Times of Oman - June 23, 2016

THURSDAY

June 23, 2016 17 Ramadan 1437 AH

RAMADAN PRAYER TIMINGS

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

IFTAR

Dhuhr

12.14pm

7.02PM

Asr

3.32pm

Maghrib

7.02pm

FAJR

Isha

8.25pm

3.54AM

Fajr (Tomorrow)

3.54am

To Senior State Officials, 1978

‘His Majesty’s j y Wisdom’ We affirm that we are ready to extend the th hand of friendship to all who will grasp that t hand in a similar spirit of friendship and goodwill.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 105 | 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription n OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company Coom mp paan ny | C Ch Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: hai airrm man an /E /Edi dito torr--inin--C in Chi h ef: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printe Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

SHINAS

GRAND DUKE HENRI

Three arrested for couple’s abduction Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Police arrested an Omani national and two Asian expatriates for kidnapping and assaulting an Asian couple, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) reported on Wednesday.

An official ROP source said the accused had kidnapped the woman and her husband from their house in the Wilayat of Shinas late at night. After assaulting the couple, the criminals took

HM sends greetings to Luxembourg

them to the Wilayat of Sohar and dropped the husband on the road, while taking his wife to Falaj Al Ouha area before raping her.

Murder Police arrested an Asian national for allegedly murdering another man of the same nationality in Salalah, ROP reported on Wednesday. An ROP source said the police received a report about the victim being found dead in his room. >A6

Artist expresses love for Oman on canvas

UNHAPPY AT WORK? COMPLAIN ONLINE Currently, the portal

A5

is in Arabic but an English version will also be available for workers soon

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes of good health and happiness to Duke Henri and the friendly people of his country further progress and prosperity. -ONA JORDAN

Sultanate condemns terror strike MUSCAT: Foreign ministry yesterday strongly condemned the bombing that targeted the Jordanian border army position, which led to a number of deaths and injury to military personnel.

The ministry in its statement expressed its sincere sympathy to the Jordanian people, the government and families of the martyrs, wishing the injury a speedy recovery. -ONA

OMAN

South Korean envoy for boosting trade ties

1

Newly appointed envoy of South Korea conveyed his greetings to the people of Oman and said he anticipates enhancing the annual trade volume between Oman and Korea. >A5

WORLD

MARKET

Rival camps brace for Brexit vote

Student firms unveil innovative ideas

2

British Prime Minister and his eurosceptic opponents made final pitches for wavering voters. >A16

3

Student Companies’ exhibition 2016 commenced last week at the Shangri-la Resort. >B1

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Omani and expat workers in Muscat can now submit labour complaints against their employers online to the Ministry of Manpower (MoM), which has opened a web portal on a trial basis.

Currently, the service is available to workers registered with companies operating in Muscat and the portal is in Arabic.

However, a senior official at the MoM said an English language

facility will also be made available soon and workers in Sohar and Salalah will also be able to submit their claims during the next phase of expansion.

Sulaiman Khalili, assistant director at the Information Department at MoM, told the Times of Oman that the service is currently in the trial phase and in future, it will be expanded across Oman.

“We are working on this as part of enhancing our e-Service operations. Complaints registered online will be addressed without any delay,” the official added.

The online complaint platform states that the complainant should not delay in lodging his claim, as per Article 7 of the Labour Law. Article 7 states that the employee’s right to make any claim under the provision of this law shall expire after the lapse of one year from the date on which such a claim arises.

Regarding cases instituted before the implementation of this law, the one-year deadline will commence from the date on which the law comes into force. >A6

MORNING MINUTE

A2

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 There are so many ways now to manage waste and reduce the need for landfills, and I hope that Omanis will get behind any worthy initiatives to reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle Jamila Hakam, environmental researcher

OMAN

Waste management law in the making Oman’s waste management policy is heavily focused on setting up sanitary landfills across the country, rather than on implementing sourcesegregation, setting up recycling centres and increasing public participation

Waste management in Oman remains in a transitional phase, and the absence of a strategic master plan and lack of waste collection and disposal facilities has compounded waste management problems

BABA UMAR

babaumar@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Be’ah, Oman’s waste management body, is drafting legislation to manage waste, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment for final ratification, according to officials.

“Many companies who have specialists have submitted their tenders. We are evaluating these tenders and we should award the project soon. Hopefully, by the end of this year, we’ll have our first draft laws ready,” Shaikh Mohammed Sulaiman Al Harthy, Executive Vice President, Strategic Development at Be’ah, told Times of Oman.

“It will be given to the ministry so they can approve them,” he added.

Strong policies and laws to manage the Sultanate’s waste are required, Be’ah officials said, noting that adopting a twopronged method would be the best way forward.

“In phase one, a consultant

helped us identify and scan the market, identify existing laws, determine what requirements are called for and what gaps need to be filled. That’s done,” Al Harthy said.

“The second stage was to move into drafting the laws. We are currently evaluating those tenders,” he added.

Asked what kind of legislation Be’ah is looking forward to, Al Harthy said, “We need legislation all across the industry. We have nothing in waste management. What we have regarding environmental laws in Oman needs to be improved.”

He added, “When it comes to waste, we need it to cover everything from the point of generation, how do we handle containers, ownership of that waste, banning that waste, preventing people from going in the container to remove waste, managing all kinds of hazardous waste, considerations on what is hazardous and what’s not, and determining the levels of all toxins within chemical waste

or hazardous waste.”

Be’ah plans to divert for collection, treatment, recycling, or landfills 60 per cent of the nation’s waste by 2020.

“So all laws should help us to reach this target,” he said. “Regarding environmental policies, other government agencies, such as the supreme council of planning, should set up such policies.”

Dinosaurs of past?

Meanwhile, in an interview with Times of Oman, Salman Zafar of the environmental think-tank EcoMENA said the success of any recycling programme depends upon setting realistic targets, creating effective laws and regulations, creating a strong waste management infrastructure, stakeholder participation, public awareness and institutional support.

“Unfortunately, Oman has been lacking in almost all of these areas, and that is why recycling percentages in Oman are still very low,” he said.

Zafar said waste management in Oman remains in a transitional phase, and the absence of a strategic master plan and lack of waste collection and disposal facilities has compounded waste management problems.

“Oman’s waste management policy is heavily focused on setting up sanitary landfills across the country, rather than on implementing source-segregation, setting up recycling centres and increasing public participation,” Zafar added.

Muscat-based environmental researcher Jamila Hakam noted that landfills are the dinosaurs of the past, “and should have no place in a healthy, green and clean Oman of the future.”

Hakam, who recently surveyed local residents’ practices of disposing of waste said, “There are so many ways now to manage waste and reduce the need for landfills, and I hope that Omanis will get behind any worthy initiatives to reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.”

EMAD AL HOSNI

Muscat still one of the cheapest cities for expats in Middle East Times News Service MUSCAT: Though the cost of living is rising in Muscat, it is still one of the cheapest cities for expatriates to live in the Middle East, according to a survey carried out by the Mercer consultancy firm.

Global rankings placed Muscat at the 94th position in the world in 2016, a fall from 117 in 2015.

In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Dubai was placed at the 21st position in the global rankings of the costliest cities, followed by Abu Dhabi at the 25th position, the report said.

Abu Dhabi was followed by Riyadh at 57th, Manama, Bahrain at 71st, Doha at 76th, Kuwait City is 103rd and lastly Jeddah, which was ranked 121st.

Globally, Hong Kong emerged as the most expensive city for expatriates followed by Luanda in Angola, Zurich in Switzerland, Singapore and Tokyo in Japan.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Rob Thissen, talent mobility consultant at Mercer Middle East, said: “The main reason Muscat has moved up the rankings is the peg of the rial with the US dollar.

Over the last 12 months the dollar has been strong, particularly compared with a lot of emerging market currencies, as well as for instance the GBP and CNY (China). Hence, compared with a lot of other currencies, a basket of goods in Omani rials has become more expensive, compared with last year. Inflation on the other hand is low in Oman; this has not contributed to the higher ranking.”

The ranking compares day-today expenditure on goods and services, such as food, clothing and transportation, as well as rental prices. “For instance, the cost of living on day-to-day expenditure items, such as food, may be cheaper

EASY ON EXPATS: Low inflation

keeps cost of living low. – File photo

in Riyadh than in Muscat, but expatriate rental costs are much higher in Riyadh, pushing the city above Muscat in the rankings,” he added.

Commenting on the report, S Basu, an Indian expat living in the Sultanate, said the report proves that Oman is still one of the least expensive countries to live in throughout the world.

“From housing rent to groceries to schooling, everything is cheap here, compared with other major cities in the world,” she added.

Hassan Al Mahrouqui, a resident of Oman, pointed out that rural areas in Muscat are much cheaper than those in other GCC countries. “That is one of the reasons more and more (people) are coming to Muscat,” he said.

According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, there are 1,997,408 expatriates living in Oman, compared with 2,425,058 Omanis.

The survey’s findings were based on data collected during the 12 months ended March 2016.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY SHARE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS

Share your world with us on Instagram

MINISTRY OF TOURISM

Licence made mandatory for tourist guides in Oman FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Becoming a tourist guide will no longer be easy or open to everyone as the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has issued new regulations categorising the job as a professional one.

A tourist guide will now have to obtain a proper licence to do his job, according to a senior official at MoT. The ministry announced the new regulations recently at a tourism market in Oman. Maitha Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary of MoT, said the UN SCHOOL

Foundation stone of Omani centre for innovation in New York laid NEW YORK: Foundation stone for the Omani Centre for Innovation, Research and Technology was laid in the United Nations (UN) International School in New York Tuesday.

The ceremony was patronised over by Lyutha bint Sultan Al Mughairiyah in the presence of some diplomats in the Sultanate’s Permanent Mission to the UN and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the School, the Special Delegate of the UN Secretary General to the School and the Director General.

The name of the centre comes from the belief of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in the importance of science and its development and improvement, upgrading knowledge and highlighting the role of the Sultanate in the field of science and education. -ONA

ministry will issue licences to tourist guides after they have undergone two procedures.

Everyone can apply “Candidates should pass a test and an interview in order to get the licence. Everyone can apply, even college students,” said Al Mahrouqi. She explained that after obtaining the licence, college students can also work during the weekend.

“This is to regulate the tourist guide field as earlier it was to anyone who wanted to become a guide without having enough

knowledge,” said Al Mahrouqi.

She added that the tourist guides will be categorised, including local, regional and international guides, for the whole country.

“The ministry will also issue professional tourist guide licences to those who are experts and have good information about a specific area, such as a traditional guide or a beaches guide,” said Al Mahrouqi, adding that such guides have exhaustive information about a particular place and the services provided in the area they are sharing information about.

OMAN

A3

A4

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

IF TAR

7:02

PM

FA STING

TODAY ’ S

H EA LTH TI P S

VE RS E

Stay fit this month. Choose healthy cooking methods when it comes to making pastries. Try baking sambusa, fish cutlets, and pakora, instead of deep-frying them.

Also enjoy your sugary Ramadan juices in moderation and aim for more servings of laban, homemade iced green tea, or plain water.

So remember Me I will remember you (Surah Al Baqarah, Verse 152)

WORD

Haj Haj is the last of the five pillars of Islam, which outlines obligations for Muslims. The word literally translates to “pilgrimage,” referring to the annual trip to the House of Allah in Mecca where Muslims should perform rituals and rites of worship at least once in their lifetime. This pilgrimage takes place over five or six days, beginning on the eighth day of the last month of the year, named Dhul-Hijjah (pilgrimage), three months after Ramadan, and the completion of the Haj is marked by the second Eid, known as Eid Al Adha, or the Eid of the Return.

R AM ADAN STAT E-OF-M I N D

Fasting is about disconnecting your physical needs and desires from your spiritual ones and building a connection between you and God. It is a powerful way to preventing your mind from becoming a slave to your physical body and its desires, or to get back on track.

W H E R E TO SP EN D YO UR ZAK AT The literal meaning of Zakat is ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’. In the Islamic faith, Zakat means purifying your wealth for the will of Allah; to acknowledge that everything we own belongs to Allah, and to work towards the betterment of the Muslim Ummah. According to Islamic regulations, Zakat is 2.5% of one year’s total cumulative wealth.

Zakat is not always financial, and can include everything from volunteering your time to giving an encouraging word, but when it comes to financial donations to the less fortunate, it can be difficult to decide which causes speak most to your heart. Here we will highlight worthy causes to help you decide.

{Spotlight: Human Relief Foundation }

PLACE OF WORSH IP This Ramadan is a great opportunity to go pray in beautiful houses of worship that you might not otherwise take the time to see. Whether for Taraweeh prayers or Dhuhr, pay a visit to one of Muscat’s architectural monuments of faith.

WHAT THEY DO:

Human Relief Foundation (HRF) is an International Non-Governmental Organisation registered with the UK Charity Commission (1126281). Building on over 20 years of experience in the field of disaster response, HRF’s Core Deployment Team of well-trained emergency support staff are on standby and ready to be deployed anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice in times of emergency.

W H ERE:

Launched initially in 1991 to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the war in Iraq, HRF has now seven permanent relief offices strategically located across the globe in Bradford, Amman, Baghdad, Islamabad, Khartoum, London, Mosul and Paris.

{Jama’a Al Zulfa} Al Zulfa Mosque, also known as The Royal Guards of Oman Mosque, is located right on Sultan Qaboos highway in Seeb, facing the palace of Bait Baraka. It has a very distinctive design that sets it apart from other mosques in the area.

Opened in 1992, it features more than 20 greencoloured domes, gigantic darkened windows, and abundant trees. It has a star-like design on the entrance, and an interesting interior, especially behind the place where the Imam stands, which is glittering in gold and accented with blue and black Islamic patterns.

FINE OU T M ORE A ND DONATE:

+ 44 (0) 1274 392727 donate@hrf.org.uk hrf.org.uk

*This mosque has a Ladies’ Prayer Hall

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH TWITTER PAGE

Tweet all about it

OMAN B I L AT E R A L T I E S

LANDMARK

Omani painter expresses his love for Muttrah with a splash of colour HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: His love for the sea and Muttrah could have killed him, not once, but thrice.

After surviving three drowning incidents at the Muttrah beach, Omani artist Abdul Majeed Karoh has became obsessed with the colour blue.

Despite the fact that a fisherman saved his life while he was drowning near the Muttrah coastline, the 41-year-old artist is currently painting a series of canvases about Muttrah, merging old and new parts of the historic city.

Most of his paintings include taxi cars and rain. All of them include a shade of blue.

“Oman’s taxis have a very bright orange colour, they can be spotted from a distance,” said Karoh, adding “while the rain and wet roads make my hometown look gorgeous.”

While exploring the beautiful seafront corniche, Karoh learnt and practiced painting old houses and classic cars from the age of eight.

“People of Muttrah should celebrate the capital’s old commercial centre, and the most multicultural part of it,” said the artist, who was born and raised in Muttrah.

Expressing his concern about the new multi-million tourism projects coming up in his birth place, Karoh said Muttrah should undergo restoration

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com

work, and should not emulate other destinations for the sake of attracting visitors.

“Tourists look for antiques and historic sites, modern modifications are not as appealing,” he said.

Since childhood, the renowned Omani artist used to navigate the narrow paths of Sour Al Lawatia and Souq Muttrah.

He has painted some of the oldest scenes in the city, which have not even been photographed.

Karoh is seen as the first and only artist to use knife blades to paint Muttrah.

“I love drawing Muttrah with a morning, evening and night background, but it glows just perfectly under dark skies,” he said.

Karoh comes from an artistic family. His father taught him how to draw portraits and fuelled his desire to paint by giving him important art tips.

The well-known artist has held 10 personal exhibitions in Oman and participated in more than 300 across the world.

In November 2015, the Health Ministry had said prices of a number of medicines will be reduced from January 2016, but later postponed the enforcement to June. Now it has been posteponed again

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A decision to cut the profit margin on medicines sold in private shops in Oman has been postponed, according to a circular issued by the Health Ministry.

In November 2015, the ministry

CITY BEAUTIFUL: The renowned Omani artist has painted

some of the oldest scenes in the city, which have not even been photographed. -Supplied

had said prices of a large number of medicines will be reduced from January 2016, but later postponed the enforcement of this decision to June this year.

However, the latest circular issued to all private pharmacies and stores in May stated that the decision to revise prices of medicines

has been postponed again.

“The implementation of the revised prices will be postponed until new bylaws and Ministerial Decisions enforcing the new pharmacy law promulgated vide Royal Decree No. 35/2015 are issued,” the circular said.

Speaking about the reasons for the delay, a pharmacy official told the Times of Oman, “Drug distributors had pleaded to the Ministry of Health to study the details of the impact of this price revision.

If they implement the price reduction decision, the pharmaceutical industry may be hit.”

The ministerial decision also stipulated a reduction in the profit margin of drugs in the private sector so that the profit margin remains between 35 and 43 per cent, instead of 55 per cent. Medicine prices in Oman are considered as

AV I ATAT I O N

This new Muscat Duty Free bag does not count as hand baggage MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Muscat Duty Free has come up with a special solution for those customers who were unable to carry more duty free items on board flights, since some airlines include duty free purchases in customers’ carry-on hand baggage allowances.

Now, Muscat Duty free has introduced a new packing box for customers travelling to some destinations.

“We noticed that the decision by some airlines to enforce restrictions on hand baggage has negatively affected passengers who travel on these carriers, as to what they can actually take on board the aircraft,” Martin Mullen, General Manager of Muscat Duty Free, told Times of Oman.

“So we like to look after our customers and, particularly, as with those going to south Indian and Bangladesh destinations, due to the restrictions that have been imposed by some low cost carriers,” he added.

The new box can carry up to 10 kilos of perishable goods, which will not be counted in hand baggage, according to Mullen.

Still, Mullen advises customers to only carry on goods weighing some 7 kilos, for the convenience of the airlines.

He confirmed that the store has performed a trial on some of

New South Korean envoy says hello to the Sultanate MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

Medicine price cuts on hold for the time being

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

A5

CARRY MORE: The new box

can carry up to 10 kilos of perishable goods, which will not be counted in hand baggage.

– Supplied photo

Oman Air’s routes, and the results were excellent.

Currently, they are also involved in a trial on a budget airline to Cochin and to Dhaka.

“The feedback we have received from the Oman Air ground handling staff is good, and they are pretty happy with the new box,” Mullen said.

“It is a strong package, as we went through several tests on boxes to establish how robust the packaging was, and we are happy with the results, despite our efforts to stress the packaging,” he added.

Also, the new packing box can be tightened with bindings to make them more secure. This will be offered by MDF free of charge.

“When a customer reaches their gate after a purchase, the ground staff will then bring the

package to the aircraft and the airline will not charge you for excess luggage,” Mullen added.

“The new system has already begun on some routes operated by Oman Air, and we are also in talks with one of the Budget airlines”, Mullen stated.

Passengers on Oman Air flights to Kochi Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Kathmandu, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Bangalore and New Delhi can use the new packing box at Muscat Duty Free shops beginning 21st June.

He also confirmed that a passenger can carry one box, which can be varied, depending on airline restrictions.

“We want to provide an opportunity for our customer to buy something for their family back in their home country, and to have confidence that they can purchase without any weight restrictions,” Mullen said.

“But the reports coming out had confused passengers about whether they can carry duty free goods or not, and this caused us to introduce the new packing box, to clarify the position of what is currently permitted,” Mullen continued.

“The new packing box will provide a solution to the airlines and for our customers”, noted Mullen.

To contact Muscat Duty Free about the free carry box, email freecarrybox@muscatdutyfree. com or call 24 510 725 ext. 232.

one of the highest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

While announcing the decision to revise medicine prices, ministry officials had said the move was a continuation of an earlier phased approach, such as reducing the export prices of drugs being sent to the Sultanate by unifying the prices of innovative drugs in GCC countries to the same level and re-pricing generic drugs at the local level.

The ministry’s decision to reduce the prices of medicines is not the first of its kind in the Omani market in the recent past. This is the third time and it also covers the largest number of drugs.

Such a decision was first taken in October 2014 when prices of 1,400 drugs were reduced. The second time was in June 2015, when the prices of around 1,180 drugs were cut.

MUSCAT: Newly appointed South Korean Ambassador to Oman conveyed his greetings to the people of Oman and said he anticipates enhancing the annual trade volume between Oman and Korea, and introducing direct flights that will help boost Korean arrivals in Oman, during his stay in Oman.

“Annual trade volume between Korea and Oman is U.S.$4 to 5 billion a year,” Doho Kang, the Korean envoy told the Times of Oman in an exclusive interview.

“Our two countries have huge room to develop future trade,” he added. He hoped Omanis can find more high quality products from Korea, such as cosmetics, cell phones, textiles and high-end electronics.

“Competitive products of Oman, such as petrochemical products, fishery goods and etc. can also be exported to Korea, thus enhancing the mutual trade volume,” Ambassador Kang asserted.

The two countries can deepen their friendship, support each other, pursue mutual prosperity, and share a splendid cultural heritage, which indicates great potential for future cooperation, according to the ambassador.

Korean companies have participated in major government projects in Oman, ranging from petrochemical, desalination, power generation, civil engineering to infrastructure construction, with a good example of a Korean company building the Duqm dry dock, the ambassador said.

“I hope that more reliable Korean companies can play a part in Oman’s economic development schemes, contributing to the successful realisation of the 2020/2040 vision of Oman.”

He also pointed out that many Korean companies are interested in investing in Oman and to expand their business in Oman.

“I would like to encourage the exchanges of scholars of both countries, who will help shape our future,” Kang added.

Tourism between Oman and Korea has witnessed steady growth; with lots of Korean people interested in visiting Oman.

“As a tourist destination, Oman has a lot of potential to be unfolded and it also can act as a gateway to modernising the Arabic region,” the ambassador said.

“For Koreans, Oman is a country where people are adventurous, enterprising and open minded.”

Speaking about a direct flight

Competitive products of Oman, such as petrochemical products, fishery goods and etc. can also be exported to Korea, thus enhancing the mutual trade volume Doho KANG

Ambassador of South Korea to Oman

between both the countries the ambassador said, “If there is more demand for a direct flight from the public, a direct flight will be gradually discussed between the airline companies of our two countries.”

Korea had signed a 25 yearlong LNG contract with Oman in 2000.

“Annual LNG imports from Oman to Korea amount to approximately 4 million tonnes, which constitute the largest portion of the LNG exports of Oman,” the ambassador said.

Speaking about the Korean community in Oman, Ambassador Kang said, “The number is estimated to be about 600.”

“I personally wish that more Koreans get job opportunities in Oman and dedicate their hard working spirit and skills, especially in the IT, education and new renewable energy sector,” he added.

He also confirmed that the construction of a new embassy building is expected to be completed within three months.

A6

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 It provides better nutrition to a plant as its ingredients consist of only organic material and waste Moza Al Wahabi, a member of Econas

OMAN B I L AT E R A L T I E S

Alawi gets message from Indian minister MUSCAT: Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs received a message from the Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.

This came when he received the Indian ambassador at the General Diwan of the Ministry yesterday.

During the meeting, Alawi wel-

ROP

KIDSRIGHTS INDEX

comed the ambassador, commending the good relations binding the two countries in all areas. The meeting reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed means of enhancing cooperation in various fields.

They also discussed a number of issues of common concern. -ONA

Oman ranked No. 1 in the Gulf region on child rights TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Putting the rights of children first has earned the country the highest ranking of all the Gulf countries in the KidsRights Index.

The Sultanate was ranked first for upholding children’s rights in the GCC region, according to the KidsRights Index 2016, followed

by Qatar and Kuwait, which came in second and third, respectively.

United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia followed, leaving Bahrain as the country with the worst record in GCC for maintaining children’s rights.

Oman was ranked third, with regards to Arab nations and was preceded by Tunisia and Egypt.

Among the 163 countries included in the Index, the Sultanate was ranked at number 40.

The KidsRights Index was compiled, based on the study of five domains: right to life, right to health, right to education, right to

protection and enabling an environment for child rights; where 23 indicators, such as ‘under 5 mortality rate,’ ‘life expectancy at birth,’ ‘child labour’ and many others are evaluated in order to conclude the final findings for each country.

Omani parents expressed their jubilation and agreed with the report, saying they feel that their children are getting everything they need to live a healthy life.

“I do feel that Oman imparts great care to children. Every child in Oman receives free education in public schools and healthcare at government hospitals,” said Um Tariq, an Omani parent.

“The Sultanate has the facilities necessary for nurturing and helping in the growth of children. My children are all grown up now and are all working in Oman,” she added.

In September 2015, the Committee for the Rights of the Child from the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Com-

missioner listed a set of problems that Oman must resolve during the time frame set by the authority regarding the Children’s Act. According to a statement made by the Sultanate before the United Nations, the Children’s Act gives rights to children from birth to health, education and culture.

The statement reads, “The Act recognises the child’s right to preventive and therapeutic health care and stipulates that the State shall ensure his or her enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of free health care.”

“On the subject of educational rights, the Act recognises the child’s right to free education in public schools until completion of the post-primary stage and makes the completion of primary education compulsory,” added the statement.

The Children’s Act also provides children with protection by way of children protection committees, temporary shelters and child protection officers.

38 illegals A1 arrested < FROM

He said the investigation team headed immediately to the crime scene to collect evidence.

Following the investigation, officers arrested the accused Asian expatriate on charges of murder and he was sent for public prosecution.

Infiltrators The Royal Oman Police (ROP), in collaboration with other military and security departments, last week arrested 38 infiltrators of different nationalities in many wilayats for entering the Sultanate illegally.

Deportation The ROP also deported 26 infiltrators after taking the necessary legal actions, in coordination with their respective embassies.

The ROP requested the community to provide more cooperation to legal authorities to combat this phenomenon, not to hire, give shelter or facilitate the entry of unchecked labourers into the Sultanate.

Made-in-Oman manure helps plants grow faster plant as its ingredients consist of only organic material and waste,” said Moza Al Wahabi, a member of Econas, which was established last year.

Farmers in Oman currently use solid manure, which takes more time to blend with soil and is more expensive ECO-FREINDLY: Econas, the student-run company said this “first-

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com

of-its-kind” product will help Omani farmers grow their flowers and vegetables “more smoothly.” – Supplied Photo

MUSCAT: A group of Omani students have created an eco-friendly liquid manure that helps plants “grow faster.”

Econas, the student-run company said this “first-of-its-kind” product will help Omani farmers

grow their flowers and vegetables “more smoothly.”

Made up of 11 members, the company will start selling its “Plant Coffee” next week.

Farmers in Oman currently use

solid manure, which takes more time to blend with soil and is more expensive. The new “Plant Coffee” is set be sold at a price of 350 Omani baisa per litre.

“It provides better nutrition to a

Marketing products Econas is a made up of a group of Sultan Qaboos University students and they depend on social media and public exhibitions to promote and market their ecofriendly products.

“The liquid manure technology aims to reuse organic waste and livestock manure in a better economic and hygienic way to produce an effective liquid fertiliser,” Al Wahabi explained, adding that plant nursery owners and farmers will be their main marketing targets.

She added that the liquid manure also reduces the need to continuously water a plant and enhances its immunity during cold and hot weather.

MINISTRY OF MANPOWER

< FROM

A1 Employer can’t act against complainant The online platform also clearly points out that an employer cannot act against the complainant for approaching MoM to lodge a complaint.

While explaining the current practice, a legal advisor in Muscat said another way to register a labour complaint is that the complainant approaches the Labour Dispute Department and fills in the form available there with all details about the complainant, employer and labour claims.

“The labour claims filled in the form will be considered as the basic one even if the case goes to the Supreme Court. Usually, in two or three weeks, the complainant and the employer will be summoned for the hearing in the dispute department. If the dispute is not settled in the dispute department then it will forwarded to the court,” the legal advisor added.

According to the manpower official, other than the online registration of a complaint, the other

procedures will be the same.

Meanwhile, a Muscat-based social worker praised the new service, but said it will be more helpful for workers if English is added.

“As most of the expats are from Asian countries, it would be hard for them to fill in a form which is in Arabic. The social workers who are willing to help them also find it hard. When English language is made available then it would be a blessing,” Shameer PTK, an Indian social worker in Oman, said.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

$18,968b

Global tourism will be the main economic driver in the world with 11% of the total number of jobs after 10 years from now MUSCAT: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) organised on Ramadan evening on Tuesday night during which Maithaa bint Saif Al Mahrouqiyah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism introduced the Omani Tourism Strategy.

During the evening, she said

that the global tourism will be the main economic driver for employment in the world with 11 per cent of the total number of jobs after 10 years from now and will contribute more than 9 per cent to the GDP of the world attracting more than 1 billion international flights. She said the Sultanate has the potential to have a leading position in the tourism field.

She also pointed out that the implementation of tourism strategy in the Sultanate will bring about many benefits, such as creating more than 500,000 jobs by the end of 2040 and increasing the value of expected investments to about OMR19 billion of which only 12 per cent will be by the public sector.

As for the investments required to implement the Omani Tourism Strategy (2016-2040) she pointed out that it is about $18,968 billion of which 88 per cent will be by the private sector. She pointed out that the strategy implementation

plan is divided into three parts.

The first part (2016-2020) includes the launching of the major and direct Omani experiences related to the best Omani authentic experiences, availing more than 5,620 new hotel rooms, creating more than 76,384 new direct job opportunities and implementing the leadership and empowerment initiative.

The second part of the strategy (2012-2030) includes the launching of three Omani major experiences, adding more than 15,419 new hotel rooms and availing more than 126,900 direct jobs. The third part (2031-2040) includes the launching of three major Omani experiences, adding more than 29,596 new hotel rooms and availing more than 2,429,900 fresh direct jobs.

