Times of Oman - April 21, 2016

THURSDAY April 21, 2016 13 Rajab 1437 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the 2nd National Day, 1972

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’

MORNING MINUTE

We should remember that our country is vast, and providing services to all its parts requires great effortss and patience. And if our income from oil is modest in relation to our requirements and the circumstances of our country, we are rich in other resources and strong in our belief in God and in work.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 51

| 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

UNITED KINGDOM

Oman continues to invest in development

Percentage of private sector workforce stable

EXPAT WORKER NUMBERS HOLD STEADY IN OMAN

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Head of the Commonwealth on the occasion of her birthday.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes of good health and happiness to Queen Elizabeth II and the British people further progress and prosperity. -ONA BELGIUM

HM receives thanks cable MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from King Philip of Belgium in reply to His Majesty’s condolences cable on victims of the explosions that hit the Belgian capital, Brussels.

In his cable, King Philip expressed his utmost thanks for His Majesty the Sultan’s condolences and noble feelings.-ONA

SAYYID FAHD MEETS KING SALMAN

His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Wednesday. -ONA See also >A7, 8

P L E A T O M U N I C I PA L C OU N C I L

Taxi drivers demand parking, drop-off area ERIK PRINS

erik@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: More parking areas, drop-off zones and waiting rooms should be created for taxis in Oman, say taxi drivers.

These are some of the demands of taxi drivers while they await an overall regulation of the taxi sec-

tor currently under discussion by the authorities.

“In Muscat, we do not have enough parking space. Since Mwasalat is here, they have taken away our parking areas,” Sulaiman Al Jardani, taxi drivers’ spokesperson said during a tour with the Times of Oman (TOO). >A6

CRACKDOWN

Health clubs asked to abide by labour laws, six arrested Times News Service

AT A GLANCE Percentage of expat employees in Rise in construction activities and investment in infrastructure fuel demand for workers

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The number of expatriates employed in the private sector as a percentage of the total population is holding steady as Oman continues to embrace development and nationwide infrastructure projects.

Two years ago the Minister of Manpower had announced that steps would be taken to reduce the number of expats in the pri-

private sector holds steady as compared to the total population (in millions).

2014 2016

Total population Expat workforce in the private sector Source: NCSI

3,99

1,47

4,37

1,66 Plan to reduce expat workforce to 33% Graphics

vate sector to 33 per cent of the total population.

Since then Oman has continued to invest in its development and so, at current figures, the number in the private sector is around 38 per cent of the country’s total population.

The Times of Oman reported yesterday how the number of ex-

pats in Oman had slowly grown to surpass two million. But as the population has increased, those employed in the private sector as a percentage of the total has remained steady.

“We have had to maintain a certain ratio of expatriate workers in Oman. Due to the market needs, it is going up beyond our set target,” Said Salem Al Saadi, the advisor to the Minister of Manpower, said.

Blue-collar workers “As more and more construction activities are happening in Oman, more and more blue-collar workers are coming in, which is pushing up the expatriate numbers,” the advisor added.

In 2014, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri, Minister of Manpower, had announced moves to reduce the percentage of expatriate workers in Oman’s private sector (1,478,041) from what was then 37 per cent of the total population (3,991,956) to 33 per cent. >A6 TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Times quiz today

1

City Amphitheatre is set for the Times of Oman Inter School Quiz Contest (TOOISQC). >A3

OMAN

Money laundering law

2

State Council approved the draft Anti-Money Laundering and Finance of Terrorism Law. >A7

WORLD

Charge against Google

Passion for photography takes Bassami places

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EU charged Google with abusing the position of its Android mobile operating system. >A14

MUSCAT: Health clubs in Oman have been asked to follow the labour laws after the arrest of several Asian workers at a health club in Al Khuwair.

The warning was issued on Wednesday after six Asian workers were arrested during a raid on a massage centre in Al Khuwair, for violating the labour law, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MoM).

Speaking to the Times of Oman, an official from MoM, said out of the six arrested, some were illegal workers. “A special team comprising the Royal Oman Police (ROP), the Ministry of Manpower and the Muscat Municipality will take action to stop illegal activi-

ILLEGAL WORKERS: Asian workers arrested during raid.

ties,” the official said. The official also said business owners who do not follow Article 48 of the Labour Law can be slapped with a fine of OMR1,000 and workers who are found violating the law will be deported.

The ministry also reported that 44 labourers have been arrested in the past two days during a major crackdown which targeted 13 accommodations in Al Ghubra, Al Hail and Qurum which were illegally used to house them.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 We were giving Type 1, 2 and 3 through trivalent. Now we would be giving only Type 1 and 3 and April 27 is the date Dr Paul Joseph, paediatrician, Badr Al Samaa Hospital

OMAN

B I VA L E N T P O L I O VA C C I N E

Health officials gear up for polio vaccine switchover Times News Service MUSCAT: Health officials are gearing up to switch from a trivalent to a bivalent polio vaccine from April 27.

The old oral vaccine protected against all three strains of polio virus resulting in eradication of the wild polio virus Type–2.

The new vaccine will have the Type 1 and 3 strains and the introduction of an injectable polio vaccine will help reduce risks associated with withdrawal of the Type 2 strain.

Polio vaccines are given in

Oman to children from the age of two months up to six years.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Oman reported the last virologically-confirmed polio case in December 1993, with a probable relation of the virus to the Indian strains.

Doctors at private a hospital said they have been administering the trivalent polio vaccine until now.

“In 2012, the WHO reached the conclusion that polio should be completely eradicated from the world and this switch from the trivalent to bivalent vaccine

was decided upon. Close to 156 countries are participating in this programme and Oman is one of them. It involves the switch from trivalent to bivalent,” Dr Paul Joseph, a paediatrician, working at the Badr Al Samaa Hospital said.

“We were giving Type 1, 2 and 3 through trivalent. Now we would be giving only Type 1 and 3 and April 27 is the date,” he added.

Officials said that the trivalent vaccines have to be returned to the concerned authorities and under no circumstances should they be used after April 27 as per the directives from the ministry.

CRIME

Man arrested for robbery in Salalah MUSCAT: An Omani citizen was arrested in Salalah on charges of house robbery, Royal Oman Police reported on Wednesday.

According to an ROP source, the accused was arrested while selling the stolen stuff at a shop in Salalah. He confessed to stealing from 14 houses in the southern governorate.

Meanwhile, an Omani national and an Asian expatriate have been arrested on charges of trafficking and possessing drugs. The ROP in Dhofar said that they have seized five bundles of hashish.

The ROP also revealed that 235 cases of effacing vehicle number plates or improperly adjusting them were recorded in the Sultanate last year.

An expatriate of Asian nationality was arrested at Muscat International Airport while attempting to smuggle 200 tablets of narcotics.

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Times quiz finals to be held today

A3

OMAN DENIAL

Plane with missing engine panel not ours: Oman Air REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: An image circulated on social media showing the aircraft’s panels missing from one of its engines, is not of Oman Air, a top official of the airline said.

“This is not an Oman Air aircraft, since Oman Air engines are white in colour,” Usama Karim Al Haremi, senior manager at corporate communications and media at Oman Air, told Times of Oman.

According to Oman Air, the image has been circulated online since 2008.

Times of Oman Inter School Quiz 2016 will be held at City Amphitheatre today

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: City Amphitheatre will today witness teams of students vie with one another for the honours in the Times of Oman Inter School Quiz Contest (TOOISQC) finals today.

The champions will take the Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Rolling Trophy. Twelve teams, each from the junior and senior categories will clash for the title at 7pm.

It will be a fantastic sight, with the students pitting their intelligence against their brightest peers and doing better than themselves.

According to quizmaster Giri ‘Pickbrain’ Balasubramaniam, the final will be an entertaining event.

“I believe that all the teams selected for the finals are doing their best so the competitiveness will be high and that makes it an entertaining event,” he said.

Observing that the juniors seemed a little fearless, compared with the seniors, who are showing early signs of using competing tactics, Balasubramaniam said, “The juniors might produce a more entertaining final, even with their wrong answers sometimes.”

“All the 12 twelve teams are equally aggressive, therefore any school could win the title,” he said.

According to him, the senior quiz will be completely different and the pressure will be more than the junior section.

“I think there is a little bit of pre-quiz pressure because there are teams and children, who have

BRAIN GAMES: Twelve teams, each from the junior and senior cat-

INDIA

egories will participate. – File photo

done well in the past might feel the pressure of protecting their reputation and meeting expectations,” the quizmaster asserted.

“Seniors, in my view would rely on tactics that teams deploy, as well as the risks they take. At a senior level it would be more to do with situation management than with knowledge,” he said.

According to him, TOOISQC is a like a Wimbledon for school students. “It is a like a Wimbledon championship for the school children in quizzing because the platform which they are getting is massive,” he explained.

Different format He also said the format for the finals will be different for both categories. “For the juniors, the format will be a more traditional style of quizzing, but when it comes to the senior category, it will be a speedbased one,” he explained.

Students from both the categories have been guaranteed that they will do their best to lift the titles. Most of them are preparing hard by covering all the topics that they have been asked to go through.

Some of them are preparing by

taking part in some online quizzes prior to the finals. In-between the junior and senior quiz, international entertainer Prahlad Acharya will perform “Speaking Shadows,” his amazing hand-shadow act for the audience at the Amphitheatre.

Acharya is one of the few entertainers in the world, who uses his bare hands to create an unbelievable world of light and shade. He is an internationally renowned magician, ventriloquist, shadow play artist and storyteller.

The teams have been advised to be at the venue before the assigned time. TOOISQC is powered

by Creme 21, with major sponsors being R&B, Muscat Pharmary, Pocari Sweat, Denim, Indomie, Al Mudhish and Suroor.

The co-sponsors are Kwality Ice Creams and Chiko.

The official host is Radisson Blu Hotel, Sohar and the official rent-a-car is Sixt rent-a-car, while Travel City-Travel Point is the travel partner. Venue sponsors are Relaxo, School Mate, Malabar Gold and Al Rawabi. Gift sponsor is Oman Phone. Other sponsors are Lakhoos Exchange, Al Nahda, Oasis, Sapil, Hoshan Pan Gulf, Parker Pens, and Nabil.

Oman takes part in services exhibition NEW DELHI: Oman is taking part in the Global Exhibition on Services (GES - 2016), being hosted by the Indian capital New Delhi with the participation of about 40 countries.

The exhibition, inaugurated by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will run for several days.

The Sultanate’s delegation to the exhibition is led

by Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Special Economic Zone Authority of Duqm (SEZAD).

The delegation includes Eng. Ahmed bin Hassan alDheeb, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Hamad bin Saif Al Rawahi, Sultanate’s ambassador to India, Dr. Salim bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of Information Technology Authority (ITA). -ONA

CONTROVERSIAL PICTURE: The circulated image shows a cover coming off the left engine of the aircraft.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

OMAN

This year we are particularly interested in recruiting customer service agents and cabin crew.

We offer outstanding pay and conditions, along with the high level of pride and satisfaction that comes with working for what is probably the world’s most-recognised Omani brand Dr Rashid Mohammed Al Ghailani, Executive Vice President – Human Resource at Oman Air

8,000 visit Omanisation Career Fair on first day

E D UC AT I O N

SQU, Iranian institutes to boost ties Times News Service

Major companies like ORPIC, Zubair Corporation and 50 other participating companies have advertised for attractive positions at the event

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: More than 8,000 job seekers visited the Omanisation Career Fair on day one alone, according to the organisers.

“There has been a super turnout from the time it started yesterday, we recorded 8,000 visitors yesterday, there are lots of people enquiring about jobs, and that is something to do with the current scenario,” said Ashit Barnes, Exhibition Director of OITE. Major companies like ORPIC, Zubair Corporation and 50 other participating companies have advertised for attractive positions at the fair. Two companies from the UAE have also taken part at the fair this year.

Screening applications “Lots of companies are collecting CVs and screening of applications is on, Oman Air has been the biggest attraction, and ORPIC, Zubair Corp, TATI and Renaissance have also received lots of visitors. Besides the job offers, there are also seminars taking place, there was a conference on digital education and trends, something that the Ministry of

EAGER: There has been a super turnout from the time it started yesterday, we recorded 8,000 visitors yesterday, there are lots of people

enquiring about jobs, and that is something to do with the current scenario,” said Ashit Barnes, Exhibition Director of OITE.

Education and Higher Education may be looking to adapt and there are also seminars on Omanisation and creating links between education and employment,” Ashit added.

Oman Air has been a major attraction at the event, not only because of their prime location but also because of the attractive jobs it is offering. “We have been accepting a lot of CVs, the place has been full from the time it started, and only on the first day we received close to 500 CVs for just customer service positions, and there are four other fields we are offering jobs in, including Pilots, Cabin Crew, Reservation and Ticketing Agents and

trainees,” said Ashath Al Kindy, Omanisation In-Charge for Human Resources at Oman Air. Humaid, an engineering graduate and a job seeker who came to the exhibition said that he was happy with the number of major companies that were taking part.

Temporary jobs “I have been looking for a job for six months now, I am only doing some temporary jobs at the moment, so this fair has helped me meet many of the recruiting officials of some large companies and I have submitted by CV to a few, and now hoping for the best.”

Zahra, another graduate was positive about finding a job

through the fair, “I am a graduate in engineering and I have a job right now but looking for a better placement. It’s my first time at a fair like this one and I am very hopeful that I will be able to find a decent job with one of the bigger companies.”

Meanwhile Al Kindy has also cautioned people to be careful about the information that comes to them about Oman Air at the fair, “Any information that Oman Air sends out to the public will be done through proper channels and with the logo of the company, so it is advised that people double check the information that comes to them, and the source as well, about the jobs that we are

— Supplied photo

offering and about the process of recruitment.”

Oman Air is also the Lead Sponsor of the fair, which will be held from April 19 to 21 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Muscat.

Dr Rashid Mohammed Al Ghailani, Executive Vice President – Human Resource at Oman Air also said, “This year we are particularly interested in recruiting customer service agents and cabin crew.

“We offer outstanding pay and conditions, along with the high level of pride and satisfaction that comes with working for what is probably the world’s most-recognised Omani brand.”

MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and a number of Iranian higher educational and research institutions have agreed to strengthen academic and research ties.

A discussion held in this regard was held on Monday, 18 April at SQU between Dr Rama Al Mahrouqi, SQU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies & Research, and a group of officials from Iran headed by Batool Meshkinfam, Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs, Centre for International Scientific Studies and Collaboration, Iran, and Professor Faculty of Literature, Alzahra University. Meshkinfam was accompanied by Akber Irani, Director of Written Heritage Research Center, and Nakysa Hooman of Iran University of Medical Sciences.

The meeting with SQU deputy vce chancellor was a follow-up by Iran in return to a trip paid by the delegates of SQU back in 2012.

The delegates from Iran delivered lectures at the College of Arts & Social Sciences and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital to give insights into areas they explore collaboration.

Dr. Abdullah Al Kindi, Dean of the College of Arts & Social Sciences, SQU, who attended the meeting, suggested to resume the teaching of the Iranian language at the college and requested the Iranian Centre to nominate and send the names of teachers. The two sides showed interest in the exchange of students and faculty associated with the College of Arts & social Sciences.

Manuscript translation The officials agreed on conducting a joint research project related to history of Oman and Arabic language. Iranian institutions will help to translate the manuscript written on the history of Oman and Arabic language from the Iranian language to Arabic.

Q U A L I T Y H E A LT H C A R E

Thailand sees increase of Omani tourists in 2016 HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: More Omanis are expected to visit Thailand in 2016, a senior official at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Dubai and Middle East office told Times of Oman.

“We are expecting to welcome 100,000 Omani visitors this year, compared to 80,000 in 2015,” Tanes Petsuwan, executive director of TAT said, adding that 80 per cent of Omani visitors visit Thailand for medical treatment.

Explaining why his country is a major hub for medical tourism, Petsuwan said that affordable prices of hospitals, well-trained medical personnel, and easy access to doctors make Thailand a major destination for people who seek quality healthcare.

While the GCC region is braving austerity measures, Petsuwan was optimistic, noting that the Omani currency remains very strong, while the drop in oil

Our delegation was impressed by the warm welcome and hospitality of the Omani people. There is so much similarity between Thai people and Omanis, said a Tourism Authority of Thailand official

prices would not affect the flow of tourists from the Sultanate to Thailand. He was speaking on the sidelines of a road-show, an event held at the Grand Hyatt Muscat on April 19 to promote Thailand as a “Quality Leisure Destination through Thainess”.

He said Oman is a ‘rising star’ with a large potential market in tourism in the Middle East region.

Some 26 leading hotels, hospital representatives and other businesses from many parts of Thailand participated in the

event. Commenting on the roadshow, Petsuwan said, “This event helps us build a new relationship and strengthens our ties with our local friends and partners.

“We would also like to invite women to travel to Thailand, as it is a destination known for bespoke shopping and pampering experiences.”

Thailand remains one of the highly visited travel destination and is a popular choice for Arab travellers because of its Muslimfriendly accommodations and Halal food options.

F U N C T I O N AT B R I T I S H E M B A S S Y

Embassy marks UK National Day on Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday Times News Service MUSCAT: British Embassy in Muscat on Tuesday marked the UK’s National Day, falling on the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. The celebration was held at Port Sultan Qaboos with the visiting world-famous Cunard luxury ocean liner, The Queen Elizabeth, as a backdrop.

Speaking in Muscat, Jon Wilks, the British Ambassador, said, “Today we are celebrating Her Majesty’s long reign and the great, historic relations between our two countries. But we are also turning to the future, confident that our two countries will re-

main committed to each other in a relationship of growing importance. We wish long life to Their Majesties, Sultan Qaboos and Queen Elizabeth.

“What better setting to do it, than Port Sultan Qaboos, alongside the Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth, at an exciting time for the future of tourism in Oman with Omran’s planned development of the Port as the Sultanate’s showcase tourism and leisure venue”.

Omran thanked Wilks thanked Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC for their generous support for the event.

He also thanked Omran for supporting the event, including

through the catering offered by the Intercontinental Hotel, and Khimji Ramdas Shipping for providing the air conditioned tent in which the event was held.

Shared celebrations This is one of a number of shared celebrations between the UK and the Sultanate of Oman to celebrate Elizabeth’s 90th birthday.

The Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman will participate in celebrations in the UK at The Royal Windsor Horse Show in May. On March 19, the Royal Cavalry also held a special horse race in honour of Elizabeth at Al Rahba racecourse near Muscat.

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OMAN

Opinion on impact of higher expat hiring cost on economy divided Higher recruitment costs for expats may turn out to be beneficial to the government’s efforts to nationalise the workforce

ERIK PRINS

erik@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Higher recruitment costs, resulting f rom new fees such as those introduced by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) on Sunday, will affect companies recruiting expatriate workers, but will also help to raise the government’s revenue as well as benefit Omani-

sation, companies and HR professionals said.

Thasleem Khan, CEO and managing partner of Intelligent Parking and Elevator Company, told the Times of Oman that his company is ready to pay the extra fees to recruit an expatriate.

Unavoidable “It is unavoidable. We have to support the government at this stage,” he said. Khan said that it would not impact the recruitment of expatriates in his company. He said that whenever they are looking for skilled people, either expatriate or Omani, they will be ready to bear the costs of recruitment.

However, the costs are an increasing burden on his company.

“At this market situation, it is difficult to bear,” he said.

An official of SPAR supermarkets in Oman said that although the fees will not have much impact on recruitment, the extra costs will add up to the pressure felt in the current market situation.

“It may not have a huge impact

on recruitment, but it will have an impact on the business in terms of profitability,” he said.

However, he added that his company is ready to pay the extra cost to employ expatriates.

Tonia Gray, general manager at Competence HR, told the Times of Oman that higher fees will indeed affect companies in Oman. “Any increase in these costs is not good for companies, when they are struggling at the moment. Although individually these extra costs for hiring an expatriate are minor, add them altogether and it becomes quite expensive,” she said.

Smaller firms to be hit Gray said that as mostly smaller companies will be affected in sectors the government is seeking to encourage, this might have a negative impact on the economy.

“This will have an impact on a lot of the smaller companies in construction, retail and hospitality, for example. Hitting such companies is a bit of a negative step,” she said.

GERMAN ORCHESTRA

Gray said that the higher recruitment costs borne by companies will also hit the recruitment of expatriate workers in Oman.

“It is to be expected. I think all companies expect the government to introduce such measures to get revenue. I think all of the aims in this regard will hit the recruitment of expatriates,” she said.

However, higher recruitment costs for expatriates may turn out to be beneficial to the government’s efforts to nationalise the workforce.

“Although expatriate salaries

are generally lower, if you add costs of visas, costs of transport, costs of flights home, it might even out the difference between hiring expatriates and hiring Omanis,” she said.

She said, in that case, it might turn out to be cheaper for companies to hire Omani nationals instead.

Gray said that companies facing higher recruitment costs will be more inclined to hire Omanis, but only for junior positions, which have lower overall costs. “At the senior level, an extra OMR10 is nothing,” she said.

R E A L E S TAT E S E C T O R M A R C H D ATA

ROHM to host Bamberg Symphony concert

North Al Batinah leads in the number of sale contracts MUSCAT: Value of traded contracts in real estate sector stood at OMR358,841,935 in March 2016 while the collected fees stood at OMR8,320,219, Abdullah bin Salim Al Mekhaini, Secretary of the Real Estate Registry at the Ministry of Housing said.

The number of sale contracts at the governorate-level stood at 6,708 with the worth of OMR104,041,454 while the collected fees stood at OMR4,440,252.

North Al Batinah recorded the highest number with 1,475 sale contracts followed by South

Times News Service MUSCAT: One of Germany’s finest orchestras, the Bamberg Symphony will be performing at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) on April 22 at 7.30 pm.

It is known for the rich brightness and depth of its characteristic sound, whether performing pieces from Europe’s great classical repertoire or cutting-edge modern and contemporary music.

The orchestra will be conducted by the brilliant Maestro Christoph Eschenbach, who is a frequent Guest Conductor at the world’s finest orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has previously performed at ROHM, receiving standing ovations.

Although expatriate salaries are generally lower, if you add costs of visas, costs of transport, costs of flights home, it might even out the difference between hiring expatriates and hiring Omanis

Will help the government Ahmed Al Hooti, a member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) said that the extra fees will hardly impact the recruitment of expatriates, but will help the government to limit the impact of the oil crisis.

“It is not a big issue. These fees will help solve at least a part of the problem. We need to help the government solve the crisis,” he said.

Al Hooti said that the private sector has to help in solving the crisis. He said that since the percentage of expatriates in the workforce has grown in recent years, he does not expect these additional fees to have any impact.

However, Al Hooti agreed that higher recruitment costs might benefit the Omanisation of the workforce.

“It has to be this way. We have around 50,000 Omanis looking for jobs in the next two years and they cannot rely on the government sector. Their only chance is the private sector,” he said.

FINE ORCHESTRA: Further information and booking, consult the ROHM website at: www.rohmuscat.org.om. – Supplied photo

Al Batinah with 1,404. In Muscat, 1,150 sale contracts were signed, while 639 were signed in Al Dakhiliyah.

In Dhofar , 470 contractswere signed while 441 contracts were signed in North Al Sharqiyah.

Likewise, 403 contracts were signed in the Governorate of South Al Sharqiyah, 383 contracts in Al Dhahirah, 184 in Al Buraimi, 134 in Al Wusta and 25 contracts in Musandam.

A total of 2,599 mortgage contracts worth OMR253,684,397 were signed across the Sultanate

during the period with collected fees standing at OMR930,511, the official said.

The value of exchanged contracts stood at more than OMR1,116,000 and the collected fees amounted to OMR13,699 through 154 exchanged contracts.

In the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate 34 contracts were exchanged, which is the highest percentage among the governorates.

As for inheritance contracts, the Governorate of North Al Batinah registered the highest percentage by 542 contracts. -ONA

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 New development projects carried out by the government may be the reason behind the increase in number of expatriate workers Mohammed Al Ansi, a senior official from the OCCI

OMAN MANAGERIAL JOBS

MARKET DEMAND

Shura discusses Omanisation in private sector MUSCAT: Youth and Human Resources Committee at the Majlis Al Shura reviewed the final report of its study on Omanising the managerial and supervisory jobs at the private sector. The report will be discussed by Majlis Al Shura at the upcoming regular sessions.

Within the framework of studying the empowerment of youth for contribution to the sustainable development, the committee hosted Dr. Hamad bin Hamoud Al Ghafri, Chairman of the National Youth Commission (NYC) and some NYC specialists. Dr.Al Ghafri gave an overview on the Commission and the challenges it faces.

Members of the Youth and Human Resources Committee asked several questions about issues addressed by the committee and how far youths are satisfied with the services provided by the commission. They presented a range of proposals and solutions that may help in addressing challenges and promoting youth initiatives.

The Youth and Human Resources Committee at the Majlis Al Shura yesterday held its 16th regular meeting of the first annual sitting (2015-2016) for the 8th term under the chair of Eng. Mohammed bin Salim Al Busaidi, Head of the Committee. -ONA

DISCUSSION: The Youth and Human Resources Committee at the Majlis Al Shura yesterday held its

16th regular meeting of the first annual sitting. – ONA

Al Bassami prefers using a film camera for the new digital models

DEEBA HASAN

MUSCAT: Dalia Al Bassami’s name is familiar in the photography circles in Oman and the region.

After all, photography has been her passion ever since she can remember and she has been going places due to her work and passion for photography.

In her latest exhibition, entitled “Memory,” displayed at the City Seasons hotel in Muscat, Al Bassami takes explores an emotional theme dating back to her childhood village in Rustaq, which is empty now, as most of the people have left the place for one reason or another, she said.

Most of Al Bassami’s photos at the exhibition focus on texture and ghostly figures of people who once lived in her hometown.

“Texture is really the thing that comes to my mind when I take photos and memories are not recalled

FOCUSES ON TEXTURE: Dalia Al Bassami’s exhibition entitled “Memory,” is displayed at the City Sea-

sons hotel in Muscat. – Supplied photo

in a flat way, they come with details-with doors, walls, windows and for me, it reflects the buildings that I used to see, the people I used to play with, when I was a child. Here I have released those figures from my mind and put them in frames.”

Al Bassami used a special method called “collaging” while creating the exhibition.

“Collaging used to be popular with film cameras, which is not possible with a digital camera, and so I used Photoshop, to get the desired results.”

Like most other expert and traditional photographers, Al Bassami always prefers using a film camera for the new digital models, however, she switched about six years ago.

“I loved film cameras, the digital camera has been my friend for only

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Passion for photography takes Bassami places deeba@timesofoman.com

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five or six years now, I never imagined I would use digital cameras, but this is life and you have to move on, but I still have my film cameras, which I treat as antique.”

‘Good to communicate’ Currently, Al Bassami uses a Canon Mark II and is looking to buy a Mark III. Apart from collaging, she is also into abstract and street photography. “I used to be a shy person for street photography, but later I thought it was good to push myself to take pictures, and in photography it is really good to communicate with people, you might make people unhappy if you just take photos without permission.”

Al Bassami earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in

1999, and it was in college that she was introduced to photography and became an active member of the photography club. Since then, this passion has not left her side. Today, with four children and a husband to take care of, Al Bassami’s ambitions have only blossomed more than ever.

“I have four children and I was creating this exhibition while I was having twins, but then I thought it was now or never, and I didn’t have much assistance then, so only after my children were asleep, I worked on the exhibition all night, until morning.”

Al Bassami has numerous plans for photography, “I adore photography, and after this exhibition, I have started seeing things from a different perspective. I have overcome

the fear of facing people and taking their photos, and I love doing abstracts, but I like trying new things to remove the dead cells.”

Her husband is a strong supporter and critique of her works and according to Al Bassami, he is the one who believes in her.

“He supports me, but he doesn’t lie to me to please me, he critiques me when he has to, but that is what makes me even better.”

Reading has helped Al Bassami widen her imagination, “Reading for sure helps me a lot, I can read 1,000 pages in a night or two. I adore reading because it opens windows for me. I am also helping out at my son’s school to encourage reading among children. I believe in the internet but if you have a book, you will travel with the pictures, and fly with the pages.”

To see her “Memory” exhibition, you can visit the Majlis Art Café at the City Seasons Hotel Muscat, a new initiative in Muscat where young and professional talent can find a place for their work.

The data from NCSI shows that, while the total number of expatriate workers in Oman in the private sector is 1,669,662 which is around 38 per cent of the Oman’s total population of 4,379,105. “Everyone wants to maintain the ratio. But unfortunately they are not because the market demand is such so,” the advisor added. A top official from Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) said that as government is carrying out many projects as part of diversifying its economy, unskilled expatriate workers are needed in large numbers.

New projects “New development projects carried out by the government may be the reason behind the increase in number of expatriate workers,” Mohammed Al Ansi, a senior official from the OCCI, said, adding that a need for more workers in the market is still there.

Ahmed Hamoud Al Shabibi, managing director of Al Shabibi Global LLC, said an increase in expatriate workers can be seen in market.

