Times of Oman - December 23 , 2015

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FOUR-PAGE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT WITH THIS EDITION

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

Before The Third Session of The Council of Oman, 2003

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Mankind will only enjoy happiness and a sense of security if there is justice and respect for all those things which guarantee human beings their legitimate rights. First and foremost of these is their right to honour, dignity and freedom from humiliation, and their right to liberty and independence.

WEDNESDAY, December 23, 2015 / 11 Rabi Al Awal 1437 AH timesofoman.com

JA PA N

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HM sends greetings

S TAT E M E N T

‘Oil sector job cuts being looked into’ ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Termination of contracts or the ending of services in the oil and gas sector is being looked into by the government, although actual figures are lower than reported, said a senior official on Tuesday.

“The number is much smaller than originally reported in social media,” Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, told reporters on the sidelines of an event held at the ministry to announce the launch of the first made-inOman wireline unit. >A6

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by the State Council. Certain companies depending on their activities, sector and revenue, which have been given relaxation, will also have to pay the tax.

REFORMS: New measures aim to regulate real-estate sector.

Real estate bosses told to form association

Majlis Al Shura votes for a slew of additional taxes to boost coffers and

TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: As part of the reforms aimed at regulating the realestate sector, realty owners have been ordered to form an ‘association,’ according to newly proposed regulatory mechanisms.

Developers, companies and owners of real-estate will have to follow the Royal Decree 48/89 which, “promulgates apartments and levels ownership act” and will have to form an owners’ association immediately through the ministry’s electronic system, which will be announced in the coming period and will be activated on August 1, 2016.

Saleem Al Balushi, assistant director general of the Direc-

torate General of Real Estate Development at the Ministry of Housing, confirmed that for the first stage, they are pursuing for a set of regulatory procedures in the real-estate unit management in Muscat.

It includes apartments, complexes and shops that are subject to the Royal Decree 48/89.

help meet revenue of falling oil prices

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com Upcoming procedures Al Balushi said, “The upcoming procedures are designed to regulate real-estate properties by obliging owners to form associations for preserving the rights of all parties in the existence of shared ownership and to manage the property, including building parts intended for shared use among all owners.” >A6

12%

shortfall on account

MUSCAT: Majlis Al Shura voted for major tax reforms on Tuesday to fill the state’s coffers and meet the 2016 budget deficit.

“We have voted yes for a 3 per cent increase in corporate income tax, removing the tax free ceiling of OMR30,000 for companies and bringing all companies under taxation regardless their

is the current corporate income tax for companies, which will become 15 if approved by the State Council

grade,” Tawfiq Al Lawati, a member of Majlis Al Shura’s economy committee, which has proposed the amendments, told the Times of Oman (TOO).

The current corporate income tax for companies, which is 12 per cent, will become 15 if approved

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

Creating art from waste

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ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

Shura votes ‘yes’ for a 3pc hike in income taxes

R E A LT Y O W N E R S

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of greetings to Emperor Akihito of Japan on his birthday. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his sincere greetings along with his best wishes of good health, happiness and a long life to Emperor Akihito and the people of Japan further progress and prosperity. -ONA

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OMAN

REGION

MARKET

Registrations of vehicles decrease

Iraq’s armed forces storm into Ramadi

Oman’s oil output to drop in 2016

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The Sultanate’s oil production is expected to drop slightly next year, according to a senior official, who said the Sultanate is ready to support the oil group Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) in cutting production if it sees ‘credible’ actions first. >BI

There was a 26.6 per cent drop in the registration of vehicles over the January-November period from 130,157 in 2014 year to 95,540 this year. The decline in new registrations was most prominent among private vehicles and taxis, motorbikes and tractors. >A6

Iraq’s armed forces stormed the centre of Ramadi on Tuesday in a drive to dislodge IS militants from their remaining stronghold in a city they captured in May. The operation to recapture Ramadi, west of Baghdad, began in early November. >A7

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Tax for LNG companies “We have also voted to increase taxation for the oil and gas industry-based companies from 12 per cent to 35 per cent, and increase the tax for Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) companies from 12 per cent to 55 per cent to bring it at par with oil companies. The oil companies are paying 55 per cent tax,” the Shura member added.

During the Shura meeting, 76 per cent voted yes against 23 per cent voting no for tax reforms.

“We won’t be able to totally resolve the financial crunch faced by the oil price dip with these tax reforms. However, these are the only measures which can be adopted first with less impact on citizens,” the Shura member added.

Oman’s income has fallen by more than 60 per cent since June 2014 when it used to sell oil at $115 per barrel. >A6

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W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015

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W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015

OMAN

502

Creating art from waste materials

Is the total number of workers were found guilty of violating the Labour Law from December 13 to 19

M I N I S T RY O F T OU R I S M & O M A N L N G I N I T I AT I V E

A fashion designer by profession,

– Supplied picture

Henrietta Joseph has

Renovation project at Sur’s Sunaysilah Castle completed

been based in Oman for the past 15 years.

She plans to enter the Guinness Book of World Records with

Times News Service

a splendid ‘White Christmas Tree’, which she has made solely with waste carry bags

ALL DECKED UP: The items, which Henrietta generally uses to make fancy and other home decoration stuff, are water cans, bottle caps, white carry bags, tissues, plastic wrappers, carton plastics, polythene covers, and chips wrappers. — Supplied picture

ally uses to make fancy and other home decoration stuff are water cans, bottle caps, white carry bags, tissues, plastic wrappers, carton plastics, polythene covers, chips wrappers etc. She also makes costumes for schools children to dress up in concerts, dramas, dance shows and other functions.

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathe@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: For Henrietta Joseph Rodriguez, waste materials are tools that lend shape to her imagination. From unwanted waste materials, she creates beautiful decorative items.

The Times of Oman (TOO) is featuring the very special talent of Rodriguez today as part of its #OmanPride campaign.

Henrietta plans to enter the Guinness Book of World Records with a splendid “White Christmas Tree,” which she has made solely with waste carry bags.

According to her, the tree also qualifies as a low-budget Christmas tree. “I made the tree with white carry bags, which has a height of around 4.5 to 5 metres.

Nobody has ever made this type of tree so far,” Henrietta told TOO.

Speaking of the world record, she said, “The Guinness team will be arriving soon to check the Christmas tree.”

To make a tree without welding work is hard, and it took Henrietta two months to finish the tree.

Prior to that, she spent two years collecting the raw material.

“Lots of trial and error was there. I can’t reveal much though as the Guinness team has to certify my creation and as per the rules, the details are not to be disclosed before the verification process,” Henrietta noted.

Henrietta Joseph Rodriguez.

— Supplied picture

A fashion designer by profession, Henrietta has been based in Oman for the past 15 years, and is originally from Bengaluru, the capital city of the south Indian state Karnataka.

The items, which she gener-

Home decoration items “I started costume designing for schools in 2005 and home decoration items when I moved to a bigger accommodation four years back. I can work on any waste material in our surroundings; I can make something out of these materials,” Henrietta added.

According to her, every job has its own significance and one should give their best to accomplish the task.

Her two most treasured desires are to meet His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and to meet the Pope Francis.

MUSCAT: The successful completion of a renovation project at the historic Sunaysilah castle in Sur, was celebrated by the Ministry of Tourism and Oman LNG. Considered the principal fort in the wilayat of Sur, the origins of Sunaysilah, which towers over 50 metres in height and is often referred to as a castle, dates back to three centuries. One of its main attractions is its location on a rocky outcrop close to the centre of Sur, thus offering a panoramic view of the coastline and the town below to visitors and sightseers.

Protected walk-way Based on an earlier agreement with the Ministry of Tourism, Oman LNG contributed to the expansion of the amphitheatre located within the premises of the castle, the development of a protected walk-way around the castle and provisions for an extended parking area.

Also included in the pact, was the construction of an administrative building that will house a reception area for special guests and dignitaries and a well-equipped office to cater to requests from tourists. The support included further enrichment and lighting enhancements at the castle and premises.

With the completion of the renovations, the amphitheatre will be the pronounced venue for many cultural programmes to be organised by the Ministry of Tourism.

Prior to this collaboration, Oman LNG had partnered with the Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism as a viable commercial enterprise, notably funding a multimillion dollar scientific research centre at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, near Sur, that strives to preserve a friendly environment for the nestling of green-sea turtles, threatened with extinction.

The centre attracts thousands of scientists and tourists on an annual basis from all over the world.

“This initiative and many others are proof of Oman LNG’s nationwide contributions, not only to the Sultanate’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but to the overall national economy of Oman offering a solid foundation upon which to flourish. The initiatives further demonstrate our unmatched, ongoing community engagement and support to all industry sectors, especially the promising tourism sector. The development of the Sunaysilah castle is aligned with the Government’s efforts to promote tourist attractions,” said Khalid Al Massan, chief executive officer of the Oman LNG Development Foundation.

W E E K LY R E P O R T

Joint inspection team finds 502 workers violating labour laws MUSCAT: A total of 502 workers were found guilty of violating the Labour Law from December 13 to 19, including 420 commercial workers, 37 farm workers and 45 housemaids, the weekly report of the joint inspection team at the Ministry of Manpower has pointed out.

Inspection teams caught 485 workers, including 203 absconding workers, 257 astray workers and 25 workers committing other violations.

Muscat witnessed the highest incidence of workers violating the law at 208, followed by Dhofar with instances of 93 work-

ers involved in circumventing the law. Competent authorities have initiated legal procedures against them. The Ministry’s data showed that 285 expatriate workers were deported for violating provisions of the Labour Law and the ministerial decisions executing the law. - ONA

WE DNE SDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Tweet all about it

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 D ATA

Oman records lowest GCC inflation rate MUSCAT: Oman recorded the lowest inflation rate compared with the other GCC states.

Inflation index in GCC states in October 2015 witnessed rates ranging between 0.43 per cent in the Sultanate of Oman and 3.68 per cent in the UAE compared to the same month in 2015, according to the latest statistics released by the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat).

The UAE recorded the highest inflation rate as it hit 3.68 per cent, followed by the State of Kuwait by 3.21 per cent, the Saudi Arabia by 2.4 per cent, Bahrain by 2.3 per cent, Qatar by 1.7 per cent whereas the Sultanate recorded the low inflation rate by 0.43 per cent.

While comparing the inflation index during October and September 2015, Bahrain recorded the highest rate by 0.6 per cent, the KSA by 0.3 per cent, Qatar by 0.2 per cent and Kuwait by 0.07 per cent. The inflation index recorded a decline by 0.48 per cent in the UAE and 0.21 per cent in the Sultanate of Oman.

Foods and beverages group recorded a rise in the most GCC countries during October 2015 compared to the same month last year. — ONA

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OMAN Indian schools’ board election on January 16 JURY PHASE

Entrepreneurship Award: 70 entries qualify for final

Times News Service

Elections will be held on January 16 at the Indian School Muscat.

The remaining 10 members will be nominated by other Indian schools in the Sultanate of Oman

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Some 6,455 parents of students at the Indian School Muscat (ISM) will cast their votes to elect the new Board of Directors of Indian schools in Oman.

Elections will be held on January 16 at the ISM. The remaining 10 members will be nominated by other Indian schools in the Sultanate.

Election Commissioner (EC)

MAKING A POINT: The Election Committee will take strict action against canvassing voters in a direct or indirect form. — Picture by AR Rajkumar/Times of Oman

Sathish Nambiar, addressing a press conference at the ISM together with the election committee, said the exercise would be “free and fair” and conducted in accordance with the procedures laid down in the bye-laws.

As per the norms of bye-laws, the EC has constituted an Election Commission comprising of Babu Rajendran, Dileep Somani, Shakeel KM, Bridget Ganguly and VK Vijayasenan. “We have received 13 nominations from the parents

and they can withdraw it before 31st of this month; the final list of candidates will be published thereafter,” the EC said.

A final list of the candidates will be published on the official site of the Election Commission, www. ismelections.com and it will also display on the notice board of the ISM. “We will circulate the profiles of the candidates to the parents,” Nambiar said.

He added that the Election Committee will take strict action

against canvassing voters in any direct or indirect form. The election will be held from 8am to 5pm in the multi-purpose hall of ISM. Outsourced security Speaking about the security, Nambiar said, “Along with the teachers, ISM has outsourced security to run the election smoothly.”

“Counting of votes will start straight away after polling and the results will be announced soon thereafter,” he added.

MUSCAT: Having undertaken a rigorous assessment of initiatives, business ideas and established projects, the Entrepreneurship Award entered its ‘Jury Phase,’ with the number of qualifying entries being narrowed down from over 400 to 70 for the final stage of evaluation.

With an increase in the number of entrants qualifying for the latter phase, this year’s award focuses on providing a comprehensive analysis of all shortlisted submissions to promote growth and development, as well as recognise notable entries for excellence.

“The Award’s organising team has played an important role in helping us to reach this phase, organising workshops nationwide to communicate the objectives, categories, and the registration process of the platform. It must be said that their efforts have been positively reflected in the quantity and quality of this year’s participations,” commented Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Al Raffd Fund and chairman of the Entrepreneurship Award Committee.

The evaluation of each entrant was carried in a thorough examination of the projects submitted.

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W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015 We had a meeting a week ago on really trying to understand the number (of terminations or potential terminations) in greater detail. I do not think it exceeded 20 or 30 in total.

Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas

OMAN

Registrations of vehicles see 27% decrease

STEEP FALL: The decline in new registrations was most prominent among private vehicles and taxis, motorbikes, and tractors. – Supplied photo

Registration of private vehicles went down by 36.3% to 64,699 and that of commercial vehicles shrank by 11.2% to 22,703

MUSCAT: There was a 26.6 per cent drop in the registration of vehicles over the January-November period from 130,157 in 2014 year to 95,540 this year, according to the latest data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

However, there was a rise in the registration of government and school vehicles, as well as com-

mercial and rental vehicles.

Government vehicles The registration of government vehicles went up 19.5 per cent to reach 2,092, school vehicles showed a rise of 3.1 per cent, with a total of 168 registered vehicles.

Percentage growth in registration of commercial and rental vehicles was 11.2 and 8.3 respective-

A1 Crude price fall

has hit revenues

by OCCI will also be affected,” Al Saleh added.

Meanwhile, a Muscat-based financial expert said that an increase in corporate tax is inevitable, considering the tight financial position resulting from the drastic fall in oil prices.

“It is time everyone puts their mind to solving the national problem. Companies may respond to the tax increase through cost cutting, increasing the price of their products/services, cutting wages and employment, depending on their competitive strength and consumer behaviour,” N Gurumurthy, a financial expert, said.

“With regards to the removal of exemption of tax for smaller companies across the board, it may affect smaller companies, most of whom operate with lesser capital, market size and margins. Many of them may wish to increase the price, which may be inflationary for the economy,” Gurumurthy added.

The expert also added that in the short to medium-term, consumers may end up paying more.

“It is possible that an increase in tax for oil companies may result in a corresponding increase in the price of oil for retail consumers. Certainly, the proposed measures would help the government in bridging the revenue gap and narrowing the deficit to some extent. However I cannot quantify as to what extent this may help in tiding over the current difficult situation,” Gurumurthy added.

Jet Airways announces discounted ticket sale Times News Service MUSCAT: Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, on Tuesday, announced a special five-day sale offer exclusively to serve the Omani nationals travelling from Oman to India to enjoy a flat 10 per cent discount on fares, applicable on all flights booked on jetairways.com for travel to India and beyond.

Available for Premiere and Economy travel, guests from the Gulf may avail of this travel offer effective December 22, 2015.

The five-day special online fare will be available for sale between December22-26, 2015.

Travel validity is effective from December 22, 2015 until May 31, 2016, on flights from Oman to India on direct and indirect services. This can be availed by the people of Oman, both citizens and residents in the country.

Acclaimed service Riyaz Kuttery–General Manager, Jet Airways, said, “We are pleased to offer an added value as they travel between the two regions and enjoy the airline’s globally acclaimed product and service, on ground and in the air.

We are certain that this unique initiative will provide exceptional value to our Omani guests and prove to be extremely popular.”

FOURTH MEETING

Oman’s envoy presents credentials

State Council dwells on reforms of panels

MALI: President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom of the Republic of Maldives received at the Presidential Palace in Mali on Tuesday Sheikh Hamad bin Saif Al Rawahi, who presented his credentials as the Sultanate’s non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Maldives.

During the meeting, the ambassador conveyed the greetings of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to President Abdul Gayoom along with His Majesty’s best wishes of good health and wellbeing to him and the friendly people of Maldives continuous progress.

On his turn, President of the Maldives asked the ambassador to convey his greetings and best wishes to His Majesty the Sultan and the Omani people further progress and welfare under the wise leadership of His Majesty.

President Abdul Gayoom welcomed the ambassador, wishing him success in his tour of duties and the bilateral relations between the two countries further progress and prosperity. Sheikh Al Rawahi also met with Ali Nasser Mohammed, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting dwelt on means of enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries. -ONA

MUSCAT: In its meeting on Tuesday, State Council members discussed the reformation of the parliamentary friendship committees and the selection of members who would represent the Council in the Arab Parliament.

The State Council Office held its fourth meeting of its first sitting of the sixth term under the chair of Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council. They discussed the visions of the standing committees on the proposed amend-

ments to their jurisdictions. It also reviewed a number of items listed on the agenda and some proposals and letters for the State Council’s committees and members.

During its third regular meeting of the first annual session of the sixth term, which was held on December 15, the members evaluated and approved the minutes of the meeting No. 3/1/6/2015, discussed the new items on the agenda and took appropriate actions in their regard. -ONA

MAJLIS AL SHURA

Tax law changes discussed MUSCAT: The report of the economic and financial committee on the amendments of some provisions of the income tax law, the foreign capital investment law and insurance companies law, was discussed by the Majlis Al Shura.

It also included endorsement of the action plans referred to

the Majlis Al Shura by its committees and a briefing on the draft agreement on cooperation between the Sultanate and UAE on international land transport of passengers and goods.

The meeting was chaired by Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, chairman of the Majlis Al Shura. -ONA

OL AND GAS SECTOR

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A1 ‘Retrenched numbers very low’ “We had a meeting a week ago on really trying to understand the number (of terminations or potential terminations) in greater detail.

I do not think it exceeded 20 or 30 in total.

“There are a lot of other jobs that were ended, but another opportunity was identified, and the workers have already moved on to

F I V E - D AY O F F E R

N E W TA X E S

< FROM

According to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Oman’s budget deficit for the first eight months of 2015 rose to OMR2.68 billion as falling crude oil export revenues started affecting the fiscal balance.

This is against a surplus of OMR205.7 million for the same period last year and against a projected deficit of OMR2.5 billion for the entire year by the government.

A member from Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industries (OCCI) said they have to analyse the pros and cons of the move in detail.

“We have to look into the proposal in detail. We understand that due to the oil price dip, the country is going through a tough situation and it has been forced to come up with such measures.

But at the same time, we expect government to be more lenient in other areas, which will allow private sector companies to operate with ease. Rules that are hindering our operations should be removed,” Mohammed Hassan Al Ansi, senior official, OCCI, said.

On December 1, another top official from OCCI said the move has to be reconsidered as it may negatively affect foreign investments, which will force companies to exit the Omani market.

“This will eventually aggravate the economic crisis, not solve it,” Redha Juma Al Saleh, vice chairman of OCCI had said earlier.

“SMEs (small and medium enterprises) funded and supported

ly, with corresponding numbers being 22,703 and 4,279.

The decline in new registrations was most prominent among private vehicles and taxis, motorbikes and tractors. Registration of private vehicles went down by 36.3 per cent to 64,699, while that of commercial vehicles shrank by 11.2 per cent to 22,703.

In taxi and tractor segments, registrations went down by 31.2 per cent and 37.5 per cent respectively to 659 and 55.

During the period as many as 812 motorbikes were registered, posting a downslide of 30.6 per cent. Vehicles registered by various diplomatic missions too slipped by 20.7 per cent with just 73 registrations by the end of November. -ONA

MALDIVES

a different job. So they did not lose their jobs,” he explained.

“Those that are on the verge of losing jobs, they are a handful, and we are urging them all the time to accept whatever opportunity is given to them, as opposed to being choosy and insisting on specific locations, specific companies (or a) specific job, because this is

O R Q U E S TA B U E NA V I S TA S O C I A L C LU B

not the time to be choosy,” said the Undersecretary. Asked if the number has gone down because of the government’s intervention, Al Aufi noted, “No, I think it is the companies themselves doing their due diligence. We have not really received anything formal from the companies yet, but we are monitoring (the situation).”

PRAISED

Cuban musicians to perform in Muscat

HM thanked by award winners

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Winners of Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature expressed their appreciation and thankfulness to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, His Majesty’s constructive and sincere contribution and His Majesty’s continuing efforts in advancing human intellectual contribution in various fields, specially culture, arts and literature.

They pointed out, in statements to Oman News Agency (ONA), that the award demonstrates the keenness of His Majesty the Sultan to support and encourage the intellectual and knowledge achievement and to motivate scientists, thinkers and researchers.

They said what they have seen during their visits in the past two days to a number of cultural, artistic and heritage landmarks in the cities of Muscat and Nizwa, confirm clearly the particular importance attached by His Majesty to the cultural heritage of the Sultanate.

Sultan Qaboos Higher Center for Culture and Science celebrated at the Inter-Continental Muscat Hotel, under the auspices of Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, the presentation of Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature at its fourth session, 2015.

The session was devoted generally to the Arabs in the areas of Arabic language studies, calligraphy and children’s literature. -ONA

MUSCAT: Havana’s Grammywinning musicians of the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club will take the unique sound of Cuban music to Muscat.

Dating back to the early 20th century, the original Buena Vista Social Club was a hot spot for musicians and dancers.

Although the Club closed in the 1940’s, the brand name continues to represent the wonderful spirit of the club, which pioneered a distinctive Afro-Cuban mix of jazz, mambo, charanga, cha-cha-cha, and rumba.

In the 1990s, the enduring soul of the Buena Vista Social Club inspired American guitarist Ry Cooder and Cuban musician Juan de Marcos González to compose a revival album entitled, “Buena Vista Social Club.”

Ry Cooder and Gonzalez worked on the album with a number of traditional Cuban musicians, some of whom were veterans of the Club in its heyday. The album was an international hit, selling almost two million copies.

Famous German Director Wim Wenders later made an Oscarnominated documentary film on Cooder, Gonzales and the Buena Vista Social Club Band, featuring their performance in Amsterdam in April 1998 and at Carnegie Hall later that year.

With this exciting film, the Band shot to fame and became known as the Orquesta (Orchestra) Buena Vista Social Club. The Orquesta is renowned for toe-tapping music

that lifts spirits and conjures images of a unique island culture that is an exciting mix of old Spanish and new Caribbean.

Farewell concerts For the past 18 years, the legendary Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, has been touring the world and will soon take to the road one last time to bid “Adios” in a series of farewell concerts and related cultural events that will celebrate the Orquesta’s storied journey as an ambassador for Cuban music.

The Sound of Cuba with the Buena Vista Social Club is a timely trip down the memory lane, as Cuba has been in the news recently with the thaw in relations with the United States and the enormously popular visit of Pope Francis a few months ago.

INDEPENDENT LEGAL ENTITY

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He added that the association shall be an independent legal entity, excluding the individual entity of its members, as well as being financially independent and has the right to litigate and prosecute.

Welcoming the move, Um Tariq, a real-estate owner said, “Being an owner of two apartments, I have to pay utility fees to the other owners to maintain the building. However, some owners go a year or two without pay-

ing any of the utility fees, which forces me and other owners to pay more than our fair share.”

“Forming the association will protect everyone’s rights and hopefully everyone will contribute to maintaining the building unless they want to invite public prosecution,” she added.

Al Balushi confirmed that the Directorate General of Real Estate Development will follow up and verify the establishment of associations and supervise them,

and will examine complaints and grievances submitted by concerned persons ensuring the creation of real-estate facilities management, which shall preserve the rights of all parties.

Simplicity of procedures Commenting on licences and approvals, Al Balushi stated, “The ministry is considering the simplicity of procedures regarding the issuance of licences and approvals for real-estate develop-

ment projects directly through a straight coordination with competent authorities, without the need for the developer to attend these authorities, in order to facilitate and accelerate obtaining those licences.”

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WE DNE SDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

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REGION

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari denied on Tuesday that his government had anything to do with the kidnapping of a group of Qatari hunters in the south of the country this month

Iraqi troops storm into Ramadi The city’s centre is last area of Ramadi held by up to 300 IS group militants

BAGHDAD/KUWAIT: Iraq’s armed forces stormed the centre of Ramadi on Tuesday, a spokesman for the counter-terrorism units said, in a drive to dislodge IS militants from their remaining stronghold in a city they captured in May. The operation to recapture Ramadi, a city on the river Euphrates some 100 km (60 miles) west of Baghdad, began in early November after a months-long effort to cut off supply lines to the city, whose fall to IS was a major defeat for Iraq’s weak central government.

Progress has been slow because the government wants to rely entirely on its own troops and not

LAST STRONGHOLD: Iraqi flags fly above destroyed buildings in the rural Husayba Al Sharkiya area, east of Anbar province’s capital Ramadi. – AFP

use militias in order to avoid rights abuses such as occurred after the recapture of the city of Tikrit from the militants in April.

US officials have also cautioned against the use of militias in retaking Ramadi from the hardline

DEAL SIGNED IN MOSCOW

RUSSIAN-BUILT: A picture taken on October 26, 2010 shows the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant, 1,200 kms south of Tehran. – AFP Files

Russia to begin building nuclear plant units in Iran BEIRUT: Russia will begin building two nuclear power plant units in Iran next week, Mehr news agency quoted an Iranian nuclear official as saying, under a deal signed in Moscow last year between subsidiaries of the two countries’ state atomic agencies.

The Mehr report did not elaborate but the comments by Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, appeared to be referring to extension of the Bushehr nuclear power station, designed and built by Russia.

Bushehr Iran already runs one Russianbuilt nuclear reactor at Bushehr, its first. Russia signed a deal with Iran in November last year to build up to eight more reactors in the country.

The UN nuclear watchdog earlier this month closed a longrunning investigation of Iran and issued a report strongly suggesting it pursued a coordinated programme to devise a nuclear bomb up until 2003 but that there was no credible sign of bomb-related research and development activity beyond 2009.

The Bushehr plant itself was never considered by diplomats and experts to be a serious nuclear proliferation risk.

Other aspects of Iran’s nuclear programme seen as having potential to develop weapons, such as its uranium enrichment activity and a heavy water reactor, will be curbed under a deal Iran reached with big powers in July including Russia. Iran will see international sanctions on its oil-based economy lifted in return. — Reuters

militants to avoid fanning sectarian tensions.

The Baghdad government has said it also wanted to spare civilians and give them the opportunity to leave the city.

“Our forces are advancing to-

ward the government complex in the centre of Ramadi,” the counter-terrorism units’ spokesman Sabah Al Numani said.

“The fighting is in the neighbourhoods around the complex, with support from the air force.”

Iraqi intelligence estimates the number of IS militants entrenched in the centre of Ramadi, capital of Western Anbar province, at between 250 and 300.

The offensive to capture the city centre started at dawn, said Numani. Military units crossed the Euphrates river into the central districts using a bridge that was destroyed by the militants and repaired by army engineers, he said.

“Crossing the river was the main difficulty,” he said. “We’re facing sniper fire and suicide bombers who are trying to slow our advance, we’re dealing with them with air force support.”

If the attack to capture Ramadi succeeds, it will be the second major city after Tikrit to be retaken from IS in Iraq.

IS also controls Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, and Fallu-

jah, which lies between Ramadi and Baghdad.

Retaking Ramadi would provide a major psychological boost to Iraqi security forces after IS seized a third of Iraq, a major OPEC oil producer, last year.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s foreign minister denied on Tuesday that his government had anything to do with the kidnapping of a group of Qatari hunters in the south of the country this month.

A large group of unidentified armed men abducted at least 26 Qataris from their desert hunting camp near the Saudi border last week. At least nine people who were part of the hunting group managed to escape and crossed into Kuwait. “I deny categorically that this issue (of the kidnapping) has any relation to the Iraqi government,” Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari told reporters at a news conference with his Kuwaiti counterpart in Kuwait.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), of which Qatar is a member, described the abduction as “an action that harms the bonds of

brotherly relations between Arab brothers,” state media in another member, Saudi Arabia, reported on Tuesday.

Qatar has repeatedly said that its nationals had crossed into Iraqi territory with an official permit from the Iraqi interior ministry.

There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the abduction which took place in a desolate expanse where a number of armed militia operate.

“Not everything that exists on the ground (in Iraq) is there with the approval of the government.... there are security flaws that we must acknowledge and our enemies exploited the security shortcomings,” Jaafari said.

Hunters from Gulf countries often make trips to Iraq’s southern desert at this time of year in search of rare prey. The Houbara bustard, a large, fast bird, which lives throughout the Middle East has been hunted to the point of extinction in Qatar.

The Iraqi desert is said to be one of the best remaining hunting grounds for the bird. — Reuters

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W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015 I seek the prime minister’s resignation for conducting such a flop raid and for misusing the CBI. If he uses the CBI to get any file then the country will have no democracy left. Tomorrow there can be raids on any chief minister. This is dangerous for the country’s federal structure Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi chief minister

INDIA VOICE VOTE

In historic move, Parliament passes Juvenile Justice Bill NEW DELHI: Those aged 16 and above will now be tried as adults for heinous crimes like rape as Parliament on Tuesday passed a bill, days after the juvenile convict in the ghastly 2012 gang rape-cummurder case walked free for lack of such a legal provision.

Watched from the galleries by the distraught parents of Nirb-

haya, the victim in the the December, 2012 incident, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, which provides for lowering the age from 18 years, was passed by the upper house of the Parliament, Rajya Sabha, by a voice vote with Congress support after a walkout by Left parties.

The Left parties as well some

others including NCP and the DMK voiced caution over the measure, which had already been passed by Lok Sabha.

The Left parties wanted it to be sent to a Select Committee so that there is no haste in amending the law under emotional pressure.

The lowering of the age means that those aged 16 and above will

no longer enjoy the protection under the Juvenile Justice law, under which juveniles cannot be tried under normal laws of land that provides up to death for rape and murder. Under the juvenile law till now, even those accused of heinous offences like rape could be tried only by Juvenile Justice Boards and cannot be jailed for

more than three years.

