamic - resulting in improved realism and fidelity. #FindThe8 To join in with the celebration of the Mate 8 launch, Huawei is inviting people to share any 8s they find around the city and to share their pictures using the hashtag #FindThe8. The pictures will then be automatically added to the Mate 8 gallery hub on Huawei’s online community and a winner will be selected to win the latest Flagship device.

Award winning During the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2016 in Las Vegas, the Huawei Consumer Business Group was awarded 16 awards.

B E S T - I N - C L A S S FA C I L I T I E S

New Plaza Premium Lounge at Salalah Airport raises comfort bar for travellers

SALALAH: Business travellers and holidaymakers departing from Salalah Airport are discovering that the newly inaugurated gateway is more than just an architectural masterwork with state-of-the-art fixtures.

Tucked away in a discreet section of the departures hall is an airport lounge replete with amenities that take away a lot of the hassles and stressors synonymous with modern-day air travel.

The recently inaugurated Plaza Premium Lounge is a sanctuary for airport passengers to unwind in the face of flight delays, lengthy layovers or simply for an opportunity to relax before boarding, says a press release.

The new Plaza Premium Lounge is equipped with two VIP rooms, two shower rooms with amenities and a smoking room. It offers music and television entertainment and has counters supplying ample food and beverage, racks of international newspapers and magazine, not to mention complimentary Wi-Fi, tempting travellers to chill in upscale settings ahead of the flight.

Covering an area of over 500 square metres, the impeccably appointed facility is spacious enough to accommodate as many as 100 guests at any given time.

Available round the clock is a delectable spread of hot food, salads, sandwiches, snacks and fruit, complemented by an equally diverse selection of hot and cold beverages. Together with its upscale ambience and cosy appeal, the Lounge makes for an inviting pre-boarding hub.

Like the popular Plaza Premium Lounge in Muscat International Airport, the Plaza Premium Lounge in Salalah is operated by a joint venture of Plaza Premium Group and Zahara Travel & Service Bureau, the Sultanate’s leading destination and leisure management specialists.

“Sharing with Salalah Airport the passion and value of delivering excellent quality of services which exceed travellers’ expectation brought us here and I’m sure Plaza Premium’s best-in-class lounge facilities and services

could create exceptional and seamless airport experience for all those travelling to this city,” said Song Hoi-see, founder and CEO of Plaza Premium Group.

“Salalah is one of the most important gateways of the Sultanate of Oman, connecting travellers from different continents to the Middle-East. With the expansion of Salalah Airport and the continuous growth of passenger traffic through Oman, the launch of new Plaza Premium Lounge in Salalah will complement our existing lounge facilities in Muscat to better serve the surging number of travellers in the Middle East.”

Given the importance to this key facility, the lounge was opened by a senior management team of Oman Airports Management Company headed by its CEO Aimen Ahmed Al Hosni who was also the chief guest. Accompanying him were Samer Ahmed Al Nabhani, GM - Commercial Operations; Abdul Wahab Abdul Karim Al Balushi, GM – Security; and Salim Awadh Al Yafaei - GM Salalah Airport. Representing Zahara Airport Services was its director, Gautam Broota.

Al Hosni stated, “We are proud to operate and manage the new Salalah Airport. Hence, we are working determinedly to develop a world-class airport with high standard of facilities and services. As one of Oman’s gateway, the new Plaza Premium Lounge is one of the premium facilities for passengers to get a rich travel experience. With the expansion of Salalah Airport and the continuous growth of passenger traffic through Oman, I believe the new terminal at Salalah Airport will leave a memorable experience as part of the passengers’ journey.”

“The high-level presence underscored the Lounge’s importance to Salalah Airport’s overall offering as an aviation hub in the region,” said Broota.

“Premium lounges are an integral part of an airport such as Salalah that has been designed and built to serve as a gateway for tourist as well as business traffic into this fast-developing region of Oman,” he stated.

O R I E N TAT I O N P R O G R A M M E

KR holds annual cricket tournament

alizz Islamic trains new staff

MUSCAT: The Khimiji Ramdas Group recently conducted its annual cricket tournament bringing together employees from all departments in a day of fun and sportsmanship.

Over 3,000 staff, their families and friends represented the entire KR family for the inter-division softball cricket tournament that was held at Barka farms, says a press release.

Commenting on the event, Anil Khimji said, “From the time of its inception the KR Group has embraced a strong people-centric policy, which facilitates frequent inter-department interaction across all levels of management through social gatherings. Events

MUSCAT: alizz Islamic bank conducted a two-day orientation training course for its new employees.

The course involved an introduction into Islamic banking principles and the bank’s products and services. The training group comprised 25 new Omani recruits, says a press releae.

The training was delivered by a number of prominent Islamic banking practitioners and specialists at alizz Islamic bank. The programme aimed to equip the new staff with various skills as well as knowledge in Islamic banking with a view to ensure highest level of performance efficiency and effectiveness in offering the Sharia compliant banking products to re-

such as our annual cricket tournament reward our employees with well-earned leisure time apart from giving them an opportunity to build stronger relationships with their peers.”

Directors, CEOs, division heads and management staff along with

their families formed 72 teams that pitched a great game to cheering onlookers and supporters.

Each team fielded stiff competition to the other till KR Crusaders were declared the day’s champions. Runners up was team KR Commodity Division.

tail and corporate customers.

Manar Abbas, Products Manager at alizz Islamic bank said, “Implementing such training programmes is in line with the bank’s dedication to develop and improve its employees’ knowledge and understanding of both the principles of Islamic banking as well as the bank’s products. The training programme also provided the trainees with soft skills techniques on how to deal with customers and enhance their experience with alizz Islamic bank.” She also stated, “alizz is keen on providing training and development programmes for all its employees whether existing ones or who will be hired for branches that the bank is planning

to open in different areas of the Sultanate.”

Ibrahim Saad, Senior Manager at alizz Islamic bank, said. “In alizz Islamic bank Sharia training is one of the essential requirements for new staff to understand the principles of Islamic banking.

This training aims to ensure our Sharia compliant products and services are offered to customers with unwavering commitment to the Sharia guidelines.”

The bank strives to attract and develop Omani youth to lead customer service in the banking sector. These youth would be selected based on their exceptional academic qualifications as well as personal traits.

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‘Live It!’ with Ooredoo Everyone signing up for Home Broadband with a new Shahry plan during Muscat Festival, will receive extra 33 per cent data for the first three months

MUSCAT: Ooredoo is inviting Muscat Festival visitors across the capital to ‘Live It!’ with the launch of very special offers on Home and Fibre Home Broadband as well as great deals on the latest smartphones with Shahry Plans.

Starting from January 14 and for the next 90 days, new and existing customers visiting the Ooredoo store at the festival grounds can get these fantastic value added promotions, says a press release.

“We are confident the offers we have put together for Muscat Festival will get everybody talking,’

said Feras Al Shaikh, Ooredoo Director of Consumer Sales. “With unbeatable deals on data and unparalleled high speeds, Ooredoo customers can live life to the full through the power of the Internet, whether they are at home or on the go, and to make sure they can take full advantage of being connected. We have some really great promotions on the most popular mobile devices.”

Talking more about what Ooredoo has in store, Feras explained that everyone signing up for Home Broadband with a new Shahry plan

during Muscat Festival, will receive extra 33 per cent data for the first three months.

“That’s an extra 25GB with the 75GB package and an extra 50GB with the 150GB package,” he revealed, adding: “What’s more, new Shahry customers can enjoy

further discounts on the latest smartphones of between OMR40 and OMR120, depending on their choice of plan.”

Also part of the festival promotions is Ooredoo’s inspiring introductory plan for its new Unlimited Superfast Fibre Home Broadband where customers who like to live life in the fast lane can get ’24 for 24’; the highest Internet speeds in the Sultanate for an incredible OMR24 per month for their first 24-month contract.

And that’s not all. There’s a great offer for all customers on devices with Ooredoo’s new Shahry plans, for any customer buying a device from an Ooredoo store.

With up to OMR120 discount on the device price along with a 12 month Shahry contract, it’s a chance for customers to get the device they’ve been waiting for, in some cases, for free.

For customers who are just interested in a device alone, there are also some attractive deals on the latest smartphones.

F I R S T O M A N I C O M PA N Y

omanoil awarded four new versions of ISO certifications MUSCAT: Oman Oil Marketing Company (omanoil) successfully became the first Omani company to be awarded the integrated new versions of ISO standards (2015) for 9001:2015 Quality Management, ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management, ISO27001:2013 Information Security Management as well as OHSAS18001:2007 Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems.

The accolades are a result of the

company’s compliance and operational upgrades in line with the newly revamped ISO certification standards, says a press release.

Mohammed Al Mujaini, senior manager of Health, Safety, Security and Environment and Quality Assurance, said: “Our journey to achieve this benchmark began in 2013, when we started conducting a detailed analysis of our operations to find ways to improve upon the ISO and global qualifications we already had.

“The systematic approach we adopted led in the implementation of highly progressive measures, including the latest health policies, a thorough risk assessment for all employees, and the development of a dedicated internal auditing team. Those changes, as well as the strong support from our top management and hard work of our employees, have allowed us to become the first Omani company to earn this milestone and will help us continue exceeding the expec-

PROMOTION

Mercedes launches new offer

MUSCAT: Making the pinnacle of driving excellence more attractive than ever, Mercedes-Benz Oman gets the New Year in gear with the launch of a finely-tuned special offer on three of its most popular vehicles.

The astounding offer is headed by one of Mercedes-Benz’s most popular new SUVs, the GLE400 4MATIC which took the market by storm when it was launched in November 2015. Accompanying the strong and sophisticated GLE in the specially selected lineup are two of Oman’s favourite Mercedes-Benz luxury sedans, the confidently stylish C200 AMG and the Avantgarde E300 AMG Sport with its sporty styling and superior ride comfort, says a press release.

“Mercedes-Benz fans will be driving their dream thanks to this precision-engineered package,” commented Clive Hammond, CEO of Zawawi Trading Company-Automotive. “While the three vehicles have distinct personalities, what they have in common is MercedesBenz’s unrivalled engineering, luxury and power. The Mercedes-Benz philosophy of ‘The Best or Nothing’ applies to our deals as much to our

Mercedes-Benz Oman offers packages on the GLE400 4MATIC, the C200 AMG, and the E300 AMG Sport.

This offer to drive your dream vehicle and live the unsurpassable Mercedes-Benz lifestyle is available until March 31 or till stocks last

vehicles, and with these fantastic packages we are confident that we achieved that.”

Available for OMR29,995 while stocks last, the GLE400 4MATIC offer includes a 3-year or 45,000 kilometre integrated service pack-

age. A true multi-talent, the GLE is a premium SUV that drives performance and supreme comfort on any terrain, blending tradition and modernity with a luxurious interior ambience and a sporty exterior design.

Priced at just OMR24,995 with a 3-year or 45,000 kilometre service package, the E300 Avantgarde AMG Sport is permanently perfect, impressing from the first second. The desirable and dynamic sedan combines outstanding comfort and a serene driving experience with exceptional agility and power.

It is no longer necessary to imagine yourself behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz with the C200 AMG included in the New Year package for just OMR22,495. The embodiment of sophisticated sportiness, the C200 provides an intense driving experience, a new style of leadership, and a true sense of direction. This offer also includes a 3 year or 45,000 kilometre integrated service package.

This offer to drive your dream vehicle and live the unsurpassable Mercedes-Benz lifestyle is available until March 31 or till stocks last.

tations of customers nationwide.”

Accomplishment He added: “Our environmental footprint, product quality, and customer satisfaction have always been a central component of our operations. These global certifications illustrate the long-term value we wish to bring to Oman and its people. Today’s accomplishment is a translation of our efforts to raise industry standards across the Sultanate.”

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ROUND-UP

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‘Gruhapravesh’ property expo starts tomorrow The flagship property pavilion by IndiaProperty.com will showcase around 200 new projects by 45 top builders from India

MUSCAT: Having redefined property shows in India and top international destinations like Dubai, Singapore and USA, IndiaProperty.com is all set for its 1st edition of ‘Gruhapravesh’ tomorrow and the day after, following growing demand for real estate investment in India by the NRI community in Muscat, at Hotel Al Falaj, Ruwi, says a press release.

India Property Online Pvt. Ltd., is one of India’s leading portal in the online real estate space.

Founded on the core promise of ‘We get you Home’, they constantly strive to simplify and add value to the property buying experience by providing an end-to-end purchase experience for the buyer.

Gruhapravesh which is the property pavilion conducted by IndiaProperty.com is the most trusted and longest running realty expo in India and abroad. It brings together the best selection of builders and projects under one roof and helps you make the right property buying decision while being far away from the country. For NRIs who are looking to invest in India, Gruhapravesh becomes the crucial link to the best of the realty industry in India. With a lot of positivity surrounding 2016, it might be the right year to make your dream of buying a home in India a reality.

Over 45 top builders from India will showcase their projects this year from all the major cities in India like Kerala, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysuru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi-NCR, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Ahmedabad and Kolkata. The reputed developers exhibiting their projects are Godrej Properties, Mahindra, Aparna Construction Group, Vatika Group,

Optima Homes, Radiance, Montag Infrastucture, Greentech Builders, Provident, Purvankara, MCB Aassetz, Ansal Housing, Sowparnika, Square Yards and more.

