Times of Oman - April 24, 2016

SUNDAY

April 24, 2016 16 Rajab 1437 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the 3rd National Day, 1973

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Oman continues in its efforts and heroic activities in the world community and contributes its share in resolving international problems and issues to prove its presence as a member of the United Nations and to expand its strong desire for maintaining peace and stability.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 53

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

PAC D A

Body of child missing at Saham beach found Staff Reporter

A PROMISING LIFE CUT SHORT REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com

While relatives in India were buying gifts and preparing for Chikku’s arrival in September for delivery, now in a state of shock, they are waiting to collect her body

MUSCAT: Five months pregnant, a loving husband and good job caring for others. Life for Chikku Robert held so much promise, but that future has been robbed by a shocking and violent end.

“She used to send money every month, asking us to buy gifts for her expecting baby and the entire family was excited. Sophia Issac (Chikku Robert’s mother) had bought some too. We were waiting for her arrival in September for the delivery. But fate is against us and now we are waiting for her mortal remains.”

These are the words of Shaji Issac, Chikku Robert’s uncle,

who said he is still in shock after hearing the news that his niece was found dead in Oman following a stabbing incident.

Robert, a nurse from the south Indian state of Kerala, was found dead in her apartment in Salalah with stab marks on her body, late at night on Wednesday.

She was supposed to be on duty by 10pm on Wednesday, but as she did not turn up for work, Linson Thomas, her husband, who is also working in the same hospital, went to the apartment to look for her, where she was found her lying dead.

Robert and Thomas had married in October and she was five months pregnant.

“She used to call Sophia daily.

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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MARKET

Need to develop skills of youth

New regulations for stores selling nuts

Plan for one gigawatt mega solar project

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A group of investors from Germany is planning to build a mega solar power project with a generation capacity of one gigawatt, a senior official from a Germany company told the Times of Oman. >B1

Oman has a large demographic window of opportunity in the youth population but it needs to accelerate its efforts for the socio-economic development of the young people to expand their leadership skills. >A2

Most dry fruit sellers in Muscat have been found violating international standards for displaying their products. Muscat Municipality has asked shops selling nuts in the governorate to store their stock in glass jars. >A3

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P R O M O T I N G S U LTA N AT E ’ S B E A U T Y

A film-maker’s love for Oman

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON mobinmathew@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Oman’s diverse natural beauty contributes to it being a destination for film production and cultural tourism, says Sudha Sha, a film-maker in Oman.

Sudha is planning to shoot a film to promote the natural beauty of Oman for international audiences.

“I know this place, the same as my native home,” Sudha told Times of Oman. Sudha is an Indian expat who has lived in Oman for the last 18 years.

“The cultural and political history of this land is quite interesting, and the landscape of Oman is

encouraging to any film-maker to find inspiration,” she added.

“It is my privilege to use this opportunity to promote the unique characteristics of the Sultanate through my film,” Sudha continued.

According to Sudha, movies are life that has been retold

through a media.

“We have to tell our stories, the life around us, and movies are a universal language to tell these stories to the world,” Sudha said.

“Being a film-maker from Oman, I am trying to explore the possibilities of indigenous films to tell stories from the region to international audiences,” she explained.

Speaking about the themes of the movie, Sudha said, “The life and culture of Arabic regions are mostly interpreted through western movies, and they portray it according to their conception and imagination. Those movies are less artistically motivated.”>A7

That day, she didn’t. Sophia was a bit worried then itself. However, later on, we told her that Chikku had met with some accident and had been admitted to hospital.

That itself had devastated her.

She had fainted and was rushed to hospital,” Shaji, who flew to Kerala from Kuwait following Chikku’s tragic death, told the Times of Oman over phone from Chikku’s home in Kerala.

“Chikku was a state-level basketball player. She had won several trophies and medals. I have put them all in a cupboard and locked them. Seeing them again and again is worrisome,” Chikku’s uncle said, adding that the entire village was still not out of the shock.>A6

MUSCAT: A child who went missing at the Saham beach was found dead, the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances (PACDA) tweeted.

In a tweet posted on its official Twitter handle at around 11pm on Friday, PACDA said the missing child’s body has been found.

Earlier in February, two young Omani siblings had set off on a fishing trip and had gone missing and their bodies were found later on.

Last December, an 18-yearold Jordanian girl had drowned in the Al Mughsayl waters, some 40 km from Salalah and in September, two girls had drowned in a wadi in the Sohar province

while out for an afternoon swim, which was left unsupervised during a sightseeing trip.

Both children, who drowned in September, were not more than nine-year-old, PACDA had said at the time. The children were holidaying with their family in Wadi Jizzi, where a number of small pools had sprung up after the area received heavy rainfall last week.

The family pulled out one of the children from the water, but couldn’t revive her. Civil defence personnel retrieved the other child’s body later.

According to reports, nine children have drowned in Oman between 2014 and in 2015, with seven expatriates drowning in Yiti in Muscat and the Mughsayl beaches.

MORNING MINUTE

Thousands throng Times quiz finals

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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

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Maryam bint Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali handed over the coveted Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Rolling trophy to the principals of the winning team.

She also handed over the prizes to the champions of the night ISM, ISWK lift Times quiz titles >A4

C O M M E N TA RY

Oman must develop skills of youth

SUNDAY BEAT SALEH AL SHAIBANY

O

man has a large demographic window of opportunity in the youth population but the Sultanate needs to accelerate its efforts for the socio-economic development of the young people to expand their leadership skills.

Enough has been said about Omanising jobs but more is needed to develop the skills of youth to prepare them for globalisation. There are no youth development centres in Oman to allow them express themselves and widen the scope of their talents. The existing arrangements are rudimentary. A recent report of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) urged Oman to strengthen the national policies and integrate the youth with international agendas.

Currently, Omani youths are largely isolated from global issues. Their only window to the world affairs is the social media. In education, both basic and advanced, there are very few exchange programmes that allows our youth to travel abroad to broaden their critical thinking. The effort also needs to go beyond the four walls of the academia.

They need to see their aspirations fulfilled by giving them the opportunities to expand their horizons and test their skills. Oman has the National Youth Committee (NYC), but it needs to work with them in

Youth skill development can establish Oman as emerging hub for tourism, retail, hospitality and Infotech

providing technical assistance for development of an internal strategy. NYC also needs to work with international youth networks, to expose local young people with other youth around the world. Sharing ideas at a global level does not need big investment. It needs good management, which NYC already has in place.

Potential When we talk about the economic diversification plans, the youth can play a big part towards that end. But our youth needs help to develop their creative and independent thinking. The honest truth is that their problem solving skills and soft skills are not up to the required standards. Not enough emphasis is invested to improve their technical, functional, vocational and management abilities to suit specific economic sectors. It is not just the job vacancies that are required to be created.

Much more is needed to be done before this stage. With the changing world, a more global and holistic approach is needed to fill up the vacancy in the youth development.

Youth skill development can establish Oman as emerging hub for tourism, retail, hospitality and Information Technology (IT). These are the strategic

roles to pull in investments from overseas. However, efforts in youth empowerment need to change the current mindset, not only from the part of the legislators but from the young people themselves for the idea to roll over. The new generation has been groomed to believe that ‘doing very little’ is enough to get you a job of your dream. To achieve good grades at school is not enough. To engage in extra curriculum activities that challenge their mental faculties after classes plays a pivotal and supporting role.

Imperative Such activities cultivate new interests, create a new generation of open-minded youth who want to make contributions that extend beyond the current mindset. To nurture all-round skills in youth is important to fulfil the demands of the competitive job market employers need. The taste of success is sampled by a good degree of innovation which is the driving factor for a successful career or entrepreneurship. For a youth to be original, they need to be one step ahead of progress.

They do not always teach you that at schools but it is learned with the interaction of other youth when they are together to exchange views on how to improve their situations.

The paradigm needs to change, too, not just the mindset. There should be a large peer to peer group that involves other youth from other countries, especially in the age group between 14 and 25.

Life skills, not just academic, will enable young people of Oman to make solid decisions and solve problems in a more efficient manner.

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M U S C AT M U N I C I PA L I T Y

New regulations for stores selling nuts announced STAFF REPORTER

MUSCAT: Most dry fruit sellers in Muscat have been found violating international standards for displaying their products, a recent study showed.

Reacting to the issue, the Muscat Municipality has asked shops selling nuts in the governorate to store their stock in glass jars, so that a consumer is not able to directly touch the nuts.

Furthermore, the municipality has imposed a set of health and technical regulations, including the usage of clean and proper cutlery when tasting the nuts.

According to the new laws, a clear and visible expiry date should be kept on all jars, and mixing old nuts with new ones is illegal. Most shops do not own a health certificate for the displayed items, which is illegal and violates international laws.

A research team of five profes-

NEW NORMS: Muscat Municipality has asked shops selling nuts

in the governorate to store their stalk in glass jars. -File photo

sional lab experts conducted the study involving 27 nut stores in the wilayats of Muttrah, Bausher and Al Seeb. The team took 43 samples of raw nuts to check for Aflatoxin, a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that are found in some crops, such as nuts.

The Central Laboratory of Muscat Municipality tests found

this toxin in many samples.

However, the amount of Aflatoxin did not exceed or violate the international or Gulf Cooperation Council standards.

An official at the municipality stressed the importance of having a good cooling and airing system in such shops to preventing the nuts from becoming rotten.

EVENT

Envoy releases Omani’s poem on Indian PM

Young Omani poet Sultan Ahmed Al Mahmodi with India’s Ambassador to Oman Indra Mani Pandey at a function held at the Embassy of India auditorium to release the poem. - Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: India’s Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, Indra Mani Pandey, released a poem written by Sultan Ahmed Al Mahmodi about India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at a function held at the Embassy of India auditorium.

The ambassador appreciated the young poet for his initiative to create awareness about PM Modi and his development initiatives among the people of Oman through his poem written in Arabic. The young poet from Oman highlighted in his poem, Modi’s dedication and his efforts aimed at the development and progress of India.