“As many big projects are on, we can see that expatriate workers are migrating to Oman in large numbers. It is evident in market,” the managing director said, adding the number may go up again as more projects are under pipeline in Oman.

Meanwhile, Shahswar Al Balushi, the Chief Executive Officer of Oman Society for Contractors, said that workers may be coming for small projects and not major national projects.

“During the last few months no big projects have been announced. However, many small projects are happening across Oman. So, workers may be coming for those projects,” Shahswar said.

Due to global fall in oil price, Oman posted a budget deficit of 4.5 billion riyals in 2015 as revenues declined by more than 50 per cent.

As part of cushioning the oil price dip effect, Oman has chalked out plans to improve the non-oil revenues, especially focusing more on tourism and infrastructure development.

M U N I C I PA L C OU N C I L

< FROM

A1 Plea to authorities “We are forced to illegally use other parking areas and if caught by the police, we get fined for parking there,” he added.

Al Jardani showed TOO one of the crowded parking lots from where taxis are now operating.

“Early morning, we cannot park here and we risk a fine from the police,” he said.

“We need an organised place where we can park and operate from. We know that the government is doing its best and we are ready for their decision,” he stated.

Adil Al Balushi, a fellow taxi driver, confirmed that the priority for taxi drivers was to get proper parking areas from which they can operate. “The thing we are looking for is proper parking space. Now we risk a fine from the police and that costs us our income. This is the main problem,” he said.

Al Jardani pointed out another problem taxi drivers are facing, which is the lack of proper pickup and drop-off zones in Muscat.

“As there are no such zones, we are forced to stop anywhere, which leads to dangerous situations. We need proper pick-up and drop-off zones to safely pick passengers,” he said.

The Municipal Council of the Muscat Governorate had discussed on Monday a proposal by taxi drivers to construct more waiting rooms for the benefit

of taxi drivers. The Council has agreed that waiting rooms are not the priority at the moment, according to Malik Al Yahmadi, member of the Municipal Council. Al Yahmadi told TOO that this should be part of the overall plan to regulate the sector. “It was agreed upon that this issue should not be solved in this way.

The taxi sector as a whole needs to be regulated. It would not be fitting to build waiting rooms for taxis, without the sector being regulated. Currently, this issue is not considered important,” he said.

Although the taxi drivers agreed that waiting rooms will not be a priority for them, they urged authorities to build more in the near future. Currently, there is only one air-conditioned waiting room in Ruwi for taxi drivers and passengers.

“We have been asking for these rooms for years,” Al Jardani said.

“Waiting rooms are both good for taxi drivers and passengers, since it will be around 48 degrees in summer,” his colleague Al Balushi said.

Another taxi driver, Adil Al Siyabi, said that although the current room is comfortable, he would like more of those rooms to be erected. “It is very important for everyone to have a place to rest. We are asking the Municipal Council to follow up on this issue and build more rooms,” he said.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

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OMAN GCC LEADERS-US PRESIDENT SUMMIT

CRISIS

Sayyid Fahd meets King Salman of Saudi Arabia RIYADH: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers arrived in Riyadh yesterday to take part in the Summit between the GCC leaders and King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Summit between the GCC leaders and President Barack Obama of the United States.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco led the welcoming party for Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud upon his arrival at King Salman Airbase.

Sayyid Fahd and his accompanying delegation were received by Prince Mohammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, GCC Secretary General, some princes, ministers and members of the Mission of Honour accompanying Sayyid Fahd.

Statement Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers gave the following statement on the occasion of his participation, on behalf of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, at the GCC-Morocco Summit and the GCC-US Summit in Riyadh: “The GCC Leaders-US President Summit in Saudi Arabia comes within the framework of coordination and cooperation to enhance the GCC march, which aims at crystallizing a vision that helps in keeping pace with the developments being witnessed by the region to maintain security and stability and allow countries to focus on the socioeconomic development paths, which aim at bringing happiness to their people.

“The GCC-US Summit coincides with another summit that gathers the GCC leaders and King Mohammed VI of Morocco with the objective of supporting the existing partnership between Morocco and the GCC countries.

“It is a great honour for me and the accompanying delegation to

take part on behalf of His Majesty the Sultan and convey His Majesty’s greetings and best wishes to the GCC leaders, the King of Morocco and the US President.

Support While the Sultanate reaffirms its continuous support for the GCC and its march, it also greets with high esteem the role being played

by Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in enhancing the GCC march. The Sultanate also appeals to Allah to crown this meeting and other meetings among brothers and friends with success to serve the higher common interests”.

The official delegation accompanying Sayyid Fahd comprises Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ali bin Mas’oud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications. The official delegation also comprises government officials. -ONA

Money laundering law draft okayed Draft of the AntiMoney Laundering and Financing of Terrorism acts has received assent from the State Council

MUSCAT: State Council approved the draft Anti-Money Laundering and Finance of Terrorism (AMLFT) Law, which was referred by the Council of Ministers, as well as the reports of Majlis Al Shura and the Legal Committee on the same draft law while taking into consideration the remarks of the members of the State Council and a commit-

tee to draft such remarks.

The State Council chairman delivered a speech saying that the session will be dedicated to the draft AMLFT law, which was referred by the Council of Ministers, as well as the report of Majlis and the Legal Committee.

Abdul Qadir bin Salim Al Dhahab, Head of the Legal Committee pointed out that the AMLFT Law was issued in 2002. An updated version of the law was also issued in 2010. He added that the draft law takes into consideration the international agreements and liabilities the Sultanate is party at.

He also said that the amendments to the law were comprehensive and added many new provisions. Additions have been made to the definitions and the general provisions.

“While studying the draft law, the Committee reviewed several Arab and international agreements on AMLFT and some comparative laws for the GCC countries,” he concluded. State Council yesterday held its 8th regular session of the 1st annual sitting of the 6th term under the chair of Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, its Chairman. -ONA

Oman hopeful about Yemen talks success MUSCAT: A responsible source at the Foreign Ministry said that in implementation of the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and since the beginning of the crisis in Yemen, the Sultanate has made endeavours to approximate viewpoints of different Yemeni parties.

WELCOMING PARTY: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco led the welcoming party for Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud upon his arrival at King Salman Airbase. – ONA

Political settlement It also provided all the facilities to support the efforts exerted by the United Nations (UN) through Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Yemen to end the current state of war and reach a political settlement among the Yemeni parties.

While the Sultanate affirms its continuous endeavours, it is looking forward for the success of the potential consultations among the Yemeni parties in Kuwait to ensure restoring security and stability in Yemeni Republic. -ONA

A8

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

REGION

In a statement received by email, Iraq’s powerful cleric Moqtada Al Sadr called for ‘continuing peaceful protests in the same intensity and even more in order to pressure the politicians and the lovers of corruption’

Obama meets Saudi King

NEW IRAQI CABINET

Sadr calls for renewed protests

US president to meet Gulf Cooperation Council leaders today

RIYADH: US President Barack Obama met the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to seek joint action on security threats.

The American president has come to the world’s top oil exporter for a fourth and likely last time, hoping to reassure King Salman and other Gulf leaders, whom he will meet on Thursday, of Washington’s commitment to their security.

Greater threat Obama has spoken of his desire to persuade Gulf countries to focus on what he sees as a greater threat emanating from IS. After arrival in Riyadh, Obama met King Salman and a group of top princes and officials at the Erga palace for a two-hour meeting. US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter, National Security Adviser Susan Rice and Central Intelligence Agency Director John Brennan were among Obama’s entourage, demonstrating the focus on security in the president’s agenda with his Gulf counterparts.

On Thursday, he will attend a summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Talks Before Obama met King Salman, in an ornate room in a Riyadh palace, US Defence Secretary Ash Carter had talks with his Gulf Arab counterparts on ways of countering fighting the IS group.

They agreed on joint cooperation towards improving Gulf missile defence, special forces and maritime security, but no new deals were announced.

The GCC secretary general said the bloc and the United States

AUGUST MEETING: US President Barack Obama meets with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of

Saudi Arabia at Erga Palace upon his arrival for a summit meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. – Reuters

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would stage joint maritime patrols. American officials said these were already taking place and did not represent a new step.

Obama’s words of reassurance follow a series of top-level meetings between US and Gulf officials in recent years in which Washington aimed to get across the same message.

He and King Salman last met in the United States in September, a meeting that followed a Camp David summit with Gulf leaders in May. Saudi television earlier broadcast Gulf leaders being welcomed on the runway by King Salman and a host of other officials.

Obama is set to meet with the leaders of Britain, France and Italy in Hanover on Monday with IS and other security issues high on the agenda. — Reuters

WARM WELCOME: US President Barack Obama and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Sal-

man bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia walk together following their meeting at Erga Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. – Reuters

SOUTH SUDAN

K U WA I T

Deal reached for Machar’s return JUBA: South Sudan’s government and rebels said on Wednesday a deal had been reached to let rebel leader Riek Machar return to the capital to form a unity government, resolving differences that led to a delay this week that had worried peace monitors.

Rebel spokesman James Gatdet Dak told Reuters by telephone from Nairobi that Machar, who had been due to return early this

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s powerful cleric Moqtada Al Sadr on Wednesday called for renewed protests demanding that parliament approves a long-delayed new cabinet and end political and sectarian wrangling that is hampering a vote on the matter.

Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi announced an overhaul of the government in February in a bid to tackle corruption. But the process has been slowed by disputes and protests.

The last proposal that Abadi planned to put to a vote before parliament consisted of a cabinet of technocrats.

In a statement received by email, Sadr called for “continuing peaceful protests in the same intensity and even more in order to pressure the politicians and the lovers of corruption”.

“Nobody has the right to stop it otherwise the revolution will take another turn,” he said in the statement, in an apparent reference to Abadi’s decision to restrict protests in Baghdad to the central Tahrir Square.

Sadr’s followers started demonstrating in central Baghdad on Sunday in support of his warning the day before for politicians to approve a new cabinet by Tuesday.

Sadr also asked the MPs loyal to him not to take part in any session other than one convened for the cabinet vote, and asked them to withdraw from a sit-in with other lawmakers inside the parliament as it prevented the assembly from reaching the quorum required to hold a formal voting session.

The prime minister has warned the crisis is threatening to hamper Iraq’s campaign against IS militants who still control swathes of territory in the north and west of the oil-rich state.

Iraq, a major OPEC exporter which sits on one of the world’s largest oil reserves, ranks 161th out of 168 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. — Reuters

week before the latest in a series of delays since last year’s peace deal, was now expected to fly into Juba on Thursday.

Machar and his rival, President Salva Kiir, signed an agreement in August to end a two-year conflict in which thousands of people have been killed and more than two million forced to flee their homes. But clashes have flared since then.

The United States and the UN

Security Council have both voiced concern over the latest delay to the return of Machar, who is due to take up the post of First Vice President next to Kiir as part of a power sharing deal.

The body monitoring the peace deal, the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), which includes Western powers, African representatives and others, also said it was worried. — Reuters

Houthis to attend Yemen peace talks starting today KUWAIT: Negotiators from Yemen’s Houthi group and their allies left the capital Sanaa on Wednesday for delayed UN-backed peace talks in Kuwait with the Yemeni government after a dispute over a shaky ceasefire was resolved.

The talks to end the war were meant to start on Monday but representatives of the Houthi group and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh did not turn up.

They accused the Yemeni government and its military allies of violating a temporary ceasefire, including with air strikes that had killed at least two civilians. They also said the agenda of the Kuwait meeting had been altered without

consulting them. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed the talks would begin on Thursday.

Restoring authority Talks to end the war that has killed at least 6,200 people and caused a humanitarian crisis, are expected to focus on creating a more inclusive government and restoring state authority over the country, which is now divided between the Houthis and President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi’s administration.

Yemen’s government has also accused the Houthis of violating the truce and said on Wednesday it was running out of patience with

the other side. “If the session does not begin tomorrow...the delegation would be compelled to leave,” it said in a statement published on Yemen’s Sabanew agency.

The government had given the Houthis “full opportunity” to negotiate and had been patient enough despite continued ceasefire violations and attacks in Yemen, it said. Mahdi Al Mashat, a senior Houthi official, said on Tuesday his group had received assurances that the ceasefire would be upheld and the peace talks agenda would “reflect the issues that are likely to lead to peaceful solutions to end the status quo”. — Reuters

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INDIA

Crucial third phase of voting in West Bengal assembly polls today Over 13.7 million electorate will seal the fate of 418 candidates, including 34 female, who are in the fray during third phase of elections

ON ELECTION DUTY: Women polling officials carry Electronic Vot-

ing Machines as they leave for their polling booths on the eve of state assembly elections at Berhampore on Wednesday. - PTI

KOLKATA: Polling for the crucial third phase of West Bengal Assembly election for 62 seats, including seven constituencies in Kolkata, will be held on Thursday.

Over 13.7 million electorate will seal the fate of 418 candidates, in-

cluding 34 female, who are in the fray during third phase of elections for 62 seats spread over Murshidabad, Nadia, Burdwan districts and north Kolkata.

A total of 13,713,594 voters, in-

cluding 6,579,331 females, are registered to vote at these constituencies through 16,461 polling stations from 7am to 6pm.

Key candidates in this phase include Trinamool ministers Shashi

B O U N D A RY TA L K S

India, China for mutually acceptable border solution BEIJING: India and China on Wednesday agreed to adhere to “peaceful negotiations” to settle the vexed border issue and reach a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution”, amid negativity over Beijing’s blocking of India’s bid in the UN to ban Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar.

The decision was taken during the annual 19th round of boundary talks here between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi to discuss the way forward to resolve the dispute which has bedevilled the relations between the two countries.

MADAME TUSSAUDS

Modi’s wax statues established in museums NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday joined the prominent world leaders when his wax figures took up residence at Madame Tussauds branches in Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok.

Modi, 65, had come face-toface with himself in wax on Monday at a private viewing organised at his 7, Race Course Road residence. That figure will now travel to Madam Tussauds headquarters in London and will open to the public on April 28. The statue shows Modi, with folded hands in ‘namaste’ style, dressed in white kurta pyjama and cream jacket. All four figures took the museum’s team of artists four months and cost £150,000 to create.

Madame Tussauds, the celebrated wax museum of London established in 1836, has branches in 20 cities across the world. - PTI

Both the leaders had an “extensive, deep and candid” discussion on the 3,488 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC), which remains undemarcated resulting in tensions between the two sides.

Both sides agreed to adhere to “peaceful negotiations to settle the boundary question”. They will make efforts to reach a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution”, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.

Besides the border issue, Doval and Yang, the designated Special Representatives, also have a larger mandate to discuss all contentious bilateral, regional

and international matters of mutual concern. Welcoming Doval, Yang in his opening remarks at the meeting said: “Your visit fully signifies the importance Indian side attaches to this meeting and the efforts to further promote the strategic partnership between China and India.

“China-India relations carry special significance. China stands ready to use this important occasion to have a broad ranging indepth and candid discussion with Indian side on the bilateral relations, boundary question, regional and international issues and other issues of shared interest.” - PTI

Panja and Sadhan Pande, BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha, fivetime Congress MLA M. Sohrab, CPI-M MLA Anisur Rahman and retired IPS officer Nazrul Islam.

The Election Commission has identified 3,401 hamlets in the phase as vulnerable. Based on complaints received from the electorate, 6,095 voters have been identified as vulnerable after which action has been taken by 4,094 trouble mongers. Security forces have been strengthened with around 100,000 security personnel, including 75,000 central forces, spread all over the state.

When voters go out to exercise their franchise on Thursday, the scorching sun will be an issue as several districts are reeling under a heatwave. Even in the city where voting will be held in seven constituencies, the weatherman has predicted 39 degrees Celsius temperature on polling day.

Trinamool Congress, Left-Congress alliance and BJP have put up a fight in all the seats. Former minister Humayun Kabir, who was expelled from Trinamool Congress for six years for making anti-party statements, is in the fray from Rejinagar seat as an independent.

Murshidabad district, which has been a Congress stronghold, will see five-time Congress MLA and former minister Abu Hena putting up a fight once again from Lalgola seat while party MLA Manoj Chakraborty is also in the fray from Beharampur.

Former investment banker Mahua Moitra, who left her lucrative job as vice-president of JP Morgan in London in 2008, has finally got a chance to prove her mettle in politics courtesy a Trinamool ticket from Karimpur seat in Nadia district. Trinamool has been facing a rough time with the Election Commission as party chairman

and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was showcaused by the poll panel over an alleged violation of the model code of conduct. EC has also transferred a number of IAS and IPS officers including Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar. Anubrata Mondal, Birbhum district president of the TMC, has been facing the wrath of the EC ever since the election began. In north Kolkata the Vivekananda flyover collapse which left 26 people killed on March 31 is also a big election issue.

In his campaign speeches, Home Minister Rajnath Singh raised the issue of fake currency, infiltration and cow smuggling into India through the porous Indo-Bangladesh border. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi attacked both TMC and BJP for not taking action against the culprits involved in the Saradha scam and black money laundering. - PTI

A10

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

INDIA Rajan warns against euphoria over fastest-growing economy Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had rebutted Rajan’s remarks, saying compared with the rest of the world, the Indian economy is growing much faster and, in fact, the fastest

LECTURE: RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan delivering the Inaugural

Kotak Family Distinguished Lecture at Columbia Law School in New York on Monday. - PTI

PUNE: Warning against being “euphoric” about India being the fastest-growing economy, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan on Wednesday sought to contextualise his “one-eyed king” remarks about India’s growth and said the country has a long way to go before it claims to have arrived.

“As a central banker who has to

be pragmatic, I cannot get euphoric if India is the fastest growing large economy,” he said.

Seeking to explain his ‘one-eyed king’ comments, Rajan said his comments were “hung out to dry out of context” and even offered an apology to the visually-impaired for hurting them by the use of

the proverb.

Stating that the per-capita income of Indians remains lowest among BRICS, Rajan said, “We have a long way to go before we can claim we have arrived. We need to repeat this performance (economic growth) for 20 years before we can give each Indian a

decent livelihood.” He also said India’s global reputation holds great promise, but is seen as a country that has under-delivered and that it should “implement, implement, and implement” the structural reforms.

Speaking at the convocation of National Institute of Bank Management, Rajan said India is yet to achieve its potential growth though it is on the cusp of that and a substantial pick-up in growth can be achieved with pending reforms.

Making a reference to his last week’s interview to a foreign publication where he likened India being the fastest-growing major economy to a case of the one-eyed man being king in the land of the blind, Rajan said his comments were interpreted as having denigrated the country’s success rather than emphasising on the need to do more. “... Every word or phrase that a public figure speaks is intensely wrung out of meaning. When words are hung out to dry out of context as in the newspaper headline, it only becomes a fair game for anyone who wants to fill in, meaning to create mischief,” he said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had rebutted Rajan’s remarks, saying compared with the rest of the world, the Indian economy is growing much faster and, in fact, the fastest.

Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too had not taken Rajan’s remarks lightly, saying better words should have been used.

Rajan today said commonly used words or proverbs can “most easily and deliberately be misinterpreted”.

“If we are to have a reasonable public dialogue, we should read words in their context, not stripped of it,” he said.

He, however, apologised to the visually-impaired whose association had criticised Rajan for using the proverb. “I do want to apologise to a section of the population that I did hurt with these words, that is the visually impaired, or the blind,” Rajan said.

Queried for his take on India being the ‘bright spot’, Rajan during last week’s interview had said: “I think we have still to get to a place where we feel satisfied.

“We have this saying ‘In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king’. We are a little bit that way.” — PTI

FIGHTER JETS

Rafale deal finalised at $8.8b: BJP NEW DELHI: Even as the government has chosen to remain tight-lipped on the price bargain related to purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France, the BJP on Wednesday announced on its official Facebook page that the deal has been finalised at $8.8 billion.

An image posted on Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) official Facebook page said the Narendra Modi-led government “saved $3.2 billion (Rs.21,000 crore) out of the $12 billion (Rs.80,000 crore) deal”.

“The deal to buy 36 state-of-theart Rafale aircrafts from France at $12 billion (around Rs.80,000 crore) was re-negotiated and finalised at $8.8 billion (around Rs59,000 crore),” the post, which has an image of Prime Minister Modi on it, said.

The defence ministry refused to comment on the figure.

On Tuesday, Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh said most of the roadblocks in negotiations on the Rafale deal had been overcome and it is likely to go to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) soon.

Earlier, sources said the negotiations over pricing had almost concluded, and the deal would be final soon. - IANS

PROHIBITORY ORDERS CLAMPED

Forces deployed in Bengaluru after violence over provident fund issue BENGALURU: Caught off guard by sudden eruption of violence during the garment workers’ protest over the Provident Fund issue, authorities have deployed central forces in Bengaluru, and clamped prohibitory orders.

Rapid Action Force personnel on Wednesday staged a flag march along the Jalahalli Cross stretch, one of the worst-hit by the violence on Tuesday, even as police arrested about 50 persons in connection with the untoward incidents.

Along the stretch from Madiwala to Bengaluru’s IT corridor Electronics City which saw widespread protest and violence, 15 platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), three platoons of Central Reserve Police Force and Rapid Action Force and six to seven City Armed Reserve (CAR) platoons have been deployed, a top police official said.

“We have registered around 18 cases, yesterday nine and day before nine; and about 50 persons

have been arrested so far,” Additional Commissioner of Police (East-Bengaluru City) Harishekaran said.

In a spurt of violence, protesting garment workers set several vehicles ablaze and attacked a police station here on Tuesday forcing the government to revoke the amendment to Provident Fund rules that caused the unexpected spontaneous unrest.

Protesters had gone on the rampage pelting stones at Hebbagodi

police station and torching seized vehicles there.

The agitation which began on Monday, spun out of control on Tuesday in which several people, including 25 policemen, were injured and traffic was thrown out of gear as thousands of workers took to the streets at different places.

City Police Commissioner has promulgated prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC in the limits of Bengaluru city till the midnight of April 22. - PTI

PATROLLING: Rapid Action Force personnel patrol a day after gar-

ment workers’ violent protests in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

- PTI

MUMBAI-AHMEDABAD FLIGHT

Bomb threat delays Jet Airways flight AHMEDABAD: A Jet Airways Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Mumbai flight carrying 125 passengers and six crew members was on Wednesday delayed after a bomb scare, which later turned out to be a hoax even as one person was detained after a chit with “bomb” written on it was recovered from under his seat. The flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad was taken to the isolation bay immediate-

ly after it landed here on Wednesday morning due to the bomb scare. According to police, one of the cleaning staff while preparing the flight for the next trip found a “chit” with “bomb” scribbled on it under one of the seats after which authorities were informed.

The aircraft was then taken to an isolation bay where it was thoroughly checked by police and bomb disposal squad.

“When the cleaning staffers were making the flight ready for the next trip, one of them found a chit beneath a passenger seat,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police, ‘G’ division, J. N. Parmar, who along with other policemen, Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and dog squad rushed to the spot.

Meanwhile, police have started questioning of the passenger, who has been detained. - PTI

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

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Seven policemen killed during anti-polio drive While militants in Pakistan have on numerous occasions attacked teams trying to eradicate the crippling disease, a police chief said his men were target this time, not the

INCONSOLABLE: Relatives mourn the death of policemen after Taliban gunmen attacked them while they were guarding medical workers administering polio vaccinations in Karachi, Pakistan on Wednesday. — Reuters

health workers

KARACHI: Taliban gunmen attacked policemen guarding medical workers administering polio vaccinations in the Pakistani city of Karachi on Wednesday, killing seven of them.

While militants in Pakistan have on numerous occasions attacked teams trying to eradicate the crippling childhood disease, a police chief said his men were target this time, not the health workers.

The policemen were killed in two attacks in the sprawling port metropolis of more than 20 million people that has been plagued by ethnic, sectarian and political violence for years.

The attacks took place within 600 metres of each other near a market, a senior police official said. “One took place at the three policemen who were escorting a polio team, the policemen were on foot when they were attacked,”

A Taliban spokesman, Qari Saifullah Saif, said eight members carried out the attacks in revenge for the alleged killing of their colleagues by police in Karachi

said the official, Ali Asif.

“In the second incident, four policemen in a police van were targeted.” Provincial police chief Allah Dino Khwaja said the vaccination workers were not the target of the gunmen. “The target was purely the police,” he said.

Western spies The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility. Teams in Pakistan working to immunise children against the virus are often targeted by Taliban and other militant groups, who say the campaign is a cover for Western spies, or accuse workers of distributing drugs de-

signed to sterilise children.

At least 89 people - including vaccination workers and policemen - have been killed in such attacks since July 2012, according to a Reuters tally based on United Nations figures and media reports.

Last year, Pakistan reported 54 of 74 worldwide cases of polio, down drastically from the 306 cases reported in the country the year before, mainly due to expanded immunisation efforts.

Government officials in Karachi said the immunisation drive would be suspended while the violence was investigated. — Reuters

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PAKISTAN H O S TA G E S R E L E A S E D

Gangster Chotu surrenders with 175 ring members RAJANPUR: The ringleader of a notorious criminal gang reportedly surrendered late Tuesday night along with 175 comrades, bringing to a non-violent end a 21-day-long operation in the riverine area of Rajanpur district of South Punjab.

The gang of Ghulam Rasool, alias Chotu, also released 24 policemen seized a week ago when the Punjab police had made an unsuccessful attempt to storm the island hideout of criminals in Kacha Jamal area, sources told The Express Tribune. They said that Chotu agreed to turn himself in as the military was preparing to launch an assault against his gang holed up in the island.

The army took command of the operation, codenamed Zarb-eAahan, on April 15 in an effort to rescue the 24 policemen abducted by the Chotu gang a week ago. Negotiations between the authorities and the gangsters had been ongoing since the hostage-taking.

While helicopter gunships continued to target hideouts of the Chottu gang in Kacha Jamal on Tuesday, ground troops did not use heavy weaponry for the safety of the kidnapped policemen.

Movement of tanks The military had launched a fullfledged assault using helicopter gunships, surveillance drones and heavy artillery with unconfirmed reports also suggesting movement of tanks in Kacha Jamal, Shahwali and Sonmiani areas.

A member of the Chotu gang was arrested in the day when four bandits tried to escape the island.

However, three of them managed to run back into the riverine forest. The arrested gangster, identified as Ramzan Machhi, a resident of Chak Umrani, was shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

Sources said the gang had been using the kidnapped policemen,

and women and children as a human shield during the operation, forcing the military not to take decisive action. The bombproof tanks transported to the island had been held back.

Army helicopters, on the instructions of the interior ministry, dropped pamphlets asking the criminals to surrender, offering them leniency along with a last warning to the gangsters.

Sources in the irrigation department told The Express Tribune that authorities were trying to control the flow of water at Taunsa Barrage to help the military reach Chottu gang’s hideouts.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government issued names of 96 criminals associated with the Chotu gang, setting up to Rs2 million bounties on the heads of some of them.

The list includes many facilitators of Chotu from Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur and Muzaffargarh districts. — Express Tribune

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READERS’ FORUM History does not support theory Kohinoor given to East India by Punjab rulers The refers to Kohinoor given to East India by Punjab rulers (April 19) was a shock and deprived me of speech. Professor Mark A. Helper, a lecturer at University of Texas says, “The Kohinoor, now in the British crown jewels, was for many centuries possessed

by Indian and Iran (ancient) rulers. The United Kingdom acquired it when the British annexed the Punjab in 1849”. History doesn’t support the theory that Kohinoor was given by the successors of Punjab Kesri Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780 – 1839) to Scan this QR code East India Company in 1849 as compensato send letters to the tion for helping them in the Sikh wars. The Readers’ Forum, British East India Company ruled India containing not more than 200 words with until the Indian Rebellion aka the Sepoy full name, address Mutiny, a revolt led by Indian troops from and telephone 1857 to 1859. Alan W. Cafruny, Henry Platt number, may be sent Bristol Professor of International Affairs at by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Hamilton College of US says, “In 1858, as a result of the revolt, the British government took control of India from the East India Company”. It was then a historical faux pas of the raj to accumulate the assets belonging to the Company, which existed no longer after 1858. They should have followed ancient Iran rulers’ paradigm instead.— Gautam Ghosh-Dastidar, Wadi Kabir

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Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.

HARRY S TRUMAN

How Germany views British exit from EU

LEONID BERSHIDSKY

Czech Republic needs a rebranding because it’s a survivor — of two world wars that redrew its borders, the collapse of the Soviet Bloc, then 1993 divorce with Slovakia.

Events such as these erode a country’s identity and symbols.

Many nations in Africa and Asia have renamed and rebranded themselves in search of a better fit

O

n June 23, voters in the United Kingdom will decide whether their country will leave the European Union. They alone will cast ballots, but the political and economic impact of a vote to leave (“Brexit”) would be felt across the EU, if not the world. For Germany, Europe’s largest economy, the consequences of Brexit could be grave. Public opinion in the country is divided on the issue. Some fear that the EU would become less liberal if the UK left. Others, resentful of the UK’s presumption that it should be allowed à la carte EU membership, are eager to see the British go. When it comes to the economic impact of Brexit, however, Germany has much to lose and almost nothing to gain.