There would be something for everyone who wants to buy a house in India – from apartments, plots, villas and gated communities to projects ranging from INR300,000 to 50 million.

A recent report by IndiaProperty.com, features the top investment destinations in India. Highlighting the nifty investment zones in the top cities, the report elaborates that, a healthy trend is observed in Mumbai; “The satellite township of Navi Mumbai has emerged as the newest investment destination for home buyers and builders alike.

With projects like the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, this region has witnessed a surge in investments with an overall price appreciation of nearly 3 per cent to 5 per cent each quarter.”

Pune’s real estate market has been performing well over the past five years and is regarded as one of the best real estate investment hubs in India.

The manufacturing and services sectors present here are generating tremendous job opportunities and this is impacting the realty market of the city. For the first time in the past five years, there is more supply than demand in the city. Hence property prices are expected to be stagnant until there is situation changes.

Nagpur is one of the more affordable real estate destinations in India and is also one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The major infrastructure developments such as Mihan and the SEZ

are the major attractions here.

Measures are being taken to transform the city into a major IT hub and this is going to transform the realty market of the city. The existing MIDC corridor along with the proposed and upcoming IT parks have raised expectations among buyers and investors.

Ahmedabad is one of the best examples of a well-organised city in the country. If you are looking to invest anywhere between INR 30 to 50 lakhs in this city then areas such as Gota, Bopal, Satellite and those along the SG Highway will be your best bets. Infrastructure developments such as bullet trains, GIFT, and Smart City project are driving the growth of the city in a planned manner. The property prices of the market are expected to remain healthy in coming quarters.

Moving to southern cities, Kochi which is an important city in Kerala is now witnessing good demand for affordable and mid segment properties. Over 60 per cent of the projects here fall into these two categories. Infrastructural projects in and around Kochi have boosted real estate activity with many developers investing in the city. Kannur, another area in Kerala, is set to have a functional international airport by next year.

This development along with improvements in infrastructure in areas around Kannur is boosting the real estate market here.

Bangalore has emerged as one of the most stable markets in the country. The report suggests that, “North Bengaluru has seen a rise in real estate activity and capital appreciation of about 20 per cent in the last two years as the IT/BT Corridor (Information Technol-

ogy & Biotechnology) takes shape near the international airport.

Localities like Hebbal, Yelahanka and Devanahalli are likely to see an increase in demand and growth of residential real estate. South-East Bengaluru which includes localities like Sarjapur Road, amounts to nearly 40 per cent of the total demand for residential properties in Bengaluru.”

“Upcoming localities in East Hyderabad like Uppal and LB Nagar will benefit from the improved connectivity and see a capital appreciation of 15 per cent to 20 per cent annually. Extension of the Hyderabad Metro to areas like Trimulgherry, Nagole, Ghatkesar, Hayatnagar and Patancheru will create an increased demand for residential properties here.”

Coimbatore is one of the Tier 2 cities which provides real estate investment opportunities at affordable prices. Well known areas such as Race Course, R.S. Puram and Avinashi Road are quite popular with buyers. If you are looking for affordable properties then head to micro markets off Avinashi Road, Saravanampatti, Mettupalayam Road and Trichy Road.

With developments related to infrastructure and demand for commercial office spaces, the realty market of Coimbatore is expected to remain active.

As far as Chennai is concerned, the real estate market here is sluggish post the floods. But this is expected to change in the next two quarters.

Micro markets which were not affected by the floods are witnessing demand. Areas along the Poonamalle High Road and central Chennai are seeing increasing buyer interest.

According to Ganesh Vasudevan, CEO IndiaProperty.com, “The residential market in India is reviving and this is evident from the increasing number of enquiries we have received in the past two quarters. With the incentives like an increase in home loan exemption, decrease in the home loan rate – the market sentiments are positive and there are more number of end-users looking for their dream home in India.”

“Moreover, experts at IndiaProperty will guide you in your home search journey. So if you are looking to invest or even explore your options, this is an excellent platform,” he added.

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ISLAMIC FINANCE

Meethaq hosts key CIBAFI seminar on risk management MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, hosted the international seminar on Risk Management and Compliance in Islamic Financial Institutions organised by the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI).

The 2-day event at Al Bustan Palace Ritz Carlton Hotel was attended by senior CIBAFI officials and risk management executives from Islamic financial institutions across the world, says a press release.

The seminar noted that Islamic financial institutions need to enhance their compliance and risk management capacities to sustain business growth. The key priorities within risk management include macro-risks; IT risks and risk-technologies; credit tools and capacities; alternative liquidity management; compliance; equity finance; and risk governance.

Addressing the seminar, Sulaiman Al Harthy, deputy chief executive officer – Islamic Banking, said: “As the pioneer of Islamic banking services in Oman, the initiative to host the seminar stems from the bank’s commitment to identifying the best practices and tackling the challenges faced by Islamic banking and finance industry. At a time when the role of Islamic finance is increasingly seen in supporting economic development, the seminar is a great opportunity for adopting successful strategies on risk management and compliance. The seminar addressed by industry experts provides an ideal platform to discuss best practices, new possibilities and

At a time when the role of Islamic finance is increasingly seen in supporting economic development, the seminar is a great opportunity for adopting successful strategies on risk management and compliance Sulaiman Al Harthy Deputy chief executive officer – Islamic Banking

collaborations in Islamic banking and finance to create an environment which should make all of us proud of, balanced with the Sharia Law, regulatory guidelines, public demands and expectation, and the rule of law, as a whole.”

Meethaq is the leading Islamic financial services provider in the Sultanate with many achievements contributing to the growth and development of the Sultanate’s economy.

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Top seeds progress, Djokovic denies match-fixing report ‘Pumped-up’ Federer is no pushy parent

Djokovic granted Quentin Halys a

MELBOURNE: Roger Federer is in love with tennis even after nearly two decades but may not be that keen to follow his children if they ever turned professional, the Swiss maestro said after storming into the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.

“It’s been going very well for me, and I hope to keep it up as long as I choose to play tennis,” the 17-times grand slam winner told reporters after recording his 299th victory at a grand slam with the win against the 27-year-old Ukrainian.

“The least I expect (is) to be in the third round of a slam, so I’m pumped up, playing well, feeling good.”

Federer said while he was still in love with the sport that had earned him hundreds of millions of dollars in prize money and endorsements, he

100-minute audience but he enjoyed a less comfortable ride in the post-match media conference

MELBOURNE: World number one Novak Djokovic swept regally into the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday before being forced to deny any involvement in the tennis match-fixing scandal that has dogged the first three days of the grand slam.

The Serbian defending champion granted Quentin Halys a 100-minute audience on Rod Laver Arena before despatching the French teenager 6-1, 6-2, 7-6(3) but he enjoyed a less comfortable ride in the post-match media conference.

Alerted to a story in an Italian newspaper suggesting his loss to now-retired French player Fabrice Santoro in Paris in 2007 was fixed, the 28-year-old denied it point blank. “It’s not true,” he said when told he had been accused of deliberately losing. “What it is to say?

I’ve lost that match.”

“Anybody can create a story about that match or for that matter any of the matches of the top players losing in the early rounds,

may resist the idea of following any of his four children if they turned professional.

“I think it’s 40 years on the tennis tour that doesn’t excite me, you know, straight,” he said while laughing when asked to clarify an on-court statement he made about not wanting to watch his daughters play on

IN CONTROL: Novak djokovic of Serbia makes a forehand return to Quentin Halys of France during their second round match. – AP/PTI

I think it’s just absurd.”

Back on court, Djokovic was joined in the third round by women’s champion Serena Williams, 17-times grand slam champion Federer and Maria Sharapova who all made short work of their second-round opponents.

Following Tuesday’s defeats for former men’s champion Rafa Nadal and women’s second seed

Simona Halep, the only real shock on day four came in the penultimate match of the day when Czech sixth seed Petra Kvitova, twice a Wimbledon winner, was beaten 6-4, 6-4 by naturalised local Daria Gavrilova. Top seed Williams took exactly an hour to dismiss Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei 6-1, 6-2 in the second match of the day after fifth seed Sharapova had routed

TEST SERIES

Dominant England aim to complete 3-0 triumph PRETORIA: England, with a series win already secured, can complete South Africa’s ignominious fall from the top of the rankings when the final Test of the four-match series starts at Centurion Park in Pretoria on Friday.

Dominant England went 2-0 up after Stuart Broad’s venemous spell set the platform for an emphatic win in the third Test in Johannesburg.

In contrast their hosts, about to lose top place in the International Cricket Council rankings to India, are in a state of disarray, having switched captains mid-series and extended a winless streak to nine Tests.

The absence of injured key fast bowler Dale Steyn has not helped and he will again not play in the fourth Test, having only contributed for just a single innings at the start of the series in Durban last month.

The likes of Broad, Joe Root and Ben Stokes have all displayed match-winning brilliance for England in this series.

“The future of this team could turn into something special,” said coach Trevor Bayliss in the wake of the seven-wicket win at the Wanderers.

A shell-shocked South Africa are set to hand a debut to 33-yearold opener Stephen Cook as they attempt to solve one of several problems in a side that last won a Test more than a year ago.

New captain AB de Villiers had promised an aggressive and “in your face” approach for his first game in charge after replacing Hashim Amla but watched his team meekly fold as they were skittled out for a paltry 83 runs in their second innings in Johannesburg to be beaten inside three days.

The obvious lack of confidence is exacerbated by uncertainty over De Villiers’ own future in the Test arena as he seeks to lessen his workload to continue playing all formats of the international game.

South Africa can only point

Roger Federer

Rod Laver Arena. “As much as I love it now, I’m just not sure what my excitement level will be in 20 years’ time from now.”

Federer, who has six year-old twin daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva and twin boys Leo and Lennart, who were born in May 2014, said he had encouraged his daughters to take tennis lessons for reasons other than carving out a potential career. “I think it’s a good thing for them,” he said.

“It’s a great sport to learn how to lose, to win, to figure it out, for friendship, discipline, for hand-eye coordination.

“I will support them all the way whatever they want to do. I’d rather support them in another sport. Go see them be a super skier. That would be exciting. To go watch tennis matches, I don’t know,” he laughed again. - Reuters

Plunkett suffers injury setback ahead of ODI series

TROUBLE: Liam Plunkett was called to replace Steven Finn but he himself has suffered a thigh muscle injury.

PRETORIA: Fast bowler Liam Plunkett has suffered a thigh muscle injury and must pass a fitness test before joining the England squad for the limited overs series against South Africa next month.

Plunkett, called up on Monday to replace the injured Steven Finn, was due to play for England Lions in two 50-over matches against Pakistan A in the United Arab Emirates before heading to Johannesburg but had to pull out of Wednes-

to past statistics for a glimmer of sunshine.

Centurion Park has been their most successful home venue since it hosted its first Test 20

day’s match in Dubai.

He will now have a check on his fitness on Thursday, ahead of the second match of the Lions series on Friday, after which decision on his departure to South Africa will be made, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said.

Finn was ruled out of the remaining tour of South Africa with a side strain and is now in a race against time to be fit for the Twenty20 World Cup in India in March. - Reuters

years ago. South Africa have won 15 times, drawn three and lost only to England in 2000 and Australia in 2014 in 20 previous Tests at the ground. - Reuters

unseeded Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 6-1.

Third seed Federer was next up on the main showcourt to put down tricky Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-3, 7-5, 6-1 and retain his record of never having failed to reach the third round in 17 visits to Melbourne Park.

Seventh seed Kei Nishikori cruised into the third round with

a 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Austin Krajicek and Czech Tomas Berdych also only needed three sets to power past Bosnia’s Mirza Basic 6-4, 6-0, 6-3. Canadian Eugenie Bouchard’s hopes ere shattered when fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska rallied from an early deficit to win 6-4, 6-2.

There was a minor upset when twice grand slam champion Svetla-

na Kuznetsova, a title winner in Sydney last week, was dumped out of the tournament by Kateryna Bondarenko 6-1, 7-5 but the major ruction in the women’s draw came later.