He said he had been inspired

by Modi’s recent initiatives and the success of his visits to foreign countries and his inviting people from across the world to India. The poem has been videographed as a part of the film Swach Bharath directed

by Vijeesh Mani and produced

by Soumit Jena, both of whom have been inspired by the Prime Minister’s “Mann ki baat” radio programme in support of his Swach Bharath Mission to make India clean.

The ceremony to release the video was attended by around 150 persons, including media persons. It is hoped that the poem by Al Mahmodi will make the people of Oman better informed about the initiatives taken by PM Modi that are aimed at inclusive development of India and expanding its partnership with friendly countries, such as Oman.

CRIME

51 Asians deported MUSCAT: Royal Oman Police (ROP) deported 51 infiltrators of Asian nationalities who illegally entered the Sultanate.

The action was taken following court verdict.

Coordination is made with their respective embassies in Muscat for their deportation in accordance with the laws applicable in the Sultanate and international standards and agreements to this end. -ONA

Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

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T IME S O F O MAN

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

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INDIAN SCHOOL MUSCAT AND INDIAN SCHOOL WADI KABIR LIFT TIMES QUIZ TITLES Maryam bint Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali handed over the coveted Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Rolling trophy to the principals of the winning teams. She also handed over the prizes to the champions of the night

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Indian School Muscat and Indian School Wadi Kabir lifted the Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Rolling Trophy in the senior and junior categories of the Times of Oman Inter School Quiz Contest (TOOISQC) final.

It was a spectacular night, which saw students from across the country tackling the challenging posers put up by the quizmaster.

As predicted by the quizmaster, Giri ‘Pickbrain’ Balasubramaniam, the juniors’ quiz was more entertaining than the seniors’. The junior section also witnessed a close a fight between the Indian schools from Wadi Kabir, Muscat and Ghubra and the winners were selected through a tie breaker question between Wadi Kabir and Muscat.

According to Chethan Sethu, champion in the junior category, the answer to the tiebreaker question just popped up in his mind.

“I can’t believe it; it was really a miracle, I really don’t know how that answer came to my mind, it suddenly popped into my mind,” he said with happiness.

“I am really happy because I have been on the winning side for the second consecutive time,” Sethu added.

According to him, questions

were not that tough and his teammate Adithya B Nair was a great support like his partner last year, Rahul R, who participated in the senior category this year.

“We are really happy to have won the trophy for our school,” Nair said. While acknowledging the enormous support from parents, the principal, vice-principal and all the teachers at school,” Nair said, “The support group that cheered for our team was amazing and kept us going till the end.”

“Special thanks to Hala Jamal for his guidance. Thanks to the Times of Oman for having this awesome quiz and Giri Sir and his team for this amazing night,” Sethu said.

The teams appreciated the format introduced by Balasubramaniam in the junior category this year. “We really enjoyed the new format, which gave everyone an equal chance to attempt all the questions,” a finalist said.

The quizmaster also appreciated the junior champions for their outstanding performance.

Quizzing in the senior category was not easy and many teams asserted that the questions were really tough. Even so, champions from the Indian School Muscat easily clinched the trophy from the other teams.

According to the champions in the senior category, Krithivaas Vijay and Aliva Das, the questions were easy and the format for the senior session was exciting.

“I am really happy and I don’t have any words express my happiness. Finally we won the prestigious Times of Oman trophy for our school after many years; feeling really proud,” Vijay said.

“I am really happy to receive this trophy at this stage and I can’t express my feeling in words,” Das said.

“I really want to thank my teachers, my principal, vice principal for giving us this opportunity,” she added.

Maryam bint Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali handed over the coveted Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Rolling trophy to the principals of the winning teams.

She also handed over the prizes to the champions of the night.

The Indian School Muscat was the runners-up and Indian school Ghubra achieved the third position in the junior category.

In the senior category, Indian school Ghubra obtained the third position and the Wadi Kabir School was the runners-up.

TOOISQC 2016 was powered

by Creme 21. The major sponsors were R&B, Muscat Pharmary, Pocari Sweat, Denim, Indomie, Al Mudhish and Suroor. The cosponsors were Kwality Ice Creams and Chiko.

The official host was the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sohar and the official rent-a-car was Sixt rent-a-car while Travel City-Travel Point was the travel partner.

Venue sponsors were Relaxo, School Mate, Malabar Gold and Al Rawabi. The gift sponsor was Oman Phone.

Other sponsors were Lakhoos Exchange, Al Nahda, Oasis, Sapil, Hoshan Pan Gulf, Parker Pens, and Nabil.

T I MES OF OMAN

Photos by Shabin. E. and Purushothaman (TIMES OF OMAN)

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Biking is like meditating. It brings you face-to-face with challenges and forces you to overcome them.

Jithin Reji, biker

Early intervention key to autism treatment, says expert in Oman People, including children, parents and staff of the Rochester Wellness Centre, took part in the Autism awareness event organised by the wellness centre and Al Noor Medical Specialties centre

DEEBA HASAN

REHAB CENTRE: Rochester Wellness is a specialised rehabilitation facility in Muscat. – Supplied photo

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: More than 50 people, including children, parents and staff of the Rochester Wellness Centre, took part in the Autism awareness event organised by the wellness centre and Al Noor Medical Specialities centre recently.

The wellness centre, which offers a wide range of paediatric rehab services including those for autism, and cerebral palsy, organised a special day for parents and

children as part of the Autism acceptance month.

Services offered “During this month, we wish to promote acceptance and celebrate autistic people as our family members, friends, classmates, co-workers and community members who make valuable contributions to our world,” said Alique Jamal, Clinic Manager at Rochester Wellness.

The event kicked off with a short talk attended by the parents and children regarding services offered by the clinic.

Later, all the participants walked until the Madinat Al Illam park near the centre where they spent the rest of the day, sharing happy moments, playing games, having candy and popcorn in the company of their friends.

“The most important goal of Autism acceptance initiative is to

EXCITING TRIP

ensure that communities understand that individuals who have autism can, with proper care and attention, lead full and productive lives and even change the way we see the world,” Jamal added.

The wellness centre normally receives children aged between three and 12, with varying issues, including autism.

Most of the patients visit on a daily basis, but those with a more serious condition and requiring

full attention are asked to stay in the rehab centre, also housed in the centre, for one, two or sometimes even three months.

Important factor One of the most important factors that can lead to a positive outcome in case of autism is to start early intervention, according to Jamal.

“Early intervention is needed for best results, even before the first signs of autism appear. Par-

ents and therapists should work together to implement strategies at home during daily activities to help achieve successful outcomes in their child’s progress.”

Rochester Wellness (Operated by Al Noor Hospitals Group, owned by Mediclinic International) is a specialised rehabilitation facility in Muscat. In 2013, it was reported that the rate of autism in the Sultanate was 1.4 among 10,000 children.

AWA R E N E S S D R I V E

Muscat-based biker set Call for greater acceptance of for journey to Istanbul people with hearing disability ERIK PRINS

NISHAD PADIYARATH

erik@timesofoman.com

nishad@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: As a young boy, Jithin Reji dreamt of riding a bike around the world exploring different places and cultures.

At 30, Reji’s dream will soon become a reality as he is set to ride on a bike from Muscat to Istanbul.

“Biking is like meditating. It brings you face-to-face with challenges and forces you to overcome them. You get to know your real strength and weakness. That’s the reason why I am exploring this,” said Reji while speaking to the Times of Oman.

On April 25, Reji will set out on a one-month journey to Istanbul on his Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX1200 on which he is expected to cross Bandar Abbas, Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia before reaching Istanbul. “My initial plan was to ride to London from Muscat but that will take me at least two months. I do not have the luxury of time on my side so I have planned my trips in two legs,” he said.

Reji, who is running a business in Muscat, has personally funded the trip.

Funding “I want this trip to have meaning for me and that will come only if I make it happen with my own hard-earned money,” he noted.

“However, I am a bit nervous about what I am going to do as I am going on a long journey like this for the first time,” he stated.

EXPEDITION: The plan for the trip took shape when Reji met his

friend Atul Warrier who had come to Muscat as part of a transcontinental trip of 40 countries. –Midhun Mukund

The plan for the trip took shape when Reji met his close friend Atul Warrier who had come to Muscat as part of a gigantic transcontinental expedition that would take him to 40 countries. “I hosted Atul when he came here.

I was inspired after hearing his travel stories and experiences riding a bike. That’s when I decided I should do something like that,” he stated.

Speaking about the challenges of riding a bike all alone, Reji said: “I had previously travelled from

Bangalore to Coorg in a group.

This is my first lone trip and that is why it is going to be challenging.

My friends have warned me about some places I am planning to ride through because I do not know what is in store for me. But my wife Toral who is the biggest supporter of this trip has really motivated me for this. I would love to take her along but due to her busy commitments, I am not able to.

But she will join me from Georgia to Istanbul. I am looking forward to an exciting trip,” Reji added.

MUSCAT: People with hearing disabilities in Oman should be accepted more in society and they themselves should also be aware of the ways in which they can improve their lives.

This message was disseminated by the organisers of an exhibition dedicated to the deaf or people with hearing disabilities in Oman, which was organised at the Muscat Grand Mall from April 21 to 23.

At the exhibition, several services offered for the deaf in Oman are being showcased, including by the Al Amal School for the Deaf, the Al Amal Club, the Oman Association for the Hearing Impaired, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Manpower and The Research Council.

Salima Al Shuaibi, an English teacher at the Al Amal School for the Deaf, told the Times of Oman (TOO) that the exhibition, organised as part of the Arab Week for the Deaf held from April 20 to 27, is an annual event which focuses on imparting awareness to the public on the situation of the deaf, as well as making a presentation of services for deaf people in Oman.

“Deaf people are part of society and they can do things well, but they just need your support. They are part of you,” she said.

Al Shuaibi said the exhibition also aims to make deaf people aware of their possibilities.

“To the deaf we want to say: do not make your life too difficult, you

SHOWCASING SERVICES: An exhibition dedicated to people with

hearing disabilities in the Sultanate was organised at the Muscat Grand Mall. – Erik Prins

can do it, you can be a successful person. If you have the desire, you can do everything,” she said.

Al Shuaibi said deaf people in Oman need more support. “When students leave our school, they can’t find a place to continue their studies. There is only one college in Oman that accepts these types of student. They have to go to this college even if they don’t want to,” she said.