To begin with, Brexit would change the way multinational companies make investment decisions.

The UK could face an exodus of foreign firms, as companies seek to retain a presence in the EU. But there is no reason to believe they would necessarily move to Germany; many US multinationals, for example, would likely relocate to Ireland.

At the same time, the EU as a whole – and Germany in particular – would become less attractive to investors.

The UK would be free to loosen regulations and lower taxes in order to attract investments for which a foothold in the EU is not necessary. This, too, could reduce investment in Germany. Second, while some believe that Brexit would cause Frankfurt to rise in importance as a financial centre, that outcome is highly uncertain. Today, London is Europe’s dominant financial centre, even though the UK is not a member of the eurozone.

This suggests that proximity to the European Central Bank is not an important factor in the success of a financial industry. To be sure, the EU would come under growing pressure to use regulatory measures to take business away from London, but whether that would work is an open question.

Already, Deutsche Börse and the London Stock Exchange have announced that a planned merger will go ahead, regardless of the outcome of the Brexit referendum.

Even if London’s importance as a financial center does decline, some of the business will be picked up by centers outside Europe, such as New York or Hong Kong. And the business that does migrate to the EU could just as easily be snapped up by ri-

vals to Frankfurt, such as Paris. Third, German exporters are likely to suffer. In 2015, the surplus from trade with the UK topped €50 billion ($57 billion), with German exports totaling roughly €89 billion, or 3 per cent of German GDP. Only France and the United States bought more German goods.

Any disruption to bilateral trade would be felt across the country.

Exactly how trade and capital flows would be affected depends on the exit arrangements negotiated between the EU and the UK. If the UK were to remain, like Norway and Iceland, part of the European internal market, the economic damage would be limited.

Unfortunately, however, this is unlikely. NonEU countries that have access to the European Single Market are also required to comply with most European regulations – which is exactly why the UK wants to leave the EU. Moreover, some European decision-makers might want to make sure that Brexit causes as much pain as possible, to deter others from following the UK’s example. By declaring its intention to leave, the UK would trigger Article 50 of the EU Treaty, which stipulates a two-year deadline for reaching an exit agreement.

If no agreement is signed before the deadline, EU membership simply expires.

A minority of 35 per cent of the votes in the European Council would be enough to block an agreement that minimises the economic costs of Brexit.

Finally, Brexit would be a severe setback to European integration. The EU’s remaining members might agree more easily on common policies regarding internal and external security and foreign policy; but, for Germany, it would become harder to champion free trade and oppose protectionism.

Currently, the EU contains a bloc of countries – the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Scandinavian and Baltic countries – with favourable views on free trade – that controls roughly 32 per cent of the votes in the European Council.

This provides Germany, with its 8 per cent voting share, a pivotal role in economic-policy negotiations. - Project Sybdicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES APRIL 2001 Exhibition on unique traditional settlement MUSCAT: The deterioration of the physical fabric of many deserted oases and the Omani settlements are a cause of great concern. This may be one of the reasons why a study and documentation on Manah, a deserted Omani settlement, assumes prime importance. The study, which was done by Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, a lecturer in architecture at the School of Architecture and Building Engineering, University of Liverpool, is a detailed documentation and the theme of an exhibition which was inaugurated by Sayyid Saud bin Ibrahim Al Busaidi, minister of education, yesterday. The exhibition, ‘Manah: A Gift of God’, which will run till May 2, is the result of a decade’s fieldwork and research on the architecture of Bilad Manah.

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PICTOGRAPH

OMAN’S GDP

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DEFENCE (Million rials) 2012

2013

2014

3,163.9 3,000

2,764.6 2,472.2 2,000

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

1526: Mongol Emperor Babur annihilates the Indian Army of Ibrahim Lodi.

1,000

1689: William III and Mary II are crowned joint king and queen of England, Scotland and Ireland.

0

1862: Congress establishes the US Mint.

1961: The French army revolts in Algeria.

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 People also named the “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston the most beautiful woman in 2004 when the TV comedy series was in its final season.

Ghani promises revenge as Kabul death toll tops 64 The attack hit an office of the national security services, in an area close to the heart of the government and diplomatic area in Kabul

KABUL: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani vowed on Wednesday to avenge “every drop of blood” from this week’s suicide attack in Kabul, as officials more than doubled the death toll to 64.

The attack hit an office of the national security services, in an area close to the heart of the government and diplomatic area.

Most of the casualties, including 347 wounded, were civilians, Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said.

But around 30 members of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) died in the attack, most shot by gunmen who rushed into the complex after a vehicle packed with explosives blew up at the entrance to the compound, according to lawmakers.

The Taliban quickly claimed the attack, the deadliest single

ATTACK SITE: Residents stand at the site of Tuesday’s suicide

car bomb attack on a government security building in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Wednesday. - Reuters

incident of its kind in Kabul since 2011 which came only days after the extremist group announced the start of its annual spring offensive. But it rejected the statement about civilian casualties, accusing the government of “malicious propaganda”.

The Taliban said 92 security service personnel had been killed in the attack, although they often exaggerate casualty figures.

Smashed windows and damaged shop fronts hundreds of metres away attested to the strength of the blast, which tore through the area. “My cousins were trapped under the dust and wreckage for almost three hours and there was no one to help them,” said 28-year-old Javid Sabiri, as he worked on clearing up the debris from his family’s house.

Concerns about civilian casu-

R O YA L D U T I E S

MAGAZINE

Britain’s Prince William says he is not workshy LONDON: Britain’s Prince William said he was ready to take on more royal duties and help foster a more modern monarchy, shrugging off newspaper accusations that he is lazy and spends his time enjoying the high life while shirking official tasks.

British newspapers have accused “workshy Wills” and his wife Kate of being idle and overzealous in their attempts to control the media, saying they had carried out far fewer official engagements than his grandmother Queen Elizabeth or her 94-yearold husband Prince Philip.

In an interview to mark the queen’s 90th Birthday on Thursday, William, 33, said he was aware of the criticism and was willing to take on more royal duties. “When the queen decides that she’s going to hand down more responsibilities, I’ll be the first person to accept them,” he said in the interview released on Wednesday.

“To be honest I’m going to get plenty of criticism over my lifetime and it’s something that I don’t completely ignore but it’s not something I take completely to heart.”

William said he had his “fingers

alties had already been raised in a recent United Nations report, which said an increase in urban warfare had caused a spike during the first three months of the year.

The attack, which Ghani called “unjust, un-Islamic and inhumane”, appeared to destroy any hopes of reviving the stalled peace process, which the Taliban had already rejected.

However despite their denials, insurgent leaders acknowledged the issue of civilian casualties as a problem.

“Though civilian losses aren’t as high as declared by the Afghan government and media, it saddened us,” one senior commander said. “We do take extra care and sometimes we even postpone our attacks in highly important areas because we don’t want common people to suffer,” he said. -Reuters

Prince William

in many pies” combining royal duties — he has just returned from a tour to India and Bhutan with his wife which garnered huge amounts of media coverage — with his role as a father with a young family and his job as an air ambulance pilot. He said he took all three of these roles very seriously, and the queen and his father, heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles were fully supportive.

“I think the royal family has to modernise and develop as it goes along and it has to stay relevant and that’s the challenge for me is how do I make the royal family relevant in the next 20 years time,” William said. - Reuters

Jennifer Aniston named ‘People’s’ ‘most beautiful’ woman NEW YORK: Jennifer Aniston was named People magazine’s most beautiful woman of 2016 on Wednesday, 12 years after she first won the honour.

Aniston, 47, said she was “very, very flattered” to be named again, telling the magazine she had a “sort of very excited, teenage-y kind of moment” when she heard the news. People also named the Friends star the most beautiful woman in 2004 when the TV comedy series was in its final season.

Recent winners of the honour include Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lopez and Lupita Nyong’o.

Career Aniston, who last year married her second husband, actor Justin Theroux, said she started paying attention to her looks and her body early in her career after an agent told her she failed to get a part because she was “too chubby.”

“I was like, ‘What?!’ But my diet was terrible,” she said.

“Milk shakes and French fries with gravy. It was a good thing to start paying attention.” - Reuters

680 AFTERSHOCKS

Aftershocks bring misery for Japan quake survivors as toll rises to 48 TOKYO: Aftershocks rattled survivors of deadly Japanese earthquakes on Wednesday, nearly a week after the first one struck, as the area braced for heavy rain and the possibility of more landslides.

Rescuers using backhoes and shovels to dig through crumpled houses swept away in a landslide found a woman’s body, one of several people still missing. Another death was confirmed later in the day, taking the toll to 48.

Hundreds of people in the Kumamoto area of southwestern Japan spent another night in their cars, afraid to return to damaged houses. Medical experts warned of the danger of potentially fatal blood clots from sitting too long in cramped conditions after a 51-year-old woman died and at

least 12 people were hospitalised.

Eleven people appear to have died of illnesses related to their prolonged stay in evacuation centres, NHK national television said. The first quake hit late last Thursday and the largest, at magnitude 7.3, some 27 hours later.

“I keep thinking the earthquakes will stop, but they just go on and on,” one woman at an evacuation centre in Mashiki, one of the worst-hit areas, told NHK. “It’s really scary.”

Of more than 680 aftershocks hitting Kyushu island since April 14, more than 89 have registered at magnitude 4 or more on Japan’s intensity scale, strong enough to shake buildings.

An earthquake of 5.8 magnitude struck off Japan’s northeast

coast on Wednesday evening, the US Geological Survey said, but there was no tsunami warning, nor were there any reports of damage or casualties.

The agency gave an initial magnitude of 6.1 for the quake that was centred 104km (about 60 miles) southeast of Sendai, Honshu, near where a devastating quake and tsunami struck in March 2011, killing about 20,000 people.

On Kyushu, nearly 100,000 people were in evacuation centres, some huddling in blankets outside as night temperatures fell as low as 8 Celsius (46 Fahrenheit). Heavy rain is expected over the area, raising fear that slopes weakened by the quakes could collapse. - Reuters

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Google charged with abusing Android market dominance European Union antitrust regulators said Google unfairly pushes own apps with Android, denying consumers a wider choice and stifling innovation

BRUSSELS: The European Union charged Google on Wednesday with abusing the dominant position of its Android mobile operating system, opening a second front against the US technology giant that could lead to large fines.

European Union antitrust regulators said that by requiring mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and the Google Chrome browser, the US company was denying consumers a wider choice of mobile apps and stifling innovation.

PRESS BRIEFING: European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager addresses a news conference in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday. – Reuters

Google is already facing EU charges over the promotion of its shopping service in Internet searches at the expense of rival services, in a case that has dragged on since late 2010 despite three attempts to resolve the issues.

The stakes are higher for Google in the Android case as it made about $11 billion last year from advertising sales on Android phones through its apps such as Maps, Search and Gmail, according to

estimates by financial analyst Richard Windsor.

Wider choice denied “A competitive mobile Internet sector is increasingly important for consumers and businesses in Europe,” European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

“We believe that Google’s behaviour denies consumers a wider choice of mobile apps and services

and stands in the way of innovation by other players,” she said.

Internet Explorer-browser maker Microsoft Corp declined to comment. Suppliers of browsers including Mozilla, which is behind Firefox, as well as Apple, with its Safari browser, and Norway’s Opera Software were not immediately available to comment.

The European Commission said about 80 per cent of smart

mobile devices in Europe and the world run on Android, the operating system developed by Google.

Google, which has 12 weeks to respond to the charges, said in a statement that Android was a remarkable system based on opensource software and open innovation. “We look forward to working with the European Commission to demonstrate that Android is good for competition and good for consumers,” Google’s general counsel Kent Walker said.

FairSearch, the lead complainant, said Google had launched Android as an open source project, but was now hindering the development of versions that might lead to new operating systems able to compete with Android.

The Commission alleges Google has breached EU antitrust rules by making phone manufacturers pre-install its search function and Chrome browser, and by preventing them from selling mobiles running competing operating systems based on the Android open source code.

The EU also charged the US company with giving financial incentives to manufacturers and network operators to pre-install Google Search exclusively on devices. — Reuters

AFTERSHOCKS

Quake strikes Ecuador again PEDERNALES (ECUADOR): A magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook Ecuador’s coast early on Wednesday, terrifying locals and impeding rescuers after a bigger weekend quake battered the same area and killed nearly 500 people.

The latest earthquake hit 25km (15 miles) off Muisne on the northwest Pacific coast at a depth of 15km, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. That was near the epicentre of Saturday’s 7.8 quake, which devastated a long swath of the coast and dealt a major blow to the oil-producing nation’s already fragile economy. Witnesses said two strong tremors of about 30 seconds each woke people up and sent them running into the street.

No tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of major damage.

Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute said there were in fact two quakes of magnitude 6.2, followed by 17 aftershocks. The USGS, however, mentioned one quake of 6.1 size.

Local media reported that rescue operations were temporarily suspended because of the new earthquake, amid dwindling hopes of finding more survivors from Saturday’s quake. That earthquake quake killed 480 people, left another 107 missing, and injured more than 4,600. It also destroyed about 1,500 buildings, triggered mudslides and tore up roads. — Reuters

NAT O T E N S I O N S L A I D B A R E

Russia warns US over naval incident BRUSSELS: Russia accused the United States on Wednesday of intimidation by sailing a US naval destroyer close to Russia’s border in the Baltics and warned that the Russian military would respond with “all necessary measures” to any future incidents.

Speaking after a meeting between NATO envoys and Russia, their first in almost two years, Moscow’s ambassador to NATO said the April 11 maritime incident showed there could be no improvement in ties until the US-led alliance withdrew from Russia’s borders.

“This is about attempts to exercise military pressure on Russia,” the envoy, Alexander Grushko, said. “We will take all necessary measures, precautions, to compensate for these attempts to use military force,” he told reporters.

US Ambassador to NATO Douglas Lute pressed Russia about the incident, warning it had been dangerous. The United States has said the guided missile destroyer USS Cook was on routine business near Poland when it was harassed by Russian jets. “We were in international waters,” a NATO diplomat reported Lute as telling Grushko during the NATO-Russia council meeting.

Despite what officials said was a calm and professional meeting, the public comments highlighted the state of tension that persists between the sides since Moscow’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea in March 2014 and its support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the NATO member states had, during the meeting, rejected Grushko’s account

INTIMIDATION: Russian am-

bassador to NATO Alexander Grushko. – Reuters

of the crisis in eastern Ukraine, where 9,000 people have died since April 2014. Stoltenberg said while there were “profound disagreements” over how to handle Europe’s security, each side urgently needed to talk more and to use existing rules to reduce military risk. Stoltenberg suggested revamping a Cold War-era treaty known as the Vienna document, which sets out the rules for largescale exercises and other military activity, as well as telephone hotlines and other military communication channels. “We have to use our lines of communication,” he said.

Russia’s chief concern is NATO’s biggest modernisation since the Cold War, which is likely to include a military build-up in eastern Europe with a rotating, multinational force in Poland and the Baltics. NATO says the plans are a proportionate response to Russian aggression following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea, and the alliance had no forces in eastern Europe before the Ukraine crisis. — Reuters

I N C L E M E N T W E AT H E R

At least 9 killed in Houston floods HOUSTON: At least nine people have been killed and some 1,150 residences damaged by floods in Houston this week that caused high water to spill on to roads and into scores of neighborhoods in the fourth most populous US city, officials said on Wednesday.

Eight of those killed were found in vehicles that had been in flooded areas, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences and a local sheriff said, adding that medical examiners were working to confirm the causes of death.

The National Weather Service said more rain is on tap for the city on Wednesday after a record-setting drenching that dumped as much as 18 inches

(45 cm) of rain on some parts of the Houston area on Monday.

The weather service has issued a flood watch from central Texas, through Houston and into large parts of Louisiana.

There have been more than 1,200 water rescues in the floods as emergency crews on boats have shuttled people from homes in areas hit by high water to dry ground and ferried motorists to safety after their cars were caught in rushing waters. Heavy storms that park atop the city in low winds can overwhelm Houston’s system of drainage channels that move water back to the Gulf via the Houston Ship Channel, particularly if the ground is already saturated. — Reuters

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THUR SDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

OMAN CRUDE FALLS

MARKE

Oman Crude (June delivery) marginally declined by 4 cents to $39.58 per barrel. The average price of Oman Crude (May delivery) was at $36.34, showing a growth of $6.11 per barrel compared to April delivery. — ONA

Muscat 5,739.47 + 30.43 + 0.53%

Dubai 3,545.80 - 17.14 - 0.48%

Abu Dhabi 4,574.75 - 27.63 - 0.60%

Saudi Arabia

6,514.08 - 17.82 - 0.27%

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Kuwait 5,330.78 + 2.59 + 0.05%

Qatar 10,329.00 + 31.61 + 0.31%

Bahrain 1,122.71 - 4.19 - 0.37%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.26 Pound ........................................... 1.79 Indian Rs ..............................171.94 Pak Rs ....................................267.59 Bangla Taka......................200.96

Indian Rs ................................... 171.80 Pakistan Rs ............................. 271.80 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka........................... 203.35 Phil Peso ....................................119.60

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) ...... 16.00

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$39.35 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) .........$39.15 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ..........$41.21 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$38.50 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$43.28 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) .........$40.15

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

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

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......15.40 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ........... 150.50 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ..............141.25 * Rates as of Apr. 20 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Budget deficit of Arab nations to rise Times News Service

As crude oil revenues will continue to fall, consolidated budget deficit of Arab nations is expected to rise marginally to 11.6 per cent of Gross Domestic Product this year

MUSCAT: Consolidated budget deficit of Arab countries as a group is expected to increase marginally in 2016 to 11.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), as oil revenues will continue to fall. Also, tax revenues are expected to be affected by sluggish growth at the international and regional levels, according to a report released by Arab Monetary Fund.

Lower crude oil prices eased pressures on public finance in Arab oil-importing countries, especially in light of the rising cost of energy subsidies.

As a result, the estimated consolidated budget deficit for the Arab countries as a group is esti-

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Omantel’s subsea cable network lands in France Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), the Sultanate’s leading telecom service provider, has announed the landing of the Asia Africa Europe-1 (AAE-1) cable system in the French city of Marseille.

Spanning approximately 25,000 kms, the AAE-1 submarine cable is one of the first unique cable systems to connect Hong Kong to Singapore, Africa and Europe, all via Oman. The cable will provide an alternative and low latency short route between Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe while covering close to 50 per cent of the world’s population.

Commenting on the achievement, Talal Said Al Mamari, chief executive officer of Omantel said,;“The decision to join hands with Marseille to become the landing site for AAE-1 was an easy one as the city is a critical telecommunications connectivity hub, a key trade port and an entry way into Europe.”

“This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the city of Marseille.

To land a cable of this magnitude requires permits and regulatory approvals from many areas within the government. Our experience of Marseille is a city that is professional, businessoriented and one that welcomes foreign investment,” added Talal Al Mamari.

Omantel France The AAE-1 landing was made possible through the creation of Omantel France, an Omantel subsidiary company tasked with ensuring that the AAE-1 cable system is able to deliver seamless connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia while offering operators an alternative access point in Europe.

Omantel’s carrier neutral land-

ing facilities and new data centres in Marseille gives carriers competitive access to and from Europe via the AAE-1 cable system. Network operators arriving in Europe or seeking to access undersea cable infrastructure are often faced with expensive backhaul and interconnect costs due to monopolistic pricing.

Affordable access Operators in Europe that need to connect their networks to a landing station usually have no alternative but to pay. The Omantel facility will have an open and neutral model in the Interxion data centres in Marseille which will give operators new and affordable access to undersea cable infrastructure.

Omantel’s extensive international network will provide additional protection and diversity to the AAE-1 cable system through other systems like EPEG, which is a major high-capacity system consisting of redundant undersea cables to Iran and onwards terrestrial cable all the way via Azerbaijan and Russia to Frankfurt avoiding existing heavily congested cable systems and crowded bottlenecks on the route between Asia and Europe.

Sohail Qadir, VP (Wholesale Unit) at Omantel said, “As the first GCC operator to land a submarine cable in Europe, we are thrilled with the successful execution of this project, especially given the landing of the AAE-1 cable was concluded ahead of schedule.”

mated to increase to 11.4 per cent in 2015 compared to 2.8 per cent of GDP in 2014. It is obvious that the tendency of many Arab countries is to implement wide and diversified range of fiscal reforms aiming at rationalising public spending, enhancing public revenues to ensure budget consolidation and fiscal sustainability, particularly in the light of the challenges facing fiscal policy in these countries.

Tax reforms Tax reform came at top of these reforms, as several reforms have been implemented in a number of Arab countries to enhance tax revenues and ensure equitable and efficient tax system through revising income and corporate tax systems,

adoption or reforming value added tax, and directing taxation to support small and medium-sized enterprises and promising regions.

On the other hand, several policies have been implemented to lower public spending mainly through rationalising current expenditures via containing increases in payroll expenses and reforming subsidy systems, in addition to measures to increase the efficiency of capital expenditures. Arab governments also, paid great attention to achieve higher levels of efficiency and transparency of public finance and debt management.

Public spending is projected to fall by 6 per cent this year as a result of fiscal discipline policies, which will help reduce pressures

on consolidated public budget of Arab countries as a group. In 2017, public finance is expected to see a significant improvement, amid expectations of higher revenue as a result of expected increase of oil prices by 15 per cent next year.

State budgets The report said that tax revenues are expected to rise owing to the anticipated expansion of economic activity in the Arab countries and their major trading partners.

Moreover, the consolidated public budget will positively benefit from fiscal reforms implemented in Arab countries within time frame extending to 2020.

The current account deficit for Arab countries as a group will

reach $137.8 billion (representing 5.5 per cent of GDP) in 2016 compared to $105.7 billion for the deficit recorded in 2015. Concerning 2017, the report expects that the current account deficit for Arab countries as a group to decline to $97 billion dollars (representing 3.6 per cent of GDP), amid expectation of relatively higher international oil prices next year.

Also, lower oil prices are expected to negatively affect the growth rate of deposits.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

B2

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,743.04 ............... 5,712.74 ....................5,739.47 ................... 5,709.03................. 30.44 ................... 0.53 Financial Index .................................... 7,322.04 ...............7,282.89 ................... 7,306.54 ................... 7,276.32................. 30.22 ...................0.42 Industrial Index ................................... 6,988.70 .............. 6,979.98 ................... 6,979.98 ...................6,966.95..................13.03 ................... 0.19 Services Index .......................................3,193.35 ............... 3,171.92 .................... 3,181.75 ....................3,171.92....................9.83 ................... 0.31 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................864.38 .................. 863.19 .......................863.35 ...................... 862.67....................0.68 ...................0.08 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 30,229,641 ................. 5,790,999 ................. 1,046 ............... 16,778,070,213 ................ 10 ......................17 .................... 19 .........................46

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 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

MSM index ends higher

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

OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 2,251,155 ......490,603..................... 73 ........... 0.205 ...........0.226 ...........0.205........... 0.218 .............0.206 ............0.012 ............. 5.825 ................0.226..............0.226...................0.238...................43,600,000 ........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 7,239,939 ...1,240,665................... 183 ............0.169 ........... 0.175............0.169 ............0.171 .............0.164............ 0.007.............4.268 ................0.175 .............. 0.175...................0.176 ..................271,134,864........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 6,980,308 ..... 691,305...................225 ........... 0.098 ........... 0.102 ...........0.098........... 0.099 .............0.095 ........... 0.004............. 4.211 ................0.098..............0.098...................0.099...................28,708,083 .........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ......................................................... 6,606 .................. 895........................2 ............0.134 ........... 0.136 ...........0.134............0.136 ............. 0.133............ 0.003 ............. 2.256 ................0.136 .............. 0.136...................0.145...................44,377,234.........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 306,353 ............65,971..................... 30 ............0.215 ...........0.220 ...........0.215 ............0.215 ............. 0.211............ 0.004............. 1.896 ................0.215 .............. 0.211...................0.218..................145,100,797 ........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 400,452 ......... 296,172..................... 43 ............0.732 ........... 0.744 ...........0.732........... 0.740 .............0.732............ 0.008............. 1.093 ................0.740..............0.740...................0.788..................481,698,730........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ..........................28,305 ............ 44,724......................12 ............1.570 ........... 1.585 ...........1.570 ........... 1.580 ............. 1.570.............0.010 ............. 0.637 ................1.580 .............. 1.570...................1.580................1,185,000,000 ......0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................... 47,679 ............ 10,294........................5 ............0.216 ........... 0.216 ...........0.215 ........... 0.216 ............. 0.215.............0.001 ............. 0.465 ................0.216 ..............0.216...................0.219.................. 154,311,769 ........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 171,000.............39,567........................8 ........... 0.232 ...........0.233 ...........0.226............0.231 .............0.230 ............0.001 ............. 0.435 ................0.226............. 0.220...................0.226 .................. 67,140,386 .........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ............................................................... 1,000 ..................320........................2 ........... 0.320 ...........0.320 ...........0.320............0.318 ............. 0.318............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.320..............0.312...................0.318...................17,490,000 .........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................33,535 ............ 36,050......................11 ............1.075 ........... 1.075 ...........1.075 ............1.075 ............. 1.075............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.075 .............. 1.075...................1.120 ..................215,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 356,000 ............35,712........................3 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.102 ...........0.100........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.102..............0.100...................0.102..................200,031,279........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ........................................................................6,049 ...............3,025........................1 ........... 0.500 ...........0.500 ...........0.500........... 0.500 .............0.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.500..............0.500...................0.506 .................317,895,444 ........0.100

Al Hassan Engineering was the top gainer, up

OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,335,770 ...... 293,471......................71 ............0.219 ...........0.222 ...........0.218........... 0.220 .............0.220 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.218 ..............0.218...................0.219...................33,016,500 .........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 203,500 ............17,298......................13 ........... 0.085 ...........0.085 ...........0.085........... 0.085 .............0.085 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.085..............0.084...................0.085....................2,550,000 ..........0.100

by 6.17 per cent, while National Hospitality

OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ................................................................5,000 ...............1,250........................1 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.250........... 0.250 .............0.250 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.250..............0.250...................0.258................. 424,800,350 .......0.100

Institute was the top loser.

OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 615,820 .........243,837..................... 26 ........... 0.396 ...........0.396 ...........0.394........... 0.396 .............0.396 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.396..............0.394...................0.396..................988,515,102 ........0.100

OM0000002648 ...........NATIONAL FINANCE ................................................. 27,142 ............... 3,773........................1 ............0.139 ........... 0.139 ...........0.139 ............0.139 ............. 0.139............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.139 ..............0.130...................0.150...................37,686,426 .........0.100

OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ....................8,000 ...............1,030........................2 ............0.127 ........... 0.129 ...........0.127 ........... 0.129 .............0.129............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.129 ..............0.129...................0.135 ...................25,800,000.........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ........................................................1,345 .................. 565........................6 ........... 0.420 ...........0.420 ...........0.420........... 0.420 .............0.420 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.420..............0.420...................0.440 ..................25,410,000 .........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER.................................................................... 110 .....................36........................1 ........... 0.326 ...........0.326 ...........0.326........... 0.352 .............0.352 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.326..............0.324...................0.326 .................. 77,795,520 .........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .....................................................1,734 .................. 693........................4 ........... 0.398 ...........0.400 ...........0.398........... 0.398 .............0.398 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.400............. 0.400...................0.414...................20,895,000.........0.100

MUSCAT: Recovery continued on the Muscat bourse with the MSM 30 Index ending higher at 5,739.47 points, up by 0.53 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index also ended at 863.35 points, up by 0.08 per cent.

Bank Sohar was the most active in terms of volume while Oman Cement led in terms of turnover. Al Hassan Engineering was the top gainer on Wednesday, up by 6.17 per cent while National Hospitality institute was the top loser, down by 74.05 per cent.

As many as 1,046 trades were executed on Wednesday, generating turnover of OMR5.79 million with 30.23 million shares changing hands. Out of 46 traded securities, 10 advanced, 17 declined and 19 remained unchanged. Foreign investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR159,000 worth of shares followed by GCC and Arab investors at OMR144,000.

Omani investors who were net sellers, sold shares amounting to OMR303,000.

Financial Index closed at 7,306.54 points, up by 0.42 per cent. Bank Sohar and United Finance increased by 4.27 per cent and 2.26 per cent, respectively.

Al Sharqiya Investment, Oman & Emirates, Gulf Investment Services and Al Madina Investment declined by 1.72 per cent, 1.61 per cent, 1.59 per cent and 1.59 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index advanced by 0.19 per cent to close at 6,979.98 points. Al Hassan Engineering and Galfar Engineering increased by 6.17 per cent and 4.21 per cent, respectively.

Jazeera Steel Product, Gulf International Chemicals, Oman Cement and Al Anwar Ceramic declined by 1.16 per cent, 0.75 per cent, 0.41 per cent and 0.36 per cent, respectively.