Replying to the debate on the bill, Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Maneka Gandhi said the legislation was a “nuanced” one and was much needed to act as a “deterrent”.

She said the incidents of heinous crimes by juveniles of the age of 16 years and above were on the

rise and cited statistics to support her contention.

Allaying members’ concerns over implications of the bill, Maneka said it was “not against children but rather provides for, protects, nurtures and keeps them safe.”

The consideration of the bill was taken up under mounting pressure for toughening the law. - PTI

Kejriwal demands Modi’s resignation over ‘flop’ CBI raids Calling December 15, when CBI conducted the raid at the office of his principal secretary, a ‘black day’, Kejriwal tore into Modi and dared him to act

DEFIANT: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal speaks at the

against Shivraj

special session of the assembly convened to discuss Delhi and District Cricket Association scam and CBI raids on Delhi Secretariat, in New Delhi on Tuesday. - PTI

Singh Chouhan, Vasundhara Raje and Sushma Swaraj

NEW DELHI: Mounting a fierce attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday demanded his resignation over what he termed was a “flop raid” by the CBI at the Delhi Secretariat to “protect” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the alleged DDCA scam.

Calling December 15, when CBI conducted the raid at the office of his Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar, a “black day”, Kejriwal tore into Modi and dared him to act against Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, his Rajasthan counterpart Vasundhara Raje and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Kejriwal also defended his principal secretary Rajendra Kumar against allegations of graft committed in his official capacity under the erstwhile Sheila Dikshit government.

Mentally harassed “He’s being mentally harassed.

CBI has got nothing against him in the last eight days. If I can remove my minister and babu for committing corruption, it is also my duty to protect honest offic-

ers,” he said participating in a discussion in the state Assembly on the situation arising out of the raid at the Delhi Secretariat and alleged corruption in Delhi and District Cricket Association under Jaitley’s watch.

“Prime minister should be ashamed of himself” over the raids, Kejriwal said and went on to take a series of jibes at Modi over “Rs10 lakh suit” and foreign trips.

“He is fulfilling his dreams now as earlier he did not get a visa.

Delhi is all right whenever he is out of the city. Whenever he’s back everything goes haywire,” Kejriwal said.

“I seek the prime minister’s resignation for conducting such a flop raid and for misusing the CBI. If he uses the CBI to get any file then the country will have no democracy left. Tomorrow there can be raids on any chief minister. This is dangerous for the country’s federal structure,” Kejriwal said.

The chief minister, against whom Jaitley has filed both civil and criminal defamation suits, further alleged that the CBI was specifically looking for a file “containing a note” with “incriminating” details.

“A DDCA whistle blower used to meet me. That officer told me that there was a meeting of DDCA officials, where Jaitley had told them no not worry about SFIO as

he will get it compounded.

“He (Jaitley) said that he will ensure quashing of cases that come to Delhi police and, if AAP sets up a commission of inquiry, he will get it null and void through ‘our special man’ LG. It was written in that file,” Kejriwal claimed.

Kejriwal claimed the prime minister was still not able to get over the “pain” of losing the Delhi Assembly elections.

Delhi Assembly on Tuesday passed a motion moved by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia against CBI raid at Delhi Secretariat, condemning the Centre for its alleged high handedness and adding it was in “violation of the federal structure”and the “spirit of the Constitution”.

“We are constantly seeking PM’s cooperation and for this, I have met two-three times and told him we don’t need money, and instead, we want him not to put hurdles to our works...give us Delhi for a year and will fulfil your dreams,” Kejriwal said.

Noted criminal lawyer Ram Jethmalani will represent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the civil and criminal defamation suits filed against him by Jaitley.

Jaitley had on Monday filed both civil and criminal defamation cases against Kejriwal and five other AAP leaders for allegedly defaming him. - PTI

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

suddenly took a kind of U-turn towards the airport after taking off at 9.37am and hit a tree while apparently approaching to land following a possible technical problem

NEW DELHI: A small 20-yearold BSF plane ferrying the force’s technical personnel to Ranchi on Tuesday crashed near Dwarka and burst into flames just outside IGI airport shortly after take-off, killing all 10 people on board.

The ill-fated twin-engine Beechcraft Super King plane suddenly took a kind of U-turn towards the airport after taking off at 9.37am and hit a tree while apparently approaching to

WRECKAGE: Onlookers and policemen stand near the wreckage of a crashed aircraft on the outskirts of New Delhi, on Tuesday. - Reuters

land following a possible technical problem, according to officials from the Air Traffic Control and Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA). Three officers were among the victims, BSF officials said.

The 11-seater plane, inducted into the force in 1995, then smashed through a portion of the boundary wall at the edge of the airport near a railway track and landed in a sewage treatment plant, they said, adding the accident happened at around 9.40am

CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES

India, Pakistan decide to keep communication channels alive at meet

TALKS: Indian Army and Pakistan Army officers during a Flag Meeting at Chakan Da Bagh in Poonch on Tuesday. - PTI

JAMMU: India and Pakistan on Tuesday agreed to exercise restraint and keep alive the communication channels established through reconciliation mechanisms, as senior army officers of the two countries held a Flag Meeting in Poonch sector of the Indian-administered-Kashmir.

A Battalion Commander Level Flag Meeting between India and Pakistan army officers was held at Chakan-Da-Bagh in Poonch district on Tuesday.

“The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere to take forward the confidence building measures initiated during the Brigade Commander Level Flag Meeting in September,” Defence spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said.

He said that the representatives of the two nations deliberated on a host of issues, including

ceasefire violations, return of civilians who cross the border inadvertently, air space violations and construction activity close to the Line of Control.

“In the meeting which lasted for nearly an hour and half, the colonel ranked officers leading the respective delegations acknowledged each other’s efforts in maintaining peace and tranquillity on the Line of Control in the recent past”, Mehta said.

The spokesperson noted that both the sides mutually agreed to the importance of exercising restraint on the Line of Control and keeping the communication alive through established reconciliation mechanism.

“The Flag Meeting ended on a positive note wherein the two sides exchanged pleasantries and sweets at the zero line,” he said. - PTI

K O L K ATA I N T E R NAT I O NA L A I R P O R T

Tarmac bus hits Alliance Air’s stationary plane KOLKATA: An Alliance Air aircraft on Tuesday suffered “extensive” damage after a Jet Airways tarmac bus ferrying its crew rammed into the vacant stationary plane at the international airport here.

No injuries have been reported in the incident which occurred at around 5.25am. Air India subsidiary Alliance Air’s flights to Silchar and Shillong were cancelled as the plane was grounded.

Gross act of negligence While Air India said the incident was a “gross act of negligence”, Jet Airways said that the coach accidentally collided with the stationary aircraft.

According to officials at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport here, the plane was parked at bay 32 and was preparing to leave for Silchar when the driver of the Jet Air-

ways bus lost control of the vehicle and it hit the aircraft near its left wing.

“The aircraft sustained extensive damage on the right engine, right landing gear and also some other parts because of which the flight operations to Silchar and Shillong had to be cancelled.

“AAI (Airports Authority of India), Police, CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) and other authorities have taken serious note of this gross act of negligence and are investigating the incident,” Air India said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Jet Airways said “no one was injured in the collision” and it has started investigation into the incident.

“A coach transporting Jet Airways cabin crew at the Kolkata airport accidentally collided with a stationary aircraft of another airline,” it added. - PTI

amid reports the pilots may not have sent any ‘Mayday’ signal to the ATC. The closest residential settlements were about one km away from the crash site.

Unfortunate “It is unfortunate that all 10 people including the pilots have died in the crash,” Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said.

There were two pilots on board the plane that crashed at Shahbad Mohammadpur village.

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An inquiry has been ordered by Civil Aviation Ministry.

BSF sources said the technicians were on their way to Ranchi to repair a helicopter.

The DG-level talks between India and Bangladesh scheduled on Tuesday in Dhaka were cancelled in the wake of the crash, they said.

The bodies of all the 10 paramilitary personnel have been recovered and sent for post-mortem to Safdarjung Hospital.

A BSF statement said the aircraft was “totally burnt” and the bodies of the pilots and crew were “charred”. The victims were identified as chief pilot and Deputy Commandant Bhagwati Prasad Bhatt of BSF, Rajesh Shivrain, copilot and second-in-command of paramilitary SSB, Deputy Commandant D. Kumar, Inspectors Raghvendra Kumar Yadav and S N Sharma, Sub-Inspectors Ravindra Kumar, Surendra Singh, C. L. Sharma, ASI D. P. Chauhan and Constable K. R. Rawat.

Eyewitnesses said the plane hit

a wall outside the technical area of the airport before bursting into flames and then crashed into a water body.

“We saw a plane spiralling down which crashed near the wall where work was going on. I could spot one body. A labourer who was working was also injured,” an eyewitness Suraj said.

The area was engulfed in dense smoke and fire with pieces of aircraft spread around.

The pilots were very experienced and they had carried VIPs and delegates of the two-day DG/ IG conference held recently in Bhuj, BSF Director General D. K. Pathak said. Before flying out from Palam, the flight was again given an OK by ground technicians and staff, he said.

Several leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the crash.

“Pained by the loss of lives in the BSF plane crash in Delhi. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased,” Modi said.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh briefed the Prime Minister about the mishap and rushed to the crash site. Delhi Fire Service chief A. K. Sharma said 15 tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flames. - PTI

‘ M E N TA L LY D E P R E S S E D ’

Techie attacks parents with sword before being shot KARIMNAGAR: A 26-year-old ‘mentally depressed’ software engineer on Tuesday went on a rampage here as he attacked people on the street with a sword and severely injured as many as six persons, including his parents and two policemen, before being fatally shot by police.

Balvinder Singh resident of Laxmi Nagar locality of Karimnagar town in Andhra Pradesh, was undergoing treatment for mental depression and other psychological problems following his failure in the civil services examination recently, said Deputy Superintendent of Police, J Rama Rao. An employee with a multinational IT firm in Bengaluru, Balvinder was staying with his parents for the past one month and undergoing treatment.

Sensing danger “This morning, he attacked his parents with a sword. Thereafter, he came out on the street and started attacking people aimlessly.

He also attacked two police constables. Sensing the danger, our police inspector (Vijay Sarathi) shot him,” Rama Rao said.

Further inquiries are on into the case, police said. - PTI

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W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015

PAKISTAN Malala, Syrian schoolgirl pledge campaign for refugees’ education The Nobel laureate on Tuesday welcomed

We need to speak about education and how to help children, especially in Syria, because there are more children in Syria without education

the Syrian schoolgirl activist Muzoon Almellehan to her new home in England, nearly two years after they met in a refugee camp in Jordan

Muzoon Almellehan Syrian schoolgirl activist NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (GREAT BRITAIN): Nearly two years after they met in a refugee camp in Jordan, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai on Tuesday welcomed the Syrian schoolgirl activist Muzoon Almellehan to her new home in northern England on Tuesday.

Malala, who moved to Britain in 2012 after being shot in the head in Pakistan by the Taliban for refusing to quit school, won acclaim for her advocacy of women’s right to education.

She became the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Meeting with families in tow at a gleaming public library in the northeast English city of Newcastle, 18-year-old Malala and Muzoon, 17, pledged to campaign together for access to education for Syrian refugee children.

“I hope world leaders promise the future generation that they will not deprive them of their basic human right, which is education,” Malala told Reuters in an interview.

The setting for their reunion was a far cry from the sprawl-

ON A MISSION: Malala Yousefzai, right, and 17-year-old Syrian refugee Muzoon Almellehan speak to journalists at the City Library in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Britain on Tuesday. — Reuters

ing lines of tents comprising the Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees in the Jordanian desert, where the pair first met in early 2014.

Malala now lives in England’s second city, Birmingham, where she was treated after being shot, and Muzoon is among the first Syrians from refugee camps in the Middle East to have come to Britain.

Since the two first met, the number of registered Syrian refugees has doubled to almost 4.4 million people, according to the United

Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHCR).

More than 250,000 people have been killed since the Syrian civil war began in 2011.

“I hope 2016 becomes a year when this war ends and world leaders must try,” Malala said.

Appeals for funding from the world’s governments have fallen far short of targets.

With only days before the end of the year, the UNHCR’s $4.3 billion appeal for Syria in 2015 has raised just $2.2 billion.

UNICEF estimates 2.6 million Syrian children are no longer in school.

Muzoon, often dubbed the “Malala of Syria”, made her name encouraging girls to stay in school, rather than being married off at a young age.

“We need to speak about education and how to help children, especially in Syria, because there are more children in Syria without education,” Muzoon said.

Malala and Muzoon met again in July this year to open a school

for Syrian refugees in Lebanon, and have kept in touch through Skype and email. “(World leaders) need to listen to Muzoon - she has a dream, she wants to become a journalist, she has been away from her home for three or four years, and she wants to go back to her country one day,” Malala said.

Despite being occupied by school exams and plans to attend university in the next couple of years, the pair will be keeping a close eye on an international sum-

mit due to be held in Britain in early February, focused on Syria’s humanitarian crisis.

“This coming generation of Syrians are going to be deprived of their right and it means that country is going to face more problems if its children are uneducated,” Malala said.

Britain said in September it would resettle up to 20,000 Syrian refugees through to 2020.

Germany was the world’s biggest recipient of new asylum claims at 159,000 during the first six months of 2015 alone, according to the UNHCR. Malala expressed hope that Newcastle would welcome Muzoon in the same way Birmingham did for her.

“I call myself a Brummie now,” Malala said, referring to the nickname for residents of Birmingham.

“It’s a lovely society where you can interact with people and feel like you’re just part of it.

I hope Muzoon can have a similar feeling.” — Reuters

H A R B O U R I N G M I L I TA N T S

Zardari aide Dr Asim send to jail by anti-terror court KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court in Karachi on Tuesday sent Pakistan People’s Party leader and close aide of former president Asif Ali Zardari, Dr Asim Hussain, to jail over charges of harbouring militants in Karachi’s Ziauddin hospital.

The court directed the National Accountability Bureau to produce the close confidante of former president Asif Ali Zardari in an accountability court on Wednesday. Further, adjourning the case till December 30, the ATC also ordered that copies of all prosecution documents, including statements of witnesses, be handed over.

Re-arrest ordered On Monday, the court rejected the police investigation report clearing the former minister of terrorism charges and ordered his re-arrest for a trial in an antiterrorism court (ATC).

Sindh High Court’s Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto, who oversees the ATCs, discarded the report observing there was sufficient evidence against Dr Asim.

IN THE DOCK: Anti-terrorism court has ordered National Accountability Bureau to produce the accused in an accountability court on Wednesday as per the requirement of law. — AFP

He then ordered the suspect to be presented before the ATC-II for initiating the trial today.

Dr Asim, chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission and a friend of former president Asif Ali Zardari, is facing charges of abetting and harbouring terrorists at his family-owned hospitals in Karachi.

After spending 90 days in the custody of paramilitary Rangers, who detained him on August 26, he was handed over to the Karachi police for further interrogation.

The police, however, relieved him of the charges and got him released, sparking a tussle between the federal and provincial governments. — Express Tribune

A N T I - PA K I S TA N S P E E C H E S

Non-bailable warrants issued for Altaf, 20 other MQM leaders KARACHI: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain and 20 other senior party leaders for delivering and facilitating antiPakistan speeches.

The leaders were accused of delivering and facilitating antiPakistan speeches as well as inciting violence. The MQM leaders had attended a public gathering and listened to Altaf Hussain’s outburst against security agencies on July 12 this year.

Farooq Sattar, Wasim Akhtar,

MQM parliamentary leader in Sindh Assembly Khawaja Izharul Hasan, Khushbakht Shujaat, Rasheed Godil and Qamar Mansoor are among other senior party leaders against who warrants have been issued.

The ATC also directed that the accused be arrested and produced before the court on January 2.

Earlier in September, the ATC had issued non-bailable arrest warrants for MQM chief Altaf Hussain in the criminal intimidation case registered on the complaint of Colonel Tahir Mehmood of Sindh Rangers. In the

FIR, Col Mehmood — who led the paramilitary force in the March 11 predawn raid at Nine Zero, the MQM headquarters in Karachi – maintained that Altaf in a television talk show threatened the officers who were part of the raiding team.

Several cases were registered in courts across the country under sections pertaining to terrorism and criminal intimidation over the MQM chief’s July 12 speech, in which he allegedly used deprecating language against the security forces and Rangers. — Express Tribune

WE DNE SDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

SUICIDE BOMBING

New York City detective among six Americans killed in blast in Afghanistan NEW YORK: A New York City police detective volunteering for his third deployment to war zones was mourned on Tuesday, a day after he and five other Americans were killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan near Bagram air base.

“Detective Joseph Lemm epitomized the selflessness we can only strive for: putting his country and city first,” New York Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said in a statement.

Six American troops, including Lemm, a 15-year veteran of the NYPD who also volunteered in the US Air National Guard, were killed on Monday when a suicide bomber on a motorbike struck their patrol in the deadliest attack on US forces this year.

Bagram, around 40km north of Kabul, is one of the main bases for the 9,800 US troops left in Afghanistan after international troops ended combat operations last year.

Mayor Bill de Blasio sent his condolences early Tuesday to Lemm’s wife and two children, saying in a statement they were among so many American families this holiday season “who have an empty chair at the dinner table because one of their loved ones went off to defend our country and never came back.”

Lemm was deployed twice to Afghanistan and once to Iraq, Bratton said.

The Taliban, which claimed responsibility for the strike, remains resilient 14 years after the start of US military engagement in Afghanistan. - Reuters

Thousands of workers were using sensors, drones and earth excavators at disaster site, trying to reach possible survivors trapped under mud up to 10 metres deep

SHENZHEN (China): Chinese authorities raided the offices of a company managing the dump site where a killer landslide left 76 people missing, while government records showed the firm was not qualified to do the job.

A Reuters reporter saw police at two premises of Shenzhen Yixianglong Investment Development on Tuesday and no sign of employees. At least one body has been recovered from the rubble after a giant deluge of mud and construction waste from the overfull dump site buried 33 buildings at an industrial park in the southern boomtown of Shenzhen on Sunday.

Thousands of workers were using sensors, drones and earth excavators at the 380,000-sq m (94-acre) disaster site, trying to reach possible survivors trapped

China’s court convicts human rights lawyer for ‘inciting ethnic hatred’

SUSPENDED SENTENCE: China’s rights lawyer Pu Zhiqiang, left, speaks at a court session in Beijing in this still image from a December 14, 2015 video. - Reuters/CCTV via Reuters TV

Under formal probation The charges were based on seven microblog posts that he had published online, criticising China’s ethnic policy in the troubled western region of Xinjiang and several officials, according to his lawyers. Pu, 50, was sentenced to three years in prison but given a three-year reprieve, said lawyer Shang Baojun.

The suspended sentence means Pu does not have to serve

ASIA

Chinese police raid offices of firm managing dump site

CLAMPDOWN ON DISSENT

BEIJING: A court convicted one of China’s most prominent rights lawyers on Tuesday of “inciting ethnic hatred” with posts criticising the government, handing down a suspended sentence that means he avoids jail but will not practise law again.

Activists said the three-year suspended sentence for Pu Zhiqiang would serve as a strong reminder to other rights lawyers that the Communist Party, currently engaged in a severe clampdown on dissent, would brook no challenge to its rule.

The Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court said Pu was being punished on the charges of inciting ethnic hatred and “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”, state television CCTV said on its microblog.

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prison time as long as he stays under formal probation during that period, legal experts said.

Pu was released into “residential surveillance” — a form of detention in China that is used to keep dissidents in sites away from the public eye — where he will remain for 10 days before being allowed to go back to his home in Beijing, said Mo Shaoping, a second lawyer for Pu. Mo said Pu was allowed to be with his wife but declined to disclose Pu’s exact location.

Pu has represented many wellknown dissidents, including artist Ai Weiwei and activists of the “New Citizens’ Movement”, a group that has called on Chinese leaders to make their wealth public. He was the most prominent activist swept up in what rights groups say is the most severe clampdown on dissent in two decades in China.

“Pu isn’t guilty,” Ai told Reuters from Italy by telephone. “He should receive an apology from the state and compensation.”

Pu had spent nearly 19 months in detention before his trial last week, which lasted just over three hours. His lawyers said he could have faced eight years in prison.

Shang said Pu was relieved and would not appeal. - Reuters

RESCUE OPERATION: Rescue workers work nearby a damaged house in the industrial park hit by a landslide in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China on Tuesday. - Reuters

under mud up to 10 metres (33 feet) deep. Overnight, the area was lit up with floodlights to allow uninterrupted rescue operations.

It was the second major manmade disaster in China in four months — in August, at least 160 people were killed in massive chemical blasts in the northern port city of Tianjin.

With growing worries about China’s industrial safety standards and lack of oversight, Premier Li Keqiang ordered an investigation within hours into the mudslide in Shenzhen, a town that has boomed with the breakneck growth in the world’s second-largest economy.

A central government meeting in Beijing overseen by President Xi Jinping that ended on Tuesday said safety should be the “first priority” in China’s city development and management, Xin-

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

hua news agency said.

“Safety awareness should permeate every aspect of urban work,” it said.

Government records show that a company called Shenzhen Luwei Property Management won the right to manage the dump site within the Hengtaiyu industrial park in Shenzhen’s Guangming New District in 2013.

But a company official said the rights were sold to another firm, Shenzhen Yixianglong Investment Development, for 750,000 yuan ($115,766), before even winning the bid.

“They sought us out and contacted us first,” said the employee,

who said her name was Liu. However, Yixianglong’s business description registered with the government does not include logistics management as one of its areas of operation. This was a pre-requirement to bid for managing the site, according to bid documents.

A contract document between Luwei and Yixianglong, obtained

by Reuters, showed that Yixianglong agreed to assume responsibility in the event of an accident.

Calls to Yixianglong went unanswered.

Shenzhen police declined to comment. The Shenzhen government did not respond to a request for comment.

At Yixianglong’s registered office, an apartment in a Shenzhen residential suburb, a Reuters reporter saw police taking pictures inside the room but was quickly warned away.

Officers were also in the hallway and an adjacent apartment where some of them were standing over a woman crouching over the floor with her head in her hands.

It was not clear if the woman was linked to the company in any way or had been arrested.

Police told the reporter to leave the building, and that the company had already moved.

“This does not concern you,” one of the officers told Reuters.

A separate office on the ground floor of the building bearing the company’s name was empty and locked, with wilted plants inside.

At a second site for the company, an office building in an industrial estate, police in the lobby prevented a Reuters reporter from going upstairs. There were no signs of any employees.

The government had warned the dump site, which was supposed to be temporary, was unsafe. In July, the Guangming New District City Management Bureau said on its website it had asked the management company to clarify who was in charge of designing the dump.

In September, it said the site was not supposed to take any more waste and that guards were to be posted to prevent illegal dumping of mud. Residents have told Reuters that waste continued to be dumped at the site.

“It was definitely dangerous,” said Jiang Xuemin who lived and worked inside the industrial park.

“Every day there were trucks moving mud, every day there were hundreds of them, truck after truck after truck,” she said. “They were always there, blocking the roads, so many of them.” - Reuters

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READERS’ FORUM Heftier penalties will ensure hygiene at restaurants This refers to the news report, Call to raise food safety standards at restaurants in Oman, (December 21). It is the absence of frequent inspections of safety standards at hotels and restaurants that has possibly led the owners of these establishments to compromise on the basic requirements. In general, consumers have a certain confidence level on the food safety standards maintained at the outlets in the country. However, reports like this will put them on alert and they may refrain from visiting such places again. As safety and hygiene are very important for Scan this QR code restaurants to retain their prestige, they to send letters to the must never compromise on these. Hygiene Readers’ Forum, is one of the critical areas to focus on and containing not more than 200 words with it is the responsibility of restaurant ownfull name, address ers to maintain this at all times. There are and telephone a number of aspects to be checked during number, may be sent the routine inspections; for example, the by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, quality of food being served, utensils beP.C. 112, Ruwi). ing used to prepare the food, and also the heath conditions of staff working in hotels and restaurants. As this is a country with a pleasant society with a thriving tourism industry, it is highly important to maintain safety and hygiene standards at the hotels and restaurants. An improved inspection process with heftier penalties would help stop the violations.

— Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

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Just banning Blatter won’t clean up football

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he ethics committee of soccer’s global body brought down the hammer on president Sepp Blatter, banning him for eight years for making a $2 million payment that looked an awful lot like a bribe. But don’t expect Blatter to go gently into the night, if his post-suspension press conference is any indication.

After the ban was announced Monday morning, Blatter gave a blustery press conference in which he vowed to fight the penalty. Showing not an ounce of contrition, Blatter went on a bizarre rant in which he compared himself to Nelson Mandela and likening the investigation to the Spanish Inquisition. “I’m really sorry,” he said -- but not for abusing his power or for overseeing decades of corruption and bribery schemes. He’s sorry “that I am still somewhere a punching ball. ... I’m sorry for FIFA. I’m sorry for football. I’m also sorry about me. How I am treated in this world.” As if that didn’t make him enough of a cartoon villain, he concluded by promising, “I’ll be back.”

The committee banned European soccer federation president Michel Platini for eight years as well, over a 2011 payment of $2 million that Blatter approved to Platini. The so-called “disloyal payment” -- one that works against the interests of the association -- represented a conflict of interest and abuse of power. Platini had refused to cooperate with the ethics hearings, saying they’re politically motivated, a pretext for his likely appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport.

Blatter insisted at the press conference that the investigation and punishment were nothing more than sour grapes by U.S. over not being selected to host the global tournament. “If we had awarded the World Cup in 2022 to the USA, we would not be here,” he said. (When it was pointed out to him that most of the ethics committee members are Europeans with no ties to the U.S., he claimed that someone “inside FIFA” has an agenda against him and Platini.)

Since May, the U.S. and Switzerland have conducted joint probes into widespread cor-

ruption at FIFA, centered around the controversial awarding of the 2018 tournament to Russia and the 2022 tournament to Qatar.

It’s alleged that Russian and Qatari soccer officials orchestrated a system of bribery in order to secure their successful host bids.

But the U.S. has more at stake in weeding out FIFA corruption than supposedly exacting revenge -- namely, exposing the American banks and media companies believed to have played an enormous role in the machinations. Swiss authorities, meanwhile, have identified at least 53 transactions at Swiss banks thought to be money laundering.

Neither Blatter’s nor Platini’s appeals are expected to succeed, meaning both these men will likely end their long soccer careers in disgrace. The judgment will have an immediate impact on the search for Blatter’s replacement. Platini had been seen as a favorite to succeed Blatter, but if his ban is upheld, he can’t enter February’s election.

Blatter, meanwhile, reportedly wants to fight the ban in part so he can be named an honorary president, which would permanently entrench him in FIFA’s power structure, running completely counter to the objective of having him step down in the first place.

This is an enormous step in ending corruption that has plagued the sport for decades, but given how deep the web of bribery runs, it certainly doesn’t end with these two men.

The next shoe to drop could come from the Swiss investigation into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding processes. Authorities have zeroed in on 133 instances of “suspicious financial activity.” Platini was a major champion for Qatar’s bid for the 2022 tournament; after he cast his vote, his son was given a job at Qatar Sports Investment, an arm of the Qatari government.

And now, amid allegations of corruption, the Royal Dutch Football Association is investigating the failed joint bid between the Netherlands and Belgium for the 2018 World Cup. The FIFA probe seems to have been focused on Blatter and Platini and Russia and Qatar, but the deeper investigators go, the clearer it becomes that soccer corruption knows no borders. - Bloomberg News

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES DECEMBER 2000 Auto dealers say they offer best deal to customers MUSCAT: The automobile dealers in the Sultanate claim to be doing their best to offer the best deal to the customers.

Though the prices had already touched rock bottom much before the duty cut or even before the Ramadan sales commenced, the general lull in the market has forced the dealers to compromise on the prices further, they said. There are several factors which have come into play against the automobile sales during the whole of last year.

PICTOGRAPH GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN THE SULTANATE (2014)

15% Dhofar 13% Muscat 12% Al Dakhliyah 12% North Sharqiyah

TODAY IN HISTORY

10% South Batinah

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10% North Batinah

1919: Great Britain institutes a new constitution for India.

8% South Sharqiyah

1940: Chiang Kai-shek dissolves all Communist associations in China.

6% Musandam

1974: The B-1 bomber makes its first successful test flight.

4% Al Dhahirah 4% Al Buraimi

2002: An Iraqi MiG-25 shoots down a US MQ-1 Predator drone.

6% Al Wusta

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information

WE DNE SDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

WORLD

The US Fish & Wildlife Service listed lions found mostly in West and Central Africa as “endangered” and lions in eastern and southern Africa as “threatened” and said it would withhold permits from violators.

Apple warns against plan to extend online surveillance The iPhone maker says British proposal would weaken encryption as Microsoft also calls for co-ordinated international approach

LONDON: Apple has warned that a British plan to give intelligence agencies extra online surveillance powers could weaken the security of personal data for millions of people and paralyse the tech sector.

Britain unveiled proposals for new online powers last month that it said were needed to keep the country safe from criminals, fraudsters and militants, including the right to find out which websites people visit.

Assault Critics however say the Investigatory Powers Bill gives British spies authority beyond those available in other Western countries, including the United States, and that it constitutes an assault on personal freedom.

“We believe it is wrong to weaken security for hundreds of millions of law-abiding customers so

CONCERNS: A customer enters the new Apple store, which is the world’s largest, on its opening day at Covent Garden in London in this August 7, 2010 file photo. Apple said in its submission an attempt to force non-UK companies to take action that violated the laws of their own countries ‘would immobilise substantial portions of the tech sector and spark international conflicts’. – Reuters Files

that it will also be weaker for the very few who pose a threat,” the iPhone maker said. Apple submitted its response to a British parliamentary committee that is scrutinising the new bill in the latest clash between Western governments seeking to monitor the threat from militants and online companies working to maintain security.

Apple said the draft laws could

weaken data encryption, sanction interference with its products, force non-UK companies to break the laws of their home countries, and spark similar legislation in other countries that could paralyse firms under the weight of dozens of contradictory laws.