She added that there is also a lack of specialised staff in Oman, who can deaf students how to use sign language and that their training should be improved.

Another problem deaf people in Oman are facing is the lack of employment. “They are not trusted that much. So this is what we want to say to the society: just place some trust in them and they will be able to excel,” she said.

Mohammed Amin, who trains a basketball team at the Al Amal Club, said in addition to showing

the public that deaf people can be successful; he hoped they would find more work. “If you don’t have a good life, it will affect your sporting life as well,” he said.

Humaid Al Aamri, a board member of the Oman Association for the Hearing Impaired, told TOO that deaf people in Oman are facing issues because sign language is not being used enough.

“The society has to learn sign language, in order to communicate with them,” she said. He added that there are around 5,000 deaf people in Oman. “But probably, this number is higher,” he said.

A couple of films shown at the exhibition portray the success of deaf people, like one about the first basketball team for the deaf in the Gulf, trained by the Al Amal Club, and another about a deaf Omani who got a scholarship with other Omani students to study in Jordan to become a teacher for deaf students in Oman.

SALALAH INCIDENT

A1 Efforts on to repatriate body home < FROM

“It’s a small village in Kerala. She was an inspiring character for others here as she grew up on the basis of her own skills at all levels,” the uncle added.

Robert had joined Badr Al Samaa some three years back and married Thomas, who was working in the same hospital as a customer care official.

“Both of them were a loving couple. She was good with everyone. Her pleasing nurture made patients love her a lot,” Susamma Chacko, the head nurse at the hospital, said.

Renu Joseph, marketing official at the hospital, said the staff is still struggling to adjust with the reality.

Devassy Ko, the group general manager of the hospital, said Thomas is still with police officials as part of the investigation.

“He may be released today. We are doing other things to repatriate the mortal remains to Kerala,” Ko added.

Thomas’s brother Lijju said he may be released in the evening

yesterday.

“I met him a few hours ago at the police station. He has been kept there as part of an investigation. We are being allowed to meet him. We gave him clothes and

food. We all are tense and worried,” Liju, said.

Meanwhile, Manpreet Singh, the Indian consular agent in Salalah, said Robert’s mortal remains are still kept in Salalah’s Sultan Qaboos Hospital.

“We are trying our best to speed up the proceedings and repatriate the body to her hometown,” the Indian consular agent added.

On Thursday, External Affairs Minister of India, Sushma Swaraj had expressed her condolences on the death of Indian nurse Robert in a tweet on her official Twitter handle.

“I have asked the Indian ambassador to ascertain all the facts and report. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” the Indian minister’s tweet read. The police investigation continues into her death.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

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OMAN H E A LT H

Health Ministry set to open renal dialysis unit today Times News Service MUSCAT: Ministry of Health (MOH) will celebrate on Sunday the opening of a Renal Dialysis Centre in the A’seeb Polyclinic.

The opening ceremony will be held under the auspices of Dr. ANNOUNCEMENT

EFFECTIVE SYSTEM: For irrigation of crops, farmers entirely depend on the ancient “Falaj”

ROHM to take part in Arabian Travel Market

irrigation system. -ONA

Times News Service

Al Fat’h tourist village combines modern with old

MUSCAT: Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM), Oman’s leading arts and culture organisation, has announced its participation in Arabian Travel Market 2016 (ATM), the Middle East’s leading international travel and tourism event for inbound and outbound tourism professionals from across the globe, for the second consecutive year.

The event, which will take place from April 25 to 28, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre will offer a strategic platform for ROHM to promote itself as a premier venue for musical arts and culture, as well as highlight the Sultanate’s cultural heritage and artistic engagement with a global audience.

ROHM will be located at stand ME2110, which it will share with the Oman Ministry of Tourism.

The Al Fat’h village is located near the Al Mudhaibi—Muscat— Sur main road and is eight kilometres from the Al Mudhaibi centre

AL MUDHAIBI: Al Fat’h village in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi in the Governorate of North A’Sharqiyah is a beautiful tourist village, which is characterised by its picturesque nature and various agricultural crops, in addition to archaeological landmarks.

The Al Fat’h village is located near the Al Mudhaibi—Muscat— Sur main road. It is eight kilometres away from the Al Mudhaibi centre. It is bordered on the east by the Al Malah valley and the Al Qabil village, in the north by the Al Mihlah village, in the west by some Bedouin communities and in the south by the Al Ainain village.

The nature of life in the village combines the modern with the old. The mobility of people is active throughout the year.

Some Bedouins come to the village in summer and live in houses built with date palm fronds, locally called “Areesh.”

TOURIST VILLAGE: Many crops like animal fodder, citrus fruits

and some types of vegetables are also grown in the village. -ONA

The name of the village, according to some accounts, comes as it is located at the beginning of the city of Al Mudhaibi and adjoining it on the north side.

Agriculture has been one of the most important professions in the past and present among the village’s citizens. Various types of date palms show their interest in the profession, which is an important source of livelihood for them.

Many other crops are also grown in the village, such as animal fodder and citrus trees, and lemon, mango and some types of vegetables and fruits.

For irrigation of these crops, farmers entirely depend on the ancient “Falaj” irrigation system or water channels, which has decreased in its flow of water over time forcing some to turn to

some wells to help them with irrigation. Some of them depend on wells, particularly farms, which are located far from the course of the falaj.

The Bedouins, who come to the village during the summer, practice certain professions and trades, including camels, sheep, and goat breeding, in addition to taking part in dates collection, and dates boiling, locally known as “Tabseel,” which is made annually due to the large number of “Mabsali,” a type of date palms.

The Al Malah valley, which is located east of the village, is an appropriate place to enjoy the soft sands in the evening. It is also a popular destination and an outlet for the villagers when it floods during periods of continuous rain. -ONA

FIRST ANTHOLOGY

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are Omanis, says film-maker “Now, the time demands for true and realistic versions to be told by them. So, this film attempts to communicate the original feelings and real lives of a very genuine land and people,” she asserted.

While describing her movie, she said, “This is the first anthology from the region, and each story in the movie is from different countries and told in different languages.”

“The main theme of the movie is the R factor, such as race and religion, the factor that makes one human different from the other.

We are making four short films and two of them are from the Sultanate,” she added.

According to Sudha, the directors and actors in these two films will be Omanis.

“Maitham Al Musawi and Abdulla Khamis are the directors of the Omani films, who are renowned film makers from Oman.

Maitham received three awards at this year’s Muscat International Film Festival and Abdulla Khamis was named best director at the 2012 festival,” she said.

“Technicians include famous masters from India and selected crews from Oman. All the actors

are from Oman, from a 90 yearold man to a 5 year-old child,” she noted.

Shooting locations for these movies are from different parts of Oman, and these localesare also blended into characters for the movies.

“The old village of Al Hamra Al Abrein to Cornish, and many other locations, are included in our movie,” Sudha said.

“The locations are not mere backdrops to scenes, but play a characteristic role in the film. One story is about a film maker who visits Oman to make a documentary about the beautiful mountains of Oman,” she explained.

“We plan to start shootingthis month and to complete the film-

ing before June. We also plan the marketing of it during a premier release at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and the local release during Eid,” she continued.

According to Sudha, they also are targeting film festivals and film markets to reach international audiences and to be seen on TV channels throughoutthe 36 Arabic speaking countries.

Sudha is a script writer and movie director and is also involved in the Oman Film Society as international film coordinator.

She also was in charge of marketing and communications for the Muscat International Film Festival in 2010 and 2012.

“I have done many projects for Oman TV as an executive producer, and have been credited as creative director of Aseel, the second Omani feature film, and one more feature length film is in production now,” she said.

Speaking about her future projects, Sudha Sha said, “I am planning a 3D feature length Omani film for next year and I am working on an Indo Oman project, “The Imaam”, which is my dream concept.”

Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, minister of Health, with the attendance of a number of officials.

The overall cost of the new Renal Dialysis Centre is estimated to be more than OMR1,800,000, paid with the help of a generous contribution made by the Saud

Bahwan Charitable Foundation. It comprises 28 beds equipped with the modern techniques. The Centre will deliver dialysis services to patients suffering from kidney failure by taking care of 74 employees.

Thus, it will reduce the load of the Bausher Renal Dialysis Centre.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

REGION REFERENDUM

Darfur votes not to reunite multiple states KHARTOUM: The people of Sudan’s Darfur have voted not to reunite the multiple states of its conflict-torn western region into one entity, the option favoured by the central Khartoum government, the Darfur referendum commission said on Saturday.

The vote was boycotted by major rebel and opposition groups who believe the Sudanese government’s splitting of Darfur into three states in 1994, and later into a further five states, led to heavier Khartoum control and helped trigger fighting in 2003.

Turn out The state referendum commission said 97 per cent of voters chose to keep the multi-state administrative system and that 3.08 million people of a total 3.21 million eligible voters turned out.

The Darfur conflict began when mainly non-Arab tribes took up arms against the Arabled government based in the capital Khartoum, accusing it of discrimination.

According to the United Nations, some 300,000 people have since been killed in Darfur, 4.4 million people need aid and more than 2.5 million have been displaced.

Major concession The government presented the April 11-13 referendum as a major concession.

But rebel and opposition groups have cried foul at what they said was a rigged election in favour of a “divide-and-rule” multi-state system.

Analysts and diplomats say the government opposes a unified Darfur as this would give the rebels a platform to push for independence just as South Sudan successfully did in 2011, taking with it most of the country’s oil reserves. — Reuters

23 killed as Syria regime hits two rebel-held areas Fighting has escalated around Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Damascus and other areas over the past week and the main opposition group walked out of Geneva peace talks this week in protest at government attacks

BEIRUT: Syrian warplanes bombed the rebel-held town of Douma near Damascus and parts of Aleppo in the north on Saturday, killing 23 people, with the death toll likely to rise, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Mediators have struggled to get MAYHEM: Residents and civil defence members inspect a damaged building after an airstrike on the rebel-held Tariq al-Bab neighbourcombatants in Syria’s five-year- hood of Aleppo, Syria on Saturday. — Reuters old war to honour a February 27 cessation of hostilities deal to enable peace talks in Geneva to pro- 250,000 people, created the said the death toll in Douma, ment forces with deaths occur- Friday in similar air attacks.