Kvitova, who suffered from glandula fever last year paid full credit to Moscow-born Gavrilova — the only one of nine Australian women in the draw to survive the first round. - Reuters

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SPORTS

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Australia choke India in Canberra SCOREBOARD

AUSTRALIA D. Warner b I. Sharma 93 A. Finch c I. Sharma b U. Yadav 107 M. Marsh c Kohli b U. Yadav 33 S. Smith c Mann b I. Sharma 51 G. Maxwell c sub b I. Sharma 41 G. Bailey c R. Sharma b I. Sharma 10 J. Faulkner b U. Yadav 0 M. Wade run out (R. Sharma, U. Yadav) 0 J. Hastings not out 0 Extras (lb-7, w-6) 13 Total (for 8 wickets, 50 overs) 348 Fall of wickets: 1-187, 2-221, 3-288, 4-298, 5-319, 6-319, 7-321, 8-348 Did not bat: K. Richardson, N. Lyon Bowling: U. Yadav 10-1-67-3 (w-2), B. Kumar 8-0-69-0, I. Sharma 10-0-77-4 (w2), G. Mann 3-0-24-0, R. Dhawan 9-0-53-0 (w-1), R. Jadeja 10-0-51-0 (w-1) INDIA R. Sharma c Wade b Richardson 41 S. Dhawan c Bailey b Hastings 126 V. Kohli c Smith b Richardson 106 M. Dhoni c Wade b Hastings 0 G. Mann c sub b Lyon 5 R. Jadeja not out 24 A. Rahane c Smith b Richardson 2 R. Dhawan c Warner b Richardson 9 B. Kumar c Smith b Richardson 2 U. Yadav c Bailey b M. Marsh 2 I. Sharma c Wade b M. Marsh 0 Extras (nb-1, w-5) 6 Total (all out, 49.2 overs) 323 Fall of wickets: 1-65, 2-277, 3-277, 4-278, 5-286, 6-294, 7-308, 8-311, 9-315, 10-323 Bowling: N. Lyon 10-0-76-1, K. Richardson 10-1-68-5, J. Hastings 10-0-50-2 (nb-1, w-1), J. Faulkner 7-0-48-0 (w-1), M. Marsh 9.2-0-55-2 (w-2), G. Maxwell 1-0-10-0 (w1), S. Smith 2-0-16-0 Umpires: Richard Kettleborough and John Ward TV umpire: Paul Wilson Match referee: Jeff Crowe Result: Australia won by 25 runs

Three batsmen struck centuries in the 671run match between the world’s top two one-day teams but it was Richardson’s (568) incisive bowling that clinched the contest, while also earning him the manof-the-match award

CANBERRA: Paceman Kane Richardson claimed his maiden five-wicket haul to script India’s spectacular collapse and bowl Australia to a 25-run victory in the high-scoring fourth one day international on Wednesday.

Three batsmen struck centuries in the 671-run match between the world’s top two one-day teams but it was Richardson’s (5-68) incisive bowling that clinched the contest, while also earning him the manof-the-match award.

Chasing 349 for victory, India were cruising at 277 for one before losing their last nine wickets for 46 runs to succumb to their fourth successive defeat in the fivematch series.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan (126) and Virat Kohli (106) featured in a 212-run stand for the visitors before the wheels came off India’s chase at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.

Dhawan registered his ninth ODI century and Kohli scored his second consecutive hundred but India lost three wickets in 11 balls for the addition of one run that derailed them.

For them, in-form Ajinkya Rahane came out to bat despite a split webbing of his fingers, but could

VIRAT KOHLI

AARON FINCH

106

107

runs from 92 balls 11 fours, 1 six

runs from 107 balls 9 fours, 2 sixes

SHIKHAR DHAWAN

126 runs from 113 balls 14 fours, 2 sixes

score only two as India were all out for 323 in the final over.

Earlier, Aaron Finch struck his seventh hundred in a blistering opening partnership of 187 with David Warner to power Australia to 348 for eight wickets.

Finch smashed a run-a-ball 107 while Warner fell on 93 from

92 deliveries as the hosts continued to make merry against India’s toothless bowling attack after opting to bat first.

Australia had chased down each Indian target to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series and the tourists’ battered bowlers did little better after final-

ly getting the chance to bowl first.

Warner, who missed the last two matches due to the birth of his second child, started off with a maiden against Umesh Yadav but soon hit his stride with three fours in an over against seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Yadav also conceded three boundaries in the next over

against the diminutive left-hander as Australia raced to 50 in the seventh over.

Finch was equally destructive and a fierce straight drive from the right-hander off fast bowler Ishant Sharma (4-77) hit umpire Richard Kettleborough on the shin, forcing the official off the field.

Finch mistimed a pull to be dismissed eight overs after Warner had played Ishant on to his stumps while attempting a slog over mid-wicket.

Australia captain Steven Smith (51) and all-rounders Mitchell Marsh (33) and Glenn Maxwell (41) chipped in with some quick runs.

Sydney hosts the fifth and final one-dayer on Saturday. - Reuters

ODI SERIES

I’ll take responsibility for failed chase: Dhoni CANBERRA: Taking full responsibility for the inexplicable collapse against Australia in the fourth cricket ODI, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday said he should have steered the team home after fluent centuries from Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli.

Chasing 349 for a win at the Manuka Oval, the visitors were sailing along at 277 for one before they lost nine wickets for 46 runs to nosedive to 323 all out in 49.2 overs.

Losing the match by 25 runs, India trail the five-match series 0-4 and Dhoni was expectedly disappointed.

“I am not angry, I’m disappointed. This was one game we should have batted much better. I’ll take responsibility, I should have car-

ried on but I got out...There was a bit of pressure on the youngsters.

International cricket is all about pressure, you think about the right shot. You realise you have to take a bit more time and take the game slightly to the end,” Dhoni said in the post-match presentation.

Dhawan (126) and Kohli (106) stitched together a 212-run second-wicket stand to put the hosts on the backfoot before Kane Richardson’s five-wicket haul flattened the Indian chase.

Dhoni not only praised the batting duo, but also defended the inexperienced Indian bowling attack.

“Rohit batted very well with Shikhar. And Dhawan and Kohli batted majestically. In the last five years, we have not had a fixed bowling line-up other than the

M.S. Dhoni

spinners. That pushes us to the extreme to get some extra runs,” said Dhoni.

On a roll, Australia skipper Steven Smith not only praised the effort of Dhawan and Kohli, but also gave full credit to Richardson and his team’s never-say-die attitude.

“It looked like they were cruis-

ing, a couple of wickets swung things. Richardson did very well as well. You have to try everything when Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan were batting, it felt like we needed 15 or 16 fielders. We had a never say die attitude tonight. When we had a sniff, we made a run for it,” Smith said.

Richardson registered his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs to earn a well-deserved Man of the Match award and he was over the moon.

“It’s a funny old game, cricket.

We always knew it would speed up once we got a wicket but we did not get it. Hastings could be up here as well. You try and bowl good balls but sometimes they go for sixes. It’s our job to try and stop them,” said the 24-year-old medium-pacer. - PTI

CRICKET

Richardson lauds Manohar’s stance on conflict of interest CHENNAI: Lauding Shashank Manohar for his stand against conflict of interest, International Cricket Council CEO Dave Richardson on Wednesday said the ICC Chairman, who also heads the BCCI, is a principled man and is trying to reform the governance structure in both the bodies.

The BCCI, under Manohar’s presidency, has been forced to undertake structural reforms after the Supreme Court-appointed Justice (retd) R.M. Lodha committee suggested wholesale changes in its administration.

“Any improvements on the governance of any country, as far as the ICC is concerned at this stage, is fair enough. I know that our new Chairman Manohar is a very principled man and seems to be interested or trying to at least adhere to the principles of no conflict of interest when it comes to governance of the game,” Richardson said. I think he is quite keen that the ICC should also look at those aspects of governance.

Certainly, the ICC will be encour-

aged to work with countries having good governance and good administration and good performances,” he added. The talk also veered towards the contentious Decision Review System, which India has steadfastly opposed.

Richardson harped on the benefits of technology but conceded that there was guarantee that India could ever be convinced about it.

“DRS has been very useful and obviously we would like to get many umpiring decisions correct.

We assess decisions of matches that are telecast or broadcast.

“The assessment has been remarkable that the umpires have awarded about 93 per cent of the decisions correctly. And, what DRS has been able to do is that it improves it from 93 per cent to say 98,” Richardson explained.

“Now India for various reasons had not favoured the use of DRS. Now the DRS system is being assessed at the M.I.T (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in the USA on accuracy...I do not think we would get to a stage that

there will be 100 per cent clarity on each and every case. Whether we can persuade India in the long run, I cannot be sure,” he added.

India is set to host the World T20 Championship in MarchApril this year and Richardson brushed aside suggestions on security. “The fact is that the world has become more complicated and security has become more challenging. That is not in India alone and it includes many ICC-recognised countries around the world.

We are at it and we make sure that every team and its players whether it is Pakistan or Sri Lanka, we provide the best security,” he said.

On the ICC’s bid to make cricket an Olympic sport, Richardson said, “We held a discussion with the IOC in November last year.

There are lots of pros and cons to consider so we are not in a position yet to say yes that we want cricket to be part of Olympics.

“It is also not that easy to get into the Olympics. Perhaps later, we would be able to give a clearer direction on this matter.” - PTI

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

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SPORTS I M P O R TA N T M E E T I N G

Sports minister meets OOC chief and chairmen of associations

MUSCAT: Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardouf Al Saadi, Minister of Sports Affairs, on Wednesday met Oman Olympic Committee chairman Sheikh Khalid Al Zubair and the heads of various sports associations.

Sheikh Rashid Al Hinai, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, also attended the meeting.

The meeting comes within the framework of the ministry’s attempts to follow-up programmes

and plans being implemented by the Oman Olympic Committee and sports associations at present as well as their future plans, so as to serve the sports and youth sector better.

Periodic meetings The meeting also touched upon the need to activate joint cooperation with the OOC and sports associations to workd for the development of Oman sports.

In his remarks, Sheikh Saad Al Saadi stressed the importance of following-up the national teams and to pave the way to achieve success, through proper attention and care by the OOC, sports bodies and the ministry.

The minister also stressed the importance of giving attention to individual players to ensure they achieve positive results at regional and international competitions.

It is worth mentioning that

FUTURE CC CLINCH STYLISH CUP Future Cricket Club (FCC) defeated New Mangaloreans by six runs to clinch the title at the Stylish Cup cricket tournament. In the seven-overs-a-side match played at the Al Maha Municipality Ground in Bausher. FCC batted first and scored 54 for four in five overs before restricting New Mangaloreans to 48 for seven. New Mangaloreans opening batsman Nithin was awarded the best batsman trophy, while Future CC’s Adnan was awarded the best bowler trophy. — Supplied photo

these periodic meetings come within the framework of the ministry’s keenness on activating the existing and joint cooperation between the ministry and the Oman Olympic Committee and sports associaions, to learn about the different aspects and challenges for the development of the Omani sport through the exchange of ideas, vision and common dialogue in the larger interest of Omani sports. - ONA FOOTBALL

Kohli has same aura as Tendulkar: Lee record of most centuries while chasing — 15 in all.

Brett Lee said, ‘where do you bowl to the great man (Kohli), it is almost like Sachin Tendulkar when he used to come out to bat. He had that presence and Kohli too has that aura around him’

CANBERRA: Australian pace legend Brett Lee on Wednesday heaped accolades on Virat Kohli, describing the swashbuckling Indian batsman as a legend whose aura is comparable to the iconic Sachin Tendulkar.

Kohli on Wednesday notched up his second successive hundred, a 92-ball 106-run innings studded with 11 fours and a six, in the fourth and penultimate ODI against Australia and Lee doffed his hat to the Indian Test captain.

“Hats off to Virat Kohli. He is a legend. He has been in terrific form. Where do you bowl to the great man, it is almost like Sachin Tendulkar when he used to come out to bat. He had that presence and Kohli too has that aura around him,” Lee told ‘bcci.tv’. “...once he gets going it is very difficult to get him out. He has got aggression and control of course, the guy is in terrific form,” said the former pacer on a day when Kohli equalled Tendulkar’s

Need to fight back India have already lost the fivematch series and Lee said Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men need to fight back.

“I think India played particularly well to score 300, two times then getting close and then getting run down by Australia. They are playing good cricket. Unfortunately for them, they really didn’t have the attack to bowl Australia out. Australia chased down 300 on three occasion,” he said.

“The most important thing is that they don’t give up on cricket in the dead rubbers. As I said, they came very close in the first three games. It could have gone either well. If (Glenn) Maxwell got out in MCG then Australia would have lost and it would have been 2-1 in Canberra.

“Unfortunately for India, that was not the case and India have to fight back, they have to make sure

they get early wickets and expose the middle order of the Australian cricket team pretty early.”

Despite Indian bowlers coming a cropper, the 39-year-old Lee had good things to say about them, especially Umesh Yadav and new left-arm seamer Barinder Sran.

“Look, I have always been a fan of Yadav. I think he has got good pace and he has got the aggression. I am really impressed by Sran, particularly in the first game in Perth, during his three wickets, he swung back the ball nicely. He has a beautiful seam position as well. He is really skinny and he will naturally get bigger as he gets older, bowling wise he will become a better bowler,” he said.

Last January, Lee had announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after a 20-year career. He had called time on his international commitments in July 2012, but continued to play Twenty20 in both the Australian Big Bash League and the Indian Premier League. - PTI

TENT PEGGING

Oman tent pegging team in Sudan to take part in ITPF World Cup qualifiers

MUSCAT: Oman tent pegging team arrived in Sundan’s capital city of Khartoum to take part in the third qualifying tournament of the International Tent Pegging

Federation (ITPF) World Cup. The qualifying competition runs till Saturday.

Besides Oman and hosts Sundan, the participating teams

are Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar and USA. The Omani team is accompanied by coach Mansour bin Ali Al Mahrooqi.

It may be mentioned that Oman

hosted the inaugural ITPF World Cup back in April 2014 when South Africa emerged the world champions while Oman settled for second palce.

No truth in Man City exit talks, says Bony LONDON: Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony has dismissed British media reports linking him with a return to former club Swansea City during the January transfer window, by saying that he is happy at the Etihad Stadium.

Bony had earlier expressed his disappointment at losing his starting place to a returning Sergio Aguero after manager Manuel Pellegrini opted to start the Argentine in the 2-1 Premier League defeat

by Arsenal on December 21.