Lending support to Apple’s view, Microsoft also said an international approach would keep people more secure than com-

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peting measures from different countries. “The legislation must avoid conflicts with the laws of other nations and contribute to a system where likeminded governments work together, not in competition, to keep people more secure,” a spokeswoman said.

Apple said in its submission an attempt to force non-UK companies to take action that violated the laws of their own countries

“would immobilise substantial portions of the tech sector and spark international conflicts”.

The British government, which failed with a previous attempt to increase online surveillance dubbed the “snoopers’ charter”, has said the proposals will not ban encryption or do anything to undermine the security of people’s data. But Apple said proposals in the new bill would weaken encryption, such as the explicit obligation on service providers to help intercept data and hack suspects’ devices.

The California-based company, which uses end-to-end encryption on its FaceTime and iMessage services, said the best way to protect against increasingly sophisticated hacking schemes and cyber attacks was by putting into place increasingly stronger -- not weaker -- encryption.

“In this rapidly evolving cyberthreat environment, companies should remain free to implement strong encryption to protect customers,” it said.

As well as being able to carry out bulk interception of communications data, the bill would also allow the security services to perform “equipment interference”, whereby spies take over computers or smartphones to access their data. In its submission to the draft bill, Apple criticised any such requirement to create “backdoors” that could weaken the protections built into Apple products.

“A key left under the doormat would not just be there for the good guys,” it said. “The bad guys would find it too.” — Reuters

TRAGEDY IN SEA

Two survivors of Indonesian ferry found, 74 still missing JAKARTA: Two survivors were pulled from the sea in eastern Indonesia on Tuesday, three days after a ferry they were on sank in stormy waters, but a senior rescue official said he held out little hope for 74 other passengers still missing.

One of those found alive was the captain of the ship, which had 118 on board when it ran into trouble and went down on Saturday in the Gulf of Bone off Sulawesi island.

“His physical condition is weak,” Alamsyah, chief of the Disaster Mitigation Agency in the island’s Wajo regency told Reuters. “They are setting up tight security around him, and he will be interviewed later for investigation purposes.”

Forty-one people have now been found alive by rescuers in helicopters, fishing vessels and rubber dinghies, and three people have been declared dead. “We will continue searching until the seventh day,” Alamsyah said. “Considering that they have been out there for three times 24 hours, I am a little bit pessimistic, but we have found two more people alive today, so I am praying for these 74 people.”

One survivor, a woman who gave her name only as Bertha, told the TvOne news channel that passengers had heard a crashing sound, then the ferry jolted and water gushed in as it listed. She and her family members were tossed off the ship and into the sea where they were separated by towering waves.

“The wave was very big, like a mountain approaching, as big as a house,” said the woman, whose grandson survived with her but three of her family were still missing. — Reuters

S PAC E F L I G H T F I R S T

In a pivotal space feat, SpaceX Falcon rocket lands safely

SUCCESSFUL UPRIGHT LAUNCH: This image obtained courtesy of SpaceX shows the first-stage successful upright launch and landing of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Monday, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. – AFP/SpaceX

CAPE CANAVERAL: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Florida on Monday with a payload of communications satellites before the reusable main-stage booster turned around, soared back to Cape Canaveral and landed safely near its launch pad in a dramatic spaceflight first.

The successful mission, capped by delivery of all 11 satellites to orbit for launch customer ORBCOMM Inc, unfolded in just over 30 minutes and marked a pivotal reversal of fortunes for privately owned Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, founded by high-tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. It was the first flight for his California-based company since a rocket failure in June that destroyed a cargo ship being carried on a resupply mission bound for the International Space Station.

The upgraded, 23-story-tall Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 8:29 p.m. EST/0129 GMT, with the nine-engine suborbital main stage returning 10 minutes later to a landing site about 6 miles south

ENDANGERED SPECIES

US wildlife agency providing legal protection to African lions DAKAR: A US agency on Monday listed two lion subspecies under the Endangered Species Act, offering them legal protection that will make it harder for hunters to import trophies into the country.

The US Fish & Wildlife Service listed lions found mostly in West and Central Africa as “endangered” and lions in eastern and southern Africa as “threatened” and said it would withhold permits from violators.

The measures, enacted under the world’s most powerful animal protection law, will take effect in January 2016. They follow the extension of protection to African elephants and cheetahs. The two groups of lions covered by the listing once roamed the continent in the tens of thousands but populations have been decimated by loss of prey and habitat and killings by hunters, including many from local communities.

Several African countries such as Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso still allow tourists to hunt their lions, saying it provides an important source of revenue and helps

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support conservation. But many condemn trophy hunting and contest its benefits. American dentist Walter Palmer sparked intense global controversy in July when he killed a rare black-maned lion named Cecil in Zimbabwe.

Hunters like Palmer regularly import salt-packed skulls and skins of lions into the United States. The US Fish & Wildlife Service said at the time it was deeply concerned about the killing, which prompted a group of Democrats to press the agency for the listing, initially proposed by petition in 2011.

On Monday, a spokesperson for the agency denied that the new measures were linked to Cecil’s killing, which is being investigated separately. Conservationists said the listing was significant since Americans make up around

two-thirds of trophy hunters.

“The hunting industry says all the time that trophy hunting helps conservation. Now they are being asked to prove it,” said Luke Hunter, president of Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organisation.

Under the new measures, imports of a rare subspecies found in west and central Africa and in smaller numbers in India will “generally be prohibited,” the agency said, except where licencees can show they enhance the survival of the species. Only around 1,400 of this type of lion remain and conservationists have warned it is threatened with extinction. Permits are required for lions found elsewhere on the continent and only from countries “with established conservation programs and well-managed lion populations”, the agency said.

Apart from the Endangered Species Act, hunters are barred under America’s Lacey Act from importing wildlife or parts of animals that have been illegally killed, transported or sold. — Reuters

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of its launch pad. The upper-stage booster continued its ascent to Earth orbit with its payload.

Musk has said the ability to return his rockets to Earth so they can be refurbished and reflown would slash his company’s operational costs in the burgeoning and highly competitive private space launch industry. SpaceX employees erupted in jubilation as they watched live video footage of the 156-foot-tall white first-stage booster slowly descending upright through a damp, darkened night sky amid a glowing orange ball of light to make a picture-perfect landing.

“Welcome back, baby!” Musk wrote in a celebratory Twitter message he posted. Rival company Blue Origin, a space startup founded by Amazon.com Chief Executive Jeff Bezos, nailed a similar return rocket landing test last

month. In a seemingly back-handed compliment to SpaceX, Bezos tweeted a message of congratulations to Musk’s company, saying: “Welcome to the club!”

But the SpaceX feat, which the company had characterized before launch as a “secondary test objective,” was achieved during an actual commercial mission.

Minutes after blast-off, the Falcon 9’s first-stage rocket separated from its upper-stage booster, which continued on into orbit to release ORBCOMM’s satellites about 500 miles (800 km) above the Earth. Monday’s deployment completed a $200 million 17-satellite network that will provide machine-to-machine messaging services on the ground - such as between retailers and shipping containers. After separation from its upper stage, the Falcon rocket’s main stage turned around and fired a series of engine burns as the vehicle flew back to Earth, unfurled its landing legs and settled gently onto a newly revamped landing pad occupying a decommissioned missile site. SpaceX,

which has more than 60 launch missions pending collectively worth about $8 billion, previously experimented unsuccessfully with attempts to land its rockets on a platform in the ocean.

The Hawthorne, Californiabased company was founded in 2002 by Musk, who also serves as chief executive of Tesla Motors Inc, the electric car maker.

Before Monday, SpaceX had been grounded since June 28, when a Falcon 9 rocket exploded shortly after launch during a space station cargo run for NASA. Investigators traced the problem to a faulty support beam that held a bottle of helium inside the rocket’s upper-stage liquid oxygen tank. When the strut broke, helium flooded into the tank, causing it to over-pressurize and then explode.

SpaceX switched to a new supplier for the steel struts and upgraded its testing program, Musk later told reporters. The Falcon rocket launched on Monday also included a more powerful firststage engine and a beefed-up landing system. — Reuters

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tens of thousands of the HDP, told a news conference the campaign was targeting locals who were presented as ‘terrorists’.

“We stand by our people who resist the tanks and shelling,” he said before leaving for Moscow on a visit criticised by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

Turkey and Russia have been at odds since Ankara downed a Russian jet last month saying it violated its airspace.

of people to leave their homes in Sur, a historical district of the region’s largest city Diyarbakir under curfew for three weeks, CNN Turk said citing a report prepared by the opposition party

DIYARBAKIR (TURKEY): Turkish tanks on Tuesday pounded Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) targets in Cizre, a southeastern town at the heart of a large-scale military operation by the government which the army said has killed 127 Kurdish militants in a week.

Black smoke rose from buildings in the town after shelling from hilltops, Reuters TV footage showed, and the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) said at least 23 civilians had been killed. The fighting forced tens of ONSLAUGHT: Riot police use a water cannon to disperse Kurdish demonstrators during a protest against the curfew in Sur district, in the thousands of people to leave their southeastern city of Diyarbakir, Turkey, on Tuesday. — Reuters homes in Sur, a historical district of the region’s largest city Diyarbakir under curfew for three weeks, troops, as President Tayyip Erdog- have shown Turkish troops pa- has afflicted the mainly Kurd- Union. Traditionally rooted in the trolling in rubble-strewn streets ish southeast for three decades, countryside, it has shifted its focus CNN Turk said citing a report pre- an pledged to root out militants.

The southeastern towns of Ciz- among buildings riddled by bul- killing more than 40,000 people. in recent years to southeastern pared by the opposition party.

Turkish security forces re and Silopi, bordering Iraq and let holes. A two-year ceasefire The PKK, which launched its in- towns, setting up barricades and launched a new offensive in the Syria, have been the focus of the between the PKK and Ankara fell surgency in 1984, is designated digging trenches to keep security apart in July, shattering peace as a terrorist group by Turkey, the forces away. mainly Kurdish region last week, military campaign.

Selahattin Demirtas, co-leader Images on state media from Sur talks and reviving a conflict that United States and the European backed by tanks and thousands of C I V I L WA R

FORMER TYCOON

Russian police raids offices of Kremlin critic MOSCOW: Armed Russian police on Tuesday raided the offices of a pro-democracy movement founded by outspoken Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a move they said was part of a criminal investigation into the former tycoon and his associates.

Khodorkovsky, whom police accused this month of organising a contract killing in 1998, interpreted the latest pressure on him as payback for his criticism of President Vladimir Putin.

“Searches at the Open Russia (movement) after my meeting with journalists,” the 52-year-old wrote on his official Twitter feed.

“A repeat of 2003. Putin has become predictable.”

Khodorkovsky’s Open Russia movement, which says it unites groups and individuals who want Russia to change, said police had also searched some of its staff members’ apartments in Moscow and St Petersburg and taken away documents.

Khodorkovsky has criticised the Kremlin repeatedly in recent months, accusing Putin of leading Russia into a 1970s Soviet-style period of stagnation that could eventually trigger its collapse.

Putin freed Khodorkovsky, once Russia’s richest man, in 2013 after he had spent a decade in jail for fraud, a charge that Khodorkovsky said had been fabricated to punish him for funding political opposition to Putin.

The president has said he regards the businessman as a common thief.

Russia’s Investigative Committee said Tuesday’s raids were part of a criminal investigation into the former shareholders and management of Yukos, the now defunct oil major that Khodorkovsky ran until he was arrested at gunpoint in 2003.

Investigators said the latest case centred on allegations of oil theft and money laundering, and was related to a legal standoff between the Russian government and former Yukos shareholders.

An international arbitration court ruled last year that Russia must pay $50 billion to the firm’s former shareholders for expropriating its assets.

Under curfew Many towns were under curfew and electricity was cut in many Silopi districts as transformers were damaged.

Food and water was running scarce in some Diyarbakir districts, while shopkeepers kept shutters closed in protest at operations, residents said.

Ferhat Encu, an HDP lawmaker for Sirnak, said on Twitter that the bodies of those killed in clashes in Silopi were being kept in houses due to the curfew.

Extremist Kurdish party HudaPar, usually sympathetic to the ruling AK Party, said security forces were taking position inside civilian houses including two party members, against the residents’ will, therefore making them a target.

“Due to the curfew our members and their families can not leave their house and move to safer place and therefore have become targets for bullets,” a party statement said.

It added that entering people’s homes by force, whether by the state or the PKK, was trespassing and ‘unacceptable’.

On Tuesday, one Turkish soldier was killed in clashes in Bitlis, the army said, in an operation that killed two PKK militants. — Reuters

Mikhail Khodorkovsky

Searches at the Open Russia (movement) after my meeting with journalists. A repeat of 2003. Putin has become predictable, Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsk wrote on his official Twitter feed

The shareholders began to seize bank accounts and properties in Paris and other parts of France belonging to the Russian Federation in June this year.

A French court last week rejected Russia’s request to suspend the seizures.

The Investigative Committee said Tuesday’s action was part of an exercise to check whether the shareholders had acquired Yukos shares legally in the first place.

Khodorkovsky, who spends much of his time in London, likened the raids to repression in the Soviet era.

“The decay had entered its final stage,” Khodorkovsky told the Ekho Moskvy radio station.”We are all familiar with this from the time of (Soviet leader Leonid) Brezhnev.”

Earlier this month, Russian police said they had uncovered evidence suggesting Khodorkovsky had ordered the 1998 contract killing of the mayor of an oil town in Siberia.

Khodorkovsky denies any involvement. — Reuters

UN says Syria talks planned towards January-end; China seeks to mediate GENEVA/BEIJING: The United Nations envoy on Syria, Staffan de Mistura, plans to convene peace talks in Geneva in about a month’s time, a senior UN official said on Tuesday.

On Friday the UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution endorsing an international road map for a Syria peace process, a rare display of unity among global powers on a conflict that has killed more than 250,000 people.

“The intention is that (de Mistura) starts some time towards the end of January,” Michael Moller, head of the UN’s Geneva office, told a news conference, adding that he hoped there would be more clarity in the first half of next month.

“Mr De Mistura is, as you know, basically living on a plane these days.

Every day, evolutions in how things are being planned and being perceived by the different parties make it very hard to give you some idea of how this is going to evolve.”

Inclusive government The United Nations has said the talks aim to establish “credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance” in Syria and to draft a new constitution in the country now in its fifth year of civil war.

Friday’s resolution gives a UN blessing to a plan negotiated earlier in Vienna that calls for a ceasefire, talks between the Syrian government and opposition, and a roughly two-year timeline to create a unity government and hold elections.

The United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran and other countries meeting in Vienna asked De Mistura to set up the Syria talks in Geneva, while promising they would try to engineer a nationwide ceasefire into force as soon as the talks begin.

But the obstacles to ending the war remain daunting, with no side in the conflict able to secure a clear military victory.

Bitterly divided Despite their agreement at the United Nations, the major powers are bitterly divided on who may represent the opposition as well as on the future of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.

The Security Council also called

CONFLICT ZONE: Syrian government forces monitor an area near the village of Khan Tuman, south from the provincial capital Aleppo, on Tuesday, two days after army units and other pro-regime forces recaptured several areas in the north of the country from extremist forces, including Al Qaeda’s Syrian branch, Al Nusra Front and Ahrar Al Sham brigade. — AFP

will meet his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a daily news briefing.

Wang over the weekend invited Syrian government and opposition figures to come to China as Beijing looks to ways to help with the peace process.

LIVING IN FEAR: Syrian government forces patrol Sadad, a majority Syriac Orthodox Christian ancient town, on December 18, 2015.

Sadad is in the sights of the IS extremist group which already controls several towns and villages in Homs province, including the famed city of Palmyra, home to ancient ruins that the group has systematically destroyed. — AFP

on UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon to draw up options within a month for monitoring a ceasefire in Syria.

It is the second time since Syria’s conflict broke out with mass street protests in March 2011 that the council backed a plan for peace talks and a truce.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Syria’s foreign minister will visit China this week.

Moualem to visit China Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al Moualem will be in China from December 23 to December 26 and

Downing of Russian jet Hong said China hoped for more international cooperation in fighting terrorism to avoid incidents like the downing of a Russian fighter jet.

“The downing of the jet is a loss to the international effort to fight terrorism,” Hong said.

On the ground in Syria, IS extremist militants shelled a school district in eastern Syria on Tuesday, killing at least nine students and wounding around 20 other people, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.

Syrian state media said nine girls had been killed and said “shells fired by terrorists” had hit the government-held area in Deir Al Zor city, the capital of the province of the same name, which is mostly held by IS. — Reuters

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Muscat 5,418.00 + 13.76 + 0.25%

Dubai 3,147.08 + 45.89 + 1.48%

Abu Dhabi 4,200.43 + 9.18 + 0.22%

Kuwait 5,624.68 + 11.02 + 0.20%

Saudi Arabia

7,019.49 + 89.37 + 1.29%

Bahrain 1,189.53 - 0.25 - 0.02%

Qatar 9,942.01 + 36.01 + 0.36%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

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GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.35 Pound ............................................1.73 Indian Rs .............................. 171.53 Pak Rs .................................... 267.81 Bangla Taka......................200.28

Indian Rs ...................................172.00 Pakistan Rs ............................. 271.50 Sri Lanka Rs ...........................370.50 Bangla Taka...........................204.00 Phil Peso ................................... 122.40

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......13.85

Oman Crude............. (Spot) .........$32.19 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) .........$31.94 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$33.46 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........ $30.77 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$36.50

* Rates as of Dec. 22 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

* Rates are as of Dec. 22 Source: Bank Muscat

West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$36.00

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.40 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............128.50 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 121.50 * Rates as of Dec. 22 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Oman’s oil output to drop in 2016 ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com

Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, said the Sultanate is ready to support Opec in cutting production if it sees ‘credible’ actions first

MUSCAT: Oman’s oil production is expected to drop slightly next year, according to a senior official, who said the Sultanate is ready to support the oil group Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) in cutting production if it sees ‘credible’ actions first.

“Production may go down a little bit in 2016, compared to what we have this year. But it is not because of the activities alone,” Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, told reporters on Tuesday.

“We do have some planned activities that will actually take some production away. We are focusing

more on activities that have as little impact as possible on production, including one or two rigs that we have decided to shelve. Their impact on production in 2016 will be minimal,” he said on the sidelines of an event held at the ministry to announce the launch of the first made-in-Oman wireline unit.

Capital expenditure Al Aufi was also asked about Oman’s view on the comments made by some officials at Opec, who said the organisation may decide to cut production if non-Opec members cooperate.

“We would be more than happy to support, but we need to see credible actions first, not just talk,” Al Aufi replied.

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Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi – File picture

Asked if capital expenditure will be cut for 2016 in light of the decline in oil prices, the official said, “We have already planned in terms of what activities will be executed

in 2016. We have reduced the budget to a large extent to the things that we think are very critical and are important for execution.”

“The only thing that probably remains for the companies to do is to go back and revise their own activities and make sure they become a little bit more efficient.

But in terms of cutting activities, I think we have already gone past that bridge,” he noted.

“We are not cutting any additional activities because the consequences of cutting more activities are severe. It will impact production, it will impact employment, it will impact the cash flow of service companies of the contracting community, and then it will have a ripple effect that we may not be able

to recover from,” Al Aufi added.

“So we are being very cautious that we do not… paralyse the industry to the extent that we cannot pick it up again,” he stated.

Break-even Asked what the break-even cost of production for Oman would be, the undersecretary said, “We can go down to as low as it takes. It does not matter because…. ‘shutting in’ is going to cost us more money because you still need to pay for maintenance; you still need to pay for employment and so on.”

“So, we are not planning to shut in. It does not matter what the price is. We need to continue at least selling enough to pay for all the activities,” he added. >B4

B2

W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015

MARKET AUTOMOTIVE

Rolls-Royce launches new car ‘Wraith’ in Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the arrival of the Wraith ‘Inspired by Music’ in Oman through Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, the sole authorised dealers in the Sultanate.

Since the launch of Wraith in 2013, customers have been able to commission their Rolls-Royce Wraith with Bespoke audio; the most exhaustively designed sound system in automotive history. Like every element of a Rolls-Royce motor car, its construction blends the finest components with the skill of the most eminent experts in their field.

Now, with Wraith ‘Inspired by Music’, these characteristics, and the precious materials used in the Bespoke audio system, are brought to the fore, creating ‘exclusive mu-

sic venue’ that delivers an unrivalled aural experience.

“Wraith ‘Inspired by Music’ appeals to those looking to RollsRoyce for unique and creative motor cars. Its effortlessly cool appearance complements the superior Bespoke Audio system; the contemporary use of copper creates an atmospheric setting for the most encompassing music system on the market,” commented Torsten Müller Ötvös, chief executive officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

A lyrical copper exterior paint finish, presented with a blend of brushed and polished textures elegantly hints at the use of copper in only the best audio systems. On opening the car’s coach-doors, attention is drawn to re-imagined speaker grilles, here presented in copper theme, and engraved with the words ‘Bespoke Audio’.

example, the chaplets on the clock have been designed and meticulously crafted with a combination of warming copper and silver, whilst the radial lines of the outer bezel playfully emulate the look and feel of vinyl records.

The door panniers and floor mats have been crafted from finely-woven leather to add an additional depth of tactility to the car’s interior cabin. Copper-coloured door inserts, which start at the front of the cabin before tapering at the rear, have been included in the design to emphasise Wraith’s internal curves.

MINING

Australia clears port expansion to support mega mining projects MELBOURNE: Australia on Tuesday approved a controversial coal port expansion to support projects, like Indian mining giant Adani’s $6.5 billion Carmichael mine in Central Queensland, despite opposition from green groups which claim it will impact the fragile Great Barrier Reef.

The Abbot Point port involves dredging 1.1 million cubic metres of spoil near the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which will then be disposed off on land.

The approval lists a number of strict conditions that the project must fulfil before going ahead, including how and where the sediment can be moved.

The decision comes two months after the government approved Adani’s plan to build one of the world’s biggest mines.

Abbot Point is located about 25 kilometres north of Bowen on the

north Queensland coast, about 400 kilometres from the vast coal reserves of the Galilee Basin. The expansion will create a huge port capable of handling up to 120 million tonnes of coal per annum and would enable coal to be shipped from proposed mining projects in the Galilee Basin, like Adani’s Carmichael mine.

Environment law Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt issued the approval only after re-engineering reduced dredging by 97 per cent from the original proposal, according to his spokesman. “All dredge material will be placed onshore on existing industrial land,” the spokesman said, adding the project has been approved in accordance with national environment law subject to 30 strict conditions.

Conservationists have con-

demned the decision. “Thousands of tonnes of seafloor will be torn up and dumped next to the internationally significant Caley Valley wetlands. Sea grasses which feed dugongs and turtles will be torn up for the coal industry,” Imogen Zethoven from the Australian Maritime Conservation Society, said.

“Hundreds more coal ships will plough through the reef every year,” Zethoven said. The Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) said the alternative proposed for disposing of the sediment is not much better than dumping it at sea.

Greenpeace said the Abbot Point green light was “irresponsible for the reef, illogical and unnecessary”. “It’s illogical to expand the port to make capacity for the proposed Carmichael mine, because it is a dead-end prospect,” said Greenpeace reef campaigner Shani Tager. - PTI

A book matched copper finish features for the first time on Wraith’s fascia, boldly extending the car’s theme. The same copper tone extends to Wraith’s signature seat bullets.

The detail that went into the development of the car’s soundsystem is employed in every facet of the construction of the car. For

Bespoke audio system The Bespoke Audio system was created from scratch by a team of automotive audio engineers. The two-year development process saw the team work closely with Rolls-Royce interior designers to ensure the system was perfectly tuned to the interior of the cabin.

The extraordinary clarity of sound and dynamic range is delivered via a 1300W, 18-channel system comprising two highly powerful bass speakers, seven tweeters and seven mid range speakers.

Two ‘exciter’ speakers hand-fitted

in the car’s headlining play a vital role in bringing the sound to the listener at ear-level; ensuring the output imitates the way music is experienced in a live setting. Microphones constantly monitor ambient and exterior noises and will adjust volume and tone settings automatically to ensure no external agent detracts from the user’s listening pleasure.

In January 1961, Elvis Presley walked into the Beverley Hills Rolls-Royce dealership. Flush with the success of his music career and a five-year movie deal, he ordered a Rolls-Royce Phantom V; the only motor car in the world that could possibly befit his status as the ‘King of Rock & Roll’. From that day on, a RollsRoyce motor car became the conveyance of choice for the music scene’s burgeoning elite.

India set to lead global powers in growth rate India has the potential to be the fastest growing economy over the coming decade.

The country tops the global list for predicted annual growth rate for next decade at 7 per cent

NEW YORK: India, with a projected annual growth rate of 7 per cent, has the potential to be the world’s fastest growing economy over the coming decade, surging ahead of its South Asian economic rival China that will continue to see a slowdown, according to Harvard researchers.

“India has the potential to be the fastest growing economy over the coming decade... India tops the global list for predicted annual growth rate for the coming decade, at 7 per cent,” new growth projections presented by researchers at the Centre for International Development (CID) at Harvard University showed.

“This far outpaces projections for its northern neighbour and economic rival, China, which the researchers expect to face a continued slowdown to 4.3 per cent

EMERGING ECONOMIES: The Centre for International Development data predicted that growth in emerging markets will continue to outpace that of advanced nations, though the gap is closing. – File photo

growth annually to 2024, the report said. South Asia and East Africa have the greatest potential for ‘rapid growth’ as oil economies and other commodity-driven economies face the slowest growth outlook, it said.

“India has made important gains in productive capabilities, allowing it to diversify its exports into more complex products, including pharmaceuticals, vehicles, even electronics,” said Ricardo Hausmann, professor of the Practice of Economic Development at Harvard Kennedy School and CID director.

Higher incomes Hausmann noted these gains in economic complexity have historically translated into higher incomes. “China has already realised many of these gains, doubling per capita income in less than a decade. We expect that India’s recent gains in complexity, coupled with its ability to continue improving it will drive higher incomes, positioning India to lead global economic growth over the coming decade,” he said.

The CID data predicted that growth in emerging markets will continue to outpace that of advanced economies, though the gap is closing. CID is also bullish on East Africa, with Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya ranking in the top 10, with all predicted to grow at least 5.5 per cent annually.

The growth forecast also looks favourably on Southeast Asia, where the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam look to drive growth well above global averages. Growth in advanced economies remains slow by comparison, though it has risen slightly in the projections in recent years.

The US is expected to grow at 2.8 per cent annually to 2024, with higher growth predicted in the UK (3.2 per cent) and Spain (3.4 per cent), and slower growth in Italy (1.8 per cent) and Germany (0.35 per cent). - PTI

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WE DNE SDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

B3

MARKET OIL & GAS

Oman’s first locally-made well servicing unit launched Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s first domestically made wireline unit, used in the oil and gas sector, was launched by the Ministry of Oil and Gas on Tuesday.

Hormuz 45, designed and manufactured by Rukun Al Yaqeen International (RAY), was inaugu-

rated at a ceremony attended by Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, minister of oil and gas, and a number of senior officials.

Oil and gas market The unit is a new concept well services product customised for Oman’s oil and gas market.

It is designed to provide inte-

grated work over solutions by delivering e-line logging, slick line operations, integrity testing, crane lifting and continued rod running services all in one unit, according to Majid Al Shandoudi, general manager for RAY International Oil and Gas. In addition, the new concept is a creative solution for cost and

Oil plunge ruins debt obligations of Venezuela Crude oil, by far Venezuela’s biggest export item, has plunged 17% to an 11-year low since the Opec abandoned output limits on December 4

SANTIAGO: Forget the opposition. Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) is doing more to ruin the holiday season for Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro than any of his rival lawmakers.

Maduro stepped up attacks on his opponents this month after they won enough seats in congressional elections to challenge his government. While bonds initially rallied on optimism the opposition victory could lead to more market-friendly policies, Maduro’s comments quickly killed that euphoria. Now, it’s the rout in oil that’s doing the most damage to the prices of the securities.

Oil, by far Venezuela’s biggest

export, has plunged 17 per cent to an 11-year low since the Opec abandoned production limits at its December 4 meeting. Venezuela’s benchmark bonds due in 2027 are at the cheapest since August, and traders see a 71 per cent probability that the country will default in the next 12 months, credit-default swaps show. That’s up from 61 per cent the day before the Opec decision.

“The initial reaction to the election results was positive, but then oil just collapsed,” said Phillip Blackwood, a managing director at EM Quest, which advises Sydbank on its debt holdings.

“The bills still need to be paid and that comes from oil.”

Selling gold Oil at these levels could prevent Venezuela from meeting its debt obligations as soon as February, Barclays said on Friday. The Opec member relies on income from oil sales for almost all of its hard currency. It may need to sell $20 billion of gold or other assets to meet next year’s commitments, Alejandro Arreaza, Alejandro Grisanti and Sebastian Vargas, analysts at Barclays, said in a report to clients. Venezuela’s crude basket fell to an 11-year low $29.17 last week.

“The latest decline in oil may have undermined government confidence, putting even this payment at risk,” they wrote.

The yield on Venezuela’s bonds due in 2027 rose 4.69 percentage

BANKING

Qatari bank to buy Turkish institution ISTANBUL: Qatar National Bank (QNB), the Gulf country’s biggest lender, agreed to buy National Bank of Greece’s (NBG) stake in its Turkish unit for €2.7 billion ($2.95 billion).

The deal to buy NBG’s 99.8 per cent holding in Finansbank is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to close in the first half of 2016, the Dohabased lender said in an e-mailed statement on Tuesday. Statecontrolled QNB will finance the purchase with its own funds and will remain ‘strongly capitalised’ after the acquisition, according to the statement.

“This transaction is a signifi-

cant milestone in QNB’s vision to becoming a Middle East and Africa icon by 2017 and a leading global bank by 2030,” Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, group chief executive officer, said in the statement.

NBG bought Finansbank for the equivalent of $5 billion in 2006 in what was then Turkey’s biggest-ever banking deal. While Finansbank has been responsible for driving NBG’s profits, the Greek lender agreed to sell its stake to comply with conditions of a European Union bailout.

NBG’s initial plan to reduce its holding through a share offering faced repeated delays amid a turbulent elections. - Bloomberg News

points from December 9 to 26.29 per cent on Monday, handing investors a loss of 17.5 per cent in less than two weeks, the steepest in emerging markets.