Said bin Saleh Al Kayoumi, Chairman of OCCI and a number of public and private officials with interest in the tourism sector attended the seminar. -ONA

AL MUBASHAR VESSEL

New vessel joins Oman navy MUSCAT: Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) celebrated yesterday at Said bin Sultan’s Naval Base the arrival and joining of Al Mubashar Vessel to its naval fleet, under the patronage of Maj.Gen

OMAN

needed to implement Oman Tourism Plan

Tourism plan to create 500,000 jobs: Maithaa

Salim bin Musallam Qatan, Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC).

The joining of Al Mubashar Vessel comes within the (Sea of Oman) Project which is to sup-

ply RNO with two support ships, having advanced technical equipment and modern capabilities, and to ensure its full readiness to work under various maritime conditions. -ONA

A7

M I N I S T E R O F R E G I O NA L M U N I C I PA L I T I E S A N D WAT E R R E S O U R C E S

Shura to discuss municipal plans, policies with minister MUSCAT: Majlis Al Shura will host Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Shihhi, Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources on coming Monday and Tuesday at its 21st and 22nd sessions of the first annual sitting (2015/2016).

Sheik Ali bin Nasser Al Mahrouqi, Secretary General of Majlis Al Shura said that the minister will discuss municipal plans and policies, public health and services, community service and recreational projects, water resources, the 8th five-year plan of the sector and the water wealth.

The 22nd session of Majlis on Wednesday will discuss and approve a proposal to amend some articles of the Financial and Administrative State Audit Institution Law, as well as a proposals to amend the Maritime Fishing and Protection of Water Live Water Environment Law .

He added that the session will also discuss a number of reports by the standing and ad hoc com-

mittees including the report of the economic and financial committee on its study on the hindrances before the private sector and the incentives required to increase its contribution to the GDP, the final report of the economic crisis and its effects on society treatment committee.

It will also discuss the report of the food and water security committee on revising the mechanisms for foodstuff subsidy, the study of the education and scientific research committee on the private schools in the Sultanate and its study on the status of private universities and colleges in Oman.

He pointed out that Majlis will also look into a number of proposals including the proposals about introducing a public auction to sell distinguished vehicle plate numbers and the proposal on Oman University project.

He added that during the session Majlis will also review a number of

replies including the reply of the Minister of Housing on delay in distributing the agricultural lands, the reply of CBO Executive President on the charges collected by commercial banks from customers, the reply of the Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs on the financial savings from lifting fuel subsidy, the reply of the Minister of Commerce and Industry on how far the Sultanate benefited from FTA with USA. During the Ramadan evening on Tuesday, members of the Omani Lawyers Association, owners of law firms and lawyers, Dr. Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Chairman of Shura’s Legislative Legal Committee and Chairman of the Omani Lawyers Association said that as per the Council of Minister’s decision, the extension for the non-Omani lawyers practicing law profession in the Sultanate, before the courts of appeal and the Supreme Court, will expire on December 31, 2016. -ONA

A8

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

REGION DIRECTED BY ASSAD

Electricity minister asked to form new Syria government BEIRUT: President Bashar Al Assad instructed Electricity Minister Emad Khamis on Wednesday to form a new government in Syria, a country fragmented by warring factions and economically ruined by five years of conflict.

A decree published by state news agency SANA gave no reason for replacing Wael Al Halaki, who served as prime minister for nearly four years and survived an assassination attempt when a car bomb struck his convoy in Damascus in 2013.

Halaki was himself appointed to replace a prime minister who defected and later led an opposition team at peace talks in Geneva, which broke down in April as pro-government forces pressed an offensive against rebel-held areas of Aleppo city.

The Damascus-based government controls most of the wartorn country’s major population centres in the west, with the exceptions of Idlib, which is held by insurgents, and the rebel-held neighbourhoods of Aleppo, once Syria’s biggest city.

Kurdish forces control vast areas along the Turkish border, and IS holds Raqqa and Deir al-Zor provinces in the east.

Libya forces lose 36 in battle against IS IS militants had been fighting hard to defend the shrinking territory

Emad Khamis

they still control International efforts to bring peace to the country focus on forming a transitional governing body which can include members of the current administration and the opposition.

Assad and his ally Russia have suggested incorporating parts of the opposition into the government as a step towards a political settlement to the war.

Washington and Syrian rebels, who insist that any peace deal must involve Assad’s departure, have dismissed the idea.

An engineer by training, 54-year-old Khamis has been electricity minister since 2011, SANA said. Before that he was general manager of the state’s electricity distribution body. He has been a member of Assad’s Baath political party since 1977. — Reuters

in the residential centre of Sirte, said Abdalla Binrasali, a spokesman at the forces’ media centre in Misrata TOUGH FIGHT: A handout picture taken on Tuesday and released on Wednesday by the media centre

of the forces of Libya’s Government of National Accord’s military operation against the IS in Sirte reportedly shows GNA fighters taking part in an operation against IS in the city of Sirte. — AFP PHOTO/HO/

TRIPOLI/BERLIN: Libyan forces fighting IS in its stronghold of Sirte said on Wednesday that 36 of their men had been killed and nearly 150 wounded in the previous day’s clashes, one of the heaviest tolls in their month-long campaign.

IS militants had been fighting hard to defend the shrinking territory they still control in the residential centre of Sirte, said Abdalla Binrasali, a spokesman at the forces’ media centre in Misrata.

“The resistance was fierce and they were firing with everything they’ve got, mortars, rockets and rifles,” he said.”They fear that if they lose more ground they will be defeated.”

Retake Sirte Brigades largely composed of fighters from Misrata launched a campaign to retake Sirte from IS last month.

They rapidly recaptured ground west of Sirte at the end of May, but their advance slowed as

MEDIA CENTRE OF THE GNA FORCES MILITARY OPERATION AGAINST IS IN SIRTE

they closed in on the centre of the coastal city.

On Tuesday fighting escalated and the brigades said they had taken control of parts of the “700” neighbourhood, the broadcasting and electricity company headquarters and a mosque. The “700” neighbourhood is strategically important because IS snipers have been positioning themselves on the district’s taller buildings.

The brigades based in Misrata are aligned with a UN-backed unity government that arrived in Tripoli in March.

It is seeking to replace two other rival governments that were set up in Tripoli and the east in 2014, and to unite Libya’s many political and armed factions.

Role of German navy Meanwhile, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cabinet agreed on Wednesday to expand the role of

the German navy in the Mediterranean Sea to include efforts to stop arms headed to IS militants in Libya, German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said.

The German decision comes days after the European Union gave its naval force the authority to search suspicious vessels as part of its five-frigate “Sophia” mission, which is also seeking to break up gangs smuggling migrants to Europe.

Parliament is expected to approve the move before it adjourns for the summer at the end of June, according to government sources.

The mandate also covers work to help Libya build up a coastal patrol and navy.

“We all have an interest in creating more order along the border to Europe,” von der Leyen told reporters.”And it’s important that the character of the mandate is being expanded to

focus more on the root causes of the refugee streams.”

She said the expanded EU and German missions followed a UN decision to reinforce an arms embargo on Libya, where IS extremist operate.”That sent a very strong signal,” von der Leyen said.

Germany has thus far participated in the EU mission with a logistics ship, and about 950 German soldiers have helped rescue about 15,000 people at sea since May 2015, according to the German military.

Once approved by parliament, Wednesday’s decision means German ships will be able to stop, search and seize larger vessels used by gangs transporting migrants, and also take suspects into custody, the sources said.

In cases of suspected arms smuggling, they will also be able to search ships transiting to and from Libya, they added. — Reuters

EGYPT

Court acquits 22 over protests CAIRO: A Cairo court acquitted on Wednesday 22 people on trial for protesting against a government decision to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, a judicial source and a defence lawyer said.

The ruling comes a day after Egypt’s administrative court annulled the maritime agreement, announced in April, that would have seen Egypt lose control of

Tiran and Sanafir. The accord had caused uproar and rare protests in Egypt, where many have long considered the islands Egyptian.

More than 200 people were arrested in connection with protests over the islands in April.

Since then, more than 150 have been handed jail sentences or fines, according to judicial sources.

Wednesday’s verdict will bring

to at least 107 the number of people acquitted.

The 22 who were acquitted on Wednesday had been sent to trial on charges of violating a protest law by demonstrating without a permit and blocking traffic. “Maybe yesterday’s annulment encouraged the judge’s decision to acquit the defendants,” said Khaled Ali, a lawyer who was representing some of the accused. — Reuters

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

GARNERING SUPPORT

France joins US in strongly backing India’s bid for NSG SEOUL/NEW DELHI: France on Wednesday joined the US in backing India’s bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which begins a two-day plenary on Thursday in Seoul, where Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar arrived to garner support in the 48-nation grouping which is divided over the issue.

China continued to stonewall India’s entry harping on the need to have a criteria for countries like India which have not signed the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and clubbing India’s case with that of Pakistan for which it is batting. While making some right noises of playing “constructive” role on the issue of memberships of India and Pakistan, China maintained that the matter was not on the agenda of the plenary.

Here too, Beijing clubbed the two sub-continental neighbours despite the marked difference in their nuclear non-proliferation track record.

Officials in New Delhi emphasised that NSG process was “delicate and complex” and cautioned against speculating on India’s prospects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet in Tashkent on Thursday where they are attending the SCO Summit.

Modi may talk to Xi on NSG issue but whether the Chinese will alter their stance is a moot point.

Roughly 20 countries are backing India’s case fully but given that the decisions in NSG are taken by consensus, India faces uphill task.

But there was a degree of optimism among Indian officials which explains Jaishankar’s presence in the South Korean capital.

France volunteered a statement on Wednesday to assert that India’s participation in nuclear control regimes will help better regulate the export of sensitive goods, whether they are nuclear, chemical, biological, ballistic or conventional materials and technologies. - PTI

A9

INDIA

NPAs, not higher rates, behind low credit growth, says Rajan Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan blamed the record low credit growth to the stress in public sector banks and not due to high interest rates LECTURE: RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan speaks during an interactive meeting organised

by The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

BENGALURU: Taking on critics of his monetary policy, Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan on Wednesday blamed the record low credit growth to the stress in public sector banks and not due to high interest rates.

“I will argue that the slowdown in credit growth has been largely because of stress in the public sector banks and not due to high interest rates,” Rajan said in a speech on ‘Resolving stress in the banking system’ organised by the industry lobby Assocham here on Wednesday.

At the same time he underlined the need for bank lending to the industry, saying “we absolutely need to get public sector banks back into lending to the industry and infrastructure, else credit and growth will suffer as the economy picks up.

“It is not the level of interest rates that is the problem, instead, the loans already in public sector banks’ balance sheets are stressed, and therefore their unwillingness to lend more to those sectors to which they have high exposure,” Rajan emphasised.

Credit growth has hit a near sixdecade low in 2015-16 at around 8.6 per cent, while bad loans in the

- PTI

Swamy attacks CEA; Jaitley jumps to his defence NEW DELHI: After forcing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan out, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy on Wednesday opened a new front, targeting Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian and demanded his sacking,ruffling feathers in the government and the party.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP quickly stepped in to dismiss Swamy’s statement in a bid to douse speculation whether his statement had the backing of anyone in the government or the party.

“Well, the government has

system have crossed 13 per cent at over Rs8 trillion in last fiscal year.

Last month, BJP parliamentarian Subramanian Swamy had attacked the Governor and called for his dismissal from the

full confidence in CEA Arvind Subramanian. His advice to government from time to time has been of great value,” the finance minister told a media briefing where questions were asked on Swamy’s statement.

BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said the party does not agree with Swamy’s criticism of Subramanian and termed it as “completely his personal opinion”.Attacking Subaramanian, a former IMF economist who was appointed in October 2014 by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government to the

post as he was responsible for “unemployment and collapse” of the industrial activity in the country apart from not “being fully Indian mentally”.

“In my opinion, the RBI Gov-

post of CEA in the Finance Ministry,Swamy referred to some of his views on Indian economy he had held during his tenure with the multilateral lending institution.

“Who said to US Cong on 13/3/13 the US should act against India to defend US Pharmaceuticals interests?

Arvind Subramanian MoF !!

Sack him!!!,” he tweeted.

Swamy’s attack comes in the wake of reports of Arvind Subramanian being among the probable successors of Rajan as the country’s central bank chief. - PTI

ernor is not appropriate for the country. He has hiked interest rates in the garb of controlling inflation that has damaged the country,” Swamy had said.

The BJP leader had also shot off

many letters to the prime minister seeking Rajan’s dismissal.

Rajan, who took charge as RBI Governor on September 4, 2013, had gradually raised the shortterm lending rate from 7.25 per cent to 8 per cent and had retained the high rates throughout 2014.

He kept the rates high, citing inflationary concerns despite intense pressure from the finance ministry and the industry for softening them with a view to boosting growth.

Rajan began the process of lowering the rates only in January 2015 and since then it has come down by 1.50 per cent to 6.50 per cent.The Governor on Wednesday suggested that if banks’ books are cleaned up, it could create room for lower interest rates.

“As such, what is required is a clean-up of the balance sheets of public sector banks, which is what is underway and needs to be taken to its logical conclusion,” Rajan said defending his decision to hold rates high as he took fighting inflation as a mission up on himself, in which he was successful as CPI inflation came down from double digits to low single digit.

Rajan further said bankers sometime turn around and accuse regulators of creating the bad loan problem.

“The truth is bankers, promoters, and circumstances create the bad loan problem,” he said.

The regulator cannot substitute for the banker’s commercial decisions or micromanage them or even investigate them when they are being made, Rajan said.

The Governor said in most situations the regulator can at best warn about poor lending practices when they are being undertaken, and demand banks hold adequate risk buffers.

“The important duty of the regulator is to force timely recognition of Non-Performing Assets and their disclosure when they happen,” he noted. - PTI

A10

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

INDIA

ISRO launches record 20 satellites in single mission With Wednesday’s launch of 20 satellites, PSLV beat its 2008 record when it placed in orbit 10 satellites in a single launch into various Low Earth Orbits

SRIHARIKOTA: Setting a record in its space programme, India on Wednesday successfully launched 20 satellites, including its earth observation Cartosat-2 series, in a single mission on board ISRO’s workhorse PSLV-C34 from the spaceport here.

In a precision launch, PSLV-C34 took off from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre here, about 110 km from Chennai at 9.26am and placed the Cartosat-2 Series and 19 others in the designated polar Sun Synchro-

BLAST OFF: Onlookers look at PSLV C-34 rocket as it propels into sky after being launched from the second pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota on the scheduled time of 9.25am in Sriharikota on Wednesday. - PTI

nous Orbit (SSO) about 30 minutes later in clear skies.

Remote sensing services The 727.5kg Cartosat-2 series satellite will provide regular remote sensing services with its panchromatic and multispectral cameras and its imagery will be of multiple use. Of the 19-satel-

lites, 12 are earth imaging “Dove satellites” of USA and another American satellite.

The rest are from Canada (two) and one each from Germany and Indonesia. Two academic satellites are from Sathyabama University (Sathyabamasat) in Chennai and from College of Engineering (Swayam) at Pune.

A1 1

Use of Cartosat 2 includes cartographic, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility management like road network monitoring and water distribution.

Also, creation of land use maps, precision study, change detection to bring out geographical and man-made features and various other Land Information System and Geographical Information System applications can be done.

It is similar to the earlier Cartosat-2, 2A and 2B. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) and described Wednesday’s launch as a “monumental” accomplishment. “20 satellites in a go! @ isro continues to break new barriers. hearty congratulations to our scientists on the monumental accomplishment’, he said on Twitter.

ISRO Chairman A. S. Kiran Kumar congratulated his team for the successful launch ‘in a record time’ and said “PSLV C-34 has done its job.”

“We have the current generation of earth observation satellite of Cartosat 2 series,” he said, adding ISRO had done a “wonderful job”. P. Kunhikrishnan, Director, SDSC-SHAR, said that

it was a major accomplishment

by PSLV in its 35th consecutive successful mission.

“PSLV has become a success symbol for ISRO and India. ISRO is adopting more and more professionalism,” he said.

D. Jayakumar, Mission Director, described Wednesday’s launch as a major landmark and said that the vehicle performance was “exceedingly well.”

With Wednesday’s launch of 20 satellites, PSLV beat its 2008 record when it placed in orbit 10 satellites in a single launch into various Low Earth Orbits.

This is the 14th flight of PSLV in “XL” configuration known for its capacity to carry more load which uses ‘solid strap-on motors’.

The total weight of all the 20 satellites carried onboard PSLVC34 is about 1,288kg.

India has 11 operational earth observation satellites, including RESOURCESAT-1 and 2, CARTOSAT-1, 2, 2A, 2B, RISAT-1 and 2, OCEANSAT-2 are in orbit.

Beginning in 1988, ISRO had launched many remote sensing satellites (for earth observation) and the data are for varied use including agriculture, water and ocean resources besides disaster management. - PTI

BIHAR

57 killed in heavy rain, thunderstorm PATNA: Fifty-seven people were killed and 24 others injured following heavy rains and thunderstorm in Bihar, a senior official said on Wednesday.

The thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rains lashed Bihar since Tuesday killing 57 people, while 24 others sustained injuries, Principal Secretary (Disaster Management) Vyasji said. While six persons were killed in various parts of Patna district, five others died in Buxar district, he said.

Nalanda, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Purnea registered four deaths each, while Katihar, Saharsa and Saran districts recorded three human fatalities each, Vyasji said. Bhagalpur, Munger, Samastipur districts recorded two deaths each, while Banka, Madhepura, Muzaffarpur and West Champaran districts registered one death each, he said, adding three more deaths were reported from other areas.

In addition, 24 other persons sustained injuries in lightning in various districts, he said, adding that 13 cattle also perished.

An ex-gratia payment of Rs400,000 will be provided to the kin of the victims and in some cases financial assistance has already been provided to the affected families, he said. - PTI

A12

T IME S O F O MAN

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

#TRENDING ONLINE HOT PICKS MOST SHARED

MOST READ

TIMESOFOMAN.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/TIMESOFOMAN

TOTAL VIEWS

TOTAL PAGE LIKES

65,920,361

400,630

1 30 per cent dip in Eid

1 Oman crime: Asian couple

holiday bookings in Oman

abducted, assaulted

timesofoman.com/Oman

timesofoman.com/Oman

2 Oman weather: Rain falls in

different parts of Salalah timesofoman.com/Oman

3 Thousands take part in Oman

yoga session

Founder: Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Chairman / Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Anees bin Essa Al Zedjali Chief Executive Officer: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali EDITORIAL Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24813153 E-mail: editor@timesofoman.com ADVERTISING Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24812624 E-mail: advertising@timesofoman.com CIRCULATION Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24818270 E-mail: circulation@timesofoman.com

timesofoman.com/Oman

2 Hotels in Oman must

register guest details with police

4 Oman crime: Man arrested

for alleged murder in Salalah

timesofoman.com/Oman

3 Morning Minute: More rain

timesofoman.com/Oman

5 OmanPride: Tabs bring cheer

predicted in Oman

timesofoman.com/Times TV

to 30 young cancer patients in Oman timesofoman.com/Oman

Printed and published by: Muscat Media Group Post Box: 770 Postal Code: 112

4 Airlines remind travellers

leaving Oman to pay additional OMR2 tax

timesofoman.com/Oman

5 Beware of fake accident

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/OPINION

scammers, ROP tells vehicle drivers in Oman timesofoman.com/Oman

FABRIZIO CORICELLI MOST POPULAR VIDEO

Are Democrats really better for US economy?

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/TIMESTV Jeffrey Frankel New E-Visa signboards to clear confusion at check-posts.

Until very recently, Europeans paid little attention to the British referendum on its European Union membership. Now that the potential for “Brexit” has become real, they are increasingly consumed by its implications. But rather than seriously considering the risks, many are behaving like members of a large family

TWEET WE LIKE @ilhammilanista Muscat#transit #capitalcity #oman #omanair #fromcairowithlove #tojakarta #holiday #siluet https:// www.instagram.com/p/BG9DsqwPuHk/

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY

GITA GOPINATH

INSTAGRAM.COM/TIMESOFOMAN

Raghuram Rajan’s decision not to seek a second term as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India was met with shock from those of us who have been cheering on the Indian economy. While it is no secret that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had its problems with Rajan

«

SHARE THIS!

Photo: Bader Ali Al Baddaei

READERS’ FORUM NSG, UNSC tools of imperialists This refers to the story, China continues to stonewall India’s NSG membership (June 21). I simply cannot understand why exclusive clubs like the United Nations Security Council or in case the Nuclear Suppliers Group are required. All countries should have equal status in any form of governance position. The reason UNSC is useless is that the permanent members use their diktat to make other countries submit.

The NSG is going along the same lines and become a tool of imperialists. If a real peace can be achieved such bodies must not be allowed to form. — Saleem Akhlaq, Ruwi Scan this QR code to send letters to the Readers’ Forum, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Life of the little cute Al Baraa gives us positivity This is with reference to article, The girl who is one in a million ( June 20). Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes when we have disappointments with life we need some optimism to have hope on life. Life of the little cute Al Baraa is one such incident that gives us positivity.

The difficulties undergone by Al Baraa and her family is unbelievable now with the blessings of Almighty everything is set. All the best for her future.

— Subbashini.M, Al Khuwair

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

JOHN C. MAXWELL

TAIMUR ARBAB

The multiplicity of educational problems that exist in Pakistan are put on the shoulders of teachers. It is true that there are a lot of issues that exist in the Pakistani education system but is it fair to place all the blame on the country’s teachers?

Sadly, the discourse on education within the country attributes to teachers everything that is wrong

H

illary Clinton has repeatedly claimed in recent months that the US economy does much better when a Democrat is in the White House. Coming from the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, that probably sounds like political spin. But the truth is that she is absolutely right.

The president, no doubt, is but one of many factors shaping the economy, and some presidents have certainly been luckier than others. But that doesn’t mean that Clinton’s claim is only “half true,” as asserted by some media fact-checkers (including the Pulitzer Prize-winning PolitiFact).

The difference in economic performance under Democratic and Republican presidents is consistent and substantial, with the disparities clearly above the threshold for statistical significance.

Princeton University economists Alan Blinder and Mark Watson confirm this Democratic dividend in a recent study. Their starting point is the observation that in the post-World War II period (from Harry Truman to Barack Obama), annual GDP growth has averaged 4.3 per cent during Democratic administrations, compared to 2.5 per cent under Republicans. If one goes back further, to include Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt, the disparity is even larger. The results are similar even if one assigns responsibility for the first three months – or the first few quarters – of a president’s term to his predecessor.

But there is more. Over the 256 quarters in the 16 post-war presidential terms, the US economy was in recession for an average of 1.1 quarters during Democratic presidencies and 4.6 quarters during the Republican terms. The odds that such a large difference is the result of mere chance are no more than one in 100.

And the trend is not restricted to GDP. Since 1945, the unemployment rate fell by 0.8 percentage points under Democrats, on average, and rose by 1.1 percentage points under Republicans – a remarkable difference of 1.9 percentage points.

The structural budget deficit has also been smaller under Democratic presidents (1.5 per cent of potential GDP) than when Republicans have been in office (2.2 per cent), though this has not stopped Republicans from criticizing Democrats for excessive spending. Even returns on the S&P

500 have been substantially higher under Democrats – 8.4 per cent versus 2.7 per cent. (This differential is not as significant statistically, however, because equity prices are so volatile.)

The likelihood that luck alone could have produced such large and consistent differences in economic performance is extremely low – a point that can be illustrated even without fancy econometrics. Take the recession record. If the chances of a recession starting during a Democratic or a Republican president’s term were equal, the odds of four successive recessions beginning under Republicans would be 16 to one – the same as getting “heads” on four out of four coin-flips. That is not particularly likely, yet it is exactly what happened in the last 35 years.

If one were to go back ten business cycles assuming an equal chance of a recession starting under a Democratic or a Republican president, the odds become even longer. There is only a 100-toone chance that nine out of the last ten recessions would have begun under Republican presidents.

Yet they did, as confirmed by the NBER Business Cycle Dating Committee.

An even more startling fact emerges from a review of the last eight times an incumbent from one party was succeeded by a president from the other party. In the four transitions when a Republican took office, GDP growth slowed; in the other four transitions, when a Democrat moved in, the growth rate went up. That is as unlikely as getting heads on eight coin tosses in a row – a one-in-256 shot.

Democrats thus have not succeeded by luck alone. (In fact, Blinder and Watson also observe that the US economy performs better when Democrats control Congress or have appointed the Federal Reserve chair, though the main determinant remains the party of the president.) So what accounts for the partisan performance gap?

Blinder and Watson suggest that five factors – oil shocks, productivity growth, defense spending, foreign economic growth, and consumer confidence – may together explain 56 per cent of the growth gap. - Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JUNE 2001 Municipal works panel volunteers honoured MUSCAT: A ceremony was held yesterday under the auspices of Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, to honour the municipal works committee, volunteers and contributors from Al Ahli voluntary centres, families of the wilayats, women’s association members, ParentTeachers councils, Social Health Service team, in addition to those who have contributed to the civic activities in wilayat.

Sheikh Ali bin Nasser Al Mahrouqi, wali of Nakhl and president of the municipal committee, delivered a speech at a function held at the Al Khalil bin Shadan Secondary School, hailing the works of municipal committees in the wilayats.

Scan this QR for full story online

PICTOGRAPH AIRPORTS, SEAPORTS AND LAND BORDER CHECK POINTS Exits (in million)

2014

2012

2013

7.44

6 54 6 42 6.54

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

1944: In one of the largest air strikes of the war, the U.S. Fifteenth Air Force sends 761 bombers against the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania.

1951: Soviet UN delegate Jacob Malik proposes cease-fire discussions in the Korean War. 1966: Civil Rights marchers in Mississippi are dispersed by tear gas.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

A1 3

PAKISTAN LOBBYING

HEAVY RAIN IN LAHORE

Pakistanis wade through flood water following heavy rain in Lahore on Wednesday. The Meteorological Department has predicted that the summer monsoon rainfall is likely to be 10-20 percent above normal levels throughout the country, warning that torrential downpour might lead to floods in certain areas. - AFP

Officials should own up to their failures: Haqqani ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistani ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani on Wednesday hit back at Sartaj Aziz saying officials in Pakistan must own up to their failures.

Responding to Aziz’s comment that a former Pakistani ambassador in Washington has been lobbying against his own country, Haqqani said, “Officials should take responsibility for failed policies and their poor presentation abroad instead of looking for scapegoats to divert attention.”

In a rejoinder issued to prime minister’s adviser on foreign affairs, Haqqani said, Pakistan’s difficulties in the United States were the result of years of supporting militants.

Foreign policy “I did not make the A. Q. Khan network, support the Taliban as they killed United States soldiers in Afghanistan or allow United Nations designated terrorist groups to function openly so there is no point in blaming me for these policy failures.

“Neither I nor any other former ambassador was responsible for the OBL fiasco,” Haqqani stated.

Addressing the lower house of parliament after opposition parliamentarians criticised the government over recent foreign policy fiascos, Aziz made the controversial statement regarding Haqqani.

Though Aziz didn’t name anyone, it was obvious that he was referring to Hussain Haqqani. - Express Tribune

KIDNAPPED

Massive search on for son of Sindh top judge KARACHI: Police and paramilitary Rangers carried out widespread combing operations across the provincial metropolis on Tuesday in search of the son of Sindh’s High Court judge who went missing a day earlier.

Advocate Ovais Ali Shah, son of Sindh High Court Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, was abducted from outside a supermarket in the upscale Clifton neighbourhood on Monday noon, according to police.

Police believe the lawyer might have been kidnapped but they have failed to find any clue.

A nine-member special police team, headed by Criminal Investigation Agency DIG Sultan Khawaja and comprising investigation and counter-terrorism experts, is investigating the case.

The Special Security Unit of the Sindh police conducted a surgical operation with the help of drone cameras in several neighbourhoods adjacent to Tipu Sultan Road and in parts of District West, including Pirabad and Manghopir localities. About six suspects were detained.

The paramilitary Rangers also started investigations in collaboration with the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) as well as the intelligence agencies and conducted operations in Orangi Town, Gadap, Liaquatabad, Keamari, Korangi, Clifton and Jamshed Town.

At least 11 suspects were detained for questioning.

The Rangers have announced a reward of Rs2.5 million for information leading to the arrest of the alleged kidnappers. - Express Tribune

Adopt ‘wait and watch’ policy on Panama probe, Nawaz told Bilawal criticises premier

Feeling the heat of a looming political storm in the wake of joint opposition’s inflexible stance on Panama leaks issue, the ruling PML-N is deliberating on different options PANAMA SCANDAL: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been advised to adopt a ‘wait-and-watch’ policy and to let ‘the dust settle down’. – Bloomberg news

ISLAMABAD: Feeling the heat of a looming political storm in the wake of joint opposition’s inflexible stance on Panama leaks issue, the ruling PML-N is deliberating on different options to grapple with the fast unfolding situation.

The party’s top command has reportedly sought suggestions from senior members and these suggestions are being reviewed these days, it has been learnt.

Sources in the ruling party said a couple of PML-N lawmakers, who have a say in the policy matters at the Centre, have recommended Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to adopt a ‘wait-and-watch’ policy and to let ‘the dust settle down.’

“The doing-nothing policy really helps. It will not only defuse political tension but also exhaust and frustrate the opposition that will eventually fall short of op-

tions,” a source quoted the central leaders as saying. PTI and PAT’s 2014 marathon sit-in in Islamabad is cited as a pertinent example.