In a government-held area of ceed. Each side accuses the other world’s worst refugee crisis, al- northeast of the capital, was ex- ring on both sides.

In Aleppo, at least ten people northwest Aleppo, Syrian state lowed for the rise of the IS extrem- pected to rise from 13 because of violating the truce.

Fighting has escalated around ist group and drawn in regional more than 22 others were injured, were killed, including a child, by television said six people were inbombs dropped from planes in jured in rebel shelling. some critically.

Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Damascus and major powers.

On Friday a Syrian warplane In a government-controlled an insurgent-controlled eastern Russia’s intervention in the and other areas over the past week and the main opposition group conflict beginning late last year camp near Douma, shelling killed neighbourhood of what was Syr- crashed southeast of Damascus.

The Syrian military said it walked out of Geneva peace talks has swayed the war in President a woman and child, and injured ia’s commercial hub before the crashed because of a technical civil war began in 2011. others, the Observatory said. this week in protest at govern- Bashar Al Assad’s favour.

This is the second day of heavy fault, but Islamic State said it shot There was also fighting near The Britain-based Observatory, ment attacks. the plane down and had taken its The Geneva talks aim to end which monitors the Syrian war Bala in the southeast of Damascus bombardment on Aleppo.

Nineteen people were killed on pilot captive. — Reuters a war that has killed more than through a network of contacts, between rebel groups and governYEMEN CONFLICT

Al Qaeda loyalists killed in clashes with Hadi forces ADEN/KUWAIT: Dozens of fighters loyal to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) were killed in clashes in southern Yemen on Saturday, residents and a military source said, while a drone strike killed two others further north.

The clashes at Al Koud near Zinjibar in the southern Abyan Province were between AQAP and army forces of Yemen’s internationally recognised government backed by local militias, referred to locally as the Popular Resistance.

Since Yemen’s civil war began last year, AQAP has gained control over swathes of southern and eastern Yemen, creating a local government there and introducing services.

Tentative truce The war is between the Houthi movement and forces loyal to a former president on one side, against forces such as the Popular Resistance, backed by President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and supported by a Saudi-led Arab coalition, on the other.

Both sides in Yemen’s civil war, in which a tentative truce has been in place for weeks pending the result of peace talks under way in Kuwait, say they regard AQAP as a threat.

The group has previously attacked both Hadi’s government and the Houthis.

In recent weeks Hadi’s forces, backed by coalition air strikes, have pushed towards Zinjibar along the beach road from Aden.

Al Koud lies on that road only 5km from Zinjibar, long considered an AQAP stronghold along with the town of Jaar about 15km to the north.

A group of around 15 AQAP fighters escaped, the military source said, adding that two army soldiers were also killed.

Drone strike Also on Saturday, an air strike from a drone killed two men south of the Yemeni city of Marib suspected of belonging to Al Qaeda, local residents said by phone.

“A drone fired two missiles at a car that had two men in it in alManain district south of Marib city, and the car was totally destroyed and the men were killed instantly,” one of them said.

The United States has used drone strikes in Yemen to target AQAP leaders, the global jihadist group’s local wing, which has plotted to place bombs on international airliners and has encouraged attacks in Western countries.

Since March, air strikes targeting extremist militants have increased in Yemen, including a March 27 attack that killed 14 suspected AQAP members in Abyan province in the country’s south. — Reuters

C I V I L WA R

IS militants attack Libya’s Brega port BENGHAZI: IS militants clashed with a Libyan force guarding oil ports near Brega terminal on Saturday, killing one guard and wounding four including Ibrahim Jathran, leader of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG), security and medical sources said.

IS has a base in the Libyan city

of Sirte and has launched frequent attacks against oil facilities and ports, including major export terminals that are closed but controlled by Jathran’s PFG brigades. Fighting between PFG and a convoy of IS militants broke out 52 kilometres south of the Brega oil terminal early on Saturday, a PFG source. — Reuters

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

INDIA

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

Two dead in fresh landslides in Arunachal, toll rises to 19 ITANAGAR: At least two persons were killed and several dwellings damaged in fresh landslides triggered by rains in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday, raising the toll to 19.

The fresh landslips occurred at Thongleng Village, 20km from Tawang town in between TawangLumla road, ADC Lod Gambo said.

While 30 houses were badly damaged, one house where the victims were staying was washed away, the ADC said.

The district administration has pressed men and machinery for relief and rescue operations, he said.

The death toll has now risen to 19 due to heavy rains and floods. While a person drowned at Jengthu River in Namsai district

on April 17 last, 16 labourers including one supervisor were killed in a massive landslide triggered by incessant rains at Phamla village in Tawang on Friday.

The victims were mainly labourers from Assam and Nepal who had come in search of livelihood. Incessant rain in the past couple of days triggered massive landslides in various places of the Buddhist town bordering China.

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Saturday took stock of the situation at Tawang. Later Rijiju had to undertake road journey from Tawang to Itanagar as the chopper could not fly due to inclement weather.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul who is personally monitoring the

situation all over the state had telephonic interactions with 18 deputy commissioners on Friday and enquired about the prevailing flood situation in their districts.

There are landslides and floodlike situation in almost all the districts. While major damage and casualties have been reported in Tawang, other districts like Anjaw, Changlang, Lower Subansiri and East Siang districts were reported to be badly affected by premonsoon rains.

The chief minister instructed the District Collectors to remain alert, keep the District Disaster Task Force ready, see that medicines and ration items are adequately stocked and to maintain drinking water facilities. - PTI

NATURES’ FURY Relief works in progress after landslide at village Phamla in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday. - PTI

‘Will unite anti-BJP forces, PM post depends on destiny’ Assuming his role as a ‘catalyst’, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar prescribed a ‘Grand Secular Alliance’ model on the lines of Bihar to defeat BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha polls

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said he was trying to play a “catalyst” to unite anti-BJP forces to defeat the saffron party and was not a claimant to any post but added that “if a person is destined to become the prime minister, he would become the PM one day”.

“I am not a claimant to any post. All I am saying is that we all should unite (against BJP). Is it a crime to appeal the people to unite,” Kumar said while addressing Janata Dal(United)’s national council meeting which formally approved his election as the new national president of the party.

He said that “time will decide the issue of leadership” and if a person is destined to become PM, he will become one “whether you name him or not”.

“First of all, we should unite (against BJP). Everybody needs to make sacrifice. Grand Secular Alliance would not have taken shape if I and Lalu Prasad had not sacrificed for a particular cause,” he said.

Triggering speculation Just days earlier, Kumar had called on parties to unite for a “Sangh-free” country and repeat the Bihar experiment at the national level to oust the BJP in the

ELATED: Bihar Chief Minister and newly elected Janata Dal(United) President Nitish Kumar is

garlanded with senior party leader Sharad Yadav and other leaders at the party’s National Council Meeting in Patna on Saturday. - PTI

2019 general election, triggering speculation that he could lead such a front.

“If a person is destined to become the PM, he would become the PM one day, whether you name him or not.... “And the person’s dream never fructifies if he declares himself as the PM candidate,” Kumar said on Saturday.

Kumar’s name was proposed by outgoing party president Sharad Yadav as his successor and around 1,000 party delegates from across the country ratified his election.

The national council was convened to ratify Kumar’s nomination as president by the party’s national executive committee on April 10 in New Delhi.

Kumar replaced party veteran Sharad Yadav, who held the post for a decade.

Coming down heavily on BJP government at the Centre for its “failure” to fulfil its promises and “dividing the society on religious lines”, Kumar said that if there is unity among anti-BJP forces at the Centre, BJP will not be suc-

cessful in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Assuming his role as a “catalyst”, Kumar prescribed a ‘Grand Secular Alliance’ model on the lines of Bihar to defeat BJP. Grand Secular Alliance “We defeated the BJP in Bihar Assembly polls by forming a Grand Secular Alliance and we will be defeating BJP with this model in Lok Sabha elections too,” he said.

“Be it merger, alliance, understanding whatever it may be, I want the largest possible unity of anti BJP forces. That I will continue to do. We do not have any personal interest in doing so,” he said.

Warning that the country is facing the challenge of BJP/Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ideology, he said that BJP has forgotten all the promises made by it in 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

“Where is black money which it has promised to bring back”, he questioned while reminding that BJP president Amit Shah had termed it a ‘jumla’.

Ridiculing Narendra Modi

government’s schemes like Start up India, Kumar said that “every day we hear a new slogan. Today we hear Stand Up India, tomorrow it will be sit down India, lay down India and sleep for ever India.... Slogans must be translated into reality.”

Kumar said that he would participate in the movement for implementing prohibition across the nation as in Bihar and he would start his campaign from neighbouring Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.

Nitish Kumar also warned leaders not to compete with each others in a manner that may end up pulling down their colleagues in the party. In order to drive home his point, Kumar cited socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia who asked the opposition to unite against the Congress.

“Till Lohia entered Parliament, not a single no trust motion could be moved against the central government. It was Lohia whose efforts fructified in bringing no trust motion after he brought op-

position together for the purpose,” Kumar said.

He also took a jibe at a section of media for publishing stories by asking for reaction and comments of leaders of other parties on his remarks.

“This is not right. And please do not try to give a different direction to the debate (on having unity among anti- BJP forces),” JD(U) president said.

Attacking BJP, he said the party not only forgot to provide employment opportunities to youths but also forgot giving 50 per cent plus cost of production as Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers.

“The central government has promised to make the farmers’ income double by 2022 but it should also tell about the current income level of farmers. At present, the farmers’ income is around Rs 3,000-3,500 per month,” he said.

The economy too is in bad condition with banks facing problems, he added.

Prohibition While talking about prohibition, which his government implemented on April 5 in the state, Kumar made it clear that prohibition has not been brought for some days rather it is a permanent measure.

“We will not let anybody feel relaxed on the issue of prohibition. We have made a stringent law in this regard,” Kumar said while making it clear that there is a clamour for prohibition in other states too.

People are asking if prohibition can be implemented in Bihar, then why not in Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand.