Services Index closed at 3,171.92 points, up by 0.31 per cent. OIFC, Al BatinahPower, Oreedoo Oman and Oman Telecommunications Company increased by 5.83 per cent, 1.90 per cent, 1.09 per cent and 0.64 per cent, respectively.

National Hospitality Institute, Al Maha Petroleum, SMN Power Holding, Port Services and Al Jazeira Services declined by 74.05 per cent, 4.48 per cent, 2.19 per cent, 0.45 per cent and 0.40 per cent, respectively.

OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES .................................12,325 ............... 3,410........................3 ........... 0.280...........0.280 ...........0.276........... 0.277 .............0.278 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.360 ...............0.276..............0.272...................0.276...................82,051,190 .........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ...............................................5,146 ...............1,266........................4 ............0.251 ........... 0.251 ...........0.242 .......... 0.246 .............0.247 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.405 ...............0.242............. 0.242...................0.247 .................. 15,056,251 .........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 2,560,405.. 1,244,546..................... 26 ........... 0.488 ...........0.488 ...........0.486........... 0.486 .............0.488 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.410 ...............0.488..............0.480...................0.488..................160,804,137........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 449,000............99,316..................... 10 ........... 0.225 ...........0.225 ...........0.221........... 0.221 .............0.222 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.450 ...............0.221..............0.221...................0.224 ..................21,003,840.........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 178,500 ............47,162..................... 32 ........... 0.267 ...........0.267 ...........0.261........... 0.264 .............0.266 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.752 ...............0.261 ..............0.261...................0.263 ...................5,544,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 211,723 ............ 35,963......................21 ............0.170 ........... 0.170 ...........0.167 ........... 0.170 ............. 0.172............-0.002 ............-1.163................0.167 .............. 0.167...................0.170...................21,232,653 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 177,600.............12,772........................8 ........... 0.072 ........... 0.073 ...........0.071 ........... 0.072 .............0.073 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.370................0.071 ..............0.072...................0.073...................12,600,000.........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 390,435 ...........24,034......................11 ........... 0.063 ...........0.063 ...........0.061 ........... 0.062 .............0.063 ...........-0.001 ............-1.587................0.061 ..............0.061...................0.062 ..................12,843,386 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ...........................58,130 ...............7,230........................6 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.123 ........... 0.124 .............0.126............-0.002 ............-1.587................0.123 ..............0.123...................0.127.................... 7,296,559 ..........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 1,206,970 .......146,758......................13 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.121 ........... 0.122 .............0.124 ...........-0.002 ............-1.613 ................0.124..............0.122...................0.124...................14,868,750 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 173,049 ............19,720..................... 30 ............0.115 ........... 0.115............0.113 ............0.114 ............. 0.116 ............-0.002 ............-1.724................0.114 ...............0.113................... 0.114 ...................10,260,000.........0.100 OM0000004248 ...........SMN POWER HOLDING .......................................... 160,000 ......... 114,560........................2 ............0.716 ........... 0.716............0.716 ............0.716 .............0.732............-0.016 ........... -2.186 ...............0.716 ..............0.660................... 0.716 ..................142,939,090........0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. .......96,098 ...........153,757........................3 ............1.600 ........... 1.600 ...........1.600........... 1.600 ............. 1.675............-0.075 ........... -4.478 ...............1.600..............1.600...................1.675 ..................110,400,000........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 25,706,183......5,427,749...............892 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......35........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 584,521 ............50,141..................... 43 ........... 0.085 ...........0.089 ...........0.085........... 0.086 ............. 0.081............ 0.005............. 6.173 ................0.085..............0.086...................0.087.................... 6,467,888 ..........0.100 OM0000001228............OMAN HOTELS AND TOURISM .............................. 2,140 ...................516........................1 ............0.241 ........... 0.241 ...........0.241........... 0.241 .............0.241 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.241..............0.241...................0.000 ..................13,255,000 .........0.100 OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED .............................................. 1,049 ..................229........................1 ............0.218 ........... 0.218 ...........0.218 ........... 0.220 .............0.220 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.218 ............. 0.000...................0.218................... 17,787,000 .........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................... 15,382 ...................518........................4 ........... 0.034 ...........0.034 ...........0.033........... 0.034 .............0.034 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.033..............0.033...................0.034 ...................2,890,000..........0.100 OM0000002101 ............OMAN FIBER OPTIC ........................................................... 73 .................. 332........................1 ........... 4.550 ...........4.550 ...........4.550........... 4.570 .............4.570 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................4.550............. 0.000...................0.000 ..................32,973,089.........1.000 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 2,661,610 ......201,846..................... 49 ........... 0.076 ........... 0.077 ...........0.075........... 0.076 .............0.076 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.075..............0.075...................0.076..................114,000,000........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ........................................................ 87,081 .............13,062........................3 ............0.150 ........... 0.150 ...........0.150 ........... 0.150 ............. 0.151 ............-0.001 ........... -0.662 ...............0.150 ..............0.150................... 0.151 ..................219,390,219 ........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 723,354 ............ 42,711..................... 25 ........... 0.060 ...........0.060 ...........0.059........... 0.059 .............0.060 ...........-0.001 ............-1.667................0.059..............0.058...................0.059...................59,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 397,674............ 27,022.....................24 ........... 0.070 ...........0.070 ...........0.067........... 0.068 .............0.070 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.857 ...............0.067..............0.067...................0.068....................8,500,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001764 ............NAT. HOSPITALITY INSTITUTE...........................50,500 ............ 26,866........................2 ........... 0.532 ...........0.532 ...........0.532........... 0.532 .............2.050 ........... -1.518 ..........-74.049 ..............0.532............. 0.000...................0.000 .....................532,000............1.000 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 4,523,384......363,242................... 153 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......10........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ................................................... 74 ....................... 8........................1 ............0.102 ........... 0.102 ...........0.102........... 0.102 .............0.102 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.102..............0.102...................0.106...................32,603,553 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: ............................................................................................ 74 ....................... 8........................1 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

- United Securities

INITIAL SHARE OFFER

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex extends gain; rupee rises Saudi to pick JPMorgan, private banker for Aramco share offering

MUMBAI: In a voalitile market, the S&P BSE benchmark Sensex extended its gains for the fifth trading day on Wednesday, moving up by 28 points to end at 25,844.18 on fag-end buying mainly in metal, consumer durable, utilities and power sectors.

Market also got the boost after the Reserve Bank of India’s governor Raghuram Rajan said in a speech in Pune that implementation of several reforms would be key

to ensuring India posts high growth.

The Sensex resumed higher at 25,942.34 and hovered in a range of 25,956.34 and 25,716.81 before finishing at 25,844.18 , showing a gain of 27.82 points or 0.11 per cent. It has gained by 1,170.34 points or 4.74 per cent in last five trading days.

The NSE 50-share Nifty also inched up by 0.05 points to close at 7,914.75 after moving in a range of 7,950.40 and 7,877.55.

Rupee extends gains Extending its gains against the American currency for the second trading day on Wednesday, the rupee advanced by another 33 paise to close at 66.22 per dollar. The Indian rupee resumed higher at 66.27 as against the Monday’s level of 66.55 per dollar and hovered in a range of 66.35 per dollar and 66.10 per dollar before finishing at 66.22 per dollar, showing a gain of 33 paise or 0.50 per cent. - PTI

RIYADH: JPMorgan Chase and Michael Klein, the former Citigroup investment banker who runs his own boutique, have been selected to advise on state-owned Saudi Arabian Oil Company’s initial public offering (IPO), according to people familiar with the matter.

Klein is providing strategic advice to the government, while JPMorgan is working on preparations for the IPO and may be among the banks that underwrite the listing, the people said, asking not to be named as the details aren’t public. The deliberations are still at an early stage, and no final decisions about the IPO have been made, they said.

Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman is working on a plan to list shares in Aramco, as the business is known, on the country’s domestic stock exchange as early as 2017. A listing could turn the world’s biggest oil exporter into the largest publicly traded firm with a value in the trillions of dollars.

Representatives for Aramco and JPMorgan declined to comment. Klein didn’t immediately respond to an e-mailed request for comment.

The prince, who heads Aramco’s supreme council, said Saudi Arabia plans to sell a less-than five percent stake in the business.

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund could receive $106 billion in cash from a sale of that size, according to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute.

Klein’s shop Klein, 52, has become a prolific force in the M&A industry, landing roles advising on some of the biggest deals in the past few years. M Klein & Company was listed first among advisers to Dow Chemical on its merger with DuPont, the largest-ever chemicals deal.

He also worked as a go-between for the chief executive officers on Glencore Plc’s 2012 merger with Xstrata, people with knowledge of the deal said at the time.

He landed a spot as one of the top advisers to IHS, where he had formerly served on the board, on its acquisition of financial data firm Markit Ltd. last month.

When commodity trader Noble Group faced criticism of its accounting and declining shares last year, chief executive officer Yusuf Alireza hired Klein to review its financing and investment options, a person familiar with the matter said previously.

JPMorgan was the sole international financial adviser on the $2.5 billion IPO of Saudi Arabian Mining in 2008. The bank, along with HSBC Holdings Plc, also helped arrange a $10 billion loan for Aramco last year.

Saudi Arabia has announced 27 IPOs in the last five years with a total value of about $10.6 billion, according to data.

The biggest by far is National Commercial Bank’s debut in 2014, which raised $6 billion and was the Middle East’s largest share sale. – Bloomberg News

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

B3

MARKET NINE MONTHS

Oman Flour Mills’ net profit increases 56% Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Flour Mills group said that its net profit moved up by 56 per cent to OMR8.67 million for the first nine months ending March 2016.

The company’s revenue moved up to OMR63.20 million for the first nine months of 2015-2016 financial year, against OMR60.51 million for the same period last year.

Net profit margin by March 2016 stood higher at 13.71 per cent, against 9.82 per cent for the same period last year, according to a disclosure statement posted on MSM website.

These are initial un-audited financial results and are subject to review by the audit committee and approval by the board of directors.

ECONOMY

Saudi agrees conditions on $10b loan to fund deficit

DEBT

Bank Dhofar plans to issue euro bonds Times News Service MUSCAT: BankDhofar set up a Euro Medium Term Note Programme (EMTN), allowing it to issue Eurobond transactions under the programme in the international market.

BankDhofar’s EMTN programme is listed on the Irish Stock Exchange and enables flexible issuance of bonds up to a maximum volume of $500 million in all major currencies and with various coupon structures.

“This programme will help support the diversification of our funding needs,” said BankDhofar’s acting chief executive officer

Abdul Hakeem Omar Al Ojaili.

Meanwhile, BankDhofar earlier said that the bank has achieved a 15.12 per cent growth in net profit at OMR13.56 million for the first quarter of this year, over the same period of 2015.

The bank’s net loans and advances to customers for the threemonth surged ahead by 17.39 per cent to OMR2.81 billion from OMR2.39 billion.

Deposits from customers moved up by 6.19 per cent to OMR2.81 billion from OMR2.64 billion in the first quarter period under review, according to a disclosure statement posted on MSM website.

MAJOR CURRENCIES: BankDhofar’s euro bonds is listed on the Irish bourse and enables flexible issuance of bonds up to a maximum volume of $500 million in all major currencies. – Times file picture

Crude declines as Kuwait oil workers end three-day strike Workers in Kuwait went on strike to

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has agreed terms with banks for its first sovereign loan in at least 15 years, three people with knowledge of the matter said.

The government will pay lenders about 120 basis points above the London interbank offered rate including margin and fees for the $10 billion facility, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. The loan will have a tenor of five years and should be signed before the end of April, the people said.

A large group of United States, European, Japanese and Chinese banks are lending the funds, the people said. Saudi Arabia’s initial request for as much as $8 billion was significantly oversubscribed, allowing the country to increase the size of the deal, the people said.

At $10 billion the loan is the largest to be raised in the Middle East since Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer, obtained a $10 billion financing in March last year. Qatar raised $5.5 billion in December.

Saudi Arabia has not borrowed internationally since at least 1999, according to data. The country is looking for other sources of funding to plug a budget deficit that is expected to reach 17.8 per cent of economic output this year, according to Riyadh-based Jadwa Investment.

The Kingdom will prepare for a bond sale and start a two- or threeyear programme once it concludes the loan deal, Minister of State Mohammad bin Abdulmalik AlSheikh said last month.

As Saudi Arabia prepares for a post-oil future by boosting other industries, its plan to strengthen Riyadh’s position as a financial centre is plagued with delays, cost overruns and a failure to understand the needs of local banks, according to Aliesa. - Bloomberg News

protest cuts in pay and benefits as Middle Eastern crude exporters reduce subsidies and government handouts amid the collapse in prices

KUWAIT CITY: Oil fell after Kuwait workers said they would end a strike that disrupted output in BACK TO WORK: Kuwait will boost production to an average of 3 million barrels a day in three days, according to a statement the Organisation of Petroleum Ex- from Kuwait Petroleum on Wednesday. Output was 1.5 million barrels a day on Tuesday. – AFP porting Countries’ (Opec) fourthlargest producer for three days.

2.6 per cent to settle at $44.03. The an average of 3 million barrels a Futures fell as much as 3 per failed after Saudi Arabia insisted Cushing stockpiles cent in New York. Prices gained 3.3 it wouldn’t restrain output with- West Texas Intermediate for global benchmark traded at a $1.56 day in three days, according to a statement from Kuwait Petroleper cent on Tuesday, the first ad- out commitments from all Opec May delivery, which expires on premium to June WTI. Kuwait’s workers resumed their um on Wednesday. vance in five days, after the protest members, including Iran, which Wednesday, dropped as much Output was 1.5 million barrels as $1.23 to $39.85 a barrel on the jobs on Wednesday out of respect reduced Kuwait’s production by as has ruled out freezing for now.

Workers in Kuwait went on New York Mercantile Exchange for the country’s emir after success- a day on Tuesday compared to 1.1 much as 1.7 million barrels a day. fully showing the importance of million on Sunday.

The United States inventories strike to protest cuts in pay and and was at $40.

Kuwait’s Oil refineries are still Prices on Tuesday rose 3.3 per their role in the economy, Kuna, the probably increased by 3 million benefits as Middle Eastern crude barrels last week, according to a exporters reduce subsidies and cent to $41.08 a barrel. Total vol- country’s official news agency said, operating at about 520,000 barrels a day. - Bloomberg News survey before an Energy Infor- government handouts amid the ume traded was about 36 per cent citing a labour union statement.

The stoppage of the strike above the 100-day average. The mation Administration report on collapse in prices.

“The oil workers’ strike in Ku- more-active June contract fell 91 comes soon after Anas Al Saleh, Wednesday. That compares to inthe acting oil minister, said on dustry data showing a 3.1 million- wait is over, leading to overnight cents to $41.56 a barrel.

HAVE YOUR SAY Brent crude for June settlement Alrai television the government pressure,” said Olivier Jakob, barrel gain.

Send us your comments at Talks in Doha on Sunday be- managing director of Petromatrix fell as much as $1.22, or 2.8 per wouldn’t hold talks with workers facebook.com/timesofoman tween the world’s largest produc- in Zug, Switzerland. “The strike cent, to $42.81 a barrel. The front- as long as the walkout continued. blog.timesofoman.com ers about capping production was not expected to last for long.” month contract on Tuesday gained The country will boost output to haveyoursay@timesofoman.com

B4

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

FEATURE

st ing intere k a t ) B C E ank ( Central B n a uroe p o r u E and the e y r o it r With the r e tive t ecome into nega r e p e e rs have b d o t s s e v rate in , d ishing ility — an b my langu a o t n fi o o c r e p a are ture bout the fu a d e n r e c rope. more con nks in Eu a b f o — y he viabilit perhaps t

E

urope’s economic malaise has a lot to do with its crippled banking system. Making that system more fragile seems like the wrong way to address the issue.

With the European Central Bank (ECB) taking interest rates deeper into negative territory and the euro-area economy languishing, investors have become more concerned about the future profitability — and perhaps the viability — of the region’s banks. As a result, regulators are coming under pressure to ease capital requirements, on the grounds that this will help banks start making money and lending again.

Such logic perpetuates a misunderstanding of what bank capital is — a point that Hyun Song Shin, head of research at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), made eloquently in a speech recently. In its purest form, capital is equity financing, money from shareholders that banks can lend. Unlike debt, it has the advantage of automatically absorbing losses in bad times. When banks have more of it, they can borrow on better terms, and are more capable of taking the kinds of risks that make the economy dynamic. As Shin and a colleague demonstrate in a new paper, higher capital levels are strongly associated with higher lending volumes, and could make the ECB’s stimulus efforts more effective.

AS OF MID-2015, THE AGGREGATE EQUITY AT THE NINE LARGEST EURO-AREA BANKS AMOUNTED TO LESS THAN FOUR PER CENT OF ASSETS, ABOUT TWO PERCENTAGE POINTS SHORT OF THE ALREADY-LOW LEVELS AT THE LARGEST US AND UK BANKS. Capital requirements So it is puzzling that euro-area regulators have not done more to increase capital levels. As of mid-2015, the aggregate equity at the nine largest euro-area banks amounted to less than four per cent of assets, about two percentage points short of the already-low levels at the largest US and UK banks. Instead of requiring banks to retain equity, regulators have allowed them to pay out hundreds of billions of euros to shareholders in the form of dividends and stock buybacks.

Banks have paid out some 400 billion euros to investors in this period. Had they returned less money, they would have more scope for lending and taking risks. Relaxing capital requirements to help them survive in a weak economy is backward thinking. Regulators should instead require them to operate with more equity capital, so they can help the economy grow.

— MARK WHITEHOUSE /Bloomberg News

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B5

GHEDEX 2016

Z-Corp comes to 15th career fair aiming to be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;employer of choiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The new area of focus for the Z-Corp at the career fair this year is also a corner dedicated to the SMEs

MUSCAT: The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp) announced its support as the lead sponsor of the 15th edition of Omanisation Career Fair (OCF) that opened on Tuesday and will end today at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

The three-day career fair, provides a platform for graduates, job seekers and recruiters from Oman to explore new opportunities.

Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Sports Affairs, the fair is Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular career event that offers a range of employment

opportunities for students, graduates and experienced professionals looking for a change of job.

Z-Corp Group is represented by the multi-business sectors automotive; energy and logistics; real estate and hospitality; engineering, construction and contracting; ďŹ nancial services and manufacturing.

Six sectors from the Z-Corp group including automotive; energy and logistics; real estate and hospitality; engineering, construction and contracting; ďŹ nancial services and manufacturing are participating in this career fair.

According to a Z-Corp official, career opportunities would be the main focus in these sectors.

Z-Corp also encourages job seekers to submit their CVs through its dedicated portal http:// www.zubaircorp.com/careerfair created for the purpose.

The new area of focus for the Z-Corp at the career fair this year is also a corner dedicated to the SMEs which carries a message â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;job employment might not be your only option, have you considered starting your business?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Z-Corp is known for the qualitative support it provides to SMEs

and start-ups through its various initiatives and it hopes to back those showing interest in the area.

This initiative will focus on talented Omanis who foresee their future as â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Entrepreneursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

A spokesperson of Z-Corp said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a keen supporter of Omanisation, Z-Corp is delighted to be the lead sponsor of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career fair which is a highly regarded career exhibition in the country.

The main objective of this fair is to support the integration of national manpower into the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce and at the same time, guide and encourage local

C A R E E R FA I R

QURUM BUSINESS GROUP

Orpic participates as main sponsor MUSCAT: Orpic (Oman Oil ReďŹ neries and Petroleum Industries) is exhibiting at the Omanisation Career Fair as a lead sponsor.

The participation is part of Orpicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s value of supporting and developing young Omanis to take on leadership roles and contribute to the Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. Through the fair, Orpic will be targeting university and college graduates and will also offer internship opportunities to fresh graduates, says a press release.

Recently, Orpic celebrated the graduation of 320 Omani trainees at a gala ceremony in Sohar. These

entrepreneurship.

"Z-Corp is committed to support our governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiative to bring talented Omani employees into the workforce and also provide them with training and career development opportunities. We have worked out a strategy to recruit and develop the skills of the Omani workforce and help them progress professionally.â&#x20AC;?

The spokesperson also added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are glad that the event provides an opportunity for Omani job seekers to speak face-to-face with a variety of potential employers. We are certain that signiďŹ cant

number of job opportunities will be offered by the different companies participating in the fair.

"Being the lead sponsor, Z-Corp marches closer to becoming the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;employer of choiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by providing prospective job seekers and Omani talent with a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one-stop-pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of employment opportunitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; through this career fair.

"According to the organisers the previous edition of OCF received over 5,000 professionals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which was a record in the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 15-year history. For companies looking to hire national workforce, the career fair is a chance to interact with prospective hires about openings in their organisations.

"OCF is the only platform which provides all companies the chance to meet all types of professionals under one roof. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The career fair also gives us an opportunity to spot the right talent and Z-Corp is certain that by recruiting Omani youth the group is giving them a chance to contribute in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building and will encourage them to play a worthwhile role in the process,â&#x20AC;? the ZCorp official added.

graduates are part of Orpicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comprehensive training programme which Orpic undertakes on a yearly basis. The students graduated under different disciplines such

as bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree, instrument engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, engineering; internal audit, procurement, engineering (diploma holders); ďŹ eld operators, instrument technicians, electrical technicians, mechanical technicians, document controllers, HSE analysts, etc.

Speaking on the occasion Nofal Al Saidi, GM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Human Resource Services, Orpic, stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Orpic has an ambitious plan to expand its business through its investments in Sohar ReďŹ nery Improvement Project, Liwa Plastics Industries

NAT I O NA L AU T O M O T I V E H I G H E R I N S T I T U T E

Complex, and Muscat Sohar Product Pipeline with a total cost of approximately USD 9b which will be commissioned over the next four years. This means that our need for both new and skilled manpower will increase tremendously. As part of our commitment to support the national drive, we will be training and developing young Omanis to take on various roles. Their development will also be supported by mentors and function heads who will actively seek to nurture and guide these young minds into a bright future whilst bringing the potential of our people alive.â&#x20AC;?

QBG offers opportunities MUSCAT: Qurum Business Group (QBG) is an international diversiďŹ ed business services group, with operations across the Middle East, Europe and the Indian sub-continent.

As part of its participation at the Omanisation Career Fair, QBG will be holding constructive conversations with talented Omani jobseekers including recent graduates and those who will graduate soon. The group will be looking to recruit talent from various specialities such as ďŹ nance and accounting, health & safety and the various engineering disciplines.

Rooted in Oman, QBG has

grown into a leading international business group, with more than 40 years of experience in bringing management expertise, local knowledge and targeted investment to a range of business sectors. The groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolio includes facilities management, construction, engineering and marine services, information technology, landscaping, staffing solutions and ďŹ nancial services.

It aims to attract, train and retain talented and ambitious young Omanis to join its constantly growing group and be part of its ongoing efforts to make an active contribution to Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy.

C A L I F O R N I A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y S A N M A R C O S

NAHI exhibits as silver sponsor

CSUSM offers variety of courses

MUSCAT: The National Automotive Higher Institute (NAHI) is the Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst specialised automotive institute that provides internationally accredited educational and training programmes.

NAHI serves to equip and empower Omani students as professional technicians across multiple disciplines within the automotive industry. The institute delivers a two-pronged approach in the theoretical and practical aspects of automotive education to provide the automotive market with a pipeline of well-equipped national professionals.

In Omanisation Career Fair, NAHI is exhibiting as silver sponsor and will be targeting young Omani school students, school graduates, employers in automotive sector, job seekers, and technicians in public and private sector.

At the event, NAHI will be shed-

MUSCAT: California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is located in North San Diego County â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the heart of coastal Southern California. Surrounded by Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful beaches, mountains, and deserts, CSUSM is the perfect place to achieve your academic and professional goals.

CSUSM welcomes international students because they are an important component to the learning experience at CSUSM. Whether researching with a lab partner in a biotechnology course or developing a business proposal for a college of business senior experience project, international students enrich and enliven CSUSM, helping to create an academic community of original thinkers.

In Ghedex, they will be looking for students seeking their bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees, seeking conditional admission to

In Omanisation Career Fair, NAHI is targeting young Omani school students, school graduates, employers in automotive sector, job seekers and technicians in public and private sector ding light on its educational and training programmes as below: 1. Diploma programmes National Automotive Higher Institute Awards Diploma and Advance Diploma. The certiďŹ cates are certiďŹ ed by the UK, institute of

the Motor Industry (IMI).

Engineering Studies: Light Vehicle Service & Maintenance, Heavy Vehicle Service & Maintenance, Vehicle Body Repair, Vehicle Painting.

Business Studies: Sales and Marketing, Parts Management, Customer Services 2. Competency based training and short courses NAHI offers two types of short courses: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; )'* . ( 3Ĺ&#x2014; - Ĺ&#x2014; ., #(#(!Ĺ&#x2014; courses (3-9 months) Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; *!, #(!Ĺ&#x2014; . "(# # (Ä&#x201C;-Ĺ&#x2014; -"),.Ĺ&#x2014; courses (1-4 weeks) By participating in the Omanisation Career Fair, NAHI aspires to promote and educate fresh school graduates, job seekers, employed technicians and skill workers about its programmes and services and the beneďŹ ts they can get by joining them.

HR SOLUTIONS & SERVICES

QUA L I T Y E D UC AT I O N

Ajyal targets all jobseekers MUSCAT: Ajyal HR Solutions & Services is a local ďŹ rm, established in 2006 to support the Omani and GCC market in human resources solutions through its global experience and international Partners.

Ajyal provides recruitment and talent management services, training and development programmes, e-Learning solutions and management consultancy.

Ajyal is the proud winner of Omantelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Excellence Award for 2012 as Best Performing Company for Medium Enterprise Category. It is aware of the challenges faced by its clients and with its experience, Ajyal can deliver outstanding business solutions to achieve their objectives.

With 55 per cent of the population coming in the 15 to 25-year age group it is also the right time to capture local talent and mould them into a solid resource core.

A core team that has the energy, the talent and most of all Ajyal is the foundation for the next gen-

It is the proud winner of Omantelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Excellence Award for 2012

erations. Ajyal has the capability to tap in this young talent and identify high calibre potential candidates, matching them with the needs of the industry.

It ďŹ rmly believes in local knowledge combined with local culture and values to identify, nurture and develop human capital assets.

Ajyalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision will never be complete if it do not understand and take a proactive approach and satisfy the needs of the community and the country. It has commenced taking the right steps to-

wards achieving its vision and will continue to work with its partners to realise this vision.

At Omanisation Career Fair, it will be targeting all jobseekers. It specialises in large scale recruitment solutions from graduates, skilled employees, management and executive head hunting. Ajyal has various job vacancies for its partner-clients in Oman. These clients include government entities as well as private companies from different ďŹ elds like oil/gas, banking, utility sectors, electricity, etc.

Ajyal has participated in Omanisation Career Fair to support Omanis ďŹ nd jobs through offering of their clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current job vacancies and other future job openings.

Ajyal helps companies identify, select and develop exceptional leaders, managers and teams and thus, they would like to reach out to career fair participants from individuals to clients and/or organisations, utilising its professional HR consultancy services.

Kansas State University offers top-ranked programmes MUSCAT: Kansas State University has been providing quality education to Kansas residents, the country and the world for over 150 years.

It is an excellent ďŹ t for students in Oman and the region: its offers top-ranked programmes in the most popular majors, and they are a best-value university in the US. Students have access to all the opportunities and topranked programmes of a larger university, but they enjoy the personal attention and strong community of a smaller institution.

It is also very excited to further develop its relationship with the Ministry of Higher Education, and hope to welcome more Omani students to its campus in future.

the university through their English language and pathway programme, also students wanting to take university courses study abroad for a semester or one year.

Although they have variety of courses, at Ghedex they will be focusing on: Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pre-health/medicine, Biotechnology, Business Administration, Liberal Studies, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science &

CIS, Criminology & Justice Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Global Studies, History, Human Development, Literature & Writing, Mass Media Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Biotechnology, Computer Science, Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Business Administration (MBA) California State University San Marcos is part of Ghedex as they feel it brings good quality of students at the event and the overall organisation is also much better than other local events.

ENTREPRENEURIAL RESEARCH

UTM â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading research intensive university MUSCAT: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is an innovation-driven entrepreneurial research university and a leading research-intensive university in engineering, science and technology ranked in the top 100 world ranking in engineering and technology as attested by the QS World University Rankings.

UTM is a graduate-focused university with 55% of its student population comprising postgraduate students, the highest in Malaysia. The number of postgraduate enrolled in PhD studies in diverse ďŹ eld of specialisation is 5,299 students as at 31 December 2015, the highest in the region and among the top 10 in the world. It has more than 3,000 international students from 60 countries around the world, the highest among research universities in Malaysia. Through its Global Outreach Programme, UTM students gain international exposure and experiential learn-

ing through various student mobility and exchange programmes, service learning and community engagements and Summer School programmes.

UTMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to lead in the development of creative and innovative human capital and advanced technologies that will contribute to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth creation. This is in line with the aspirations of the country towards becoming a knowledgebased, innovation-led economy, grounded in creativity and innovation with high value creation.

Through a strategic transformation of its organisational structure, UTM is focused on creating a vibrant academic culture and fertile intellectual ecosystem through its new academia approach based on the Blue Ocean Strategy, which focuses on innovative, entrepreneurial, value-driven and meaningful approaches beyond conventional paradigms.

B6

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

ROUND-UP al Wathbah to enrol new batch of entrepreneurs The objective of Bank Muscat’s al Wathbah Academy is to impart the required skills and guidance to entrepreneurs drawn from diverse fields to embark on successful SME business ventures

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, as part of its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in supporting youth to embark on entrepreneurial ventures, is set to enrol a new batch of entrepreneurs for a comprehensive training programme at al Wathbah Academy in Muscat.

The unique al Wathbah Academy was launched by the bank in August 2014 as part of its commitment to sustainable social development, complementing gov-

ernment efforts in strengthening the role of SMEs in the economic development of Oman. Presently, al Wathbah Academy programmes are under way in Muscat, Sohar and Salalah benefiting 45 aspiring entrepreneurs. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative is aimed at equipping youth with self-employment skills boosting the country’s progress and development.

The objective of al Wathbah Academy is to impart the required skills and guidance to entrepre-

neurs drawn from diverse fields to embark on successful SME business ventures, says a press release.

The eight months training programme is offered in association with Amideast, leading to accredited international certification by Project Management Institute (PMI).

The unique SME initiative plays an important role in filling the gaps and empowering entrepreneurs to chart successful business ventures. The academy marks a clear progression of the well-defined strategy pursued by the bank in line with the directive of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to support the SME sector and strengthen its role in the economic development of Oman. In light of the business environment in Oman which offers tremendous opportunities and challenges for the SME sector, Bank Muscat remains committed to creating selfemployment opportunities for citizens across the Sultanate.

Aimed at strengthening the SME sector, the bank offers a com-

prehensive suite of tailor-made finance solutions. A unique SME financing launched by the bank has helped entrepreneurs overcome a major challenge. al Wathbah SME non-collateral finance not requiring collateral guarantee is a bold step affirming the bank’s commitment to encouraging an entrepreneurial culture in Oman.

The bank has also launched a series of initiatives as part of a comprehensive plan to support women entrepreneurs in Oman. The bank regularly conducts workshops and seminars to equip SMEs to identify business opportunities and tackle challenges. Serving as building blocks for existing and prospective entrepreneurs, these initiatives assume importance in the backdrop of the priority accorded by the government to develop the SME sector in Oman.

The support to SMEs stems from the bank’s commitment to create self-employment opportunities for Omani youth who constitute more than 50 per cent of the country’s population.

FIRST MG GS CUSTOMER IN OMAN

Dr Tony Sun Guang, general manager of SAIC Motor Middle East, handing over the key to Abdulla S. Al Abry, the first MG GS customer in Oman, in the presence of Mohammed Al Kharusi, group director-Business Development, MHD and Vasudev Rao Varkoor, director-MHD Automotive Products Division. — Supplied picture

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY

Bank Sohar rewards ‘You Can’ Facebook competition winners MUSCAT: Following the conclusion of the ‘You Can’ Facebook competition, Bank Sohar conducted a prize distribution ceremony where it presented certificates worth OMR100 to the winners.

The competition, which was launched last month, presented the bank’s Facebook followers with an opportunity to win cash prizes totalling OMR500 by answering questions related to the 2016 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme launched in January this year, says a press release.

The prize distribution was conducted at the bank’s head office in MBD where Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Senior AGM and head of Marketing and Customer Experience at Bank Sohar, handed over the cash gift certificates to Alia Al Mohtaseb, Abdul Samad Al Balushi and Yousef Mohammad. Arrangements have been made for the remaining two winners of the Facebook contest, Nawal Mubarakand Muhammed Al Zaabi, to receive their prizes at the Bank Sohar branch nearest to each of them.

Titled ‘You Can’, the Facebook competition ran from March 27 to March 31 on Bank Sohar’s Facebook page (www.facebook. com/excel.banksohar).

Over the course of the five-day competition, participants were

required to answer a new question posted each day on the bank’s 2016 savings scheme. The first correct entry from each user per question was then entered into a computerised draw, which was conducted shortly after the competition ended, to pick the five lucky winners.

Key point of contact Commenting on the successful completion of the contest and congratulating the winners of the contest, Al Raisi said, “Our social media platforms have grown exponentially over the past three years and have become a key point of contact between us and our customers and fans.

“A key reason behind this is our efficient use of the various platforms for building awareness on the bank’s activities and its products while also hosting several successful competitions.

“This contest was no different and was most definitely a grand success with a significant large number of entries over the course of just five days. As such, I would like to thank all the participants for their entries, as well as congratulate each of our five winners. With this contest behind us, our social media followers and fans can look forward to more similar contests.”

1 0 T H A N N I V E R S A RY C E L E B R AT I O N

ISC Bhojpuri Wing’s big musical show tomorrow

‘3 YEARS OF PEACE OF MIND’

Bridgestone Tyres launches retail campaign MUSCAT: Towell Auto Centre and Bridgestone Tyres announced a unique and reassuring consumer offer to welcome the summer.

TAC and Bridgestone have launched an exclusive ‘3 years of Peace of Mind’ retail campaign for all passenger car tyres, 4x4 SUVs tyres which include Turanza GR90, Turanza AR-20, Potenza and Dueler, says a press release.

The three-year offer is valid through all Tyre Care Plus outlets, First Stop stores and Bridgestone authorised dealers and will be applicable on tyres bought in the campaign period from April 12 to

June 10. The campaign offers an absolute free of charge repair of Bridgestone tyres, in case of any damage in the first three years since date of purchase. In severe cases, if the tyre has been damaged beyond repair while still falling in the first three years period, Bridgestone also accommodates for a tyre replacement based on usage.

Keeping the safety aspect in mind, the repair or replacement offer will not be valid in case the tyres have been subject to abuse and usage beyond tyres tread life. TAC ensures that the repair or replacement procedure is kept hassle-

free, easy and quick.

Customers who come across a tyre failure simply have to visit the Bridgestone authorised dealer from where the tyre was purchased. After a thorough examination of the tyre, the customer can avail of a repair or replacement tyre as deemed appropriate by producing the voucher card and original invoice.

Along with this fabulous offer on Bridgestone tyres, TAC has devised a scratch and win offer, giving away exciting gifts to its lucky winners.

Ten lucky winners can get a brand new iPhone 6S 16GB free. With an abundance of rewards, TAC will

also be giving away 1 tyre free to 175 lucky winners. Keeping the rewards thoughtful, beneficial and necessary, TAC also has 1,300 free oil change coupons to give away.

“As the name suggests, once you buy a Bridgestone tyre from us, you needn’t worry about any tyre related failure because we shall have it covered. Bridgestone tyres have always been known to be robust and thus can confidently extend their campaign with a repair and replacement assurance for up to three years,” said Oommen John, AGM - Bridgestone Tyre Division at TAC.

MUSCAT: Indian Social Club’s Bhojpuri Wing will be celebrating its 10th anniversary with musical show Dhamaka Purwa Pawan tomorrow at the Indian Embassy from 7pm onwards.

The chief guest for the event will be Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassdor of India to Oman. There will be several Bhojpuri celebrities who will be performing at the event, says a press release.

Khushboo Kumari is a famous and talented Bhojpuri singer, who was born and brought up in Bihar has done various stage shows, albums and television programmes which include Bhojpuri Utasav Malad Mumbai 2015, Bihari Asmita Samman 2010 Patna, Bhojpuri Jalwa Doordarshan Bihar, Folk Jalwa ETV Bihar, Modi Express, Holi Me Ghare Aaja and many more.

She is multi-talented and can sing in nine different languages.

Pravin Kumar has proved himself as a singer, actor in various films, albums, TV and stage shows

which includes Shere Bihar, Diwana Tumtum Wala, Gawna Ke Date, Bihar Vihan and many more.

A well known singer of Bhojpuri films who started his career in 2007, Prabhat Singh till date has done 713 stage shows and 50 albums. He has also done anchoring in many TV shows. In 2015 he has also performed in Bangkok during Navratri at Vishnu Temple and was honoured.

K. Santosh Ray is well known popular face of Indian television, reality shows of music. He is a successful music director and expert keyboard player. Ray has done many popular reality shows for many TV channels.

S O P H I S T I C AT E D

All-new Toyota Fortuner comes with tough yet smart design MUSCAT: The all-new Toyota 2016 Fortuner is not just more spacious, stylish and strong, it now oozes toughness thanks to the muscular wheel arches and a chunky trapezoidal front bumper.

Its sleek, aggressive headlamps are framed by large, slanted upper grille and set off by a thick chrome plating that extends around the prominent trapezoidal front bumper, says a press release.

According to an enthusiast, “While the Fortuner is a toughie, it also has a sophisticated and refined side to it. Take a look at the slender headlight clusters that are fused with the front fenders, the three lines that score the sculpted roof line and flanks, as well as the sleek rear combination lampsthat blend beautifully to its rear.”

In fact, the Fortuner is unique in that it has a tough yet smart design.

This reflects in its interiorthat exhibits the toughness of an SUV, tempered with the elegance of a premium sedan. A focal point of the dashboard architecture is the vertical centre cluster flanked by columns of soft simulated leather upholstery that offer leg support

from both sides.

The air conditioner has a high-efficiency compressor that decreases engine load and enhances cooling performance, contributing to excellent fuel economy performance. Other innovative touches include a 7-inch tablet-inspired multimedia touchscreen display. With a

full-colour display, the rear view monitor system ensures peace of mind when reverse parking. The Fortuner also has a 6-speaker specialised audio equaliser. Its power back door system can be opened and closed electronically.

The Fortuner is available withpetrol engines, which include a 2.7-litre four-cylinder producing

164hp & 25.0 kg.m of Torque. The 4.0-litre V6 engine churns-out 235hp along with 38.3 Kg.m of Torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission provides a thrilling acceleration.

The Fortuner has a newly developed frame structure that enhances the feeling of steering input and rear end grip. The Fortuner’s sus-

pension comfortably absorbs the vibration to provide a ride that is the envy of a luxury SUV. A drive mode switch offers a choice of Eco or Power driving, while an easy-touse 4WD switch is also available.

The Fortuner is equipped with comprehensive safety systems to protect its occupants. These include anti-lock braking system

that prevents the tyres from locking during braking.

The Fortuner comes with the supplemental restraint system for the driver and passenger front seats along with airbags for passenger and driver plus a knee airbag for the driver. In terms of seatbelts, a three-point emergency locking retractor seatbelt is equipped on all seats. When impact is suddenly applied during a collision, the seatbelt locks to restrain the passenger.

The Fortuner is equipped with 17” all-terrain tyres or 18” alloy wheels with HT tyres depending on the grade selected, 7” navigation display with audio system, power back door and follow me home lights, for convenience of customers. Apart from this, Fortuner is equipped with rearparking sensors, amongst many other features.

Toyota Fortuner has been equipped with some local accessories to enhance its look, feel and functionality. Customers are welcome to get the full details of these local fitments, by visiting a Toyota showroom.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

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Mega Basant Festival promises fun-filled day at Sawadi Beach SHAHZAD RAZA shahzad@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: All roads will lead to Al Sawadi beach on Friday as Pakistan Social Club Oman will host its mega annual event ‘Basant Festival’, the immensely popular kiteflying extravaganza that promises shades of Pakistani culture, music, food and a lot of fun.

Naheed Naveed Atif, Charge d’affaires, Embassy of Pakistan, will be the chief guest. Times of Oman is the media partner of the event.

Thousands of Pakistanis, Omanis and members of other communities join PSC every year in celebrating this festival that has

been growing in popularity ever since it was launched well over a decade ago.

“We are expecting a much larger crowd this year as people wait for this popular kite-flying festival the whole year round. Noted singers Farah Naz and Tariq Ali Mehdi have been specially flown in from Pakistan to entertain the crowd,” said Mian Mohammed Munir, PSC chairman, who has been reelected for a new term of two years.

“Since it is a festival of fun, people from all communities are invited to join us at Al Sawadi beach,” said A H Raja, PSC vice-chairman.

Though the kite-flying buffs will start reaching the venue in the

morning, the festival will formally kick off after Friday prayers.

Held annually to celebrate Pakistan’s famous ‘Jashn-e-Baharan’,

the kite-flying festival called ‘Basant’ is now awaited here with much anticipation. The ‘Jashn’ is celebrated to mark the advent of

Safrane comes with bouquet of benefits Customers will be entitled to receive assured cash gift of OMR1000 on Renault Safrane 2.0L/2.5L/3.5L along with other benefits

MUSCAT: The Renault Safrane from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has become synonymous with quality, durability and performance.

With the next generation Safrane, there is a growing buzz and excitement around the Renault range as the Safrane is a generously-dimensioned saloon car. It is nicely balanced proportions, fluid and elegant lines sweeping over the broad shoulders denote a powerful presence.

Offer highlights Customers will be entitled to

receive assured cash gift of OMR1000 on Renault Safrane 2.0L/2.5L/3.5L along with other benefits that include free registration, 6 years unlimited mileage warranty and 2 years/ 30,000km free service (whichever is earlier). Customers will also receive free AAA/Road Assistance card for the first year only and as supported by AAA Oman. The scheme is applicable for all customers purchasing Renault vehicles for personal use only.

A carefully engineered blend of comfort and performance, and a choice of modern engines, the Safrane has an efficient new chassis including the Nissan multi-link rear suspension arrangement for enhanced ride comfort and driving pleasure. The Renault Safrane V6 fitted with an automatic six-speed transmission comes equipped

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

kite-flyers of Basant spend many days preparing, and the treatment of which is an art in itself.

The string is coated in a mixture of rice paste and ground glass to strengthen it and render it capable of slashing through a hapless opponent’s maanjha.

Millions of people do celebrate Basant in Lahore (now all over Pakistan) every year in a way that is unmatched. In fact, Lahore and Basant have become synonymous. Basant’s emergence in the last two decades as the premier festival of Lahore has been attracting thousands of people from elsewhere in the country and many even from abroad.

R E A L E S TAT E

Two-day roadshow

by Godrej Properties set to start tomorrow MUSCAT: Godrej Properties, India’s largest builder conducting exclusive roadshow in Muscat tomorrow and day after at Hotel Haffa House Ruwi, will be showcasing Bangalore, Pune and Bombay properties.

Prana is a residential township project in Undri, Pune. Godrej Prana, is spread across 31 acres, the first phase of the project comprises of a total saleable area of approximately 65,000 sq. m (7.0 lakh sq. ft). Customers can choose from 1BHK, 2BHK and 3BHK apartments ranging from carpet areas of 45 sq. m to 100 sq. m (485 sq. ft. to 1,075 sq. ft), says a press release.

Excellent connectivity This project is strategically located in Undri and offers excellent connectivity to Pune railway station, Nagar road, Pune-Kolhapur Highway, IT hubs and the city centre. It is in close proximity to major urban areas like NIBM, Hadapsar and M.G. road.

Godrej Prana is being developed in the picturesque backdrop of hills and sloping meadows.

The towers are planned to maximise views and community

interaction. These homes will be well ventilated and designed to bring in natural light, whilst providing privacy.

The entire architecture has been designed to offer a contemporary lifestyle.

Godrej Prana is envisioned in 4 zones - Zen, Joy, Nature and Life, offering a series of courts and gardens to form a balanced lifestyle. Contemporary facilities including luxurious clubhouses, swimming pool, gym, indoor games, kids play area, entrance boulevards, grassed amphitheatres, platforms that open out to the hills, tree houses and viewing decks will all be part of the project.

Additionally, the project will offer a range of activities including cricket and tennis.

Customers can also enjoy quiet evenings from the contemplative spaces that will be offered.

Sustainable initiatives, like rainwater harvesting, solar panels and zero discharge have been incorporated into the design to make the township eco-friendly.

As is the case for most Godrej Properties’ projects, Godrej Prana is a joint venture development.

SUPPORT

Bank Sohar conducts Al Mumayaz monthly draws live on Al Shabab FM MUSCAT: Bank Sohar recently conducted its Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme Monthly Draws for the month of March, live on air through Al Shabab FM where it also announced the names of the winners.

The draws conducted included the OMR10,000 general monthly draw, OMR1,000 children’s draw, OMR10,000 exclusive draw and the OMR10,000 ladies draw’s split amongst two winners. In addition to the above, the bank had conducted the branch guaranteed draws the day before at the bank’s head office in MBD, which saw one winner from each of the bank’s 27 branches win OMR1,000. In total, the second monthly draw event saw over OMR55,000 won by 32 winners across all categories.

Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, aenior AGM of Branches and Retail Sales said, “Our customers are used to excellence and innovation in the products and services provided by the Bank in addition to the different draw events held as part of the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme. This time we decided on sharing the exciting moment of conducting the draws with the largest possible audience, by broadcasting it live onair. We are pleased with the positive feedback we received from these draws, and look forward to the upcoming draws.”

The draws started with a short interview with Redha Al Lawatia, Sr. Chief Manager of Liabilities and Sales, who provided the listeners with a brief overview of Bank Sohar and the comprehensive products and services provided.

The children’s draw saw Lia Al Lawati (minor), from the bank’s Al Qurum Branch, win OMR1,000.

The two ladies draws saw L. N. M., from Al Buraimi Branch, and Nabila Saif Al Jasri, from Privilege Banking branch, win OMR5,000 each; while the exclusive draw saw Said Suwaid Al Badi, from

with the Carminat TomTom navigation system, a solution as efficient as it is easy to update and use, with the intuitive joystick.

The hands-free card allows you to open and close the doors as well as start the engine, without even leaving your pocket. Bluetooth technology allows you to make calls in perfect safety.

For easy manoeuvring, the reverse parking camera displays obstacles on the colour screen, while the parking brake is activated automatically when the engine is turned off. On board the Safrane, technology is also harnessed to provide onboard pleasure in the form of the Bose audio system giving you larger-than-life sound.

Additionally, it also comes with an athermic windshield, electric mirrors with memory function, auto-dimming rear-view mirror,

tri-zone climate control, deadlocking with an anti-intruder device, electric rear windows with antipinch, Bose CD/MP3 stereo with 10 speakers, Bluetooth, Renault keyless smart card, panoramic sunroof, cream leather seats, power front seats with massage, integrated rear sunblind, as well as front and rear parking sensors.

Items such as HID headlights, 18inch alloy wheels and an electronic parking brake.

Renault Safrane combines unique facilities for a complete sense of well-being. The driver’s seat has multiple settings for optimal comfort. Thanks to its pneumatic air-cushion system, it will massage the driver’s back, according to the mode and intensity of their choice, in perfect silence.

Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is largely committed to supporting Renault Oman’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 80 showrooms, service centers and parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

Spring every year. The main feature of it is Basant, which has now become one of the hottest events on the Pakistani cultural calendar. People from all over the world come to Lahore to be part of what many call ‘a fun-filled festival’.

Basant is a highly popular and colourful kite-flying festival in Lahore. So grand is the occasion, solely for the sheer joy and fun it provides, that people from all over the world come to Lahore simply to be part of this lifetime experience.

Once the kite is air-borne, it is an open invitation to a severing contest — the painch. The kite’s weapon is its maanjha — its wickedly armoured string, which the

the bank’s Saham branch, win OMR10,000. The final draw of the evening was the general draw for the month of March, which saw Sreejith Appath Raman, from the bank’s Al Qurum Branch, also win OMR10,000.

The monthly branch guaranteed draws conducted day before the event and witnessed a customer from each of the bank’s branches win OMR1,000, where the winners were Ahmed Abdul Rahim Al Zadjali was the winner from Al Buraimi branch, Battineni Anantha Srinivas from Al Khoudh branch, Hamood Al Saadi from Al Azaiba branch, Said Al Zarai from Jaalan Bani bu Ali Branch, Hassan Omar from Salalah branch, Salim Al Rabaani from Bahla branch, Hilal Al Mawali, from Barka branch, F. M. Al Farsi from Ibri branch, Abood Al Sawafi from Ibra branch, Fatima Mohammed Al Ajmi from Saham branch, Ali Sajowani from Shinas branch, Salim Al Maskari from Nizwa Branch, S. Al Alawi from Al Qurum branch, Sakina Abdulah, from Ruwi Branch, Rashid Al Mamaari from Sohar Branch, Qasim Al Balushi from Sinaw branch, Salem Jamil from Suwaiq branch, Hilal Al Hattali from Rustaq branch, Fakhari Khamis from Qurayat branch, Nasser Al Dhahli (minor) from MBD branch, Mohammed Al Alawi from Sur branch, Yasser Al Siyabi from A’Seeb branch, Baqer Al Ajmi from Al Khabourah branch, Zeyana Al Shibli from Al Amerat branch, Talal Al Zadjali from Al Khuwair branch, Husam Mohammed from Avenues Mall Branch, and the final winner was from the Privilege Banking Branch.

In total, the monthly draw’s saw over OMR55,000 won by 32 winners across all categories.

Al Rahbi said, “On behalf of the bank, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the winners.”

Zubair SEC sponsors new classrooms for school established by its member MUSCAT: New classrooms have been constructed at Jana’en Al Hamra Private School, located in the Wilayat of Al Hamra in Al Dakhiliyah governorate.

The construction was funded by Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) as part of the benefits that the school founder and member of Zubair SEC receives for winning membership of the Direct Support Programme (DSP) by the Centre.

The school is established and managed by Kadhia Hamid Mohammed Al Nabhanih, the principal.

Jana’en Al Hamra Private School, which has kindergarten classes, caters to the needs of students in the wilayats of Al Hamra and Bahla. The school has 11 classrooms and around 230 students studying in it.

With increase in demand for new admissions in the school due to its increasingly good reputation, Kadhia and Zubair SEC’s team found that there was a need to increase the number of classrooms while discussing expansion plans. Consequently, Zubair SEC decided to fund the construction, furnishing and equipping of two extra classrooms that will accommodate 40 more students. The fund comes as part of the benefits obtained from the Direct Support Programme (DSP) that Kadhia has been selected for in 2015.

The inauguration of the new classrooms was held under the patronage of Khalid Muhammad Al Zubair, managing director of The Zubair Corporation.

The event was also attended by a number of executive management from The Zubair Corporation and Zubair SEC, as well as members from the local community of Al Hamra and the school’s management, staff and students.

Congratulating Kadhia on the development and progress of Jana’en Al Hamra School, Khalid Al Zubair said, “I believe that en-

trepreneurship in the field of education is an important one. Zubair SEC’s member Kadhia’s idea of starting a school in the Al Hamra wilayat exemplifies her commitment to this community and to quality education in general. Good schools are fundamental to education and nation building. I am sure the new classrooms will provide a perfect learning environment for young students. With the efforts of all dedicated educators and teachers, I am delighted to see the school get such as great response from the community.” He added, “Zubair SEC’s support provided to a private school is a visible demonstration of the centre’s commitment to young entrepreneurs and to the development of youth.”

Thanking Zubair SEC for its support, Kadhia said, “Building of new classrooms mark another milestone in the expansion plans

of the school I established. I express my deep gratitude to all at Zubair SEC who helped me see a long-held dream brought to reality. They are helping so many young Omanis with their support services. As a principal I want my school to be a place where young students build their capacities and their aspirations with the support of their teachers. The need for extra classrooms was felt because of the overwhelming response we received from the community in the form of increased number of applicants. The school has built for itself a great reputation since the time it was established. With Zubair SEC’s support and cooperation I hope to attain our common vision, mission and goals.”

Earlier Zubair SEC had sent Kadhia Al Nabhanin to participate in an experiential trip to Jordan.

The objective of the organised trip

was to expose and acquaint her to international educational and schooling experiences and models through the success stories of reputed private schools in Jordan.

Kadhia had visited four leading private schools in Jordan, a leading national children’s museum, and a reputable publishing house that produces and publishes books for children. Kadhia had immediately started implementing a lot of what she learnt in Jordan at her school in Al Hamra after her return.

Zubair SEC’s DSP has been providing advisory, financial, business development, and guidance support to 28 high-potential young entrepreneurs and business owners for the last three years who were selected for the programme, while it keeps serving its wider members that have reached more than 330 small business owners since establishment.

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Ahmad bracing up for Blancpain Endurance Cup curtain raiser After a seven-month break since the final round of the 2015 season, the Omani driver is

It’s fantastic we’re only a few days away from the first round at Monza, I really can’t wait

relishing the prospect of being back in action at the wheel of Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

MUSCAT: Monza in Italy is the destination for Omani racing driver Ahmad Al Harthy on April 23 and 2, where the eagerly awaited opening round of the Blancpain Endurance Cup gets underway at the world famous ‘cathedral of motorsport’.

After a long seven-month break since the final round of the 2015 season, punctuated in December by a podium-finishing debut outing in the annual Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi, the Omani driver is relishing the prospect of being back in action at the wheel of his CRICKET

Irfan Ahmed

ICC bans Hong Kong all-rounder Ifran Ahmed HONG KONG: Hong Kong allrounder Irfan Ahmed has been banned for two and a half years for failing to disclose approaches made to him to engage in corruption, the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Pakistanborn cricketer was provisionally suspended in November with the ICC’s anti-corruption unit (ACU) investigating his role in relation to the activities of another suspected offender.

“Whilst Mr Ahmed was not charged with any offence involving corruption, the ACU established that he had failed to disclose to it full details of approaches or invitations to engage in corrupt conduct that had been made to him between January 2012 and January 2014,” the ICC said in a statement.

Ahmed, who had played in six ODIs and eight Twenty20 matches for Hong Kong, accepted the sanction and waived his right to appeal, the ICC added.

ACU chairman Ronnie Flanagan said corrupt individuals had increased the targeting of players from ICC Associate Member nations, where cricket is firmly established and organised, and the game’s stakeholders needed to stave them off.

“This penalty (imposed on Ahmed) should act as a reminder to all participants of the need to comply with their obligations under the (anti-corruption) code at all times and, in particular, the requirement to report corrupt approaches to the ACU without any delay,” Flanagan said.

“It is pleasing to note that the investigation upon which these charges were founded originated from information that had been disclosed to the ACU. “This is a clear and welcome demonstration that participants now more and more fully realise their own responsibilities in combating this scourge on the game through prompt and diligent reporting as required by the Code.”

Ahmed’s ban is backdated to when he was provisionally suspended and will expire on May 4, 2018. - Reuters

Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3.

Racing once again with the Oman Racing Team powered by Motorbase, Ahmad cannot wait for Sunday’s opening three-hour contest where he aims to get his fourth season in the championship off to a strong start with team-mates Jonny Adam and Devon Modell in the Pro-Am Cup Class.

Determined This season marks the 34-yearold’s third piloting Aston Martin machinery in the pan-European

Ahmad Al Harthy

Oman racing star

Blancpain Endurance Cup and the coming campaign looks set to be as competitive as ever, if not more so with the entry list for Monza featuring close to 60 cars — a remark-

able number. More than 20 cars will be eligible to battle for Pro-Am honours alone.

“It’s fantastic we’re only a few days away from the first round at

Monza, I really can’t wait”, said the Omani. “Every year you think Blancpain can’t get any stronger, any bigger, but it does and when you look at the entry list for this season it looks like it should be the most competitive championship yet.

“Everyone at the team is so determined to make the best start we can to the new season, it’s going to be great working with Jonny and Devon and we’re all looking forward to the weekend.

“It’s too early to know where we stand, so we’re not making any predictions, but we’ll aim to do the very best we can and be as competitive as possible.”

Enjoying excellent support from an impressive portfolio of sponsors, headed by Oman Air for an eighth successive year, Ahmad is also backed in 2016 by the Ministry of Sports Affairs, the National Bank of Oman (NBO), Barr Al Jissah and Omantel.

Additionally, of course, Ahmad is continuing in his role as am-

bassador for Aston Martin Middle East and North Africa and, as such, retains strong links to the Al Hashar Group — the official dealer of Aston Martin in Oman.

“I’m very proud to again be supported by so many incredible sponsors and commercial partners, they are the reason we’re able to put the Oman Racing Team on the grid and be part of such an amazing championship”, added Ahmad.

“I’m going into this season more determined than ever and very hungry to succeed. One thing is for sure, we’ll be giving our very best as we always do.”

The opening ‘Bronze Test’ of the 2016 Blancpain Endurance Cup season will get underway at 0900 hours (local time) on Saturday, with free practice then following at 1100 and pre-qualifying beginning at 16.25.

On Sunday, final qualifying will take place at 0900 (local time) with the opening race of the season getting underway at 1500.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

SPORTS

Pollard steers Mumbai to six-wicket victory Rohit’s (62) innings and Kieron Pollard’s quick-fire unbeaten 19-ball 40 helped defending champions Mumbai Indians chased down Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 170 with ample ease

MUMBAI: Leading from the front, skipper Rohit Sharma smashed 62 off just 44 balls to guide Mumbai Indians to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Wankhede Stadium here on Wednesday.