“When we reacted (during 2014 protests), there was violence. And when we adopted a wait-andwatch policy, both the parties had to wind up in embarrassment,” said a federal minister on condition of anonymity. “Everything was a mess till we calmed down.

And so did everybody else.”

The PML-N Punjab chapter is of the view that the ruling party should not stay silent on the issue.

Reportedly, senior leaders from the PML-N Punjab believe that adopting a passive policy towards the matter will be politically damaging for the party.

“A lot is going to happen in the

coming days. The PM has not been around for a while and his arrival back home amidst protests and accusations is something we would never want to happen.

Then there are general elections in the region where the party is struggling to secure its vote bank.

“Passively responding to opposition’s hostile antics would simply allow them to cash in on the situation, which might cost us dearly,” a source summed up the PML-N Punjab’s stance.

Options Reportedly, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has been advised ‘not to let it go and be aggressive’ on the Panama leaks issue.

As another option, the PML-N leadership is considering tackling

BHIMBER: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of running the country like a monarch.

“Sharif dynasty does not want the institutions to be strengthened. The government is interfering in every organisation. This so called elected and democratic government is ruling like monarchs,” Bilawal said, while addressing a PPP rally in connection with the upcoming general election in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. He said Nawaz Sharif disregarded the Charter of Democracy and if it had been followed, the country would have been in a much better

the issue aggressively till the general elections are held in AJK on July 21, and to keep the issue lingering thereafter.

Rana Sanaullah, Punjab law minister and a trusted associate of Punjab CM, said the opposition is playing politics on Panama leaks.

“They are playing politics for parochial purposes. This does not mean we should have sleepless nights just because opposition wants to pressure us out of nothing,” he told The Express Tribune.

state. “The country needed a Benazir for the premiership who could confront the world and tell them that the nation wants a peaceful Pakistan,” he added.

He said there were few personalities in the human history like Benazir Bhutto who became a symbol of struggle against dictatorship.

“She turned the impossible into possible. I have a firm belief that people cannot forget Shaheed Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir,” he added.

Questioning utility of the prime minister, Bilawal said if the country could be run without a prime minister for a whole month then what was the need of such a prime minister. - Express Tribune

Asked if multiple options are considered to respond to the situation, the minister gave an indirect response. “Multiple options are always considered to respond to any given situation. That is what a political party does”. - Express Tribune

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

MURDER

Renowned singer Amjad Sabri shot dead in Karachi KARACHI: Renowned qawwal Amjad Sabri was shot dead in Karachi on Wednesday.

The famous qawwal’s (singer) vehicle came under attack as it was passing by Liaquatabad. “Armed motorcyclists opened fire on the qawwal’s Honda Civic in Liaquatabad,” police officer Asghar Usman confirmed. His driver is said to be in a critical condition.

Sabri was rushed to Abbassi Shaheed Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Liaquatabad SHO has been suspended following the attack. Further, Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal has ordered an immedi-

ate inquiry into the incident.

Acting president Raza Rabbani termed Sabri’s murder ‘unfortunate.’ In a statement issued soon after the killing, Rabbani said he hoped the Sindh government would take very possible step to arrest the culprits.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Farooq Sattar said Sabri’s murder has left many questions on touted success of Karachi operation. “We have always pointed out that Karachi has many domains of extremist elements. These extremists kill people whenever they want,” he said.

Farooq also stressed that just

two days ago Sindh High Court Chief Justice’s son was kidnapped despite the Karachi operation going on.

“This creates an atmosphere of fear and mistrust among people.”

Reactions poured in as people across all walks of life expressed grief over the incident.

Amjad Sabri. – Express Tribune

Blasphemy charges In 2014, the Islamabad High Court had issued a notice in a blasphemy case to two private TV channels for playing of a qawwali during a morning show.

The show had mixed a mock wedding with a qawwali sung by

Sabri related to religious figures, and was considered offensive.

Advocate Tariq Asad had put the onus on Sabri and poet Aqeel Mohsin Naqvi for the blasphemy row while seeking to ban the Qawwali that caused the issue.

Amjad Sabri was the scion of the great Sabri brothers, who cemented a unique identity in Qawwali singing all around the world.

The Sabri family rose to fame in the 1970s when the dynamic duo of Ghulam Farid Sabri and Maqbool Ahmed Sabri went on to redefining the old genre of Qawwali singing.

It was Amjad who took the reins from his father Ghulam Farid and

Uncle Maqbool Sabri and took the family name forward carving a more popular and less niche identity for himself and his family.

Some of the most famous works of the Sabri brothers include Tajdar-e-Haram and Bhar Do Jholi, both of which have been re-rendered by Amjad for the modern audiences.

One thing that always stood out about Amjad was that despite hailing from a family of musicians, he never restricted his contributions to the music industry at large and always remained a seminal part of artist’s protests, celebrations at large. – Express Tribune

A 14

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

GLOBAL EYE

Share your world with us on Instagram

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY SHARE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS

HONG KONG: A tourist holds a traditional fan as she stands in front of a view of Hong Kong’s skyline from the Peak on Wednesday. Hong Kong was named the world’s most expensive city for expatriates, reports said on Wednesday citing an annual survey. – AFP

EGYPT: Egyptian cook Fathi grills chicken outside a restaurant in IRAN: An Iranian baker shows a traditional bread, known locally as ‘barbari’, in Tehran, on Wednesday during Ramadan. More than a bil-

lion people around the world abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk. – AFP

TAIWAN: An employee introduces Sharp Corporation’s RoBoHon, a humanoid communication robot-shaped mobile phone, at a Sharp showroom in New Taipei City, Taiwan, on Wednesday. – Reuters

the Egyptian capital Cairo. More than a billion people around the world are observing Ramadan this month. – AFP

RUSSIA: Workers harvest cabbage on a field of the Shpakovskoye agricultural firm in Mikhaylovsk, Russia, on Wednesday.

- Reuters

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

WORLD North Korea’s new missile test threatens Japan The launch came about two hours after a similar test failed, South Korea’s military said, and covered 400km, more than halfway towards the southwest coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu

SEOUL/TOKYO: North Korea launched what appeared to be an intermediate-range missile on Wednesday to a high altitude in the direction of Japan before it plunged into the sea, military officials said, a technological advance for the isolated state after several test failures.

The launch came about two hours after a similar test failed, South Korea’s military said, and covered 400 km (250 miles), more than halfway towards the southwest coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu.

The launches and earlier nuclear tests show continued defiance of international warnings and a series of UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions, which North Korea rejects as an infringement of its sovereignty.

Japanese Defence Minister Gen

IRBM CAPABILITY SHOWN: A television screen broadcasts news coverage of a North Korean rocket launch, at Seoul station on Wednesday. - AFP

Nakatani said the second missile reached an altitude of 1,000 km (620 miles), indicating North Korea had made progress.

“We don’t know whether it counts as a success, but North Korea has shown some capability with IRBMs (intermediate range ballistic missiles),” he told reporters in Tokyo. “The threat to Japan is intensifying.” Reclusive North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. The North regularly threatens to destroy the Japan, South Korea and the South’s main ally, the United States. South Korean President Park Geun-hye denounced the test.

Complete isolation “The North Korean regime must realise that complete isolation and self-destruction await at the end of reckless provocation,” she said. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also decried North Korea’s “provocative actions”.

“I strongly condemn the launch

by North Korea of two ballistic missiles,” Stoltenberg said in a statement.

“These repeated provocative

actions ... undermine international security and dialogue,” he said, calling for North Korea to “fully comply with its obligations under international law, not to threaten with or conduct any launches using ballistic missile technology and to refrain from any further provocative actions”.

The first missile was launched from the east coast city of Wonsan, a South Korean official said, the same area where previous tests of intermediate-range missiles were conducted, possibly using mobile launchers.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, quoting a government official, said the first missile disintegrated mid-air after a flight of about 150 km (95 miles).

Wednesday’s first launch was the fifth straight unsuccessful attempt in the past two months to launch a missile that is designed to fly more than 3,000 km (1,800 miles) and could theoretically reach any part of Japan and the US territory of Guam. Jeffrey Lewis, of the California-based Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said missiles were usually fired at a certain angle to maximise range, so the high altitude of the second launch may have been chosen to avoid Japanese airspace.

“That suggests the missile worked perfectly,” Lewis said.

“Had it been fired at its normal angle, it would have flown to its full range.” Lewis said failures were a normal part of testing and that North Korea would fix problems with the Musudan intermediaterange missile sooner or later.

“If North Korea continues testing, eventually its missileers will use the same technology in a missile that can threaten the United States,” Lewis said. — Reuters

A1 5

A16

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

WORLD

Tablet lovers add dd us on Google +

Brexit opposing camps in race for final votes our country and our ability to get things done in the world,” he told a crowd in Bristol in western England.

The Leave camp was on 45 per cent, just one point ahead of Remain, with 9 per cent undecided, in the last poll published by Opinium, which

FUTURE AT STAKE: Ballot boxes to be used for voting in the EU

called it a

referendum, are collected from storage in New Parliament House for delivery to polling stations in Edinburgh, in Scotland, Britain in Wednesday. — Reuters

‘statistical tie’

LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron and his eurosceptic opponents made final pitches for wavering voters on Wednesday on the eve of a defining referendum on European Union membership with the outcome still too close to call.

The vote, which echoes the rise of populism elsewhere in Europe and the United States, will shape the future of Europe.

A victory for “out” could unleash turmoil on financial markets.

“It’s very close; nobody knows what’s going to happen,” Cameron told Wednesday’s Financial Times, with opinion polls showing the rival camps neck and neck.

The Leave camp was on 45 per cent, just one point ahead of Remain, with 9 per cent undecided, in the last poll published

by Opinium, which called it a “statistical tie”.

The referendum will take place a week after the murder of ardently pro-EU lawmaker Jo Cox shocked the country, raising questions about the tone of an increasingly bitter four-month campaign.

Economy, immigration Much of the heated debate has boiled down to two issues: The economy and immigration.

The City of London financial centre, the International Monetary Fund and the majority of British business leaders back Cameron and his Remain camp’s

stance that to leave the EU would plunge Britain into recession, costing jobs and raising prices.

Domineering Supporters of a so-called Brexit have struck a chord with many voters by saying Britain would regain control of immigration if it cut itself loose from a bloc they see as domineering and out of touch.

In what has become an ugly and personal fight, both camps have been accused of using unfounded assertions and scare tactics.

Remain campaigners accuse their opponents of resorting to the politics of hate; the Leave camp say their rivals have run a “project fear” to scare voters about the economic risks.

Both sides hit the road and the airwaves to appeal to the large number of undecided voters who will be decisive, along with the level of turnout.

“It’s our last chance to sort this out and take back control,” said former London mayor Boris Johnson, the main leader of the Leave campaign and favourite with bookmakers to replace Cam-

eron in the event of Brexit.

“If we don’t vote to leave tomorrow we will remain locked in the back of the car, driven in an uncertain direction frankly to a place we don’t want to go and perhaps by a driver who doesn’t speak the very best of English,” he said.

He was flying around Britain in a helicopter to spread the Brexit message, making an unashamed play to British patriotism by declaring Thursday could be “independence day”.

British flag The leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP), Nigel Farage, also played the nationalist card in an address to supporters in London. “At the end of the day tomorrow when people vote they must make a decision - which flag is theirs? I want us to live under British passports and under the British flag,” he said.

Cameron, who called the referendum under pressure from his own Conservative party and from the insurgent UKIP, urged voters to remain in the club Britain joined in 1973.

“If we leave, we will diminish

Gravediggers Standing alongside him, former prime minister John Major said the result would have to be respected but warned that if Leave won, “the gravediggers of our prosperity will have to account for what they have said and done”.

Opinion polls have depicted a deeply divided nation, with big differences between older and younger voters, and between proEU London and Scotland and eurosceptic Middle England.

Some polls published since Cox’s murder have suggested a swing towards Remain, though often within the margin of error.

Election experts say turnout will be crucial because of a gulf between generations.

Young people, who have a poor voting record, strongly back staying in the EU, while elderly, more regular voters tend to favour an exit.

Opposition Labour Party supporters are seen as being more pro-EU than Conservatives, but less passionate about the issue.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who voted “No” in a previous 1975 referendum on staying in the European Economic Community, and who has been criticised for lukewarm backing for the Remain cause, attempted to galvanise his party on Wednesday.

“Vote for jobs, vote for rights at work, vote for our NHS (National Health Service), vote to remain in the European Union,” he told a rally in London.

The implied probability of a Remain vote was at 75 per cent, according to Betfair odds, and the FTSE 100 share index was up 1.2 per cent as investors grew more optimistic Britain would back staying in the EU. However, the pound fell to $1.4665 from an earlier high of $1.4708 after the Opinium poll.

Bond trading giant PIMCO’s head of sterling portfolios said the pound could fall to $1.30, its lowest level against the dollar in 30 years, if Britons vote for Brexit.

It was not just markets showing concern. — Reuters

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY ADD IN GOOGLE+

CRISIS DIPLOMACY

France warns exit from bloc would be irreversible PARIS: French President Francois Hollande warned on Wednesday that if Britons voted to leave the European Union it would be an irreversible decision that could seriously jeopardise Britain’s prized access to the bloc’s single market.

Amid a flurry of contacts between EU capitals to prepare for the consequences of Thursday’s referendum, Hollande said he would visit Berlin next week to prepare joint initiatives to relaunch Europe, whatever the outcome of the British vote.

“If the choice is to leave the EU... that would be irreversible,” Hollande said.”No is no, there is no middle ground and we’ll have to draw all the consequences.”

Single market The economic consequences of the vote are key to the outcome of the referendum, with access to the bloc’s single market for trade in goods and services a major issue.

Hollande, in his starkest warning to date on the consequences of Brexit, said: “There would be a very serious risk of Britain losing its access to the single market and everything that goes with the European economic area. Everyone needs to be well aware of this.”

While Norway is part of the single market via a trade deal it has with the EU, fellow non-EU member Switzerland only has access to parts of the single market.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker added his own warning, saying there would be no re-negotiation of a package of measures that EU governments agreed with London in February aimed at keeping Britain in the 28-nation bloc.

Hollande’s call to relaunch Europe, Brexit or no, was echoed by both Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who met the French leader in Paris on Wednesday, and

by Polish Prime Minister Beata

Szydlo during a visit to Berlin.

“We hope very much that the British want to remain in the EU. But irrespective of the result, our position is clear: the European Union should develop further,” Szydlo told a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

Hollande, who also met Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven on Wednesday and spoke by phone with European Council President Donald Tusk and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, said there would probably be more summits of EU leaders than the one already scheduled for June 28.

“We’ll have to take initiatives to bring hope back for European people. Today, doubts are creeping in everywhere, populism, nationalism are taking over,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told parliament.

Far-right party leader Marine Le Pen, who according to opinion polls could top the first round of the 2017 French presidential election but then lose the run-off, has been pressing for France to hold its own referendum on EU membership.

“France has a thousand more reasons to leave the EU than Britain,” she told TF1 television late on Monday, referring to French membership of the euro currency and Schengen border-free area.”I want a referendum in France. All EU countries should have a referendum.” British Prime Minister David Cameron and his eurosceptic opponents made final pitches for wavering voters on Wednesday on the referendum, with the outcome still too close to call. — Reuters

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THUR SDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

OMAN CRUDE PRICES RISE

MARKE

Oman Crude (August delivery) increased by 59 cents to $47.29 per barrel, said Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME).

The average price of Oman Crude (July delivery) stabilised at $44.33 per barrel, $4.93 higher than June delivery. - ONA

Muscat 5,788.73 + 0.35 + 0.01%

Dubai 3,375.87 + 32.44 + 0.97%

Abu Dhabi 4,497.85 - 5.64 - 0.13%

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

DIGEST VIDEO Top stories in one minute with our new daily Digest

Kuwait 5,409.17 - 28.45 - 0.52%

Saudi Arabia

6,532.42 - 20.59 - 0.31%

Qatar 9,919.41 + 0.09 + 0.001

Bahrain 1,112.59 - 2.82 - 0.25%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.28 Pound ............................................1.75 Indian Rs .............................. 175.19 Pak Rs ....................................267.52 Bangla Taka........................201.13

Indian Rs ...................................175.20 Pakistan Rs ..............................271.70 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka........................... 203.55 Phil Peso ................................... 120.40

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......16.20

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ..........$47.21 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ......... $47.01 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$50.03 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) .........$47.36 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$50.98 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$50.33

* Rates are as of Jun 22 Source: Bank Muscat

* Rates as of Jun 22 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

62 student companies unveil innovative ideas Student companies have lots of different creative ideas that make the products and services more unique and increase the opportunities to win in this competition

MODHAHER ALAJMI

MUSCAT: Student Companies’ exhibition 2016, which is being organised by Injaz Oman, commenced last week at the Shangrila Resort and will end this week.

The events on June 23 and 24 will begin at 8:00pm and end at 11:30pm at the Oman Avenues Mall Garden (second floor).

This exhibition aims to encourage students to start their own

businesses. Also, it will help them by offering a suitable marketplace for their ideas.

Student companies have lots of different creative ideas that make the products and services more unique and increase the opportunities to win in this competition.

Azzan Al Saidi, operation officer at Injaz Oman, said: “There are 62 companies participating from all over Oman this season.”

The difference with this com-

CRUDE SUPPLIES

Producers keep oil output freeze revival on standby LONDON/DUBAI: Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has a contrarian message for those who question the wisdom of freezing global levels of oil output. Despite the collapse of talks on restraining production among Opec and non-Opec members earlier this year, he thinks the discussions were a success that might soon be repeated.

“It (the build-up to the meeting) paved the way for a reversal of negative trends in the oil markets,” Novak told reporters last week after meeting Opec member Venezuela’s oil minister Eulogio del Pino.

“We have seen a large amount of short positions being closed while long positions have been opened,” Novak said in reference to speculative bets — shorts — in the market that prices will fall, and the opposite — longs — that they will rise.

The statement is important as oil ministers often talk about oil supply, demand and balance but rarely touch on how market speculators — dominated by hedge funds — build their positions.

Oil has risen to $50 a barrel, up 85 per cent from a 12-year low reached in January as supply outages in Nigeria and Canada reduced the need to prop up prices. At its most recent meeting, in June, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) made no change to its pump-at-will output policy.

As del Pino begins another campaign to freeze global output later this year, watching price levels and the market mood will be key to gauging when top producers might step up cooperation — even if only verbally — despite mutual distrust.

So far, Opec’s de facto leader Saudi Arabia has signalled it wants to avoid another drop in oil prices. Energy Minister Khalid Al Falih has said the kingdom will prevent shocks by adding extra barrels to an already oversupplied market. The rationale behind the move is simple.

Sources familiar with the matter say Riyadh does not want prices to fall again because of fiscal pressures at home and as it fears that a drop in oil investment around the world could lead to acute shortages and price spikes.

The world’s top oil exporter is

HIGHLIGHTS

Gulf Opec members don’t oppose resurrecting freeze talks

Oil faces downside risk if Nigerian, other outages resolved

Iran nears presanctions output, still not ready to freeze

Opec, non-Opec producers may consult at Sept forum

likely to keep its output relatively stable in coming months in what one source called “a confidencebuilding exercise” with Iran and non-Opec producers — in case a joint deal is needed.

Saudi Arabia kept its crude production steady in May, while supply figures were higher as it pulled out more barrels from storage to meet seasonal domestic demand.

‘Winter risks’ Opec member Iran has been the main stumbling block for a freeze as it insists it will be ready for joint action only once it regains output levels seen before the imposition of now-ended Western sanctions. Del Pino told Reuters last week that Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh had told him Iran should reach desired output levels of 3.8-4.0 million barrels per day by September, making a deal on production restraint more likely.

The International Energy Forum, which groups producers and consumers, meets on Sept. 26-28 in Algiers. Qatar said Opec members had agreed to hold talks on the sidelines. — Reuters

petition is that you get to have real experience. The students should plan every step, including administrative, financial, mission, vision, message and offer product or services in it.

Al Baleel Company The Al Baleel Company is the first example of such a company as it invented an air conditioner that works with clay pipes and without electricity. It can work with a 12 volt battery and can be charged with electricity or solar energy.

Mojahed Al Abri, the chief executive officer (CEO) of this company, who graduated from the Sohar College of Applied Science, said: “The idea has been successful and they plan to improve it in future.”

He added that 10 students are members of his company.

Naf Company is an eco promotion youth company, which created a new idea of promotion, es-

pecially for the Omani consumer.

The members of this company are 16 students from the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).

The company focuses on coffee and tea cups for promotions because most Omanis drink these beverages every day. According to Naseeba Al Rashidi, CEO of this company, “We are the cheapest company to offer this service with good quality.”

Also, these cups are eco friendly because they have soil at the bottom that can be used for planting.

Wean Company The other example is the Wean Company, which was started by 13 students from the Higher College of Technology. The idea of this project is building a smart pocket, which uses new technology to find something when you lose it.

This technology uses SMS to share the location of your pocket

when you send the code of it to the system. Aysha Al Azzan, the CEO of Wean Company said: “We faced many difficulties like limited capital and our project needed more money and we could not find an Omani factory that could make this product for us.”

In the future, the company wants to develop this product by adding some features, such as lock it where the owner can track his pocket by SMS also.

Ayman Al Kharwsi is another former example of student participation in the competition in 2013. He owns a company called Esterlab Company. He said, “This competition increased my knowledge about planning to start a business and developed my skills, which helped me face challenges, and establish our project.” Also, he encouraged student to participate in the competition so that they can start their own business.

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......15.55 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............ 153.75 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............144.50 * Rates as of Jun 22 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

FULL-SIZED HYPERMARKET

Carrefour coming up at Reem Mall Times News Service MUSCAT: Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi’s new up and coming entertainment, dining and shopping destination, has on Wednesday announced Carrefour as the Hypermarket operator in the $1 billion project located on Abu Dhabi’s master planned development Reem Island. Carrefour, operated

by Majid Al Futtaim Retail, the retail arm of Majid Al Futtaim.

“Carrefour is a highly respected global brand and will play an integral role in forming Reem Mall’s unique retail offering,” said Shane Eldstrom, Chief Operating Officer for Reem Mall.

“Reem Mall will provide shoppers and visitors with a worldclass retail experience and we are thrilled to announce Carrefour as a key part of our retail strategy. Today’s announcement marks an important milestone for the project, as we enter into the next phase of development and start to form partnerships with future tenants.”

B2

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,801.96 ............... 5,788.16 ....................5,788.73 ................... 5,788.38....................0.35 ................... 0.01 Financial Index .................................... 7,300.25 ...............7,272.98 ....................7,289.79 ...................7,272.98.................. 16.81 ...................0.23 Industrial Index .................................... 7,271.16 ...............7,260.77 ................... 7,263.90 ...................7,268.96.................. -5.06 .................. -0.07 Services Index ...................................... 3,249.56 ...............3,234.79 ................... 3,234.79 ...................3,246.14................ -11.35 .................. -0.35 MSM SHARIAH INDEX...................... 884.08 .................. 882.61 ...................... 882.85 ...................... 882.72.................... 0.13 ................... 0.01 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 13,710,583 ..................2,903,245 .....................393 ...............16,982,305,953 .................. 5 ......................16 ....................20 .........................41

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 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

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

OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 165,000 ........... 29,700........................3 ............0.180 ........... 0.180 ...........0.180........... 0.180 ............. 0.174............ 0.006............. 3.448 ................0.180...............0.171...................0.179 ..................256,506,506 .......0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ...................................50,665 .............96,081........................7 ............1.860 ........... 1.900 ...........1.860............1.895 .............1.860.............0.035 ............. 1.882 ................1.900..............1.860...................1.900..................180,025,000........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ..................................................... 35,744 .............15,292........................5 ........... 0.422 ...........0.428 ...........0.422........... 0.428 .............0.422 ........... 0.006............. 1.422 ................0.422..............0.424...................0.000 ..................25,894,000.........0.100

Muscat Securities Market. – Times file picture

OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 1,025,278 ...... 109,895.....................60 ............0.106 ........... 0.109 ...........0.106........... 0.107 .............0.106 ............0.001 .............0.943 ................0.108..............0.107...................0.108...................31,027,928 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 282,058 ........... 50,459..................... 26 ............0.180 ........... 0.180 ...........0.178 ............0.179 ............. 0.178.............0.001 ............. 0.562 ................0.179 .............. 0.179...................0.180...................31,325,440 .........0.100

Index rises marginally

OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 160,700.............39,695......................15 ........... 0.248 ...........0.248 ...........0.247........... 0.247 .............0.247 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.247..............0.246...................0.248 ..................24,700,000.........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT .......................................................... 9,558 .............12,617........................2 ............1.320 ........... 1.320 ...........1.320........... 1.320 .............1.320 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.320..............1.320...................1.350................. 264,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 719,160 ............ 70,636..................... 25 ........... 0.097 ...........0.099 ...........0.097........... 0.098 .............0.098 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.098..............0.097...................0.098..................196,030,653 ........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING..............17,753 ...............2,397........................1 ............0.135 ........... 0.135 ...........0.135 ............0.135 ............. 0.135............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.135 ..............0.130...................0.138................... 16,453,125 .........0.100 OM0000001889............SALALAH MILLS.................................................................550 ..................800........................1 ............1.455 ........... 1.455............1.455 ............1.475 ............. 1.475............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.455 .............. 1.455...................1.475 ................... 71,040,519 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ....................100 .....................25........................1 ........... 0.247 ...........0.247 ...........0.247........... 0.250 .............0.250 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.247..............0.247...................0.250 ...................5,250,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 225,000 ...........52,200........................6 ........... 0.232 ...........0.232 ...........0.232........... 0.232 .............0.232 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.232..............0.229...................0.232 .................394,214,725........0.100 OM0000002572 ...........OMAN OIL MARKETING ............................................2,500 ...............4,750........................1 ........... 1.900 ........... 1.900 ...........1.900........... 1.880 .............1.880............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.900..............1.880...................1.905.................. 115,197,000 ........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE .....................................................5,000 .................. 625........................1 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.125 ........... 0.126 .............0.126............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.125 .............. 0.125...................0.126...................31,952,340 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 5,962,578 ...1,031,526..................... 32 ............0.173 ........... 0.173 ...........0.173 ............0.173 ............. 0.173............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.173 ...............0.171...................0.173 ..................277,578,386........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................2,580 .................. 753........................3 ........... 0.292 ...........0.292 ...........0.292........... 0.300 .............0.300 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.292..............0.292...................0.300 ..................66,303,000.........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.............................................. 2,650,000 .....649,250........................8 ........... 0.245 ...........0.245 ...........0.245........... 0.245 .............0.245 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.245............. 0.240...................0.258..................233,870,128........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL.................................................5,000 .................. 370........................1 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.074 ...........0.074........... 0.074 .............0.074 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.074..............0.073...................0.075...................12,950,000.........0.100

Ahli Bank remained the top gainer, up 3.45

OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................35,338 .............15,902......................15 ........... 0.448 ...........0.450 ...........0.448........... 0.450 .............0.450 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.450..............0.450...................0.458...................23,625,000.........0.100

per cent while Al Hassan Engineering was top

OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN .................................. 45,000 ............ 10,940........................2 ........... 0.244...........0.244 ...........0.242 .......... 0.243 .............0.244 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.410 ...............0.242............. 0.240...................0.242 .................358,371,850........0.100

loser, down 2.44 per cent.

OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO.........................................................................49,963 .............36,744........................5 ............0.740 ........... 0.740 ...........0.732........... 0.736 .............0.740 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.541 ...............0.732 ..............0.732...................0.736..................479,094,953 .......0.100

OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 243,463 ......... 389,621..................... 27 ............1.605 ........... 1.605 ...........1.600........... 1.600 ............. 1.605............-0.005 ........... -0.312 ...............1.600..............1.600...................1.605................1,200,000,000......0.100

OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER..................................................98,216 ............ 20,435........................9 ........... 0.209...........0.209 ...........0.205........... 0.208 .............0.209 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.478 ...............0.205..............0.205...................0.209 .................140,376,585 ........0.100

OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ..........................53,400 .............10,564........................6 ............0.197 ........... 0.198 ...........0.197 ........... 0.198 .............0.200 ...........-0.002 ........... -1.000 ...............0.198 ............. 0.200...................0.203 ..................24,729,796 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE..................6,000 ............... 1,170........................1 ............0.195 ........... 0.195 ...........0.195 ............0.195 ............. 0.197............-0.002 ............-1.015................0.195 ..............0.196...................0.203 ..................39,000,000.........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES .......................................61,000 ..............17,831........................7 ........... 0.294 ...........0.294 ...........0.290 .......... 0.292 .............0.295 ...........-0.003 ............-1.017................0.290............. 0.290...................0.294 ..................84,870,098.........0.100

MUSCAT: The MSM30 Index remained little changed at 5,788.73 points, up 0.01 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index also stayed flat at 882.85 points.

Bank Sohar was the most active in terms of volume and turnover.

Ahli Bank remained the top gainer, up 3.45 per cent while Al Hassan Engineering was top loser, down 2.44 per cent.

A total number of 393 trades were executed on Wednesday, generating turnover of OMR2.9 million with 13.7 million shares changing hands. Out of 41 traded securities, five advanced, 16 declined and 20 remained unchanged. At the session close, Omani investors remained net buyers for OMR175,000 followed by GCC & Arab Investors for OMR29,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR204,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index advanced 0.23 per cent to close at 7,289.79 points. Ahli Bank and Al Anwar

Holding gained 3.45 per cent and 0.56 per cent respectively. Al Madina Investments, Al Sharqia Investments, Bank Muscat and NBO declined 1.61 per cent, 1.52 per cent, 1.03 per cent and 0.41 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index ended at 7,263.90 points, down 0.07 per cent. Voltamp Energy and Galfar Engineering gained 1.42 per cent and 0.94 per cent respectively.