In Tamil Nadu, there is an agreement for prohibition, he added. Kumar said that he would participate in the movement for implementing prohibition across the nation. The national council meeting of JD(U) was attended

by Sharad Yadav, K. C. Tyagi, Bashishtha Narayan Singh and a host of party MLAs and MPs besides people from socialist or JP movement. - PTI

ANNOUNCEMENT

YOUTH ICON: Bollywood

actor Salman Khan speaks during a function where he was announced as Goodwill Ambassador of Indian contingent for Rio Olympics 2016, in New Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

Salman to be India’s goodwill ambassador at Rio Olympics NEW DELHI: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was on Saturday unveiled as the goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent for the Rio Olympics to be held later this year.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which made the announcement at its headquarters here, chose Salman from a list of two to three candidates which also included Shah Rukh Khan and veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan.

However, the IOA reportedly chose Salman as he is considered to be more connected with the youth and is known to be a sports enthusiast. The 50-year-old is a youth icon and an inspiration for bodybuilding fans across the country. His latest film Sultan is a sports-drama which sees Salman in the role of a wrestler who rises from small town origins to achieve international success.

This is the first time that a Bollywood superstar will be a goodwill ambassador for the Indian contingent at the Olympics.

Praising the sportspersons for their hardwork and dedication, Salman hoped that they will be able to win medals at the Olympics.

The 2016 Olympics will be held at the Brazilian capital of Rio de Janeiro from August 5-21.

IMPLEMENT AGREEMENT

Action plan should focus on ensuring climate justice to poor: Javadekar NEW YORK: India, which signed the landmark Paris climate change agreement along with 170 other nations, said the world community’s action plan to implement the agreement should focus on ensuring climate justice to the world’s poor and bringing sustainability in consumption.

“On this Earth Day, we have made history. As many as 171 countries have signed the Paris agreement. It is the triumph of collective wisdom,” Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said in his statement to the world body on the high-level signing ceremony here on Friday.

Javadekar said the agreement explicitly highlights the benefits of sustainable lifestyle and consumption and warned that the extravagant lifestyle of some countries would render the planet unsustainable.

“If we continue with an extravagant lifestyle in the same way what we experience in many countries, earth will become unsustainable.

So we must bring sustainability

in consumption as our priority goals,” he said, adding that the international community has to take care of the only planet the human race has.

“If we continue with unsustainable consumption, we would require three planets, and we don’t have them. We have only one planet. There is only one Mother earth and we must take care of it,” he said.

Javadekar stressed that there is an impetus for operationalising the vision of ‘Climate Justice’ as enshrined in the Preamble of the Paris Agreement.

“Climate justice is justice to the poorer sections, the four billion poor of the world and justice for the developing world. We have to chalk out our action plan to implement the Paris agreement,” he said, focusing on climate justice and sustainability.

As many as 175 world leaders signed the Paris Agreement at UN Headquarters, with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon describing the day as an “historic” one since

AGENDA: US Secretary of State John Kerry, with Power Minister Piyush Goyal, left, and Minister of State (Independent charge) for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar in a meeting on the sidelines of signing ceremony for the Paris Agreement on climate change, in New York on Friday. - PTI

this was by far the largest number of countries ever to sign an international agreement on a single day.

Adopted in Paris by the 196 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at a conference known as (COP21) last

December, the agreement’s objective is to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius. It will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global

greenhouse gas emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification.

Javadekar asserted that apart from the ratification of the Paris agreement, the ratification of the second commitment period of Kyoto Protocol is also urgent and needs to be done immediately.

“Developed world must take enhanced targets and declare them as soon as possible for 2016-2020.

There cannot be ‘action holiday’ of five years,” he said.

He pointed out that countries have to cooperate on clean actions, saying “competitiveness concerns should not over-shadow our common resolve to build a sustainable future.”

Highlighting the steps India has taken towards its commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions, he said India will reduce its emission intensity by 35 per cent by 2030 and build 40 per cent capacity for power generation from non-fossil fuels. It is also creating additional carbon sink of 2.5 billion tonnes through various modes of afforestation and heavily invest in reduc-

ing its vulnerability and enhancing adaptation to Climate Change.

“This is part of our Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) and we take this very seriously,” he said.

Javadekar informed the world body that India has already “started on the road” to achieve its commitments, including taxing coal at the rate of $6 per tonne and using the money in investments in clean environment.

“If the world follows India’s example” by taxing coal “it will generate the elusive $100 billion much early, and more easily,” that is required for the climate fund. India has also undertaken a huge renewable energy program of 175 GW and has already achieved 40 GW. The country has also distributed 100 million LED bulbs and made them cheaper by 80 per cent from $4.7 to $0.8.

“We will save 80 million tonnes of Carbon equivalent per annum, when we will complete LED programme of one billion lights in next 3 years,” he said. - PTI

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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 If US and Iran can join hands, I see no reason why India and Pakistan cannot come together to restore stability and begin a new era of peace and prosperity in the region Mehbooba Mufti, Chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir

INDIA

R E C O N C I L I AT I O N

NO RESPITE FROM HEATWAVE

Tourists splash water on their faces to get relief from heat at Mehtab Bagh behind Taj Mahal during a hot summer day in Agra on Friday. Mercury continued to soar on Saturday in central and east India with Titalgarh in Odisha recording the country’s highest temperature of 48.5 degrees Celsius as the weatherman attributed the extreme hot conditions to a clear sky and lack of weather activity. “Minimum temperatures are appreciably above normal (3.1 degree Celsius to 5 degree Celsius) at many places over East Madhya Pradesh and Rayalaseema and at a few places over Telangana, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Madhya Pradesh and Gangetic West Bengal. Above normal (1.6 degree Celsius to 3 degree Celsius) was recorded at most places over East Uttar Pradesh,” the India Meteorological Department said. - PTI

‘If US, Iran can end hostilities, why not India, Pakistan’ JAMMU: Pitching strongly for Indo-Pak reconciliation, Indian-administered-Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said India and Pakistan should begin a new era of peace and prosperity in the region on similar lines as US and Iran have recently ended hostilities and stitched a new phase of engagement.

“If US and Iran can join hands, I see no reason why India and Pakistan cannot come together to restore stability and begin a new era of peace and prosperity in the region,” Mehbooba said while interacting with mediapersons on the sidelines of her marathon tour here on Saturday. The chief minister invoked the legacy of former chief minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, by sending a strong message of peace and reconciliation to both India and Pakistan.

Engagement She cited the example of US and Iran, who have recently ended hostilities and stitched a new phase of engagement.

Giving wings to her father’s dream of making Suchetgarh JK’s Wagah, the chief minister said she will be delighted if the border town is promoted as a

Campaigning ends for fourth phase of West Bengal polls A total of 10.7 million electorate will exercise their franchise in about 12,500 polling stations from 7am to 6pm on Monday in fourth phase of West Bengal assembly polls

KOLKATA: Campaigning for the fourth phase of assembly polls in West Bengal which will decide the fate of 345 candidates in 49 seats spread across North 24 Parganas and Howrah district ended on Saturday.

A total of 10.7 million electorate will exercise their franchise in about 12,500 polling stations from 7 am to 6 pm on Monday.

State Finance Minister Amit Mitra and jailed ex-minister Madan Mitra are among the highprofile candidates contesting in this phase. Amit Mitra, who was secretary-general of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) before join-

WOOING VOTERS: BJP candidate Rupa Ganguly exchange greetings with the people during her

election campaign at Howrah district in West Bengal on Saturday. - PTI

ing politics in the 2011 assembly polls, is once again in the race from Khardaha seat in North 24 Parganas in the northern outskirts of the city.

Despite his claims to the contrary, Mitra has been under attack for lack of industrialisation during the Trinamool Congress regime in the state.

Saradha chit fund scam All eyes will be on former transport and sports minister Madan Mitra, who is contesting from Kamarhati seat in North 24 Par-

ganas district. Madan Mitra was arrested by CBI in December 2014 in the multi-crore rupee Saradha chit fund scam and is currently lodged in Alipore jail.

This is the first time that a highprofile candidate is fighting elections in West Bengal from jail.

Trinamool Congress supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee campaigned for Mitra in his consistency saying he has been a victim of a conspiracy by the Centre. Mitra’s name had also figured in Narada sting operation, an issue which has been haunting

Trinamool Congress (TMC)ever since the video was released.

Also in the fray this phase are TMC ministers Purnendu Basu, Chandrima Bhattacharya, Bratya Basu, Jyotipriyo Mullick and Aroop Roy. Greenhorns in the ring this phase include former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Jagmohan Dalmiya’s daughter Vaishali and former Bengal cricket captain Laxmi Ratan Shukla — both of whom are fighting on TMC tickets. Shukla is pitted against

actress-turned-politician Rupa Ganguly of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) from north Howrah seat.

Footballer Dipendu Biswas has been fielded by TMC from south Basirhat seat which is being defended by BJP’s only sitting MLA Shamik Bhattacharya.

Bidhannagar Mayor Sabyasachi Dutta is fighting for his seat from Rajarhat New Town.

In his campaign trail Prime Minister Narendra Modi had claimed that Mamata Banerjee had “virtually accepted defeat”, which, he said, was evident in the manner in which the first three phases of elections were held in the state.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on the other hand has accused both Modi and Mamata of “resorting to falsehood and bluffing people”.Under pressure due to the Narada sting, Banerjee said she would have “given a thought” before choosing her party candidates for the ongoing assembly elections had the video tapes been telecast earlier.

Amidst complaints of violence by opposition parties during elections, Election Commission has transferred North 24 Parganas Superintendent of Police Tanmay Roy Chowdhury and a number of other officers.

The issue of ‘Syndicate Raj’ or milking builders in the name of supplying inferior building materials at a premium by persons backed by political parties has popped up many times in this election. - PTI

people-to-people meeting point with Sialkot, in Pakistan, across the International Border (IB).

She urged media to highlight the cultural camaraderie that exists between the people of India and Pakistan.

“I wonder if hostilities can become news between the two neighbours, why can’t cultural bonhomie,” she asked, while touring border areas of Suchetgarh and shrine of Baba Chamliyal, revered by people on both sides of the International Border.