“I’m happy at the club, all this speculation is not true. I have a contract so I’m happy and I think I’m at one of the top clubs in the United

Kingdom,” the 27-year-old said.

Bony has played second fiddle to Aguero for much of his career at City, having made 27 Premier League appearances since he joined the club in January 2015, 16 of which were as a substitute.

“I have no regrets about joining Man City. We play in the Champions League and we’re one of the top clubs in the world. I’m happy here and I can just say I’m blessed,” the Ivory Coast international said.

City, who are third in the table after 22 games, just a point behind leaders Arsenal, travel to take on sixth-placed West Ham United on Saturday. - Reuters

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

SPORTS My best cricketing years are ahead of me: Junaid Khan In an exclusive interview with PakPassion. net, Junaid Khan spoke about his recent struggles and his plans to re-establish himself in the national team after injury, his aspirations to raise his performance levels to that of the legendary Wasim Akram

SAJ SADIQ

KARACHI: Fast bowler Junaid Khan, who has been finding it difficult to break into the Pakistan team after being sidelined by injuries, is confident of making a successful comeback with the national team in the near future.

Regarded as one of Pakistan’s most talented left-arm fast-bowlers and a regular member of the national squad until June 2015, Junaid Khan has faced an uphill struggle to re-establish himself in the national team due largely to injuries.

“It’s disappointing as I was one of Pakistan’s leading bowlers for three to four years. Unfortunately though, when you get injured it takes a bit of time for you to regain your rhythm, especially for a bowler,” Junaid said.

“The best way to regain that rhythm is to play a lot of cricket and bowl lots of overs, but I’ve not had as much match practice as I would have liked. Having said that I feel that my form and rhythm are both coming back and I’m confident about the future,” he added.

Stating that there are always going to be doubts when a player tries to make a comeback after recovering from injuries, he said: “Even I had doubts in my own mind so it’s not unusual or unfair for people to think this way. But I’ve got rid of those thoughts and cleared my mind and I am focussing only on positive thoughts.

“Recently I felt that I bowled well against England Lions in UAE

and also in the domestic Twenty20 tournament.”

“As a bowler, it was the best that I have felt for a long time. I don’t think people should write me off, and I believe my best cricketing years are ahead of me. If your career is positive all the way then you have been fortunate, I feel that if you can come back from adversity like injuries then that makes you a stronger person and toughens you up.”

“Now I think I am bowling as quick as I ever have. I’m bowling at about 140kph and sometimes more, the reverse-swing is there, as are the Yorkers so I’m happy with my form,” he added.

Since 2011 when he made his debut in all three formats of the game, the 26-year-old pace bowler has played 22 Test matches in which he has taken 71 wickets, 52 ODIs in which he has claimed 78 international scalps and also represented Pakistan in nine T20Is taking eight wickets.

Amir’s return Speaking about return of Mohammed Amir, who was banned for five years after being found guilty of spot-fixing, Junaid said: “I see this as a positive as Amir’s return means competition for places is even tougher which is good news for Pakistan cricket.

“Even Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz are around and we all are fighting for places in the Pakistan team.”

“Nobody can take his place for

granted if the bench-strength is good, as the players who are playing know they have to perform otherwise they will get replaced by someone who is just as good.

“The signs are good for Pakistan cricket as far as fast bowling is concerned because there is strong competition at the moment and the selectors have many choices in front of them.”

Captaincy Junaid who recently captained Pakistan A against England Lions said he enjoys captaincy.

“I’ve captained in domestic cricket in all formats and I don’t think I am someone who feels any additional pressure when leading the side.”

“I’ve played under and alongside some very experienced cricketers and learnt from them and watched how they lead the team. As a captain I think it’s imperative that you learn from others and watch how they lead the team and then take on board all the good points of various styles of leadership,” he said.

The Pakistan pacer also reiterated his desire to be remembered like legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.

“Yes the goal is still the same.

Even Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis had to make comebacks for one reason or another. Nobody has a right to be selected, it’s all about merit and performance.

“It was nice to be compared with Wasim Akram when I was at Lancashire when I was bowling Yorkers at the end of an innings and hopefully in future there will be more comparisons with Wasim.”

Speaking about the recent fitness camp, he said: “It was a very good opportunity to speak with both Waqar Younis and Mushtaq Ahmed about my bowling in terms of technical and generic aspects.

There were a few things suggested to me by the coaches particularly in respect of my bouncer, offstump Yorkers and outswing. The camp gave me the chance to discuss a few things with Waqar Younis and I found it very useful.”

- For full interview visit www.timesofoman.com

CONFIDENT ABOUT THE FUTURE: Junaid Khan

FOOTBALL

Iraq to back Prince Ali in FIFA election AMMAN: The Iraq Football Association (IFA) have pledged their support for Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein in next month’s FIFA presidential election, the Jordanian royal said on Wednesday.

Ali will stand against Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, former FIFA deputy general secretary Jerome Champagne of France, South African businessman and politician Tokyo Sexwale and UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino in the Feb. 26 vote.

“The FA has endorsed Prince Ali in a letter to FIFA,” IFA president Abdul Khaliq Masood said in a statement published by Ali’s bid team. We have decided that Iraq’s vote will go to Prince Ali because Prince Ali has always supported the development of football in Iraq, Jordan and our region.”

Ali hosted a delegation from Iraq including Masood and Iraq Minister of Sports and Youth Abdul Hussein Abtan on Monday as he attempts to drum up support ahead of the election to decide who will succeed Sepp Blatter as president of the scandal-hit body.

Blatter, who beat Ali in the most recent FIFA presidential election last May, and UEFA President Michel Platini were both handed eight-year bans from soccer last month for ethics violations.

Both deny any wrongdoing but their absence has left the global game leaderless as it tries to dig itself out of a slew of corruption cases, with criminal investigations under way in the United States and Switzerland.

Ali returned to Jordan at the start of the week to meet the Iraqi delegation after campaigning in Africa and the Caribbean, where his team said he “picked up private commitments of support from several other nations”.

Rival Infantino said previously he had major support in the Caribbean region, which has 25 votes in the 209-member election being held in Zurich. - Reuters

TENNIS

ARCHITH XI DOWN SAILESH XI The Children’s Sports Forum, Ruwi recently organised a cricket festival at the OTE office in Ruwi to teach the kids the basics of the game as well as the spirit of sportsmanship. During the day, a match was also organised match in which Archith XI defeated Sailesh XI. Batting first, Sailesh XI scored 63 for six in 15 overs with Sailesh top scoring with 21. Archith XI successfully chased the target in 12.2 overs scoring 64 for seven. Archith hit an unbeaten 17. Neil and Aditya bagged two wickets each.

Sailesh was adjudged the best batsman while Neil took the best bowler award. — Supplied photo

ISC Open junior tennis tourney from February 1 MUSCAT: Junior tennis players of all nationalities residing in Oman get the opportunity to take center stage at the much-awaited ISC Open Junior Tennis Tournament organized by the Indian Social Club (ISC) Muscat.

In its continued endeavour to promote tennis and give budding players a platform to showcase their talents, the Indian Social Club Muscat is organising the “ISC/Muscat Pharmacy Open Junior Tennis Tournament” from February 1 at the club’s tennis court in Darsait.

Seeing the popularity of tennis and the successful tournaments that the Indian Social Club Muscat has organized over the years, Muscat Pharmacy together with brands Pocari Sweat and Horlicks have come forward to sponsor this tournament for the fourth year running.

According to the organisers that the tournament is open to players of all nationalities, Omanis as well as expatriates residing in Oman.

The tournament will include

The tournament, open to all nationalities, will include singles for boys and girls in the U-10, U-12, U-14 and U-18 and a junior doubles event

singles for boys and girls in the under-10, under-12, under-14 and under-18 years age group as well as a junior doubles event.

The deadline for submission of entries is set for 6.00 p.m. on January 27. For further details contact the Indian Social Club in Darsait (Tel: 24701347 / 24797921) from 11.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.

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SECTION

LIFESTYLE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

Culture WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Capturing the Essence of an Icon T

itled simply Royal Opera House Muscat, a grand volume on Oman’s Royal Opera House by HE Mohammad Al Zubair that is magnificently set within the drama of world opera, is not only the first major treatise on one of the nation’s greatest cultural treasures, it is the first book on the Sultanate to be nominated for the prestigious Book of the Year Award in Germany.

Georg Oms, head of the renowned firm bearing his name that published the book, announced the nomination at the launch of the book last weekend. He declared Royal Opera House Muscat “a diamond” in the literary cultural realm.

Finest Quality Dr Rawya Al Busaidi, Minister of Higher Education and Chair of the Board of the Royal Opera House Muscat under whose auspices the launch was held at the ROHM, informally remarked on the importance and historical significance of the book, and its astonishing quality. The book was printed in Verona, Italy, on eight different kinds of paper of the finest quality, variously used to set off the photographs and the text, and to achieve special effects in the use of techniques such as overlaying and embossing.

A DVD presentation, which will be played before the upcoming ROHM performances, takes the viewer on a journey through the book, ending with sequences in the printing process that show author, Mohammad Al Zubair, personally overseeing all aspects, including the exacting process of colour correction. The same is true of the photography which makes the book so magnificent. Mohammad Al Zubair spent countless hours perfecting the tone, colours, and details of each of the hundreds of photographs that bring the Royal Opera House to life on paper. The atmosphere at the launch was one of great pride and jubilance. When the book was unveiled and Dr Rawya turned the golden pages at the beginning of the volume, a hush went through the gathering. The mood at that moment was later expressed by onlooker, Neru Sampat, saying, “The book is so beautifully written, illustrated, and produced that I had no words to express my feelings.”

Cultural Intellect This extraordinarily beautiful book is a tribute to all that has been achieved in the Renaissance – the monumental architecture, the masterful engineering, the innovations in design and decoration rooted in

tradition, and most of all the bold imagination that takes the country forth into the global world through the arts. As Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, eloquently remarked: “This magnificent new book is absolutely fascinating, quite timely, and a welcomed addition to the collection of global heritage and cultural intellect. It will remain a masterpiece and jewel in itself for centuries to come. It is a privilege for us to be part of such splendour and this unique celebration of knowledge and the beauty of civilisation.”

Mohammad Al Zubair explained, “The book had many elements that made it of that calibre – first, the guidance and generous support of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, without which the exceptional quality of the book could not have been achieved. I am grateful to Nasr Al Kindi, Secretary-General of Royal Court Affairs and his staff for their interest and the excellence of their input, and for facilitating timely access to information and to the facilities. Also the management and staff of the Royal Opera House were very helpful during the photography phase. The book would not have reached a high standard of excellence and artistry without the expertise, talent, and passionate dedication

Story Dr Patricia Groves Photography Khalid Al Busaidi/ROHM

HE Mohammad Al Zubair’s book on Royal Opera House Muscat is fascinating, quite timely, and a welcomed addition to the collection of global heritage and cultural intellect. It will remain a masterpiece for centuries to come Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi Secretary-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of those who assisted me in its development and who are fully recognised in the acknowledgements.”

One of the special things about the book and an aspect of its authenticity is that it contains the voices of those involved in

the creation of the Royal Opera House from the concept stage in the year 2000 to the completion of the building in 2011.

While assisting with the development of the book, I had the privilege of individually meeting more than 25 officials, professionals and artisans — from representatives of the Supreme Committee appointed by His Majesty to govern the project, to architects and engineers, designers, decorators, acoustics and theatre specialists and construction managers.

As we discussed their experience of working on the ROHM Project and how they dealt with the tremendous challenges encountered in engineering an opera house that would also function as a concert hall, while creating a beautiful palace capable of unobtrusively harbouring state-of-the-art technologies — it was apparent that all those involved were passionate about the project, inspired by the vision of His Majesty, and determined to make their contribution the very best it could possibly be. The book is a product of the same ideals — and it will represent Oman’s cultural achievements on the international literary stage.

A work of art in itself, Royal Opera House Muscat is available in a large and smaller size at the ROHM.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

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PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL @SHATTI

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 11.45PM Screen 3 Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol.