Al Hassan Engineering, Al Anwar Ceramics and Al Jazeera Steel decreased 2.44 per cent, 1.96 per cent and 1.00 per cent respectively.

Services Index retreated 0.35 per cent to close at 3,234.79 points. Shell Oman Marketing, up 1.88 per cent, was the only gainer. Al Suwadi Power, Al Jazeera Services, Phoenix Power, National Gas and Renaissance Services declined 2.33 per cent, 2.24 per cent, 1.27 per cent, 1.14 per cent and 1.02 per cent respectively. — United Securities

OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 166,412 .............64,136......................13 ........... 0.386 ...........0.386 ...........0.384........... 0.386 .............0.390 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.026 ...............0.384..............0.384...................0.388..................963,552,600 .......0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .............................................................84,969 ............ 44,184........................6 ........... 0.520 ...........0.520 ...........0.520........... 0.520 .............0.526 ...........-0.006 ............-1.141 ................0.520..............0.520...................0.526...................28,600,000 ........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ............. 47,395 ................6,181........................7 ............0.130 ........... 0.132 ...........0.130........... 0.130 .............0.132............-0.002 ............-1.515 ................0.132 ...............0.131...................0.132...................11,700,000 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 171,550 .............10,465........................4 ............0.061 ........... 0.061 ...........0.061 ........... 0.061 .............0.062 ...........-0.001 ............-1.613 ................0.061 ..............0.060...................0.061...................12,636,234 .........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES .................................25,084 ............... 6,271........................4 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.250........... 0.250 .............0.255 ...........-0.005 ............-1.961................0.250..............0.249...................0.250 ..................74,053,421 .........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................16,480 ...............3,596........................5 ........... 0.220...........0.220 ...........0.210........... 0.218 .............0.223 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.242 ...............0.215 ..............0.216...................0.220 ..................13,342,532 .........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER ....................................................18,940 ...............3,978........................5 ............0.214 ........... 0.214 ...........0.210........... 0.210 ............. 0.215............-0.005 ........... -2.326 ...............0.210.............. 0.211...................0.212..................150,025,331 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 12,442,434......2,809,086 ............. 314 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......33........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 118,634 ...............3,559........................9 ........... 0.030 ...........0.030 ...........0.030........... 0.030 .............0.030 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.030..............0.030...................0.031....................2,550,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ................................................... 2,180 ............... 1,216........................2 ............0.558 ........... 0.558 ...........0.558........... 0.554 .............0.554 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.558..............0.570...................0.600 ..................87,255,000 .........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 191,770 .............11,234..................... 10 ........... 0.059 ...........0.059 ...........0.058........... 0.059 .............0.059 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.059..............0.058...................0.059.................... 7,375,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 559,325 ...........42,509......................18 ........... 0.076 ........... 0.076 ...........0.076........... 0.076 .............0.076 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.076..............0.076...................0.077..................114,000,000........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 201,810............. 11,705........................6 ........... 0.058 ...........0.058 ...........0.058........... 0.058 .............0.058 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.058..............0.058...................0.059...................58,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ........................................................ 83,918 .............13,094......................16 ............0.157 ........... 0.157 ...........0.156 ............0.156 ............. 0.158............-0.002 ........... -1.266 ...............0.156 .............. 0.156...................0.157 ..................228,165,828........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING....................................10,500 ..................840........................4 ........... 0.080 ...........0.080 ...........0.080........... 0.080 .............0.082 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.439 ...............0.080..............0.080...................0.082 ................... 6,016,640 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,168,137 ..........84,158..................... 65 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 7........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ................... 100,012.............10,001......................14 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.100........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.100..............0.098...................0.100................... 32,416,161 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 100,012.............10,001......................14 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

ECB to reinstate Greek banks’ access to its cheap funding FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to reinstate Greek banks’ access to its cheap funding operations as soon as Wednesday, allowing lenders to come off an expensive emergency lifeline after more than a year as a reward for painful economic reforms.

The funding access would big step in normalising an economy still in recession, weighed down by capital controls and adjustments related to its third bailout since 2010 worth up to 86 billion euros ($97 billion).

Greek banks lost their access to the ECB’s regular funding operations early last year when Athens came to the brink of being ejected from the euro zone.

Bringing his nation back from the edge of the cliff, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has since then pushed through a slew of painful measures, including a reform of the pension system and the privatisation of state assets, such as ports and regional airports.

With economic contraction for most of the past decade, Greece has lost over a quarter of its GDP since its peak in 2007 and unemployment stands around 25 per cent.

Greece’s debt While Greece’s debt is rated “junk” by credit agencies, the ECB was set to waive its minimum credit rating requirement at its Governing Council meeting on Wednesday, sources told Reuters earlier, letting banks post government-guaranteed debt as collateral in exchange for normal funding.

Speaking to a European Parliament committee on Tuesday, ECB President Mario Draghi said Greece has made significant progress, qualifying for the next

FUNDING: Greek banks lost their access to the ECB’s regular fund-

ing operations early last year when Athens came to the brink of being ejected from the euro zone. — Bloomberg file picture

tranche of aid, so the ECB Governing Council would consider the issue.

The credit requirement waiver would also be the first step to including Greece in the ECB’s 1.74-trillion-euro asset-purchase programme, though that will require further deliberations and a debt sustainability review.

“The reinstatement of the waiver for Greek assets by the ECB could benefit Greek core banks’ net interest income by as much as around 80 million euros — after tax at around 60 million euros — depending on the eligibility of the Greek assets and the level of haircut imposed,” Greek brokerage Euroxx said.

“This, in our view, will be essential for the reduction of Greek banks funding costs, which along with the gradual easing of capital controls should also help the all-

important return of deposits into the system,” it said.

The ECB’s waiver does not automatically solve Greek bank’s funding problems as they will still have limited eligible collateral so they can only switch a minor part of their 64.8 billion euros worth of Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) to the ECB’s regular funding operations.

Though the exact details of ELA are not published, the average interest rate charged on it is estimated to be around 100 to 150 basis points above the ECB’s main refinancing rate, currently set at zero per cent. — Reuters

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

B3

MARKET M A NA G E M E N T A C C O U N TA N T S F O R U M

Spotlight on reasons behind poor decision making skills Times News Service MUSCAT: As part of its efforts to educate and raise awareness on best business practices, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) hosted a CIMA Professional Development (CPD) session in Oman last week.

The event, which drew a full house, was attended by senior business and finance professionals, looking at the impact of poor decision-making on today’s economy and how senior executives can skilfully address and reverse this trend through insight and available resources.

Contrary to popular belief, the availability of Big Data actually makes the job of those charged with decision making harder in

MAKING A POINT: The event, which drew a full house, was attended by senior business and finance professionals. — Supplied picture

C O R P O R AT E

Nikesh Arora quits SoftBank TOKYO: The decision by Nikesh Arora to leave SoftBank Group began last month during a conversation with founder Masayoshi Son. The two men were in California, preparing for the company’s annual general meeting that is taking place on Wednesday. One of the presentation slides showed Son’s long-term plan to hand over control to his successor.

Although it had never been made public to shareholders or employees, Arora and Son had discussed the chief executive officer giving up his post at 60, a birthday only 15 months away in August of next year.

Are you ready?

“He had indicated to me this would happen when he turned 60,” said Arora in an interview. “So I asked him, ‘Are you ready?”’

Son wasn’t. That conversation led to discussions that culminated on Tuesday in Arora’s announcement that he was leaving as president with Son planning to remain at the helm for several more years.

In the interview, Arora said that he questioned Son to understand the magnitude of the delay.

Would it be one year? Two years? Ultimately, the billionaire decided he wanted to keep running SoftBank for five to ten years.

— Bloomberg News

from across the organisation when making decisions.

He also demonstrated how the Global Management Accounting Principles (GMAPs) and the diagnostics tool could provide businesses with the relevant resources so that they can confidently ensure that difficult decisions are taken to drive sustainable value in the long-term.

Geetu Ahuja, head of Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, CIMA said, “As the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants, CIMA is shaping the future of business by helping the public and private sector make better decisions and be able to respond effectively to the risks and opportunities they are presented with. The GMAP is an

effective tool box that professionals and organisations are widely incorporating to capitalise on innovative business processes and effective decision making. With CPD we aim to equip business professionals to raise their game with varied value added learning and taking on more of a leadership role and driving positive change within their organisation.”

Founded in 1919, CIMA has over 229,000 members and students operating in 176 countries.

CPD is a continuing professional development scheme for Chartered Institute of Management Accountants members that supports their career by helping them identify their future learning needs and remain up to date and relevant in the current business environment.

Bank deal poised to shatter Middle East M&A record While the structure of the transaction hasn’t been announced, NBAD’s market capitalisation of $13.5 billion and FGB’s at $15.5 billion would make it the biggest yet between two Middle Eastern companies

DUBAI: Abu Dhabi’s planned combination of two of its largest banks could set a record as the biggest merger and acquisition (M&A) deal in the Middle East — if it concludes.

National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and First Gulf Bank

(FGB) said this week that they are in talks to create the region’s largest lender with assets of about $170 billion and a combined market value of almost $30 billion.

While the structure of the transaction hasn’t been announced, NBAD’s market capitalisation of $13.5 billion and FGB’s at $15.5 billion would make it the biggest yet between two Middle Eastern companies, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Mergers and acquisitions Mergers and acquisitions in the Middle East have been patchy in recent years with some of the region’s biggest transactions failing to close. Emirates Telecommunications ended talks to buy a majority stake in Zain, Kuwait’s biggest phone company, for $12 billion in 2011, while EFG-Hermes Holding’s agreement to create the largest Arab investment bank with Qatar’s QInvest collapsed in 2013 after the deal didn’t get Egypt’s regulatory approval.

“The potential NBAD and FGB merger is a hugely significant deal between two leading companies, presaging possible future consolidation in the sector,” said Emad Mostaque, a London-based strat-

LAPTOP MARKET

HP eyes larger share in India NEW DELHI: Technology major HP on Wednesday said it is focussing on expanding its share in the premium notebook segment in India that is growing at a faster pace than the overall laptop market. HP has a 36 per cent share in the premium market as per research firm IDC. “We are focussed on growing our share in the premium category. That market (premium) in

many organisations. As the volume and velocity of unstructured data increases, organisations struggle to keep pace.

According to the “Joining the Dots: Decision Making for a New Era” report, not only do executives admit to poor decision making, but also more than three quarters (80 per cent) said flawed information has been used to make strategic decisions, with 42 per cent admitting their organisation had lost a competitive advantage because they were slow in taking decisions.

Hosted by CIMA’s past President, Malcolm Furber, CPD looked at how senior executives can successfully lead in a new era supported by their ability to join the dots while connecting the most relevant information and people

the consumer segment is growing five per cent faster than the total notebook market,” HP India Director Personal Systems Business Ketan Patel told PTI. He added the above $800 notebooks (about Rs 54,000 onwards) comprise about 15 per cent of the total Indian notebook market.

Patel, however, did not comment on the targetted market share. The company, which has

launched ‘Spectre 13’ touted as the world’s thinnest laptop, plans to introduce more devices in the premium category in the coming months.

The Spectre 13, priced at about Rs 1.2 lakh, weighs 1.1 kg. It is powered by Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, 8GB RAM and hyperbaric cooling technology that keeps the laptop cool and provides peak performance. — PTI

egist at emerging-markets consultancy company Ecstrat. “Unlike other deals, such as the Zain and Etisalat proposal, the cultures and key decision makers are aligned.”

Working group A working group of senior executives from each bank is reviewing the commercial, structural and legal aspects of the deal, according to a statement from the banks. If the deal goes ahead, it would mark the UAE’s first major bankingindustry merger since National Bank of Dubai and Emirates Bank International combined to create Emirates NBD in 2007. “There have been only few transactions of this size in the region and this should be seen as the start of consolidation, not only in UAE but in other Gulf countries,” said Anshul Gupta, a partner at Dubai-based investment firm Al Masah Capital Management. “Hopefully governments will look up to such consolidation to improve efficiencies and productivity.”

Deal value The value of deals is on the rise, climbing to the highest level since the final three months of 2014 during the second quarter, as crude’s

more than 50 per cent plunge since the middle of 2014 pushes investors to sell assets. The value of transactions in the Middle East and Africa have climbed 11 per cent in 2016 compared with a year earlier to $381 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

This week, a United Arab Emirates-based investor group led

by Emaar Properties Chairman Mohamed Alabbar agreed to buy Kuwait Food Co. shares from its majority stockholder for $2.36 billion, ending years of discussions with multiple parties including KKR and CVC Capital Partners.

Saudi International Petrochemical Co. and Sahara Petrochemicals Co. are also considering reviving a merger plan after ending talks in 2014 to create a $5.8 billion company, people with knowledge of the matter said in May. The “pipeline is very strong and there are a lot of deals happening,” Omar Iqtidar, Citigroup’s head of investment banking in the Middle East, said in an interview last month.

The NBAD and FGB merger could lead to revenue synergies of 6 to 12 per cent and cost synergies of as much as 28 per cent, according to Sanjay Uppal, who was

chief financial officer when Emirates Bank and the National Bank of Dubai merged to form Emirates NBD in 2007.

Projected synergies “The deal may fall apart if the projected synergies that the merger generates are not meaningful,” said Shabbir Malik, a banks analyst at EFG-Hermes. “Moreover disagreement on the split of the board and appointment of key management positions in the new entity is also likely to be a challenge for this deal.”

Depending on the final value of the combination, it may surpass the Middle East’s biggest deal including foreign buyers, which is currently Lafarge SA’s $15 billion purchase of OCI Cement from Egypt’s Orascom Construction in 2007, according to data compiled

by Bloomberg.

The merger would also create a lender whose market value may exceed the likes of Credit Suisse Group, Standard Chartered or Deutsche Bank. The combined entity would control more than a quarter of lending of publicly banks in the UAE, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

— Bloomberg News

B4

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

FEATURE IT HAS BECOME IMPOSSIBLE to deny the so-called secular stagnation gripping the world’s most developed economies: Wealth is piling up, but real wages are barely rising and labor force participation has been on a downward trend. Worse yet, policymakers have no plausible idea about what can be done about it.

Behind this stagnation is the slowdown in productivity growth since 1970. The wellspring of such productivity gains – indigenous innovation – has been badly clogged since the late 1960s (mostly in established industries) and was even more so by 2005.

Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher viewed the stagnation that was gripping economies by the 1970s from the supply side. They pushed through tax cuts on profits and wages to boost investment and growth, with debatable results.

But today, with tax rates much lower, cuts of that size would result in huge increases in fiscal deficits. And with debt levels already high and large deficits ahead, such supply-side measures would be reckless.

So now the best and brightest view things from the demand side, using the theory built by John Maynard Keynes in 1936. When “aggregate demand” – the level of real expenditure on final domestic goods that households, businesses, the government, and overseas buyers are willing to make – falls short of output at full employment, output is limited to the demand. And innovation won’t happen.

But the demand-siders’ conception of the economy is strange. For them, private investment demand is autonomous, governed by forces that Keynes dubbed “animal spirits.” Consumer demand is essentially autonomous, too, because the so-called induced part is yoked to autonomous investment through the “propensity to consume.”

Thus, government measures are the sole way to boost employment and growth when autonomous demand falls short and jobs are lost.

This conception grasps neither growth nor recovery. In healthy economies, a contractionary demand shock sets off two types of responses fueling recovery.

Adaptations to emerging opportunities are one such response. When firms hit by reduced demand contract operations, the space they give up becomes available for use by entrepreneurs with better ways of running the business – or with better businesses. Some of the employees they let go will start firms (and hire employees) of their own. With every recession, many shops on Main Street disappear; and, over time, new shops – generally more successful – appear.

The other response is indigenous innovation – new ideas springing from the brows of various businesspeople.

When firms hit by reduced demand stop hiring for a time, some people who would have joined established firms use their situation to dream up new products or methods and organize startups to develop them.

SUPPLY SIDE, DEMAND SIDE, OR INNOVATION SIDE? The growing number of aspiring innovators toiling in home garages may self-produce some of their capital goods.

More important, the accumulation of new startups will gradually generate rising investment demand – induced demand! – and growth, too.

Some may doubt this. Can new products and methods fare well in the market if demand is deficient? As an innovator said to me amid the financial crisis, his objective was to take over a market – it mattered little that the targeted market was only 90 per cent of its former size.

Can capital be raised where incomes are depressed? Small firms and startups must always struggle for credit, and the Great Recession that followed the 2008 financial crisis made it harder for them.

Yet the recession did not prevent droves of such firms from finding financing in Silicon Valley, London, and Berlin. No wonder Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom are more or less recovered. In the US, total factor productivity growth set records in the 1930s, when the economy fell into and then grew out of the Great Depression.

Recovery has fallen woefully short in two kinds of economies. France and Italy are lacking young people who want to be new entrepreneurs or innovators, and those few who do are impeded by entrenched corporations and other vested interests. Greece has no lack of wouldbe entrepreneurs and innovators, but it lacks a system of angel and venture capital. Some Greeks have formed startups, though not in Greece.

The demand-siders say that innovation only makes recovery harder, because it enables firms to meet existing demand with fewer employees. Thus, they call for annual public-sector investment up to the level needed for full employment. But such infrastructure investment would go far beyond what would ever have been undertaken had the economy been left to regain high employment through the workings of adaptive or innovative activity. Indeed, such investment is costly beyond the expense because it preempts the adaptation and innovation that would have brought higher employment and faster growth.

Moreover, as long as Western innovation remains narrowly confined, a demand-side commitment to a large, sustained flow of infrastructure investment – and, likewise, a supply-side commitment to a similar flow of private investment – must bring ever-diminishing returns, until, ineluctably, the economy reaches its near-stationary state.

Supplying more of the same old goods never “creates its own demand,” as Keynes thought. But supplying new goods can. It is the impediments to adaptation and innovation – not fiscal austerity – causing our stagnation. And only renewed dynamism – not more fiscal irresponsibility – offers any hope of a durable way out. — Project Syndicate * Edmund S. Phelps, the 2006 Nobel laureate in economics, is Director of the Center on Capitalism and Society at Columbia University and author of Mass Flourishing.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

ROUND-UP

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

Renault Captur easier to own this Ramadan limited mileage.

Free registration Renault Captur customers will be eligible to receive free registration for first year for Oman only.

Customers buying Renault Captur, the compact urban

AAA/Roadside assistance Customers of Renault Captur will also get a AAA Roadside Assistance card for the first year and as supported by AAA Oman.

crossover, will be entitled to receive free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to six years/unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and assured cash gift

MUSCAT: If you aspire to own the amazing urban crossover from Renault, this is the perfect time.

Renault Oman, from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, is offering a range of offers on Renault Captur during Ramadan.

The Renault Ramadan promotion will go on till July 21.

Promising to ensure a secondto-none ownership experience, Renault Oman has put together unlimited offers for the customers

of Renault Captur.

Customers buying Renault Captur, the compact urban crossover, will be entitled to receive free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and assured cash gift, says a press release.

A senior official for SBA said, “The Renault Captur is known for being agile, dynamic and elegant, both inside and out. Our aim is to always guarantee customer satisfaction and this promotion means that customers will drive home a special car with gratification with all the benefits we are offering.

Assured cash gift Those looking to purchase Renault Captur during the scheme period are assured of a cash gift of OMR1,000.

Scratch and win gift All customers purchasing Renault

Captur are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win any one of the products comprising of Apple iPhone 6s, Dell Laptop-Intel Core i5 or LG 32-inch LED TV. Service package Customers of Renault Captur are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package.

Customers will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km Periodic Maintenance Service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km Periodic Maintenance Service.

The other service package they are eligible to are 80,000km PMS, 60,000km PMS, 50,000km PMS or 40,000km PMS. Warranty Customers purchasing Renault Captur this season are entitled for warranty of six years or un-

ANNUAL EVENT

B5

Raffle draw Customers purchasing any of the Renault models during the scheme period will be eligible to participate in a raffle draw and stand a chance to win five Renault Symbols throughout the offer period.

Easy financing options Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has designed the Ramadan scheme in such a way that buyers can avail easy financing option with attractive interest rates which in turn offers hassle free way to own a Renault Captur.

Since its launch in Oman, the Captur has gained considerable popularity and is a rave amongst auto enthusiasts. It is a good option for those wanting small hatchback dimensions and costs, but with a shadow of thrill.

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

B A R I AT R I C S U R G E RY

Kims Oman holds medical conference MUSCAT: Kims Oman Hospital (KOH) held a conference on the latest updates on bariatric surgery.

The conference was held in the presence of medical practitioners and interested individuals, at Crowne Plaza Hotel-Muscat, recently, says a press release.

The conference saw the presence of more than 80 attendees from various Omani hospitals, clinics and health care institutions, Dr Stephen Angamuthu, Consultant-General Surgery at Royal Bahrain Hospital, Kingdom of Bahrain, along with Dr Sibasis Bisoi, specialist-general surgery at Kims Oman Hospital steered the conference, educating the attendees on the latest updates on bariatric surgery.

“Bariatric surgery is being conducted for weight loss of obese individuals. Diabetes surgery improves type-2 diabetes in nearly 70 percent of patients; by reducing blood sugar levels to normal levels, eliminating the need for diabetes medications and by improving diabetes-related health problems,” said Dr Sibasis Bisoi.

“Bariatric surgery has been shown to help improve or resolve many obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more. Frequently, individuals who improve their weight find themselves taking less and less medications to treat their obesity-related conditions,” said Dr Stephen Angamuthu.

The conference concluded with a Q&A session.

Dr Stephen Angamuthu, consultant-general surgery at Royal Bahrain Hospital, Kingdom of Bahrain, along with Dr Sibasis Bisoi, specialistgeneral surgery at Kims steered the conference, educating the attendees on the latest updates on bariatric surgery

PROMOTION

A’Saffa hosts annual Iftar Sultan Center concludes ‘Win MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s leading home-grown food producer, hosted a special Iftar event for its employees. The annual staff Iftar is an important tradition at A’Saffa Foods and brings together staff from across the organisation to break the Ramadan fast in an atmosphere of collegiality and friendship.

This year’s Iftar get-together was attended by Sheikh Rashid Saif Mohammed Al Saadi, chairman; Dr Nasser Zahir Nasser Al Maawali, the chief executive officer, as well as board and staff members of A’Saffa Foods. The Iftar was held as part of the celebration of the holy month of Ramadan where the management and board took the opportunity to thank each and every staff member for their dedicated support and efforts during the year, says a press release.

Al Saadi said: “All members of the A’Saffa Foods family have worked extremely hard in order to make our growth and expansion plans a reality year on year. As part

7 Cars in 7 Weeks’ campaign

of the Ramadan celebration, I take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work and dedication; the organisation sincerely appreciates their efforts.”

“Breaking fast as one family strengthens the bond of community within the workplace and reinforces our organisation’s team spirit,” stated Dr Nasser Zahir Nasser Al Maawali. “The staff Iftar reflects our commitment to our corporate culture of taking every opportunity to further engage our people. A’Saffa Foods takes pride

in fostering a nurturing and encouraging environment for our employees to help them achieve their full potential and grow, both professionally and personally.”

Along with staff-centric initiatives such as the annual Iftar evening, A’Saffa Foods, core business philosophy and values are based on ‘healthy food, health and happiness’, and has always put ‘healthy eating and healthy living’ at the top of their agenda, ensuring they deliver to the Sultanate the very best-quality products.

MUSCAT: The Sultan Center’s (TSC) ‘Win 7 Cars in 7 Weeks’ campaign cruised in for a grand closing, selecting the final two winners in the Chevrolet Cruze promotional campaign.

Mahmoud Al Sheikh presented Zulaikha Ahmed (7th winner) and Nora Khaled Hilal Al-Mahroqi (6th winner) with the keys to their dream cars during successive lucky draws held at TSC’s Wholesale Center in Al Khoud for the sixth and seventh week of the car draw promotion, says a press release.

Commenting on the success of the campaign, Mahmoud Al Sheikh from TSC said, “This campaign was very exciting for our customers, and the feedback received was extremely positive. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all winners of the ‘Win 7 Cars in 7 Weeks’ and to thank all customers who participated in the pro-

motion, while not everyone may have won a Chevrolet Cruze all our customers have had a chance to experience TSC’s top quality retail services.”

Launched in mid-April, the ‘Win 7 Cars in 7 Weeks’ campaign

formed part of TSC’s 19th anniversary celebrations.

It allowed customers to enter into a draw for a chance to win a Chevrolet Cruze on spending a minimum of OMR10 at any of TSC’s outlets in Oman.

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Oman to have new labs for petrochemical materials characterisation MUSCAT: Sohar University has achieved another milestone by signing an agreement to establish professional cutting edge technology laboratories for the petrochemical material characterisation.

Sohar University and Grace Company have signed a long term agreement to establish world class and fully licensed ‘Material Characterisation Labs’ at Sohar University campus. The need for these labs in Oman was identified by Orpic. Currently all periodic, daily and weekly, material characterisation tests for Orpic are conducted at similar labs in Germany. Hence, Orpic has played an instrumental

role to realise such agreement to increase the in country values and eliminate the need to send their samples abroad for testing, says a press release.

According, to the agreement Grace Company will invest $4 million in equipment including materials analysis devices using diffraction technique of X-ray and hardware materials analysis absorption technology and emission using X-ray as well as the characterisation of other self-material devices, whereas Sohar University will provide Grace Company with lab space and utilities. The labs, which are planned to be opened

and fully function before mid 2017, are expected to serve not only the petrochemical industries in Oman but also all similar industries throughout the GCC. The agreement is part of a commitment to Grace Company to achieve the

highest value-added and effective contribution to the community and the industrial sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The labs will be managed and operated Omani staff that will be recruited by help from Sohar University and trained by Grace to

the highest technical skills.

The industrial-academic collaboration model according to this agreement is unique in the region and perhaps in the whole world.

The agreement has paved the way to bring the industrial-academia collaboration integration to a higher sophisticated and beneficial level. The interaction between Sohar University staff and Grace experienced staff will advantageously transfer the knowledge to Oman and enable capacity building in this field of speciality.

The labs which will be officially named as ‘Grace-Sohar University Material Characterisation Labs’

will provide excellent opportunity to Sohar University students’ learning experience.

Grace has agreed to allocate considerable portion of the lab working hours for Sohar University teaching sessions. The labs are complementing the newly offered programmes at Sohar University namely Masters in Environmental Engineering and Bachelor in Process Metallurgy and Materials Engineering.

Grace will also establish annual award for Sohar University student projects and will provide Sohar University experienced staff with opportunities to carry R&D research projects.

B6

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

ROUND-UP Mercedes-Benz SLC: For great driving pleasure Compact, powerful and economical, the new SLC offers drivers pure AMG driving pleasure in a compact and stylish open-top two-seater

MUSCAT: Just in time for the 20th birthday of its segment, the archetypal compact roadster enjoys a new evolution - with a new name, optimised technology and an enhanced look. The new Mercedes-Benz SLC (previously SLK) takes the roadster’s driving pleasure to a new level thanks to an unrivalled combination of sportiness and comfort.

Comprehensively refined, and with a model line-up ranging from the entry level SLC 200 to the topof-the-line Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, the renamed compact roadster will appeal to today’s confident individualist determined to experience life’s exclusive pleasures, says a press release.

“Compact, powerful and economical, the new SLC offers drivers pure AMG driving pleasure in a compact and stylish open-top two-seater,” said Dirk Fetzer, vice president & director of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East & Levant. “Having been a technology leader in its segment since it first introduced the innovative vario-roof, the new SLC combines open-air driving

pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather, to unite the classic virtues of a roadster with exemplary efficiency.”

The new SLC43 represents the entry point into the current roadster world of AMG. Apart from the renaming of the SLK to SLC, the open-top two-seater also comes with a new AMG nomenclature.

With its overall “engineered in Affalterbach” package of typical AMG driving dynamics, engine response and high efficiency, the SLC43 is competitively positioned in the segment.

The 43 stands for the furtherdeveloped AMG 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine. The Mercedes-AMG SLC43 is therefore the first V6 model from Affalterbach to feature the new nomenclature.

Thanks to the combination of a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine and a 9G- TRONIC sport transmission, the 362 hp roadster is more fuelefficient than its predecessor, the SLK55 with a naturally aspirated V8 engine. The new MercedesAMG SLC43 is also the most efficient six-cylinder performance roadster on the market. The specially developed suspension and model-specific mountings for the engine and rear-axle gear unit are designed for high lateral acceleration and low roll. Even greater

driving dynamics are optionally available with the AMG ride control suspension with adaptive adjustable damping, and the Handling package with mechanical limitedslip differential on the rear axle.

The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine offers impressive performance with its 362 hp maximum power and peak torque of 384 lb-ft: sprinting from 0 - 60 in 4.6 seconds, its top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph. With newly developed front and rear axles, new engine/rear-axle gear unit mountings, stiff elastokinematics and highly precise steering.

Dynamic Select With Dynamic Select the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted instantly at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension at the driver’s behest.

The five modes – ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport+’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Individual’ are easy to select using the Dynamic Select button in the upper control panel on the dashboard console.

A new feature for the SLC is the standard-fit Active Brake Assist, known in other model series as Collision Prevention Assist Plus.