Mehbooba described as most unfortunate the recent incident at Handwara, but hoped that peace will be firmly entrenched in the valley, where years of turbulence has brought untold miseries upon the people.

Favouring more transit points for people-to-people contact, the chief minister said cultural affinity across the two regions is too strong to resist.

“I hope our good intentions are reciprocated by our neighbour,” she added.

The chief minister, who also holds the charge of the Tourism Department, said Jammu has all the makings of an ideal tourist destination, provided the right strategy is framed. - PTI LECTURE

Flight test of RLV-TD next month end BENGALURU: The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) will flight test RLV-TD, a new generation reusable launch vehicle that can re-enter the atmosphere, next month end, the agency Chairman A. S. Kiran Kumar said on Saturday.

“We will flight test in next month end Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstration Program (RLV-TD), which can re-enter the atmosphere,” Kumar said. The vehicle is on its way to Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota after completing various tests, including the final acoustics test at the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), he said.

It has been configured to act as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies, including hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air-breathing propulsion.

“The vehicle will be taken to a height of over 70km and released for its re-entry into the atmosphere,” he said, delivering the annual Air Chief Marshal L. M. Khatre lecture, organised by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Air Force Association and the Aeronautical Society of India, here.

The programme was approved in January 2012 and the launch was tentatively scheduled between July and August last year.

Talking about the second launch of LVM 3, Kumar said the space agency is working towards realisation of the vehicle.

“Realisation of this vehicle will help ISRO place heavier satellites into orbit,” he said. - PTI

POLITICAL CRISIS

Rawat, BJP spar in Uttarakhand, Congress leader claims MLAs threatened DEHRADUN: Former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat on Saturday accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of threatening Congress and Progressive Democratic Front (PDF) Members of Legislative Assembly and urged the governor to provide security to them while BJP lashed out at the Congress leader, demanding legal action against him for his “unconstitutional” step of taking charge as chief minister without a written order from the high court.

“BJP leaders are building an atmosphere of animosity and bitterness in the state. They are even issuing threats to Congress and PDF MLAs. I have urged the governor to make security arrangements for them,” Rawat told reporters at Bijapur State Guest House.

The six-member Progressive Democratic Front (PDF), a combination of BSP, UKD and Independent MLAs, was a part of Rawat

government and has stood by him during the current political crisis in the state.

Countering BJP leaders’ claims that they had the numbers required for government formation, Rawat said MLAs supporting them should come out openly.

“They should openly state whether they are poaching MLAs or engineering another defection in Congress with money power,” Rawat said.

BJP, however, attacked Rawat for “hurriedly” taking charge as chief minister and convening two cabinet meetings to take policy decisions even before a written order of the Uttarakhand High Court quashing President’s rule in the state could reach the Centre and the governor. A BJP delegation led by its state unit president Ajay Bhatt met Governor K. K.Paul and demanded appropriate legal action against Rawat, claiming his

actions were“unconstitutional”.

The delegation also demanded annulment of policy decisions taken

by Rawat after his brief “reinstatement” as chief minister which came to an end with the Supreme Court putting a stay on the high court’s verdict on Friday.

The party’s main contention was that Rawat went against parliamentary norms by assuming charge even before getting a signed copy of the high court’s order.

Rawat, however, dismissed the charge saying if the Centre can go to the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the high court’s order without having a written copy of it why can’t he assume charge as CM without the same document.

Meanwhile, upping the ante on the Uttarakhand political crisis, Congress leaders have given notices for suspension of the question hour and adoption of a resolution condemning the imposition of Presi-

dent’s rule there when the Budget Session resumes after the recess.

The notices given by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Deputy Leader of Congress in the House, Anand Sharma, seek to corner the government on the issue accusing it of “destabilising” a democratically-elected government in Uttarakhand.

In his notice given under Rule 267, Sharma has also sought from Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari the passage of a resolution condemning the Modi government for “destabilistion” of the Uttarakhand government and imposition of President’s Rule in the state.

The resolution reads “this House deplores the destabilisation of the democratically elected government in Uttarakhand and disapproves the unjustified imposition of President’s Rule there under Article 356 of the Constitution.” - PTI

BRIEFING: Former chief minister of Uttarakhand Harish Rawat

addressing a press conference in Dehradun on Saturday. - PTI

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

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PAKISTAN

ADDRESS POVERTY

Government gives conditional nod to CPEC western route ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday conditionally approved the 285-kilometre long western route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) after Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) objected over its alignment and claimed that it is in violation of the agreement reached at an all parties conference (APC). The APC held in May last year was instrumental in developing national consensus on routes of the CPEC. It recommended that the government give priority to the western route which passes through some of the country’s hinterlands and can help address poverty in these areas.

The government initially preferred the eastern route and allocated more than 90 per cent of CPEC funding for its early completion. On Friday, the communi-

cation ministry tabled the project for construction of a motorway from Burhan/Hakla on M-1 to Dera Ismail Khan at the rationalised cost of Rs124.2 billion for the consideration of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec).

However, K-P Finance Minister Muzaffar Sayyed objected to the proposed alignment, officials told The Express Tribune after the meeting. They said he claimed that the alignment was not final yet and that the route was in violation of the APC agreement.

The communication ministry informed the meeting that the route for the motorway was as per the joint declaration issued after the APC, a handout issued by the finance ministry said.

Ecnec was also informed that the proposed alignment of the

The proposed motorway will be built as a controlled access facility and includes provision of 11 interchanges, 19 flyovers, 15 bridges, 74 underpasses, 259 culverts and three major bridges project along the western route of CPEC has been taken up as agreed during the 5th Joint Coordination Committee meeting between China and Pakistan The finance ministry said Ecnec approved the project, subject to formal confirmation of the route being in accordance with the understanding contained in the joint declaration of the APC. Ecnec Chairman Finance Min-

ister Ishaq Dar said the K-P should not change the goalposts as the matter has already been resolved at the highest political level.

Ecnec also conditionally approved a Rs11.98 billion project for acquisition of land for western route, compensation for affected properties and relocation of utilities for construction of the Burhan/Hakla to Dera Ismail Khan motorway.

According to the project documents, the Hakla-DI Khan road will be completed by June 2018 and work on it is expected to begin by the middle of this year.

However, the last-minute objections may create difficulties in timely completion of this project.

Another issue that can affect timely completion is the availability of the requisite funds as the project requires huge funds for its

‘Open-ended’ inquiry to find wrongdoings of all Pakistanis Opposition sees ‘victory’ in PM’s move, rejects ToRs

According to the law ministry, the inquiry panel will ascertain if any Pakistani citizen, including current and former public office holders, has ever been involved in financial corruption within Pakistan or abroad

ISLAMABAD: Amid the controversy surrounding the offshore assets owned by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s family, the government has instead announced a broad-based, open-ended inquiry to determine wrongdoings of all Pakistanis.

The ruling party has been under immense pressure since the Panama Papers leak, which mentioned three of the premier’s children as owners of undeclared offshore companies.

With the opposition piling on more pressure, the prime minister has addressed the nation twice over the issue, promising an impartial, judicial investigation.

IN THE EYE OF STORM: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said he

would resign if any wrongdoing is proved against him before the commission formed to investigate offshore wealth in the wake of Panama Papers revelations. - AFP file photo

Soon after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s address on Friday, the government notified the terms of references (ToRs) for the proposed commission, the composition of which will be decided by the top judge of the country.

According to the law ministry, the inquiry panel will ascertain if any Pakistani citizen, including current and former public office holders, has ever been involved in financial corruption within Pakistan or abroad.

The move comes despite vociferous calls for starting the probe from the family of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The judicial commission will be set up under the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956.

It will examine if any Pakistani or a Pakistani-origin individual has been involved with offshore businesses in Panama or any other country.

It will also establish if any serving or former public office holders or their families got their loans written off from banks or transferred money abroad by violating Pakistani laws.

The panel will have powers under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 to summon and enforce the presence of any person, including

ISLAMABAD: Opposition parties on Friday counted as their first victory Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s act of writing a letter to the apex court chief justice on forming a body to probe the Panama leaks.

They, however, expressed their discomfort over the terms of references (ToRs) of the proposed commission that would investigate the Panama Papers scandal, lamenting they were not consulted before these were

tax experts or accountants, and question them on oath.

It can ask for producing any document, receive evidence on affidavits, examine witnesses and requisition any record or copy from any court or office.

The commission will have the authority to require any person to furnish information on matters considered important by the panel for the inquiry.

Any officer, but not below the rank of a gazetted officer, could be authorised by the commission president to enter any premises to check or seize any document related to the investigation.

finalised. “It’s the first victory of the opposition but we reject the ToRs as opposition parties were not taken on board,” PTI,vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi said. Qureshi said the prime minister announced his intention of writing a letter in the wake of opposition pressure, but we (opposition parties) need to see the text of the letter as the government has made its own ToRs, which is not acceptable to the opposition. - Express Tribune

The panel will be assisted by all the authorities concerned of the federal and provincial governments while its proceedings shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings, within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860. The cabinet division will provide secretarial assistance to the commission.

The massive trove of documents from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca has so far named around 220 Pakistanis, including several politicians and businessmen, for amassing assets and accounts in international tax havens. - Express Tribune

completion by June 2018.

The proposed motorway will be built as a controlled access facility and includes provision of 11 interchanges, 19 flyovers, 15 bridges, 74 underpasses, 259 culverts and three major bridges.

The land acquisition project envisages acquisition of 7,575 acres of land for construction of the expressway.

The average unit cost of the project is Rs1.8 million per acre, which is slightly on the lower side when compared with the unit cost of the Rs1.97 million per acre of Sukkur-Multan section of the eastern route. Ecnec approved the project for construction of bridge across River Indus connecting Larkana and Khairpur districts with approach roads and river training works at a revised cost of Rs13.4 billion. - Express Tribune INVESTMENTS

Assets of top MNCs reach Rs8 trillion LAHORE: Despite facing obstacles and uneven policies in Pakistan, the total assets of the country’s top multinational companies have approached the Rs8-trillion mark, claimed the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI).

OICCI is the prime representative body for multinationals with 195 members.

“It is simply not a viable strategy for any multinational to ignore the sixth most populous country, especially when looking to expand its operations globally,” said OICCI President Shahab Rizvi while talking to a group of journalists.