3.15 PM Wazir (Action / Thriller) – PG12 Cast: Amitabh Bacchan, Farhan Akhtar 6.15,9.15,11.45PM

@SOHAR

@RUWI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI The 5th Wave (2D) (Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson Timing: 2:30, 6:45, 11:30 PM The Revenant (2D) (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 8:30PM Ride Along 2 (2D) (Action) (15+) CP# Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 4:45, 9:45,11:45PM The Hateful Eight (2D) (Crime) (12+) Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell 2:30PM Our Brand is Crisis (2D) (Comedy) (PG) Cast: Sandra Bullock, Billy Bob Thornton 5:45,7:45PM Dirty Grandpa (2D) (Comedy) (15+) Cast: Robert De Niro, Zac Efron, Zoey Deutch 2:30, 6:45PM The Boy (2D) (Horror | Thriller) (15+) Cast: Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans 11:30 PM Airlift (2D) (Drama | History | Thriller) (12+) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 4:15,9:00PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Dirty Grandpa (Comedy) 15+ Cast : Robert De Niro, Zac Efron, Zoey Deutch 12:15PM & 7:30PM Airlift (Drama, History, Thriller) 12+ Cast : Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 2:15,9:00&11:30PM Gold Class - 6:00PM Ride Along 2 (Action | Comedy) 15+ Cast : Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 12:00, 7:00&11:30PM Gold Class - 3:30&8:30PM The Fifth Wave (Adventure | Sci-Fi) PG12 Cast : Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson

Dirty Grandpa (2D) (Comedy) (15+) Cast: Robert De Niro, Zac Efron, Zoey Deutch 2:30, 6:45PM

Screen 1 Airlift (Action / Thriller) –12+ Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 2.30,5.30,8.30,11.30PM

4:45&9:30PM Gold Class - 11:00PM Norm of the North (Animation) PG12 Cast : Rob Schneider, Heather Graham 3:45PM The Peanut Movie - (Animation) PG Voice Over: (Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez 2:00PM The Good Dinosaur-3D (Animation) U 5:30PM PANORAMA MALL Our Brand is Crisis (2D)(PG) Cast : Sandra Bullock, Billy Bob Thornton 2:30&6:30PM Airlift (2D)(12+) Cast : Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 3:30,06:15,8:45,11:15PM Airlift (2D) (12+)-VIP LOUNGE 8:30PM Ride Along 2 (Action, Comedy)(2D)(15+) Cast : Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 2:30,,4:30,9:30,11:30PM RIDE ALONG 2 (Action)(2D)-VIP LOUNGE 6:30,11:00PM The Fifth Wave (ci-fi)(MX4D)(PG12)

The Boy - 2D (15+) Horror | Thriller Cast: Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans 3:00, 11:45 PM

Cast : Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 3:45,6:30,,8:45,11:00PM THE FIFTH WAVE (Sci-fi)(2D)(PG12) 4:30,11:30PM The Hate Eight (Comedy)(2D)(12+) Cast : Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell 6:30PM The Revenant (Adventure, Drama)(2D)(12+) Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 8:30PM The Revenant (2D)(12+)-VIP LOUNGE 3:30PM

2 Countries (Malaylam) – 2D (PG12) Comedy Cast: Dilip, Mamta Mohandas 8:25PM Wazir – 2D (PG12) Hindi| Action| Thriller Cast: Amitabh Bacchan, Farhan Akhtar 4:30,11:30PM Bajirao Mastani – 2D (PG12) Drama, History Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone 3:15 PM The Revenant – 2D (12+) Drama | Thriller Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 3:15,11:45PM

AZAIBA Airlift – 2D (PG12) Drama/ History/ Thriller Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 3:00,5:30,6:30,8:00,10:30,11:30PM Rajini Murugan (Tamil) – 2D (PG) Comedy Cast: Shivakarthekeyen, Keerthi Suresh 8:35PM Our Brand Is Crisis – 2D (PG) Comedy Cast: Sandra Bullock, Billy Bob Thornton 2:30,6:15PM Gethu (Tamil) – 2D (PG) Action/ Comedy Cast: Udayanidhi Stalin, Amy Jackson 6:15,9:00 PM

RUWI Screen 1 Airlift (Action / Thriller) –12+ Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 2.30,5.30,8.30,11.30PM Screen 2 Wazir (Action / Thriller) – PG12 Cast: Amitabh Bacchan, Farhan Akhtar 3.45 PM Gethu (Action / Thriller) – Tami - PG Cast: Udhayanidhi Stalin, Vikranth, Sathyaraj 6.45,9.15PM Airlift (Action / Thriller) –12+

Gethu - 2D (T) (PG )Action | Comedy Cast: Udayanidhi Stalin, Amy Jackson 6:15 PM 2 Countries- 2D (M) (PG) Comedy Cast: Dilip, Mamta Mohandas 8:45 PM

SUR The Fifth Wave (Sci-Fi) (PG12) CP# 2:30, 6:25 PM. Airlift - (Hindi) (Drama |History) (12+) CP# Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 4:25,8:30,11:00PM 2 Countties (Malayalam) (PG12) CP # Cast: Dilip, Mamata Mohandas.

6:45 PM The Boy (Horror | Thriller) (15+) CP# Cast: Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans 2:30,11:45 PM. Ride Along 2 (Adventure) (15+) CP# Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumter.

4:30,9:45PM. SOHAR The Revenant - 2D (12+) Adventure | Thriller Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 3:00 PM The Fifth Wave - 2D (PG12) | Sci-Fi | Thriller Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 6:30, 9:30, 11:45 PM The Hateful Eight - 2D (12+) Comedy Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell 3:15 PM Ride Along 2 - 2D (15+) Action | Comedy Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 5:00 , 11:30 PM Airlift - 2D (12+) Drama | History | Thriller Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 3:45, 7:00, 8:45, 11:15 PM The Boy - 2D (15+) Horror | Thriller Cast: Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans 3:00, 11:45 PM Min Dahar Ragel - 2D (Arb) (TBC) Drama Cast: Asser Yassin, Yasmin Raeis 5:50 PM Rajini Murugan - 2D (T) (PG) Comedy Cast: Shivakarthekeyen, Keerthi Suresh 8:30 PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

25 17

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

08:40 11:00

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

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

45-75%

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

MOHD TAAIB IMRAN January 21,2004

MANTHAN MITESH NIMKAR January 22, 2011

MOHSIN ALI SIDDIQUI January 22, 2014

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

LISTINGS

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

06:00 14:30

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

JOSEPH JOISON January 21

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

Daily Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Programmes are subject to change

Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

2 Countries (Mal) (Drama\Comedy) Cast: Dileep & Mamta Mohandas 3:00, 6:30 & 10:00PM Cinema Main Rajani Murugan (Tamil) ( Com \ Rom) Cast: Sivakarthikcyan & Keertht Suresh 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30PM Cinema - 2 Dictator (Telugu) (Action\ Comedy) Cast: Balakrishna & Anjali 3:45PM Cinema -3 & 6:45PM cinema -4 Airlift (Hindi) (Act\ Thriller) Cast: Akshay Kumar & Nimrat Kaur 6:45 & 9:45PM cinema- 3 Gethu (Tamil) (Com\ Drama) Cast: Udhanidhi & Amy Jackson 3:45 & 9:45PM Cinema -4

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

0

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

STAR CINEMA

Minimum

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

Our Brand Is Crisis: (Comedy / Drama) Cast: Sandra Bullock, Billy Bob Thornton, Anthony Mackie 2.00,4.00,8.00&11.55PM CP No: 122 (PG) The Boy: (Horror / Thriller) Cast: Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans, James Russell 4.00, 6.00, 10.00&11.55PM CP No: 123 (15+) Dirty Grandpa: (Comedy) Cast: Robert De Niro, Zac Efron, Zoey Deutch 2.00,6.00& 0.00PM CO No : 124 (15+) Ride Along 2: (Action / Comedy) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 8.00PM CP No: 112 (15+)

0

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

SALALAH Dirty Grandpa (2D) (15+) (Comedy) Cast: Robert De Niro, Zac Efron, Zoey Deutch 10:30AM & 3:55PM Ride Along 2 (2D) (15+) (Action | Comedy) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 10:45AM, 2:00,6:50,9:15&11:45PM The Boy (2D) (15+) (Horror, Thriller) 5:10,11:55PM The Fifth Wave (2D) (PG12) (Adventure) Cast: Chloe Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 12:30,2:40,7:05PM The Hateful Eight (2D) (12+) (Comedy) Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell 6:05PM Airlift (2D) (12+) (Drama, History, and Thriller) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 11:30AM,2:45,9:15&11:15PM 2 Countries (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam) Cast: Dilip, Mamta Mohandas 8:50PM Our Brand Is Crisis (2D) (PG12) (Comedy) Cast Sandra Bullock, Billy Bob Thornton 12:40,4:45PM

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

Quriyat Sur Jaalan

BURAIMI Ride Along 2– 2D (Action, Comedy) (15+) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 3:15, 5:15, 9:30, 11:30PM The Boy – 2D (Horror, Thriller) (15+) Cast: Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans 5:00, 11:45PM The Fifth Wave– 2D (Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 3:00, 6:00, 9:45PM Rajini Murugan– 2D (Comedy) (PG) Cast: Shivakarthekeyen, Keerthi Suresh 8:00PM Airlift – 2D (Drama, History, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 3:30, 7:00, 11:00PM 2 Countries– 2D (Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Dilip, Mamta Mohandas 6:45PM

BAHJA CINEMA

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36)

17:30

12.23pm 3.29pm 5.50pm 7.04pm 5.32am

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE Chasing a Dream

Our Brand is Crisis

Popcorn

(In theatres now)

The delicious between-meal treat

Scan to buy tickets

Scan for details

TRY

W

hen a situation calls for a tough decision, the simple thing to do is opt for the easiest way out. Imagine you have a very cushy job that pays well but it isn’t what you want to do and you would rather do something else.

That ‘something else’, you realise, might be a plunge into the unknown but you feel, it is what you have always wanted to do.

What do you do? There are only two options here. Continue with your dreaded job and slowly but surely work yourself into chronic depression or take the risk and pursue your dream.

It’s not as easy as it sounds because the decision of leaving a job that provides you with a livelihood may not be a realistic option. We all need a fallback when things turn sour so we can be back on familiar territory. On the other hand, you don’t want to wait until you are old and grey and then start wishing that you had taken the risk. It is not always wise to avoid risks so long as you stand a fair chance of making it. When you have tiny, hungry mouths to feed and a wife who expects you to hold on to a steady job, it may kind of stand in your way — your security or seeking to achieve a life-long ambition.

Being married, however, is not always the only hindrance when you want to change careers at the drop of a hat. I have a friend, who is a confirmed bachelor and is still trying to muster enough courage to quit his job and become a businessman. A secure job is not the only thing that holds you back — it is also the disruption of the routine.

As they say, ‘The devil you know is better then the devil you don’t’.

The opinions of others may well be another factor. Comments like ‘What? You want to quit a good job for a pipe dream?’ Then you go on to discourage yourself by saying, ‘It may not be the greatest job in the world but at least it pays the bills.’

The moment you say those words you know that you are damned in the same job for life.

LISTEN

Visit Muscat Festival

Glad you Came

at Amerat Park and Naseem Gardens

by The Wanted

Scan for more information

Scan to watch the video

IN THE NEWS

The cast and crew of Dishoom was welcomed in Abu Dhabi as filming of the Bollywood blockbuster commenced in the Emirate. With 40 filming days scheduled, Dishoom will be Abu Dhabi’s longest feature filming project to date brought by twofour54, home to Abu Dhabi’s media and entertainment industry.

In a nod to Abu Dhabi’s unique and varied locations as well as the ease of accessibility from India, the majority of filming for Dishoom will take place in the capital.

In excess of 90 cast and crew will be involved in the shoot, as well as a number of Emiratis who are taking up opportunities to intern on the production. The Abu Dhabi locations that will serve the film’s storyline include Nurai, Saadiyat and Yas Islands, as well as Emirates Palace, Sheikh Zayed Stadium and Liwa Dessert.

Dishoom’s choice of Abu Dhabi as a filming location was announced in Mumbai last May during an event for the Bollywood filmmaking community hosted by twofour54 and the Abu Dhabi Film

Photo: Supplied

‘Dishoom’ Comes to Abu Dhabi

Commission (ADFC) in conjunction with the Film & Television Producers Guild of India. Dishoom is directed by Rohit Dhawan, while the producer of the film, Sajid Nadiadwala is one of Bollywood’s top producers and has delivered many hits at the box office such as Jeet (1996), Housefull (2010), and Kick

(2014). The action adventure will star John Abraham, Varun Dhawan, and Jacqueline Fernandez in the lead roles.

Maryam Al Mheiri, Chief Operating Officer, of twofour54, said: “After a year packed with highprofile entertainment projects facilitated by twofour54, Dishoom

continues the momentum of Abu Dhabi’s film production industry into 2016. Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment is one of the most reputable production companies in Bollywood and we look forward to working with them on what is sure to be another box office hit.”

—lifestyle@timesofoman.com

There are those who would argue that it may be worth quitting when your most prized possession — your health — is in question. The chances of picking up ailments like ulcers, blood pressure or even a heart attack increase every day you make that journey to work unless you really come to terms with your predicament. That means giving yourself a thorough dressing down.

Again, that may not be as easy as I have put it. Especially when you realise that weeks spin into months and before you know it, years of despair have piled up on you. So, when it’s time to look back, you can only see a sorry figure waking up every morning to a job that doesn’t live up to expectations. You could, however, then do the only sensible thing left in your control and that is to advise your children to ‘grab the day so you can take hold of your life before it’s too late.’

I know that some readers will be able to identify with these situations. To make a career switch is never easy, but it may be the best thing you could do for yourself or family. This is the situation when you begin to wonder staying a bachelor was the best decision you never took.

SALEH AL-SHAIBANY

SO TO SPEAK What do you think?

Scan below to have your say on Facebook/ TimesofOman

Photography: MMG

BUY

WEEKEND UPDATE

WATCH

C8

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

LIFESTYLE

GLIMPSES OF OMANI CULTURE Photography Talib Al Wahaibi The Muscat Festival Heritage Village throws light on the e rich cultural heritage of the Sultanate. Visit Amerat Park to o see Omani weavers in action, taste authentic Omani Kahwa a and revel in the traditional dance of Oman. The festival willl conclude on February 13.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D2

T H U R S D AY, JA N UA RY 2 1 , 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

NEW Flats & Showrooms for Rent 1/2/3 BHK Flats & Showrooms at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from corniche. equipped with split/ cassette unit ACs, internet points, freeto-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking. Rent RO.250/350/450 (Negotiable) per month.