In addition to radar-based proximity warning and braking assistance by adaptive brake assist, this ac-

tive brake assist system carries out autonomous braking to reduce the danger of rear-end collisions. If the driver fails to act when a risk of a collision is detected, despite the warning lamp in the instrument cluster and the intermittent audible alert, the system will initiate automatic braking. This significantly reduces the vehicle speed. At low relative speeds, this intervention may be sufficient to prevent a rear-end collision with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles. Blind spot assist and lane keeping assist also remain available.

The SLC’s vario-roof combines open-top driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort, with an even smoother electrohydraulic roof that allows easy opening or closing, even while driving at speeds up to 40 km/h.

The classic strengths of the SLC also include its well-designed boot, which at 335 litres has easily the highest capacity in this segment.

As part of the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz designers have further honed the roadster’s sporty look.

The new front section, where the steeply raked radiator grille elongates the appearance of the arrowshaped bonnet, is particularly striking. All SLC models feature a diamond radiator grille as standard.

The side view of the SLC reveals the typical features of a roadster with a long bonnet, a passenger compartment that is set back and a short rear.

The interior of the facelifted SLC highlights include new light or dark aluminium trim parts with a carbon fibre finish. The instrument cluster has a new design too.

The two tubular instrument surrounds now feature black dials.

Red needles also add to the sporty, contemporary design.

DISCOUNT OFFER

Khimji’s Watches announces Ramadan campaign with attractive new offer MUSCAT: Khimji’s Watches, the home of luxury in Oman, has recently announced its Ramadan campaign with a new and exciting offer.

From June 21 until July 31, the connoisseurs of luxury can avail special discount offer and get 3075% off on some of the leading world class brands of watches, jewellery, accessories, sunglasses, handbags, scarves, ties, writing instruments and much more, says a press release.

Speaking about this promotion, Anil Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas, said: “The holy month of

Ramadan is all about camaraderie, the spirit of sharing and a plethora of other warm sentiments. For us, it is a special time of the year to

express our gratitude to our customers, without whose support Khimji’s Watches would not have reached such great heights. By of-

fering such promotion on some of the most exclusive and cherished brands in the world, we want to make our customers feel special and valued. With this offer, they can shower their friends and family with special gifts throughout the holy month.”

Set up in 1973, Khimji’s Watches is one of Muscat’s leading franchisees of luxury watches, jewellery, accessories and writing instruments. The Khimji’s Watches showroom is located in the posh locality of Shatti Al Qurum in the capital city of Muscat.

EXCITING OFFER

Season of rewards for Nissan Patrol customers MUSCAT: As part of Nissan Oman’s ongoing ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, customers of Nissan Patrol can enjoy a host of benefits this Ramadan. Nissan Oman is offering a plethora of rewards for the patrons of Nissan Patrol, a vehicle that promises an unmatched customer experience.

Offering a wide range of attractive value schemes, Nissan Oman, from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA), has worked out offers that patrons are sure to find appealing, says a press release.

Offers galore Under the ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, customers can avail an assured

cash gift of OMR1,000 on buying Nissan Patrol.

Customers buying Nissan Patrol will get a scratch and win card which will entitle them to two assured gifts comprising free

periodic maintenance service upto lifetime of the car (minimum assured 1 year/ 10,000 km PMS; offer includes new service intervals of (10,000 km) and free fuel up to OMR1,000 (minimum assured of OMR50).

Nissan Patrol buyers can enjoy extra benefits such as free registration, 6 years unlimited mileage extended warranty and loyalty card benefits among others.

Loyal customers stand to enjoy additional benefits on purchase of a second Nissan vehicle in the family. To avail additional benefits under the scheme, the second car can be purchased either in the name of existing Nissan owner or his/her

immediate family members.

Customers can avail a special EMI rate starting from OMR279 on Nissan Patrol XE VK56 K-0 V8 5AT P16.

SBA has designed some easy and convenient financing options to ease the convenience of owning a Nissan Patrol. Flexible EMIs can also be tailor-made for any individual requirement from in-house auto finance team.

Nissan patrons have a chance to win two X-Trails 2.5S 7STR CVT 16 MY in the “grand SMS and win raffle draw” that will be held on June 20 and July 18 at Qurum showroom. Anybody can SMS to 90466 to enter the contest.

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

Bank Sohar conducts 4th monthly draw of Al Mumayaz scheme MUSCAT: Bank Sohar recently conducted its fourth Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme 2016 Monthly Draw at the bank’s Avenues Mall branch, revealing the names of over 30 lucky winners for the month of May. The draws conducted included the monthly OMR10,000 General Draw, OMR1,000 Children’s Draw, OMR10,000 ladies draw (for two winners)and the Exclusive OMR10,000 draw.

The branch guaranteed draws, which saw one winner from each of the bank’s 27 branches win OMR1,000, were conducted earlier at the bank’s head office.

In total, the monthly draws witnessed over OMR55,000 won by 32 winners across all customers categories, says a press release.

The special event was held under the auspices of Khalid Said Mohamed Al Hasani, a member of the Municipal Council. Representing Bank Sohar at the Event were Redha Al Lawatia, senior chief manager of Retail Liabilities and Sales, Fahad Abdullah Al Hooti, district manager of the Muscat Region, and Amjad Mahmood Al Raisi, senior branch manager of the Avenues Mall Branch, together with other senior members of the bank, who welcomed the chief guest and the bank’s VIP customers from the area.

Commenting on the occasion, Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, senior AGM and acting head of retail banking at Bank Sohar said, “Our Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme has always been centred around the best interests of our customers with the ultimate goal of instilling the habit of savings. With this goal in mind we take feedback year after year and evolve our savings scheme to match the desires of our customers as best we can.

It is this feedback that has led us towards offering even more prizes with an increased frequency of draws and guaranteed winners across our entire branch network every month. These changes that we have carried out to our Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme this year, has been extremely well received by our customers.”

The event was inaugurated by Amjad Mahmood Al Raisi, who delivered the welcome address and provided the guests with details on the variety of products and unique services offered by the bank’s first-ever branch operating in a mall. Shortly thereafter, a comprehensive overview of the features of the 2016 savings scheme as well as a presentation on various retail products was delivered by Redha Al Lawatia; who also highlighted the main enhancements for the new scheme compared to the previous year and other value added advantages.

Following the presentation, the five major draws were conducted by the guest of honour; beginning with the Children’s Draw which

saw Ali Faisal, from the bank’s MBD branch, win OMR1,000.

The two Ladies Draws saw L.B.S., from the bank’s Seeb branch, and Fatma Al Ajmi (Minor), from the bank’s Seeb branch, win OMR5,000 each; while the Exclusive Draw saw Khalid Al Rahbi, from the bank’s Amerat branch, win OMR10,000. The final draw of the day was the general draw for the month of May, which saw heirs of Abdul Rahim Sulaiman, from the bank’s Seeb branch, win OMR10,000.

The monthly branch guaranteed draws conducted earlier at the bank head office witnessed customers from each of the bank’s branches win OMR1,000, where Mohammed Ahmed was the winner from Al Suwaiq branch, Asara Said (minor) from the Sur Branch, Aisha Al Alawi from the Al Buraimi branch, Faisal Al Feteisi from the Shinas branch, Juma Salim from the Sinaw branch, S. M. S. from the MBD branch, Abdullah Al Maimani from the Barka branch, Samira Khalifa from the Saham branch, Y. A. S. from the Privilege Banking branch, Ahmed Al Rawahi from the Al Khaboura branch, Mukhtar Zahir Al Rawahi from the Nizwa branch, Aisha Al Amri from the Al Seeb branch, Abdullah Sabah from the Salalah Branch, Sulaiman Khalifa from the Bahla Branch, Moza Al Abri from the Ibri Branch, Mustafa Ahmed from the Al Azaiba Branch, Abdullah Al Balushi from the Quriyat Branch, Saud Al Fannah from the Al Qurum Branch, Zaaima Mattar from the Al Khoudh Branch, Fathi Al Farsi from the Sohar Branch, Mohammed Al Senaidi ( Minor ) from the Jalan Bani Bu Ali Branch, Sadiq Al Zadjali from the Ruwi Branch, Mohammed Al Aadi from the Al Amerat Branch, A. S .Al Shukali from the Al Rustaq Branch, Waseela Al Maskari from the Ibra Branch, M. H. Al lawati from the Al Khuwair Branch, and Munira Said from the Avenues Mall Branch.

Following the draws, the chief guest was presented with a token of appreciation by Redha Al Lawatia on behalf of the bank.

Congratulating the winners, Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, said, “I take this opportunity, on behalf of the bank, to thank all our customers for patronising Bank Sohar and for being a part of our Al Mumayaz Scheme. This month we crossed the milestone 600 winner mark for our Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme 2016. However, with over 1,500 prizes to be won this year, I look forward to seeing many more customers taking away our attractive prizes. I would also like to encourage our customers to continue saving for maximising their chances of winning and wish them the very best of luck for the upcoming draws.”

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

B7

ROUND-UP

Zubair SEC holds ‘Tajribati’ session to celebrate a year of fruitful dialogue The ‘Tajribati’ session discussed how the media can provide young entrepreneurs a platform to voice their hopes and aspirations

MUSCAT: As part of its special ‘Tajribati’ discussion series for Ramadan, Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) focused the first session on the significant role that media can play in featuring and promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The ‘Tajribati’ session also discussed how the media can provide

young entrepreneurs a platform to voice their hopes and aspirations.

Speakers included prominent media professionals from Oman including Ali Al Matani, Salem Al Habsi, Awad Baqweir and a member of Zubair SEC Muna Al Khusaibi, says a press release.

This Ramadan marks a year since Zubair SEC, a social responsibility initiative by The Zubair Corporation, launched the ‘Tajribati’ initiative. The sessions have been facilitating transparent and constructive discussions on topics of high importance to the SME sector in the Sultanate. The ‘Tajribati’ series serves as a unique platform to connect business experts with start-up owners and new entrepreneurs to exchange views, discuss common challenges and share best practices.

The discussion on the role of the media in promoting SMEs was very engaging and participants were provided with a lot of insight by the speakers.

Zubair SEC member Muna Al

Khusaibi, founder of Kidani shared her insight and experience on how good media coverage and being featured on different media platforms helped promote her business and entrepreneurial journey.

Thanking Zubair SEC for hosting the session, Salim Al Habsi, chairman, GCC Sport Journalism said, “As an entrepreneur myself I understand that media is an important part of the marketing strategies in business life.”

Al Habsi talked about how to overcome challenges faced by the

SMEs in trying to reach media and talked about the importance of media featuring small businesses.

Urging SMEs to adopt a media strategy Al Habsi said, “I would be pleased to cooperate and extend support to SMEs in my capacity as some media personnel.”

Highlighting the importance of cooperation between SMEs and the media, Awad Baqweir, chairman of Omani Journalists Association,said, “SMEs must put a concerted effort to be proactive in reaching out to the media.

They must realise it is important to share their positive stories with the media.”

Baqweir also added, “I laud the efforts of Zubair SEC in organising a dedicated Tajribati session on this important topic. The participants must have gained a lot of understanding from the session.”

Muna Khusaibi once again expressed gratitude to the Zubair SEC efforts for feature its members in local and regional media channels. As one of the Zubair SEC’s Direct Support Programme winners, she enjoyed some good media exposure and featuring in local and regional media platforms as part of the support Zubair SEC provides to its members.

“This has helped us in promoting our brand and us as entrepreneurs. I have personally benefited from this and believe media is important for the sustainability of SME businesses,” she added.

Adel Hubaishi, senior adviser at Zubair SEC who moderated the session said that the ‘Tajribati’ sessions

have gained immense popularity over the last one year. “The Tajribati sessions have been picking up remarkably since we launched them last Ramadan, and I would attribute the success to the great engagement and open dialogue that takes place,” said Hubaishi.

As part of the Ramadan ‘Tajribati’ series, Zubair SEC will hold multiple evening sessions on topics such as the importance of having a strong corporate identity and branding; and people’s management and its challenges and opportunities. Ramadan ‘Tajribati’ sessions will host a number of qualified speakers in specific topics. A group of Zubair SEC’s members will also share their insight and experience in the chosen topics.

‘Tajribati’ sessions are run in a friendly environment that allows for discussing diverse points of view. It provides a platform for interaction between owners and stakeholders from different sectors and different sizes of business, which further enriches the debate.

S U M M E R PAC K AG E

S C A L I N G D I G I TA L P E A K S

Hyundai Oman crosses 50,000 fans milestone on Facebook MUSCAT: Winning the hearts of auto enthusiasts, Hyundai has been constantly increasing its fan base in Oman. This leading autobrand has achieved a remarkable milestone of crossing 50,000 fans on the popular social networking site, Facebook, says a press release.

“Hyundai’s exciting cars, engaging content and focus on edutainment have helped us win the hearts of netizens from Oman.

‘New Thinking New Possibilities’ is the brand promise of Hyundai.

I believe it is innovation and engaging conversations that have enabled Hyundai to garner its first 50K fans…we are poised for exciting times ahead,” commented Anil Dua, managing director of OTE. Integrating customer centric

approach with social media, the brand continues to expand its conversation around Hyundai products with young and passionate audiences. Right since its debut on Facebook, Hyundai Oman utilised pictograms, infographics,

and emoticons to connect with its audiences. A clear content strategy, focused digital campaigns and enhanced interactivity has enabled Hyundai to successfully attract and engage with young netizens from Oman.

As one of the most popular car brands, Hyundai has a strong presence in the passenger vehicles category in Oman with its wide range of Sedans and SUVs offered with various engine options and trim options.

OTE Group represents the brand Hyundai in the Sultanate of Oman. Constantly striving to deliver the best to its patrons, the OTE Automotive group recently won the Hyundai Best Middle East and Africa Dealer award for After Sales, for groundbreaking initiatives.

With a nationwide network of showrooms and service centres, OTE Group ensures that Hyundai customers are never far from getting high quality service.

O N L I N E C L A S S I F I E D S P L AT F O R M

OLX offers smart tips to help change buying, selling trends during Ramadan MUSCAT: Considering the importance and significance of the holy month of Ramadan to the Omani society, and being No. 1 free online classifieds platform in the Sultanate of Oman, OLX provides smart and cost-effective tips to help change the buying and selling trends across Oman on this blessed month as well as the eagerly awaited Eid Al Fitr.

Through hundreds of thousands of used items posted for sale on OLX Oman worth OMR22 million in categories including second hand furniture, home electronics and appliances, OLX made a comparison between the average cost of the brand new items in the Omani market compared to the same second hand items in a step to help people opt for smart

deals with less cost during Ramadan. According to the comparison, purchasing second hand furniture through OLX Oman mobile app helps customers save up to 41% of the total value. In addition, people get other privileges by selling second hand furniture such as: 1. Extra cash: You may use it in other beneficial things like buying a gift for a friend, or an advance payment for an item you have always wanted.

2. Additional space: Selling the items that you do not use means getting extra space in your house.

3. Change for the better: You contribute with others to change the society for the better by exchanging items between individuals.

Ramadan is associated with certain traditions and customs

inherited through generations, the most important of which is gathering with family and friends.

People prepare for it and prepare even more for the Eid arrangements, keeping in mind a specific budget. The latter includes buying new furniture, households, electronic devices that help housewives do their tasks in shorter time. Yet buying new stuff might be expensive and making special budget may not be possible.

In this regard, Abdallah Touqan, Senior Public Relations and Communications lead at OLX said: “OLX Oman platform is the easiest way for Omanis and expatriates who want to buy second hand furniture as the service is free and without any fees. It also helps people gain financial ben-

efits by selling used furniture. All the user has to do is click on OLX application or the website olx. com.om- through a mobile or any other device.”

Touqan added: “OLX offers everything to meet every Omani individual’s everyday needs; from a child seeking a toy, to a lady dreaming of a dress, to a housewife wanting to renew her house items, to a father searching for a new property or wanting to sell his car to those who love to collect precious belongings. OLX gathers people from different backgrounds and creates a connection between them based on purchasing and selling in the society.”

OLX had recently released new user-friendly features, that help users in the Sultanate.

Cool packages for residents of Oman at Chedi Muscat MUSCAT: This summer, cool down and chill out at The Chedi Muscat. Indulge in sleek surroundings and sublime serenity with temperature controlled pools, a private beach and an amazing spa to help you stay cool this summer.

As the summer heats up why not cool down and chill out at The Chedi Muscat, taking advantage of the Chill at The Chedi package, exclusively for residents of Oman.

Rates are from OMR80 per room per night, inclusive of daily breakfast for two at The Restaurant, complimentary minibar (water and soft drinks replenished daily), complimentary Wi-Fi and movieson-demand and early check-in and late check-out upon availability, says a press release.

Take advantage of a 20% discount also on food and soft drinks and also avail of a 30% discount at The Spa on all rituals and indulge in treatments designed to help you overcome the stresses of summer.

Treatments include the traditional Moroccan Rhassoul Envelopment and Ren’s Bio Active Bespoke Facials perfectly designed using ingredients to help combat the effects of the sun.

Set in 21 acres of manicured gardens, The Chedi Muscat is located just 20 minutes from the heart of the capital and Muscat’s old city. The resort offers 158 Omani influenced guest rooms and suites, all with breath-taking views overlooking the gardens, water ponds, the Al Hajar mountains and the Sea of Oman.

B8

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

ROUND-UP

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

Majlis Meethaq forum hosts Minister of Health

PROMOTION

Attractive offers on Nissan’s crossover range till July 14

Meethaq also utilised the opportunity for a charity exhibition of Arabic calligraphy in cooperation with the Omani Society for Fine Arts

MUSCAT: Coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, hosted Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health, at the 10th Majlis Meethaq evening.

The unique social forum is aimed at facilitating interaction with prominent personalities on inspirational aspects of their life and career as well as views and perspective on the economy and important social and cultural is-

sues. The gathering held at Bank Muscat head office was attended by dignitaries and a large turnout of corporate representatives.

Reflecting the spirit of Ramadan, Meethaq also utilised the opportunity for a charity exhibition of Arabic calligraphy in cooperation with the Omani Society for Fine Arts. The proceeds of the exhibition will benefit Al Wafa Centers, says a press release.

Recalling his experiences in life and career, Dr Al Saidi called on Omani youth to take advantage of the educational opportunities to achieve success in life. He also spoke about his personal and academic achievements.

Majlis Meethaq is a monthly gathering in which a well- known economic, social, religious or cultural persona having influence on Omani society from the Sultanate or abroad is hosted.

The interaction between the guest and the audience is aimed at focusing on aspects of the presenter’s personal life, success in career and views on issues facing the country and community.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, deputy chief executive officer – Islamic

Banking, said: “Meethaq is proud to host the Majlis forum aimed at presenting successful role models to community and highlight their achievements to motivate and inspire citizens, especially youth, to attain success in life.

“We thank Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi for addressing the session and enlightening the audience on opportunities and challenges he faced in making crucial decisions in life which led to success.

“Meethaq, as part of its social development commitment, aims to develop the Majlis forum as an ideal platform to interact with prominent personalities and draw inspiration from their experiences in achieving success in life.”

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

Meethaq extends support to all key economic sectors in the Sultanate. Meethaq is focused on developing as a benchmark Islamic financial institution in Oman and the region. Within just three years

of operations, Meethaq has attained the leading position in the Islamic banking industry in Oman in terms of financing receivables, branch network, products and services, IT infrastructure and human resources development.

Meethaq not only provides benchmark Islamic financial solutions to support the country’s development but also plays a key role in raising awareness and educating people on important aspects of Islamic banking and finance.”

As the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman, Meethaq has adopted the best practices in Islamic banking and finance worldwide to combine a robust model which protects customers and complements the Islamic banking industry. Every Meethaq product goes through the process of Sharia compliance certification by the Sharia Supervisory Board and is created in line with the guidelines of the Central Bank of Oman.

Meethaq offers a full suite of Islamic banking products and services, including savings account, current account, home finance, auto finance, credit card, mobile banking and internet banking.

MUSCAT: Customers of Nissan’s crossover range can enjoy a variety of benefits this Ramadan as part of the ongoing ‘Season of Rewards’ offer. Nissan Oman is offering a host of deals for the patrons of crossover range known for its dynamic performance and overall refinement.

Giving buyers of Nissan’s crossover range a wide range of special offers, Nissan Oman, from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA), has worked out offers that customers are sure to find appealing.

Customers of Nissan’s crossover range will have a choice of benefits including attractive cash gift, free periodic maintenance service package, fuel card, free registration and extended mileage warranty. Additionally, they also get a chance to participate in a grand raffle. Moreover, there are extra benefits on purchase of second vehicle in family as well as a part of loyalty scheme.

The offer will continue till July 14. The exciting offer is valid on all Nissan’s crossover range models purchased for personal use, says a press release.

Commenting on the crossover range offer, a senior official of SBA said, “Nissan’s crossover range models stand out for their quality, futuristic design and innovative features which are much appreciated by its target audience. With the unlimited benefits on offer, we are confident that our patrons will opt to buy Nissan’s crossover range this season.”

Under the ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, Nissan’s crossover range can avail assured cash gift ranging from OMR500 to OMR2,000 varying model-wise.

Customers buying any Nissan’s crossover range will get a scratch and win card which will entitle them for two assured gifts comprising free periodic maintenance service upto lifetime of the car (minimum assured 1 year/ 10,000km PMS; offer includes new service intervals of 10,000km) and free fuel up to OMR1,000 (minimum assured of OMR50).

Nissan’s crossover range can enjoy extra benefits such as free registration (on select models), 6 years unlimited mileage extended warranty (on select models), loy-

alty card benefits among others.

Loyal customers stand to enjoy additional benefits on purchase of a second Nissan vehicle in the family. To avail additional benefits under the scheme, the second car can be purchased either in the name of existing Nissan owner or his/her immediate family members.

Nissan patrons have a chance to win two X-Trails 2.5S 7STR CVT 16 MY in the “grand SMS and win raffle draw” that will be held on June 20 and July 18 at Qurum showroom. Anybody can SMS to 90466 to enter the contest.

SBA has designed some easy and convenient financing options to ease the convenience of owning a Nissan’s crossover range. Flexible EMIs can also be tailor-made for any individual requirement from in-house auto finance team.

Nissan crossover’s range provides customers with a comprehensive product line up and an opportunity to choose from Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L, X-Trail, and the Juke.

Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L The vehicle now comes with EMI starting from OMR184 (terms and conditions apply). Besides under the ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, customers can avail an assured cash gift of OMR2,000 on buying Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L. Special interest rate of 2.99% is offered on Nissan Pathfinder 3.5 Litre variant during the above said campaign period.

Nissan X-Trail Customers can avail a special EMI rate of OMR138 (terms and conditions apply) on Nissan XTrail. Under the ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, customers can avail an assured cash gift of OMR1,000 on buying Nissan X-Trail. Special interest rate of 2.99% is offered on Nissan X-Trail during the above said campaign period.

Nissan Juke Under the ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, customers can avail an assured cash gift of OMR500 on buying Nissan Juke.

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

SHIFA AL JAZEERA ORGANISES IFTAR AT GRAND HYATT

The Iftar organised by Shifa Al Jazeera medical group was held at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Muscat recently. Dr K. T. Rabeeullah, chairman, Siddiq Valiyakath, executive director and Aslam Backer, general manager of Shifa Al Jazeera Group welcomed the invitees for the event.

— Supplied pictures

C

SECTION

T H U RS DAY, JUNE 23, 2016 WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

SPORTS

OMAN AIR LOOK TO BOOST EXTREME SAILING SERIES LEAD IN CARDIFF >C4

LIFESTYLE

SOCIAL RAP >C6

>C3

GOALS GALORE Hungary, Portugal through after thriller HUNGARY

3

PORTUGAL

3

The Portuguese came from behind three times as Ronaldo, who also set a tournament record of 17 appearances, finally rediscovered his touch to help Portugal make the last 16, where they will meet Croatia in Lens

SPECTACULAR SHOW: Hungary’s midfielder Balazs Dzsudzsak

celebrates after scoring one of his two goals. – AFP

LYON: Hungary and Portugal reached the Euro 2016 knockout stages after a rip-roaring 3-3 draw in which Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice and became the first player to score at four European Championship finals on Wednesday.

The Portuguese came from behind three times as Ronaldo, who also set a tournament record of 17 appearances, finally rediscovered his touch to help Portugal make the last 16, where they will meet Croatia in Lens on Saturday.

Group F winners Hungary finished above Iceland, who also qualified after a last-gasp 2-1 win over Austria in Paris, and thirdplaced Portugal.

Hungary will play the Group E runners-up, which will be decided later on Wednesday between Belgium, Sweden and Ireland, while Iceland will face England.

Ronaldo equalised twice in the second half after Zoltan Gera’s early strike was cancelled out by Nani just before the break. Hungary captain Balazs Dzsudzsak had twice put his side ahead before Ronaldo burst into life with a double strike.

“We’re happy as we’re still in the tournament. It was a tough game but we created chances and se scored goals,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos.

Portugal had promised the goals would flow and they did. Like in their previous two matches against Iceland and Austria, Portugal enjoyed sterile possession in the early stages and rarely troubled their rivals with a flurry of crosses easily dealt with by the Hungarian defence.

COOL SHOW

Iceland extend heroic run with last-gasp win ICELAND

2

AUSTRIA

1

PARIS: Iceland continued their fairytale story at Euro 2016 by making it through to knockout stage after a stoppage-time winner gave them a deserved 2-1 victory against Austria in their final group match on Wednesday.

Substitute Arnor Ingvi Traustason scored from close range deep into added time after collecting a though ball from Elmar Bjarnasson following a swift counter-attack.

The last-gasp goal secured Iceland second place in Group F, level on five points with Hungary, who drew 3-3 with Portugal in an action-packed encounter.

The Hungarians edged top spot by virtue of a better goal difference. Portugal finished on three points and will go through as one of the best third-placed teams.

Austria, who had come to France as dark horses after a qualifying campaign featuring nine wins from 10 games, finish last and will go home with just one point after a 2-0 defeat by Hungary and a 0-0 draw with Portugal.

The smallest country ever to qualify for a European Championship, Iceland had started the

GREAT MOMENT: Iceland players celebrate their win over Austria during the Euro 2016 Group F match. – AFP

tournament by holding Portugal and Hungary to 1-1 draws through resilient displays and will now face England in the last 16.

They stated well on a stormy night on the outskirts of Paris with forward Jon Dadi Bodvarsson putting them ahead with an angled shot from inside the box following a long throw-in from the right on 18 minutes.

Austria, needing a win to survive the group, levelled the tie on the hour mark when substitute Alessandro Schoepf raced into the box and surprised Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson with a low shot.

The Austrians had missed a great chance to equalise in the first half when they were awarded a penalty after David Alaba ap-

peared to be held back in the box by left back Ari Skulason. Aleksandar Dragovic sank to his knees in despair after hitting the post from the spot, allowing Iceland to hold on to their lead until the break.

Austria, who went into their final group game after a defeat by Hungary and a draw with Portugal, were hoping to survive the opening stage of a major tournament for the first time since the 1982 World Cup but it was not to be.

They again lacked firepower and their key player, Alaba, who is used to a more defensive role, looked lost in the playmaker position, which he occupied throughout the tournament.

Iceland, by contrast, offered a spirited display and took their chances bravely. - Reuters

With Ronaldo totally subdued, Hungary looked more likely to score through sporadic but dangerous raids.

In the 19th minute, the 37-year old Gera took a half-cleared corner into his stride and unleashed a fizzing low-half volley past Rui Patricio from 25 metres.

Rocked by the setback, Portugal nearly fell two goals behind several minutes later after Patricio was forced to parry a stinging shot by the hardworking Akos Elek.

However, Ronaldo, struggling for form at Euro 2016, released Nani with a defence-splitting pass and his strike partner beat Gabor Kiraly with a neat finish from inside the penalty area three minutes before the break.

The Hungarians were back in front in the 47th minute as Dzsudzsak beat Patricio with a free kick. After throwing a reporter’s microphone into a lake earlier in the day during a morning walkabout, Ronaldo produced his best moment of the tournament in the 50th, beating Kiraly with a clever back-heel after good work by Nani.

Hungary took the lead for the third time.

Having had another free kick blocked by the wall, Dzsudsak took the rebound in his stride on the edge of the area and fired a speculative shot which sailed past Patricio.

Hungary’s joy was short-lived, however, as Ronaldo levelled with a thumping header after a superb cross by substitute Ricardo Quaresma, drawing an eruption of joy from the Portuguese fans behind Kiraly’s goal. - Reuters

BACK IN FORM: Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring one of his two goals. - AFP

C2

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

NOBODY IS SCARED OF SHODDY ENGLAND, SAYS ALAN SHEARER

Terim says Turkey can go far, given the chance

MOMENT OF PRIDE

Turkey have a better record than Albania, also on three points, but need one more team from the remaining two groups to finish third with an inferior record HAPPY BOSS: Croatia’s coach Ante Cacic is pictured during the Euro 2016 Group D football match against Spain. – AFP

LENS: Triumphant Turkey coach Fatih Terim says his side can go deep into the tournament if they manage to qualify for the knockout stages as one of the four best thirdplaced teams at Euro 2016.

After limp defeats to Croatia and Spain, the Turks delivered a stunning performance full of fire and passion to defeat the Czech Republic 2-0 on Tuesday and finish third in Group D on three points, and they now face a wait until the other groups are concluded on Wednesday to see if they qualify.

Turkey have a better record than Albania, also on three points, but need one more team from the remaining two groups to finish third with an inferior record.

If they do make it, Terim says they could repeat their performance at the 2008 tournament, where they made it to the semifinals only to lose to a last-minute goal as Germany won a thriller 3-2.

“If we advance, we can do what we did in Euro 2008, because our confidence is growing now. We have still some problems but now it’s easier to find some solutions,” he said.

“We have a good side and now we have our team spirit back.