Trying to pinpoint the exact oil price that Venezuela needs to guarantee its debt payments is tricky, because up-to-date economic and fiscal reports from the government are rare. Barclays estimates that it needs at least $50 oil on average; Nomura’s head of fixed-income strategy Siobhan Morden puts the number at $62.

“We always thought with oil prices between $40 and $50 and a good plan of economic adjustments, it wouldn’t be necessary to modify debt or restructure,” said Henkel Garcia, director of Caracas-based consultancy Econometrica. “Now, the current cash flow of dollars makes paying debt difficult, even if the right measures are taken.”

At a chaotic meeting in Vienna that was expected to last four hours but extended to nearly seven, Opec tossed aside the idea of limiting production to control prices. Instead, it went for the one-year-old Saudi Arabialed policy of pumping, pumping, pumping. - Bloomberg News

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time effectiveness, especially in the current challenging oil and gas market environment.

Tameem Al Mahrouqi, managing director; Tahir Al Kindi, chairman of RAY International; and Rashid Al Mahrouqi, acting managing director, introduced the minister to the capabilities of the product during a tour of the units.

Designed by Omani engineers

The wireline unit is the first multitask unit that has been fully designed by Omani engineers and built in Oman.

The Hormuz series are made up of 180 rotating units geared up with dual drums, designed for combined e-line and slick line operations. The units are equipped

with advanced data acquisition technology and latest operation control systems.

The minister also expressed satisfaction with the initiative taken

by RAY International to build multitask wireline units that may have a potential impact on the oil and gas industry in the Sultanate and help enhance in-country value.

B4

W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015

MARKET MSM index ends higher

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,420.18 .............. 5,404.65 ....................5,418.01 ...................5,404.25.................. 13.76 ...................0.25 Financial Index .....................................6,507.35 .............. 6,484.46 ...................6,504.63 ................... 6,483.18..................21.45 ................... 0.33 Industrial Index ....................................6,819.00 ...............6,813.87 ....................6,817.85 ....................6,817.05....................0.80 ................... 0.01 Services Index .......................................3,072.19 ...............3,056.18 ................... 3,059.05 ................... 3,063.75.................. -4.70 .................. -0.15 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................863.24 ..................862.07 .......................863.13 ......................862.04.................... 1.09 ................... 0.13 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 7,926,893 ....................2,004,233 .....................582 ................15,777,608,550 ................ 16 ........................7 .................... 21 .........................44

Al Hassan Engineering, up by 2.82 per cent, was the top gainer, while ACWA Power Barka

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

was the top loser, down by 9.85 per cent ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Recovery continued on the Muscat Securities Market, although the traded volumes were less.

The MSM30 index at 5,418.01 points, up by 0.25 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index rose by 1.13 per cent to end at 862.04 points.

Bank Nizwa was the most active in terms of volume while Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of turnover. Al Hassan Engineering, up by 2.82 per cent, was today’s top gainer while ACWA Power Barka was the top loser, down by 9.85 per cent.

As many as 582 trades were executed on Tuesday, generating a turnover of OMR2 million with 7.9 million shares changing hands. Out of 44 traded securities, 16 advanced, seven declined and 21 remained unchanged.

Omani investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR513,000 followed by GCC and Arab investors at OMR69,000, while foreign investors, who were net sellers, sold shares amounting to OMR583.

Financial Index was up by 0.33 per cent to close at 6,504.63 points.

Oman International Investment, Al Anwar Holding, Sharqiya Investment and BankDhofar increased by 2.37 per cent,1.82 per cent,1.05 per cent and 0.92 per cent, respectively. Al Batinah Development, HSBC Bank Oman and Bank Muscat declined by 1.20 per cent, 0.96 per cent and 0.85 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index ended at 6,817.05 points, up by 1 per cent.

Al Hassan Engineering, Galfar Engineering and Raysut Cement increased by 2.82 per cent,1.41 per cent and 0.46 per cent, respectively. Majan Glass and Jazeera Steel Product declined by 4.55 per cent and 2 per cent, receptively.

Services Index closed at 3,063.75 points, up by 0.11 per cent. OIFC, Sharqiya Desalination, Sembcorp Salalah and Port Services Corporation in-

creased by 2.44 per cent, 2.22 per cent, 1.04 per cent and 0.75 per cent, respectively. ACWA Power Barka and SMN Power declined by 9.85 per cent and 0.54 per cent, respectively.

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

OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 728,046 .........122,067.....................42 ............0.166 ........... 0.170 ...........0.166 ............0.168 .............0.164............ 0.004............. 2.439 ................0.167 ..............0.166...................0.167...................33,600,000.........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ..................................................................... 20,000 ...............8,640........................2 ........... 0.432 ...........0.432 ...........0.432........... 0.432 .............0.422 ............0.010 ............. 2.370 ................0.432..............0.422...................0.464 ................ 238,836,229 .......0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ......................................964 ...............4,434........................1 ........... 4.600...........4.600 ...........4.600 .......... 4.600 .............4.500 ............0.100 .............2.222 ................4.600 ............ 4.600...................4.850 ..................44,988,994 ........1.000 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,040,344...... 174,474..................... 56 ............0.167 ........... 0.169 ...........0.167 ............0.168 ............. 0.165............ 0.003..............1.818.................0.167 .............. 0.167...................0.168...................25,212,600.........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. ....................35,375 ...............2,536........................5 ........... 0.072 ........... 0.073 ...........0.071 ........... 0.072 ............. 0.071.............0.001 ............. 1.408 ................0.071 .............. 0.071...................0.073...................20,878,606.........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 148,000 ............14,140..................... 10 ........... 0.097 ...........0.097 ...........0.095........... 0.096 .............0.095 ............0.001 ............. 1.053 ................0.095..............0.093...................0.095....................8,640,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH................................................ 31,639 ............. 76,791........................5 ........... 2.450 ...........2.450 ...........2.420 .......... 2.425 .............2.400 ............0.025 ............. 1.042 ................2.420............. 2.420...................2.590 .................231,483,698........1.000

Emerging stocks gain Emerging-market stocks climbed for a second day as oil and gas companies rose with crude and China signaled it will take more steps to support growth in the world’s second-biggest economy.

Turkey’s lira dropped after the central bank unexpectedly kept interest-rates on hold.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index advanced for a second day as Brent oil halted a four-day drop to an 11-year low in London. Equities in Saudi Arabia and Russia rose and the ruble strengthened from a record closing trough. The lira weakened 0.7 per cent against the dollar. The Shanghai Composite Index increased to a four-month high and the offshore yuan appreciated for a third day. The rupiah headed for its longest rally since October after the government announced its eighth policy package.

The optimism on Tuesday was buoyed by signals from China’s leadership that it will take more steps to support economic growth from a 25-year low, including by widening the fiscal deficit and stimulating the housing market. Statements released at the end of the government’s Central Economic Work Conference also highlighted the desire for more ‘flexible’ monetary policy.

“Oil is up and the headlines from the economic meetings in China which indicate more fiscal stimulus and ‘flexible’ monetary policy are supporting emergingmarket stocks,” said Michael Wang, a strategist at a hedge fund, who has a hold recommendation on developing-nation equities.

OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................. 20,000 .............. 4,400........................1 ........... 0.220...........0.220 ...........0.220 .......... 0.220 .............0.218............ 0.002............. 0.917 ................0.220 .............0.201...................0.218................. 339,840,280 .......0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .......................................................35,100 ...............4,047........................7 ............0.116 ........... 0.116............ 0.115 ............0.115 ............. 0.114.............0.001 ............. 0.877 ................0.116 ...............0.115................... 0.116 ................... 35,737,968 .........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ........................... 9,860 ...............1,324........................3 ............0.133 ........... 0.136 ...........0.133 ........... 0.134 ............. 0.133.............0.001 ............. 0.752 ................0.135 .............. 0.135...................0.140................... 12,735,360 .........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ..........................64,350 .......... 100,723..................... 38 ............1.555 ........... 1.570 ...........1.555 ............1.565 ............. 1.555.............0.010 ............. 0.643 ................1.560 ..............1.560...................1.565 ................ 1,173,750,000 ......0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO........................................................................ 80,400 .............57,788........................9 ............0.716 ........... 0.720 ...........0.716 ........... 0.720 ............. 0.716............ 0.004............. 0.559 ................0.720.............. 0.716...................0.720..................468,679,846 .......0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................23,150 ............24,042........................9 ............1.035 ........... 1.050 ...........1.035 ........... 1.040 ............. 1.035............ 0.005............. 0.483 ................1.045 ..............1.045...................1.050................. 208,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 140,000 ...........30,800........................5 ........... 0.220...........0.220 ...........0.220 .......... 0.220 .............0.220 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.220 .............0.218...................0.220 ................. 22,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 202,000 ..........92,920........................2 ........... 0.460 ...........0.460 ...........0.460........... 0.460 .............0.460 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.460..............0.460...................0.466..................152,201,447........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS .................1,750 .................. 439........................1 ............0.251 ........... 0.251 ...........0.251 ........... 0.250 .............0.250 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.251 ..............0.252...................0.260 ...................5,250,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ......................................................................84,100 ............ 16,004........................6 ............0.191 ........... 0.191............0.190........... 0.190 .............0.190 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.190..............0.186...................0.190..................270,756,867........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 130,000 ........... 12,090........................5 ........... 0.093 ...........0.093 ...........0.093........... 0.093 .............0.093 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.093..............0.093...................0.094 ................... 5,472,419 ..........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ....................5,000 .................. 555........................1 ............0.111 ............0.111 ............ 0.111 ............0.112 ............. 0.112............ 0.000.............0.000 ................ 0.111 ...............0.111................... 0.112 .................. 22,400,000 ........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ............................................ 500 .....................82........................1 ............0.164 ........... 0.164 ...........0.164............0.165 ............. 0.165............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.164 .............. 0.163...................0.168................... 47,957,418 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR..................................................................18,000 ...............2,826........................3 ............0.157 ........... 0.157 ...........0.157 ............0.157 ............. 0.157............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.157 .............. 0.156...................0.157 ................. 226,306,080 .......0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ...........................................................828 .................. 341........................2 ............0.412 ........... 0.412 ...........0.412 ........... 0.412 .............0.412............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.412 ..............0.414...................0.422 ..................24,926,000 ........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................ 3,330 ................1,172........................2 ........... 0.352 ...........0.352 ...........0.352........... 0.352 .............0.352 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.352..............0.348...................0.380 .................. 77,795,520 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 142,152............. 27,151........................3 ............0.191 ........... 0.191............0.191 ............0.191 ............. 0.191 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.191 .............. 0.191...................0.196..................128,903,499........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 478,276 ............ 91,351......................13 ............0.191 ........... 0.191............0.191 ............0.191 ............. 0.191 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.191 .............. 0.191...................0.194.................. 136,451,611 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................52,265 ............20,906......................13 ........... 0.400...........0.400 ...........0.400 .......... 0.400 .............0.400 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.400..............0.394...................0.400 ..................21,000,000.........0.100 OM0000004248 ...........SMN POWER HOLDING ............................................50,400 .............37,298........................3 ............0.740 ........... 0.744 ...........0.740........... 0.740 .............0.744............-0.004 ........... -0.538 ...............0.744 ..............0.744...................0.760..................147,730,344 ........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,150,433 ......533,272................... 187 ........... 0.468 ........... 0.472 ...........0.460........... 0.464 .............0.468 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.855 ...............0.460..............0.460...................0.462 ............... 1,063,405,685 ......0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 124,586 ............12,868........................8 ............0.104 ........... 0.104 ...........0.103........... 0.103 .............0.104 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.962 ...............0.103 ..............0.102...................0.103..................206,032,217........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ....................... 92,400 ...............7,604......................12 ........... 0.083 ...........0.083 ...........0.082........... 0.082 .............0.083 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.205 ...............0.082..............0.082...................0.084 ...................2,460,000..........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 389,307 ............57,403..................... 36 ............0.150 ........... 0.150 ...........0.146 ............0.147 .............0.150............-0.003 ........... -2.000 ...............0.146 .............. 0.145...................0.146...................18,360,000.........0.100 OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA ...............................................12,500 ............... 9,150........................6 ............0.732 ........... 0.732 ...........0.732........... 0.732 .............0.812............-0.080 ........... -9.852 ...............0.732 ............. 0.000...................0.788.................. 117,120,000 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 5,315,055 ...1,549,638...................497 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......32........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING......................................6,000 .................. 438........................1 ........... 0.073 ........... 0.073 ...........0.073........... 0.073 ............. 0.071............ 0.002............. 2.817 ................0.073.............. 0.071...................0.073.................... 5,490,184 ..........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 290,460 ............41,740.....................20 ............0.143 ........... 0.144 ...........0.143 ........... 0.144 ............. 0.143.............0.001 ............. 0.699 ................0.143 ..............0.143...................0.145..................210,614,610 ........0.100 OM0000001178 ............MUSCAT GASES ....................................................................32 .....................26........................1 ........... 0.820 ...........0.820 ...........0.820........... 0.828 .............0.828 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.820............. 0.000...................0.800 ................. 24,840,000 ........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 156,762 ............... 5,180........................8 ........... 0.032 ...........0.034 ...........0.032........... 0.033 .............0.033 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.033..............0.032...................0.033....................2,805,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ...................................................2,250 ..................900........................1 ........... 0.400...........0.400 ...........0.400 .......... 0.430 .............0.430 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.400..............0.410...................0.488...................67,725,000 .........0.100 OM0000001541 ............OMAN AGRICULTURE DEV. ....................................86,984 ...........147,873........................1 ............1.700 ........... 1.700 ...........1.700 ............1.450 ............. 1.450............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.700 .............. 1.595...................0.000 ................... 1,595,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ......................................................... 4,188 .................. 218........................1 ........... 0.052 ...........0.052 ...........0.052........... 0.053 .............0.053 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.052..............0.052...................0.054 ...................6,625,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001897 ............MAJAN COLLEGE ..........................................................2,000 ...............1,040........................1 ........... 0.520 ...........0.520 ...........0.520........... 0.520 .............0.520 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.520..............0.520...................0.540 ..................15,600,000 .........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,740,177 ....... 127,408..................... 28 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.074 ...........0.073........... 0.073 .............0.073 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.073..............0.073...................0.074..................109,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK................................................67,000 ...............4,497........................5 ........... 0.068 ...........0.068 ...........0.067........... 0.067 .............0.067 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.067..............0.066...................0.067...................67,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001855 ............MAJAN GLASS ............................................................. 165,985............ 34,826......................16 ........... 0.204........... 0.210 ...........0.204 .......... 0.210 .............0.220 ...........-0.010 ........... -4.545 ...............0.210............. 0.000...................0.210....................8,824,893 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,521,838 ......364,144..................... 83 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ...... 11........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000006045 ...........SOVEREIGN SUKUK ISSUE 1 ................................. 90,000 ............ 90,450........................2 ............1.005 ........... 1.005 ...........1.005 ........... 1.005 .............1.000 ........... 0.005.............0.500 ................1.005 ............. 0.000...................1.005..................251,250,000 .......1.000 .............................................SUM: ................................................................................... 90,000 ............ 90,450........................2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

– United Securities/Bloomberg News

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex declines; rupee moves up MUNBAI: Market gains on Monday were short lived in a volatile market as the S&P BSE benchmark Sensex fell by 145 points to close at 25,590.65 due to fresh selling pressure.

The rupee continued to rule firm against the US dollar for sixth consecutive day, by moving up by another two paise to close at 66.33 per dollar on persistent selling of dollars - PTI

CRUDE PRODUCTION

< FROM

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New oil blocks

In addition, Al Aufi said hopefully Block 7 will be awarded before the end of the year. “We are doing everything we can. We are moving as fast as we can to get it signed before December 31,” he stated. “(Next year), we have a plan to go to the market with good number of open blocks,” he stated, adding that he cannot disclose the number of the blocks at this point in time.

Commenting on the government’s plans for privatisation, the official said he did not know which companies are among the three firms that Finance Minister Darwish Al Balushi recently said would be privatised next year. However, he said that Abraj Drilling, which is a stand-alone company, would be one option, which can be marketed.

According to him, Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) is also ‘on the horizon,’ but any plan regarding this company can be implemented after 2017. “They just signed a major contract. They need to make sure that they start the activities,” henoted.

Asked about the reported termination of contracts in the oil and gas sector, Al Aufi said, “The number is much smaller than what was originally portrayed in the social media.”

“We had a meeting a week ago on really trying to understand the number (of terminations or potential terminations) in more detail. I do not think it exceeded 20 or 30 in total. There are a lot of other jobs that have ended, but another opportunity was identified, and the guys have already moved into a different job. So they did not lose their job,” he explained.

“Those that are on the verge of losing jobs, they are a handful, and we are urging them all the time to accept whatever opportunity is given to them as opposed to being choosy and insisting on specific locations, specific companies (or) specific jobs because this is not the time to be choosy,” said the undersecretary.

Asked if the number has gone down because of the government’s intervention, Al Aufi noted, “No, I think it is the companies themselves doing their due diligence."

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ROUND-UP

SUPPORTING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Zubair SEC sends member to Spain to boost tourism sector expertise MUSCAT: To strengthen their business practices in the burgeoning tourism sector, Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC), the social responsibility initiative of Zubair Corporation, sent one of its members to Spain to expose him to international experience.

Amer Al Rawahi, owner of Arabs Adventurers Company, who was selected for the project, interacted with the representatives of international companies operating in the tourism sector in Spain and familiarised himself with the best international practices and experiences in this field, says a press release.

The visit was an experiential learning opportunity for Al Rawahi of Arabs Adventurers Company,

which was among winning projects of the Zubair SEC’s Direct Support Programme — an initiative that rewards committed SMEs. Al Rawahi interacted with representatives of tourism companies in Spanish cities of Madrid, Granada, Valencia and Alhambra.

Arabs Adventurers Company explored the possibilities of agreements with Spanish companies in order to expand its business and also contribute to the fast growing tourism sector in the Sultanate.

Asserting the programme was conceptualised to expose the member to working of the tourism sectors globally, Adel Al Hubaishi, Business adviser at Zubair SEC, said, “We strongly believe that such opportunities address the holistic

needs of new entrepreneurs and help them in their journey towards success. This is aimed at providing young entrepreneurs with exposure from those experienced in the

field. Their guidelines will help new entrepreneurs earn business profitability and sustainability.”

He also added that Al Rawahi was sent to Spain so that he can tap new opportunities and think of diversifying his company’s services.

Al Hubaishi said: “Zubair SEC develops well designed packages to support entrepreneurs. We are happy to offer the benefits of these packages to small businesses, especially the winners of our direct support programme. We hope to witness their success stories. It will be a proud moment for Zubair SEC to see our members succeed in their endeavours.”

Expressing his gratitude, Al Rawahi said, “I extend my appreciation to Zubair SEC for its

Kia bags first place in Quality Report 2015 Auto Bild’s annual quality report, which was first published in 2001, calculates each manufacturer’s overall rating based on seven sets of data

MUSCAT: Kia Motors has been named in the first place in a Quality Report 2015 published by Auto Bild magazine (issue 50/2015), which rates customer satisfaction, reliability and long-term quality of the 20 leading automotive brands in the German market.

In the words of an enthusiast, “Kia has been bestowed the Best Quality rating by Auto Bild in Germany, over many leading brands this is truly phenomenal. It is the result of constant improvement and passionate commitment to create exciting and enabling products for its ever-widening global customer base!”

Auto Bild’s annual quality report, which was first published in 2001, calculates each manu-

facturer’s overall rating based on seven sets of data – the results of a Forsa customer satisfaction survey (8,187 respondents) commissioned by Auto Bild, the number of vehicle recalls and incidences of remedial work, the latest TÜV report (almost 9 million general technical inspections), manufacturers’ warranties and three categories contributed by the Auto Bild editors themselves: long-term vehicle test results, garage test results and analysis of criticisms from more than 10,000 reader letters that pour into the magazine’s “Kummerkasten” (agony column) every year, says a press release.

Steffen Cost, COO of Kia Motors Germany, said, “Our quality aspirations extend from our R&D centres, design studios and production facilities – more than half

of new Kia cars sold in Germany come off the production line at our cutting-edge European factory in Slovakia – to the sales and service areas of the business where we have made great strides by restructuring our dealership network and living up to our promise of placing top priority on continuously increasing quality.”

Thanks to its industry-leading seven-year manufacturer’s warranty in Europe, Kia was the only carmaker to be awarded a score of 1 for its warranty. But the brand also scored exceptionally high in the customer satisfaction survey, number of recalls (none at all to date in 2015) and “Kummerkasten” complaints, while it consistently received “very good” to “good” results in all long-term tests on Kia vehicles (at least

100,000km). Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-atheart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries.

Reliable International Automotive (RIA), the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a rewarding ownership experience for customers. Excellent product attributes and unmatched facilities easily ensure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way. No wonder then that Reliable International Automotive has been ranked amongst the top Kia distributors worldwide and has been honoured with prestigious accolades including the ‘Good Partnership award, ‘Family Like Care’ Service award’, and ‘Kia ‘Distributor of Distinction’ award.

The prestigious ‘Kia Award for Overall Excellence and Outstanding Performance’ amongst Kia distributors worldwide was bestowed most deservingly.

“You can like us on www.facebook.com/kiaoman and follow us on @kiaoman Twitter for the latest happenings on Kia in Oman,” invites the spokesperson.

continuous support. They have been providing a variety of much needed services for all entrepreneurs, small businesses owners and members of the centre. The Spain trip was an eye-opener for me as far as global experience was concerned. Our company will benefit from the experiences and this will reflect on my company’s services. It also opened up possibilities of partnering with high caliber companies in the field of tourism. I will work closely with some of the companies in a way that it will be mutually beneficial.”

He added, “My trip to Spain gave me a much needed exposure and helped me gain vast knowledge. I aspire to make Arabs Adventurers Company among the leading

tourism companies in the Sultanate and present Oman as a global tourism destination. The company will also contribute to the development of the tourism sector in the Sultanate which in turn enhance national economy through the development of this vital filed.”

On similar lines, Zubair SEC had recently selected one of its members to participate in an experiential trip to Jordan. Kaziah Hamid Al Nabhaniyah, founder and manager of Red Gardens Private School, Al Hamra, who was chosen for the trip visited four leading private schools in Jordan. This trip also came as part of Zubair SEC strategy to support startups and small businesses navigate their entrepreneurial journey.

SOHAR

Al Raffah specialists perform rare surgery MUSCAT: A rare hernia surgery was successfully performed on a 32-year-old man at Al Raffah Hospital, Sohar recently.

Dr Swaroop Dundi and Dr Abhimanyu Singh Rathore, both experienced specialists in general surgery, Al Raffah Hospital, Sohar, successfully performed the surgery, says a press release.

Dr Swaroop, specialist general surgeon who headed the team said that unlike traditional abdominal wall hernias, Spigelian hernia occurs through slit like defect in the anterior abdominal wall adjacent to the semilunar line. Most of Spigelian hernias occur in the lower abdomen where the posterior sheath is deficient. The hernia ring is a welldefined defect in the transverses aponeurosis. The hernial sac, surrounded by extraperitoneal fatty tissue, is often intraparietal passing through the transversus and the internal oblique aponeuroses and then spreading out beneath the intact aponeurosis of the external oblique. Spigelian hernia is in itself very rare and

more over it is difficult to diagnose clinically. The diagnosis is even trickier in obese patients wherein the hernia sac may lie in an intraparietal plane, masked by the abdominal subcutaneous fat.

It has been estimated that it constitutes only 0.12% of all abdominal wall hernias.

Dr Abhimanyu, general surgeon, who was part of the team said, that it was a technically challenging case as it was a very large irreducible Spigelian hernia occupying most of the right lower abdomen and since the patient was morbidly obese with a body weight of 147kg, it added to the complexity of the case.

Dr Swaroop added that initially the patient was considering travelling to another country for his treatment, but then he cancelled and was convinced to get operated in Oman itself. The surgery lasted for three hours; thanks to an efficient and dynamic anaesthesia team headed by Dr Benhur.

The patient has been discharged and is on the road to recovery, the hospital said.

CUSTOMISED DISCOUNTS

INDIAN COMMUNITY IN PDO CELEBRATES DIWALI The Indian Community in Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) organised a mega event to celebrate Diwali. At least 1,200 people from different nationalities attended the event. Indra Mani Pandey, the Indian Ambassador to Oman, was the chief guest. - Supplied photo

Peptic Ulcer Awareness week at Starcare MUSCAT: A stomach ache is among the most common ailments but it can be the most troubling experience preventing you from enjoying your food and lifestyle.

Starcare Hospital is organising a Peptic Ulcer Awareness week to promote good eating habits, early detection of gastric and gastrointestinal conditions and treatment of gastric ulcers, says a press release.

Starcare celebrates the ‘Peptic Ulcer Awareness week’ till December 31. This includes answering some self assessment questions which would help you to think for any gastrointestinal issues especially related to the stomach and liver and seeking a scientific approach in the treatments.

The same is posted in the website, www.starcarehospital.com and Starcare Facebook page. The leaflets sharing these questions and the various offers are also distributed in the hospital. All you have to do is to spend one minute reading the information to decide and take a stock of your lifestyle.

The hospital is also providing various customised discounts and packages in gastroenterology till December 31.

Many a time gastric conditions go unnoticed or are subject to home remedies without any proper scientific treatment. In Oman the prevalence of stomach ulcers are very high due to the lifestyle and changing food habits of the people. The other related problems associated with this are acidity, reflux disease, dyspepsia, constipation, diarrhoea and hepatitis.

These can lead to severe and long standing issues and complications in an individual including peptic ulcer.

Dr Mohammed Naseem, CEO Starcare Hospital, remarked “Star-

care Hospital is always committed to improve the wellness and health of the region and after noticing this need our gastroenterology team has introduced this caring for your stomach campaign for the benefit of our patients.”

“Self-screening and identifying that you are free of problem is the very first step to maintaining a healthy stomach and a healthy life,” says Dr Sivaprasad P., Gastroenterologist at Starcare Hospital, and champion of the programme. A cross functional team of gastroenterologists, internists, family practitioners and nutritionist would be imparting knowledge on lifestyle modifications, balanced and healthy diet for better gastric health.

A N T I - C E L LU L I T E T R E AT M E N T

VLCC offers innovative slimming solution 3D Shape Up MUSCAT: Busy lifestyle, lack of physical activity, crash diets, weight fluctuations, etc. cause the accumulation of excessive body fats and unwanted inches around various parts of the body, including the hips and thighs region.

To help you get slimmer, toned, firmer hips and thighs, VLCC — a leader in the wellness domain, with presence in the slimming, beauty and fitness business offers its innovative slimming solution — 3D Shape Up, an anti-cellulite treatment introduced at VLCC centres across GCC, which combines the use of highly innovative technologies to achieve centimetre loss, skin tightening and fat reduction specifically around the hips and thighs area, says a press release.

"The hips and thighs area of the body tend to suffer from ungainly flab, uneven skin texture and dimpled skin, most commonly referred to as Orange Peel Syndrome or Cellulite. Cellulite is a specific form of fat accumulated under the skin surface (Subcutaneous fat).

The prime reason for cellulite is the adipose tissues which become weak and deformed due to poor blood circulation causing it to swell with excess fat storage. Since cellulite is no ordinary fat, it needs special attention and will not disappear with routine exercises and dieting, and here come 3D Shape up Anti Cellulite treatment

by VLCC to solve the problem of cellulite,” says Vandana Luthra, Founder of VLCC Group.

The 3D Shape Up treatment,

3D Shape Up is a five step treatment, a combination of appliance, ampule and therapy, creates an ultrasoundlike effect to detach the fat cells, stimulates metabolism, increases fluid elimination, speeding up the blood flow and producing energy by converting fats for muscle utilisation complimented by suitable dietary modifications and activity patterns, enhances blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. The therapy stimulates collagen synthesis resulting in centimetre loss while resulting in firm and tight skin on the treated area. An ideal treatment for people with loose,

sagging and cellulite skin and those with normal BMI but high fat percentage. Prior to availing the treatment, each client meets an experienced consultant for a Body Composition Analysis where they will be given complete details.

Each treatment session lasts between 65-75 minutes and offers in-

stantaneous results of about 300g and 4cm loss per session.

3D Shape Up is a five step treatment, a combination of appliance, ampule and therapy, creates an ultrasound-like effect to detach the fat cells, stimulates metabolism, increases fluid elimination, speeding up the blood flow and producing energy by converting fats for muscle utilisation. The penetration of the 3D Power Dose and drainage is assisted by softer massage technique to drain excess waste products and reduce appearance of cellulite.

This treatment also helps in tightening the skin and collagen syntheses which is done by using radio frequency waves to cause the contraction of existing collagen fibres to promote new collagen

growth which results in inch loss, fat breakdown, skin firming and tissue contraction.

Clients are also recommended to a 20-30 minute aerobics session for most effective results.

Equipped with a home care kit that contains VLCC Shapeup Anti Cellulite Oil & Gel — a unique Ayurveda formulation, when applied on hips and thighs, it facilitates the peripheral circulation thereby increasing the blood supply, oxygen and nutrient flow to the specific body parts.

The formulation being rich in vitamins and minerals helps in breaking down the fat and cholesterol. The entire anti-cellulite treatment is conducted by an experienced slimming therapist or a physiotherapist.

B6

W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015

ROUND-UP Final monthly draw of Al Mumayaz held The draw, which was held as part of a VIP client gathering in Sur, saw five Bank Sohar customers winning OMR10,000 each, and five minor account holders winning OMR1,000 each

MUSCAT: Bank Sohar, under the patronage of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Bahwan Al Mukhaini, Member of State Council, recently conducted its final monthly draw of Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme for the month of November with prizes totalling OMR55,000 distributed among 10 lucky winners.

The draw, which was held as part of a VIP client gathering in Sur witnessed five Bank Sohar customers win OMR10,000 each, and five minor account holders win OMR1,000 each, says a press release.

Representing Bank Sohar at the event, which was held at the Al Malakiya Hall in Sur recently, were Rashad Ali Al Musafir, acting CEO, R Narasimhan, GM of Retail Banking, Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Sr. AGM and head of Marketing and Customer Experience, and Amour Hamoud Al Habsi, District Manager, Interior Regions.