*Tourist visa arranged

Contact : 99229263; 93221054; 95215289

Luxury flat for rent in Bareeq Al Shatti building Spacious 2 BHK with sea view, split A/Cs, fixed wardrobes, kitchen appliance.

Near Opera Gallery.

Rent RO.900/- negotiable.

Contact - 94084335 / 96920789

BHK apartment for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis Hotel.

Contact: 95124975

Big office for rent in CBD (Ruwi) road ready to shifting with AC and partitions. Contact: 92345250

Room, toilet and sharing kitchen for family near Azaiba Bank Muscat. Contact: 96755127

1000 sqmtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc.

Contact 24700120 / 92584715

1&2 BHK flat in Walja.

Contact: 98218279 Single room attach bath with kitchen in Muscat 100/- R.O. Contact: 95094028 New flats for rent at Darsait near to ministry of sports, Mumtaz area the flats include 1 living room, 2 Bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets every room with split A/C & high Quality finishing, rent per flat is R.O 340/-.

Interested candidates please Contact: 00968- 92225523 2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 2BHK new bldg for families Al Khuwair 17/2. Contact: 91403136

FLATS FOR RENT In a Luxury Building in Al Seeb Market Near Police station Call: 99888007 - 99473500

1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Hamriya Wadi Adai, Al Khoud, Mabela & shop at Al Khoud & land line Contact: 24834644 GSM 93994401/02/03 3 lines 2BHK modern & spacious flats with split AC for rent in Qurum near PDO Gate No.2.

Contact: 94057023 Flat available in Muttrah Corniche near Gold Souq (4 rooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen with balcony).

Contact: 24707088 / 91405015 3BHK flat for rent in Ghubra.

Contac: 99328070 1000 sqm industrial land with compound well & two rooms at Misfah. #99342733/ 99795241

Store / warehouse for rent 52 sqm at Maabela Sinaiya.

Contact: 92454170 02 BHK Commercial / Residential (with split AC) flat at Honda road.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi, MBD area & Honda road.

Contact: 92589235/ 94579531 Flats for rent 2BHK, 1 BHK with AC new building at Wadi Al Kabir behind Muscat Bakery.

Contact: 92103604

To let rooms in Qurum.

Contact: 99664703 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nadha hospital.

Contact : 99342733 /99795241 Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi MBD Honda road. Contact: 92433127 / 97293708 Single bedroom flat behind German Embassy near to Al Nahdha Hospital and single bedroom flat near to Indian School Al Ghubrah. Contact: 99203954

2BHK flats with split AC available for rent at Al Khuwair 33.

Contact: 94057023

Flats available for rent at Al Ghubra. Contact 99876576 & 93656672

Flat for rent (Walja) Ruwi 2 rooms, 2 toilets & kitchen for enquiry.

Contact: 95464608 or 95464607

Brand new Twin Villas in Mawaleh South 4BR; 2Halls; External Kitchen and Maids room.

Contact: 99414106

2 bedroom centrally air conditioned flat in CBD, Central Bank area. Contact: 24714625 / 99053493 2 BHK near Khamis shoes Honda road Junction. Contact: 99737562 Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454 2BHK flat for rent Darsait near ISM. Contact: 95158570 / 99102255 2 bedrooms, kitchen, toilet, car park R.O 220/- & 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet R.O 140 in Al Khuwair. Contact: 95154331

Commercial / residential flats in a new building for rent near Muttrah Police Station residential 1BHK / 2BHK more details.

Contact: 99364735 / 95729711 2BHK Sitting room, 3 bathrooms, split AC big balcony 300/- R.O in Wadi Kabeer. Contact: 99324402 Flat in Khoud near Mazoon Mosque with 3 bedrooms, living room, 3 toilets, RO 250/- with A/C. Contact 95328147 Flats for rent in Muscat.

Contact: 99262605.

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

FOR RENT 2BHK, 3 washroom Flat with Split Air Conditioners Near Lulu Darsait CONTACT :

93202733 Flats in Darsait.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Flats in WadiKabir.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact - 94051789-97201688 Flats in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Offices in Ghala.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact - 9405178997201688 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum. Contact - 9405178997201688 Duplex villa in Qurum 29. Contact - 94051789-97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer near the Kuwaiti Mosque, for more information. Contact: 99425958 Apartment for rent in Muscat Sidab beside road ground floor 3 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms.

Guestroom, Kitchen & hall.

Contact: 99277377 1& 2 bedroom apartments available for rent at Ghubra near Grand mall, 6 bedroom villas available for rent Al Mouj (Wave) at Al Hail.

Contact: 99833747

Flat for rent in CBD area - Ruwi Two rooms and a large hall

FOR RENT 1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/- & 350/-. Contact: 97799175

•Office spaces for rent in Al Hail on the main road On the same building of Al Khamis Shoes at Al Hail

1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/Contact 99358589 /95570288

•2 bed room flats in Qurum 29 for rent next to ABA New building -split AC - Good location

Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact: 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448

Contact No: 96177505 Furnished offices in business center behind Al Burj Hotel Ruwi with all facilities included.

Contact: 99331181 Fully furnished deluxe villa behind Khimji Mart Darsait.

Contact: 99331181 2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Profs/ Jack. Contact 93219378 2 Room + hall & kitchen ,3 toilets in Bareeq Al Shatti 750 RO. Contact: 99314314

CONTACT: 99413089 FOR SALE

FOR SALE

New 1BHK fully furnished for R.O 275/- at Wadi Kabir near Al Hassan. Contact: 92577929

CONTACT - 99353931 Household items & furniture in excellent condition for sale. Indian expat leaving for good.

Contact Ravi : 93380408

7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North.

Contact - 96420432

Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808-97201688

3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.

RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288

Luxury Apartments in Bousher (35). Contact - 9505680897201688

Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour 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

Beauty parlor for sale in good condition at Ghubra.

Contact: 98178135

1 bedroom flat at Ruwi Mumtaz area. Contact : 95282986

Single bedroom flat behind German Embassy, near Al Nahdha Hospital. Contact 99203954

MUMTAZ AREA (NEAR RUWI HOTEL)

1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045

One flats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610

ACC. AVAILABLE

BUILDING

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

600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact:91214849/ 99364735

FOR SALEP ASHOK LEYLAND BUS 2 NOS MODEL 2010 & MODEL 2012 SEATING 66, GOOD CONDITION TOYOTA INNOVA MODEL 2011, 7 SEATER, VERY GOOD CONDITION

Dialysis Machine(DBO7) - Available 10 Units for Sale .

Contact : 94306662 or Email : ahdialysis1010@gmail.com Restaurant & Coffee Shop for sale in Ghala area. For details contact 99072003 / 99299712

FOR HIRE Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Low bed Trailer (PDO – SPC) available monthly / daily for Rent.

Contact: 96633970

MV SALE

Excavation contracts worth RO 2 million + Big Volvo Excavators & 2015 Astra 5 tippers for sale. Contact: 99120532 / 98867530

Ford focus, 2012 model, expatriate driven and fully company maintained, in good condition.

Contact: 968 97608174

Dental Lab for sale Seeb.

Contact: 99826435

Tucson Automatic 2007 V – 6, net R.O 1600/-. Contact: 99384640

Master Chef restaurant Al Hail for sale 8 visas clearance available.

Contact: 91205000 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

Hummer H2 model 2006, 178000 km, Full options Number 1 Army edition.OMR 7200. Contact -99466773

Hail Independent rooms RO 140/& 160/-. Contact 95529970 Furnished room at Hilat Al Saad with TV, AC, fridge near main road.

Contact : 95714202 Couple or bachelor room in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 91165580 / 95264549 Single room B/attached Executive bachelors in wadi kabir. Contact: 99336206 Room available Walja. Contact : 95382651 / 95382650 Semi furnished spacious room with attached washroom separate entrance near Indian school Al Ghobrah for non cooking Executive Indian bachelor.

Contact: 95146361/92657598 Furnished bedrooms for Indian Executives / couple at Al Ansab.

Contact: 96366282 Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi. Call: 92273779

Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale. Contact 92194205

Furnished room with a/bathroom in Al Khuwair33 for Indian Executive. Call: 95234062

BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.

Contact 96364990

Furnished room & bath Darsait R.O 140/-. Contact: 93289652

ACC. AVAILABLE Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120.

Water and electricity included.

Contact 98803261 Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069 Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage. # 93687466

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area.

Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up.

Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

LOST Mohammed Hasib Mohammed Towfiq has lost Indian Passport No. K 0871714. Finder please handover to ROP or call 24561400.

Mohammed Jahedul Islam has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AF 8603822. Finder please handover to ROP. Wazkuroni has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. BC 0508831. Finder please handover to ROP.

D4

T H U R S D AY, JA N UA RY 2 1 , 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION VACANT REQUIRED SALES EXECUTIVE for furniture & building material, minimum experience 5 yrs.

Send CV at Email : careeroman@yahoo.com

Wanted a Structural Supervisor having experience in steel fabrication and erection for a well established fabrication company in Barka.

Candidates should have experience in Oman & should BE capable to handle various jobs independently He should have good experience in fabrication field with NOC and driving license.

Please send CV to jobsteel85@gmail.com / 95412589

ASSISTANT RETAIL MANAGER

Urgent Requirement

• To support GM in developing Muscat based stores • 5 years past Retail store operations experience • Omani or Expatriate (must have NOC if moving jobs) • Omani /GCC Valid Driving License • Team player & good communicator • Written & spoken English

For Jewellery Showroom

Email: recruitment@aflaggroup.com

URGENTLY REQUIRED A LEADING TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY IS LOOKING FOR AN EFFICIENT

FEMALE SECRETARY WITH MINIMUM 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE. SHE SHOULD BE FLUENT IN SPOKEN AND WRITTEN ENGLISH. MUST BE FULLY COVERSANT WITH WORD/EXCEL PROGRAMMES AND BE PLEASANT/PRESENTABLE.

SALES LADY 1. Two years experience in sales.

2. NOC is must.

3. Arabic speaking advantage.

(Send CV with current picture)

Email: vacancy299@gmail.com

REQUIRED

Auto Electrician cum A/c Mechanic

FIBER OPTIC PROJECTS MANAGER,

Candidate must have a minimum 2 to 3 years’ experience in assembly, installation, maintenance and repairs of automotive refrigeration, air-conditioning systems and chiller units.

should have GCC experience 5-10 years

Interested candidates email cv on

krauto@kr.om or contact on 99440518

Required Sales Executive & Accounts / Admin Executive

We have a batch of skilled Omani candidates in Administration, HR, Account & Reception ready to join different companies in a month

For a FMCG Company based in Muscat.

Head office in Dubai.

Omani nationals only with driving license.

Sent C. V. to : magentas@eim.ae

A leading company in travels & tourism, accredited by IATA requires:

Sales Executive for Car Rental: Experience not less than 4 years in one rent a car company, must have a driving license.

Email: nrtvacancies@gmail.com

CATERING Chinese / Arab/ Grill, cooks.

Contact: 95529970 Wanted experienced English speaking Continental Cook for reputed house in Qurum.

Contact 99466062

DOMESTIC HELP Looking for housemaid urgently clearance available good salary yearly ticket. TEL 24446920 / 99238121, mail: ravi.ztc@omzest.com

DRIVER Heavy duty driver with valid Oman Heavy Duty license, with 4 years experience. PDO License holder preferred. Call: 99221683 Driver available with release.

Contact: 93885404 Wanted Driver. Contact: 91025698 Reputed Construction Company require experienced light Vehicle Driver. Contact 95526871

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH Urgently required building Technician for inquiries. # 98111363 Urgently Required: Window Aluminum Manager, Window Aluminum Engineer and Window Aluminum Foreman with an experience in Italian Aluminum Doors and Windows, MUST have NOC and immediately join.

Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Urgently Required: Senior Quantity Surveyor with an experience in building construction MUST have NOC and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227 Required Maintenance Technician (male - 1) - should have knowledge of new devices & 3 years Oman experience.

Contact: 94441111 Send CV to email: gsheild9@gmail.com

FOR COMPANIES SEEKING OMANI EMPLOYEES

We will also provide training for Omani candidates as per your need like Cashier, Teller, HR, Admin, Sales, Stores, Customer service etc., • The Institute will identify the potential candidates, interview them and select the suitable candidates in consultation with your officials.

• The entire cost of training will be borne by the Government. During training the company will not incur any cost like salaries & training.

• The Institute will train them for a period of 6 to 8 months as per the program.

• From the date training starts with us, you are fulfilling the omanization requirement. The candidate will stay at least for a year without leaving the job.

For any queries contact us: 26862210, 93677745 & 93677795 Fax: 26861710 email: ojt@aifas.net, www.aifas.net

Sales Executive for Travels & Tourism: Experience not less than 3 years in one of the travels & Tourism, must have a driving license.

FAX CV TO 24619102 OR E MAIL; artco@omantel.net.om

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

He should be ITI/DME (Auto) qualified.

oilndgasoman@gmail.com

Notes: - You must determine which position did you applied for it as email subject - The company will not see at any demand without subject.

Required female Accountant postgraduate in commerce email: mailcv7@gmail.com fax: 24784202

He should be well conversant in repair and troubleshooting of electrical faults and experienced in using computerized diagnostic systems.

kindly send your CV to

SALARY ETC….GOOD PACKAGE WIL BE NEGOTIATED FOR THE RIGHT PERSON.