Batting first, Bangalore managed 170/7 in 20 overs. Travis Head (37) was the top scorer for the side.

In reply, riding on Rohit’s innings and Kieron Pollard’s quickfire unbeaten 19-ball 39, defending champions Mumbai chased down the total easily as they posted 171/4 in 18 overs to bag their second win of the season.

Iqbal Abdulla (3-40) was the pick of the bowlers for Bangalore.

Chasing a challenging target of 171, Mumbai got off to a poor start, losing opener Parthiv Patel (5) in the second over itself.

But his opening partner Rohit Sharma and incoming Ambati Rayudu (31) held on to score at a good pace without losing any further wickets to score 51/1 after the

FULL OF AGGRESSION: Mumbai Indians batsman Kieron Pollard plays a shot during the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium. – BCCI

completion of the powerplay.

As Rayudu was looking set after striking five boundaries, offspinner Iqbal Abdulla scripted the much-needed breakthrough for the visitors, removing the righthanded batsman to put Mumbai at 82/2 in the 11th over.

The duo struck a 76-run partnership for the second wicket.

Despite the fall of wicket at the other end, skipper Rohit used his experience to best effect to bring up his half century in 38 balls and keep the hosts on course towards the run chase.

But Abdulla struck for the sec-

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ond time to dismiss Rohit in the 13th over to put Bangalore back into the game. Mumbai were 109/3 at his point of the game.

New batsmen Kieron Pollard and Jos Buttler (13) held on for a couple of overs before the latter gave his wicket away in the 16th over.

But Pollard, who failed to impress in earlier matches, came up with a quick-fire knock, smashing four boundaries and three sixes to steer his team to second victory in the IPL-9.

Earlier put into bat, the visitors got off to a flying start, scoring 49

for the loss of one wicket after the completion of powerplay.

K.L. Rahul took the initiative at the start, smashing two fours and two sixes for his 14-ball 23, but the right-handed batsman fell in the fourth over to the bowling of Mitchell McClenaghan to give Mumbai their first breakthrough.

But the wicket did not stop incoming batsman AB de Villiers (29) and opener Virat Kohli (33) from playing their natural game.

The duo, who in the previous season smashed an unbeaten 215-run partnership at this venue against the same opposition, made batting look simple, piling on boundaries and sneaking in with twos at regular intervals to bring up a 50-run partnership for the second wicket in just 35 balls and help the team post 89/1 in 10 overs.

But the 11th over of the Bangalore innings saw a big twist in the game as off-spinner Krunal Pandya dismissed in-form Kohli (caught at long-off ) followed by De Villiers (stumped) to bring Mumbai back into the game.

Bangalore, after the two quick blows, were reduced to 93/3.

Incoming batsman Shane Watson (5) too didn’t last long.

Trying to guide an outside off stump delivery to third man, he eventually got a thin edge which was grabbed well by wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel.Young Sarfaraz Khan (28) and Head held on to guide the team to 112/4 after the completion of 15 overs.

The right- and left-handed batting duo played sensibly to put up a much needed 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket in just 30 balls.

Jasprit Bumrah (3-31) and Krunal Pandya (2-27) were the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai.

Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 170/7 in 20 overs (Travis Head 37; Jasprit Bumrah 3-31, Krunal Pandya 2-27) lost to Mumbai Indians 171/4 in 18 overs (Rohit Sharma 62; Iqbal Abdulla 3-40). - IANS

IPL PREVIEW

ON A ROLL: Gujarat Lions would look to continue with their impressive winning run when they face Sunrisers. - BCCI

Red-hot Gujarat take on Hyderabad RAJKOT: Unbeaten in all the three games they have played so far in the tournament, Gujarat Lions would look to continue with their impressive winning run when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL match here on Thursday.

The Lions have been in red-hot form in their debut season with convincing wins in all the three games and they would seek to maintain a clean slate on Thursday at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

The home side will also be bolstered by the return of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja who did not play in the Lion’s seven-wicket thrashing of defending champions Mumbai Indians in Mumbai due to his wedding.

“Jadeja is all set to return to the team as all post marriage rituals got completed,” Lions team sources said.

The IPL debutants have won their two away matches against Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians. They also defeated Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Rising Pune Supergiants at home by seven wickets. Australian opener Aaron Finch, who has hit three fifties in three matches, will once again be the batting mainstay for the Lions.

Finch, who had to battle muscle cramp in Lions’ win against Mumbai, started the IPL season in sparkling touch, scoring 74, 50 and 67 not out.

On each occasion, he has been named the man of the match, only the second time in IPL history a player has won the award three consecutive times.

Kiwi hard hitter Brendon McCullum is yet to score a big one as his highest in three matches has been 49 against Rising Super Kings, and he would look to make his mark tomorrow.

Captain Suresh Raina is yet to capitalise on the starts he has got in the previous games and he can be expected to score big runs at home turf.

Dinesh Karthik, Dwayne Bravo and Jadeja would be handy in the batting front for the Lions.

The bowling attack has also been up to the task with Bravo, James Faulkner and Praveen Kumar doing well in the pace department while Jadeja’s return will bolster spin department which also has the likes of Pravin Tambe and Shadab Jakati.

Bravo has taken six wickets in three matches while Jadeja have four from the two matches he played. On the other hand, the Sunrisers have won just one match out of three games.

They scored a morale-boosting seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at home in their last match with skipper David Warn-

The Lions have been in red-hot form in their debut season with convincing wins in all the three games and they would seek to maintain a clean slate on Thursday at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium with Jadeja also set to return after his wedding er hitting an unbeaten 90 off just 59 balls. Warner can decimate a bowling attack on his day but his side’s batting line-up looked fragile in the absence of the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Kane Williamson, who both suffered injuries during the World T20, and with the horrible run of form of Shikhar Dhawan who has scored just 16 in three games. Yuvraj and Williamson are unlikely to be available for tomorrow’s match.

Yuvraj is not expected to be fit till early next week and the Sunrisers are badly missing his services. Moises Henriques, Deepak Hooda and Eoin Morgan are the other key batsmen in Sunrisers squad. In the absence of senior pacer Ashish Nehra, who sustained a groin strain in Sunrisers’ first match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Bhuvneswar Kumar and Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman would handle the new ball.

They would be supported by the likes of Moises Henriques and spinner Bipul Sharma.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: David Warner (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Moises Henriques, Deepak Hooda, Siddharth Kaul, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhimanyu Mithun, Eoin Morgan, Mustafizur Rahman, Ashish Reddy, Ricky Bhui, Bipul Sharma, Trent Bolt, Ben Cutting, Ashish Nehra, Naman Ojha, Vijay Shankar, Karn Sharma, Barinder Sran, T Suman, Aditya Tare, Kane Williamson and Yuvraj Singh.

Gujarat Lions: Suresh Raina (C), Dwayne Bravo, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Ravindra Jadeja, Sarabjit Ladda, Akshadeep Nath, Amit Mishra, Dinesh Karthik, Shivil Kaushik, Dhawal Kulkarni, Praveen Kumar, Brendon McCullum, Paras Dogra, Eklavya Dwivedi, Ishan Kishan, Shadab Jakati, Pradeep Sangwan, Jaydev Shah, Umang Sharma, Dwayne Smith, Dale Styne, Pravin Tambe and Andrew Tye. - PTI

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

C3

SPORTS Refs on Euro penalty area clean-up mission UEFA’s chief refereeing officer Collina said goal line technology would

FANJA, SUWAIQ, AL AROUBA WINS TAKE OPL TITLE RACE TO THE WIRE

Fanja, Suwaiq and Al Arouba recording contrasting victories on Wednesday to take the Omantel Professional League (OPL) title battle to the wire. In the 25th and penultimate week action, eight-time domestic league champions Fanja defeated Saham 2-0 and Suwaiq, who have three titles to their credit, edged Muscat 2-1. Both Fanja and Suwaiq now have 48 points each but the former sit on top thanks to their better goal average. Al Arouba, meanwhile, ensured the title race remains a three-way battle going into the final week action on April 24 with a 2-1 win over Sohar on Wednesday. Al Arouba now have 47 points. In the day’s other matches, Al Shabab routed Salalah 4-0, Al Musannah beat Al Nasr 2-0 and Dhofar won 3-2 against Al Khabourah. — ISMAIL AL FARSI/Times of Oman

allow the additional assistant referee to focus on what happens in the box

ENGHIEN-LES-BAINS: Putting attacking players between the defensive wall and the keeper at free-kicks will lead to any resulting goal being disallowed during Euro 2016 as referees aim to clamp down on penalty area infringements.

Speaking at a referees workshop before the finals in France starting in June, UEFA’s chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina said goal line technology would allow the additional assistant referee (AAR) to focus on what happens in the box.

Collina explained the reasons behind the decision at a news conference on Wednesday after meeting all the 24 national team coaches whose teams will play at the June 10-July 10 tournament to discuss the interpretation of the game’s rules.

“All of them 100 percent agreed with this interpretation (of the off-side rule),” the Italian said.

“Putting an attacking wall (between the defensive wall and the keeper) influences the goalkeeper’s ability to do his job.

“Normally they (the attacking players) try to go back to an onside position before the kick is taken but often they can’t manage it.

“What we agreed with all 24

NEW EVENT

‘PROACTIVE’: UEFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina during a workshop for referees of the

upcoming Euro 2016 soccer championships in Eaubonne, France. – Reuters

coaches in Paris (last month) is that if a team uses these tactics and the ball goes into the net the ‘goal’ will be disallowed because the goalkeeper’s vision is obstructed.”

Collina added that the referees, who have gathered on the outskirts of Paris for a four-day workshop ending on Thursday, had been instructed to be “proactive” in warning the players.

Technological help Referees will be greatly helped by goal line technology. “(Before the goal line technology) they would miss something in the penalty area because they

were not watching the penalty area but had already an eye on the goal line,” said Collina.

“With the goal line technology the additional assistant referee can really be focused on the rest of the area”, where shirt pulling and holding can be a problem.

“I have to say that in UEFA competitions the problem of holding and pulling has already been reduced, greatly diminished in the last seasons,” said Collina.

English referee Mark Clattenburg said: “Now with the goal line technology... to clear up the goal, the additional referee can concentrate more on the penalty area decisions, which are just as crucial

as the ball crossing the line.

“They both complement each other. With the instructions we’ve had we’ll be successful.”

Last weekend, holding and pulling in the area were a concern in Premier League leaders’ Leicester City’s 2-2 home draw against West Ham United and Clattenburg said the problem could be reduced if additional assistant referees were used.

“In our federation we don’t have the additional referees we have in UEFA competitions (where) it (holding and pulling) has been heavily reduced.”

“It’s a deterrent the players can see,” he said. - Reuters

OLYMPIC SOLIDARITY COURSE FOR SHOOTING COACHES BEGINS

The Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) launched the Olympic Solidarity course for shooting coaches at the OOC on Wednesday. The course was inaugurated under the auspices of Sheikh Mahfoudh bin Ali Al Juma, member of the Shura Council and Chairman of Oman Hockey Association (OHA) and in the presence of Lt. Col. Rashid bin Salim Al Balushi. The course, which runs till April 27, is being organised by the OOC’s Olympic Solidarity Committee under the supervision of the Olympic Solidarity of the International Olympic Committee. A total of 29 coaches of the Oman Shooting Association are taking part in the course, which is being conducted by Sinclair Bruce of Scotland. — Supplied photos

Oman Cricket likely to host Ramadan T10 tournament MUSCAT: Oman Cricket is planning to organise a T10 knockout tournament during the holy month of Ramadan.

According to officials of some teams, the Sultanate’s cricket body has communicated to the teams saying ‘Oman Cricket is pleased to announce that it proposes to conduct the first ever ten-overs-aside Ramadan floodlight knockout cricket tournament’.

The Ministry of Sports Affairs turf ground will be the venue for the proposed tournament.

The tournament is open for all teams registered with Oman Cricket for 2015-16 season and its players who have played with the

corresponding teams, the communique added.

According to the official communique, the tournament is scheduled to start on June 5 and conclude on June 26. Matches will be played on five days of the week, except on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

For the 32-team tournament, the entries will be accepted on on first come first serve basis.

The last date for registration of teams is May 20 and the individual players can also register till May 25. The participating teams will be divided into two groups of 16 teams each and the the knockout matches will see each group winners competing in the final.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

SPORTS Bolt eyes triple ‘threepeat’ and sub-19 200m in Rio Olympics Usain Bolt has already swept the 100 and 200m sprints at the last two Olympics and added gold in the 4x100 relays in both Beijing (2008) and London (2012) with his Jamaican team mates

NEW YORK: Sprint king Usain Bolt aims to crown his legacy with an unprecedented Olympic threepeat at the Rio Games, and to top that off by running the first ever sub-19 seconds 200 meters.

The long-striding Jamaican suggested he might not stop there, leaving open the chance he could extend his career beyond the 2017 season he has said would be his last.

Bolt has already swept the 100 and 200m sprints at the last two Olympics and added gold in the 4x100 relays in both Beijing (2008) and London (2012) with his Jamaican team mates.

“Just to defend my titles, to do the threepeat. That’s my main goal.

That’s my main focus,” Bolt told Reuters on Tuesday after helping

BIG HOPE: Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt poses during a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the flagship “Hublot” store on

Fifth Avenue in the Manhattan borough of New York. – Reuters

sponsors Hublot open their biggest U.S. fine watch store with a grand opening on Fifth Avenue.

“My secondary goal is to try and run sub-19,” added Bolt, who set the world 200m record of 19.19 in 2009. “That’s something I really want and I hope that everything goes smoothly and I can get it. That

would be a big step for me.”

Bolt said he has been gradually rounding into shape after dealing with ankle problems. “I’m feeling OK,” he said. “My coach says my fitness is not exactly where he wants it to be. Starting out this season I had a problem with my ankles and it was a setback but not that bad. We’re get-

ting back on track and he’s happy with the progress I’m making.”

Bolt said he would ramp up his preparations carefully so he can end his Olympic career with a flourish. “I really want to be at my best leading up to the championships. I have two months before (Jamaican) trials and three and a

half months before the championships,” he said.

“I’ll keep pushing myself and hopefully everything smoothes out and I’ll be at my best when the Olympics comes around.”

Bolt said he would run his first race in Cayman, then in Ostrava and then to his coach’s June meet

in Jamaica before the trials and then on to the Diamond League meeting in London.

The 29-year-old said his coach, Glen Mills, wanted him to leave the retirement door open.

“Coach says I shouldn’t say I want to retire just yet, I should focus on the year and see how I feel after the (2017) world championships (in London),” said the sixtime Olympic gold medallist.

“And if I still feel like I want to retire, I should. But he says to give it a chance, because I think my coach is pushing for me to go a few more years. We’ll see what happens,” he added.

“Personally, I don’t really want to continue for years and years because it’s getting hard. I have to sacrifice more and more. It takes up so much of your time.”

In any event, Bolt said he would not treat 2017 like a farewell tour.

“I’m never going to come out and joke or be a joke in a season. I’m a winner. I believe in winning. I hate to lose. I will never come out and say it is a farewell tour. I will want to compete at my best, go to the championships and win again.”

As for the legacy he hoped to leave the sport he has dominated for eight years, Bolt spoke about another Hublot spokesman, 75-year-old soccer great Pele.

“I met Pele today. For me, it was a dream come true,” Bolt said. “I’ve always said I want to be the greatest. I want to be like Pele and Ali and all those guys.

“I want to be great. I want to be remembered as one of the greatest that have ever done the sport.” - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Neymar under scrutiny as Barca stutters BARCELONA: Barcelona forward Neymar finds himself at the centre of unwanted media attention in Spain as his struggling team’s promising season threatens to unravel after a run of defeats.

The Brazilian has not scored in his last five games and is being portrayed as one of the reasons for Barca’s woes after three straight La Liga losses has seen them caught by Atletico Madrid, who have also knocked them out of the Champions League.

Barcelona-based newspaper La Vanguardia this week focused on the 24-year-old’s conduct off the pitch, particularly his “trips away, parties at unadvisable times and commercial commitments”. He visited Brazil in March for his sister’s birthday party.

TV programme ‘El Dia Despues (The Day After) on Tuesday showed Neymar arguing with Jordi Ala during Sunday’s home defeat by Valencia after the defender chose not to pass to him. Camera footage showed Neymar appearing to swear at his team mate.

Barcelona play Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday looking

BAD RUN: Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar puts his head against the goal post during the Spanish league football match against Valencia CF at the Camp Nou stadium. – AFP

to get their title bid back on track with the cover of newspaper Mundo Deportivo focusing on Neymar, pictured between Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, below the headline ‘This cannot go on’.

The focus on Neymar comes at a time when his future at Barcelona is unclear. The Brazilian is negotiating a new contract, although newspaper reports say Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain are trying to tempt him away. Barca vice president Jordi Mestre has denied that the club

has any intention of selling Neymar, who came third in the FIFA Ballon d’Or awards behind Messi and Ronaldo in January.

“We are delighted with Neymar and he is not for sale. It’s not even crossed our minds,” Mestre told Barca TV on Tuesday. “We are absolutely satisfied with his performances and his behaviour.”

Another bone of contention between Barcelona and Neymar is his willingness to play for Brazil in the Centenary Copa America in June and the Olympic Games in

Rio de Janeiro in August.

Mestre made it clear the club only want Neymar to play in one of the tournaments.

“We can’t prevent him from playing in a FIFA competition, but we recommend that he only plays one competition because he has played a lot of games,” he said.

“The seasons are long and tough and we believe he should rest, but it’s a decision he has to make with the coaches. We’ve made the recommendation we feel is best for everyone.” - Reuters

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

Culture WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Story: T.A. Ameerudheen

ADIL

Photography: Shabin E

HUSSAIN,

T

hose who watched Ang Lee’s critically acclaimed 2012 Hollywood flick, Life of Pi, would never forget Santosh Patel, the father of the protagonist, Pi Patel, and the owner of a zoo in Pondicherry in India.

Adil Hussain, still cherishes the role that earned him appreciation from around the world. “It was great opportunity to work in an Ang Lee movie. He is a serious director who makes movies only when he wants to tell a story,” Adil said.

The versatile actor also spoke about his association with theatre, differences between acting in a drama and film, among many other things, in a freewheeling interview, a day after completing the shoot of his new Malayalam movie, Naval Enna Jewel, in Muscat last week.

THE QUINTESSENTIAL THEATRE PERSONALITY, MADE A LATE ENTRY INTO

Excerpts Life of Pi gave you international acclaim.

How was your experience of working with Ang Lee? I was fascinated by Ang Lee’s humble, soft-spoken attitude. World knows him as an Oscar winning director, but no one will notice his presence on the sets. He sits silently on one corner and never shouts at his colleagues. I haven’t seen a director like him.

THE FILM WORLD, BUT IT DIDN’T DETER HIM

You are known as a theatre personality.

How difficult it is to act in movies?

The culture of theatre is sacred, where actors rehearse for many days to make their roles perfect.

But films have a different character. I was confused when I entered the set for my debut movie.

I couldn’t concentrate as it was quite noisy. Even the sound of the clap between the scenes made me uncomfortable.

FROM CARVING A NICHE FOR HIMSELF IN HOLLYWOOD, BOLLYWOOD, AND OTHER INDIAN REGIONAL LANGUAGE MOVIES.

ADIL HUSSAIN The Versatile Actor

ADIL HUSSAIN’S MOVIES Hindi Kaminey, Ishqiya, Agent Vinod, English Vinglish, Lootera, Boyss Toh Boyss Hain, Kaanchi: The Unbreakable, The Xposé, Zed Plus, Ahaan, Zahhak, Angry Indian Goddesses, Umrika English For Real, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Life of Pi, Lessons in Forgetting, Tigers, RN Gupta, Main Aur Charles, Jai Ho Democracy, Unfreedom, White Lies, Feast of Varanasi, Nanak Shah Fakir, Mantra Bengali Gangor Upin, Har Har Byomkesh Assamese Raag: The Rhythm of Love, Sringkhal, Rodor Sithi Tamil Yatchan Marathi Sunrise Malayalam Naval Enna Jewel

What are the major differences between acting in a play and a movie?

Filming is based on the location. The last scene may be shot first while the first one may be shot last. Everything is arranged during the editing stage. But drama follows a proper order, from beginning to end. Proximity is another important factor. I know the position of the audience in theatre, and I know how much is too much, and how low is too less. Proximity still confuses me in the movies.

You have acted in Indian and foreign language movies. How different is the experience?

Foreign language movies, especially Hollywood films, are well organised. Movie makers provide the script well in advance. It gives actors enough preparation time. It doesn’t happen in most of the Indian movies. The work culture needs to change.

Which are the movies that gave you satisfaction?

I got challenging roles in Partho-Sen Gupta’s Marathi movie, Sunrise, and Budhayan Mukherjee’s Hindi movie, The Violin Player. Gauri Shinde’s comedy-drama film, English Vinglish, too made me feel proud. But I believe that I haven’t done the best role of my career yet. I am waiting for the role that will explore the complexities of human being.

How is it possible to balance between commercial movies and theatre?

Recently, I acted in a movie, Mukti Bhavana (Salvation Home), directed by young and talented Subashish. It delves into a complicated father-son relationship. When I read the script, I wanted to do it. But the director told me that they were making it on a shoe-string budget. I didn’t pull off from the project. The gruelling 30-day schedule was a nice experience. I have high hopes for the movie, which will be screened in the 73rd Venice Film Festival.

I could afford to act in it, as I earn enough from big budget films. For example, I will act in Robot – 2 (South Indian film icon Rajnikant-starrer), and Force -2 (Bollywood hero John Abraham-starrer) to make money.

How did you fall in love with acting?

Two stand-up comedians used to perform near our home in Assam when I was just four-years old. They imitated Bollywood stars. I looked at them with respect, and I began to imitate them. When I was enrolled in kindergarten, the teacher picked me to act in a 30-minute play, Capmaker and the Sailor. Later, I got good roles in school and college plays. And it drove me to the National School of Drama, the premier drama school in India.

You teach acting at India’s reputed National School of Drama. What are the traits of a good actor?

Passion for acting is important. A good actor should be curious, should lend an ear to others, and see the world through others. Craft is another important factor. Actors should learn the connection between breath and emotions.

–ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

C6

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

PRAYER TIMINGS

@MGM

The Jungle Book (2D) (Adventure /Drama/ Family) –PG Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba 3.30, 9.30 PM Laal Rang (Action / Thriller) –PG12 Cast: Randeep Hudda, Piaa Bajpai 6.30, 11.45 PM

@ RUWI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI The Huntsman: Winter’s War – (3D) (Action | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 3:15, 5:00, 9:15 & 11:30PM Precious Cargo – (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani 3:00, 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30PM Demolition (2D) (Comedy | Drama) (12+) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts 4:45, 6:45PM Cabin Fever (2D) (Horror) (18+) Cast: Gage Golightly, Matthew Daddario 11:45PM Fan (Hindi| Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 8:45PM The Jungle Book - (3D) Drama| Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:00, 5:30 &7:15PM

MUSCAT GRAND MALL The Huntsman: Winter’s War – 3D (PG12) Action| Adventure | Drama Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 12:30, 7:30, 11:30 PM Gold Class – 5:00 PM Precious Cargo – 2D (12+) Action Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani 5:45, 9:45, 11:45 PM Gold Class – 3:15, 9:15, 11:15 PM The Jungle Book – 3D (PG) Adventure | Drama| Family Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 6:45 PM Gold Class – 7:15 PM Fan – 2D (PG12) Hindi| Thriller Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 2:45, 8:45 PM

Demolition (2D) (Comedy | Drama) (12+) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts 4:45, 6:45PM

PANORAMA MALL The Huntsman: Winter’s War – (3D) (Action | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 3:45, 6:00 &11:30PM Precious Cargo – (2D) (Action) (12+) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani, 3:00, 4:45 & 11:30PM Precious Cargo – (2D) (Action) (12+) 2:30, 9:30 & 11:15PM The Ones Below – (2D) (Thriller) (15+) Cast: Clémence Poésy, David Morrissey 4:15 & 11:45PM Fan - (Hindi| Thriller) - VIP LOUNGE (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 8:30PM Fan (Hindi| Thriller) (PG12) 6:00, 8:15 & 11:15PM The Jungle Book – (3D) (Adventure | Drama| Family) (PG) - VIP LOUNGE Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 6:30PM The Jungle Book (MX4D) (Adventure) (PG) 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 & 9:30PM

Precious Cargo – 2D (12+) Action Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani 5:45, 9:45, 11:45 PM Gold Class – 3:15, 9:15, 11:15 PM

Laal Rang (Action / Thriller) –PG12 Cast: Randeep Hudda, Piaa Bajpai 2.30, 9.05, 11.45 PM

The Jungle Book - (3D) Adventure | Drama| Family) (PG) 3:15, 5:15 & 7:15PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (3D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 9:00PM

Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu 6:00 PM Sarrainodu (Telugu) (2D) (Action) (TBC) Cast: Allu Arjun / Rakul Preet Singh 8:30 PM

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

0

MOHAMMED ALI AAZ April 21, 2015

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

06:00

Marmul

16:30

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

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

11.45 13.30 14.00

RAVIKANTH BHAT April 21, 2011

0

BHAGYASREE SURESH April 22

ABHINAV M. BHARADWAJ April 21, 2006

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

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204) Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Kali (Mal) (Comedy & Drama) Cast: Dulquar Salmaan & Sai Pallavi 3:00, 6:30 & 10:00 PM Cinema Main From Friday: 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00 PM Cinema Main \ 3:30 Cinema-2 Vetrivel (Tamil) (Action\Comedy) Cast: M. Sasi Kumar & Miya George 9:45 PM Cinema -3 From Friday: 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -4 Theri (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Vijay & Samantha 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema -2 From Friday: 6:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema-2 Fan (Hindi) (Action\Drama) Cast: Shahrukh Khan & IIeana Dcruz 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -4 Maheshinte Prathikaram ( Mal) ( Comedy) Cast: Fahad Faasil &Anusree 3:45 & 6:45 PM Cinema -3 From Friday: Sarrainodo (Telugu) (Action & Drama) Cast: Allu Arjun & Rakul Preet Singh 1:30 PM Cinema Main \ 3:45 ,6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema-3\ Programmes are subject to change

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

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

08:40 11:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Nizwa Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 06:00

STAR CINEMA

Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

10:25

The Huntsman: Winter’s War (Action) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 4.00, 8.00, 10.00, & 11.55 PM CP No: 1105 (PG12) Cabin Fever (Horror) Cast: Gage Golightly, Matthew Daddario 4.30 & 11.55 PM CP No: 1106 (18+) Demolition (Comedy / Drama) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Chris Cooper 2.00 & 6.00 PM CP No: 1107 (12+) Fan (Hindi) (Drama / Thriller) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Waluscha De Souza 2.00, 6.30, & 9.15 PM CP No: 1100 (PG12)

WITH LOVE

DEVASHREE SIJUMON April 22, 2013

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Ruwi

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

07:00

BAHJA CINEMA

75-40%

36 27 Minimum

SALALAH The Jungle Book (3D) (PG) (Adventure ) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 6:30PM The Huntsman: Winter’s War (3D) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron 2:00, 6:00, 11:30PM Fan (2D) (PG12) (Thriller) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 7:00, 8:15, 11:15PM Demolition (2D) (12+) (Comedy Drama) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts 5:00PM Precious Cargo (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani, John Brotherton 12:15, 3:15, 10:00, 11:55PM The Ones below (2D) (15+) (Thriller) Cast: Clémence Poésy, David Morrissey, Stephen Campbell Moore 1:30, 4:15PM Kali (2D) (12+) (Mal) (Romantic | Thriller) Cast: Dulquer Salmaan and Sai Pallavi 8:30PM

WITH LOVE

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

BURAIMI Fan PG12 (Hindi, Thriller) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 3:00, 8:30 PM. The Jungle Book (3D) PG Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:30, 5:30, 7:30PM Cabin Fever 18+ (Horror) Cast: Gage Golightly, Matthew Daddario, Samuel Davis 11:45PM The Huntsman: Winter’s War PG12 (Action) Cast : Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 4:30, 9:30, 11:30PM Precious Cargo 12+ (Action) Cast : Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani 2:45, 6:30, 11:30 PM The Ones Below 15 + (Thriller) Cast: Clémence Poésy, David Morrissey 5:45, 9:45PM Kali 12+ (Malayalam) Romantic | Thriller Cast: Dulquer Salmaan and Sai Pallavi 7:30PM

SOHAR The Huntsman: Winter’s War – 3D (Action, Adventure, Drama) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron 3:45, 6:15, 11:30PM Precious Cargo– 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani, John Brotherton 3:15, 6:45, 9:15, 11:30 PM The Ones Below– 2D (Thriller) (15+) Cast: Clémence Poésy, David Morrissey, Stephen Campbell Moore 5:00, 11:45 PM The Jungle Book – 3D (Adventure, Drama, Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:15, 5:15, 7:15PM Fan-2D (Crime, Drama, Thriller) (PG12) 3:00, 8:30, 11:30PM Theri – 2D (Romance, Comedy) (12+) Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu 6:30PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Kali – 2D (Romantic, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salmaan & Sai Pallavi 9:30PM

SUR Precious Cargo (Action) (12+) Cast: Bruce Wiilis, Claire Forlani, John Brotherton 3:00, 5:30, 11:45 PM The Huntsman: Winter’s War (Action | Adventure | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron 3:30, 9:30, 11:45 PM Fan (Hindi | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi, Mariola Jaworska 8:45 PM The Jungle Book 3D (Adventure | Drama | Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley.