Also in attendance were other senior members of the bank includ-

ing Redha Al Lawatia, Sr. Chief manager of Liabilities and Sales, and Masoud Sulaiman Al Farsi, Chief Branch Manager of the Sur Branch, who welcomed the chief guest and the bank’s VIP customers from the area.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Masoud Sulaiman Al Farsi followed by an introductory speech by Rashad Al Musafir, who highlighted the bank’s progress in 2015. He said, “This year has been a truly eventful one for us so far. Our 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme has been one of our most successful to date, and despite challenging conditions in the market; we are currently in a strong position to enter 2016 with yet another year of success and banking excellence behind us. We have even enjoyed the privilege of receiving 15 regional and international awards.

“Our success been the result of the continued patronage of our customers, the guidance of our honoured board and the hard work put in by the bank’s executive management and staff. Heading into the new year we will continue to improve our products and services to offer the best possible customer experience.”

Shortly after, the guests were treated to an enchanting poetry recitation by renowned poet Ali Al Ghambosi in additional to a dance

performance by a traditional Omani band. A comprehensive overview of the features of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme was then presented to the audience by Redha Al Lawatia, highlighting the main enhancements of the scheme and other value added advantages.

During his informative presentation, he also showcased the range of retail banking products and services provided by the bank.

The draws were initiated with the Children’s Monthly Draws, which saw five children – Emtethal and Ibtehaj Al Maskri (Joint Account), from Ibra Branch; Safa Salim, from Barka Branch; Adhari Ali, from Shinas Branch; Anood Al Balushi, from MBD Branch; and Al Mahdi Mohammed, from Nizwa Branch; win OMR1,000 each. Following which, the draws to reveal the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme Bank-wide Monthly Draw winners was conducted by the Guest of Honour; which saw Mubarak Salim, from Sur Branch; S.M.Al Sawwafi, from Al Qurum Branch; F. S. , from Ruwi Branch; K. S.K AlMamary, from Sohar Branch; and A.N.Al Shidi, from Saham Branch, win the monthly grand prize of OMR10,000 each.

“With all the monthly draws behind us, we are now on the final home stretch of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme. However, the excitement for the Scheme is

B U I L D I N G S U S TA I NA B L E F U T U R E

far from over with more than 30 prizes in the highly anticipated year-end draw alone. I would like to encourage all our customers to continue saving throughout the month to maximise their chances of winning it big in the year end grand draws which is to take place in early January 2016. In doing so, they will also increase their chance of winning in our ongoing hourly and weekly draws which will be continuing till the end of the year,” said Narasimhan, commenting on the occasion.

“I would like to take this opportunity to also congratulate our November monthly winners and thank the attendees for the overwhelming response and making the event a success. I would also like to wish our ever-growing number of loyal customers the very best of luck in the upcoming year-end grand draw.”

The event concluded by handing over a special token of appreciation to Hamad Al Mukhaini by Rashad Al Musafir.

The event also provided a great platform for the senior management and staff for a one-to-one interaction with customers and proved to be a great success.

A majority of the dedicated branch draws will be conducted for the first time as part of the highly anticipated year-end prize draws, which boasts a total prize pool of over half a million rials for more than 30 winners. To be held in January 2016, the year-end prize draw will see one lucky saver winning OMR450,000 to mark the 45th National Day celebrations of the Sultanate, one exclusive winner receiving OMR50,000, one lucky winner from each of the bank’s branches winning OMR5,000 and one lucky minor receiving OMR5,000; the highest value of any dedicated children’s draw prize in the country.

EXHIBITION

OAB participates in The Home Show MUSCAT: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently participated in The Home Show exhibition, which was held at the Oman International Exhibition Centre. The show was inaugurated

by Sheikha Aisha bint Khalfan bin Jameel Al Siyabiah, head of the General Authority for Craft Industries, in the presence of a number of key officials, businessmen and other stakeholders, says a press release.

OAB provides home finance for all types of completed or under construction real estate projects, in the form of long-term loans covering up to 80 per cent of the property value, with repayment period up to 25 years. The bank also allows deferment of instalment between 12 to 18 months for under-construction developments, during which period only the monthly interest on the loan principal shall be applicable.

Furthermore, the bank provides a range of products and services in retail banking through an extensive network of branches and ATM’s all over the Sultanate.

It is worth mentioning that the bank has facilitated attractive home finance for citizens and residents in numerous housing projects, such as Dar Al Zain Housing Project at Soor Al Hadeed, Seeb. Furthermore, the Bank signed an agreement with Badr Real Estate Group in several developments, namely, Dhalia

Project and Badr Al Hamra Project at Qurum, and The Links Project at the Airport Heights.

OAB have signed an agreement with Saraya Bandar Jissah, the company developing Oman`s newest Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) in Muscat to offer prospective buyers( locals and expatriates) a range of attractive options when financing their new villas, townhouses, duplexes or apartments.

The agreement between Saraya Bandar Jissah and Oman Arab Bank will make residential property ownership more accessible, with maximum flexibility and buying options on offer.

Rashad Shaikh, deputy general manager of Retail Banking, said that, “We are pleased to take part in The Home Show this year, and to offer our valued customers easy access to home finance and secure their dream homes. To that end, the bank offers finance facilities with attractive interest rates and flexible payment terms for our clients.”

The expo was aimed at showcasing the latest housing products and designs, and to provide opportunity to share innovative views and ideas regarding interior design with the experts in this field. The exhibition was a platform to meet the designers and renovation specialists, and to secure deals to purchase new properties.

F E AT U R E L OA D E D

IPM organises stakeholders’ meeting

JAC trucks well-equipped to meet varying business needs

MUSCAT: Innovation Park Muscat (IPM), represented by the Science Parks Department of The Research Council (TRC), recently organised a stakeholders’ meeting for water and environment professionals who represent a number of government, academic and private sector representatives.

The session was held at the facility of TRC in Azaiba under the theme ‘Together to build a sustainable future for Oman’, says a press release.

The initiative, which comes as part of a series of meetings, aims at building a culture of collaboration to promote innovation, encourage entrepreneurship and enhance the capacity of organisations engaged in research and development. The forum also highlighted the main challenges and opportunities within the water and environment sector in Oman, and how they may be effectively addressed through research, development and innovation and by ensuring integration among IPM, TRC, the community and other relevant stakeholders.

Enhancing partnership The meeting was a demonstration of IPM’s commitment to enhance partnership and cooperation with the water and environment stakeholders, provide a platform for sharing experiences and leverag-

ing the resources in the scientific research and innovation field to ensure a healthy framework for innovation. Additionally, it would also help in introducing new methods for gathering innovative ideas and channel them towards one source to get the optimum benefits for all stakeholders.

At the commencement of the proceedings, His Highness Sayyid Dr Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, assistant secretary general for Innovation Development, TRC delivered a speech about the importance of the engagement in understanding the key challenges facing the water and environment sectors, in recognising the opportunities within, and the importance of making a collaborative approach towards finding sustainable solutions. He also emphasised the need to strengthen the knowledge-based society that Oman has been moving towards.

Dr Abdulbaqi Al Khabouri, director of Science & Technology Parks at TRC underlined the key features of IPM and also provided an update on the development since its establishment.

He also covered IPM’s components, the focus areas and facilities that will inspire scientific research and the products that will provide solutions for the challenges facing the society. He added that IPM will play a key role in promoting innovation and

activating research which in turn will have a positive effect on the growth of the national economy.

Subsequently, there was a panel discussion during which participants exchanged views on the future of the water and environment sector in the Sultanate.

The speakers drew attention to the lack of natural water resources due to rain scarcity, excess consumption per capita, irrigation methods used by farmers, climate change, increase in CO2 emissions, soil fertility, desertification, and the pollution of water, sea and air.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the participants stressed the need to meet the requirements of a knowledge-based society. They also reinforced the need to join hands and ensure better coordination and partnership between the public and private sectors to find concrete solutions for the challenges facing our society.

It should be noted that Innovation Park Muscat is one of the key national initiatives promoted by The Research Council. The Park, which is spread over 540,000 square metres in Al Khoudh, is dedicated to research, innovation and supporting new projects, SMEs, service providers and innovators in four core areas namely Energy, Food & Biotechnology, Water & Environment, and Health.

MUSCAT: JAC Motors lightduty trucks available in Oman exclusively at Towell Auto Centre (TAC) are a powerful and reliable workhorse for several small and medium businesses.

Rigid, safe and suitable for various road conditions, JAC trucks are highly efficient with low maintenance costs and excellent value.

Moreover, they are equipped with water tanks, refrigerated storage, strong load capacity and many other features that makes them an ideal vehicle for different business types. People in the fruits and vegetable sector, construction and transportation, farming industry are particularly appreciative of the

truck’s performance, sturdiness and durability, says a press release.

Available in 3 Ton (2.8L) and 4 Ton (3.8L) versions, JAC trucks are powered by world class independent technology diesel engines that offer impressive fuel efficiency, environmental performance and ultimate safety.

Value for money A senior spokesperson of TAC comments: “Delivering a powerful combination of efficiency, capability and reliability, JAC trucks are well-equipped to meet varying business needs and are complete value for money. Small and medium businessmen are always

concerned with the cost factor. For the kind of performance they give, JAC trucks are highly reasonable and being fuel efficient, they help to promote businesses. They have been developed over many years of R&D based on advanced European and Asian platform technologies.

Low oil consumption, low using cost, high performance, smart pricing, solidity and durability – are other strengths of JAC trucks.”

In Oman, TAC is the sole distributor of JAC light-duty trucks. With a network of 11 showrooms, 13 service outlets and 10 parts outlets spread across Oman, TAC is one of the leading automobile distributors in the region.

BIG5 DUBAI 2015

Al Maha launches largest ceramic floor tiles MUSCAT: Al Maha Ceramics, one of the leading ceramic tiles producing companies in Oman, recently launched the largest ceramic floor tiles in 60x60cm using dry grinding technology and latest digital production technology, there by becoming the first company to set the benchmark in GCC region.

Al Maha Ceramics also launched an attractive range of designs in the 30x60cm wall tiles.

The company recently participated in the Big5 Dubai 2015, one of the biggest shows for building materials in Middle East and Home Show Muscat 2015, a premier Home Building & Interiors exhibition in Oman. During the events Al Maha Ceramics had showcased its attractive eye-catching designs of “Digiplus” range of 30x60 Ceramic floor & 60x60 Wall tiles using contemporary digital printing tech-

nology and received an encouraging response, says a press release.

Commenting on participations, Arvind Bindra, CEO, Al Maha Ceramics said, “This was the sixth time in a row Al Maha participated in the Big5 Dubai Exhibition.

Similar to last five years this years was also extremely successful and with the company’s new range of contemporary designs in the wall and floor tiles. The response to our newly launched product range

was overwhelming from GCC and Mena visitors.

“The international trend is towards larger sized ceramic tiles in both wall and floor and Al Maha has been the pioneer in launching digital printed 60x60 floor tiles and 30x60 wall tiles with dry grinding technology in GCC. We are happy that this new modern product range is highly appreciated by our customers and channel partners.”

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NBO Sadara’s five customers enjoy all-expense paid trip to Abu Dhabi During the visit, all five customers along with their family members had the opportunity to meet with Ahmad Al Harthy, in addition to attending an exclusive presentation on racing cars

MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman announced that five of its Sadara Wealth Management customers enjoyed an all-expense paid trip to Abu Dhabi to watch Ahmad Al Harthy race in the prestigious Gulf 12 hours event. The event took place on December 11 at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

As part of its commitment to delivering a consistently superior customer experience by delivering value-added products and services, NBO organised a unique and exclusive trip to Abu Dhabi.

During the three-day visit all five customers along with their family members had the opportunity to meet with Ahmad Al Harthy, in addition to attending an exclusive

RECRUIT CAREER COACH

Making rewards work HAVE you ever seen the episode of The Office in which Dwight Schrute tries to motivate the staff by awarding ‘Schrute Bucks’ (fake money with his picture on them) for good behaviour and performance? Schrute Bucks not only did not motivate his staff, they did just the opposite. No one cared about the fake money.

It seems that companies often throw their own version of Schrute Bucks at their employees to try to entice them to work harder. That seems to work no better for today’s employees than for “The Office” staff. So what should we to really reward our employees?

Here are suggestions for developing a reward system that has a better chance of motivating your employees.

Find out what rewards are attractive to your employees. We assume they want more money, mugs, certificates, etc. without ever finding out how they view those things. Don’t assume that what we as managers think are the best rewards would be seen as the best rewards to our employees. In one company I know, the managers were not interested in giving certificates for good performance, yet their workers really valued the certificates and proudly hung them in their offices.

Explain to people how rewards are determined. Clearly communicate this to employees because you can be sure they will have a lot of questions.

Distribute rewards fairly.

You can bet employees will notice if this is not done.

Provide rewards in a timely manner. Don’t wait for a year to go by before thanking someone or rewarding them for exemplary performance. Find opportunities to reward them in a more frequent, timely fashion.

Use rewards to reinforce constructive behaviours. Remember the purpose for rewards is both informational (telling them what they did that was effective) and motivational (inspiring them to keep engaging in the behaviour).

Consider flexibility. Some

QUOTES If you genuinely want something, don’t wait for it – teach yourself to be impatient.

— Gurbaksh Chahal We can let circumstances rule us, or we can take charge and rule our lives from within.

— Earl Nightingale

companies allow employees to pick their own rewards from several choices or catalogues.

Before you follow that path, however, first find out if flexibility is important in your organisation.

While some employees like this approach, others feel weird picking out their own reward with no feedback from their managers.

Even if you give them options to pick out a reward, their boss should still personally thank them for their performance.

Vary the awards. Provide appealing external rewards (e.g., bonuses, gifts, etc) as well as internal rewards (e.g., interesting work, autonomy). Keep in mind that your employees come from different backgrounds (age, gender, ethnicity and interests) and may have very different views on what they find rewarding. Don’t assume they all value the same things.

Periodically check employees’ perceptions regarding the fairness of how rewards are allocated and if the rewards still have meaning to them.

Some managers figure that if they can’t give money as a reward then there’s nothing they can give to employees. I hear this all the time. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. Especially in these times when money is tight, it is important to let employees know you value and appreciate their contributions. Use time off, meals, parking spots, office or computer equipment, tickets, flextime, or the opportunity to dress casually as ways to provide rewards.

Remember that you as a manager have more control over rewards than you think, despite budget constraints. Sometimes the most powerful rewards for employees are those that are easily within your control, such as giving them recognition or appreciation for their hard work (i.e., saying ‘thank you’), asking for their opinion on things, providing a sympathetic ear when they need someone to talk to, and saying something positive to them when passing them in the hallway. — Joyce E. A. Russell /The Washington Post

presentation on racing cars, says a press release.

The invitation was one of a number of activities exclusively available to Sadara Wealth Management customers.

Commenting on the programme,

John Chang, general manager Chief Retail Banking Officer at National Bank of Oman, said “At NBO, we take pride in being able to offer our Sadara customers privileged access to world-class events such as the Gulf 12 hours event.

Going forward, we intend to offer many more such events to our Sadara customers.”

Ahmed Tuskar, one of the Sadara customers who had the opportunity to witness the Gulf 12 hours event in Abu Dhabi, said: “It

was truly a memorable experience, especially interacting with the racing legend, Ahmed Al Harthy.

“I look forward to experiencing more privileges as part of my banking relationship with National Bank of Oman.”

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No place like home for Kiwi skipper McCullum’s final bow from cricket FA C T B O X

* Brendon Barrie McCullum was born on September 27, 1981 in Dunedin, Otago and hails from a cricketing family. His father, Stuart, played first-class cricket for Otago while his brother, Nathan, has represented New Zealand. * He made his New Zealand debut as a 20-year-old batsman in an One-day International against Australia at Sydney. * His Test debut came two years later against South Africa in Hamilton and the 34-year-old has gone on to play 98 more Tests for New Zealand on the trot. * McCullum has scored 6,273 Test runs with 11 hundreds, including the only triple century by a New Zealand batsman, and 31 half-centuries at an average of 38.48. His highest test score of 302 came against India last year. * He has also taken 194 catches, mostly wearing the gloves, and 11 stumpings. He has not kept wickets in Tests since 2010 and dismissed Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed caught and bowled last year for his only international wicket. * A hard-hitting batsman who is almost unstoppable when on song, McCullum has scored 5,909 runs in 254 One-day Internationals with five tons and 31 fifties. He has a highest score of 166 in the 50-over format with 258 catches and 15 stumpings. * The right-handed batsman is probably the most destructive in the shortest format and is the only player with two international hundreds in Twenty20 cricket. He also has the second-highest score in Twenty20 cricket across the world, an unbeaten 158 in the Indian Premier League. * He has a strike-rate of over 136 in the 20-over game and has also scored 13 half-centuries. * McCullum was named captain of New Zealand in all formats at the start of 2013, taking over from Ross Taylor. * He led New Zealand unbeaten through seven test series until the recent reverse in Australia, and to a first 50-overs World Cup final last year where they were again beaten by their transTasman Sea rivals. * McCullum’s inspirational leadership was reflective of his own aggressive approach at the crease and he was widely credited with New Zealand’s successful World Cup campaign, where they stormed to the final on the back of an attacking brand of cricket that won them fans around the world. * New Zealand have also remained unbeaten in 13 Tests at home under McCullum. * He will retire after the two home Tests against Australia in February with the second match, which starts at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on February 20, being his last.

The 34-year-old announced that he would be retiring from all forms of international cricket after the two-Test series against the Australians in February

WELLINGTON: The romance of finishing his career by leading New Zealand into one last battle against Australia on home soil persuaded Brendon McCullum to bow out of international cricket before next year’s World Twenty20.

The 34-year-old announced on Tuesday that he would be retiring from all forms of international cricket after the two-test series against the Australians in February.

The need for New Zealand Cricket to name their squad for the World Twenty20, which takes place in India next March and April, denied him the chance to simply walk away after the second Test at Hagley Park, but he is still determined to go out on a high.

“I think there’s something romantic about finishing playing in front of New Zealand crowds,” he told reporters in Christchurch.”Also to finish in Christchurch, which is

my established home, that was my focus there. I knew I could steel myself for a couple more battles and they’re ones I’m looking forward to.”

McCullum’s chronic back problems are well documented but the former wicketkeeper said that was not the reason for his decision to call time on his career.

“Look, my body’s been a bit sore for a while but that’s international sport,” he said. “But that’s not it. I

think, in the end, the time has just come.”I love playing cricket but I guess all good things come to an end.

I guess the team’s just about ready for the next person to take over.

That next person looks certain to be Kane Williamson, who will lead the side to the World Twenty20.

Williamson scored a century to drive the Blacks Caps to victory over Sri Lanka on Monday, passing McCullum’s New Zealand record

for runs in a calendar year and moving to the top of the Test batting rankings in the process.

“He’s a genius, he’s going to hate me saying this, but number one batsman in the world says it all,” McCullum added. “He’s a consummate professional and a champion fella and he’s still only 25. He’s going to be one of the best players the game has ever seen, but again he’s going to hate me saying that.”

After what he described as a “really great year”, which included the run to the 50-overs World Cup final, McCullum is looking forward to his compatriots coming out in force for his final two Tests in Wellington and Christchurch.

“The World Cup captivated New Zealand,” he said.

“The playing numbers and the support we built up because of the way we played should see some

great crowds for us.”

The explosive batsman said he would focus more on career highlights after his 101st Test but was most proud of the culture in what he described as the best New Zealand team he had ever played in.

“It’s up to others to decide what the state you’ve left the team in but hopefully I’ve left it in a better position than when I took over,” he said. - Reuters

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Sur schools sweep top three spots at Inter-School Sailing Championship The championship, supported by Renaissance for the third year running, brought together over 150 of the country’s most promising young sailors aged 8-12 to demonstrate their competitive racing skills

MUSCAT: Sur schools dominated this year’s Renaissance InterSchool Sailing Championship, taking the three top spots with Sur Private School in third place and Said bin Taimour as runners-up to reigning champions, Abdulrahman bin Auf. All 36 finalists from 12 schools across Muscat, Al Musannah and Sur were awarded by Tawfiq bin Abdul Hussain Al La-

JUBILANT KIDS: Sur schools dominated the Oman Sail’s Inter-School Sailing Championship. – Supplied photo

wati, Majlis Al Shura member for Muttrah, at a special prize-giving ceremony attended by families, instructors, teachers and principals at Oman Sail’s 45th National Day Sailing Festival in Kalbu Park, Muttrah Corniche.

The championship, supported

by Renaissance for the third year running, brought together over 150 of the country’s most promising young sailors aged 8-12 to demonstrate their competitive racing skills. It was preceded by a number of qualifying heats that took place across four sailing centres in Al

Mouj Muscat, Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Al Musannah and Sur. With efforts centred on aspiring people to reach their potential and lead fulfilling lives, Renaissance encourages programmes in which the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and resolve are instilled

in local talent. “The lessons students take away from this Championship will benefit them beyond the water,” Stephen Thomas, CEO of Renaissance, said. “We believe in the power of experience-based learning and the Championship’s driven environment reveals personal strengths and develops skills that shall serve these young people well in the future.”

Said Al Araimi, Centre Manager of Oman Sail’s Sur Sailing School, said: “We are immensely proud of the children for emulating the qualities it takes to become worldclass sportsmen as the next generation of Omani sailors. We have already seen them grow in confidence in these short few weeks which has in turn positively impacted their schoolwork. Some of the students have also expressed clear sailing goals which we will continue to encourage with the support of Oman Sail’s founding partner, Renaissance, who share our vision.”

Raed Said Al Mukhaini, a member of the winning team from Abdulrahman Al Auf School in Sur, said: “This is my first victory in sailing and the next trophies I hope to win will be in preparation for holding up the Omani flag on international waters. I am proud of winning for my school and I will continue my training to win for Oman.”

FOOTBALL

Al Musannah, Al Nasr in Mazda Cup semifinals MUSCAT: Al Musannah and Al Nasr recorded narrow victories to advance to the semifinals of the ongoing Mazda Professional Cup football tournament.

In the quarterfinal matches played on Monday, Al Musannah defeated Sur 2-1 at Al Rustaq Club ground while Al Nasr got the better of Al Nahda by the same margin at the latter’s ground.

HM’s Cup final: Meanwhile, the Oman Football Association announced special packages for the companies to support His Majesty’s Cup Football Final, which is scheduled to take place in May 2016. The packages include a wide variety of products with a wide range of price options.

Nic Cartwright, the OFA’s Commercial and Communications Director, said: “The HM’s Cup Final is one of the most prestigious events in Oman’s sporting calendar. Last year’s final saw Al Arouba beat Sur in a great game in front of 12,000 people in Sur.” Companies interested in supporting the HM’s Cup final may visit www.ofa.om/coporate or get in touch with Nic Cartwright at nic.cartwright@ofa.om

KR MARINE WIN KHIMJI RAMDAS FOOTBALL TITLE KR Marine Division defeated Nizwa Branch 4-0 to emerge the winners of 2015 Khimji Ramdas (KR) annual football tournament organised at the Muscat Club in Al Wadi Al Kabir. Around 2,500 KR employees enjoyed the long tournament, which saw participation of 34 teams from various KR divisions. Nailesh Khimji, Director of Khimji Ramdas, said: “One of KR’s commitments is to nurture and develop youth and sports in Oman. KR annual football day exemplifies our passion for sports. It’s an occasion that brings together our employees at all levels to connect with each other. As a people power company, we believe our success is inextricably intertwined with our employees. Football day brings the best out of us to aim higher and achieve more.” — Supplied photo

CRICKET

Boland replaces Coulter-Nile in Australia squad SYDNEY: Uncapped pace bowler Scott Boland has been called up to the Australia squad for the second Test against West Indies after Nathan Coulter-Nile dislocated his shoulder in a domestic Twenty20 match, Cricket Australia said on Tuesday.

Boland joins Josh Hazlewood, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson as the pace options for the Boxing Day match, which begins on Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Coulter-Nile dislocated his right shoulder when he fell awkwardly while fielding for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League on Monday, dashing his hopes of making his Test debut at the MCG. The squad: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon. - Reuters

WE DNE SDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

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SPORTS Oman golf witnessed tremendous growth in 2015, says OGC chief Golf in Oman has witnessed a

Another shining example is the NBO Challenge Tour.

The success of the tournament clearly indicates the fast rise of golf in the country

considerable growth in 2015 and with the year drawing to a close, OGC chief Mundhir Al Barwani looks back at the milestones that the sport has surpassed over past 12 months

Mundhir Al Barwani

and how the golf

OGC Chairman FOCUS ON JUNIORS: Oman juniors proved their mettle in regional tournaments. – Supplied photo

development process has panned out

MUSCAT: The golfing landscape in Oman has undergone a sea change in the last year, according to Oman Golf Committee (OGC) Chairman Mundhir Al Barwani, who credits several initiatives launched by the Sultanate’s golf governing body and the support of sponsors for the overall growth of the sport.

“Golf has developed in the Sultanate like never before. The country has witnessed a huge change in the golfing scenario, be it in terms of tournament participation, be it in terms our teams’ success rate or be it with our developmental programmes,” he said while speaking about the achievements and the efforts that led to those achievements during the year.

“Golf in Oman began on sand courses. It was an ardent golfer like our OGC patron His Excellency Dr Mohammed Al Rumhi

who took a keen interest to pursue it even when he faced a lot of challenges,” said Al Barwani, pointing out that Oman now has four lush green courses, attracting major golfing events like the European Challenge Tour. Al Barwani also hailed the junior Oman team’s trip to Sweden during summer for a training camp, adding that it has further contributed to the growth of golf in Oman.

Increase in numbers The number of tournaments that are being played now has increased and the success rate of the golfers has gone up. “We have increased the number of tournaments. Our presence is noticed by other GCC countries. We take part in PanArab tournaments, too. Also there is the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship in which we have started to participate since last year. We have developed our national golf teams and they are getting recognition from international tournaments,” said Al Barwani.

Increase in quality “The quality of tournaments that we organise in Oman has also increased. Take, for example, the Oman Amateur Open. For the first time in the history of the competition, more than 150 players from home and abroad registered for it, which clearly highlights the growing importance of the tournament in the Gulf region.

“Ninety-six golfers participated from Oman itself. In another first for the championship, the winner got a chance to participate in the prestigious European Challenge Tour event in Oman.”

“Another shining example is the NBO Challenge Tour. The success of the tournament clearly indicates the fast rise of golf in the country”, OGC chairman added.

This year’s Oman Senior Open was also attended by more than 100 players, which shows the ever growing importance of the day-long senior competition. The national golf teams, senior as well as junior, have been successful in coming

into the limelight in the GCC and other international tournaments.

According to Al Barwani, this was possible only because of the OGC’s constant effort to build, develop and promote golf among various sections of the society.

Juniors stand out The OGC chairman recalled the successes of Oman’s junior players in various competitions over the year. “Most notable of our junior teams’ successes are the ones in Kuwait and Dubai:” Al Barwani said. In Kuwait earlier this year, Oman’s Under-15 boys’ team finished third, while the ladies’ team also pulled off a third-place result.

And then in an Under-15 GCC championship in Dubai, Oman outshone the others. Fahad al Kitani won the gross title and the Oman team won the overall championship.

“This proves that we have talent and they can show their mettle in events that matter.”

Al Barwani is particularly en-

OMAN LOSE TO SAURASHTRA IN FIRST T20 GAME OF INDIA TOUR Saurashtra beat Oman by 73 runs in the first friendly warm-up game at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Tuesday. Saurashtra won the toss and elected to bat first and scored 193 runs for loss of two wickets. Cheteshwar Pujara and Sheldon Jackson opened the innings with the latter scoring an unbeaten 89 runs in 57 balls with 9 fours and 4 sixes.

Cheteshwar Pujara scored 85 runs in 54 balls with 12 fours and 2 sixes. Chasing 194 runs to win, Oman scored 120 runs for loss of 9 wickets. Sayed Aamir Ali scored 25 runs and remained unbeaten. Syed Aamir Kaleem also contributed 25 runs.

Jaydev Shah and Arpit Vasavada took two wickets each, Jaydev Unadkat, Shaurya Sanandia, Chirag Jani and Dharmendra Jadeja claimed one wicket each for Saurashtra. Second match for Oman against Saurashtra during their training session will be on Thursday at the same venue from 12.30pm Oman Standard Time. — Supplied photo

thused with the successful launch of the schools programme, the OGC’s latest outreach initiative.

“We have begun to directly rope in Oman’s schools as we look out for talented kids.

“We have started with The Sultan’s School, where we have already begun training a bunch of youngsters after having oriented them to golf. We think it’s a great way forward,” the OGC chairman said. The OGC has appointed Muscat-based PGA Pro Jade Lucas for the training programme. To draw in more youngsters and to make parents realistically take an interest in making their children play golf, the OGC has subsidized the programme by 50 percent.

Ladies’ programme The ongoing ladies’ golf programme, the first of its kind in Oman and the OGC’s pet project, witnessed a tremendous response from the womenfolk in Muscat.

The programme is organised by the OGC, hosted by Muscat Hills

and supported by NBO. “We have planned this for long. We got considerable response from Omani women. To encourage them we decided to sponsor the gear, strategically we have appointed a lady coach so that the Omani women feel free to come and taste the intricacies of the game.

Sponsors and ministry The OGC chairman praised the role of the sponsors to come forward for Ladies’ Programme and other junior programmes.

“Oman LNG sponsors our junior programmes, NBO came forward to support our ladies’ programme.

Many other corporate houses give commercial support to our various events and tournaments. I take this opportunity to thank them.”

Al Barwani said. “I must mention that without the support of the Ministry of Sports Affairs this would not have been possible for us to achieve. Special thanks to R&A who has been giving us constant support whenever needed.”

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W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015

SPORTS Historic 2015 for Sania Mirza, Yuki raises Indian hopes in men’s tennis It may be argued that achievements

Before Sania Mirza, only Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi had achieved the top rank when they were a dominant force in men’s doubles in the late 90s. In all, Sania won 10 titles in 2015 — nine with Martina Hingis and one with American Bethanie Mattek-Sands

in the doubles had no comparison to success in singles but we must not forget that it took India 15 years to find the next player who could assert supremacy in world tennis even if it was on the doubles circuit, which has its own challenges

NEW DELHI: Sania Mirza savoured a historic 2015 as she became the first female player from India to win a women’s doubles Grand Slam title on way to becoming world number one even as Yuki Bhambri presented himself in a new ‘avtar’, raising hopes on the otherwise barren singles circuit.