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

for Workshop

Wanted female GP, female Gynecologist, female Staff Nurse, female X- Ray Technician With MOH license for Al Saadi Specialized Medical Centre in Musanna.

Well reputed Marble Company looking for

3 SALESMEN Requires minimum 3 years experience and valid Omani driving license.

Email: chillapalli76@gmail.com

Interested candidates please Fax your CV to 24601724 or Email on saab2803@gmail.com

SKILLED LABOR

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED

Contact -91262604

IT Looking for experienced construction laborers as a subcontractor for a villa construction in Mawaleh.

Contact: 96203333

Required male Omani / Filipino, 24 – 35 yrs as IT Coordinator. Fluent in English, to handle all Web Designing aspects, Mail Campaigns management, Technical Support / Troubleshooting. Contact 91371231

Immediate Requirements for experienced Tailors (Designer wears, casual clothing). Please call for interview 99471085

MEDICAL Urgently required GP, Gynecologist, Dentist, Staff Nurse, Lab Technician, Pharmacist, For a medical centre in Muscat.

Email : ruwistar@hotmail.com.

Tel: 92603863

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Experienced Secretary required for Ruwi office. Must have high standard of competence in MS Office suite and excellent Arabic / English communication skills.

Send CV and covering Email to mj-co@omantel.net.om

Urgently required Office Staff/ Manager for medical equipment import office in Ruwi.

Email: ruwistar@hotmail.com, Tel: 92603863

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED

We require licensed General Practitioner, General dentist and male Asst. Pharmacist. Contact 93129219 or CV to clinicrecruitment2015@gmail.com

ARCHITECT 20+ years experience Architect M.B.A 10 years Muscat experience (local transfer) looking for job opportunity. Contact: 91709408 / 92981814

Wanted Gynecologist, General Practitioner, Assistant Pharmacist for immediate appointment.

Contact 97884856/ mail CV to – sarita_h23@yahoo.com

Diploma Architect 3Ds Max (interior, exterior) AutoCAD seeking suitable position. Contact 98907341 Email: susuhu009@gmail.com

A reputed medical complex in Salalah requires to fill the following positions, Staff Nurse & Dental doctor with MOH license, dataflow and NOC. Contact: 92728472

Architect looking for freelance work in (design plans and 3dmax).

Contact: 96041201 Architect, Indian Female with 04 years of work experience in Qatar, Oman & India seeking suitable position. Email: shaazneen.s@gmail. com, Contact No: 96635846

Required experienced Dentist with MOH license to manage dental clinic in Muscat.

Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com Female marketing for medical centre in Al Khuwair with driving license. Contact: 99010755 Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com Wanted urgently lady Doctor GP or DGO for immediate appointment. Contact : 99310590 Email: tjmaluke@gmail.com Required female Nurse with MOH license dental clinic in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99010755 Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and benefits.

Drop your cv at 0careerhr1972@gmail.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING

Urgently required a lady to work in the studio shop and must have experience. Contact: 95097722

Required Salesman for Electronic & mobile devices (male - 2) should have 3 years Oman experience. Contact: 94441111. Send CV to email: gsheild9@gmail.com

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

MISCELLANEOUS SALES / MARKETING Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs. Al Khoudh. Call -91159905 Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com Urgently required a man to work in the studio shop inside, outdoor and should know to get business from outside.

Contact: 95097722 Required lady photographer for studio. Contact: 99020458 Email: mohdautocentre@gmail.com

Tyres company seeking for Sales man, minimum 2-3 years experience. Send CV to saeed@liwainvestments.com Looking for Sales Executive for a fiberglass Company in Oman.

Should have 5 yrs experience in fiber glass / construction field.

Should have valid driving license.

Email : mfbarka1@omantel.net.om, Contact: 00968 98634898 fax: 26881211

Sales Executive required in Muttrah, Muscat Oman experience & driving license is must.

Contact: 91710453 / 24711695 Email: salesaetOman@gmail.com Marketing Executive required for tyres & batteries.

Contact: 99020458 Email: mohdautocentre@gmail.com Urgently required Sales Executive with experience in printing press line with driving license.

Contact: 00968 95948142 Email: al_bpp@yahoo.com Salesman require for building material with driving license & 10 years working experience.

Fax your C.V 24833043.

(Mustafa Hardware Store) An excellent Grade company requires experience Salesman for indoor and outdoor with Oman driving license. Mail your CV to salesppeoman@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Female Accountant Indian with 3 years exp in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact: 98418533/ 99338639 Accounting, B.Com, 2 yrs experience in India Tally ERP 9, Peach tree accounting quick books, accounting SMACC busy advanced Excel power point E-filing of statutory return visa date 24.12.15, visit exp. 23.01.2015.

Contact 90439594 Chief Accountant looking for full / part time job.

Contact : 95598477/98803439 Indian female 27 MBA Finance with 4+ years exp in banking, accounts exp in teaching field also presently on visit visa.

Contact: 94735164 / 96591950 Sudanese National Bachelor of Accounting 7 years experience electronic accounting and auditing. Contact: 94872045 Email: hussainhassan1@hotmail.com Part time accountant, up to finalization of accounts, looking for job after 5PM (Location prefers –n MSQ to AL Hail) Contact: 95694737

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male, 28, Post Graduate, 6 years exp. in Oman in Sales and Credit Control , with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements.

NOC available. Ph: 9206 6523 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 Financial Accounting Manager having working experience 24 years looking job in construction or manufacturing companies 8 years working in Muscat expecting family status with good compensation. Contact: 95919546.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, cammk13@gmail.com Part time Accountant with 15 yrs exp. in Accounts Finance, Tax Audit Management.Contact: 95857199 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 Part-time accounting, tax report, auditing & bank loan assistance.

Contact 91720465 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement. shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Contact 90187483 Total 24 yrs exp. 15 years served Oman LLC SAOG, SAOC Contracting, trading manufacturing company as Finance Commercial Manager looks after finance logistics, procurement, ERP, oracle, tally focus internal control implementation B.Com PGDBM, ICWA (Inter).

Contact: 91721545 / 95788723, mail: manojpanda111@hotmail.com Accounts & finance: 32 yrs Indian male (B.Com) having 7 years Oman experience Oman D/L & NOC available, looking for suitable placement.Contact: 98093515 / 97494322 email: manusodharan83@gmail.com Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization, consulting & audit works. Contact: 96247295 Female Accountant with 10 years experience. 93726921

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED D.M.E, Indian, 12 yrs experience in Oman, in Project Estimation, Execution, Quality & marketing working as Estimation Engineer in acid & water tanker, semi trailor company, with heavy driving license & will get NOC, seeks suitable job in Oman.

EXPERIENCED TEAM TO PROVIDE TECHNO- COMMERCIAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, FEASIBILITY, ERP WITH BI TOOLS, ADVISE ON FINANCIAL, HR, RISK GENERAL MANAGEMENT, GUIDE STARTUPS RESTRUCTURING, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. Contact – 96500729 Email: k.profitoman@ gmail.com

ADMIN

SPECIALIST AVAILABLE FOR EXPLOSIVE GROWTH IN TERM OF RESTRUCTURING ALL MODULES OF BUSINESS WITH 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, MANUFACTURING, TRADING, APPLICATIONS, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. CONTACT – 93343251 / profitoman@ gmail.com

DRIVER

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Contact - 98968495 Indian female Graduate over 6 years experience in Admin operations business support excellent MS Office skills looking for suitable job. Contact: 94231020

Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement Contact 97950869

Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with 2 and half years experience Indian male 24 years in visit visa. Contact: 96620482 / + 91 9605423272 Email: bijumonps@gmail.com

Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687

Indian Female MBA, 3 Year experience in Admin MIS, Family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com

Light driver need job 4 years exp English & Arabia speaking.

Contact: 94208089

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

Indian having more than 10 years experience (7 years in UAE) as project secretary, document controller, site administrator, site store keeper on visit seek suitable placement. Contact 92196001

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

Indian Accountant professional with 3 years experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job openings. Contact: 92390604 Email: sachinkokkatt@gmail.com

14 years of Gulf experience in HR/ Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic & English with D/L looking for suitable position, NOC available.

Contact: 95824598

Indian male 28 MBA & M.Com finance 5 yrs exp in Accounts & finance. NOC available seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 93939421 Email: baleeq.ams@gmail.com

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

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Job for driving. Contact: 98982410

EDUCATION Indian female M.Sc B.Ed Mathematics having 2 years experience in teaching currently on family visa. Contact: 96007081 Email: surocs@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Accountant / account assistant, BBA, M.Com, Tally, Peach tree on valid visa in Oman.

Contact : 98269281 Indian male, MBA (finance), 1 year experience in Oman having Oman D/L and NOC on visit visa looking for a suitable job.

Contact 94109375 Indian Male Accountant 10yrs Exp. in OMAN Retail & Furniture Co. (Release Available) GSM.92564955 Indian male MBA finance 12 years experience in Oman as Accounts / Admin manger, seeks suitable placement on visit visa.

Can join immediately. Contact: 96055815 Email: shaikhussain111@gmail.com Indian male B.Com, MBA with 10 yrs experience (5 yrs in Oman) in accountant receivable, account payable, sales collection, credit control with valid D/L, looking for suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 93240480 ACCA with more than 1year experience in an audit firm looking for a suitable position in accounts, audit section in a company, having Oman driving license. #98428098 Indian with more than 30 years experience in construction accounts (Financial and Cost) and administration seek suitable placement (part/full time) in Oman or UAE. Contact.98598099 Available Indian Graduate (B.Com) / CA Final (Appeared) having 3 years practical Auditing & Accounting Experience.

Currently in Oman on Visit Visa.

Contact 91418637 Accounting B.Com, 2 years experience in Indian tally ERP9, Peachtree, accounting, QuickBooks accounting SMACC , busy advanced excel PowerPoint E filing of statutory return visit date 24/12/2015 visit exp 23/1/2015

ADMIN Indian male seeking office driver cum admin job having NOC and 5 years experience with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 97942787 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 Indian female 29 MBA (HR) BSc Oman & India, 3 years exp in Admin & HR seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95619537 Indian female 27 yrs with 5 yrs HR /Admin experience seeking suitable placement with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 98236033 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

Filipino male with 13 years HR and Administration managerial experience. MBA & CIPD holder. Currently looking for job in Oman. Interested employer pls call 97728418.

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Interior designer Indian male with 4 years experience / 3Ds Max, AutoCAD .Now on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 94886507 Email: vizhue07@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

DOMESTIC HELP Looking full time job.

Contact: 99153378

DRIVER 27 years, 1 year experience, with D/L. Contact: 97369716 Indian young smart driver 5 years Oman exp speaking English Arabic, Hindi looking for job.

Contact: 94524433 Pakistani male light driver 10 yrs in UAE & 1 yr in Oman.

Contact: 93709393 Light driver Ruwi. Contact: 95779594 Having Oman D/L seeking suitable placement of driver.

Contact: 92789805 Light Driver, 4 yrs exp in Oman.

Contact: 94608755 Looking for driver job 3 years Oman experience. Contact: 98244078 / 93798802 Driver with car available for part time job.

Contact: 96320385 Driver 2 years job visa Indian male (31 yrs). Contact: 96525311 Light driver Indian 4 yrs exp in Oman having own car need job.

NOC available. Contact: 93053917 Light driver looking for job.

Contact: 95219183 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192 Bangladeshi male light driver exp 14 years need job and visa transfer, release paper available.

Contact: 99165961 Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286

Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male, with good knowledge in HVAC on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 90154793 Email: sangu.vazhoor@gmail.com HSE & Fire Safety Engineer 4 years experience air port operational safety, power & chemical industry. Contact: 94374241 Indian male 31, Mechanical Enggr with 9+ year’s exp in Quality Assurance / control presently on visit visa. Contact: 94735164 / 96591950 Electrical Engineer B.Tech with 4 yrs experience in India available on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94741401 Email: sobinthomask05@gmail. com Indian male electrical engineer having 3 yrs exp in industrial electrical machine maintenance & data center facilities management looking for suitable placement (NOC available). Contact :99381733 Email : shihab4eee@gmail.com Architect Engineer with 3 years experience in Muscat looking for a suitable job Contact: 91262904, Email: saeedbakayeh@gmail.com Indian female, BE in EEE having 3yrs exp in Software & 1 yr Experience in Marketing & Admin in Muscat, looking for suitable placement. Tel:93422434 Operating Engineer MBA holder 5 years experience in electroplating and coating of metals. #94690325 Email: phahad.hashim@gmail.com ELV Sr. Presales Engineer +7 years experience in UAE, Qatar & Oman having valid Oman D/L & NOC. Contact : 93384285 Indian male 25 years Mechanical Engineer (2 years experienced) seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 93655805 Indian male Diploma Civil Engineer have 1 yr. experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job (certificate attested).

Contact: 92667406 / 99210411, Email : manojgvh@gmail.com Sudanese Telecom Engineer, 5 years experience, 3 years in Oman PMP certificate.

Contact: 93391008 Email: momen.awadallam@gmail.com Sudanese Structure Civil Engineer 2 years experience resident Omani license. Contact: 94393880 Bangladeshi male Diploma in Civil Engineer with D/L 5 years exp, 4 years in Oman has exp. in building construction seeking a suitable placement. Contact: 96732988 Electrical Engineer Indian (29) , 7 years exp in Oman, 33KV, 11 KV projects in MZEC & MEDC having CEP 1 & NOC with D/L. Contact: 99822373 Need job for experienced mason, electrician & welder.