“However, multinationals need consistent policies from government, it doesn’t matter whether the investment is short or longterm,” he added.

The representatives said Pakistan has had quite a few hiccups with army-led governments and that a sustained democracy is needed for additional investors to venture into the country.

Currently, the flow of investment in Pakistan from multinationals is not significant.

“Pakistan has more or less business-friendly policies, however, their flawed implementation is a key impediment. If resolved, this would change Pakistan’s perception and bring in large chunk of foreign direct investment (FDI),” remarked Rizvi.

In the past few years, the flow of investments from MNCs has been a little over $1 billion annually.

According to the OICCI, the member companies have invested $3.5 billion in Pakistan from 2012 to 2014. - Express Tribune

EKING OUT A LIVING

Blind man defies all odds for the last 35 years to return loans KARACHI: Sitting cross-legged on the main gate of Empress Market, a blind man has been shelling peas for the last 35 years.

Eighty-year-old Muhammad Hassan, also known as Taya (uncle), has been working day and night to return the loan he took for the wedding of his children (three sons and four daughters).

He does not think that he is disabled and wants to continue working till his last breath. “It is better to work than beg,” he keeps on repeating.

“My elder son drops me here in morning and I go to home with my neighbour, who also works at the Empress Market. This has been

my routine for years now,” he said.

The people refer to him as ‘Chota Bhai’ because of his jovial persona. He is famous in the entire Empress Market for shelling the peas of vendors selling vegetables.

Taya spends the entire day shelling peas and selling match boxes and earns Rs300 per day for his endeavour. A kilogramme of raw peas is sold for Rs60, but after shelling, the retailers sell it for Rs80 and pay Taya only Rs5 for his hard work. “I shell around 10 to 15 kilogrammes of peas daily,” he said.

However, he earns Rs100 to Rs200 while selling matchboxes.

When asked if people in Empress Market or other people have

ever helped him, he became emotional. “I can still earn. If not, I will prefer to sit at my home. However, the irony is that I become sick whenever I don’t work.”

Speaking about his disability, he said that he was not always blind.

“I can still view things partially.

I lost my eye sight suddenly and despite three operations the vision could not be restored.”

His family belonged to Moradabad, India but migrated to Sindh during Partition. “At first, we were settled in Hyderabad but moved to Karachi during General Ziaul Haq’s tenure in 1980.”

Taya’s father was an employee of railways department. He wanted

me to complete my education but Taya failed middle school while studying at Noor Muhammad School in Hyderabad.

He is the only surviving member among his seven siblings. According to him, before he dies he wants to fulfil his two dreams. First is to return the loan and other is to be able to perform Umrah. Reminiscing the old days, he remarked that Empress Market was not always this crowded and many foreigners used to visit it. “Now, the situation has changed completely. We hardly see any foreigners and owing to the piles of garbage and overflowing gutters, we cannot event sit here,” he said. -Express Tribune

DETERMINED: Eighty-year-old Muhammad Hassan, who cannot see, has been sitting at the main gate of Empress Market for the last 35 years. He shells the peas of vegetable vendors and sells matchboxes, earning Rs300 per day. - Express Tribune

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READERS’ FORUM Side barriers needed to save lives of road users The pedestrian crossing on the busy stretch between Ruwi and Hamriya roundabouts is quite alarming, especially in the early morning hours. Since the traffic movement on this small stretch of the road are fully occupied during the busy hours, motorists and public need to be more observant to avoid any possible mishaps.

As there are no proper pedestrian crossing on this road, people wait for an opportunity to cross the road from one side to the other at a convenient point of their choice. Such practices often confuses the motorists, as they have to be more cautious while passScan this QR code ing through the way since groups of people to send letters to the are seen waiting their turn to reach other Readers’ Forum, side of the road. If the drivers use mobile containing not more than 200 words with phone while on the wheel, especially in this full name, address stretch of the road, there might be chances and telephone of losing their attention or slow down number, may be sent and pay exceptional care when people are by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com). waiting in either side of the road. As far as road safety is concerned, both motorists and general public must be adhere to traffic guidelines and use only those marked pedestrian crossings at all the times. Meanwhile, side barriers similar to that in the Wadi Adai stretch closer to the roundabout may be erected to avoid incidents. — Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

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SAADI

Price UK would pay for divorcing Europe

HUSSAIN NADIM

With the timing of the army’s decision to suspend its officers when the Panama Leaks controversy is in full swing, the move is more than just about accountability. The army may have just pushed a litmus test over the civilian political leadership of Pakistan, which has, for way too long, been neck-deep in corruption and catering to vested interests

T

he UK Treasury’s paper on the economic costs of Brexit seems competent and thorough, as you would expect -- and says those costs would be high, as you’d also expect. That said, it would be a mistake to regard this analysis as settling much.

Judging the likely economic costs is an unavoidably uncertain exercise. The range of possible outcomes is wide -- a lot wider than the three variants that the study concentrates on. Also, the study doesn’t consider the main reason why exit campaigners want Britain to leave, which is to restore the country’s ability to govern itself. For some Brexiteers, though few are this honest, a moderate price in diminished trade and lower gross domestic product might be worth paying for a divorce from Brussels. The paper looks at three alternative trading futures for the UK outside the union: membership of the European Economic Area, otherwise known as the Norway model, and the closest thing to staying in the EU; a less comprehensive bilateral agreement with the European Union, like the one Canada has; and what the paper calls the default alternative of trading on terms laid down by the World Trade Organisation. In each case, the paper judges the likely reduction in trade and investment, then adds the related effects of slower growth in productivity.

After 15 years, according to this reckoning, the annual loss of British GDP (relative to what it would otherwise have been) is roughly 4 per cent for the EEA model, 6 per cent for the Canada variant, and 8 per cent for the WTO approach.

These estimates are broadly consistent with other studies.

All this work, it’s worth mentioning, is unambiguously pro-trade. Economists and commentators in the US have recently been preoccupied with the costs of adjusting to foreign competition -- costs which, some say, undermine the traditional case for free trade. That sentiment is refreshingly absent from the main analyses of Brexit. In Europe, apparently, you just can’t have too much economic integration.

Nonetheless, the range of plausible outcomes is a lot wider than the Treasury study allows. For instance, what makes the Norway model the upper limit of British economic integration with Europe? At the moment, the U.K. is more closely integrated with Europe than Norway is. What

would prevent it from staying that way, while separating itself from the union’s larger political and constitutional ambitions?

There are two possible answers to this. One is that close economic integration necessarily requires some degree of political union. This is debatable. The EU certainly has more far more political union than it needs for the single market to work: You don’t need a European parliament, supreme court, charter of rights and all the other trappings of nationhood to have free movement of goods, services, capital and workers.

The EU has those trappings not because the single market requires them but because movement toward political union, until the crash at least, has been an additional EU purpose in its own right.

Even now, the aspiration dignifies the project and offers justification for egregious unforced errors such as the euro.

In principle, Britain could opt for economic integration without political integration. And to a considerable extent, it’s been allowed to do so: no euro, no Schengen (the agreement on borderless travel), opt-outs from security and justice initiatives, a clearer exemption from the treaty commitment to “ever closer union.” But there’s a limit to these exceptions. The EU isn’t offering a mode of association that grants full economic integration while allowing definitive, permanent, explicit detachment from its political quest.

The Treasury study and its covering note from George Osborne, U.K. chancellor of the exchequer, both make this limit clear, but they’re a little oblique on its cause. “No country has been able to negotiate any other sort of deal [other than EEA, Canada-style bilateral, or WTO],” Osborne says, “and it would not be in the EU’s interest to agree one.” Neither document says why, exactly, this would not be in the EU’s interest. The suggestion seems to be that other countries might want a similar dispensation -- a point that ought to weigh in its favor.

Yet once you assume that the EU isn’t going to help Britain find a comfortable, mutually advantageous post-Brexit relationship with the EU, you next have to ask how far Europe might go to actually punish a British defection. — Bloomberg View

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES APRIL 2001 Seminar on environment MUSCAT: A seminar on environment was held at the Education College here yesterday as part of the second cultural week of education colleges. The seminar included three lectures which were delivered by participants from the Education Colleges in Nizwa and Ibri, and regional municipalities and environment institutes. The lectures pointed to the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to designate this year as the Year of Environment, which they said had reflected the government’s keenness to preserve the Omani environment and safeguard its resources.

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OMAN’S FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION Total end of September (Million rials) 2014

2015

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1,121.2 5.3%

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1800: The Library of Congress is established in Washington, D.C. with a $5,000 allocation.

1884: Otto von Bismarck cables Cape Town, South Africa that it is now a German colony.

1948: The Berlin airlift begins to relieve the surrounded city.

1981: The IBM Personal Computer is introduced.

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

A1 3

ASIA V I O L E N T AT TA C K S

IN REMEMBRANCE

A woman holding balloons poses for a picture before releasing them during an event organised to commemorate the victims of last year’s earthquakes in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Saturday. - Reuters/Navesh Chitrakar

Professor hacked to death by militants in Bangladesh DHAKA: A university professor was hacked to death on Saturday in northwestern Bangladesh, police said, with IS claiming responsibility for the latest in a series of attacks on liberal activists.

Two assailants on a motorcycle attacked Rezaul Karim Siddiquee, 58, an English professor at Rajshahi University, slitting his throat and hacking him to death, Rajshahi city police chief Mohammad Shamsuddin told reporters, quoting witnesses.

He was found lying in a pool of blood near his home, where he was apparently waiting for a bus to the university campus about 200km northwest of Dhaka when he was attacked. IS claimed responsibility for the killing of the professor for “calling to atheism”, the US-based SITE monitoring service said quoting the militant group’s Amaq Agency. Police said the murder was similar to other recent attacks on secular bloggers by militants.

But fellow university teachers said Siddiquee, while active in cultural events, never spoke or wrote anything about religion.

“Professor Rezaul was killed in a similar fashion as the killings of bloggers,” Shamsuddin said, adding he was a peaceful person and had no enemies. - Reuters

CHINA

15 publishers reprimanded for false reports SHANGHAI: China’s media regulator has said it has uncovered false reports at 15 domestic news organizations, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The business magazine Caijing, Shanghai’s The Paper and the Jinan Times were among the publications that published false news, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) said on Friday.