Season took a dramatic turn for Sania when she teamed up with Swiss great Martina Hingis in March.

Sania’s powerful game from the back of the court and Martina’s agility and manouvering at the net made them almost invincible.

The partnership proved a master stroke as they have become a very strong force with opponents yet to find an antidote to their superiority.

From the very first event, they had sounded out a warning by pocketing the Indian Wells title and till the end of the season, the rival teams were struggling to find out how to beat them.

The win at Charleston, their

third in a row, catapulted Sania to top of the ranking table and from then onwards she is firmly holding on to the coveted spot.

At the end of 2015 season, the two had won nine titles together including the prestigious Wimbledon and US Open apart from the year-end WTA Finals.

In 16 events played together, Sania and Martina — named ‘SanTina’ by fans — they were an astonishing 55-7.

It may be argued that achievements in the doubles had no comparison to success in singles but we must not forget that it took India 15 years to find the next player who could assert supremacy in world tennis even if it was on the doubles circuit, which has its own challenges.

Before Sania, only Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi had

achieved the top rank when they were a dominant force in men’s doubles in the late 90s. In all, Sania won 10 titles in 2015 — nine with Martina and one with American Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

The win at the Wimbledon took a big monkey off Sania’s back as till then she had won only mixed doubles trophies at Major events.

The 2016 calendar will be very challenging for the Indian super star as she will be defending a lot of points requiring her to be even more consistent.

The opponents will come better-prepared to counter the IndoSwiss pair. In the men’s tennis, it looked like that Delhi boy Yuki had reinvented himself.

The promise he had shown years back in his junior days, was finally coming to fore.

It was a breakthrough year for

him as he broke into top-100 singles chart for the first time, ensuring that he will get direct entry in the Grand Slams even as Somdev Devvarman’s steep fall remained a worry for fans.

India’s ‘ageless wonder’ Leander Paes continued to gather laurels for himself by winning three mixed doubles titles with none other than Martina.

Paes, who is gunning for his seventh Olympics, had not only oncourt challenges but off-court too as he was locked in a legal battle with estranged partner Rhea Pillai for the custody of their daughter.

It was amazing to see how he switched off from all the distractions and continued to thrive in the tennis world.

But that he is a diminishing force in the men’s doubles was also evident from the results.

In 26 tournaments he played with different partners, the 42-year-old Paes managed to reach final only thrice and won one title. There were more than 15 tournaments where he did not go beyond the second round.

Talking about the singles, Yuki and Somdev, India’s biggest stars as of today, met with contrasting fates this season.

While Yuki went from strength to strength, there was no end to Somdev’s woes.

The US-based player was overtaken in the rankings by both Yuki and Saketh Myneni.

It was the first year in Yuki’s career when he won two Challenger level singles titles and enjoyed wins over top-100 and top-50 players. More than anything he has looked more calm in his approach while countering difficult

junctures in matches, proof enough that he has become mentally strong.

He looks hungry for success at the big stage and has fire that was missing from his game and demeanour earlier.

He has also worked hard on his fitness and staying away from injuries has played a big role in his success.

But it was disappointing to see the fall of Somdev, who was now languishing at number 180.

Somdev, without doubt, is the most hard working Indian player.

But maybe his defensive style of play has not helped his cause in modern tennis.

He has hired a new coach, who was working very hard on his serve and his fans would hope that in 2016 both Somdev and Yuki will taste more success. - PTI

BADMINTON

Manu, Sumeeth clinch maiden GP title at Mexico Open NEW DELHI: India’s men’s doubles pair of Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy ended the season on a high by claiming their maiden Grand Prix title with a straightgame win over Thailand’s Bodin Issara and Nipitphon Puangpuapech in the finals of Mexico Open.

The third seeded Indian pair, who had reached the finals of US Open and Dutch Open, finally lay their hands on a grand prix title when they defeated Bodin and Nipitphon 22-20 21-18 in a 35-minute battle at the Centro Deportivo

Chapultepec AC on Sunday.

“They’re the no 1 pair of Thailand, so it was tough match for us as we had lost to them in the last tournament (K&D Graphics Grand Prix in California).But we played really good and it was our day,” Manu told PTI. “We played without any pressure and there were no unforced errors from our side. Basically we played amazing badminton. It was one of the best matches ever,” he added. It was a gritty performance from the Indian duo as they never

gave up in the face of adversity despite falling behind a couple of times during the opening game.

Manu and Sumeeth produced a gruelling game of badminton as they fought their way to a slender 11-9 lead at the break but the Thai pair drew level after the interval.

The Indian pair then once again opened up a 15-12 lead, which once again was reduced by Bodin and Nipitphon with two points.

Manu and Sumeeth, however, zoomed to a 20-16 lead but the Thai pair once again clawed back

with a four-point burst but the Indian duo didn’t give them any chance after that and closed the opening game in their favour.

In the second game, Manu and Sumeeth didn’t allow the Thai pair to ever threaten them as they lead right from the start to end to shut the door on their rivals.

“This is our first big title in this year. And it’s really a good motivation and end to this year. It’s a big advantage. This win will definetely give a big boost to our Olympic qualification campaign,” said Manu.

For the 22-year-old from Meerut, this season was more special as he had started the year with a final finish in the mixed doubles event with K Maneesha at the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold and ended it with a title with Sumeeth. “It was a satisfying year as I started the year with a GP gold runners-up and ended with a GP title,” he said.

Manu and Sumeeth played a lot of Grand Prix, Grand Prix Gold and International Challenge tournaments this year to reach a career-best ranking of World No. 17 in August.

The duo won the Belgian International Challenge and Lagos International challenge, besides reaching the finals of US Open Grand Prix Gold, Dutch Open Grand Prix, Prague Open International Challenge and Guatemala International challenge.

Talking about his association with partner Sumeeth, Manu said: “Me and Sumeeth started playing internationally in 2013. Our first tournament together as a pair was at the senior nationals in September, 2012 and we had won that.” -PTI

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SPORTS FA L S E H O P E S

Schumacher can walk, claims magazine but manager denies BERLIN: Bed-ridden Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is now able to take “tentative” steps with the aid of a carer and has regained slight movement in one arm, according to German magazine Bunte.

The front page of Bunte on Tuesday — headlined “He can move again” — has been published days before the second anniversary of his devastating ski accident in the French Alps.

But his management has emphatically denied the reports.

“Unfortunately, we are forced by a recent press report to clarify that the assertion that Michael could move again is not true. Such

GREAT YEAR: Novak Djokovic, left, and Serena Williams

Djokovic, Serena named ITF players of the year While Djokovic and Serena were named ITF players of the year, Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza were named women’s doubles world champions with Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau taking the men’s award

LONDON: Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams were named men’s and women’s world champions for 2015 by the International Tennis Federation on Tuesday.

The Serb ended the year as men’s

world No. 1 for the fourth time after taking three majors — the Australian, Wimbledon and US Open, as well as finishing runner-up to Stan Wawrinka in the French.

Djokovic said: “It is an honour to

be named ITF World Champion for the fifth time. My season was the best of my career with many highlights. It inspires me even more to keep on going, and I hope to continue to play at this level in 2016.”

Martina, Sania champions Williams also narrowly missed a calendar-year Grand Slam, winning the Australian, French and Wimbledon and reaching the her home US Open semifinal.

Williams said: “It means a lot to me to be named the ITF World Champion for the sixth time. I am proud to have achieved my second Serena Slam, in what has been an amazing year for me. Thank you for this recognition and for the undying support of the tennis community.”

IN KHABOURAH

Bank Muscat to present green football field to Al Saad Team MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in step with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and partnership to promote Oman as a sporting nation, is all set to present a green football field developed as part of the Green Sports initiative for Al Saad Team in the wilayat of Khabourah on Friday.

Dr. Said bin Hamad Al Rubaie, Secretary-General of the Education Board, will be the guest of honour at the ceremony to be attended by dignitaries and senior bank officials.

The Green Sports corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative launched by Bank Muscat in 2012 has gained momentum with

a total of 49 teams across the Sultanate benefiting from it till date, of whom 18 teams have completed the greening of their fields.

The bank has started receiving applications for 2016 Green Sports programme.

Marking the fifth year of the unique CSR initiative, the bank will support the development of 15 football fields in 2016.

Green Sports application forms can be downloaded from the Bank Muscat website www.bankmuscat.com and are also available at the CSR department in the bank’s head office.

The bank will consider only new applications and the completed forms must be submitted

at the head office or branches before 28 January 2016.

In 2015, the bank widened the scope of their Green Sports initiative beyond the greening of football fields.

Football teams seeking Green Sports support can choose from four options i.e to either green their football fields with natural or synthetic turf, or avail support to affix flood lights or water desalination equipment to facilitate greening of fields in areas facing problems of water salinity.

The bank’s move is aimed at providing wider representation to teams to build sustainable sports infrastructure in all parts of the Sultanate.

Martina Hingis, of Switzerland, and India’s Sania Mirza were named women’s doubles world champions, with Jean-Julien Rojer, of the Netherlands, and Romania’s Horia Tecau taking the men’s award.

Hingis thus became an ITF world champion again 15 years after being crowned singles champion.

Hingis said: “It is a great honour to be named ITF Women’s Doubles World Champions. Sania and I have enjoyed every minute of the season and we hope to continue in 2016 in the same fashion. We are set to join a long list of champions and it is a privilege to be recognised alongside them.”

Dalma Galfi, of Hungary, and USA’s Taylor Fritz were named ITF junior champions. - Reuters

speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael,” Schumacher’s long time manager, Sabine Kehm, was quoted as saying by dailymail. co.uk on Tuesday. “Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many involved people.”

Bunte says it is standing by its story and has no intention of removing it from newstands.

The report has an unnamed confidante of his telling the magazine: “Michael is very thin. But he can once again walk a little with the help of his therapists. He manages to make a couple of steps. And he can also raise an arm.” - IANS

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W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015

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Oman witnesses ‘breakthrough year’ in anti-doping campaign Oman Anti-Doping Committee has done a lot both in dope testing and creating awareness in 2015, which panel’s chief Dr Sultan Al Busaidi described as a ‘breakthrough year’. Taking their cause forward, the committee is now in final stages of introducing the anti-doping campaign in schools

GOOD CAMPAIGN: Oman Anti-Doping Committee chairman Dr Sultan bin Yaarub Al Busaidi, right, speaks as committee member Shuaib Al Zadjali looks on during a press conference at the Oman Olympic Committee Headquarters on Tuesday. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

A SESHAGIRI RAO

has come to make it a reality, according to OADC chief Dr Sultan bin Yaarub Al Busaidi.

Dr Sultan, who is also the chairman of Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO), briefed the local media about the activities of OADC and their plans for the future during a conference organised at the OOC Headquarters on Tuesday.

“It has always been our endeavour to create awareness about the ills of doping and educate the athletes and the general public about the anti-doping campaign,” Dr Sultan said.

“One of our aims has been to introduce the subject to the children at a very young age. So we have

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The Oman Anti-Doping Committee (OADC), which has been in the forefront of antidoping campaign in the region, will soon achieve its ambitious objective of introducing the subject as part of the curriculum in the Omani schools.

The Oman Anti-doping Committee, which operates under the umbrella of Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), has been working in cooperation with the Ministry of Education on their pet project of taking the campaign to schools for the last few years but now the time

been working on this project of introducing the anti-doping subject in the schools in the last few years.

Now we are hoping to see that become a reality in the coming academic year,” he said.

Dr Sultan also stressed that it has been a collaborative effort with different organisations.

“In the first place the credit goes to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It is WADA that provides all the materials — kits for athletes, coaches and they contain all that is related to rules and regulations of anti-doping campaign.

“Then we have been working closely with the Ministry of Education. Based on the WADA mate-

rial we have prepared a book that can be introduced in schools and one that can be easily taught to schoolchildren.

“This subject will be introduced to the children by the teachers from the science stream. We have already trained the teachers from across the country in this regard.

“Now it is a matter of time, the Ministry of Education will finalise the plan to introduce the subject in the schools.”

‘150 tests conducted’ Speaking about the regular activities of the Oman Anti-Doping Committee, Dr Sultan said: “We have worked closely with Oman

Olympic Committee and Ministry of Sports Affairs.

“And we have done a lot this year, not just in dope testing but also in creating the awareness about the subject in the country.”

“We have conducted tests during major sporting events organised in Oman, including Tour of Oman cycling championship.

“We have also conducted workshops and held competitions for children during Muscat Festival and at shopping malls with great success, receiving huge response from the public.”

“But as far as dope testing is concerned, the year 2015 has been a breakthrough year for Oman. We

have conducted 150 doping tests and that is a kind of benchmark.”

The OADC, however, refused to divulge the details of those tests.

“It is not for us to go into the details. There are different committees that deal with these tests. One that conducts tests and then the one that sends the results to the world body. Each committee keeps their work confidential. And whatever be the result, that is conveyed

by WADA,” he said.

Oman committee’s good work has been internationally recognised and that led to the Omani experts being nominated to various bodies.

Dr Sultan, who is also a member of Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Medical Committee, said: “Our experts have been selected for various international committees as well as different sporting events. During London Olympics (2012) two of our members were chosen to work with dope testing committee.”

Asked whether there is any possibility of setting up a laboratory in the Sultanate, he said: “Considering the geography and the population in the region it is not necessary to have a WADA accredited laboratory in Oman, especially when we already have one in Qatar. And then we have a regional research lab in Kuwait. So I don’t see any need to have one here.”

Shuaib for Rio Games Dr Sultan, meanwhile, revealed that Shuaib Al Zadjali, an OADC member, has been selected for the Rio Olympic Games to be organised in Brazil in 2016.

Shuaib had already gained experience and recognition after offering his services as Doping Control Officer at various international sporting events, including Olympics.

He was on the dope testing committee of 2012 Olympics as well as the inaugural Youth Olympic Games hosted by Singapore in 2010 and second Asian Beach Games organised in the Sultanate in 2010.

GOLF

Almouj Golf announces new packages MUSCAT: Almouj Golf has recently taken its commitment to raising the profile of golf across the Sultanate to new heights after unveiling two new membership packages tailor-made for individuals and groups. Golfers can take advantage of outstanding-value golf, world-class facilities and a number of other attractive benefits, such as reduced event fees for corporate Members.

In addition to playing Oman’s first 18-hole PGA Standard links golf course, players will enjoy 20 percent discounts off food and beverages, and savings of 10 percent off products from Almouj Golf’s Pro Shop.

Members will also receive exclusive guest rates and dining privileges when visiting two of the most popular venues in the neigh-

bouring UAE, the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and the Emirates Golf Club.

“The new packages underline Almouj Golf’s long-term promise

to grow the game and introduce a variety of attractive membership categories, including Academy memberships,” said Mubarak Hill, Club Manager of Almouj Golf.

“Since starting our operations, we have consistently strived to offer tailored programmes suited for enthusiasts and professionals alike,” he said.

“With these latest memberships, we aim to make the game more accessible to all and encourage everyone to learn, play, dine and celebrate at Almouj Golf.”

Starting in 2016, additional benefits of the new launch will see Championship Course Members at Almouj Golf gain complimentary summer access to the 18-hole Championship Courses at the Emirates Golf Club and the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.

Academy Members will also have plenty to look forward to, as they will gain Academy Par-3 summer access to both clubs after the New Year.

FOOTBALL

Arsenal believe they can win Premier League: Ozil LONDON: Arsenal can win the Premier League title this season if they can continue playing the type of game they did during Monday night’s 2-1 win over Manchester City, midfielder Mesut Ozil has said.

The win saw the Gunners, who are second in the table and two points behind leaders Leicester City after 17 games, open up a four-point gap with Manuel Pel-

legrini’s side who are third.

“We believe in ourselves. If you see the games against the big clubs, we won against them so we know our quality, if we play our game we can win the league,” Ozil told reporters after the game.

“We will give our best all the season for the title. We have had a lot of difficult games, we are happy to win against Manchester City

and we take the three points.

“I’m happy to help the team. You see on the pitch that my team mates help me to play my game. I just help them in return so today was another important game for us. I tried to give my best and we won the game, so we take the three points and that’s the most important thing.”

Theo Walcott believes Ozil’s red-hot form is making life easier

for Arsenal as the Germany international leads the Gunners’ assault on the title.

The World Cup winner set up Walcott and Olivier Giroud on Monday to register his 14th and 15th assists of the season and is on course to beat Thierry Henry’s record for the most assists in a single campaign (20), which the Frenchman set 13 years ago. - Reuters

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SECTION

LIFESTYLE

W ED N ES DAY, D EC EM B ER 23, 2 0 1 5

Leisure WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Story Mohammed Shafeeqe

W

inter is here after an extended summer this time and all of the residents and visitors to Oman have been looking forward to it. Christmas and New Year coincide with the winter tourism season in Oman, and during weekends the beaches are lively till midnight with families and friends enjoying games

and barbecues.

Winter is also a peak season for tourists. People from all over the world come to visit this capital city of Muscat. There are a variety of things that you can do in Muscat and it has something in store for all tastes; shoppers can go to the souk in Muttrah for some exquisite shopping, art and museum lovers can visit the famous museums of silverware and the National Mu-

seum. If you want to just lay back and relax, the pristine beaches in Oman are an ideal place to be. But, the beaches in the capital are lively with people ďŹ nding it the most suitable place for jogging, walking, and for a friendly game of football.

The country is at its most comfortable, most accessible, and most inviting from October through March. The sun shines brightly without beating down on you.

Meanwhile, the air is warm enough for visitors to shed the heavy coats, frigid temperatures and gray skies of colder climates. When you come to Oman, you can pack light â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even in the middle of winter.

Set on the edge of rough desert landscapes overlooking sparkling emerald seas and smoulders with traditional charm, Muscat today is a sought-after holiday spot for those in search of pristine diving

waters, all-year-round sunshine, and an authentic Arabian experience. Muscat is adding more charms to its attraction with the opening of new malls and a national museum.

The forthcoming Muscat Festival is another attraction to mark the winter tourism season a unique feast and more joyful. So here is a list of things you can indulge in this winter.

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W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015

LIFESTYLE

See the Sights On the ‘must see’ list are the Mirani and Jalali Forts, both built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and Al Alam Palace. A vision in turquoise mosaic and gold leaf, behind impressive black gates adorned with the Sultan’s coat of arms bearing a traditional Omani dagger, it was built in 1972, and apparently has a bowling alley in the basement. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture, is an iconic structure one must visit when in Muscat. Driving around the beautiful city is a pleasure in itself. sultanqaboosgrandmosque.com omantourism.gov.om

Relax at Barr Al Jissah The Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah resort is a perfectly manicured wonderland.

Whitewashed buildings sit beyond a row of palm trees, wedged between the emerald sea and the jagged ochre mountains. The resort is made up of three properties, including Al Waha (the oasis), geared towards families, Al Bandar (the town), with several restaurants, a glorious beach, giant swimming pools and a lazy river, and the smartest of the three properties, Al Husn (the castle). The six-star plush palace sits high on the cliff side and oozes luxury. As part of a stay here one can laze in the sun, hit the beach or get pampered at the zen Chi spa.

Hit the Souq The Muttrah Souq – a maze of tiny winding streets, where the heat, the hustle and bustle, and the exotic aromas are dizzying – is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two. Small enough not to get lost in, it’s worth venturing off the main drag for better prices, and more authentic experience. Haggling is part of the fun. Shopkeepers are extremely friendly, and a smile and joke goes a long way, as does reverse psychology. The best buys include spices like saffron, kohl make-up, silver charms, and the aromatic frankincense, which has become synonymous with Oman.

Japengo Café + 968 9289 2868 The Steak Company +968 9411 6600 Slider Station +968 2469 8990

shangri-la.com/muscat/ barraljissahresort/ +968 2477 6666 Chi, The Spa chi.muscat@shangri-la.com +968 2477 6828

Go Diving or Dolphin Watching Oman’s pristine waters preserve many treasures of the marine life. The amazing coastline of Oman draws die-hard diving fans from across the world. The crystal clear waters are rich with reef and whale sharks, sunfish, barracudas, and turtles. If that sounds too ‘deep’, then head out to see dolphins frolicking in the surf, instead. There are plenty of excursions available, departing from various locations in Muscat including prominent hotels, resorts and Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, which allow you to get up close and personal with the local flippers. marinaoman.net +968 2473 7288 (ext 200/203) raheebmarinetours.com +968 9274 5623 coraloceantours.com +968 9411 0088, +968 9116 2534 sidabseatours.com +968 2473 6791 azzahatours.com +968 9942 5461

Eat at the Chedi Another must while in Muscat is a visit to the Chedi. The all-white Moorish architecture with attention to every intricacy in detail makes it one of the region’s most luxurious hotels. Each piece of furniture; each bit of greenery is pristine. The glamorous restaurant with its crystal chandeliers over glass encased food stations offers a rather unique dinning experience. From sushi to patisserie, any and every delicacy is part of a mouth-watering culinary sojourn. The desserts look especially scrumptious, from colourful rainbow layered cakes to delicious macaroons… but if budget is an issue, stick to a quick drink on the terrace. ghmhotels.com +968 2452 4442

Go to Qurum Beach The beach at Shatti Al Qurum is busy on the weekends with families out playing cricket, football, swimming, and picnicking. Another activity which is sure to catch your eye while on the beach is barbecue — lots of families love to gather around the grills and barbecues under the long arched palm trees.

It’s a beautiful spot in which to sit for a while, soaking in the natural beauty and sipping a coffee or two makes for a very mesmerising experience. There are good coffee shops and some nice restaurants around.

Go Shopping For a more contemporary shopping experience, head to the Muscat City Centre Mall near the airport. The multi storied complex houses great international brands like Gap and Zara, US favourites Forever 21 and Banana Republic, offering huge options to shoppers.

You can also pick up a bottle of Oman’s favourite and very pricey perfume, Amouage at the mall or catch a movie with near and dear ones. Also visit The Muscat Grand Mall, Oman Avenues Mall or the Panorama Mall in Ghubra for world renowned brands. citycentremuscat.com muscatgrandmall.com omanavenuesmall.om panoramamall.com

Indulge in Gourmet Food For dinner, the idea is to push the boat out. Well, almost. Sultanah, one of Muscat’s finest restaurants is a kick back to the glory days of cruising. Set up in a chic ocean liner style with 30s inspired décor and views over the bay below, it feels plush and elegant. Go local with braised Omani kingfish with a red pepper confit, or travel to Japan with a sampling menu of tuna tartar, tender beef Teriyaki and miso soup in cute China coffee cups. The food is just as good as the staff, grinning from ear to ear. Restaurants in Muscat range from dining in world-class hotel restaurants to simple Arabian cafes.

Sultanah: +968 2477 6565 Al Angham at Opera Galleria: +968 2207 7777 The Chocolate Room: +968 2449 9922 Kargeen Caffe: +968 2469 2269 Bin Ateeq: +968 2447 8225 Mumtaz Mahal: +968 2460 5907 Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant: +968 9457 9457

Go Driving and Camping Oman has some really fantastic long stretches and it is a pleasure to be out driving. Explore the mountains or conquer the dunes in a dessert safari, or simply tame one long black stretch — Oman has got driving thrills in plenty. Camping is one thing that is so common in this part of the world. Just the fact that you've such lovely landscapes around, good cars and roads to drive, camping somewhere on the outskirts would be a good option too. The Guide Oman organises self drive desert expeditions and mountain crossings. Contact The Guide Oman for a desert adventure. theguideoman.com rmayston@theguideoman.com +968 980 38820, +968 922 85813

Muscat Festival The month-long festival, typically lasting from January through February, celebrates Omani culture. It’s a fabulous opportunity to discover Omani crafts, explore local traditions and enjoy performances. The enormous festival incorporates more than just a Heritage Village site; visitors can typically experience a circus, amusement park activities and international exhibitors. More than that, the festival offers a feast for all five senses: you can explore the delicious flavours and scents, delightful music, beautiful art and native traditions of the Omani people. The Muscat Festival offers the perfect time to visit because it distils a country’s worth of culture and presents it all in one easyto-access venue. shafeeq@timesofoman.com

T R AV E L T I P S

Avoid unhealthy eating while travelling No one wants to come home from vacation packing extra pounds in addition to great souvenirs and fond memories.

Yet even the most dedicated, healthy eater can find it difficult to maintain good dietary habits while travelling. New surroundings, new cuisines, a need for convenience and all that appetite-building activity can tempt you into making poor dining choices. Nevertheless, it is possible to stay on track while on the road.

Here are four tips:

Don't delay dining With so many things to see and do on your vacation, it’s easy to forget to eat - until you find yourself so hungry you'll eat just about anything. Extreme hunger is a recipe for binging and unhealthy choices. Instead of letting your hunger reach crisis point, try to stick to your regular dining schedule. Pack some healthy snacks in your travel tote or handbag to tide you over in case you get hungry between meals.

Map out healthy meals Just as you planned other aspects of your trip - the sights you’ll see, how you’ll get there, etc - it’s important to plan meals, too. Make a map of where and when you will eat to avoid unhealthy temptations. Resources like HealthyDiningFinder.com can help you locate restaurants that serve healthy and delicious fare, like My Fit Foods.

Avoid liquid calories It’s fine to indulge with a little imbibing, but avoid going overboard and look for lighter options. Beverages can be loaded with calories; a pina colada can pack more than 600 calories and a Long Island Iced Tea can ring in at nearly 800 calories. Since those calories are in liquid form - and taste so good - it’s easy to consume a lot of them at a time and not realise the impact until you step on the scale later.

Walk, hike, bike, swim & jog it off You don't have to spend a single minute in the hotel gym to get in plenty of physical activity. Walking is one of the best ways to see and experience a new location, and it's a great way to offset any extra calories you might consume on your trip. Whenever possible, get out of the car and walk through the city or town you're visiting.

Climb that challenging nature trail, frolic in the surf, climb that mountain or bike through town. –Courtesy of Brandpoint

WEDNE SDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

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LIFESTYLE It makes you more confident, powerful, and healthy and, on top of all, it makes you look good.

Why do you love to be a fitness freak?

The main reason I like fitness is how good it makes you feel about yourself and how healthy you feel. After doing it for a while the confidence it gives you is amazing.

It makes you feel strong, powerful, and healthy and top of all makes you look good.

How did you get into it?

Once, I didn’t really like how I looked. My height was 171cm and weight just 48kg.

I looked super thin and wanted to look better and the only way was to hit the gym. I was aware that it would be a tough task, but I worked hard and the more time I spent in the gym the better became my looks. I then worked out even harder because I wanted to look the best I could ever be but the fitness lifestyle shocked me. To gather information on how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat, I had to spend a lot of time browsing the Internet and in the kitchen cooking for the fitness regime.

I got to understand how my body reacts with various kinds of food and workouts. I loved it more and now I am able to change my body the way I wanted it to be. The achievements I had make me feel like a super hero. I love to engage in various sports and martial arts such as Taekwondo, boxing, kickboxing, swimming, and gymnastics.

How can I get into it?

Well, you can get into fitness regime in many ways. Start going to gym or start working out yourself at home but the hardest part is to start getting yourself into it. You need to have that strong passion to do it and go for it. Don’t wait for a friend to start with you.

THE HOBBYIST Nageeb Abdul Rauff Ebrahim Al Khaldi Fitness Freak

What’s your pro-tip?

My pro tip is simple. It’s your dream and go for it with full strength.

Photography: Supplied

Contact info/resources for becoming fitness freak in Oman: Gym, fitness clubs, YouTube videos, fitness websites.

Hamar Gym: +968 2454 3133, Professional Martial Arts and Fitness Academy: +968 9520 9001 muscleandstrength.com, bodybuilding.com

Y O U R FAV O U R I T E B O O K

An Abundance of Katherines

By John Green

“WHAT’S THE POINT in being alive if you don’t at least try to do something remarkable? How very odd, to believe God gave you life, and yet not think that life asks more of you than watching TV.” -Colin Singleton to Lindsey Lee Wells An Abundance of Katherines is based around Colin: a child prodigy and a gorgeous wannabe genius, who only seems to want to date girls named Katherine. However, each Katherine he has ever dated has dumped him, or so he believes.

Heartbroken by being dumped by K-19 (girlfriend Katherine number 19), his best friend Hassan plans a road trip which will change

Colin’s whole outlook on love, relationships and life.

In this book, I really liked how Colin’s first intentions for going on a road trip was for him to find his ‘Eureka moment’ which would prove to people that he really was a true genius. But as the story progressed he started to change and become a better person.

He began to realise that the world wasn’t revolved around him and he had to be there for the people who cared about him, even if it meant being stung by a swarm of hornets to protect Hassan. Finally, what I loved most was that at the end when Colin learned he didn’t need

a Katherine or theory to be happy.

Although I thought it had a great plot, it would not be very appealing to someone who gets confused with the simplest equations in Mathematics as the novel does include a rather complicated theorem which is to show how long a relationship will last. Luckily if you really wanted you could skip them out, but to me it makes it more realistic.

Overall I really enjoyed the book because it was like I was having a life lesson. Colin’s theory would only reveal the past and it could not show the future, so we learn that we don’t know who we will

become, as the future is unpredictable and we are always changing.

I would score this book an 9.5/10 because I know I have learned something from this book and because it was just an enjoyable book to read. — Reviewed by Shibhangi Ghose ARE YOU A PROLIFIC READER? Which is your favourite book? Pick one and send in your thoughts on it.