Contact: 93015630

Electrical & Instrumentation Engineer, Gulf Experience, 3 Year, Immediately available.Contact95691800 Email: fasalf@gmail.com Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com Civil Engineer 11 years experience in construction having driving license & NOC. Contact: 94194399 Email: shiblyrock@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Telecom Engineer and HSE Advisor with 6 years experience in Oman with PDO requirement, fluent in Arabic and English with valid driving license searching for job. Contact: 96355678 16+ yrs of Techno commercial experience in ELV systems seeking suitable position in mid management level. Local release available. Contact: 98143907 Email: mazher2005@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer 4 years experience (3 years HVAC 10 months piping stress) knows more than 10 softwares, Indian Muslim (27) job visa. Contact: 90486758 Email: afsalhyder@gmail.com M.Tech in Manufacturing Engineering with 2 years of experience, on visiting visa looking for a suitable job. Contact: 91417949 Email: dannyrangde@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (UK) 28 years, male having 5 years experience in technical sales and service Engineer, looking for suitable placement and having valid Oman driving license. NOC available immediate avail slit.

Contact: 968 97612297 Email: ymirza11@caledonian.ac.uk

ACCOUNTANT

Indian male with 18 years of experience in Gulf operations, accounts, purchase, sales, Admin & HR, looking for a Sr. position in a medium size company.

Contact: 95503646

Contact: 99889396

Male 29 years (BE) MEP Engineer 8.5 years of experience in building construction. Seeking a suitable job. Contact -95119765/ Email id jayachandranmep@gmail.com NOC available Procurement Engineer (27 years Single Male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electro-mechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. (Contact 95852033, hemal1988@gmail.com Transmission Cable Technician / Cable Splicer: Saudi Aramco & Saudi Electricity Co License Holder.

Experience 5yrs, Age 29yrs, Nationality Pakistani: KSA Valid Driving License. Immediately Available.

Contact: 92850409 Email: usman0083@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer male 26 yrs, with 4 yrs of experience in manufacturing oil & gas retail, brand promoting, marketing, logistics having valid Omani D/L seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 97098676 Email: ja237le@gmail.com Chemical Engineer MBA holder ITC certified in supply chain management, ERP familiar 5 years experience. Contact: 94690325 Email: phahad.hashim@gmail.com 5 years of experience in Business Analyst & Product Management with Engineering in ECE on visit visa Contact: 91374247 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com

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 Civil Engineer diploma holder having 7 years experience of Site Engineer with valid Omani D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 93294965 Email: hamza.nazeer717@gmail.com Indian Electrical Engineer Btech, female 24 seeking job, presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact 968 97436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer: Indian male, 30 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF tyres), holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 92789995, email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270

Civil Engineer (Diploma) having 11 years experience in building construction, looking for a suitable placement , having Oman driving license. Noc available.

Contact: 95075365 Email: azharraaz@gmail.com

Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com Project Civil Engineer, BSc, 6 years experience in Oman, building construction Fluent Arabic, English and good Hindi Release and NOC Available). Tel: 97858589 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Diploma in Automobile Engg male 26 yrs, working as Service Advisor for 2.5 yrs seeking suitable position. Contact: 94744933 Email: shuhaibmost007@gmail.com Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com 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 Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518

Diploma in Electronics, 2 years exp in telecommunication.

Contact: 94519571 Email: telecommunicationvishnumadhull @gmail.com

7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598

Email: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

BE Mech specialization welding technology 11 yrs quality cont Engineer by Steel Cons EPL Installation desalination plant (Gulf). Contact: 96603299

Instrument Engineer B.Tech Indian male, 24 yrs, 1 yrs experience in reputed oil & gas companies, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job. Contact: 92007218 Email: ahmed0515@gmail.com

General Manager / Operations / Commercial / Procurement Manager

With 8 years of experience (working in Oman since Jan 2013) is looking for a change.

Experienced in all aspect of accounting up to finalization of accounts. Also experienced in Insurance underwriting and claim settlement.

NOC will be available

Sudanese Architectural Engineer 2 years experience in Oman, Revit, AutoCAD 3Ds max Archicad looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94722356 Email: maya40999@hotmail.com Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im

Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113

Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com

Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656

Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com

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

IT Indian male B.E ECE 25 yrs with 2 years experience in Networking MCITP CISCO certified AutoCAD searching for suitable placement.

Contact: 90189537 Indian male (29) MCA Post Graduate 4.6 years experienced skilled in System and Network administration seeking job in IT sector now on visiting visa. Contact: 92805363 Email: anukkuttan1986@gmail.com Indian male (28) MCA 6 yrs experienced Oracle 10g, 6I, PL / SQL forms / reports seeking job in IT sector now on visit visa.

Contact: 91475059 Email: maridurai19@yahoo.com Software Engineering Graduate, 2 years IT Sales Experience, D/L + NOC, Contact: 94464786 Sudanese Network Administrator 1 year experience with (MCSA, CCNA, CCNP) have valid driving license. Contact: 92394485 Network Engineer degree Computer Science CCNA, MCSA experience NOC. Content: 92346191 Indian male 26 years BSC IT with 4 years experience currently on visit visa looking for IT support job knowledge of networking, programming languages, windows / Linux environment. Contact: +968 95369856 / 24781651 Email: mark.tony.alphonso@hotmail.com Dynamics AX 2009 / 2012 R2/ R3 Microsoft certified professional MCA & BCA Having 15 yrs of total exp & 6 yrs of relevant exp seeking for suitable position. NOC is available. Contact: 93469493 Email: axcertprof@gmail.com

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED IT Indian male 27 yrs Master in Computer applications currently in Muscat with Oman driving L/C seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 93191800 Email: vijilraj60@gmail.com Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867 10 years Oman experience ICT Sector, capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable Senior Executive position.

Contact: 98987654 Indian female MCA Graduate, holding valid driving license seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 99466062 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

MANAGER Logistics All rounder Indian male 23 years experience administration material management, supply chain, warehouse, purchase, marketing, inventory, accounting, Oman D/L. NOC available.

Contact: 95980115 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 25 years experienced Supervisor in plumbing & firefighting available, NOC & driving license.

Contact: 95703680 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

MANAGER Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com 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

MEDICAL Male nurse MOH licensed having NOC completed BLS, ACLS total 6 yrs exp seeking suitable job, join at anytime . Contact : 91322744 An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact: 96436517 /97396088

MISCELLANEOUS 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 Indian male 25, On Visit Visa MBA (HR & Marketing) experienced in Sales, Looking for Suitable Position, Contact 92788018, shinemoncherian@gmail.com 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 Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 98805474

LOGISTICS More than 8 years of gulf experience & qualified executive in Air freight & Sea freight, proven work experience in logistics coordination, shipment, export and import Coordination, cross shipments and client relation etc. Contact: 95149624 / 0097150-3462492

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING Indian male 29 yrs having 6 years Oman experience in hotel industry & sales looking for a suitable placement. NOC available having Oman driving license. #91059015 Email: nidhin.lal86@gmail.com Indian male with more than 15 years experience in construction, agriculture, industrial tools, air coolers & personal protective equipments looking for suitable position in sales & marketing valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92406527 Indian male 26, with more than 4 years experience in Sales and Marketing having valid GCC license on visit visa seeks suitable position. Contact: 92423161 PG diploma in Strategic Management having two years experience in Marketing and Management currently on visit visa seeking for suitable job. Contact : 93406821 Email: sayeedminhaj@gmail.com Indian male Sales Engineer 18 years experience (pneumatics, electric, air compressor, garage equipments etc) including 5 years Gulf experience currently employed in Oman with D/L looking for suitable position, NOC available.

Contact 94425942 Email: kishorekumar.naik@yahoo.in BBA graduate /Valid Omani license/2 year experience/ Preferred role Marketing / Sales / Business development Executive.

Contact-94122944, raashidjabir@protonmail.ch Indian male B.Sc Chemistry Graduate 6 years experience in India seeking suitable placement willing to work in any field currently on visiting visa. Contact: 94855667 / 92255983 Pakistani male three years experience in Oman speaks excellent English, earlier worked as English speaking tourist guide.

Contact : 99120956 Indian 16 yrs sales / marketing all Oman experience, on visit visa with D/L. Contact: 90205082 B.Tech Electronics Indian male experience in Technical & marketing 2 years Oman driving license.

Contact: 98627362 , email : shah9746099350@gmail.com 34 yrs, Indian male 7 years sales & marketing exp have valid D/L. Contact: 99869456

MBA Graduate (Indian) 2 years experience in Auto sales & marketing looking for suitable job in automatic industry. Contact: 94676974 Email: dabdulmuqsit@gmail.com MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement. Cont : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com MBA (logistics and supply chain) 3.5 years freight forwarding experience operations & sales, back office operation Oman, Yemen & UAE. Contact: 92549913 Email: jansunil1989@gmail.com Sales Coordinator, BBA MBA (pursuing) tally on valid visa in Oman. Contact : 98269281 Assistant Purchase Manager experience 9 years at Oman in Construction Company skills driving license.

Contact: 98894178 Email: amerfawzy2000@yahoo.com Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com Indian female M.Sc in computer application, having experience in Muscat looking for suitable placement available to join immediately.

Contact: 94591608 Sales & Marketing Executive MBA with 3 years experience in sales looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91345727.

Indian female (M.Tech in Power system) having Gulf experience seeking suitable placement in Oman, now in family visa.

Contact: 94306164 / 91001194 5 years experience in Sales currently looking for a placement.

Contact: 93458869 30 yr old experienced available with NOC & Oman driving license 6+years experience in chemicals Industry. Contact: 96675065

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

Chief Accountant , 7 years experienced (out of 25 years experience in accounts) worked in reputed group companies. Currently procuring MBA finance and having Omani Driving License seeks suitable openings from reputed companies.

Contact : 95598477 / 98803439

Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192

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

MISCELLANEOUS HR Manual, Employee Handbook, Recruitment, Training, HR Consultancy. Are you looking for freelancer HR professional?

Please contact on 97914669 Indian Female, Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Electronics & Communication Engineering, currently in Muscat with Family Visa,1+ year experience in Teaching seeks suitable placement in Muscat. Contact 96209509 27,male,ACCA finalist, have professional experience up to finalization of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally, focus and oracle software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization ,seeking for permanent replacement in senior position,GSM-91324962,email id : abdullah.nooralam@gmail.com B.TECH ( IT) . 24 years, 2 Years of experience in technical support, software development, networking, troubleshooting and managing, seeks suitable placement.

Contact GSM- 98184170 Indian Male 4 years experience Chef. Indian, Chinese Cuisine seek suitable placement. # 99883019

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

NRI 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 3 bedroom flat for sale Kerala, EKM, Palarivattom. Contact: 00968 95993089/ 0091 9446845999/ 0091 4842422700 Jimmy For sale 142 cents prime land 7 kms from kozhikodu Medical College Hospital in full or plots bus route and electricity available.

Expected price 2.25 lakhs per cent negotiable. Contact person : Dr. Robins 0091- 9447322230 Jayadas 0091- 9446848957 Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune Contact 95272138, (+918390982975) 1100 sqft Property for sale opposite to SPFort Hospital, Trivandrum. Contact 91254791, 91 8893226226 Kollam byepass 5-10 cent for sale. Contact: 96157394

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/TRAINING/COMPUTER/WEBSITE Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

B.Com male 2 yrs experience in sales Computer knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98371144 email: nabilnazar22@gmail.com

Tel: 95244310

IELTS PREPARATION 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

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

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble.Contact 24793614/ 99314807

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact: 93769089 / 95323517

We provide loading unloading helper for contracting.

Contact: 94777137

Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723

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

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723

A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Canadian Consultancy company (recruitment & immigration) is looking for a partner company in Oman.

For contact 00973 39990830 eurogulf.ca@gmail.com,

SITUATION WANTSERVICES We are providing services like Accounts, Auditing, Tax Reports, Feasibility Study, Bank Loan Assistance & L L C Registration ASAS AUDIT & CONSULTANCY Contact at 91720465/94319719 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.

Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 *Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price. Contact: http//webviewoman

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

RENT A CAR

GOOD NEWS FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

SITUATION WANTTOURS ED Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636

TRANSPORTATION Transportation.Contact: 99099714

We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

Transportation Al Khuwair.

Contact: 92711421 Transportation. Contact: 91310107

DRIVING Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact 99508282

MATRIMONIAL

Transportation. Contact:99664703

Sunni Muslim parents invite alliance for their daughter for Hyderabad boys. Contact: 91383229 Email: sfah3108@gmail.com Menon / Nair boy 30 years, looking for a girl, preferred from Ottapalam area. Contact: 99505473 Hindu nair age 64, looking for a suitable girl. # 0091 755900189

Transportation. Contact 96173326 Silver car, car rental at good rate.

Contact: 96166155/93530540

MATRIMONIAL Nair boy 27 years Keralite working in Canada looking for qualified girl. Contact: 99361442

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact: 99839898

Transportation. Contact 94510847 Transportation Contact: 99077395 Transportation taxi mini bus.

Contact: 93091106

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DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiямБeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624