Everybody was involved. If we advance, I think we will have a long way to go.”

Goals from Burak Yilmaz and Ozan Tufan gave the Turks a victory few had predicted beforehand, with Yilmaz winning the man of the match award for his tireless display. “I’m very happy, I scored an important goal in a very decisive game, and every thing worked very well,” he said. “It’s been a good night, a good goal for me.”

Players showed true face of Croatia: Cacic BORDEAUX: Croatia’s players showed the world they are not like the supporters who brought shame on the country with their behaviour at Euro 2016, coach Ante Cacic said on Tuesday.

Trouble in the stands at their previous group match against Czech Republic cost the Croatian FA a fine of 100,000 euros ($113,190.00) and some players said they lost concentration after the disturbances as the Czechs forced a late draw.

There were no crowd problems when Cacic’s team beat Spain 2-1 to win Group D, however, and he was full of praise not only for the thousands of well behaved fans but for his players.

“This team is like our nation,” he said. “The players have shown how to represent your country and how to behave.”

Understandably, he was reluctant to concede that avoiding the half of the draw now containing all the most fancied countries was the bonus most observers consider it to be.

“We can talk about which (half ) is better but now you have to win every single match,” he said.

“Maybe we have an easier way but we have to go step-by-step.”

Spain must now play Italy with the pair in the same half of the draw as world champions Germany, hosts France and England.

Croatia even enjoyed the best of both worlds by resting five players and still winning.

With nobody suspended, and playmaker Luka Modric plus striker Mario Mandzukic now fit, they will have a full-strength squad for Saturday’s last 16 match against a third-placed team.

“I wanted to play the next match with really fresh players,” Cacic said. “It’s a huge achievement, and now we can be even more self-confident.”

Ivan Perisic, named man of the match after his winning goal, said the aim now was to do even better than the Croatia team that finished third at their first World Cup in 1998.

“This was a really special evening for us, but it’s only the beginning,” he said.

Fellow midfielder Ivan Rakitic, a Barcelona club mate of several of the Spanish players, said it was a victory for effort over quality.

“When you play against the best team in the world, you have to play like this,” he said. “We deserve it. Not always quality wins but effort does.

“I prefer to play in the same team as (Andres) Iniesta, (Sergio) Busquets and (Jordi) Alba than against them.

“I think we can start dreaming.

Now I have to explain a few things to my (Spanish) wife.” - Reuters

ECSTATIC: Turkish head coach Fatih Terim celebrates victory over Czech Republic. – Reuters

Disappointed Czech coach Pavel Vrba was disappointed with his side’s exit but said the young players in his squad had learned some valuable lessons.

We have a good side and now we have our team spirit back. Everybody was involved. If we advance, I think we will have a long way to go Fatih Terim

Turkey head coach “Of course our goal was to qualify, and we didn’t manage that. I’m not going to say that our performance here was any good,” he told reporters.

“On the other hand, all three matches have shown that international football is very different from the Czech league - international players are on a different level.

“This has been a great lesson for our young players, and I hope that they will use it in the next qualifier.”

For Terim, his team have finally got going, but there is still a risk that tonight’s game will be their last at the tournament.

“It’s not sure that we will advance - I hope that we will, I hope that we will not be knocked out.

I would be really frustrated if we were out,” the 62-year-old said.

“But if we advance we will restart, we will reboot, and I think that we will improve. My experience tells me this.” - Reuters

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

TIGHT-LIPPED RONALDO THROWS REPORTER’S MICROPHONE IN LAKE

Germany face a huge task in their half of the Euro 2016 draw, with the holders Spain, Italy, hosts France and England all possible opponents en route to the July 10 final. But the world champions at least appear to have rediscovered their attacking flair

W

orld champions Germany face a difficult path in the knock-out stages if they want to win Euro 2016 but for now there was satisfaction that Joachim Loew’s team raised their game in the final group match against Northern Ireland.

Germany finally showed some attacking flair although they were extremely wasteful and should have won by a much bigger margin than the lone goal from Mario Gomez in the 29th Tuesday night for a 1-0 success at the Parc des Princes.

“We did well to create these chances, now we go to step two and convert them,” Gomez said.

That will be needed because Germany’s half of the draw bracket has suddenly turned into a huge task.

Slovakia or Albania are the likely opponents in the last 16 Sunday in Lille. If Germany win they then face either twotime reigning champions Spain (against who they lost in the 2008 final and 2010 World Cup semis) or Italy (who Germany have never beaten at a major championship). England or hosts France are possible semifinal opponents.

“Now we need to be at our best in every game,” forward Thomas Mueller said.

For coach Joachim Loew the tournament starts in earnest: “I am looking forward to the knock-out rounds, those are the great games. A lot is at stake, and the excitement is there.”

But first there was satisfaction overall that Germany created a dozen chances against harmless Northern Ireland, after a dull attacking display in the previous 0-0 with Poland.

Even national icon Franz Beckenbauer was impressed, telling Bild paper that “somehow a new German team was on the pitch.”

Loew made only two changes but they worked wonders. Gomez came on as a true striker and youngster Joshua Kimmich was fielded as right back but was effectively a right winger with plenty of good moments in the position he has also filled at times at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

“I saw a good game from him,” Loew said. “He ran well, had good crosses. I saw no nervousness. He was very clever and can be very satisfied with his first game at this stage. He was strong in the air, good at the back and created a lot of movement up front.”

The Sueddeutsche Zeitung paper named Kimmich “the badly needed attacking option on the far side” and even suggested that he could become the legitimate heir of Philipp Lahm as right back, with far more attacking power than the natural defender Benedikt Hoewedes who had filled the role in the first two games.

Loew remained vague on whether the 21-year-old Kimmich could become a permanent solution, and it remains to be

seen how he fares when confronted with a fast and attacking opponent on his side.

Kimmich made most of the headlines but so did Arsenal’s Mesut Oezil who finally found back his skill and created many of the chances of which almost half a dozen alone were wasted by Mueller.

Mueller was however a little unlucky as he was denied his first ever goal at the Euros by the right post and the crossbar. “It simply didn’t work out,” Mueller said while Loew believes “he will succeed next time.”

The whole team was aware that they must now do better in front of goal as chances could become sparser again as the opposition becomes stronger. “Of course we have to work on converting our chances, otherwise it could get tight. We won’t have such a harmless opponent as Northern Ireland again at this tournament,” midfielder Toni Kroos said.

For the same reason Loew did not want to make too much out of the fact that Germany have kept a clean sheet so far in France.

“The clean sheet is good but the next opponents will be tougher up front,” Loew said.

Loew had a defensive scare as centre back Jerome Boateng came off with a calf problem in the 76th but the coach is upbeat he can return on Sunday.

“I think we got him off in time. I expect our doctors to get him ready and expect him to play (on Sunday),” Loew said. - dpa

Young gun Joshua Kimmich was fielded as right back but was effectively a right winger with plenty of good moments in the position he has also filled at times at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

C3

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

S P O R S

BADMINTON

Honest toiler Nehwal senses golden Rio opportunity PROUD WINNERS: India’s players pose with the Prayag Series Trophy after winning the third and final T20 cricket match in a series of

three games between against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club. – Reuters

India survive scare to clinch T20 series The series decider went right down to the last ball after Zimbabwe restricted India to 138 for six but ended at 135 for six

HARARE: India survived a mighty last-ball scare before clinching the T20 series 2-1 with a nervy three-run victory over a spirited Zimbabwe in the third and final Twenty20 International here on Wednesday.

The series decider went right down to the last ball after Zimbabwe restricted India to 138 for six and got close to the target before ending at 135 for six. Earlier, Kedar Jadhav bailed India out of trouble with a timely 58 off 42 balls.

Zimbabwe, needing 21 runs off the final over, were in touching distance of a famous series win until Barinder Sran held his nerve for a dramatic finish to the game.

Elton Chigumbura (16) and Timycen Maruma (23 not out) almost pulled off the chase in the final over as Sran conceded a six off

the first ball, followed by two fours including one on a no-ball.

A four was needed off the final ball but Chigumbura ended up hitting a low full straight into the hands of Yuzvendra Chahal at cover, triggering wild celebrations by the away side. The second-string Indian team had to work a lot harder in the T20 series in comparison to three ODIs where they blanked Zimbabwe easily.

The home team made a confident start to the run chase, reaching 40 for one in the first six overs.

After the early departure of Chamu Chibhabha, the experienced duo of Vusi Sibanda (28) and Hamilton Masakadza (15) looked comfortable against the Indian pace attack.

Sibanda came out with an aggressive intent and put pressure

FOOTBALL

on the bowlers especially Dhawal Kulkarni, who was hammered for three consecutive boundaries in his second over. Sran, who ended with figures of 4/10 on his T20 debut on Monday, was not at his best today even though he provided the first breakthrough and held his nerve in the final over.

The hosts looked threatening with Sibanda in the middle but his and Masakadza’s fall in quick succession turned the match in favour of India. Masakadza was adjudged lbw after attempting a sweep off left-arm spinner Axar Patel before Kulkarni trapped Sibanda in front of the stumps.

Peter Moor got into the act after Sibanda’s dismissal, punishing a wayward Chahal for three sixes.

Chahal offered a couple of long hops and Moor was quick to deposit them into the stands over mid wicket. The leggie finally removed Moor but the target was very much within reach as Zimbabwe needed 51 off the last 36 balls.

However, two tight overs by Jaspirt Bumrah and Patel made life tougher for the opposition, who had to depend on Malcolm Waller and Chigumbura.

Earlier, Jadhav struck his maid-

en Twenty20 International halfcentury as India overcame a poor start to post a competitive total.

India, batting first for the first time on the tour, had a tough time against the Zimbabwe bowlers on a pitch where scoring freely proved to be difficult, as it was the case earlier in the series.

After losing early wickets Jadhav and Ambati Rayudu (20) were left to do the repair job and they took the innings forward with a 49-run stand off as many balls.

Barring Jadhav, the Indian batsmen could not find the big hits that were needed in the middle overs.

Dhoni did not get going with the bat but added another feather to his illustrious cap when he walked out for the toss. By playing this game, he equalled Ricky Ponting’s record of captaining in 324 international matches to be at the top of the list alongside the Australian.

Dhoni, who was appointed captain in 2007, has led India in 60 Tests, 194 ODIs and 70 T20 Internationals.

Brief scores: India 138 for 6 (Jadhav 58, Tiripano 3-20) beat Zimbabwe 135 for 6 (Sibanda 28, Moor 26, Kulkarni 2-23) by three runs. - PTI

NEW DELHI: Saina Nehwal eschews the “natural talent” tag thrust upon her by Indian media and says only hard graft and good coaching have given her the chance to turn the Olympic badminton bronze she won four years ago in London into gold at the Rio Games.

“Whatever I am today, it’s because of my coaches,” Nehwal told Reuters in an email interview following her victory at the Australian Open last week.

“They taught me smash, dribble and net game in copybook style and I trained five to six hours daily to master them.

“I am a worker and my coaches know how to get the best out of me,” added the 26-year-old, who became the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal in 2012.

While winning a medal in London was celebrated back home in success-starved India, her rise to the top of the world singles rankings in April last year was no less significant.

It marked the first time a nonChinese shuttler sat atop the women’s singles rankings since Dane Tine Baun in late 2010.

Nehwal, who will be 30 by the time the 2020 Olympics come around in Tokyo, believes Rio is her best chance of gold.

“For 2020, it depends on my progress and health conditions.

Rio is an ideal place to showcase my game,” she said.

“You can’t predict results.

You need hard work and God’s blessing, apart from support from the fraternity,” the world number six said. Rio will mark a third Olympics for Nehwal, who is hitting a rich vein of form at exactly the right time.- Reuters

C O PA A M A R I C A

Stage set for TPL knock-out action Goal machine Messi becomes MUSCAT: The knock out stage of the third edition of Thalassery Premier League Sevens football tournament organised by the Stadium Brothers will be played at Bousher Club ground on Thurs-

day and Friday. After the second round played last week, QFT and Stadium Brothers top Group A, while Teleboyz and Azaiba FC are on top in Group B. UTSC1 and Tele FC top the list in Group C.

Main sponsors are Al Rehwan Contracting, while associate sponsors are Renna Mobile, Asia Express, Transfast, FAP, Al Nahla Solutions, Foodlands, Amana Medical Centre and Air Arabia.

AT H L E T I C S

Injury dashes Rio hopes for Japanese sprint prospect TOKYO: Teenage sprinter Abdul Hakim Sani Brown has withdrawn from Japan’s national championships with a thigh injury, virtually ruling him out of contention for the Rio Olympics, the Japan Association of Athletics Federations said on Wednesday.

Born in Fukuoka to a Japanese mother and Ghanaian father, Sani Brown, broke championship records to win two gold medals at last year’s world youth championships and was part of the senior squad at the 2015 world championships.

A left thigh injury forced the 17-year-old to withdraw from the national championships, which act as the qualifying meet for Rio, the Kyodo news agency reported.

“I am really disappointed, I have just got to try and do my best to aim for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics,” Sani Brown said.

Sani Brown clocked 10.28 seconds in the 100 metres and 20.34 in the 200, the second bettering the mark set by Usain Bolt in 2003, to claim the sprint double at the youth championships in Colombia and also won the IAAF Rising Star Award in 2015. — Reuters

Argentina’s leading scorer HOUSTON: Lionel Messi scored his 55th international goal to become his country’s all-time leading scorer as Argentina thrashed hosts the United States 4-0 to ease into the final of the Centenary Copa America on Tuesday.

Many of those in the 70,858 crowd in Houston had come to witness the Barcelona star etch his name in the history books and he did not disappoint, curling a sensational free kick past Brad Guzan after 32 minutes to put Argentina 2-0 ahead.

Messi had been chopped down

by Chris Wondolowski 25 yards from goal as he burst forward and the ensuing strike moved him clear of previous record holder Gabriel Batistuta’s 54 goal tally.

‘Feeling happy’ “I am happy to have surpassed Batistuta’s record and I want to thank my team mates, it’s theirs as well,” Messi, who turns 29 on Friday, told reporters.

The win, meanwhile, advanced Argentina into Sunday’s final against either Colombia or reigning champions Chile, who meet in Chicago on Wednesday.

“We needed to get back in a final but we can never get ahead of ourselves,” Argentine coach Gerardo Martino assed. “We’ve always taken it one game at a time.”

“We are pleased with our general production (so far).”

Martino started Ezequiel Lavezzi up front in place of the injured Angel Di Maria and it took the China-based winger just three minutes to make his mark when he got on the end of a Messi chip to head over a stranded Guzan.

Argentina dominated the first half and Messi’s goal was just reward for their superiority but if the home side thought they could stage a second-half fightback, they were sadly mistaken. - Reuters

MAGICIAN: Lionel Messi of Argentina dribbles the ball past John Brooks of United States in the 2016 Copa America Centenario. –AFP SCOREBOARD

Born June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. * Joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old in 2000 and shone in the youth ranks before then-coach Frank Rijkaard gave him his senior debut at the age of 16 in a friendly against Porto in 2003. * Made his La Liga debut in October 2004 and scored his first La Liga goal the following May in a match against Albacete at the Nou Camp. * Scored six goals in 17 appearances in 200506 as Barca won La Liga for the second year in a row but did not feature in their 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final. * Messi played a key role as Barca claimed six trophies in the calendar year of 2009 including the Champions League, La Liga, the King’s Cup and the Club World Cup. Won the first of four consecutive World Player of the Year awards. * Won La Liga again in 2010 and retained the World Player award, beating shortlisted Spanish World Cup winners and Barca team mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi. * Inspired Barcelona to a 3-1 win against Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League final, scoring one goal and creating another. * Helped Barca to a third consecutive La Liga title in 2010-11 and was on the scoresheet as they beat Santos 4-0 to win the Club World Cup. * While Barcelona failed to retain either La Liga or the Champions League, Messi

completed 2012 with an extraordinary total of 91 goals in all competitions, a record for a calendar year. He smashed the La Liga scoring record for one season in 2011-12 with 50 goals. * Equalled the Champions League scoring record of 71 goals set by former Real Madrid and Schalke 04 forward Raul when he struck twice against Ajax Amsterdam at the end of 2014. Has since been overtaken by current Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo. * Turned in a series of performances in 201415 as Barca romped to a treble of Champions League, La Liga and King’s Cup titles. * Won his eighth La Liga title and fourth Spanish Cup with Barcelona in 2015-16 ARGENTINA * Led Argentina to the title at the 2005 World Youth Championship, scoring two penalties in a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final. * Led Argentina to the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. * At the 2010 World Cup Messi failed to score and struggled to find his best form. * He captained Argentina to the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they lost 1-0 to Germany. He won the Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player. * Scored a hat trick in 18 minutes after coming off the bench in Argentina’s 5-0 win over Panama in the Copa America .

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

C5

SPORTS GOLF

OGC hosts meet and greet session for lady golfers

LONDON SOJOURN: From left, Oman Air skipper Morgan Larson (USA) with trimmer Pete Greenhalgh (GBR), Bowman James Wierzbowsk (AUS), Trimmer Ed Smyth (NZL) and Nasser Al Mashari (OMA) with Oman Air staff relaxing in London before heading to Cardiff. - Supplied photo

Oman Air look to boost 2016 ESS lead in Cardiff In past years, Oman Sail teams have dominated the action in the Welsh capital with three consecutive wins in 2013, 2014 and 2015 for The Wave, Muscat and four years ago victory for Oman Air, which was then skippered by Morgan Larson, as it is in 2016

LONDON: Oman Air heads to Wales this weekend with a twopronged strategy to defend their strong track record at the Cardiff Bay venue and extend their overall lead in the 2016 Extreme Sailing Series. But first the team took time out to tour London and celebrate Oman Air’s twice daily flight to the city.

In past years, Oman Sail teams have dominated the action in the Welsh capital with three consecutive wins in 2013, 2014 and 2015 for The Wave, Muscat and four years ago victory for Oman Air, which was then skippered by Morgan Larson, as it is in 2016.

But past records are no guarantee of success and both Larson and his strategist Pete Greenhalgh

know that a repeat win is only possible if they carry on improving at a faster rate than their rivals.

“If we sail well, we will hopefully win,” said Greenhalgh, Oman Air’s British mainsail trimmer and rock solid power train.

“At the last event in China, Alinghi just beat us but we didn’t sail consistently well throughout the whole event and they only just got past us so we were quite encouraged. Having said that, they have been racing on the other GC32 circuit which won’t do them any harm so we need to be on top of our game.

“We want to turn things round in Cardiff and the fact that I’m British and racing on home soil

PSC RAMADAN CRICKET

Big wins for Murshed and Muscat Livestock

MUSCAT: Murshed XI and Muscat Livestock won their respective matches in the ongoing Omantel Ramadhan Tape Ball Cricket 2016 organised by Pakistan Social Club at the Pakistan School Muscat ground.

In the match played on Tuesday night, Murshed XI routed Kashmir XI by 65 runs, while Muscat Livestock defeated Shah XI by 55 runs and in final match of the night, Oman Engineering edged Ali Sher Hamad XI by 19 runs.

Brief scores: Murshed XI 115 for 2 in 8

overs (Kashif 60, Tousif 30 ) beat Kashmir XI 50 for 7 in 8 overs (Amin Khan 3 for 4) by 65 runs. Man of the match: Amin Khan of Murshed XI Muscat Livestock 103 for 4 in 8 overs (Mujib Ur-Rehamn 32 not out, Shhbaz 27) beat Shah XI 48 for 7 in 8 overs (Abdul Rauf 2 for 1) by 55 runs. Man of the match: Abdul Rauf of Muscat Livestock.

Oman Engineering 83 for 6 in 8 overs (Kamal 20, Khalid 17, Bilal 2 for 8, Ali 2 for 16) beat Ali Sher Hamad XI 64 for 8 in 8 overs (Mudassar 23, Shahid 4 for 3, Shani 3 for 11) by 19 runs. Man of the match: Shahid of Oman Engineering.

NMC CUP

OEC, Royal Challengers win MUSCAT: OEC and Royal Challengers scored wins in the ongoing NMC Cup 2016 organised by Oman Indo-Pak Friends at the Azaiba Cultural Sports ground on Tuesday.

Brief scores: OEC 81 for 4 in 8 overs (Mudasser 30, Sagir 20, Parveiz 2 for 11) beat Bengal Tigers 28 for 6 in 8 overs (Zeeshan 2 for 3). Man of the match: Mudasser from OEC. Royal Challengers 79 for 8 in 8

overs (Akshit 25, Clinton 20, Shafeer 3 for 16, Shariq 2 for 18, Mehboob 2 for 16) beat Sheradi XI 41 for 8 in 8 overs (Sachin 2 for 5,Giri 2 for 6). Man of the match: Akhit from Royal Challengers.

gives me added incentive – there are a few family and friends coming down so hopefully we can give them reason to cheer.”

Oman Air start racing on Thursday June 23 with a two-point lead over Alinghi and Red Bull Sailing Team who are in joint second place but putting the foiling GC32 through its paces in a confined space will almost certainly lead to some colourful invective being volleyed across the race track, according to Larson.

“Cardiff is a great venue - there’s good support from the public, the race course is challenging and fun and there is usually wind but the competition is heating up,” said Larson who will once again have Omani regular Nasser Al Mashari, James Wierzbowski and Ed Smyth to call on for added skill and muscle.

“This venue will be different this year because we are racing faster boats so we will be much more aware of the confined spaces.

It’s like putting us all in a smaller box so there will be more heated exchanges between the sailors and probably more close calls.”

“We have a two-point lead but that will be tight and Alinghi are putting in time on these boats on the other GC32 circuit and are getting better so we will have our

hands full with them. We have to carry on refining our own skills and strengths and focus on getting better.”

Before the serious business of point scoring gets underway, the Oman Air crew travelled to London to take part in a promotional tour of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square aboard an iconic London Bus. The visit was to highlight the Muscat-London twice daily Oman Air flight.

It was especially interesting for Oman’s Nasser Al Mashari who had never before visited the London landmarks.

“I feel lucky to be part of the Oman Air crew and to be representing my country – London is an important city to Oman Air and the British are regular visitors to Oman. We hope to welcome many more in the future.

“We have always enjoyed Cardiff – we won in the Extreme 40s so hope we can do it again in the GC32s. This year the forecast is for a light start with a steady build and some sunshine which sounds good. We are still learning the boat and the other teams are very strong but I am hopeful that we will do well.”

Racing action kicks off on Thursday June 23 and continues through to Sunday June 26.

MUSCAT: Term III of the Ladies’ Golf Programme organised by the OGC (Oman Golf Committee) and supported by National Bank of Oman (NBO) came to an end recently with a meet and greet session with the OGC top brass at Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club.

The third spell of the programme concluded with a bang, having spanned for six weeks. Total of 60 ladies participated in the program across all three terms. 6 of them took part in the gold category, 23 in the silver category and 31 in the bronze category. A total of 19 ladies from Term I have graduated to Term II and Term ll saw a total of 19 new faces.

The Omani women took golfing lessons from Muscat Hills-designated coach Jade Lucas in the third term of the programme.

The post-programme meet and greet session was presided over by the OGC Chairman Mundhir Al Barwani, who held detailed talks with the Omani ladies regarding their various experiences during the course of the golf programme.

“I spoke to the participants in great detail, trying to get a feel of what they went through as they learnt golfing lessons at Muscat Hills,” exclaimed Al Barwani.

“Following the interactions, we at the OGC have got a clear picture of how the programme is working out. So far, it seems it is clearly a big hit among the ladies, as they all agreed that they were hooked onto the sport of golf and would like to continue sharpening their skills at the game.”

“The greatest thing to come out of this program is the increase in junior participation. We currently have 10 new junior girls in the Junior Program as a direct result of their mothers and aunts participating in the program. We also have 3 junior boys for the same reason. Other ladies have since expressed that they would like to enroll their children into summer camps or the next development program,” said coach Jade Lucas.

The ladies also proposed to the OGC management that they would be very keen to carry on participating from time to time if the programme continues to roll on, and especially if it is held in Muscat in the winter months as well. OGC Chairman assured the ladies that the national body is also willing to continue the programme.

The OGC Chairman said, “In recent times, we have had considerable success with the likes of Asma Al Rashdi and Huwaida Al Barwani, our two shining stars in the ladies’ circuit. Their examples have worked wonders, as these Omani ladies from our ladies programme have drawn inspiration from the duo’s rise and want to some day break into the Oman national team.”

Most impressive at Term II and Term III of the ladies programme has been 13-year-old Iman Al Farsi, who clearly stood out as a major future prospect. The OGC has taken full note of the youngster’s potential and current abilities, and is looking forward to grooming her as a future star.

“We are quite pleased with all the ladies, particularly with the capabilities of young Iman. We want to focus on turning her into a serious future prospect for our in-depth ladies’ development initiative. We wish her, as well as the rest of the ladies, all the best in their future endeavours as they aim to make a mark with their golf clubs,” Al Barwani signed off.

Iman’s mother Olivia Al Farsi is delighted that her daughter is being praised by everyone in the golf circles and OGC. “I am excited that she is doing good in golf. She is actually a very sporty girl. She plays football, basketball and other sports as well. I hope she will succeed in golf provided she gets proper guidance and schooling.”

After the phenomenal success of the silver programme OGC is planning to begin the gold programme in the coming months.

LEARNING GOLF: Omani women took golfing lessons from Mus-

cat Hills-designated coach Jade Lucas. – Supplied photo

C

LIFESTYLE

SECTION

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Culture WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Omani rapper, Faisal, joins hands with his friend and director, Ahmad, once again to produce yet another socially-relevant music video.

Photography: Mohammed Al Farsi

Story: T.A. Ameerudheen

Y

oung Omani rapper, Faisal Ahmad Salem Al Shibli, and director, Ahmad Rashid Saeed Al Shibli, are all set to enthrall music lovers in the country when they release new music video, Bint Biladi (Girl of My Country), after the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Faisal, who is the composer and the vocalist, says the album aims to educate people on the need to keep vigil against abuses on girls.

“Abuses are on the rise all over the world, and I think it is imperative to educate people about this serious issue. I hope the album will go a long way in achieving our goal,” believes Faisal.

It was in 2011 that the twosome announced their arrival on Sultanate’s music scene with the music video titled, 26 February, which conveyed the message of peace, love, and patriotism. Their next two

videos — 3 Million that dealt with poverty and hunger, and Sayah Fi Biladi that called for brotherhood and harmony among locals and expatriates in the country — too were well received by music fans.

And their biggest hit came in 2013 as Oman-Al-Fakhar (Oman the Pride), the patriotic rap song released on the eve of the National Day. The song, which highlighted the achievements of Oman under His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, registered more than a hundred thousand hits, and is still being considered as the most popular social media song in the country.

Faisal’s tryst with music began during school days. His unwavering quest to understand various music genres paid him huge dividends as he learnt to play different musical instruments even before passing out from high school.

With an intention to pursue a

career in music, he enrolled for musicology at the Sultan Qaboos University. And he found a perfect ally in Ahmad Rashid Saeed Al Shibli, a law student at SQU, who is interested in film direction. Hailing from same village in Sohar, the twosome spent many hours discussing ideas for music and films.

The most interesting fact about the music videos is that those were composed, shot, and edited by the duo without any professional help.

The recording and editing of the song was done at their make-shift home studio, using the most basic equipment and softwares.

Faisal said he chose rap as a medium of reaching out to the people as it is immensely popular with the youth. Though it was never a cakewalk for him in a country where there is little or no encouragement in music, especially the explicit forms like rap. “I was looked uponz

Ahmad Rashid Saeed Al Shibli

as a low life initially. People assume rap music to be a bad thing.

It is just a medium. Rap is poetry with music, and I chose it because it is best for spreading social message. That’s what the genre was originally invented for.”

Faisal even hid his passion from his father, who only came to know about it when his composition 26 February went viral and was being played everywhere and his father recognised his voice. However, the song changed things for good for the artist, and his passion got accepted by his father.

His performance of the song in Sohar as part of National Day celebrations made him much popular among people. “People praised me a lot saying I was doing a good job and that they were proud of me. Slowly they are starting to recognise my efforts.”

Faisal is so concerned about so-

cial issues and he cannot turn a blind eye to the pressing issues in the society. “Whenever I see suffering among people I feel compelled to raise a voice for change. I don’t take a dig at or slander anybody. I just bring forth the issues which need attention of authorities.”