Contact shafeeq@timesofoman.com

W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015

C10

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL @PANORAMA MALL

@AZAIBA

@RUWI

SOHAR Macbeth - 2D (12+)Drama | War Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jack Madigan 5:30, 11:55 PM The Good Dinosaur - 3D (U) Animation | Adventure | Comedy Voice Overs : Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla 6:30 PM The Good Dinosaur - 2D (U) Animation | Adventure | Comedy Voice Overs : Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla 2:45 PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens - 2D (PG12) Action | Adventure | Fantasy Cast : Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher 5:45, 9:20 PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens - 3D (PG12) Action | Adventure | Fantasy Cast : Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher 3:00, 8:40, 11:30 PM Dilwale - 2D (PG12) Action | Comedy | Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon 3:30, 8:30, 6:45, 11:15 PM Bajirao Mastani - 2D (TBC) Drama | History | Romance Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 2:30, 7:45, 10:45 PM When Marnie Was There - 2D (PG) Animation | Drama | Family Voice Overs : Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura, Nanako Matsushima 4:45 PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Star Wars: The Force Awakens (3D) (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher 6:00, 9:30, 11:45, 11:55 PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2D) (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher 3:15 PM Dilwale (Action | Crime) (PG12) Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan 3:00, 9:00, 11:30 PM Bajirao Mastani (Drama | History) (TBC) Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 8:45 PM The Good Dinosaur (3D) (Animation) (U) Voice Overs: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla 4:00 PM

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (MX4D) (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Issac 2:30, 5:45, 9:00, 11:30 pm

Bajirao Mastani – 2D (PG12) Drama, History, Romance Cast – Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra 11:15AM, 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:15PM

MUSCAT GRAND MALL Star Wars: The Force Awakens -3D (Action | Adventure | Fantasy ) PG12 Cast : Oscar Isaac, Harrison Ford 11:00AM, 12:45, 4:30, 6:15, 9:00 & 11:45PM Gold Class: 3:00, 8:45 & 11:15PM Dilwale (Action | Romantic | Comedy) PG12 Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, 1:30, 3:15, 8:45 & 11:30PM Gold Class: 5:45PM The Good Dinosaur-3D (Animation) U Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand 10:45AM & 7:00PM

Adventure)(3D)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 4:45, 9:15 pm Star Wars: The Force Awakens - (Action) (VIP LOUNGE)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 2:45, 5:15, 11:00 pm Star Wars (Action, Adventure)(MX4D)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 2:30, 5:45, 9:00, 11:30 pm Dilwale (Action, Romance)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:15, 11:45 pm Dilwale (Action)(2D)(PG12)-VIP LOUNGE Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 7:45 pm BAJIRAO MASTANI (Drama)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 2:45, 5:45, 8:45, 11:45 pm The Good Dinosaur (Animation)(3D)(U) Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla 2:30, 7:15 pm

Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhavan, Kriti Sanon 11:45 AM, 2:00, 2:30, 5:00, 5:30, 8:00, 8:30, 11:00, 11:30PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens - 3D (PG12) (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan 2:00, 4:25, 6:50, 9:15, 11:45PM Bajirao Mastani – 2D (PG12) (Drama, History, Romance) Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra 11:15 AM, 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:15PM

PANORAMA MALL Star Wars: The Force Awakens - (Action,

AZAIBA Dilwale – 2D (PG12) (Action, Romantic)

Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

Screen 3 Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Family/Drama) PG Cast : Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh 3.45 PM Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 6.45, 9.45 PM Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh SUR Star Wars : The Force Awakens (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 5:45, 8:10 PM Diwale (Action | Romance ) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon 3:00, 8:45, 11:35 PM Bajirao Mastani (Action | Romance | History) ( PG12) Cast : Ranbir Singh, Dipika Padkone, Priyanka 5:50, 10:35 PM The Good Dinosaur 3D ( Animation) ( U ) 3:50 PM

RUWI Screen 1 Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM

BURAIMI Star Wars: The Force Awakens– 2D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Daisy Ridley, Oscar Issac, Harrison Ford 3:15, 6:00, 9:15, 11:30PM Close Range – 2D (Action, Crime) (12+) Cast: Scott Adkins, Nick Chinlund, Caitlin Keats 7:45, 11:30PM The Good Dinosaur – 3D (Animation, Adventure, Comedy) (U)

Voice Overs: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla 5:45PM Dilwale – 2D (Action, Romantic, Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 3:00, 6:00, 8:50, 11:45PM Bajirao Mastani– 2D (Drama, History) (PG12) Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 3:15, 8:30PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

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

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

26 20

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

SHARVIN FERNANDES December 23, 2000

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

35-70% Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

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

LISTINGS

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Dilwale (Hindi) (Act\Com) Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol & Varun Dhawan 3-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema Main; 6-30 pm at Cinema-2 Bajirao Mastani (Hindi Rom\Act/Drama) Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone 6-30 pm Cinema Main; 3-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema-2 Amar Akbar Anthony (Mal) (Act/Drama) Cast : Prithviraj & Jaya Surya 6-45 pm Cinema -3 Salt Mango Tree (Mal \ Com) Cast Biju Menon, Sohasani & Mani Ratnam 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema -4 Bengal Tiger (Telugu) ( Act) Cast: Ravi Teja, & Tamannaah 3-45 Cinema -4 Pathemari (Mal/ Drama) Cast : Mammootty & Jewel Mary 3-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema- 3 NEXT CHANGE: Tanga Magan (Tamil); Pasanga (Tamil); Soukhayam (Telugu); Rangi Taranga (Kannada) Programmes are subject to change

0

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Minimum

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

STAR CINEMA

0

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Dilwale (Action / Comedy) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon 1.00, 4.00, 7.00 & 10.00 PM CP No: 3047 (PG12) Close Range (Action / Crime) Cast: Scott Adkins, Nick Chinlund, Caitlin Keats 6.15 & 10.15 PM CP No: 3041 (12+) Hyena Road (Drama / War) Cast: Rossif Sutherland, Paul Gross 4.00 & 8.00 PM CP No: 3043 (15+) Howl (Horror) Cast: Ed Speleers, Holly Weston, Shauna Macdonald 2.00 PM CP No: 3042 (18+)

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

BAHJA CINEMA

SALALAH In the Heart of the Sea (3D) (PG12) (Action | Adventure | Biography) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan 4:00PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens (3D) (PG12) (Action|Adventure|Fantasy) Cast: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 10:15 AM, 12:45, 6:15, 9:20, 11:55 PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2D) (PG) (Action|Adventure|Fantasy) Cast: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 3:00PM Dilwale (2D) (PG12) (Action | Romantic | Comedy) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan 12:00, 3:25, 6:25, 8:45, 11:45PM Bajirao Mastani (2D) (PG12) (Drama/ History) Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 5:30, 8:30, 11:30PM The Good Dinosaur (3D) (U) (Animation| Adventure |Comedy) Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla 10:00AM, 2:00PM When Marnie Was There (2D) (PG) (Animation | Drama | Family) Voice Overs: Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura, Nanako Matsushima 12:00PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

12.11pm 3.11pm 5.31pm 6.47pm 5.24am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

WE DNE SDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

LIFESTYLE Coastal Arabesque Town

9”E Location: 22°33’49.5”N 59°32’21. the beauty of an Have you been able to capture n in Oman? Send off-the-beaten-path destinatio geo-locator to: your pictures with a caption & shafeeqe@timesofoman.com

YOUR BIGGEST ROAD HAZARD IS IN YOUR HAND A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

C11

W E D NE S DAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 015

LIFESTYLE

MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO VISIT

OMR 396 average for an overnight city break

OMR 319 average for an overnight city break

OMR 315 average for an overnight city break

OMR 392 average for an overnight city break

OMR 300 average for an overnight city break

IF YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE THINKING ABOUT GOING ON VACATION, OMR 284 average for an overnight city break

OMR 300 average for an overnight city break

YOUR BEST BET MIGHT BE TO GO EAST.

I

OMR 288 average for an overnight city break

n a new report published

by UBS, European cities took up six of the top ten most expensive cities to vacation. The cheapest were primarily in Asia and Eastern Europe. Zurich was the most expensive city for a vacation, averaging OMR 396 for an overnight city break. New York came in close second at OMR 392, followed by Geneva and Tokyo, where the price was at least OMR 385 each. Paris, Munich, Taipei, Helsinki, and Dubai rounded out the top ten, with Dubai costing OMR 300 for the night.

Those who want a dirtcheap vacation should go to Bucharest, Romania, where the stay costs only OMR 100.

Mumbai and SoďŹ a, Bulgaria cost only OMR 115 for the night, followed by Bangkok, New Delhi and Beijing.

Nairobi and Vilnus, Lithuania both cost OMR 146. The ninth and tenth least expensive cities were Budapest and Istanbul.

OMR 277 average for an overnight city break

OMR 277 average for an overnight city break

Courtesy of Fortune

C1 2

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 3, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D8

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

FOR RENT AL KHUWAIR INDEPENDENT VILLA 5 BED ROOM attached bath rooms, split a/c, car parking.

Contact :

990 49 722

D2

W E D N E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

NEW Flats & Showrooms for Rent 1/2/3 BHK Flats & Showrooms at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from corniche. equipped with split/ cassette unit ACs, internet points, freeto-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking. Rent RO.250/350/450 (Negotiable) per month.

Contact : 99229263; 93221054; 95215289

FLATS FOR RENT In a Luxury Building in Al Seeb Market Near Police station

2BHK, 3 washroom Flat with Split Air Conditioners Near Lulu Darsait

Call: 99888007 - 99473500

93202733

Profs / jack. Contact 93219378 V. Nice flat in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95755953 /95555162 Wadi Kabir, one bedroom flat.

Contact: 99313274 2 BHK flat with air conditions at Ruwi MBD area, near Al Adil supermarket.

Contact: 93211557/24814853 Semi furnished spacious room with attached washroom separate entrance near Indian school Al Ghobrah for non cooking Executive Indian bachelor.

Contact: 95146361/92657598 For rent 1bed room flat, near Indian school (ISD) at Darsait.

Contact: 94776771/ 99669216 Two floor beautiful villa for rent at AL Khoud – VIP neighborhood, close to all amenities , ground floor consist of sitting rooms , two toilets , hall & kitchen, first floor , three bedrooms , balcony & hall with two toilets, shaded garage for two cars , monthly rental OMR 600/-. Contact: 95348567

FOR RENT

Brand new 1 & 2 BHK flats available in Ruwi, Darsait, CBD area & Bausher. Contact: 94776771 At Al Athaiba ground floor with split AC, 2beds, 2bathrooms, kitchen & sitting room Behind AL Zubair rent 350/-PDC. Contact: 99879939 Store for rent in Mabela, road no. 10, total area 700 sq.mt, built up area 200 sq.mt with covered shed, open area 500 sq.mt. With boundary wall. Contact -98273761 /96677134.

2 bedroom centrally Ari conditioned flat in CBD, central bank Area. Contact: 24714625 /99053493 One & Two bedroom apartments available for rent near grand mall, opposite panorama mall, next to Diwans office, at south Ghobrah.

Contact: 99833747

CONTACT :

Flat villa type for rent - in al khuwair 33/, 4 Bed Rooms .4 bath Rooms, 1 Family Hall, 1 Dining Room, 1 Living Room, 1 Kitchen, Store.

Contact 99315515

One / two B/R RES / comm. flat near Oman Medical College directly from owner. Contact: 92158031 3 Bed with split A/C near Hojar roundabout R.O 275/-. Contact: 99326048/ 95250986 02 BHK commercial / residential (with split AC) flats at Honda Road.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Villa for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95562646 2 BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact – 95865686 3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.

RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 Villas available for rent at Al Hail close to the wave (Al Mouj) compound swimming pool & gym.

Contact: 99833747

2 BHK flat for rent near (ISM) Indian School Muscat.

Contact: 99489594 Flat for rent, 2 room, 2 bathroom with AC 250/-. Contact: 94447825 New villa at south Mawalah 5 bedroom, family hall, Majlis, 5 twl for RO.650/- Contact - 99332367 House for rent in Al Amerat .

Contact: 92532371 / 92294259 2 BHK with split / AC in MSQ opposite Al Fair. Contact: 96708000 1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/Contact 99358589 /95570288 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking. Rent RO.250/350 per month. Contact: 99229263; 93221054; 95215289 Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

At Al Athaiba (2nd floor) 2 bed, sitting room , 1 bathroom , kitchen , split AC rent 310/- PDC. Contact: 99879939 2bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact: 92584715 / 24700120 At Wadi Kabir Industrial two floor showrooms, 80 sm each, rent 450/- R.O (PDC). Contact: 99879939 1000sqmtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 /92584715 1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Hamriya Mabela and Al Khoud shop at Al Khoud. Contact: 24834644 / GSM : 93994401 /02/03/3lines 2 bedroom luxury fully furnished flat for rent at Ghala short or long term basis. Contact: 99886386 / 99881653 Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454

02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nadha hospital. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/- & 350/-. Contact: 97799175 Flats for rent at Al Mablah block eight. Contact: 99445177 Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/99367448 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact: 91214849/ 99364735 1000 sqm industrial land with compound wall & two rooms at Misfah.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North. Contact - 96420432 Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact - 9405178997201688

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 3, 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE Dozer Kom 355A -3 Dozer Kom 155A- 3 Grader Champion 780 Excavator PC 400 with breaker Man green water tanker 5000 IG All are in good condition

99310448/99612010/95208455

FOR SALE Marble factory for sale, location Misfah. Contact – 98586828 Cradle lift for external building painting hundred mtr height almost new. Contact 99235701 /97747705

FOR RENT One flats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610 Open showroom AL Ghobrah 18 November 175SQM & office space Al Qurum next to Al Araimi Complex.

Contact: 94300909

MV SALE Izuzu 3.5 ton model 2013-3nos.

Contact: 99719124 Izuzu 5 ton model 2009 – 1nos.

Contact: 99719124 Expat used Ford Escape 2012, 102000 kms insurance Oman / UAE Mulkiya 10-2016. OMR 4850/-. Contact - 93264005

1.2.3 BHK & villa. Contact: 97799175 1BHK Darsait R.O 225/-.

Contact: 92144045 /97799175 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 92144045 /97799175 1BHK M.B.D R.O 280/- & 250/-.

Contact: 92144045/97799175 2BHK available near Hamriya round about main road rent R.O 170/- PM. Contact: 99513510 Flats in Darsait.# 94051789-97201688 Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789-97201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact - 9405178997201688

Toyota Yaris model 2011 M/T, km 165000. Price RO.2150/-.

Contact: 95286741 Toyota Corolla Oct 2012 Regd MY. Excellent condition, km done.

33,000/- Contact - 97717152 Hummer H2 model 2006, 178000 km, Full options Number 1 Army edition.OMR 7200. Contact -99466773 Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale.

Contact 92194205 BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.

Contact 96364990

Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789-97201688

Ford focus, automatic, 2010 model, silver colour, expat driven, 58000 kms, dealer serviced, registration till sep 2016, price ro 2750.

Contact- 93207590

Offices in Ghala. Contact 94051789-97201688

FOR SALE

Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum. Contact - 94051789-97201688 Duplex villa in QURUM 29.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Villa, 2 flats at Al Khuwair (17/2) Contact: 99444786

A well working restaurant for sale at Al Khuwair, behind hotel Radisson Blue. Contact - 98494366 Used super market shelving’s Gondolas. Contact: 97752395 Exercise cycle for sale.

Contact – 92847957 Al Qurum, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sitting, kitchen, split ACs price 65,000 R.O. Contact 9987 9939

Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Azaiba prime location behind Al Fardan building. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411 Shop for sale in CBD area prime location call 97449011 Mangalorean restaurant at Wadi Kabir & shop at Ruwi for sale.

Contact: 98428507 / 93655003 Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808-97201688 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact - 9505680897201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact -9505680897201688 Running restaurant with seven clearance for sale Awabi Muscat.

Contact: 95497007 Barber shop for sale in Ghubra.

Contact 92955874 3Ton Forklift, Special made for Oman market, Japanese Isuze C240 Engine, Cascade side shifter, High amount exhaust, 3m lifting height, Solid tyres, One year warranty. Contact: 98883445 Shop for sale at Ghala Sanaya main junction (prime location) shop for sale Contact Kamil 92696479 Window AC 30 Nos (general make all good conditions), refrigerator, freezer & mess equipments for sale. Contact: 98064113/ 99315878 Quotation fax on: 24448101 /24448103 Grade one, non residential civil construction company, seven months old, with all approvals, in Sohar, for immediate sale.

Contact: 98236616

USED EXCAVATORS

FOR SALE • KOMATSU PC 450 • HITACHI 350 • KOBELCO 250 Please Contact: 99855374 / 98517544 ACC. AVAILABLE

STOCK CLEARANCE SALE Indian Granite 600x300x20 - 15000 sq mts Indian Granite Slabs 20000 Sq mts Our factory yard at Ghala Industrial area.

Furnished sharing accommodation in ruwi near O.K. Center for non-cooking indian bachelor.

Contact - 98805474

Contact 99337723 / 95118906

1 Bedroom with bathroom for female in Al Hail including electricity & water. Contact - 92817777

ACC. AVAILABLE

Accommodation available one big bedroom, bath room, kitchen rent R.O 150/- opposite Al Nahdha Hospital rear Ruwi. Contact: 97943523

Big room available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact : 99495131

Big room bath attach kitchen near Riyam Park O.R 90/-.

Contact: 95094028

Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage. .

Contact 93687466

Room for rent in AL Khuwair 120/O.R for bachelor furnished with Ele- water. Contact: 95190627

Room for rent available in a flat for Executive bachelor at Azaiba, behind Al Meera Hypermarket with attached bath with cot & A/c, rent inclusive of water & electricity. Contact 96404166 / 97433992

Family sharing accommodation for rent at Honda Road 2 room bathroom, sharing, kitchen Indian only O.R 130/-. Contact: 99519161 Furnished single rooms available for bachelors at Ruwi.

Contact: 98650994 Single room available in Mumtaz area Ruwi. Contact: 91978472 Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor Opp. O.C Center Ruwi.

Contact: 92273779 Furnished room, attached bath in Mumtaz area. Contact - 99743709 For rent independent room with attach B/room & kitchen near BP Petrol pump & Seeb Indian School, Mabela for RO.100 /- without Elect & Water. Contact 91516775 Single room bathroom in Darsait R.O 140/-. Contact: 93289652

Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120. Water and electricity included. Contact 98803261 Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, Kitchen & store including utilities bills at Al hail.

Contact 92817777 1 Bedroom with attached Bath, fully furnished, separate entrance at Mabela for ladies only.

Contact: 99634841

ACC. WANTED Single room required with reasonable rent. Contact - 95405033

ACC. WANTED Single room required for an Executive with reasonable rent.

Contact 95405033

FOR HIRE Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

NRI royal castles

vakathanam, kottayam Luxurious villas in a Gated community with all the modern facili es at Vakathanam By-Pass (MC road-NH 220) Web: www.royalcastles.in email: info@royalcastles.in +968 92855909, +91 9961 11 9988 Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District, walk able distance to existing colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price.

Contact – 0091 8686631669 A House of 2150 sq.Ft in Padmanabanagar Bangalore facing south east on a corner plot of 2315 Sq.Ft for sale , serious buyer. Contact: 00919845195766, 968 99770173 Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune 95272138,(+918390982975)

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W E D N E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 3, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT SITUATION VACANT Urgently required a male Marketing & Sales Executive with a Masters Degree in life sciences / Biotechnology to handle products for Genetic Research and development.

Experienced persons preferred.

Interested candidates can send their resume to emailmedical@omanmed.com

Engineering Company based in Oman (Muscat) is looking urgently to hire the following position:

Position: Accountant (Omani Only) (Bachelor or Diploma ) Experience: 2 to 3 years Fax NO. 24596440 Email:therecuiter@hotmail.com

CONTRACTING COMPANY GRADE ONE URGENTLY REQUIRED 1. Architect (male/female with minimum 3 years experience) 2. Administration officer (female Filipino, or Indian 3years experience) 3. PRO (Omani) Minimum 3years experience

Full time work, Visa clearance is available; The candidates D/L have added advantage.

Send your CV to

safaaalamery27@gmail.com Mob: 92234736

Employment type: full time Must have experience.

For inquires please contact us on:

dotmuscat@gmail.com

CVs mentioning Oman tel. No. to be submitted to:

omanengineco@yahoo.com

BEAUTY Urgently require a Female Beautician for a saloon in Sur, must have exceptionally good skills in threading ,waxing ,haircuts & facial treatments .Hair styling & bridal make ups would be added advantage .(Visa available)For more details please contact on 95214535

CATERING Cook waiters, must know Indian & Arabic food to cook.

Contact: .97158376 Email: westernsanitary@Yahoo.com Need cook Arab food sandwich suitable salary, with visa.

Contact: 98292846

DRIVER Wanted experienced driver for rent a car and tourism. Email: almoosarentacar@gmail.com Required Indian driver to work in a house. Salary RO 150/Contact – 96255558

DOMESTIC HELPER Urgently required House Maid full time for small Omani family.

Contact: 99339502 Urgently required for full time a Gujarati House maid for small family (2 members), aged around 40-50, Visa Available. Contact 99370306, after 08:00 pm only or Whats app.

ENGINEER Projects Manger Engineer wanted to manage a construction company, experience required. Contact 99441122, sr@touchcdc.com Wanted B.Tech Civil Engineer for Oman Muscat minimum experience five years gulf.

Contact: 97380467 Wanted Chemical Engineer with 5-10 years experience in STP Operations and Maintenance.

Kindly send your resumes to advance@omantel.net.om or Fax us at +968-24792175.

Wanted Market Research Expert with experience in Feasibility Studies. Kindly send your resumes to advance@omantel.net.om or Fax us at +968-24792175.

An Eye Lesser Centre/Muscat seeking for a staff Nurse with good experience in ophthalmic surgeries and having (MOHL) Oman Ministry of Health License.

1. Medical Lab Technician 2. Staff Nurse 3. Accountant – Male Kindly Email your cv @: amutccllc@yahoo.com

Please send CV to mr-aaa@hotmail.com

with relevant experience in the following areas.

Excellent remuneration and growth opportunities for selected candidates.

Languages: English, Arabic (optional)

ENGINEER Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227 Experienced Petrol Mechanic, denter required. Contact: 98045373

EDUCATION Teacher maths and science, computer required for Omani private school. Contact: 95141554/958225772

MISCELLANEOUS A fast food restaurant in Muscat required experience Motor Cycle Drivers with license Contact; 96447979. Forward CV: fastfoodoman2014@gmail.com Urgent Staff requirement for Omar Al Khayyam Group of restaurant (restaurant manager, restaurant cashier, waiters, Indian / Chinese / Tandoor cooks.

Contact: +96893798969 or email: ok.office2013@gmail.com Required building material sales man, CCTV Technician, Maintenance supervisor & Mason.

Contact - 99383044 Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs. Al Khoudh.

Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com or call 91159905 Travel agent in Muscat require experience Counter Staff (male/ female) Sales & Marketing (male/ female) interested send CV on jobavailable2016@hotmail.com Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com or call Ph:+968 99450811 Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same field with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CV’s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700

MEDICAL Immediate Opening for Laboratory Technician. Should have MOH License to work in Medical centre in capital area. Excellent Package, Flexible Timings, Accommodation will be offered.

Contact Urgently: 99340135 Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and benefits. Drop your cv at 0careerhr1972@gmail.com.

1. OBG 4. GPs

2. Pediatrics 5. Dermatology

3. Orthopedics 4. Pharmacist (Omani)

Those interested please send your CV to Thulasi

<thulasi.u@asteroman.com> or call 98294218 for enquiries

VACANCY A reputed Electrical Contracting Company invites applications from qualified and experienced candidates for the following positions.

Electrical Testing & Commissioning Engineer - 2 Nos. Qualification – BE/BTech in Electrical Engineering Experience – Min. 5 year experience in Electrical testing and commissioning, preferably in Oil & Gas sector.

Electrical Industrial Technician - 2 Nos. Qualification – Diploma or ITI in Electrical Engineering Experience – Min. 5 year experience in Electrical erection and commissioning jobs, preferably in Oil & Gas sector.

Interested candidates meeting above requirements may apply with recent bio-data to admin@cesoman.com.

Preference for candidates currently in Oman with NOC.

MEDICAL Need one Nurse for private clinic scientific clinic Salalah.

Contact: 99082092 Wanted a Male Nurse with MOH license, ACLS, BLS for desert posting (permanent) and a Dentist to work a Locom near Seeb both with NOC as soon as possible.

Deams Clinic - Muscat-Al Khoudh urgently required Medical Laboratory Technician salary + Accommodation, Minimum 3 years Experience in Sultanate of Oman GP Nurse salary +Accommodation minimum 5 years Experience in Sultanate of Oman.

Contact - towershr70@gmail.com Wanted Medical Lab Technician (male or female) for a reputed poly clinic. Kindly contact – 97101062 or send email to – arunjeni11@gmail.com

MANAGER Urgently Required: Project Manager with an experience 15 years in building construction, MUST have NOC and immediately join. Project Coordinator with an experience 10 years in building construction, MUST have NOC and immediately join.

Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com

SKILLED A construction company in Muscat urgently requires sub contractors for: plastering, tiling, and painting.

Interest parties contact: 99344279 Email: biju@alzarraq.com Looking for experienced construction laborers as a subcontractor for a villa construction in Mawaleh.Contact: 96203333

SALES / MARKETING We are looking for a Visa Consultant/sales consultant male for our office. Freshers can also apply. Arabic and English speaking male. Email CV at mozahamed786@gmail.com Kitchen cabinet manufacturing company is looking sales person, most have Oman D/L and must know any kitchen designed software and two years experience.

Contact: 93326636

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

REQUIRED

1. Optical Technician.

2. Sales/marketing associate.

Site Supervision, Testing & Commissioning, Protection & Control Experience:10 – 20 years The field of these Projects are: HV/MV/LV Electrical Neworks including Grid Stations, Distribution Networks, OHTL, U/G Power Cables.

We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience.

Contact: +968 24702133 Email: admin-dept@daud.om

STAFF NURSE

Al Raffah Oman seeks Doctors and Paramedic Staff

Electrical Engineers (B.Sc Degree in Electrical)

Wanted Indian Accountant with experience in OmanContact 91339401

A Reputed Medical Complex Requires experienced professional

Dot Muscat Company LLC is looking for:

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING FIRM WISHES TO RECRUIT HIGHLY QUALIFIED ENGINEERS FOR OUR PROJECTS IN SULTANATE OF OMAN.

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

SITUATION WANTED

SALES / MARKETING Wanted building Materials sales exp sales executive male /female with D/L for an LLC Company.

Email: megtcbellanzaa@gmail.com Looking for Salesman (outdoor) experience in building material, consulting, Contraction Company.

Should have Driving license, must have good spoken English, should have working knowledge of computers. Please send your CV to alshayac@omantel.net.om Urgently required Graphic Designer & marketing executive please forward your CV arshedkm@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED

Indian male good experienced in accountant ERP Tally 9 and admin in Indian &Oman currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94834687 Indian Male 32, MBA (Marketing & Finance) with 10 years experience in Marketing of Banking Products & Insurance Industry.

Seeking for a job in Oman.

Contact: 93576980, 97750460 Email: senthil.cbe83@gmail.com Indian male 22 BBM graduate with tally certified 5 month experience as accounts officer 2 looking for suitable job immediately now on visit visa. Contact: 98949120 Email: mohammednazal93@gmail.com Male 24 MBA fresher in marketing and finance seeking immediate placement. Contact: 96112920 Indian male B.com accountant job 6 years experience in Oman looking suitable placement. # 95741442 navaskamaru944@gmail.com Accountant senior looking suitable job please call 91422074 Chief Accountant looking for full / part time job. Contact: 95598477/98803439 Chief Accountant / finance officer , Indian male , M.com 15 yrs experience , Qatar , Saudi good at account finalization statement analysis , budgeting , variable analysis, well versed in tally & accounting packages. Currently in Doha, seeking suitable position in Muscat. Contact: 0097455075643 Email: gijomthomas@gmail.com Indian Male, Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant, CISA from USA, 25 Years of experience, 10 Years in Dubai, Seeking Job in Accounts, Finance, Audit, Banking, Project IT etc. Contact Pawan Gupta on 00971504273221, 0096896123649. E mail address is pawan.praind@gmail.com and website is www.pawanpraind.com Indian CA, 8 yrs + Exp (6 yr in Oman & UAE) in Finance, Accounts & Auditing, seeking suitable position in Muscat/Dubai, Can Join Immediately, NOC Available, Contact #: 98707434 / casmart007@gmail.com ACCA, 8 years comprehensive experience of audit, Engineering/ Manufacturing & Trading-FMCG is looking for a change.NOC available Contact: 91147885

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Chartered Accountant 15 yrs- UAE exp, seeking suitable job in Oman.

Contact – 0091 9446230586 / shamshad.pareed@gmail.com

Indian male , B.Com, 21 yrs, accountant with 1 and half years experience looking for suitable job for more discussion.

Contact: 96512733 Email: azazahemad968@gmail.com

Chief / Senior Accountant having 12 years of Oman experience in reputed firms. Looking for suitable placement. Contact – 99513082

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 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available. Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com Accountant looking part time job.

Contact: 99867456 Email: ashkar7673@gmail.com 28/ male MBA – finance /B.com – accountant with 4 years of Dubai / India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 90187483 Email: shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Young 24, ACCA affiliate, advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit with valid driving license.

Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com

Wanted Marketing personnel for tours and rent a car. Email: almoosarentacar@gmail.com Fax: 24796040

Indian male 25 yrs MBA finance/ marketing. Over all 2 yrs of exp in accounts/ finance field. Currently on visit visa in Oman, immediately available. Contact – 92989197 / 94786544 Email: abdulqhizer2004@gmail.com

Insurance agency company require Sales Executive with experience Oman driving license.

Clearance available. Send CV to: ahiginsurance@gmail.com

Finance Controller 15 yrs exp in Oman. Contracting, consultancy, trading oil & gas, tourism, IT etc.

Project financing feasibility ERP cost control. Contact – 98571309

Experienced male accountant available 3 yrs & 9 months exp in Oman as accountant NOC available ready to join. Contact - 95368181 ACCOUNTS AND ADMIN MANAGER Degree in Accounts with minimum 8 years of experience in accounts/finance and administrative work. Good analytical and managerial skill to control and operate the department independently. Contactvacancyforoman@gmail.com ACCA /B.com (3.7 years experience) looking for accounts / audit job. Contact: 97769145 Email: mnaem02@gmail.com Indian male 11 yrs exp in accountant (4 yrs in Oman with D/L & NOC) seeking suitable placement in Sohar area .Contact: 91212471 / 94049967 Email: rennyj6@gmail.com Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman. Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com Part time Accountant services, yearly finalization works, monthly report, profit& loss report, consulting and audit works. Contact: 96247295 Accountant Indian female, 26 yrs, B.Com 2 yrs experience in accounting, purchase vouchers, bank reconciliation.