4:45, 6:45 PM Kali (Mal) (Romance | Thriller) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salman, Sai Pallavi 7:15 PM.

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

RUWI Screen 1 Laal Rang (Action / Thriller) –PG12 Cast: Randeep Hudda, Piaa Bajpai 2.30 PM Fan (Thriller) –PG12 Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi, Mariola Jaworska 5.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM Screen 2 Fan (Thriller) –PG12 Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 2.30 PM The Jungle Book (2D) (Adventure /Drama/ Family) –PG Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba 5.15, 7.10 PM Laal Rang (Action / Thriller) –PG12 Cast: Randeep Hudda, Piaa Bajpai 9.05, 11.45 PM Screen 3

AZAIBA The Huntsman: Winter’s War (3D) (Action |Adventure | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 3:15, 11:45 PM The Jungle Book (3D) (Adventure|Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 11:30 PM Fan (2D) (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 2:30, 5:30, 8.30, 11:15 PM Laal Rang (2D) (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Randeep Hooda, Piaa Bajpai 3:30, 9:00, 11:30 PM Kali (Mal) (2D) (Romance | Thriller) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salmaan and Sai Pallavi 6:15, 9:15 PM Theri (Tamil) (2D) (Comedy | Action) (12+)

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.11pm 3.37pm 6.36pm 7.49pm 4.22am

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

@ SHATTI

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 International Hospital, Al Ghubra 22004000, 94267068/97049520 Al Hayat Clinic, Al Hail 22009455

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, APRIL 21, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE BUY

WEEKEND UPDATE

WATCH

Demolition

Sunglasses

In theatres now

To shield harsh summer rays

Scan to buy tickets

Scan for details

DO

LISTEN

The Strangers We Meet

H

ave you ever been mistaken for someone else?

It can be very embarrassing. Only last week, a man waved at me as I was coming out of a shop. I could not recognise him and he squeezed my hand warmly as we shook hands.

I could see that he knew I was not the person he thought I was.

But we exchanged a few compliments. I asked him how he was doing. “I am doing alright, no complaints,” he said.

There must have been a puzzled look on my face, which perhaps begged him to explain further.

“You know,” he looked right into my eyes, “you begin with many expectations…” He let the sentence trail away, then I filled the blanks and said, “but we have learned to be content with what we have.”

He broke into a smile and agreed without saying a word. As I was driving off, I found myself thinking about what he had said to me, I realised, with some surprise, that the man, in less than a minute, had told me a story of his life! As a matter of fact, he spoke for millions around the world who sought a similar path only to realise much later that they have always been on it.

When we look ourselves in the mirror we see a face that asks, “have we arrived there yet?”

I wonder when did he realise that he has always been where he needed to be. When our expectations and dreams know no bounds it becomes easy to write off all the achievements in the past. The light comes in one spontaneous moment which, if you are lucky, brightens up what appeared to have been lost but was always with you.

A fellow journalist once

shared an invaluable lesson with me. “If you think that you still have not reached your full potential, then write yourself a brief autobiography,” he said, “you will find out you have already done so and you have been hard on yourself for nothing.”

You don’t have to be a literary genius, but a brief sketch, in the same way you do a biodata, is enough to reflect back. It is amazing how we like to look at the past critically and the future with great hope. Perhaps, in doing so, we miss much of the pleasures of the present.

There’s a simple philosophy that says, “what we had, what we have, and what we are going to have is the same thing.”

One British tycoon was once quoted by newspapers saying, “we only need three meals a day and one bed to sleep in the night.”

He said those words when he was asked what his reaction for losing a lucrative contract was. What he was really saying was that three meals and a bed are something we work for and need all the time. Again, you don’t have to be a millionaire to work that out.

SALEH AL SHAIBANY

SO TO SPEAK

IN BRIEF

Crossfit

Lush Life

At CrossFit Tempo in Al Khoud

By Zara Larsson

Scan for details

Scan to watch the video

Singer Swagatalakshmi to perform in Muscat RENOWNED Bengali singer and exponent of Rabindra Sangeet, Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta, will perform in Muscat at Al Falaj auditorium on April 22 (Friday), during the annual cultural festival of the Oman Chapter of Jadavpur University Alumni Association.

Swagatalakshmi has touched

the hearts of music lovers across the globe.

The cultural festival, Sanskriti 2016, will begin at 7.30pm with Manoj Mitra’s one-act play, Shotyi Bhuter Golpo, performed by the association members.

Email jualumnioman@gmail.com to get your invitation.

C8

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

LIFESTYLE

Pottery to Light Up Their Lives T he Omar Bin Al Khattab Institute for the Blind in Al Khoud has opened a new facility to train visually challenged students the art of pottery. The workshop is funded by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).

PDO will also extend its support in the sales and marketing of the products. According to Moza Al Kindi, Deputy Director of the Omar bin Khattab Institute for the Blind, the institute is committed to ensuring the educational and training needs of the visually challenged and raising their economic and social status. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The workshop will enable them to learn a new skill which they can use to generate income,â&#x20AC;? she said.

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

VACANCY

D2

CARGO

D7

AT STALL

N.O: 1629 Printers, Laptops & PC’s, CD’s, DVD’s & Flash Drives & Cartridges

All HP, Epson, Canon, Lexmark, Samsung Cartridges also available.

Ruwi: 24 792 792 Sohar: 2684 2420

GOOD PRICE!!!

COMEX 2016 VISIT US

GOOD PRICE!!!

D4

GOOD PRICE!!!

Available on very GOOD prices

GOOD PRICE!!!

GOOD PRICE!!!

GOOD PRICE!!!

RENT

GOOD PRICE!!!

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

GOOD PRICE!!!

*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, A P R I L 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

Top Finish New- Res-5 apartments- 2 bhk/maid room 550/450, 3 bhk- 550, 1 BHK-350 2. Al Kuwair New 3 bhk, posh. Kit.fur,s.pool-700, 3 bhk +maid,ind.villa-650/3. Wadi Kabir 1/2 bhk-250/300/350 4. Al Kodh Villa 5 Bhk- Compounded 550/5. Qurum(Comm) Sama Center-Brand New 114/122/129 sq.mt 6. Azaiba (Comm) 'h dĞĐŚ ďůĚŶŐͲ ͘ ͬ͘ŇŽŽƌŝŶŐͬĐĞŝůŝŶŐ

FOR RENT

1. Qurum

Tel: 24571962/63 Mob: 94289050/ 95495281 Email: samain009@yahoo.com

DĂĚŝŶĂƚ ^ƵůƚĂŶ YĂƐ ͗^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵͬKĸĐĞ Ăƚ 'ƌŽƵŶĚ &ůŽŽƌ͕ ϯϰϬ ^Ƌ Mtr. Facing main Road HAR Complex MSQ : 2,3-BHK Flats and 2 & 3 BHK villas with

ͬ ͕ĐĂƌ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ͕ ^ǁŝŵŵŝŶŐ WŽŽů ;'ĂƚĞĚ ŽŵƉůĞdžͿ Qurum : 6 BHK villa with garden, split Acs, shaded car parks, servant rooms DĂďĞůůĂ ͗ Ϯ ,< &ůĂƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ;ďƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐͿ Darsait : 1 & 2-BHK Flats with AC & Shop Ruwi : 2-BHK & 3-BHK Flats and shops Al Amerat : 2 & 3-BHK Flat , 3 & 4-BHK Villa with A/C

For viewing please call 99466729, 99316410, 92841690, 91313271, 24694088 or email us on :hartc@omantel.net.om

*Tourist visa arranged

FOR RENT

Quality Warehouses for rent at Mizfa 550 sqm to 3400 sqm.

IN RUWI 1 BHK – SPILT A/C, BUILT IN WARDROBE &CENTRALIZED GAS. SPACIOUS 2 BHK.

Contact : 990 49 722

Contact 99332291 / 96046951

3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent.

18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi.

Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use. OMR 295/- month.

Call 94477222 Villa for rent 8 big room, 7 toilets, big hall, Kitchen & store Al Khoud.

Contact: 91153933

Villa for rent, big hall, 4 room, 5 toilets, kitchen, store living room in Ghubra OMR 650/-.

Contact: 91153933 Villa for rent room, toilet, hall, kitchen, store with furniture water & electricity included Bowsher OMR 300/-. Contact: 91153933 Warehouse for rent at Ghala Ind. Area. 800 & 2500 approx sqms Near Hotel Al-Madinah Holiday, Ghala. Container can enter. Immediate access to roads & highways.

Contact : 94583320 1, 2. 3.BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 4 BHK villa in Azaiba.

Contact 99792181

1 BHK in Azaiba. Contact: 99385835 / 99428143

ϭͿ ϭϱϮ DϮ ǁŝƚŚ ƌĞĐĞƉƟ ŽŶ͕ ϭ 'D Kĸ ĐĞ͕ Ϯ ŵĞĞƟ ŶŐ ƌŽŽŵƐ͕ Ϯϲ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ƐƚĂƟ ŽŶƐ͕ ƉĂŶƚƌLJ͕ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟ ŽŶ͘ ϮͿ ϭϯϮ DϮ ǁŝƚŚ ƌĞĐĞƉƟ ŽŶ͕ ϳ Žĸ ĐĞƐ͕ ϲ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ƐƚĂƟ ŽŶƐ͕ ϭ ĐŽŶĨĞƌĞŶĐĞ ƌŽŽŵ͕ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟ ŽŶ͘

Flats in Qurum. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ Ͳ ϵϵϰϲϵϲϵϴ

Villa for rent, 4 rooms, big hall, 6 toilets, big living room, kitchen & store Bousher 750/-OMR. Contact: 91153933 Room for rent big room, toilet, washing place including water & electricity Bowsher OMR 200/-.

Contact: 91153933

Two modern fully furnished & ĞƋƵŝƉƉĞĚ Žĸ ĐĞƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨŽƌ ƌĞŶƚ Ăƚ :ĂƐŵŝŶĞ ŽŵƉůĞdž ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ͗

Flat in Wadi Al Kabir 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 family hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms. Contact: 99277787

Room for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis hotel, very big. R.O 180/-.

Contact: 95724975

200 & 300 sqr mtrs office space in MBD (Ruwi). Contact 99792181

2BHK at Mawaleh near Sadiq Al Amin Mosque.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

Villa for rent in Al Mawaleh behind Al Tawfeer Super market nr Al Mawaleh facilities - 7 spacious bedrooms, 7 toilets, 1 big hall, 1 family hall, 1 kitchen & parking, rent 800/-negotiable.

Contact: 92885889 / 95031133 Office for rent. Contact: 99355330

2 BHK Office space in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 Flat for rent in South Mabela.

Contact: 95331177 / 95230355 2BHK spacious flat with 3 toilets in Ruwi, Mumtaz area.

Contact: 95110215 / 92862290 7 rooms villa attach bath at Azaiba 18th November Road.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact – 97007934 / 92609232 Office space small in Azaiba.

Contact: 99428143

7 B/R en-suite villa for rent/lease with ac, 1100 OMR per month, location: al khuwair opp. safeer plaza hotel. Contact : 93389107 Brand new double bed room flats with two and three toilets, split ac, elevators available at Al Khoudh next to Al koudh health center.

Contact 99022675 Available for Rent one Room with Bathroom and Kitchen in Al Khuwair (near Sagar Polyclinic), suitable for Executive Bachelors or Couples. Contact 99225008 Flat for rent in Ruwi, Mumtaz area 2 bedrooms. Contact: 24291500 / 91409667

1000 sqmtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc.

Contact 24700120 / 92584715 Flat for rent in Wadi Kabeer near India Primary School 2B & 1K. Contact: 92222922 1000 sqm Industrial space with office and accommodation, near Grand Mosque, Ghala.

Contact: 99364938 2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 1BHK at Hamriya near Muscat Pharmacy & 2 BHK at Mawaleh near Mosque Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Dar sate Tel : 00 968 95158570 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Villa for rent Al Zahiya Muttrah, 5 rooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen & big compound. Contact: 91163611

Offices & Showrooms in Mutrah.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688

New flat at Al Wadi Al Kabir.

Contact: 96130797 / 92130703

Duplex villa in QURUM 29.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688

2 B, 1Bathroom & 1K in Al Azaiba (Behind Zubair Showroom).

RO340/- Call: 98989054

Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346

Ware houses in Hay Aseem Barka, 11000 m2 near round about new Beach road at Al Khoud location open store with office.

Contact 92959129

2BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi. Contact: 99269751

Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Offices in Ghala. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Shops / flats available in Honda Road, Ruwi & Mabellah Industrial area. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448

Flats, shops and store for rent in Ruwi, MBD & Mumtaz. Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 New building Wattayah main road, showroom & office space.

Contact 94300909 2BHK flat shops / ware house space available for rent behind new ROP building at Honda road.

Contact 91165807 2 BHK / 1BHK near Machi Market Ruwi. R.O 200/- & 225/-.

Contact: 99354771 Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569

T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

MV SALE 2BHK Wadi Kabir R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045

Skip loader Hino 1999 model.

Contact: 99441640

FOR SALE

Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580

HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278

New Rent house in Mabela.

Contact: 99880841/96053220 1 BHK near Medical Darsait R.O 170/-. Contact: 95076261 2,200 sq mtr factory area & 800 sq mtr store with 8 accommodation rooms and 10 office cabins available for rent in Barka industrial area. Contact 91398381 / 80 / 78, email - agsan2005@gmail.com 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241 Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street. OMR 330 Monthly.

Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/in AL Khuwair. Contact 95154331 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 3BHK in Qurum P.D.O high 350/Monthly. Contact: 99342661 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. contact 99342661 Four bedroom two floors luxurious and spacious residential villa in Al Hail North, near to the sea and Oman oil. Each room has its own bathroom. It has splits A/C’s and shaded car park. OMR 750 monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

New flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes, 1 living room, 2 bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets, every rooms with split A/C high quality finishing rent per flat is R.O 340/- .

Interested candidates please Contact 00968 92225523

FOR SALE 20 x40 containers. Contact: 99354909

FOR SALE 1100.00 m2 com. & Res. plot at heart of Ruwi. Contact: 93666944 Excavator Volvo 240 & Hydraulic Hammers. Contact: 99209427 Fork lift Caterpillar (tool carrier cat it 28 f) oxy / PDO certified with excellent condition for sale.

Contact details: gsm: 99332937, land ph: 24446535 Shop for sale in Mabela Sanayya-3 suitable for any business.

Contact : 96653000 2012 S350L AMG Mercedes special order 62500 KM asking 21800 Tel: 99423189 Pharmacy in prime location in Muttrah Souq. Contact: 95803883 Dental Clinic for sale in Seeb.

Contact: 96373097 / 92882209 Coffee shop for sale in Al Khuwair 33. Contact: 92994415 Villas in Al Khoud.#95056808 / 97201688

Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Rooms available with Kitchen facility at Ruwi. Contact: 91214897

Single room B/K sharing Mumtaz area. Contact: 95212017

Sharing accommodation near ISD. Contact: 99657340

Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested pleasecontact 92680041 Mr. Altaf

Sharing bachelors accommodation available in Rex Road, Ruwi.

Contact 94442157 Sharing accommodation one attached hall, small kitchen, A/C, Internet R.O 140/- E& W at Al Khuwair. Contact: 99382008 Single room available near Darsait Lulu. Contact: 92120626 Furnished flat near ABA American School near Madinat Qaboos Rent R.O 650/- P.M. Contact : 99335100 Furnished single room available for Executive bachelor or small family in Walja near Honda Road Ruwi. Contact 99016546

Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. # 92881849 / What`s up No 97290565

Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794

Furniture and other treatment items for Ayurvedic clinic.

Contact 97986525

Separate entrance furnished bedroom with attached bath and kitchen for Executive bachelor in a villa opp. Star Cinema.

Contact: 99314807

A well running pharmacy for sale at prime location. contact 99627621, 93240949 Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430 Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2.

OMR 165 Thousand. # 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 97167857

ACC. AVAILABLE

Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 95056808 / 97201688

Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos can be sent 95865457

Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. CONTACT 96202458/96761960

Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 93049849

Big room available with AC, toilet, Kitchen at Al Hail Highway roadside preferred south Indians.

Contact: 92968292

Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale. Contact 99273774/ 99202278

ACC. AVAILABLE

Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90.

Contact 96524717

ACC WANTED Wanted one room. # 98026234 Looking for a villa in Amerat area.

Contact : 95405033

Honda CRV, 2015, white, expat lady driven, 9000 kms, No.2 expected price 10500.

Contact: 99330509

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

WANTED

Nissan Pathfinder 2012 model.

Contact: 99467005 / 92552328 Forklift caterpillar 5 ton, 2006 model. Contact: 99467005 / 92552328

30 yrs, Kottayam working in Saud Bahwan Automotive L.L.C Oman.

Contact: 93049433 / 99613914

Hyundai Veracruz 2011 model for sale, 4 WD color black 7 seater with engine capacity 3775CC, automatic – Steptronic with GPS. Contact 97203784

Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman.

Contact 968 98267338, 0091 9287215726

Nissan sunny, year 2000, km 190k, expat lady driven in good condition, RO 700 negotiable.

Suzuki alto, year 2008, km 127k, expat driven in good condition RO 600 negotiable. Call or whatsapp immediately 968-98898273

NRI

INDIAN RAILWAYS

FOR LADIES

Ticket Reservation Hotel & Bus Tickets

Star Travel 92820665 / 24711734 1 B/R - 890 S.FT fully furnished flat at Best Western Quepem.

Contact: 97094797

DRIVING

BUYING Buying cars for cash.# 90202090

MANPOWER

FOR HIRE Crane trailer, hiab. Contact: 99354909

Small old house for rent in Al Ghoubra. Contact : 97165972

FH Volvo 40 feet flat trailor available for rent. Contact: 95120774

Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan village.

Contact 93687466

For rent Backhoe Loader Volvo BL71 long term. Contact: 99257975 Quality concept trading LLC Crane rental daily monthly cranes available for rent at attractive prizes Contact: 92870992

Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact 96059801.

Nair boy Alleppy dist, 25 Revathy 175 Cm, B.E Mech 3 yrs in Oman as planning Engineer seeks alliance.

Contact: 94232342

IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

Tamil Hindu Brahmin Iyer/boy, parents invite proposal for their only son 25 yrs / 6.1 ht / B.Tech (NIT), MBA (IIM), EX- ISM student, employed MNC Bangalore star Uttira Thdhi seeks suitable alliance fom Iyer/Iyebger families.

Parents in Oman Contact: 98288925 / 92264915 Nair boy working in Muscat, age 32 & H 165 cm, seeking alliance from Nair/Nambiar girls, especially from kannur & kasaragod, Manger visa with family status. Contact: 99855397

AVAILABLE

Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah. #99336776

Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.

Contact 96234708

Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2012, expat owned, company maintained, 125000 KMS, warranty up to 2018, expected price E 8500.

Contact: 99330509

MATRIMONIAL

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Offer!! Treading Gold Facial & Pedicure just for 10 RO, Al Doom Parlour Ruwi: # 99619409

LOST AlAwia Faisal has lost Yemeni Passport No.03868805. Finder please handover to ROP

CHANGE OF NAME We Mohammed Tahar Shakeel (name of father as per the passport, holder of Indian passport no K0794602 and Fatima Noorani (name of mother as per the passport holder of Indian Passport no K0796396) having permanent address in H.No.3-3-146, Chappal bazar, Kuthbiguda, Kachiguda, Hyderabad and presently residing at following in Salalah, Sultanate of Oman, hereby solemnly affirm and declare to change the name of our child Miss NABIHA FATIMA holder of Indian Passport No. K3695280 date of issue 24/04/2012 issued at Muscat. The name of our child will be henceforth known as ALIAH MOHAMMED for all purpose. Any Objection towards change of name of our minor child may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair P.Box.No.1727, Postal Code112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

D4

T H U R S D AY, A P R I L 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiďŹ eds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT ARCOP & Partners (Middle East)

Engineering Consultants LLC looking to hire minimum 3 years experienced Omani Civil Engineer, for upcoming building projects in Ibri & Buraimi. The candidate must be capable of independently handling the works, as a consultant. Resident engineer stationed at site.

Interested candidates to forward their CVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with all the details to careers@arcop.co.om or fax to 24493446.

SITUATION WANTED

CANADIAN CO.- FREE CONSULTANCY FOR LEGAL JOB - For Hotel Staff, Construction Staff, Medical, Gas & Oil Staff.

- Free recruitment - free tickets, accommodation, work visa, contract for 2 (two) years.

Contact : 93392630 Send CV on muslimatservices@gmail.com

Looking for Accountant for Cosmetics Industry having experience in retail and inventory.

Contact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 24704636 Email : saadest@omantel.net.om

ARCHITECT

Required Temporary

Instructor Required Architect Minimum 3 years experience for a reputed Engineering Consultancy in Muscat. Preference for Arabic speakers.

Contact: 92838840 OR email- abdul2390@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Required Accountant with minimum 4 years experience.

Email: telljobs@gmail.com

for summer camp Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;

Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022;

For further details kindly contact Mr.babu 99380374 or fax 24593277

LOOKING FOR SALESMEN - Required urgently young & dynamic - Junior Sales Persons with a valid - Oman Driving license for a reputed printing and graphics company.

Contact: 96260078 / 96532284 Email: info.alsaj@gmail.com

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

Urgently required Nurses for Al Hayat International Hospital : Omani Female Nursing Assistants, Female Nurses (Filipino preferred) with or without MOH license. Contact: 00968 94267068 / 97049520, Email: pradeep.ratnagiri@ alhayathospital.com

Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proďŹ cient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & ďŹ&#x201A;exible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area ďŹ&#x201A;uent in English. Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com

ADMIN We are looking for Public Relations Officer. Contact: 99855604

CATERING Cook exp Australia Japanese, Indian, Arabic all kinds of foods Mediterranean foods & also seek job with visa. Contact: 96136615 / 91139936 Wanted Male/female Indian cook with experience in Omani & Indian food for Omani Family. Visa available. Contact : Antony 99889459

DRIVER

Urgently placement for female Staff Nurse & Pharmacist clinic at Samail. Send CV : Email: saemomar@gmail.com, Contact 95498105 Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com

Urgently requires Hiab Driver & JCB Operator with valid Omani / GCC driving license, Mason having 5 years experience.

Contact: 24594868/ Fax: 24593880 Mobile 93210740 Email: info@saygloballlc.com

Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com

Urgently required a Driver.

Contact: 99291154

GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with DataďŹ&#x201A;ow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

Wanted driver. Contact: 91025698

MISCELLANEOUS DESIGNER Looking for a female fashion designer to work at Al Bawwab Textiles in Shatti Al Qurum.

Contact : 94029940

DOMESTIC HELP Wanted female Muslim cook for family at Qurum, visa available.

93387962

EDUCATION A well known private school is in need of Laboratory Assistant, English, Maths, Science & Kindergarten teachers.

Contact: 96910649 Email: staffing.oman@gmail.com Parameters required in the following disciplines mathematics science neighborhoods physics.

Send CV at the following Email: aleithar@hotmail.com

ENGINEER/MECHANIC. Maintenance Foreman with D/L electrician cum plumber, CCTV technician building material salesman. Contact: 99383044 Engine cylinder head technician required immediately for guide changing, seat changing, seat cutting & valve lapping. call or whatsapp immediately 968-98898273 Required Hydraulic Mechanic.

Contact 95251213

Urgent required Outdoor sales 3-5 years of experience in spare part, Store Keeper 2 years experience, Accountant 2-3 years experience.

Email: Muscat.supply@gmail.com Tel: 24504726 Fax: 24504723 Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred. Contact 99273774/99202278

SALES / MARKETING Salesman required for electrical equipments with driving license & 5/7 years working experience.

Fax your C.V 24833043 (Jinan Enterprises) Urgently Required: Construction Company Purchaser- with experience in Oman and with NOC for immediately join. Interested candidates may call us to our office telephone: 0096824696584/24696585 or fax: 00968-24605955 or email us to sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Need salesman with driving license, having two years experience. Contact: 92891888 Salesman for a printing press.

Contact: 99498949 Looking for Salesman with experience in vegetable and fruits sales, good conduct, ďŹ&#x201A;uent in English.

Should have driving license. Email CV on: info@eigllcoman.com Contact - 96339339

Urgently required Sales Executives, Operations Executive import & export, for a reputed freight forwarding company in Muscat candidates with Oman D/L and minimum 2 yrs experience in similar ďŹ eld preferred. Interested candidates may send C.V to recruitment.oman@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ ďŹ nance ďŹ eld. On visit visa.

Immediately available. CONTACT 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com 28/male/MBA - ďŹ nance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.#90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Part-time Accounting up to ďŹ nalization, Auditing, Taxation and Project Finance assistance - 91044655 QualiďŹ ed and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. #93953613 , Email allen.mathew83@gmail.com Senior Accountant-M. Com, Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts upto ďŹ nalization. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, cammk13@gmail.com Indian male 24 yrs B.Com, TallyERP 9 with one year exp seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 93502127 Indian male 25yrs, 3+ years experience in tax & ďŹ nancial consultancy, Masters in International business, B.Sc (Hons.) in accountancy & ďŹ nance, looking for suitable placement in ďŹ nance / consultancy, posses driving license can join immediately. Contact: 95980549 Accountant Indian male with 7 years up to ďŹ nalization Tally & accounts receivable SAP R/3, good knowledge of payroll having Oman D/L, NOC. Contact: 00968-93733996 Email: thmsb182@gmail.com Accountant 8 Years experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian female MBA in ďŹ nance currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement in Accounts.

Contact: 92896110 Email: anoopodiyan@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs, Graduated with specialization in Accounting 2 years experienced C.A.CPT completed. #94628086 / 97315091 Indian male well experienced in Accounts ERP, TALLY 9 & Admin NOC available looking for a suitable job. Contact: 92650835 A young CA (ACA & ACCA qualiďŹ ed) with 4 years experience in one of top audit ďŹ rms in UK & KSA seeks suitable placement in Oman.

Contact: Kamran: hkamran112@ gmail.com. +44 7480 1196 74. +968 93595050.

Audit and accounts 5 years experienced male/25 with SAP, Tally and peachtree knowledge available for suitable placement.

97190575.

Male, 33 yrs, 14 yrs experience in Marketing, ďŹ nance & accounts ďŹ nancial services, transaction processing, investment banking seeking suitable openings.

Contact: 94697386 Sudanese female Accountant excellent knowledge, MS Office, can work under pressure.

Contact: 97200130 Young ACCA ďŹ nalist with Hons. degree in applied Accounting from Oxford Brooks with three years experience with valid Oman driving license looking for immediate placemen. Release NOC Available.

Contact: 92851056 M.Com Accountant three years experience three star hotel Tamil Nadu India, immediately available. Contact: Contact 92831400/96051737 Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394 Indian male , 29 B.com ICWA (pursuing) 7 years experience in accountant / audit with valid Omani D/L seeking for suitable placement, NOC available. #94706954 Email: ajurn33@gmail.com Indian CA, Male, 34 yrs, having14+ Yrs exp. in A/Cs, ďŹ nance, auditing, consultancy and knows SAPB1,Tally ERP. Valid Oman D/L .Currently working in Oman. NOC available.

Contact: 94704800, Email: omanjobca@gmail.com.

Male Accountant M.Com (ďŹ nance & accounts) having 3 years experience in accounts looking for available job on visit visa.

Contact: 94648575 Male CA ďŹ nalist B.Com having 5 years experience with big four audit ďŹ rms looking for suitable job on visit. Contact: 92230543 Email: m.naveednaseer@gmail.com

Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement. contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com

Light Duty Driver looking for job.

Contact: 96250185

ADMIN

Light Duty Driver looking for job.

Contact: 96780325

Indian male, 26 yrs experience (1.5 yr in Oman) in HR/Admin/ Office / Sales seeking suitable placement, local release available.

Contact 93112346 or sibyambadan70@gmail.com Indian, 20 years experience in Oman as personal assistant / office manager / administrator seeks change of job with release Contact: 99168054, mbkishore@hotmail.com Indian male â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MBA (HR) & Engineering graduation with total 10 years of experience in HR & Admin ( 3 yrs of Oman Exp.) along with hands on experience in technical bid submission for all Government & PDO tenders ready to join immediately with NOC. Contact: 91240251/ Email; kvaradhan@hotmail.com Indian male, 28 MSW, 5 yrs exp Office Operations, Administration, Public relation & counseling on visit visa. Contact: 90652428 / smbinil@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, MBA HR,BBA. One Year Administrative/Accounts experience, looking for suitable placement, on visit visa Contact: 90653362

Light driver looking for job.