Ahmad pointed out the social media has played a crucial role in mobilising the masses. Social media platforms like Facebook, and Youtube play a key role in informing the masses about the latest trends around the world. The social websites also helped them maintain behind-the-screen members. “There are many, especially girls, who actively participate but never want to reveal themselves. They regularly contribute to our cause, providing scripts, stories, dialogues, and a lot more through social sites,” he said. — ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

C7

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

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

@ PANORAMA MALL

@ AZAIBA

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Now You See Me 2 (2D) (Action | Comedy | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson 11:30 PM The Crew (2D) (Action | Adventure | Drama) (TBC) Cast: Vladimir Mashkov, Agne Grudyte, Sergey Shakurov 9:00, 11:45 PM The Call Up (Action | Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Morfydd Clark, Chris Obi, Parker Sawyers 9:45 PM The Asian Connection (Action) (15+) Cast: Michael Jai White, Steven Seagal, Pim Bubear 11:30 PM The Code of Cain (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Sally Kirkland, Natasha Alam, Eric Roberts 9:30 PM

MUSCAT GRAND MALL Udta Punjab - (2D) (Crime | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh 9:00PM The Call Up - (2D) (Action | Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Morfydd Clark, Chris Obi, Parker Sawyers 11:45PM The Crew - (2D) (Action | Adventure | Drama) (TBC) GOLD CLASS Cast: Vladimir Mashkov, Agne Grudyte, Sergey Shakurov 9:00 & 11:30PM The Crew - (2D) (Action | Adventure | Drama) (TBC) Cast: Vladimir Mashkov, Agne Grudyte, Sergey

The Crew (2D) (Action | Adventure | Drama) (TBC) Cast: Vladimir Mashkov, Agne Grudyte, Sergey Shakurov 9:00, 11:45 PM

Albert (Eng) (2D) (Animation) (PG) Voice Overs: Alfred Bjerre Larsen, Oscar Dietz, Asta Nordby 10:45 PM

Udta Punjab - (2D) (Crime | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh 9:00 & 11:00PM

The Call Up - (2D) (Action | Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Morfydd Clark, Chris Obi, Parker Sawyers 11:45PM

Shakurov 9:15PM The Asian Connection - (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis, LilyRose Melody Depp 11:45PM

The Asian Connection - (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis, LilyRose Melody Depp 9:45 & 11:45PM Udta Punjab - (2D) (Crime | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh 9:00 & 11:00PM Warcraft - (4D) (Action| Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 9:15PM

(PG12) Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh 9:00, 11:35 PM Houseful 3 (Hindi) (2D) (Romance | Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jacquline Fernandes, Ritesh Deshmukh, Abhishek Bacchan 11:45 PM Oka Manasu (Telugu) (2D) (Romance | Comedy) (TBC) Cast: Niharika Konidela, Naga Shourya, Niharika Konidela 9:00 PM

Te3n (2D) (Hindi | Thriller ) (PG12) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vidya Balan 9:15PM & 11:45PM

PANORAMA MALL The Jungle Book - (3D) Adventure | Drama| Family) (PG) MX4D Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 9:00PM The Crew - (2D) (Action | Adventure | Drama) (TBC) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Vladimir Mashkov, Agne Grudyte, Sergey Shakurov 10:30PM The Crew - (2D) (Action | Adventure | Drama) (TBC) Cast: Vladimir Mashkov, Agne Grudyte, Sergey Shakurov 9:15 & 11:45PM Now You See Me 2 - (2D) (Action | Comedy |Thriller ) (PG12) Cast: Michael Jai White, Steven Seagal, Pim Bubear 11:30PM

AZAIBA Albert (Eng) (2D) (Animation) (PG) Voice Overs: Alfred Bjerre Larsen, Oscar Dietz, Asta Nordby 10:45 PM Kammati Padaam (Mal) (2D) (Crime | Drama) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Vinayakan Tk, Shine Tom Chacko 10:45 PM 7 Hours To Go (Hindi) (2D) (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Sandeepa Dhar, Shiv Pandit, Vipin Sharma 9:15, 11:30 PM Udta Punjab (Hindi) (2D) (Crime | Thriller)

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Dept time

Destination

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

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

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

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Albert (Animation) Voice Overs: Alfred Bjerra Larsen, Oscar Diets, Asta Norbdy 9.30 p.m.

CP No: 1267 (U)

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Kammati Paadam (Mal) (Act\Drama) Cast : Dulquer Salmaan & Vinayakan 10-00 Pm Cinema Main Udta Punjab (Hindi) (Act) Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor & Alia Bhatt 9-30 PM Cinema-2 Gentleman (Telugu)(Thriller\Romance) ( Only Thursday) Cast: Nani & Surabhi Thomas 9-45 pm Cinema -3 Oka Manasu ( Telugu) ( Drama\ Comedy) ( From Friday ) Cast: Naga Shourya & Niharika 9-45 pm Cinema-3 Jacobinte Swargarajyam (Mal) (Drama) Cast: Nivin Pauly & Renji Panicker 9-45 pm Cinema-4 Programmes are subject to change

WITH LOVE

0

NILA CHINTU June 23, 2013

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

90-50%

ETHAN ISSAC BINU June 23, 2010 Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/ her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to 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

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

10:25

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Ruwi

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

07:00

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Minimum

The Call Up (Action/Sci:Fic) Cast: Morfydd Clark, Chris Obi, Parker Sawyers 11.45 p.m.

CP No: 1266 (PG12)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

37 32

The Asian Connection (Action) Cast: Steven Seagal, Michael Jai White, Pim Bubear 9.30 & 11.45 p.m CP No: 1265 (15+)

SALALAH The Call Up (TBC) (Action | Sci-Fi) Cast: Morfydd Clark, Chris Obi, Parker 9:30 PM The Asian Connection (TBC) (Action) Cast: Michael Jai White, Steven Seagal, Pim Bubear 9:15 PM Udta Punjab (PG12) (Thriller | Crime) Cast: Shaid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt 11:15 PM Kammatti Paadam (12+) (Mal| Crime) Cast: Dulquer Salman, Shaun Romy 11:00 PM The Crew (TBC) (Action |Drama) Cast: Vladimir Mashkov, Agne Grudyte, Sergey 9:00, 11:45 PM

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

Screen 3

SOHAR The Crew - (2D) (Action | Adventure | Drama) (TBC) Cast: Vladimir Mashkov, Agne Grudyte, Sergey 9:00PM & 11:45PM The Asian Connection - (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis 11:45PM Udta Punjab - (2D) (Crime | Thriller) (PG12)

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Screen 2 Housefull 3 (2D) (Comedy / Drama) –PG12 Cast : Akshay Kumar, Ritesh Deshmukh, Nargis Fakhri, Jacqueline Fernandez 9:15PM & 11:45PM

SUR The Crew ( Action | Adventure | Drama) Cast : Vladimir Mashkov, Agne Grudute 9:15, 11:45 PM The Asian Connection ( Action ) ( 15+ ) Cast: Steven Seagal, Michael Jai Whaite, Pim Bubear 9:45 PM Udta Panjab ( Hindi | Crime | Thriller ) Cast : Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh 11:30 PM (PG12)

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

BURAIMI The Crew TBC (Action | Adventure | Drama) Cast: Vladimir Mashkov, Agne Grudyte, Sergey Shakurov 9:15 & 11:45 PM The Call Up PG12 (Action | Sci-Fi) Cast: Morfydd Clark, Chris Obi, Parker Sawyers 9:30 PM Udta Punjab PG12 (Crime | Thriller) Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh 11:15 PM The Code of Cain 12+ (Action) Cast: Sally Kirkland, Natasha Alam, Eric Roberts 9:30 PM The Asian Connection 15+ (Action) Cast: Michael Jai White, Steven Seagal, Pim Bubear 11:30 PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

RUWI Screen 1 Udta Punjab - (2D) (Crime | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh 9:00PM & 11:45PM

BAHJA CINEMA

Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh 11:15PM The Call Up - (2D) (Action | Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Morfydd Clark, Chris Obi, Parker Sawyers 9:30PM Kammatti Paadam - (2D) (Malayalam | Crime) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salman, Shaun Romy 10:00PM Oka Manasu - Telugu (2D) (Romance | Comedy) (TBC) Cast: Niharika Konidela, Naga Shourya, Niharika Konidela 9:00 PM

@ MGM

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

C8

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

LIFESTYLE

S

he still is among the world’s most celebrated actresses, beauty symbol, and popular culture icon, with celebrities ranging from Beyonce to Hillary Clinton depicted as her, while her name and image is even now used to sell brands from perfumes to paint. But Marilyn Monroe, whose 90th birth anniversary was recently celebrated, also represents the limitations of fame and glamour in ensuring happiness and a sense of belonging.

On the other hand, her life, both personal and professional, have also ensured a legacy of her commonly figuring in discussions on gender and feminism as well as on mass media and consumer culture. Marilyn has hundreds of books on her, from ‘definitive biographies’ to more academic interpretations, been the subject of films, plays, operas, paintings (by the likes of Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali) and is referenced in songs

by Madonna to Def Leppard and David Bowie to Lady Gaga.

All this comes after her roughly 15-year-long Hollywood career, she only spent a decade as a top-billed actress and has only a handful of enduring films, spanning 1953 crime noir Niagara to 1961 drama The Misfits — in which she managed to fulfil her childhood dream of acting with Clark Gable but was sadly the last film for both of them.

Save these, where she is respectively, a femme fatale and a recently-divorced woman trying to move on with her life, most other films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954), The Seven Year Itch (1955) — with its iconic scene where her dress billows up as she stands on a subway grate, have her as a dumb, disingenuous but alluring blonde. This is the image the world has come to associate with her. But is it true?

Well, for starts, Marilyn was not even originally a blonde.

Behind all the glamour and popularity was a tragic story of a troubled life, stemming from an uncertain and unstable childhood, a lifelong search for professional respect, and her untimely and lonely death — which has attracted a bevy of conspiracy theories. Born Norma Jeane

Mortenson in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926, she was the third child of Gladys Pearl Monro, who had married twice and separated from her second husband even before becoming pregnant again. Meanwhile, her mother, mentally and financially unprepared for a child, placed her with foster parents. It was only in 1933 that Marilyn’s mother felt capable enough to take care of her but they only spent a few months together before Gladys had a mental breakdown — she spent the rest of her life (she died in 1984, long outliving her daughter) in psychiatric institutions.

Both these factors cast a long shadow over Marilyn — as a recent biography (J. Randy Taraborrelli’s The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe (Pan Macmillan, 2010) holds, that she “was a woman more troubled than most people knew. Though she would try to hide it from the world with her seamless portrayal of style and wit, those closest to her were privy to her deepest, darkest secret: She feared for her sanity”.

Her problems are also sought to be explained by her quest for perfectionism, her low selfesteem, stage fright, and increasing drug addiction which would go on to make her ill, and ultimately take her life in August 1962.

It is against this backdrop we can understand Marilyn’s string of brief, unsuccessful marriages — three, though the first one was only to keep her from going back to an orphanage, and then to baseball star Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller, and many affairs, including with Frank Sinatra and rumoured ones with President John F. Kennedy (and his brother Robert). But none of them could ensure any sense of stability for her.

For people who would like to know more about her, Taraborrelli’s work is fairly detailed, and for those who like to see her in a different light, there is Barbara Collins Bombshell (2004), where Marilyn manages to prevent a war between the superpowers.-IANS

COLUMN

Distractions on the Road I

t was one of those mornings when you feel you have to do something out of the ordinary. I just felt fresh and thought I would brave the blazing sun and walk. I convinced myself I needed the exercise but walking at seventhirty in the morning while many drivers whizzed past was not a comfortable experience.

I thought any one of them could lose control and mow me down. I could also feel the eyes of hostile drivers drilling on me as they rushed to their offices. Some of them, for no apparent reason, honked just to send a message that they don’t take kindly to a lone walker at the side of a busy road.

This was their territory and I was a dangerous distraction. Later that afternoon, a friend who spotted me

at my morning adventure called me.

“Were you trying to walk to your appointment?” he asked, lacing the tone of his voice with a high degree of sarcasm. “You were a bad distraction to drivers.”

I did not see the funny side but I refused to be upset about it. Like other drivers on a busy highway, he felt casual walkers like me had no business gracing their territory in broad daylight. I told him I would find a lonely spot next time the urge hit me and ended the conversation. That was not to be the end of it. A month later, he called to ask why he did not see me again at the side of the road.

“I did not put you off, did I?” He asked with a slight twinge of guilt in his voice.

“Not really,” I assured him, “I was

SO TO SPEAK SALEH AL SHAIBANY

put off by the car fumes.” “Maybe I should join you wherever you exercise now,” he said.

We agreed to meet that evening only he did not bother to turn up.

“Sorry, a force of bad habit,” it was his excuse, “I have to take

long naps in the afternoon.”

“Evening, perhaps?” I tried, “you need to burn off excessive fat in your body”. “Okay, I’ll see you then,” he agreed.

He did turn up but in a sparkling white dishdasha and new

shoes. “That won’t get you anyway,” I told him, “you need to visit a sports shop”.

“I intend to go for a long walk not jog,” he said stubbornly.

So walking we went but it did not take long before he started complaining. “I did not know we had mad drivers in this country,” he said, as a car turned sharply just a feet away from us. “Couldn’t he see we were walking?”

“Perhaps we were distracting him,” I suggested. He suddenly stopped and stared at me. “Is there a connection to what you have just said?”

“Yes, but don’t let it bother you.

Not all drivers understand that some people walk to stay fit and not to bother others,” I explained.

He got the message and contin-

ued walking until the shine in his feet and clothing worn him off.

“Can you go home and get your car? I can’t walk anymore.”

I did and got him out of the roadside. I dropped him off at his car and he promised to call me the following day. When he did not, I did.

“I’m one of those people who like a lot of body fats,” he told me, “exercise is not for me.”

I wished him luck and said I would be there if he changed his mind.

There are many like him who prefer long afternoon naps and lazy leisure evenings. We should respect their lifestyle and hope, that they, too, would respect the endeavours of those who use the pavement to stay fit.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T H U R S DAY, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D2

T H U R S D AY, J U N E 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

Spacious 4BHK with split A/C’S, 4 bathrooms & storeroom, near Church roundabout, Mumtaz area.

Rent:R.O 575, Contact:99349672 Office for rent in Al Ansab near bank Muscat. Contact: 99466173 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 Room for rent one bed room with separate toilet Qurum, Mars hyper market building.

Content: 96570147 Shop / office at MBD behind spar for rent 325/-. Contact: 95818923 1 BHK near Oman house Muttrah.

Contact: 99233116 Shop for good location on main road behind whole sale Al Amerat Space 11 MT long, 4 MT wide. Contact: 92877449 I BHK Flat -3 Nos at Hamriya – R.O. 175/-3 Bed Room/ 3 Bath room/ Very big sitting area/ kitchen - Villa 1st floor with A/C at Al Khuwair Near Rayyan Residence.

R.O 360/-For families. Contact: 94934353 - 9 am to 7 Pm. Email – forrentksd@gmail.com Room with attached bathroom, sharing, kitchen for executive bachelor / lady or couple in Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid, Please Contact: 96510226/98404827 2 BHK flat at Darsait behind KIMS hospital. Contact: 92141514

1 BHK near medical Darsait, Muttrah house R.O 180/. Contact: 95076261 2 Bedroom villa with hall , 2 toilets , parking in Mawalah near City Center , 1 bedroom ,1 toilets , Kitchen & hall.

Contact: 93930352 1BHK new bldg with A/C curtains near Khimji mart MBD. Contact: 99061408/99024039 1000 Sqmtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc.

Contact 24700120 /92584715 2 Bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 Villa for rent at Azaiba, near al Meera hypermarket. 4 Bedrooms, 3 toilets, kitchen, sitting room and dining room. This will include curtains and air conditioners.

Sharing is allowed ro.500/-.

Please call 99469203 2 Bed room, 2 bath room, 1 hall and kitchen behind Bank Muscat for rent. Contact: 99313533 New 1 & 3 BHK flat in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99792181 New flats for rent Muscat Al Zafarania, split units AC , all rooms & bed room R.O 200/-, 3 bedroom R.O 300/- negotiable.

Contact: 93393755 Running fabrication workshop with area of 3000 sq. mtrs in Barka Industrial Estate for rent.

Contact 99356748

Deluxe two bedroom flat at Mumtaz area, two bathrooms, good size living/dining room, modern kitchen and a guest bathroom.

Contact 99310375

Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM.

Rooms for rent single rooms with A/C & bath attached available at Rex Road Indian bachelor and family (couple) from 1st July 2016.

Contact: 99116286

New villa for rent Al Hail north neat to Ramez near to Main road open sitting room with washing area 3 family hall, dining room , kitchen with store , laundry 5 BR with bathrooms. Contact: 93387732 / 99259977

Large building with 14 rooms & big open shed in a compound in Ghobrah near Mars hypermarket. Good for staff accommodation and stores.

Please call 98048207 / 99261773

2 BHK at Mawalah north near Masjid Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact: 99224748/99332297

1 BHK fully furnish flat in Hamriya for short terms. Contact – 99792181 1 BHK flat in Al Khuwair for 2 months. Contact – 99792181 1 Room for sharing accommodation in Al Khuwair.

Contact - 99792181 3 & 5 BHK villa staff accommodation in Al Khuwair.

Contact - 99792181 Flats for rent near Indian school in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 House in Darsait, 3 rooms, 1 bathroom, kitchen with A/C. Contact: 95522405 2 BHK sea view flat Darsait.

Contact: 95311488 2 BHK 1 hall & seating room Athaibah. Contact: 99224748 / 99425665 Flats in Darsait.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688

5 rooms 2 hall villa, 18th Nov. Road North Azaiba. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Single room flat near Jibroo roundabout on Road Muttrah: 99373290, 24815012 2 BHK specious flat behind Bank Muscat Wadi Kabir near Indian School: 99373290, 24815012 Double bedroom flats and shops available in Honda road, Ruwi and Mabela. Please contact24833972/24833974 99367448 Ghubra & Al Khuwair, 1 bed room, hall. Contact: 90991079 Flat for rent in Al Qurum, 3 rooms & hall. Contact: 91763660 Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats for rent in Mumtaz, 2 bedrooms , hall Way no 3352 building no. 3447 & 3668.

Contact: 90991079

Ruwi office space for rent, Saravana Bhava Building.

Contact: 95729549

2 BHK with Split A/C in MSQ, Bareeq Al Shatti, Al Ghobrah near Indian school. Content: 96708000

Two bedrooms flat behind German Embassy near to Al Nahda Hospital. Contact: 99209354

1 BHK Flats are available near Lulu Darsait (Opp. to Min. of Defense) Contact: 93202733 / 94771769

Wadi Kabeer Industrial 80 sm show rooms for rent 400/- R.O. Contact: 99879939

Flat for rent 2 BHK in Darsait North near Indian School about 200 mtrs, rent RO 300/-.

Contact: 94101134

Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Offices and flats in Ghala.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khood.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats in Qurum. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats in Ghobrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact 94051789-97201688 Flats in Al khuwair. Contact 94051789-97201688 Villa in Al Khuwair, 6 rooms, living room & hall.

Contact: 91153933 Flat for rent in Darsait 1BHK. Contact: 99357586 / 97500025 / 97500021 Villa for rent at Azaiba, near Al Meera hypermarket, 4 bedrooms, 3 toilets, kitchen, sitting room and dining room, this will include curtains and air conditioners.

RO 520/-. Contact 99469203

2000 sqft land with p/cabin, toilets at YETI. Contact 99221683 / 92830110 Flats, shops & store for rent in MBD area Ruwi, Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 3 BHK flat at Azaiba, Opp. Sultan Centre. Contact 99261522 Shop for rent at Wadi Kabir Industrial area. Contact: 99888390 For rent New flats at Darsait Al Sahail. Contact: 99777351 Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580 Villa for rent in Al Khoud, 6 rooms, hall. Contact: 91763665 1 B/R Fully Furnished Luxury Apartment @ Al Khuwair 33, 2 B/R Fully Furnished Luxury Apartment @ Al Khuwair 33, 4 B/R Unfurnished Apartment with attached Split A/C @ Azaiba. For Short Term or Long Term lease.

Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC : 99249069 / 94617563/ 99436312/ 92888376, Email: info@alshahiintl.com

T H U R S DAY, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT Contact 96177505

In

MSQ. Near ABA school one villa for rent 6 rooms + 4 bathrooms+ house maid room +AC split unit + swimming pool

One flat in CBD 2 bedrooms + sitting room + 2 bathrooms + Kitchen

One flat in Qurum 29 – two rooms + AC split unit + 2 bathrooms + Kitchen

In Al Hail one office space – (Near Main Road) one room attach with bathroom and kitchen.

FOR SALE Villa for sale in Mabela 6 rooms, living room & hall. Contact: 91763665 Shop for sale at Ruwi high street.

Contact: 98787853 Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

FOR SALE SHUTTERING PLYWOOD SIZE : 4’ X 8’ X 18MM GSM: 92835445,93205253,93205423

1BHK at Hamriya near Muscat Pharmacy & 2 BHK at Mawaleh near Mosque Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. contact 99342661 Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346 2 BHK flat at Wadi Kabir behind Pioneer Hotel apartment.

Contact: 99857332 /99261522 Rent flat near Ruwi Badar Al Sama, 2 bed rooms, attach bathroom, big hall, and big kitchen.

Contact - 99345137 Rent flat in Wada Adai, one bed room with toilet, big kitchen, hall with A/C. Contact 99345137 3000 Sqr mtrs compound land in Misfah. Contact 99792181 Flat for rent in Al Khuwair 33.

Contact: 92277419 2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

House in North Al Hail with 3 rooms, living room, hall, 4 toilets 300 RO. Contact 99738881 / 99439568 Plot at Barka next to Germany College & next to Aramex Company, next to Bahwan Warehouse, next to Omasco warehouse 37,074 SQM2 required 0.250 Baiza per SQM. Contact: 99888390 Villa for rent in Al Ghubrah, 5 rooms, hall. Contact: 91763665 Flat for rent in Al Khoud, 2 rooms & hall. Contact: 917633665 2BHK split A/C for rent Muttrah near Oman House.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278

1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair.

Contact 95154331 Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241 Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Dar sate Tel : 00 968 95158570 Labor Camp available with all facilities near Sohar Port.

Contact: 98050654 / 99015826 5 BHK Villa in Al Khuwair, for Staff Accommodation.

Contact 99792181 2 & 3 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair & Ghubra. Contact 99792181 1700 sqr mtrs open Land + small store + garage for Rent in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181 4 BHK Villa in Bowsher Heights.

Contact 99792181 Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569

BUYING Used office house furniture & electronic items. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Buying cars for cash.

Contact 90202090

WANTED Partner / investor 20% - 30% share transfer running building construction company.

Contact: 93163157 Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact: 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778 IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area.

Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up.

Mobile # 92927880/99012165

Dental chairs for sale sparingly used dental units for sale.

Contact Mr. Ansari 92616343.

Kumar 99570284 Well running computer shop for sale in Al Seeb Souq near Ooredoo showroom 30Sqm, 2 shutters.

Contact: 92501276 Dental chair for sale in Salalah.

Contact – 99082092 Laundry / empty shop near Camellia Café, CBD, Ruwi.

Contact: 92868123 /92841089 Tender Board Construction Company for lease / Run. Contact: 92868123 / 92841089 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 Family restaurant for sale in Heart of Wadi Kabir party hall for 120 pp.

Contact: 99321792 3 BHK flats for sale/ rent at Greater Muttrah, Dar AL Maha.

Contact 99321792 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35) / Ghala / Qurum. Contact 95056808 / 97201688 Shop for sale opp Towell Service Center, Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99221683 Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

1No brand new containerized package type STP 100 m3/ day with blower equipments (suitable for camps). Serious Buyers may.

Contact: 99445367 Book Shop in a busy shopping mall for sale, interested parties please contact 99851255 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. Contact 92881849 / What`s up No 97290565 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale. Contact: 99273774/ 99202278 Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430 Furnished office at Ruwi near Sheraton Hotel. Contact: 93993897 Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter.

Photos can be sent 95865457

MV SALE Nissan Pathfinder 2013 No-2 lady driven KM 50.000 power sterns auto transmission power window R.O 6500/- Contact: 99157377 Mitsubishi Outlander 2008 model 4 cylinder, 2.4lt, Metallic grey , 135000km , excellent condition , expat driven , single owner Price R.O 3.500/- Neg. Contact: 99330486 Mazda 6, model 2005, company maintained excellent condition.

Price RO 1250/- Mazda 2, model 2014, 45,000km, for sale.

Price RO 2950/- Call: 95244761 Mazda6, 2.5L (classic model, 2014) expat driven, excellent condition , 80.000km , mulkiya till march 2017, RO 5.700 ( Negotiable). Contact: 99415861 Toyota Prado, 2009 model, 6 cylinder, single expat owner used, white pearl color, km 287k Contact- 99318152 2 No 40 feet flat trailers 50 Ton capacity with grill prime movers Volvo 97 & Mercedes 9.

Contact: 99454425 Mazda Cx 9 (2013 model) 89,000 KM and Geely Emgrad (2015 model) 24,000 KM. Both cars in excellent condition, single owner, company serviced. Please call 94194071 (Pradeep) for immediate sale Nissan Qashqai 2013 Kms 30,000 VGC comprehensive Insurance UAE / Oman.

Contact: 96995430

NRI Ready to occupy just completed 3 BHK in Chennai -Pallikkaranai :1600sqft ,builders lcs city makers ,high quality construction , woodwork done, part of 64 apts all 3bhk in 4 blocks gated community with swimming pool/gym/common hall/2 car parking. Genuine buyers call rag @99235815 or email: sairaj_2k@yahoo.com NRI Property for Sale: 774Sq .

2 BHK flat with OC ready at Palava City Casa Rio, Dombivili, Mumbai Contact : 97003326, 96791085

ACC. WANTED Urgently required Villa with 8 rooms near Bausher/Ghala/Al Ansab area for accommodation of Staff from a reputed company in Oman. Interested party may contact - Mr. Pramith 99694150 Accommodation Wanted for an Executive Bachelor, Single Flat / Sharing Room @ Wadi Kabir. Pls call: 93883674 / 98103169

ACC. AVAILABLE Room for rent with sharing, kitchen in Al Khuwair behind Burger King. Contact: 92994415 2 BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi. Contact: 99269751 Fully furnished room available for executive bachelors opp. Star Cinema. Contact 92886715 Independent room in Qurum / Hail.

Contact: 96229522 Room, bath room for executives in Wadi kabir. Contact 99336206 Separate entrance attach bath for exertive bachelor.

Contact: 93231403 /93324458 Sharing accommodation (furnished & with A/C) with kitchen facility available near Al Falaj hotel in Ruwi. Contact 92704439 Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah.

Contact 99336776 One room available in 2BHK in Al Falaj area for Executive bachelor only. Contact 99131742.

Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. Contact: 96202458/96761960 Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794 1 BHK appartment for rent in Al Khoud Shabiya near mazoon mosque for rent (next to alkhoud medical center and squ) MOB: 93913224 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir.

Contact 93049849 Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90.

Contact 96524717 Sharing accommodation near ISD. Contact: 99657340 Room for rent in Qurum attached bathroom and kitchen.

Contact: 99664703 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom.

Interested pleasecontact 92680041 Mr. Altaf Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 97167857 Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.

Contact 96234708

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

MATRIMONIAL Maternal uncle of Indian Sunni Muslim girl aged 21, beautiful, tall and pursuing M.Sc, Urdu speaking hailing from Chennai seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 97047811 Christian divorce, male 40.

Contact by Whatsapp: 91346321 Parents of 28 yrs, Indian Boy from Mumbai, ACCA working as a senior accountant in Muscat, seeks alliance from an Indian Sunni Muslim family. Contact no. (Parent): 96408642 email id: khaledaoman@gmail.com Ezhava male, 31yrs, height 5.6, star Magham, B. Tech aeronautical, administrative professional, parents in Oman, native Aluva (ekm). Mob-99550870 Parent of Thrissur based Hindu Ezhava girl aged 20, Slim,Atham star, Studying for B. Pharm seeking alliance from well employed Graduates, preferably in Engineering Contact :96425102 Ezhava male, 31yrs, height 5.6, Star Magham, B-Tech Aeronautical, administrative professional, parents in Oman, native Aluva (Ekm). Contact 99550870 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact 96059801.

Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman.

Contact 968 98267338, 0091 9287215726

LOST Mohammad Shahid has lost Pakistani Passport No. ET 514222.

Finder please handover to ROP

D4

T H U R S D AY, J U N E 2 3, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT ACCOUNTANTPART TIME Qualified Person (Female/ Male) on a part time basis is required to audit, supervise and complete all accounts work up to finalization on a day- today basis. The location is near Oman House-Mutt rah.

Apply to

gm@alnoorprojects.com

URGENTLY REQUIRED Buildings construction qualified & experienced male

Projects Manager with Civil Engineering B.SC & quantity survey knowledge 10- 15 years experience. For a Muscat based well known construction company.

Email - alfayafy@outlook.com

Fax - 24479675

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male Accountant 2.5 years exp in Oman with valid D/L NOC available. Contact: 98870112 Accountant Having 5 Years experience in reputed companies.

Currently working in Muscat (NOC AVAILABLE) GSM.91367217 Email Shahid0717@gmail.com

URGENTLY REQUIRED

Indian/MBA/male Chief Accountant 18Yrs Experience, MIS, C.Flow, Budgeting, ERP, Cost accounting &Liasing with auditors. NOC available.

Contact: 92254691/97826674 email: khader2305@gmail.com

^ĂůĞƐ ĂŶĚ DĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ DĂŶŐĞƌ Ͳ ϭ WŽƐƟ ŽŶ

ZĞŐŝŽŶĂů ^ĂůĞƐ džĞĐƵƟ ǀĞƐ Ͳ ϲ WŽƐŝƟ ŽŶƐ DƵƐƚ ďĞ ĨƵůůLJ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ŝŶ DĂƩ ϰĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĞĚ WƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ WƌĞĨĞƌĞŶĐĞ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƚŽ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ŐŽŽĚ ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ŽĨ KŵĂŶ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ^ŚŽƵůĚ ŚĂǀĞ ǀĂůŝĚ ƌŝǀŝŶŐ >ŝĐĞŶĐĞ ƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ŵƵƐƚ ŚĂǀĞ ZĞůĂƐĞ Žƌ EK

Indian male 27 yrs, MBA finance with 4 years experience currently in Muscat on visit visa seeking suitable placement in finance / admin. Contact: 90921724

WůĞĂƐĞ ĞŵĂŝů sƐ to :

ƐŬŵŝƐŬƌŝΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

WANTED Female Gynaecologist, Female GP- Two Female Staff Nurse (From India or Pilipino)and One Female Dental Assist and Female Lab Technician.