Contact: 95690207 Email: pereira.rita08@gmail.com

15 years GCC experienced in finance treasury management CPA, CMA, ACCA, MBA qualified chartered accountant available for immediate joining. Contact: 94872345 Email: mfta27@gmail.com Indian male B.com, 47 years old, 25 years, GCC experience in Finance, HR & Admin with valid Omani driving license looking for a suitable placement (NOC available) Contact: 93238378

ADMIN Egyptian woman resident has considerable experience in the administration and secretarial executive for companies.

Contact: 97221126 Indian male ,age 24, MBA –UK, 2 years exp in administration, fluent in English. Searching for a suitable position. Contact: 00968 -90369501 email: rahimep@gmail.com Indian female 20, 2 yrs experience in Oman in finance & office admin & sales & marketing seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 94440115 Indian having more 15 years of experience (7 years in UAE) in construction as site administrates for / document controller / HR assistant / store assistant presently on visit seek suitable placement.

Contact: 92196001/98598099 Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052366.

Indian male 12 yrs exp in Oman as administrator/ HR/ operation manager with D/L & NOC. Contact – 96055815 / shaiks111@gmail.com 10 years experience in secretarial / Admin job. Contact: 94868626 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position. Contact - 99897280 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235

ARCHITECT Architect looking for freelance work in (design plans and 3dmax).

Contact: 96041201

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DRIVER Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement 97950869 Light driver with car.

Contact: 96379697 Looking for driving job.

Contact: 98219182 Exp driver (Keralite).

Contact: 93412587 Indian light driver having 2 years experience in Oman Know language Hindi, English , Arabic need job. Contact: 97366822 B.Com Qualification experience Saudi 5 years Saudi light driving license. Contact: +919994321140 Email: thamimkgg@gmail.com Driver with Car looking for Job. Contact 95560701.

Bangladeshi male 48 yrs, light driver 14 yrs of exp, need job & visa. Contact - 98236656 Driver looking for a job with visa NOC available. Contact: 91039598 Indian light driver.

Contact: 92279370 Driver with experience of 10 years in Oman seeks suitable placement. Contact: 92191698

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 3, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED DRIVER Driver with car. Contact: 91452930 Light driver. Contact: 96313100 Driver with car available.

Contact: 93015630 10 yrs exp in GCC driver.

Contact: 93722881 Looking for Job driving.

Contact: 97418036 Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Multimedia and graphic designer Filipino male 25 , looking for job in Muscat 3 years experience in 6 graphic and 3D design on visit visa immediately available. Contact: 95844940 Email: chrisrimas@gmail.com Interior designer 4+ exp, turnkey projects & freelancing for flats, office & corporate. Contact – 93140552/ ajayjangir.id22@gmail.com 25 years male BA. English , Qualified as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97917357

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. B.Tech (Eng. AMIEI) Electrical Engineer with 5years experience in the field of electrical power system (transmission & distribution) aver expertise in design Ele-slid preparing BOQ, LS & estimation transformers switchgear selection installation testing & commissioning in all sectors. Contact: 94638744 Email: ceng.shaz@gmail.com Civil Engineer 5 Years exp 2 years in Oman as QS. Seeking part time job as QS. Contact - 91507508 Mechanical Engineer ( B.E) passed out in 2014 first class , who has done certificate course in AutoCAD 2D , seeks employment in core mechanical field.

Contact: 93850221/97400106 M.Tech (Civil Engg) graduate , Indian male , 19 years experience in construction field , 8 years gulf experience , 4 yrs in Dubai and 4 yrs in Oman , handled luxurious hotels and waterfront properties is looking for project manager job.

Contact: 91158903 Email: luminousmercury@gmail.com NOC is available 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 Indian 43 yrs B.E Civil experience 16 yrs gulf exp 4 yrs Saudi Arabia Qatar Oman skill project coordination supervisory quality control planning & procurement monitoring the work activities NOC available seeking suitable area.

Contact: 92910646 Email: murugan641972@gmail.com

Property Facility Operations Manager 25 years experience, holding GCC driving license (Oman, UAE, Bahrain) With NOC. Looking for suitable openings.

Contact - 91283701 Email -

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male, 25years, B-Tech Graduate with two years experience in Oman as Civil Engineer in a reputed construction company. Looking for suitable jobs. Resident card will expired on 06-01-2016.NOC available.

Seeking immediate placements.

Contact: 96179737/97076972, email:robinsj.sj@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer with 2 yrs exp in the field of manufacturing, on visit visa, looking for suitable job. Contact – 91417949 / dannyrangde@gmail.com B.Sc Civil Engineer. Work Experience 11 years 11 Months. Last 7 years have been working in Oman in the field of Civil Construction. Present Position: Resident Engineer of a Consulting Company.

Looking for the post of Project Manager/Coordinator/Resident Engineer. Have driving license.

Visa could be transferable.

Contact: 93592334, e-mail: tipucee34@gmail.com B.Tech Civil Indian female(2 years of teaching exp;on family visa) looking for engineering job.

Contact: 96289945; E-mail: athirasree1@gmail.com B.SC civil Engineer having 10 years experience s, 7 years in Oman in building construction with Oman valid D/L, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 93493547 Civil Engineer, Indian, 10 years GCC experience with Oman D/L. Contact: +919961800496 Building construction site supervisor with Omani D/L since Mar .2010 in Oman looking placement in good company. Contact: 93061107 B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 Electrical engineer Indian male 30 years , having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in Indian ( MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im

Dynamic Indian chemical Engineer (NITW) with 1years experience in business development & valid Oman D/L. Seeks suitable opportunity.

Contact: +96896141612 Email: anjana.uanda@outlook.com

Civil Engineer having total 5 years experience in building construction, looking for suitable placement. D/L available.

Contact – 94450270

Indian Male, 28 Yrs, M.Tech having 5+ years experience (3 Year Industry+2 years Lecturer), Now on visit visa, looking for suitable position, please contact: 99249131 Indian male, 26 yrs, 4yrs experienced as Telecom engineer in ooredoo FTTX project in Qatar with valid GCC driving license, currently in Oman, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 90194856 Email: azeezvallikkad@gmail.com

A result oriented professional B.E.(Mech), 30+ years experience in Oil & Gas Projects, Fabrication, R & M and Services. Seeking job as GM, CEO, Country Head.

NOC & immediate availability.

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711

Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com

Hardware & net working, 2 years exp. Contact: 96244031

Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518

Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Scaffolding Manager 16 yrs experience in Oil & Gas projects & constructions.

Contact: 99789507/99551437

Phone : +91 9773828663, Email : jvp291367@yahoo.com

IT

thonoorramesh@gmail.com

Indian male Mechanical Engineer with 6 yrs experience in MEP field seeking a job have GCC license.

Contact: 98086267 Email: khaleel1586@gmail.com

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, 36 years, Male, Indian, having 16 years of experience in machine maintenance & machine breakdown, worked with reputed companies in India, currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact - 99011507 E-mail: rsdengroman@gmail.com

Well experienced team available to provide feasibility reports & business solutions, product development, risk management methods for startups, progressive, defunct operations.

Creating of ERP modules.

Contact - 93343251 Email: profitoman@gmail.com

Indian 27 years, Procurement Engineer with 7 years of experience including 3 years in Oman looking for a suitable. NOC & driving license available. Contact: 95852033.

Diploma in Electrical Engineering with 6 years’ experience in Electrical Automation , Programming, Project, Power, Energy and Supervision in Civil Work.

Currently in Oman and looking for suitable position, Please contact 94873560/92406652 Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer with 5 years experienced AutoCAD primavera & GIS Arabic & English language looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 91340584

B.E Civil Engineer having 10 years experience (04 years in Oman) looking for a suitable placement NOC available. Contact: 98065360 Email: shafeeqahmedr@gmail.com Electrical Engineer Indian male having 5 yrs of exp in designing, execution & planning in electrical field. Having valid GGC driving license. Looking for a suitable job.

Contact – 98052942 / azamjeelani@gmail.com

Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com

EDUCATION

Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com

Sri Lankan female 26 years of age, seeking suitable position in a reputed firm .Holds BSC in computer applications. 3 years of experience.

Has experience in the teaching field too. Contact: 92006612

Indian male 23 years BE degree in electronics & telecommunication, diploma in industrial control & automation, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 95726383 Email: christosvaidyans@gmail.com

Indian female M.SC B.ED qualified TEFL two years experience in gulf seeking suitable job in teaching.

Contact: 91706466

Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1Year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 97416564, Email: jovinmathias@gmail.com Indian, looking for work building maintenance electrical & plumbing. Contact: 99365092 An Indian male HSE professional 9yrs experience out of 6yrs in Oman 3 yrs in India. Graduate, safety diploma, IOSH & NEBOSH . Working as Sr. HSE officer in a reputed MNC in MCT. NOC available, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 90187224 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598 29 yrs Indian male B.E (ECE) with more than 5 yrs experience in Oman with valid D/L. # 96652145 Electronics & Communication Engineer : Master degree in VLSI & Embedded systems , looking for electronics/telecom/embedded jobs or teaching in colleges or schools or institutions . Currently on family visa. #97092459 or 91342287 remyaramaswamy1991@gmail.com Electrical Project Engineer 5 years experience in primacy substation cables and OHL valid driving license. NOC available.

Contact: 91204243 Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656 Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience as HVAC design engineer rev IT M.E.P AutoCAD. Contact: 91050913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.com Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97646908 Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270 Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95345591 Civil maintenance painting, tile works decor works, plumbing, electric, shop furnishing carpentary works and all other maintenance. Contact 97897831, 92112094 (Indian, Keralite)

Computer Teacher M.SC Indian male 10 years teaching exp in Maldives as O level computer teacher presently located at Berha on family visa.

Contact: 94867456 / 95262691

HOSPITALITY Indian male 42 B.A Degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 yrs experience in India Abroad having V/L Oman D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91575956 Email: lijasaju@yahoo.com Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470 Dutch male qualified commercial pilot (Faa-ME-IR certified) is looking for job openings in middle east. rutjestom@outlook.com

IT 7 years Gulf experienced Automatic door system technician. All type of automatic door, gate barrier, Access control, CCTV, working in Oman (NOC available).

Contact 96707646 Email: pramod.raj.p@gmail.com An Indian male 27yrs, B. Tech in (Computer Science) 6 years of exp in technical support, troubleshooting and managing seeks suitable placement. Contact:- 97483775, email:- mir.jak89@gmail.com MCA graduate Indian male 2 years experience in software development knowledge of JAVG net C# ASP NEP V.B CTT currently working in Techno Park Trivandrum Kerala.

Contact: 99210940 IT support 9 years experience servers network, hard / software maintenance Web design CMS. Contact: 97603094 NEBOSH, IOSH Indian male HSE officer experience 8 yrs, 6 yrs GCC. Contact: 93235457 Email: srecjithsurcndran3@gmail.com Network Professional, CCNP with 6 years experience and Bachelors degree on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 96760618, varghese.manthara@gmail.com Female 26 years B.Tech computer science with 4 yrs exp in India Tableu Qlik view hive and software testing. Looking for suitable placement. Contact – 97139075 anand20789@gmail.com B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578

MISCELLANEOUS

Sudanese male with a college degree looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94235133 Seeking suitable job for QA/QC Inspector multi discipline, having 8 yrs exp with CSWIP 3.1 AWSCWI BGAS Grade II B.E Mech. NOC available. Contact – 97312558 / avittathoorak@gmail.com Indian male 42 years 13 years experience with Oman driving license in MEP contracting looking job store keeper / purchaser.

Contact 95197065 Indian 28 yrs, 5 years experience in purchase looking for a suitable NOC available, driving license available. Contact: 96772166 Indian male having more than 10 yrs exp in sea fright & air freight, having GCC D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact – 91714980/ medileep@gmail.com Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement.

Gsm 9880-5474

MEDICAL Prometric passed male nurse with ACLS & BLS closured, looking for suitable placemen.

Contact: 93831951 Indian young male B.Tech Graduate with strong academic history six month experience in biomedical seeks suitable placement in instrumentation field preferred presently under visiting visa.

Contact: 91053004 Indian female M.Sc. Biotechnology, 1st rank holder, NET qualified, SRF -doing PhD in Biochemistry Amala cancer research Centre (Calicut University) on family visa seeking suitable placement.

Gsm-90153917 MOH Licensed Indian Female Dentist, presently available in Oman seeking a suitable placement anywhere in Muscat.

Contact: 91410733 / 99310630.

Experienced Indian female Dentist with MOH licence looking for job. Contact 98437191 An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact: 96436517 /97396088

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business.

Contact :- 92385033 Indian male 8 yrs exp in Oman working as housekeeping supervisor in star hotel, seeking for a job NOC available.

Contact – 91753210

Result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years management experience in Oman and other gulf countries looking for a suitable vacancy in hotels, restaurants and catering companies.

Contact: 968 97204636 Result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years management experience in Oman looking for a suitable vacancy hotels, restaurants & catering companies.

Contact 97204636 Restaurant Manager having 13 years experience in fast food restaurant in Oman & UAE, seeking for suitable placement, holding NOC letter & Oman driving license.

Contact: 99874953 MBA (marketing) with 17 years experience in freight forwarding/ logistics industry in GCC & Oman.

Presently working as branch manager in Muscat. Looking for a suitable position. Release and NOC available. Contact: 99856331 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. Contact: - 92385033 Building maintenance foreman looking for suitable position with driving license. Contact: 99526958 20 yrs experienced MEP Manager seeks suitable placement (NOC available). Contact: 97892269 Manager Post of Family Visa, MBA 14 years Experience in Multinational Groups in Sales & Marketing. M.Z. 96220975

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Looking for job as Mason, steel fixer, electrician. Contact: 93015630 Masonry / finishing foreman 20 years experience NOC available.

Contact: 98435309/ India + 91 9446958838 Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192 Electrician, plumber (exp gulf / Indian) looking job. Contact 95175192

SALES / MARKETING

Capable confident hard working Indian male B.Com MBA looking suitable jobs. Contact – 93279943 Indian male 28, 6 yrs experience in Oman, in sales & marketing & office admin, seeking for suitable placement (valid driving license) Contact: 99142314 34years experienced Sales Oman Marketing in Oman NOC available.

Contact: 99868330 Email: rwahedi458@gmail.com Looking for immediate Sales & Marketing Job, 10 Years Experience, MBA Peter -93747126/ E-mail forlakei@yahoo.com American Male (speaks Arabic) looking for a job in Marketing & Sales, Contact 94076032 Indian, 38 years with 15 years in sales & marketing filed with GCC valid license. Contact: 94744746 28 years old Indian male looking for job in Oman six years of marketing experience in India currently staying on visiting visa qualification, BSC degree.

Contact: 94855667/92255983 Omani employee looking for a job as Sales with experience in this field .Contact: 91161736 Indian male 29 yrs, BHM, 3 yrs exp in Oman in sales with D/L & NOC. Contact: 92594055 Indian young male BBA graduate with good academics seeks suitable placement in marketing sales finance mainly prefers white collared jobs driving license issued in Muscat. Contact: 97853013

D6

W E D N E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SIT. WANTED SALES / MARKETING Indian male, MBA , 25 Yrs, 1 years experience in auditing and 10 month in sales. Currently on visit visa seeking suitable placemen.

Contac: 92054304 Indian male 23 years with 4 years experience in Purchase and Sales, graduate in EC, currently on visiting visa, seeking suitable job in Oman. Contact: 96761020. Email: adikmuthumuttam@gmail.com Male B.com 8 month experience in sales seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98371144

HOME THEATER & KARAOKE

Indian male graduate with 7 yrs exp in sales & marketing immediate join NOC available.

Contact : 96746107

BRING HOME - LIVE MUSIC & CINEMA GENERAL ELECTRONICS SERVICES LLC CONTACT: 99627299 / 93327841

Indian Male 32, MBA (Marketing & Finance) with 10 years experience in Marketing of Banking Products & Insurance Industry.

Seeking for a Job in Oman.

Contact: 93576980, 97750460 Email: senthil.cbe83@gmail.com Sales & Marketing Executive MBA with 3 years experience in sales looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91345727.

Indian male with Oman driving license and 27 years’ Oman experience in FMCG sales /newspaper distribution across the Sultanate seeks job. No objection certificate/release letter is available from the present employer. Contact: 98962949 Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 9880-5474 12 years of experience in Oman; marketing strategies & operations, logistics, government tenders, public relations & dealing with international companies -4 years of experience in UK, engineering CNC & industrial areas, have dual nationality, fluent in English & Arabic speaking and writing , (I can travel abroad easily without visa, for finalizing business or any other purpose). Contact: 94123939 Indian male, MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with Driving license, Hospital Phrma Herbal Marketing, construction A/c & sales , F&B industry, Contact : 93379044 Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com Indian male 46 years, Sales Manager experience in modular kitchens & furnitures. Contact 94522616 Indian male, 24, MBA Marketing and HR, I year experience. On visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact 94014073 Marketing Executive/Merchandiser, Omani License, BA 8 years Experience in Multinational Groups. Contact 97601343

TECHNICIAN /MECH. Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license call Ph:+968 99450811 Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com

TOURS & TRAVELS Indian female BSC IATA, 14 years exp in travel & tourism in Oman looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96433490 Email: indu623@yahoo.co.in

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience .Seeking for part time job.Mobile no: 0096899070584 / Email: remluvp@gmail.com Sudanese male, 31 year old, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer 5 year experience in different activities. Contact - 94549609 Indian Accounts professioanl with 2 years of experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job openings Contact: Gsm: 92395449 jaleelcabdul@gmail.com MBA - (F), M.Com,B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. presently on family visa.

Contact :- 91892264. Email: yashicapandya@gmail.com

SIT. WANTED

MATRIMONIAL

Indian male, totally 8+ years experience in IT Assistant, 5 Years in Oman, Looking for a suitable position in Oman, Holding Oman Driving license & also NOC is available. Contact: 98248024, email- bala.abins@gmail.com

Rose Mary age 25 yrs Born Oman, B.com 2 years ACCA, MBA. Contact: 92841175 T.C.R. EKM .DT. Only

Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3 yrs exp. in IT / networking/ server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532

Keralite, Thiruvananthapuram based “Young and Handsome Boy”, Hindu – Viswakarma (Carpenters), Birth Star – Pooyam, MCA, 29 years(05/11/1985, 01.30 AM), 176 cm height, Wheatish colour, Moderate family, Working as ‘Commercial Assistant’ in a reputed automotive company. seeking alliance of girls from the suitable family. Contact: Rejeesh - 92801583, 94238934, Shanmughan +919895891202, +914712619230

ACCA (Associate Certified Chartered Accountant) with 2 years experience. Looking for opportunities in Finance, Accounts.

Presently Available in Oman for Personal interviews Contact: 96124257, 93692578.

Email at naeemnoe5@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED Indian Male, 26 years, with 7 years of experience in Sales Field in Shipping company in Dubai looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494 manojmallya999@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. In IT/ networking/server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Looking for Network Engineer Job, NOC Available Can join immediately. Qualification: BE Telecommunication, CCNA, CCNP Voice.

Driving License: Oman, Current Company: Global Solutions, Client: Diwan Experience: 3.5 Years.

Contact – 97312044 / waleedkhan26@gmail.com Mechanic Diesel Engines & Hydraulic, 25 years Experience in Multinational Companies.

Contact - 91685048 HR & Admin Executive ( MBA) Indian male 26 year old, with more than 4 years of experiences in HR& Admin (16 month in Oman) looking for suitable placement, NOC available.Contact: +968-98757304 Email: nuroollah789@gmail.com Indian Male, 28, MBA Finance & Mcom. more than 5yrs exp. in A/c & Finance (Including 2 yrs in Oman), NOC available, Seek Suitable Placement, Contact: 93939421, email: baleeq.ams@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439

MBA (F), B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for job. presently on family visit visa.

Contact :- 94704661. Email:bhumicapandya@gmail.com Indian-male 34yrs,m.Com with 14 yrs exp.( 8 Yrs in oman) working as procurement officer in contg & trdg co llc.( Worked for road,civil,electro-mechanical,corr osion,scaffolding,insulation & Others Projects in Oman ) and having Oman LT D/L, Looking for suitable placement- M:94064650, Email: nagauae@gmail.com Indian youth BA warehouse manager/sales in Oman 1 year provide NOC, OMAN Driving license holder seeks jobs.94 525213 lojikts@gmail.com.

Indian Expat female, BSc Physics and Tally ERP 9, educated with valid Oman Driving license seeks suitable position. Please contact: 0096894864575 Civil Engineer 5 Years EXP 2 years in Oman as a QS Seeking for part time job as QS. Contact - 91507508 B Sc. Computer Application + M B A from UK With 3 years of Experience, Mumbai, India Available on Visit Visa (27Years)looking for a suitable Placement.

Contact: 94030166/ 96739581 Email ID: asokpanicker1001@gmail.com Part time accountant available, well experienced in accounting up to finalization. Knowledge in tally also. contact. 92643875

Post graduate master of social work having 5 years experience at present visit visa seeking suitable opportunity. Contact 99876307

31 year Indian male PG in HR with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com

Planning Engineer: B.E(Electrical and Electronics Engineering): Indian Male 33 yrs with 10 years of experience in UAE & Muscat. Skilled in the areas of project coordination, planning & procurements.

Contact: 00971503529608 Email Id: saravananbe44@gmail.com

Indian Male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office.

Contact 90182494, Manojmallya999@gmail.com

29 year Indian male B-Tech Engineering, with 6 yrs of Professional experience in Manufacturing Oil & Gas Industries seeking for a suitable placement (NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 94628362, emailmahinathdevani@yahoo.co.in

Driver Cum Salesman Professional, Indian male having 7 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving License working as a Office Driver, Looking for a suitable Position, NOC available.

Contact: 99680429 Email:anzarkutty1975@gmail.com

Indian male, QA/QC Instrument Inspector, 8 years exp in GCC, on visit visa. # 92430370 Email: rajeshgcc.kumar@gmail.com, Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052366.

Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, Experienced in Logisitics (Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) Contact; 90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com

Kerala RC boy 31 yrs paramedical working in Oman hailing from Tellichery Dioces.Contact:92866673

GOOD NEWS Balloons beautiful design & Archie’s works for party, birthday & New Year functions all events.

Contact 95194801/96594592

Indian male 25 yrs, MBA (Finance, Marketing), Overall 2 yrs exp in Accounts/Finance field, On Visit Visa. Immediately available.

Contact - 92989197/94786544. abdulqhizer2004@gmail.com

Indian female, 27, food technologist (MSc Food Technology), 2years experience in research and development - instant foods, seasonings. Contact -93987174 email :mayacnair@outlook.com

Indian male 24yrs, B. tech in (Computer Science) 4 years of exp in technical support, sales and networking, seeks suitable placement.

Contact:- 95955696, email:- mir.jak89@gmail.com

8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (holding omani driving license) seeking job. Contact 93790601

Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3 yrs exp. in IT/ networking/ server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532

31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com MBA(HR & Marketing) & B.Com, Indian male 28 yrs,2 yrs exp. in Qatar, having oman driving license, currently on family visa (NOC available).looking for hr, admin, assistant accountant, marketing & sales job in salalah.

Contact:98138376, email: subinabraham87@gmail.com Software Engineer , Oracle EBS R-12 Technical Consultant 9 Years Experience. HRMS/ Payroll, Education, Hotel, Textile, Shipping Container Terminal.

Email: sziahussain@hotmail.com.

Contact 97912264

To register your enquiries for above work contact:

Mr. Ravi 96529679 or Mr. Osama Hasan 99376020 Email: ravi@alliedoman.com or osamahasan7@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

We supply gift items Dairies safety Items.

Contact: 98796982 Email: coastadbay360@yahoo.in We will register LLC. trade license for foreign investors and do all actions. Contact: 92833566

SITUATION WANTED

Indian male, 11 years exp. in accounting, knowledge in tally also.

Looking for a part time job.

Contact. 98983122

Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logistics and Shipping Management, Experienced in Logistics(Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement.

Currently on visit visa (Oman) Contact; 90291092 email: iyas.adhur@gmail.com

We have fully computerized state of the art water jet machines for marble/ granite/ porcelain/ ceramic tile. Inlays/ Motifs/ Designs at very reasonable rates.

23 Years Malayalee Christian girl born & educated in Bangalore, seeking suitable alliances from well settled Keralite Malayalee Christian boys. Contact - 99494371

Male 27, BCA, Diploma in Networking, CCNA certified engineer, 4 years experience in IT support & networking seeks job.

Contact-90193811

Project Manager in Mechanical Engg. (M.sc.) with 8 years experience in Building Construction, oil & gas seeking job- # 94625598 (nima.azimzadeh@gmail.com)

INLAYS/ MOTIFS/ DESIGNS WORKS

Indian male, 28 yrs, E & I Engineering diploma (3 years), 7 years exp.(India, Oman, KSA) in electrical and instrumentation with driving license, looking suitable job #91051803 Iraqi pharmacist with 15 years experience as Senior med rep. regulatory affairs and Marketing & sales Manager seeking job in pharmaceutical co. Contact 96720441 Indian male B.Eng. in IT, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Btech graduate, 26yr male, 4 years experience as system and network engineer. Looking for suitable placement. Mob : 93125669, amritrajsasidharan@gmail.com.

Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement contact:- 95042656 Indian male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales field in shipping company in “Dubai” , looking for suitable placement. Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494, manojmallya999@gmail.com

Indian female, Science Graduate, 3 year’s experience in Teaching English & Science seeking suitable placement. Also interested in Teaching Spoken English for student at any level.

Contact : 96431456 / 95704814l Indian male 23 yr BA TTM (Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, exp in Logisitics (Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) Contact; 90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com Indian male, MBA, finance, having MNC 2 year experience in accounts and audit, skilled in sap, seeking suitable position.

Contact : 96930855 Indian male having 14years of experience in HR, Purchase Dept and Sales having Oman driving license looking for a suitable position at Salalah. Noc available.

Mail. Madhuvtk@ gmail.com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience .seeking for job in Dubai & Qatar.

Contact - 00968-99070584 (Mct):0091-9895061474 (India) email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian Female Accountant 5 Years of Experience in Accounting Tally, Office coordination, And Admin, Currently on Visit Visa Seeking Suitable Placement. #95684179 32 years Indian Male MSC,MBAHR having 8yrs Exp(HR /Payroll/ Admin) with Oman valid DL. Seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact 99322978 Indian male B.Eng. in IT, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Manager / Working Partner.

Indian M.Com with 20 years Dubai experience in media advertising industry, client service, marketing, production, gifts trading, branding with D/L. Contact -93031168

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 3, 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE TOURS

TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION 7 Ton/ 10 Ton- Trailer Local transport- MCT- UAE

Contact 96609857 Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636

CLASSES

Amir Ali Transport. Contact: 99077395 Transportation. Contact: 99664703 Transportation taxi mini bus.

Contact: 93091106 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation & tours.

Contact: 99324045 Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

WEBSITE

Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

IELTS & TOEFL Academic / General Target Band 8 TQT Institute.

Ph # 24480800 / 99347202

Transportation. Contact: 99099714 Transportation available Ruwi Seeb. Contact 99867456

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

Transportation. Contact: 98505294

in Azaiba and Ruwi

DRIVING

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. CONTACT 98294551

Learn driving with professional.

Contact: 94022250

SERVICES

GOOD NEWS AL RAZI AYURVEDIC CLINIC Near Khimji Mart, MBD Area, Ruwi Our Ayurvedic Treatment includes Abhyangam, Kizhi Massage, Shirodhara, Vasti, Udwarthnam 50% Discount on full body massage.

Contact 24814222 or 97112510 for appointment

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

COMPUTER

X’Mas gift items- many varieties candles, fresh flowers, roses, jasmine, marigold. Many varieties Indian biscuits, namkeens & homemade sweets, glace cherries, dry fruits, tutti-frutti & charcoal for barbecue. Haridas Nensey Supermarket. Contact – 24750784 / 23291825

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

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com 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 / 98342990

Enetstorage offer!! Cloud based software & mobile responsive websites locally developed, hosting, hardware & cctv/networking solutions. Contact 94369696 or admin@enetstorage.com Repair desktop laptop, printer, scanner, networking &all software inst. Contact 99876547

Debt collection services your money we collect value commercial services. Fax: 0096824783669 Contact: 009682479815 /00968- 24701422 /00968- 94665476 Email: salim@valuedbtcollection.com

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

House shifting. Contact: 99657644/98518013

Marble grinding resurfacing & ceiling crystallization / polishing general cleaning of villas & flats.

Terrazzo floor scrubbing, ceiling, polishing & buffing.

Contact: 98598280 /94134784

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/ 24792998

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact : 93769089 / 95323517 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

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W E D N E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 3, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

FOR LADIES Home service for ladies only facial, waxing, body massage, (if you not waxing menicure pedicure) only 20 Riyal, Contact 9243 0239

LOST Ojud Ali has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AF 0266159. Finder please handover to ROP

RENT A CAR

CHANGE OF NAME

Rental car. Contact: 92516090

AVAILABLE

Silver car, car rental at good rate. Contact: 96166155/93530540

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

AVAILABLE Available office space in Prime location on 18th November Street, Azaiba Kindly. Contact: 99288664

Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

I Sulakshana Narayan Satardekar (holder of Indian passport No. H 2628679) Daughter of Narayan A.Satardekar having permanent residence in H.NO.2520 Housing Board Colony , bicholim Goa 403504( complete postal address in India ) and presently residing in P.O.Box 2861, P.C 112 Ruwi , Sultanate of Oman , Muscat (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Sulakshana Narayan Satardekar (old name) to MRS . Nishita Niteen Pole ( new name) for all practical purpose.

I have Changed my religion from Hindu Christian. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, diplomatic Quarters, AL Khuwair, P.Box No, 1727 postal code 112, Ruwi , Sultanate of Oman.

Royal Golden L.L.C Company which is recorded under the commercial register in directorate general for trade industry number 1129094 is going to change its name to Arshad Auto Spare Parts Vehicles L.L.C company.

This is to inform anybody who concerns about that.