Contact: 96798075 Heavy driver available.

Contact: +968 96449233 Temporary light driver.

Contact: 99053510 Light Duty Driver, 3 years 6 months experience. Contact: 95768440 L/Driver, having 11 years experience in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact 96373904 Light driver 9 years experience looking for job. Contact: 95827886 Looking for a job as driver experience 9 years in Oman, Language Arabic / Hindi / English. Contact: 92517532 Need job for Driving.

Contact: 94375896 Light duty driver 4 years Oman exp seeks placement.

Contact: 98726383 Driver, exp 1.5 years, Language English, Arabic & Urdu, license light. Contact: 96011572 / 94484181 Experience driver looking for job.

Contact: 95113612

Indian Male 19 years (8 Years in Oman) well experienced in HR / Admin in Oil & Gas, Construction ďŹ elds with Oman D/L seeks suitable position. Release / NOC available call: 92854993.

Driver 3/6 years experience, I have 2 years experience out door sales man in led light, Pakistani, Oman experience 6 years.

Contact: 94565993 / 92627855

Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 Indian female with nearly 10 years experience in administration & HR, seeking for a suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact: 99242841 B.Com 3 years business process outsourcing. Contact: 94657273 Teacher female 27 yrs, MCA 5 yrs experience in teaching in India currently on visit visa seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 96709509 Email: viyannifd@gmail.com

ACCA ďŹ nalist with 2 years of experience in a Construction Company as an Accountant in United Kingdom here on visit visa for 3 weeks from 12 April - 3 May. Contact: 99171627

Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235

Filipino Male, 24 Years Old.. looking for job, have experience in Cargo & Logistics/ Rent a Car/ Real Estate/ Finance & Accounts/ customer service and as Travel Agent. Hard working and with good computer and communication skills having Omani driving license. GSM: 95370052

DRIVER

Indian / female, 26 yrs, MBA with 3 yrs experience in HR / Admin marketing customer relations currently in Muscat on visit visa.

Contact: 97205038 Email: chandpriya89@gmail.com

Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

MBA ďŹ nance from Pakistan with 4 years experience in Accounts & ďŹ nance department currently in Muscat on family visit visa, 27 yrs.

Contact: 90590037 Email: numanaslamcfo@gmail.com, nouman_aslam2006@yahoo.com

Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

10 yrs of Oman experience capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable placement in senior sales / business development position. Contact : 98987654

CMA & CIA qualiďŹ ed ďŹ nance professional with 13 years of me experience in FMCG industries as well as various other industries available for immediate permanent job openings. #94543660

Part time accountant, up to ďŹ nalization, looking for job after 5 pm (location prefer - MSQ to Al Hail).

Contact: 95694737

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTS.

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Architect Interior designers 3d Visualizer, 8 yrs exp, Indian male, have Omani D/L available. NOC & local release. Contact: 92710047 Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Free lance /part time autocad works (ARCH/ MEP) 2D/3D PH: 97103168 Piping designer with 14 years experience working with PDO, OXY for 10 years NOC available.#92582356

Bangladeshi male light driver exp 16 years need job.

Contact: 99165961

Family driver available.

Contact 92943094

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement.

Contact : 99739415 / 92091528 Indian Lecturer M.Phil, M.Com, MBA DMM , 3+ years of exp in college & 2+ years exp in corporate seeks a suitable position.

Contact: 90369540 Email: abilashraji@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. B. Tech Mechanical Engineer having 3 years experience in maintenance & commissioning experience in an engineering services company on visit visa looking for suitable. Contact 91106765 Email: tamooraslam123@yahoo.com Indian male 22, Chemical Engineer residing in Oman looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92379181 Engineer I have driving license of Oman I need job of driving.

Contact: 95980506 Indian male 26 B.Tech Civil Engineer 3 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8 months Experience at building construction. In Oman 2 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience N.O.C available seeking suitable placement Contact : 97396269 Email : usmanshaik42@gmail.com D.A.E (civil) Engineer + safety course (OSHA & IOSH), 5 years experience in infrastructure work looking for suitable placemen.

Contact 97658602 B.Tech & Diploma in Mechanical having 3 years exp. in India looking for suitable job. Contact : 90542737 Electrical B.E.C Engineer Pakistani male 24 years looking for a job.

Contact: 94049812 / 92958112

Jordanian Senior Accountant 15 yrs experience in Oman ďŹ nance & accounts. Contact : 92881223

Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784

Civil Engineer having 7 years, 8 months experience with driving license immediately joining having NOC. Contact : 99294954

ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in ďŹ nance.

Contact 99284193

Supervisor / Cad Draftsman with Oman light driving license 10 years experience in carpentry ďŹ eld. Contact: 95962384

Purchaser (construction) with 4 years experience & driving license.

NOC available looking for similar job. Contact: 98956725

T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Indian male, 25 yrs, Accountant, 2.5 yrs in Finance & Accounts, MBA Finance & HR, exposure in SAP, Tally, ERP 9 on visit visa.

Contact 96715420 / 91265020, Email : jijosrgo@gmail.com, simonjosephjc@gmail.com

Sales & Marketing specialist with 16 yrs experience in Oman in MNC retails telecom lubes construction related industry handled various projects, holding valid Oman driving license, release available.

Contact 96960991

An experienced Chartered Accountant with over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change.

Indian male 23 years, young dynamic looking for draughtsman in civil. Contact: 94553406 Email: choudharyibrahim93@gmail.com Indian female 23 years Mechanical Engineer with 1.5 years experience looking for suitable jobs.

Also interested in sale & and marketing. Contact : 94743992 E mail : selveena054@gmail.com Civil Engineer, 6 yrs experience with Omani driving license, local release available. #91693008 An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Building Site Supervisor since 2010 in Oman with Omani D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91507828 Indian male, Technical Sales Manager, B.E Mech, with 11 years exp in Automotive Eng & Industrial Maintenance with Oman D/L seeks suitable job. On release to join immediately – 92880593 An electrical & electronics engineer awarded from Sunderland University with an experience in access central eyewear & rebranding of petard elations facilities have a valid visa up to year & half.

Contact: 91347567 Egyptian lady have BA in Electrical power & machines & did some training looking for job in any company. # 95935181 / 91112193 Graduate Civil Engineer having 19 years Gulf experience seeks immediate employment in reputed firms in Muscat NOC available.

Contact: 99446786 / 93251306 Female Electrical Engineer, excellent knowledge, Graduated with distinction, can work under pressure. Contact: 98133281 Mechanical Engineer (UK), 4 yrs exp in technical, Sales Engineer in Oman having valid GCC license looking suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 97612297 Email: ymirzall@caledonian.ac.uk Electrical Engineer having 8years experience with valid driving license (NOC available) Ph#91293519 Email: nomee987@gmail.com Indian female M.Tech in VLSI Design B.Tech in electronics with valid IELTS score 6.5 now in family visa experience in teaching & and admin. Contact: 90195131 Email: chinj.89@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 yrs, experience HAVC firefighting CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.in Mechanical Engineer is looking for a job vacancy Graduate of Malaysia, 7 years of work experience in oil & Gas fluent in both Arabic & English. Contact: 95569430 Electrical Engineer 6 years experience in Oman experience in MEDC / projects valid D/L. Contact: 91249329 Structural Engineer, ME, with 2 yrs exp proficient in ETABS, STAD, SAFE & Prokon, seeks job.

Contact:050-9984535 Sudanese Civil Structure Engineer 3 years looking for job in reputable company AutoCAD, Etabs, Staad Pro Omani driving license available. Contact: 97906770

B.E Mechanical Engineer, 24, one year experience as Production Shift Engineer, achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP, presently in Oman on visit visa, looking for a suitable placement. Contact:95065955 Email: mjs.jazeb@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 Mechanical Engineer (B Tech) Indian male with 1 year experience on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact : 90510800, Email : muhammedjaseem07@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 HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement, Mob:97061817, Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com Road Engineer 10 years experience in Oman. Contact: 91274706 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. Contact 96570891 Civil Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male 24 yrs having 1+ year experience in Industrial construction with good communication skills and software knowledge, looking for suitable position available on visit visa. Contact: 968 - 99779538 / 98694939 Email: arunsathyan92@gmail.com Engineer with 4 years experience in Oman in telecom operations looking for a suitable opportunity have valid driving license interested in marketing also. Contact: 98513495 Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. contact:98921022 NDT / QA / QC Supervisor / Radiographer DAE Mechanical piping- vessel LPG Bozer Storage tank inspection experience 10 years.

Contact 96954202 Email: nasirarain86@yahoo.com Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in Indian (MRF Tyres) holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Male QC inspector Mechanical, NDT 20 years experience valid Oman D/L , release available.

Contact: 91001104 Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784 B. Sc Civil Engineer 27 yrs, Oman experience as Project Manager, Structural Engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC / local transfer available. Contact : 99349578 Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com

Indian male, BA, Arabic, LLB, MBA Knows English, Arabic with over 9 yrs in legal field, now working as a legal advisor in Muscat, seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Qualified Certified Management Accountant (CMA-USA) and cost and management accountant (ACMAIndia) with over 25 years experience in Sultanate of Oman in finance, banking and administration is seeking a suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact 97351649, advocatesharaf@gmail.com

Contact 95986767

PROJECTS

MISCELLANEOUS

An Electrical engineer with 4+ yrs of experience in Electrical network (MT, LT) with professional computer skills seeking for work.

Contact: 99841736 / 93955381/ +149922698343 Email: e.kmmh@hotmail.com

HSE OFFICER, having 9 years experience in construction.

GSM 97035591 Email - ajeeshvr.ajeesh@gmail.com

Indian female 27 yrs, Diploma in Aviation & Hospitality management, seeking suitable placement.

Curnetly in Oman, NOC Available.

Contact 94880684

Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit. PH:93837973

S.T.P Operator 20 years experience in Oman. Contact: 93089468

IT

SALES / MARKETING

96491030

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Electrical Engineer having 5 years experience in the field of managing supervising testing & commissioning of electrical distribution, transmission & substation projects.

Contact 92322906 / 90377916 Email: mshameerbm@gmail.com

Oman experienced Lawyer

INDIAN FEMALE, 23 years, BSCCS Diploma in IAD graphics, well knowledge in computer applications 6 months experience presently in Sohar seeking suitable placement. Contact: 96670907.

Email: ammuch.4@gmail.com Indian female MCA & BSc Physics Graduate, holder of valid driving license, seeking suitable placement in IT or Administration.

Contact: 99466062 Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area. Contact: 98660672 B.Tech (IT) experience in Networking server & desktop management in corporate environment looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92954613 9 years of Software Test Consulting and business analysis experience in various CBS (Core Banking Solutions) and other Banking related solution implementations with deep understanding of Islamic Banking. Completed CDIF CIMA Diploma in Islamic Finance and ADIF - Advanced Diploma in Islamic Finance conducted by CIMA, UK. NOC available. Contact: manivannanbalaji@gmail.com GSM: 9393 8086 Omani 26 (M) Seeks placement 6 yrs experience IT specialist.

Contact 99025044 IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact 94672759 Female 24 yrs, 3 years in IT programmer now in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact: 96350234

MANAGER Finance manager 22 years Oman experience available with NO. Contact: 91335205/91302906 Purchase/Planning & Logistics Manager, MBA (Finance), 14yrs.

Oman Exp. with D/L, NOC available, looking for suitable position.

Contact : 93826090, jskanchan01@gmail.com Egyptian male 36 years Warehouse Manager, 7 years in Sultanate of Oman, 1 year in UAE, and 3 years in Egypt.

Contact: +968 97200468 Email: ayman_mano1979@yahoo.com

MEDICAL Indian female staff nurse with parametric passed 10 years experience looking job Muscat regain.

Contact: 95851590 / 91510137 Indian female (MSC – Microbiologist) seeking suitable job.

Contact 96791162 / 90618567 Indian Bsc Female Nurse with 6.5 years exp, 4 years in KSA. Passed Oman Pro Metric with 69%, completed data flow. Presently in Muscat in visit visa looking for a suitable placement. # 94744900, 94742834, jincyalphonese@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female master degree one year experience seeking suitable placement in any field. #97792820 Email: pnjli.1991@gmail.com Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements. NOC available. # 920 66 523 BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED LABOUR

Indian male (25) MBA / MMS (Marketing) on visit visa valid UAE driving license exp 2 yrs sales / marketing. Contact: 98089262 Indian male, 29 years BSc, Graduate, with Omani driving license and 7 years of sales experience in home appliances, IT products, mobile and traffic safety equipments currently working on employment visa, NOC available seeking for suitable placement immediately.

Contact 97890607 Email: ashrafambar@gmail.com 35 years male, Lebanese holding British passport, 10 years of experience in procurement, Omani Government tenders, setup marketing plans & strategies, importing, Organizing events, management, have car, NOC available. #94123939 Email: 002015r@gmail.com Graduate Diploma, 5+ years in logistics operation and marketing / event management with driving license.

Contact: 92107006 Email: nasir_k4@yahoo.com Indian male 31, BBA Muscat born, fluent in English above average Arabic, experience in Sales, Marketing , customer service sectors ranging from FMCG to real estate, with NOC, seeks suitable placement. Contact: +968 93870938 Experience Sales Executive Muscat 13 years, KSA 9 years, with Oman driving license & KSA. Contact : 93508287 / 90701036 Sales experience of 2 years driving license diploma holding in wireless networking. Interested in Marketing, Accounts and Salesman. Contact: 98668151 Wants a suitable job as Salesman & have driving license. Wants a job with good salary & have 6 years of experience & can speak in English, Arabic and Hindi. #94162434 24 years experience Sr. Management professional as Profit centre head. Industry electrical trade looking for a suitable position in Oman / UAE. Contact: 91195418 Email: ab_9616@rediffmail.com Indian male 29, BHM, 3 yrs exp in Oman in sales with D/L NOC. Contact: 92594055 Indian male 23 years BSc Computer Science on visit visa seeking job opportunities for suitable placement. Contact: 92740543 Email: aneep93@hotmail.com Indian male B.com 10 years experience in Oman stores & warehouse, immediate job with NOC. Contact: 95192733, email: sammathew2004@yahoo.co.in 26 yrs Indian male MBA Marketing Sales / Marketing Executive, 3 yrs experience now available in Muscat on visit visa seeking placement for immediate joining.

Contact: 95978874 Email: ansariafsar550@gmail.com MBA (Marketing) Sales & Marketing Executive with 4 years of experience in Sales & Business Development in FMCG sector is looking for best opportunity in Muscat at present available in Muscat on visit visa. GSM:95840153.

Mail: akbarshareef786@gmail.com Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. conatct 95792820

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761

Indian Male 28 years, Mechanical Engineer (Diploma) with 2 years’ experience, Automobile ITI NCVT, CSWI-BGAS Painting QC Grade-2, NDT Level-2, ISO Lead Auditor QA (IRCA), Piping QC & Isometric Drawings, WPS & WPQR, available on Visit Visa, looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 90653733, libinthomaslt@gmail.com 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 flow & marketing projects & investments & tenders & real estate.

Contact :- 92385033 Bachelor in Hotel Management Having 13 years experience in Catering Industry in all aspects of Operations with D/L looking out for a suitable placement. #90654826 Email: mailingsaikiran@gmail.com Tea boy looking for job Name: Man Bahadar Contact No. 97859837 Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 ,5 year experience in HR .#+968 91467576.

Indian Female, M.Sc Computer Science, Seeking suitable placement in Muscat Area.

Contact : 98660672 Indian male network cabling technician (19-years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact 0091-8089909265 (India), E mail: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian female, MBA, Diploma in Aviation & Hospitality mgt (IATA), having 4 yrs of exp, on family visa seeks job in Oman.

Contact-9910 4529, 95679557, e-mail-jkramya91@gmail.com Pakistani male having 7 years experience in General Salesman having valid D/L Looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97216830 Email: asim-samb5@yahoo.com 9 yrs exp Site Engineer in Civil & Shade Structure. 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact: 93790601 LAND SURVEYOR: Male, more than 12 years’ experience in land/pipe line surveying in Oman and UAE. Looking for suitable placement.

NOC available. #91215843 ELECTRONICS ENGINEER Indian/ male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Communications,ITI,1.7 Years experience as Service Technician in India, on visit Visa, looking For a Suitable Placement.

Contact :92794176 , E-mail: prathyushkp9@gmail.com Marketing Communications Coordinator Indian, 25 years GCC experience in Media, Advertising & Marketing ATL + BTL branding. Contact: 93031168 Email: arn14256@gmail.com Indian male physiotherapist with 3 years of experience, with (moh license and NOC available. seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99767528, 91317863 Indian, 32 years, passed M.A. English M.Sc Psychology, DHM & B.Ed in English with 4 years experience seeking for part time or full time job. Contact: 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com 27 years old Indian male looking hospitality jobs in Hotel. Experience in customer service, front desk, housekeeping supervisor, captain, cashier,guest relation manager.

Contact. +968-90351742Email. samubaid6@gmail.com 27 yearsold Indianmale looking Jobs in documents Collection executive.Experience in collection executive. Contact. +968-90358068 Email wasimsaif04@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female, M.Sc Computer Science, Seeking suitable placement in Muscat Area. GSM : 98660672 Indian male, 26 years old BA Graduate having 1 year experience in accounts finance field. Looking for suitable Job On visit visa immediately available.

Contact 9565 9415 Anishkhan991867@gmail. Com ELECTRONICS ENGINEER Indian/ male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Communications,ITI,1.7 Years experience as Service Technician in India. On visit Visa, Looking For a Suitable Placement.

Contact :92794176, E-mail:prathyushkp9@gmail.com B.Tech, MBA currently working in India in Bank. Contact: +918939857146 Email: sebimathew87@gmail.com Pakistani male 23 years old experience in travel agency - ticketing looking for a suitable job, NOC available. Contact: 93253759 Accountant cum cashier available.

Contact: 98002428 Indian with 3 years for experience in sales and marketing fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam looking for suitable job.

Also hold valid Driving License, currently in oman Mob : 93451439 HSE Engineer, Indian male, 4 Plus years exp. in Oil & Gas, Working in Shclumberger, NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. #krish.569@gmail.com, Mobile- +91 9867016808 Indian male Physiotherapist with MOH license and NOC looking for suitable job. Contact: 92617235 Indian Male, 40 Years, B. Com, having 10 years experience in Oman, Tally &ERP- looking for suitable placement ( Local release and Oman driving license available.

Tel- 92469789 Indian Male 42 year’s, MBA, Sr. Material controller having 12 years experience in Oman with reputed companies. Having Oman driving License, Seeks suitable replacement immediately. Available NOC. Cont. 00968-92944026, Email – charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN Indian/male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Comm,1.7 Years experience as Service Engineer in India. On visit Visa, Looking For a suitable placement. Contact : 92794176 E-mail:prathyushkp9@gmail.com Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact 99514286 Indian male Kerala, B.com & B.PE. Currently on visit visa, looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store keeper etc. Ready to join as early as possible. Contact:-93301023, email:- sajith3969@gmail.com Female Dentist with MOH license and NOC, 7 years experience 2 yrs out of them in Oman looking for a job. Contact 97401243 Electrical diploma Engineer Indian male 22 years, 2 years experience in control panel contact 93047707 adilm89@gmail.com IT System Administrator 6 yrs experience, male, Filipino Desktop, Laptop and printer Support, Backup administrator, Router and switch Network, Server Administrator. +968 94134295 Female dentist with MOH license and NOC ready to join 7 years experience 2 of them in Oman.

Contact 97401243 Indian male 28 years B.com, MBA 4 yrs experience in accounts / finance currently in Oman on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 93460277 Email: shineraj786@gmail.com Having 10 years exp. in Admin & HR in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com Indian Male 42 year’s, MBA, Sr. Material controller having 12 years experience in Oman with reputed companies. Having Oman driving License, Seeks suitable replacement immediately. Available NOC. Cont. 00968-92944026, Email – charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in

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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 EDUCATION/CLASSES/COMP./WEB.

SITUATION WANTED Pharmacist M. Pharm working in Oman for 2 years with MOH license Data flow completed. #98399415 NOC available, Indian Male - MBA (HR) and B.E (E.I.E) with total 9 years of experience in HR & Admin and Business Development (3 yrs of Gulf exp.) can join immediately 91240251 / kvaradhan@hotmail.com M. Sc Computer Science – 2 year Experience – in India, looking suitable Placement. Email:-elvisgt6@ gmail.com, Mob:-+91 9497482305 (INDIA), Oman:-98291626.

Indian, 30 years, B. Com with 2 years Oman experience in Tally ERP-9 available in Muscat seeking suitable positions. # on 95186652 ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN Indian/male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Comm, 1.7 Years experience as Service Engineer in India, On visit Visa, looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 92794176, E-mail:prathyushkp9@gmail.com B-tech Civil with honours, Civil Engineer (structures) Experience more than six years. #91431483. Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. CONTACTkrish.569@gmail.com contact +91 9867016808 Indian male Network cabling technician ( 19-years gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement. Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail. com

Indian female, MBA with 9 yrs of experience in finance & procurement currently on family visa looking for suitable position in finance & supply chain.

Contact 95622568

Indian Male,Kerala,B.COM & B.PE having 13Years of Physical Education Teacher experience. Currently on visit visa Looking for a suitable job. Contact:- 968 94106834. email:-akhilrajkj@gmail.com.

Draughtsman, 15 years’ experience, Indian male currently in Oman looking for suitable position.

Gsm – 95358115, 96977289, Email : pillairp41@gmail.com

14 years experience in 5 star hotel as sales manager in UAE & INDIA on tourist visa looking for suitable opportunity please contact 91305978

Indian Female living in Ghubra Muscat near Emirates Shopping Center. 20 years of experience in Teaching. Able to handle all subjects till grade 6. Need suitable job.

Contact- 94406552 Indian male,16 years Oil & Gas experience ( Down Hole Tools ), 3 years in Oman, Dip. Mechanical Engineer, Having D/L and NOC. Email – jajisuni@yahoo.com, Mob : 965 956 18.

Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job.

Phone:91997605. email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com 8 plus years of experience in Events /Marketing Communication /conferences / Trainings / Media representation. Having UAE D/L. seeking Suitable Placement: Contact: 95792820. suheal.ma@outlook.com Indian Female, 24 MA Eng. Litr with 2 yrs experience in teaching & 14 months in Administration cum Secretary, Currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92613704/99260702, Email:rohinis2010@gmail.com

PART TIME ACCOUNTANT available, well experienced in accounting up to finalization. knowledge in tally also. contact. 92643875

Indian male with 1 yr exp looking for job in I.T as Web developer, presently in Muscat on visit visa. #92312978 Admin Assistant. Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available).

GSM. 00968-98404122, Email panduru.jeevankumar@gmail.com

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 and half year experience in HR .

Contact : +968 91467576 .

Indian male, 8.5 yrs experience, B.Com Graduate with GCC exp & valid driving license looking for better job opening in Muscat.

Contact: 92609935 / 94771365 2 years experienced male seeking job related to safety. M. Tech in HSE, MSc in Environmental Science and IOSH certified. #94653264 Sri Lankan Male 34 BSc. (Physics) 5 years experience as a site manager and administration supervisor in Oman with valid D/L looking for a suitable position. contact 99153061 or v.chandramohan@yahoo.co.uk

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 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price. Contact: http//webviewoman

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Chief Accountant 25 years experienced looking for part/full time accountant job.

Contact: 95598477 / 98803439

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

Indian Pediatric consultant, md with 20 years experience and wife gynecologist md with 15 years plus experience seeking opportunities with reputed hospitals in Muscat. deemaild@gmail.com

We do industrial catering service, Canteen / mess, 3 times packed meals and all types of catering events.

CATERING SERVICES

Contact: 92188777 / 99249899

PROCUREMENT OFFICER, IndianMale 34yrs,M.Com with 14 yrs work Exp.(8 yrs in Oman) working in Construction Co LLC( for ROAD,CIVIL,ELECTRO-MECHANICAL & Others Projects ) and having valid LT D/L, NOC available & ready to join within a month-M:94064650, Email: nagauae@gmail.com

WĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů Θ BƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ăůů ŬŝŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƉĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ DĂƌďůĞ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJͬ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ϵϴϴϭϰϳϯϯ ͬϵϴϴϭϰϳϰϬ ů ,ƵƐŶ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ >͘>͘

14 years experienced light driver with valid Oman license looking for suitable job. Contact 99442481 Indian male: 24 years, diploma in computer science and B.E(CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeking for the suitable job. Contact: 91170912, Email id: sales2@witoman.com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience, seeking for part time job. mobile no: 0096899070584. email: remluvp@gmail.com Sudanese male, 5 years experience in warehouse management and logistics services#90644186

^ Zs/ ^ tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

Split & window A/c installation & maintenance specialist package & ducted units. Contact 98667326 House Shifting Packing. Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

100% Professional Aīordable Rate !!!

Ants, Rodent, & cleaning On monthly, Harmless & Odourless

Indian male 6 years exp in different field, with valid Oman driving license. Languages known Hindi, English, looking for any job(Driver for executives). Contact 98696795

Split A/C servicing R.O 10 only.

Contact: 94217681 /99210141

CALL - 91464586 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years Experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger.

NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE, contact krish.569@gmail.com Mobile- +91 9867016808

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 We do building maintenance all kind of works. Contact 99247663

Experienced B.Com graduate + IATA Diploma holder looking for Accounts/Admin/Travels related job. Mob. 91142997. NOC available .

Indian male B.A degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 years experience as restaurant & catering manager in Oman & Saudi with V/L Oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact : 92100141 MBA Graduate (Indian male 26 years) having 2 years experience in Qatar as admin assistant looking for suitable placement. contact 93041141 Email: mahinmehboob@gmail.com

Muscat Driving School established for over 15 years drive safe with MDS. Meet our professional friendly Instructor. Contact: 99773651 / 95840670 Sohar 26844412 Ruwi / Darsait 24781123 MGM 24399951 AL Khudh 24536348

PALEST CONTROL TABA SERVICE LLC

Civil Engineer (roads and structures) Education B. Tech Civil Engineering with honours experience more than six years.

Contact no 91431483 ,Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com

A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. #99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact 96236476

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723 House shifting. Contact 99708138 CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. contact 24793614/ 99314807 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing.

Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064

All MEP & Civil shop drawings.

Contact : 93070771 Email : designjob2014@gmail.com Cleaning Services, Sofa, carpet shampoo old house or new house.

Contact: 92179395 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC Contact: 99344723

GOOD NEWS

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.

Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

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

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

T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

TOURS

Moon Travel L.L.C

Saudi Arabian Government approved agent

Umrah Package by Road & Air Bus Departures- Apr 19, May 03, 17 & 31.2016 Ramadan Schedule - Jun 06, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 & 30.2016 Contact: Tariq Al Balushi - 99218069 Ahmed Maseehuddin - 99353611, Oĸce: 24790746/24706217

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS Investment Required Minimum OMR 500,000 to transfer 5 Excavators big + 5 Tippers 2015 Astra, working on good profitable Excavation projects. Assured income 36 %.

98867530 / 99120532 engrfaheem@hotmail.com

A well developing, beautifully designed, villa project in Kerala needs an investor as partner. original land. clear documents. high returns guaranteed. please call 00919447433853/8086793717

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Female Junior Architect Graduated from School of Planning & Architecture, Vijayawada. Excellence in Autocad, Sketching & Modelling. Internship - KHAM Designs, Bangalore. Presently with Atulya Architects & Associates. Email saatvika.frozenmusic@gmail.com #00968-94057427.

Indian male 37 YEARS, BSC COMPUTER SCIENCE having More than 8yrs of experience with well exposure in PDO, DALEEL & OXY as IT SUPPORT / DESKTOP SUPPORT ENGINEER. Seeking suitable placement.

Contact rangaraj_vck@yahoo.co.in / 968-99758320

RENT A CAR

We are looking for training license training business to buy.

Contact: 97100419 Email: trainingsmuscat@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact: 99839898

TRANSPORTATION

MBA Indian male 2 years experience in firefighting & security systems sales & marketing. Seeking suitable job. Contact – 90634050

Transportation available on rent 10 ton Hiap Trailers.

Contact 94207475 / 95649231/ 97982842

B.Com Graduate with 4 year experience as an Accountant in Oman.

Also have Oman Driving License.

Best fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi& Malayalam. Looking for Job. Currently in Oman. #+968 93943448, murshid4u@gmail.com

Transportation. Contact 99508282

Diploma(Electrical Engineering) From Government polytechnic.Age 27years, 6 years Experiance in Maintenance, troubleshooting and managing and Technical in substation as a Electrical Engineer. Seek suitable placement. GSM- 92995899, (a.abbas31@gmail.com)

Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact 94087276 Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact - 99012165

RENT A CAR

Best Rates for Saloon Contact: 97869042 / 95730550 sales@modernreem.com

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DAILY GUIDE

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624