With MOH Licence and Data Flow for Al Saadi Specilised Medical Centre, Musanna.

Contact # 92025033, Email : dr.srininvas76@gmail.com

Indian (Male) having 17+years Experience in Trading & Healthcare seeking senior Position in Accounts (11 years GCC Experience)currently on Resident Visa (NOC Available) and has a valid Omani Driving Licence. Contact: 91335026; skumartp@gmail.com

DRIVER Required urgently driver, experience Omani or expat drivers with P.D.O. license.

Contact: 98242478 Looking for a full time driver with valid Omani license.

Contact: 95454033

Construction Company looking for Architect with experience in Oman. Contact 97192707

Wanted a experience Driver for Capital and Interior work.

Gsm : 942-888-63

ACCOUNTS ENGI./TECH./MECH. A leading cosmetic company in Muscat is looking for an Accountant – Email: us on vacancies@maryanagroup.com An Omani Audit firm is seeking audit partner to join the firm, the candidate should be completed any certificate course CIA,CPA, CA, ACC, and 4 years’ experience, interested candidates to submit their CVs to : auditbureau2016@gmail.com

BEAUTICIAN Urgently required a Gulf experienced professional hair dresser cum beautician (lady) for a reputed beauty salon.

Immediate appointment.

Contact: 99816262 / 98557585 Fax: 24796211 Email: skin.hair.makeup@gmail.com Beauty salon needs lady for henna. Contact: 93336061

CATERING Urgently required south Indian cooks with NOC, having suitable experienced. Contact: 94268319 /97408945 Email: ashok.k55@yahoo.com Shawarma / grill / Salad / Chinese, Cook. Contact: 96229522 Shawarma / grill / Salad / Asian Cook. Contact: 95529970

DOMESTIC HELPER House maid cooking cleaning experienced with babies required immediately. Contact: 95584060 / 98920399 House maid for Omani family.

Contact: 99773100

DESIGNER Urgently required a Graphic designer with 2 years experience in graphic designing, Photoshop, illustrator. Send CV to email: hr@cityvago.com Advertising and signboard making company required fresh or experience graphic designer send CV to info@agloenterprises.com

Urgently Require BE civil Engineer with 2+ years experience and Omani driving license must , Salary R.O300/- Send CV to nctp@nctp786oman.com or Contact: 24565337 Fabrication Engineer to run fabrication workshop on commission basis. Email: hrinfome@gmail.com Testing / Protection Engineer with minimum 05 years of experience and should have Oman DCRP license, Interested candidates send resume to krishivan@gmail.com Qualified and experience Technician required for the kitchen restaurant equipments. Who can repair hot and cold equipments will be preferred. Contact: Email: alsatrading14@gmail.com / Fax: 24727481 Electrician with qualification and experience. Contact: Email: alsatrading14@gmail.com / Fax: 24727481 CCTV & Burglar alarm Technician. Urgently looking for an Expatriate with minimum 5 years experience with NOC. Email your CV with recent Photograph to: joyr@alasalaintl.com

IT Required Shop Sales man + Hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 years experience.

Contact: 98825806 / 98825806, Email: info@rns-group.com

MEDICAL GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934 Orthodontist for Dental Center in Muscat, Specialist Endodontist & General Dentist with MOH license from Oman. Nurses & Marketing female Executive. Contact: akdmuscat@hotmail.com Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com

MEDICAL Urgently required Pharmacist for a Pharmacy in Barka.

Contact: 99452755 Wanted staff nurse with MOH license, immediate appointment, to work in a private clinic. Permanent post or locum. All Nationals can apply. Salary negotiable, free accommodation available.

Contact – 99048170/ 94870029 Care Medical Centre Al Seeb requires Gynecologist and General Practitioner. Mail CV to: sarita_h23@yahoo.com Urgently required experienced female Lab Technician, with knowledge of histopathology & cytology, with MOH release, for a well-known laboratory in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 95271561/98893034 Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com Required GP Doctors, gynecology, X ray tech staff nurses.

Contact: 99681325 Email: altaqwamedicalcentre@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVIBranch Manger required to manage entire Business. ftt@futuretarget.net 99110080 Urgently required a Purchase Manager to handle all the procurements for a reputed Ready-mix concrete Company, having its branches all over Oman. The candidate should possess required experience, product knowledge and excellent communication skills. Interested candidates may send their CV to sndakshin@gmail. com / Contact: 99256757

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Advertising & interior company required Sales Executive with driving /L send CV to info@agloenterprises.com Urgent Required, Outdoor sales 3-5 years of experience in spare part. - Store Keeper 2 years experience. -Accountant 2-3 years experience.-4 Store labors.

All Candidates should be Indian, English speakers. NOC is a must.

Email: Muscat.supply13@gmail. com Fax: 24504723 Require Salesman with D/L for construction, Ind materials, hydraulic hoses & fittings.

Contact 99221683 / 92830110 Required smart, young, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience for a reputed manufacturing company in Oman, having its Head Office in Ruwi. Experience in building materials is an added advantage. Omani Driving License and NOC is a must.

Attractive remuneration package.

Apply with photograph to E-mail: salesjobds@gmail.com Required female person to work at the retail shop/Marketing.

Please send your CV on e mail: zeyanaalharmaly@yahoo.com Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proficient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & flexible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area fluent in English.

Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com A new Sanitary ware Company looking for a Salesman who has experience in Oman markets not than 5 years. Send C.V : alkunzite@yahoo.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED MISCELLANEOUS Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

Required Indian Mason – 5 nos., eligibility (minimum 5 yrs experience in road construction field).

Contact: 99882127 Email: georgymv@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Indian male age 24, B.Com. Accountant having 2 year experience and currently in Salalah.

Looking for suitable placement in finance or Audit. Contact: 90766307 Email: shhaazz.007@gmail.com

Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. Contact 93953613, Email-allen.mathew83@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Indian male 31 chartered Accountant having 2 years Oman experience looking for suitable placement in finance and audit field NOC available.

Contact: 96357827 Email: ubaiskeeran@gmail.com

Part time Accountant available to handle all accounts up to finalization and audit work.

Contact: 95804210

28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

Indian male B.Com graduate looking for suitable placement in accounts, office Administration & marketing, 12 years experience, NOC available Oman D/L. Contact: 95804210

Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394

ARCHITECT Required Omani Driver for a restaurant. Contact 95929911

Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.

Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415

Part time Accountant up to finalization auditing available after 4 pm. Contact: 91126314 Sudanese GIS Analyst hold master in RS & GIS Resident have an experience in accounting & store management. Contact: 97943738 Indian 20 years well experienced accounts & finance professional looking for immediate placement NOC available. Contact: 94546455 Email: salahuddin8@gmail.com Young Indian male (25) with B.Com degree on visit visa with D/L and N.O.C for simple opportunities preferably in accounting.

Contact : 96324484 7 Years experience as Financial Analyst, MBA in finance. Responsibilities- research contributor, financial statement analysis, generating MIS & efficiency report, managing TAT, business & clients.

On visit visa in Muscat.

Contact- 90191628 / 96175780 Part Time Accounting, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Monthly Reports, Accounting set up for new companies, GSM: 96975454, email: ibfc.gcc@gmail.com

Well experienced Account M.Com available with NOC, Tally & ERP. Contact : 99035707 Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin.

Contact: 94743790 Indian male 34 yrs, M.Com – Finance with 5 yrs experience in Accounts in India, presently in visiting visa looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 93671785 Email: jeyan903@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 Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.

Contact: 96976240 ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. Contact: 99284193

Chief Accountant, well experienced available.

Contact: 95598477

Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084

Indian male 43 yrs accountant presently on tourist visa looking for suitable placement in a company 18yrs experience in managing finance in Indian and abroad.

Contact: 90190648

Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc. Ready to join as early as possible.

Contact: 96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com

Part time accounting workers up to finalization, on monthly basis & yearly finalization works.

Contact : 96247295 ACCA qualified professional lady with 5 years experience in finance management accounts is looking for a suitable placement NOC can be Contact: 94521899 Accountant Indian male, 6 years experience up to finalization in tally with reporting knowledge & good knowledge of payroll, having Oman D/L, NOC. Contact: 92540313 Accountant , female , 1 &half years experience up to finalization in tally, good knowledge in reporting, pursuing ACCA, valid D/L. Contact: 95373751

ADMIN Indian/ 23yrs female/ 5yrs GCC experience with NOC looking for a suitable position in HR/Admin / Accounts/ BD. Contact +96890656997 Indian female with nearly 10 years of Oman experience in Administration & HR, seeking suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 99242841 Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

T H U R S DAY, J U N E 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟ ŽŶ

ENGINEER

^ƵĚĂŶĞƐĞ DĂůĞ ϯϱ LJƌƐ ͘^Đ ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐ ^LJƐƚĞŵ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ

Indian male MBA Finance & Marketing 25 yrs having 1.9 years of experience Finance & Marketing Contact: 95206140/ 96992013

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϯϵϭϵϵϰϯ ĂŐŶĞůũĞƌŝŶΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ

ǁŝƚŚ ϭϭ LJƌƐ͘ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ 'ŽǀͬWƌŝǀĂƚĞ͘ /^ K ; EWͲZΘ^Ϳ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŝĐĂů ŚĂĐŬŝŶŐ ; , ǀϴͿ ĞƌƟ Į ĞĚ͘ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ŽĨ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ĂĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ ĂŶĚ /d ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͘ ŵĂŝů͗ ŐĂďĂƌŽŬŝϮŬΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ DŽď͗нϵϳϰϱϬϰϳϱϬϯϰ

bonnythomas007@gmail.com

ADMIN

Ŷ D ;MĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ ĂŶĚ FŝŶĂŶĐĞͿ

Indian Male MBA (UK),

An M (MĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ ĂŶĚ FŝŶĂŶĐĞͿ

AŌ Ğƌ Žŵ ;Kĸ ĐĞ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƐĞĐƌĞƚĂƌŝĂů ƉƌĂĐƟ ĐĞͿ 'ƌĂĚƵĂƟ ŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ^ W ZW ĂŶĚ ĐĐŽƵŶƚƐ ;^ W ĞƌƟ Į ĞĚͿ͕ ĚŝƉůŽŵĂ ŝŶ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟ ŽŶĂů &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ZĞƉŽƌƟ ŶŐ ^ƚĂŶĚĂƌĚƐ ;/ WͲh<Ϳ͕ ƉĞĂĐŚ ƚƌĞĞ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƟ ŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĂďůĞ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƐĞĞŬƐ ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ƉůĂĐĞŵĞŶƚ͘

9 years experience in Dubai/London/ Mumbai in Management Consulting, Sales & Marketing, Business Development for Real Estate/Banking seeks similar placement with D/L.

WŝƚŚ ^ W ĞƌƉ ĂŶĚ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚƐ ;^ W ĞƌƟ Į ĞĚͿ͕ ĚŝƉůŽŵĂ ŝŶ ůŶƚĞƌŶĂƟ ŽŶĂů &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ZĞƉŽƌƟ ŶŐ ^ƚĂŶĚĂƌĚƐ ;/ WͲh<Ϳ͕ ƉĞĂĐŚ ƚƌĞĞ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƟ ŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĂďůĞ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƐĞĞŬƐ ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ƉůĂĐĞŵĞŶƚ

'Ɛŵ͗нϵϱϴ ϵϴϭϬϯϮϱϬ

Contact: 95168205

'Ɛŵ͗ нϵϲϴ ϵϴϭϬϯϮϰϳ

WŝƚŚ Ϯ LJĞĂƌƐ ĞdžƉ ŝŶ dĞůĞĐŽŵ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ͕ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJ ŽŶ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǀŝƐĂ͕ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ƉůĂĐĞŵĞŶƚ͘

Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235 Indian female MBA fin & HR now on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92097764

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Indian female, 27, MCA, 2 yrs experience in Administration and HR in India & Oman. Currently in family visa seeking suitable jobs preferably in Muscat.

Contact.99417993

B.Sc Civil Engineer 7 years gulf experience total experience 9 years having GCC D/L seeking for suitable replacement local release available.

Contact: 98628515/ 98289234 Email: sofiq.sohel02@gmail.com

Indian female MBA / HR, 2.5 experience seeking suitable job.

Contact: 99257214

B.E Electrical Engineer, Age 28 yrs.

5.5 yrs experience. 2 yrs in OMAN as site supervisor/ site engineer, with valid GCC license. NOC available. Contact: 95527936 Email: pksg07@gmail.com

ARCHITECT Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711

Indian female diploma architect 6 years exp in Oman Engineering consultancy, valid Oman driving license. Contact: 96683293 / 97750870

Indian male 24 years dynamic & professional B.Tech (Mech. Engg) with 1 year experience working on BPCL project in India seeks opening for suitable post, currently in Oman. Contact: 93672286 / 97772272

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN 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.

Autocad works freelance, MEP, Civil works, Interior, 2d/3d, BOQ etc.

Contact 97103168 Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

DRIVER Driver light duty (house or company) valid Gulf D/L looking job.

Contact- 95175192

B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer with one year’s experience as Asst. Piping Engineer having good knowledge of PIPING DESIGNS, PDMS, SP3D, AUTOCAD, PRO-ENGINEER WILDFIRE, DS CATIA, JAVA SCRIPTS etc, looking for suitable opportunity. Contact: +968-99200724/24496072.

Quantity surveyor (B.E Civil) 5+ years experience in buildings and mosque N.O.C available ready to join immediately. Contact: +97826597 / +919171430681 Email: sai.praba.777@gmail.com

Pakistani driver with car Subaru 2004 model. Contact: 99667817

For preparing Civil / MEP Auto CAD drawings.

Contact -93480346.

Email: cadjobsoman@gmail.com

Driver with Electrician 4 years experience looking for job.

Contact: 97456062

Civil Engineer 7 years experience, Driving license, NOC available.

Contact- 98078095

Pakistani driver with 3 years experience, seeking for placement familiar with Batinah & Sharqiyah regions. Contact 99832706

Electrical Engineer B.Tech, Indian available in Oman, 2+ years Oman exp (MEP) Light D/L. Contact - 93832935

Looking for driver job.

Contact: 99035942 /97383016

Diploma Civil Engineering (certificate attested) 6 years Oman experience as interior work site in charge / quantity surveyor NOC/ Release available.Contact: 93120433

Looking for job driver.

Contact: 94158238 Six years experienced light duty vehicle driver looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 96362871 Driver with light duty license 10 yrs exp. Contact: 94566432 Driver with car. Contact: 93346085 13 years experience driver.

Contact 95068976 Search job for light driver, experience 3 years, language Hindi, English & Arabic. Contact: 92458526/ 97941771 Looking for driver job (private).

Contact: 98053733 Driver with car Subaru 2008 model. Contact: 99640986 Bangladeshi driver looking for job.

Contact: 97418036 Experience driver 12 years experience in GCC, seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93722881

DESIGNER Interior design supervisor 6 yrs experience valid Oman license NOC / release available. Contact: 92508926

Email:

Civil Engr. Diploma 8 yrs exp in construction & consultancy with auto cad. D/L.Contact: 93060770 Email: vinodpmani@gmail.com Civil Engineer, Indian male 4 Years experience in Oman & India.

Looking for Permanent Placement in Oman. NOC Available, Contact: +96895984661,+96891455949 Civil Quantity Surveyor with 3yr UAE experience seeking job.

UAE driving license holder.

Email: javad.ahamad@gmail.com +96895641991; +971557969671 Electrical Engineer 5 years experience substations oil & Gas water projects fluency in Arabic & English & English driving license available. Contact: 99525856 Mechanical Engineer 7 years experience plumbing firefighting water pipeline projects fluency in Arabic and English driving license available. Contact: 91117089 Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job 4 years experience currently working in Muscat, NOC available. Contact: 99823368 B.Tech Civil Engineer 2 years experience on visit seeks urgent placement. Contact: 98233199

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Agriculture Engineer 2 8rs, with 5 yrsexp in the field of agriculture, landscaping & irrigation. Since 2 yrs working in different projects.

Having valid UAE driving license.

Currently in Oman (Salalah) on visit visa. Contact – 94120190 / Muhammad.irfan3786@yahoo.com B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 33 with 6+ years experience in GCC in MEP building construction field (execution and design of HVAC,firefighting,plumbing), with D/L, NOC available Contact 96978380, Email: prajithks@gmail.com

Mechanical diploma, Indian male 26, 4 years experienced MEP supervisor seeks suitable openings NOC / Release available.

Contact: 97901559

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

Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release.

Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com

Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com

Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912

Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283

Young Indian, Engineering in Bio-technology, Bio-chemical and Chemical, looking for a challenging placement in Oman.

Contact 97607000. Email: sivasankarjayakumar@gmail.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

Mech. Engineer 10 years GCC exp automobile / oil & gas / const project / plant, equip machinery in charge with driving license NOC. Contact: 95774585

Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784

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 Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact 92157694. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Electronics & telecommunication BE Indian male having skills in electronics communication, networking , embedded having 2 years experience looking for suitable position available in Oman on family visit visa. Contact: 93051918 Email: sadatbtisekar25@gmail.com Civil Engineer (QS) 2 yrs exp seeking job UAE D/L. Contact: +96895641991 Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat. Contact: 91176187 Email: syam036@gmail.com Indian mechanical supervisor (diploma) 17 yrs experience in petrochemical construction (fabrication erection) in all steel structural and mechanical jobs, on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 90924467 Email: pnpraveen@yahoo.co.in Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS and Low current systems and has good knowledge about Electronic Security Systems, currently working in Oman, NOC Available. Contact:-94737033/ mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech (Post Graduate) looking for suitable placement. Contact: 99576846 mail: rajeevt@modern-irrigation.com Indian male Civil Engg. 11 years experience having Omani driving license, NOC available.

Contact: 95797286 Email: nasim.anzar@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male with 1 year experience on visit visa looking for job, qualification in QA-QC, HVAC& piping engineering.

Contact: 90510800 Email: muhammedjaseem07@gmail.com Automobile Mechanic ITI 3 years experience marine mechanical fitter 2 yrs experience.

Contact 93674847

Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. Contact: 98921022 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 8 years experience electrical engineer have knowledge MEP project have driving license can join shortly. Contact: 96535204 Quantity Surveyor / Site Engineer 6 years experience in Omani have valid driving license release available looking for immediate placement. Contact: 96394948 Indian female 25years M.E (power electronics) 3years experience in teaching profession looking for suitable job. Contact no 97003267 & 94214909 Email: laliped106@gmail.com Chemical Engineer with MBA & experience looking for job.

Contact: 94908977 Sr. Quantity surveyor B.Tech (Civil Tech) above 8 years (7 years in Oman) having driving license NOC available. Contact: 92324791 Mechanical Engineer experience maintenance of pumping stations production line machinery turbine for power plant good communications skills, planning follow up Engineer projects HSE awareness trained multiple design software looking for job. Contact 949064473 / 96654019 Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com Civil Engineer with 6+ years in Supervision designing & Q.C expert in much civil softwares, NOC available. Contact: 90719263 Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit. PH: 93837973

Mechanical Engineer 2 years experience as HVAC design & drafting, CAD, MEP Engg.

Contact: 90150913

Mechanical Engineer (Sudanese) 3 years experience : Fire fighting, HSE, Design, Production.

Contact: 93642704 Email: mohamedfdl87@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer with 16 years experience in switchgear / transformer / over head lines & trading, looking for sales / procurement & project planning & Execution with NOC & D/L. Contact: 95994727 Email: qurm340@gmail.com

Senior Land Surveyor 23 yrs Oman, UAE & Egypt GPS, T.S Construction roads infrastructure oil feed electric works OHL, UGC grid , primary substation processing data.

Contact: 95326927 / 92928981 Email: sdsda802@gmail.com

Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact 99739415 / 92091528 Indian male, M.Tech Graduate in Chemical Process Control Engineering looking for lecturing jobs, currently in Oman.

Contact : 98352288

HOSPITALITY Indian male 31yrs old with hotel management degree, 3 yrs experience in F&B services at 5 star hotel Dubai, 05 yrs in American 06 star cruise liner has butler.

Has Oman driving license.

Contact- 99859150.

Indian male diploma in hotel management with 16 years of experience in Oman & Saudi , having Omani D/L seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 92100141 /92221956 Indian male 31yrs old with hotel management degree,03 yrs experience in F&B services at 5 star hotel Dubai, 05 yrs in American 06 star cruiseliner has butler. Has oman driving licence. Contact 99859150.

IT SAP Business Objects / Data Warehousing professional. 10 years experience with top IT global companies (HP and Accenture) in team leading roles. Oman Family visa.

Looking for jobs in Muscat.

Contact: 91487199 Female, 31, B.Tech- ECE/CCNA/ GSM, 5 yrs Oman experience in IT support (AD, exchange, TMG, UNIS Server admin, In-house apps support, project placement, Transfer NOC available. Contact: 95742398 Indian female MCA having 3 yrs experience in teaching looking for any suitable job in reputed organic station on visit skilled in programming language VB, JAVA ,C,C,TT & also WEB development.

Contact 90595322 Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available. Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area. Contact 98660672 SAP Business Objects / Data Warehousing professional. 10 years experience with top 5 IT global companies (HP and Accenture) in team leading roles. Oman family visa. Looking for jobs in Muscat. Phone: 91487199

IT IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact: 94672759 Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement.

Contact: 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com 3 years experience in IT Software field, seeking suitable jobs.

Contact: 96350234, Email : greeshmavkannan@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male B.com MBA 4 years in L &T total 26 years gulf experienced English & Arabic speaking driving license with NOC. Contact: 95588565 Sudanese 27 yrs BSC in IT having Omani driving in resident visa experience in Administration P.R.O general account and tourism language Arabic and English.

Contact: 94907717 Email: momazoon@gmail.com Indian looking for a job in the trade 27 years of age for a friendly college degree. Contact: 96424192 Sudanese male bachelor geology and mining with 3 years experience in MUD logging and training in soil investigation. Contact: 92956848 Indian male 28yrs Bcom 3yrs exp. in warehouse operations (including pharmaceutical). Well knowledge in WMS & ERP, looking for suitable job. Ph. 95576686, E: sijofranz@gmail.com (UAE visa holder, currently in Oman) BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@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 lacements. NOC available.

Contact: 92066 523 Indian Female, 25 Years - MSc Biotechnology, 1yr exp. in Clinical Microbiology & 6 months working exp. in international crop reserch institute of semi arid crops (ICRISAT) Looking for suitable job.

Contact 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com

MEDICAL Indian Male with 13 Years Oman Experience as Assistant Pharmacist with Valid MOH License and Oman D/L is looking for a Suitable Job in Muscat Area. NOC available.

Please Contact: 92121414 Sri Lankan female qualified in UK with BSC (Hons) pharmacology and MSC pharmaceutical science with management studies having one year experience in Sir Lanka, looking suitable placement in regulatory affairs, clinical research / trials, Pharmacologist, pharmacovigilance and research. #99550318 Indian female dentist specialized Endodontist, looking for suitable placement. Parametric completed.

Contact: 96410448 Veterinary Doctor 7 years experience Indian male wife in MOH with family visa need job.# 98107162 Email: drnmpvet4u@yahoo.com

MANAGER/SUPER. Chief Accountant/Finance Manager – Indian male, CA Finalist, having 20 years’ experience in Finance, Accounts, Audit, Finalization of Accounts, preparation of Project Reports etc., looking for immediate placement.

12 yrs. in Oman in Construction and Consultancy co., have Omani D/L, knows Tally. Contact 94041048, email: jobmuscat49@gmail.com 8 Years experienced camp boss worked in SAOG CO. Looking for suitable position. NOC available.

Contact - 94298945

D6

T H U R S D AY, J U N E 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian Female, 25 Years - MSc Looking for suitable job.

Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Indian, 20 years experience in Oman as personal assistant / office manager / executive secretary / administrator / business development asst. seeks job change. Release available. Contact 99168054.

Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761 Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827 Indian female BE, 3 years office assistant experience, seeking placement.Contact-90655903

SALES / MARKETING Indian male 26 years of experience of sales & marketing in surgical and laboratory equipments. Looking for good replacement.

Contact – 92015894 / 95774854

Indian female, BSC, Bed, MBA (Marketing) 3years experience, seeks suitable in the marketing section.

Contact: 95041134 Email: divya.vini@gmail.com

Indian female, MBA Marketing with 4 years experience with 4 years experience with Oman experience, NOC and D/L looking for suitable opening with visa. Contact: 92460623

Indian Male, Experienced in FMCG & other kind of Sales, looking for suitable placement in Foodstuff/FMCG Industry with valid GCC license. Immediately available. Contact: 94625495.

Indian female having D/L with 12 years experience in corporate / retail sales & B/D. Looking for a suitable job in training / IT / Education companies. Contact: 91751077 Email: alamelusara@hotmail.com

Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity.

NOC available. Contact: 96001877

Sales representative with 7 years experience and valid Oman driving license, NOC or release available-99695780

Indian male 33 having 6 yrs exp in Oman & 4 yes exp in Qatar having valid Oman D/L seeks opportunity in sales & business development.

Contact: 98260607 Email: amrish.sukumar@gmail.com

Sales 2 years B.Com male 24 yrs, Indian. Contact: 00968 94212636 naveed.ahmeed315@gmail.com

B. Com 2 years experience in Sales Marketing Logistics Accounts and Front office Contact 95506048

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. Contact 94123939 Email: 002015r@gmail.com Indian male 24 B.com, 2years of experience in sales & admin & proficient in M.S Office, Excel.

Contact: 98613373 Email: syedismailnoor@gmail.com Indian male MBA 5 yrs experience in Oman and India seeking suitable position in marketing & sales NOC available. Contact: 93059175 Email: pranodsathyan11@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

Indian Male MBA, 5 years Building Materials Project Sales experience in Oman, NOC available, seeking for placement.

Contact - 90655903,99325544 Indian female 29 years Post Graduate with computer Knowledge 2 years of Oman experience in coordinator & 5 years of experience in customer service, client relation officer with excellent communication skill seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95337665 Oil &gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license. Contact 96143430/99875919 Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India.#India:-+918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com

Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge. Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill.

GSM: 97761075 Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity.

Contact: 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Electrician, plumber, helper, Indian & gulf exp looking job.

Contact - 95175192 Mason, sh/carpenter, steel fitter, with medical.

Contact- 95175192 or mail, oman.manpower@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDUCATION/CLASSES

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

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

earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

WĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů Θ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ăůů ŬŝŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƉĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ MĂƌďůĞ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJͬ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ϵϴϴϭϰϳϯϯ ͬϵϴϴϭϰϳϰϬ ů ,ƵƐŶ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ >͘>͘

^ Zs/ ^

WE SERVE OMAN

Split unit A/C & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 96236476 Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 93769089 / 95323517 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 A/C Maintenance & Servicing, Fridge, Washing machine & Dish washer repairing, Painting & Cleaning services, Electrical & plumbing.

Contact 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Split & window A/C servicing, repairing, installation ducted, package etc. Contact Abbas : 98667326 Cleaning services sofa shampoo, carpet shampoo, new house, old house. Contact: 92179395

tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC Contact: 99344723 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing.

Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723

Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723

CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975

All Maintenance and services electric, CCTV Camera, Plumbing A/C service and gas installation, painting tiles. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Pest control Gulfa international.

Contact: 92326955 House shifting. Contact 99708138 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

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

FOR LADIES Offer!! Treading Gold Facial & Pedicure just for 10 RO, Home service available, (Threading, facial, waxing, Head massage) R0. 20

Contact 99619409

T H U R S DAY, J U N E 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

RENT A CAR

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

DRIVING

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS ONE STOP SHOP BUSINESS SERVICES Public Relation Service (PRO) Document Clearance, Business setup, Formation new Companies, LLC Companies, Investor Visa, Legal Services.

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED

MANPOWER

Contact Saleh:

96723485 MISCELLANEOUS Indian Male, 23, BBA Graduate, fresher, no D/L, looking for a suitable job. Contact: 94032041; Email: azzamsiddique1@gmail.com 25, Indian female (BCA- Computer Application). 1yr experience as teacher and graphic designer.

Knowledge in Photoshop, illustrator, in design. Looking for suitable job in office administration, teaching and graphic designing.

Contact - 98426509 Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact: 98803439 Qualified banking & Accounts management profesional seeking suitable job opportunities. Currently working in India with ICIC Bank.

Email: sheemoljohn@rediffmail. com Contact# 919755550181 Filipino Male: 35 yrs, with 3yrs Technical & Customer Service, 2yrs Online Ad Serving, 1yr dministrative work experiences looking for suitable job.

Contact 97852816 Project Engineer, Mechanical Indian Male, 26 years 3 Years experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int.

Standards B.Tech in Mech engg Contact-rahulkunnath23@gmail. com Mob-00917350860889

INVESTOR PARTNER REQUIRED For a successfully Catering Restaurant Investor cum Partner is required.

GOOD NEWS

Investor with fixed returns also welcome.

Please contact – 95213273

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

Email: muscatcoffeeshop@gmail.com WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

FOR HIRE New Volvo Trailor available for rent to UAE every alternative days, 50 ton capacity with reasonable rent contact.99318152/ email- Ahastco @gmail.com

TRANSPORTATION

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898 Al Ibtisama rent & leasing.

Contact: 91374879 / 96627562/ 99382001/ 24751177/ 24751188

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation. available.

Contact 92430239

Transportation.

Contact: 91703829

Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact - 99012165

Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

Transportation available Al Khuwair, Ghobrah, Azaiba, Al Hail & Al Khoud. Drop & pick.

Contact: 95250161

Transportation. Contact94510847

Transportation. Contact:96538078

Transportation. Contact 92015894

Transportation. Contact 99508282

D8

T H U R S D AY, J U N E 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiďŹ eds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624