The regulator said a report

by Caijing in February on the social decline of a village contained false information and it had retracted the certification of the journalist responsible, Xinhua said. Online websites that circulated the article without confirming its authenticity would be penalised, it said.

The Paper had circulated false reports about an earthquake while the Jinan Times had misrepresented photographs, Xinhua reported the regulator as saying.

A regulator official told Xinhua the false reports were seriously misleading and had an adverse social impact. President Xi Jinping’s government has tightened Internet and media controls as part of a campaign to prevent false news. - Reuters

Submarine-launched ballistic missile fired by North Korea The North fired the missile to the northeast from an area off its east coast at about 6:30pm(0930 GMT), the South’s office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said

DEFIANT: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits the Paektusan Hero Youth Power Station No. 3 in

this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on Saturday. - Reuters/KCNA

SEOUL: North Korea fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile on Saturday off its east coast, South Korea said, amid concerns that the isolated state might conduct a nuclear test or a missile launch ahead of a ruling party meeting in May. The North fired the missile to the northeast from an area off its east coast at about 6:30pm(0930 GMT), the South’s office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

North Korea will hold a congress of its ruling Workers’ Party

in early May for the first time in 36 years, at which its leader Kim Jong Un is expected to say the country is a strong military power and a nuclear state.

The missile flew for about 30km (18 miles), a South Korean Defence Ministry official said by telephone, adding its military was trying to determine whether the launch may have been a failure for unspecified reasons.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said the missile flew “for

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

‘Australian police to probe submarine tender leak’ SYDNEY: Australian police are investigating how confidential information about the outcome of a tender process for Australia’s next submarine fleet was leaked to the media, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on Saturday.

It is the second leak from within the military acquisition project which has come down to a race between bids from French, German and Japanese companies for an A$50 billion contract to build 12 submarines.

Australia’s Federal Police confirmed in a statement to the ABC that they had been asked to investigate, the broadcaster said.

Police spokesmen were not available for comment.

The investigation follows an ABC report earlier in the week that said the Japanese bid had been “all but eliminated” from the tender process.

No official announcement on the outcome of the tender has been made.

MILITARY ACQUISITION: The Soryu class stealth submarine Hakuryu seen docked in Sydney’s Naval base. - AFP file photo

A final decision had been expected at the end of the year but Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s recent gamble on a July 2 election has sped up the process and a winner is now expected to be announced by the end of the month. The contract is politically sensitive as it will likely have an impact on thousands of jobs in the shipbuilding industry in South Australia state.

Retaining votes in key electorates in that state will be critical

for the government.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries are offering to build a variant of Japan’s Soryu submarine.

Germany’s ThyssenKrupp AG’s is proposing to scale up its 2,000-tonne Type 214 class submarine.

France’s state-controlled naval contractor DCNS has proposed a diesel-electric version of its 5,000-tonne Barracuda nuclearpowered submarine. - Reuters

a few minutes”, citing a government source.

The US State Department in Washington said it was aware of reports the North had launched what appeared to be a ballistic missile.

“Launches using ballistic missile technology are a clear violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions,” said State Department spokesman John Kirby. The North first attempted a launch of the submarine-based

missile last year and was seen to be in the early stages of developing such a weapons system, which could pose a new threat to its neighbours and the United States if it is perfected.

However, follow-up test launches were believed to have fallen short of the North’s expectations as its state media footage appeared to have been edited to fake success, according experts who have seen the visuals.

South Korea’s military has said

it is on high alert over the possibility that the isolated North could conduct its fifth nuclear test “at any time” in defiance of UN sanctions after setting off what it said was a hydrogen device in January.

Satellite images show that North Korea may have resumed tunnel excavation at its main nuclear test site, similar to activity seen before the January test, a US North Korea monitoring website reported on Wednesday.

South Korea and the United States, as well as experts, believe the North is working to develop a submarine-launched ballistic missile system and an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) putting the mainland United States within range.

North Korea is banned from nuclear tests and activities that use ballistic missile technology under UN sanctions dating back to 2006 and most recently adopted in March but it has pushed ahead with work to miniaturise a nuclear warhead and develop an ICBM. A senior US official said this week that North Korea should take a lesson from Iran which has agreed to roll back its nuclear programme in an agreement with Western powers in return for lifting of major sanctions but the North has shown no sign of entering into such a pact. - Reuters

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Uganda picks Tanzania for oil pipeline route

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EXTINCT SPERM WHALE TOOTH

This hand out picture released by Museum Victoria on April 22, 2016 shows Erich Fitzgerald, a paleontologist at the Museum Victoria, holding an extinct sperm whale tooth. The Australian fossil enthusiast has stumbled on a huge, five-million-year-old whale tooth on a Melbourne beach, providing the first evidence of the now extinct killer sperm whale outside the Americas. - AFP/Museum Victoria

Saturday’s summit of the East African Community bloc - which groups Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi - in Kampala confirmed Uganda would take the Tanzanian option

Picking a route is vital for oil firms to make final investment decisions on developing reserves found in Uganda and Kenya

KAMPALA: Uganda will build a pipeline for its oil through Tanzania rather than Kenya, which had wanted to secure the export route, a summit of East African leaders said on Saturday.

Picking a route is vital for oil firms to make final investment decisions on developing reserves found in Uganda and Kenya, which are among a string of hydrocarbon finds on Africa’s eastern seaboard.

Tanzania has found gas offshore.

Land-locked Uganda, which found oil in a western region around Hoima, said last year it would build a pipeline through

Kenya, linking its fields to Kenyan discoveries in Lokichar and on to Lamu on Kenya’s north coast.

Last-minute push But in March this year Uganda changed tack, saying it was now planning a pipeline from Hoima to Tanga on Tanzania’s coast, prompting a last-minute push by Kenya for another switch.

Saturday’s summit of the East African Community bloc - which groups Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi - in Kampala confirmed Uganda would take the Tanzanian option.

Regarding the crude pipeline, “the summit agreed that two crude oil pipelines, one from Lokichar to Lamu and another from Hoima to Tanga, will be developed by Kenya

and Uganda respectively,” the final communique said.

“There is no more paralysis on that matter, we are moving,” Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said after the summit meeting.

Kenyan Lands Minister Jacob Kaimenyi said the Uganda and Kenya pipelines would be developed independently.

Security concerns France’s Total, one of the oil firms developing Uganda’s fields, had raised security concerns about the Kenyan route.

A Kenyan pipeline could at points run near Somalia, from where militants have launched attacks on Kenya.

Britain’s Tullow Oil, with stakes in both countries, had backed the

Kenyan route, saying it would be cheaper if oil from both pipelines followed the same route.

“While we have always believed that a joint Uganda-Kenya export pipeline was the most cost-effective option, we are clear that both Uganda and Kenya’s oil resources can be developed separately,” Tullow said in a statement.

The firm said it would now work with both governments on the two pipeline projects.

Chinese role China’s CNOOC is also involved in the Ugandan oil finds.

Projected production start dates from both countries have repeatedly been postponed, particularly because no decision had been taken over the pipeline route. — Reuters DISASTER

AMUSEMENT: Children watch as people performs under a tent

at the Reales Tamarindos airport which is used as a shelter, after being evacuated from their homes in Portoviejo, after an earthquake struck off Ecuador’s Pacific coast, on Friday. — Reuters

Ecuador quake toll rises to 646 QUITO: The death toll from Ecuador’s devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake last week has risen to 646 people, President Rafael Correa said during a TV broadcast on Saturday.

Last Saturday’s quake, the worst in nearly seven decades, injured around 12,500 people and left 130 missing along the country’s ravaged Pacific coast.

“These have been sad days for the homeland,” a visibly moved Correa said during his regular Saturday television broadcast.

“The country is in crisis.”

Several strong tremors and more than 700 aftershocks have continued to shake the country since the major quake, sparking momentary panic but little additional damage. Tremors are expected to continue for several weeks. With close to 7,000 buildings destroyed, more than 26,000 people were living in shelters. Some 14,000 security personnel were keeping order in quake-hit areas, with only sporadic looting reported.

Survivors in the quake zone

were receiving food, water and medicine from the government and scores of foreign aid workers, though Correa has acknowledged that bad roads delayed aid reaching some communities.

Reduced revenues Correa’s leftist government, facing mammoth rebuilding at a time of greatly reduced oil revenues for the OPEC country, has said it would temporarily increase some taxes, offer assets for sale and possibly issue bonds abroad to fund reconstruction.

Congress will begin debate on the tax proposal on Tuesday.

Correa has estimated damage at $2 billion to $3 billion. Lower oil revenue has already left the country of 16 million people facing near-zero growth and lower investment.

The country’s private banking association said on Saturday its member banks would defer payments on credit cards, loans and mortgages for clients in the quake zone for three months, to help reconstruction efforts. — Reuters

P R I VAT E Z O O I N S O U T H A F R I C A

Close to 50 starving monkeys rescued MULDERSDRIFT (SOUTH AFRICA): Close to 50 starved and sick monkeys were rescued from filthy living conditions in a South African private zoo on Saturday, and were whisked away to a care facility, an international animal rights group said.

International Primates Rescue (IPR) founder Sue Mousley said after failed attempts by the owner of Little Falls garden centre to improve the living conditions of the monkeys, the rescue team

finally managed to get a court order allowing them to relocate the primates to IPR’s care facility.

Filthy enclosures The monkeys were given little to no food and water while living inside filthy enclosures, Mousley said. “They are still terribly under weight, some of them look a bit dehydrated... the condition of most of those primates is just simply not acceptable,” said Mousley. — Reuters

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

A1 5

WORLD Obama urges British youth to reject cynicism and xenophobia Obama’s warning over trade was especially sensitive in Britain because opponents of the EU have argued that the world’s fifth largest economy could prosper by striking bilateral deals if it cut itself free from what they cast as a failed German-dominated experiment in European integration.

Obama’s intervention over EU membership was welcomed by Prime Minister David Cameron but it was not immediately clear how far British voters will hear or heed Obama’s caution over the consequences of leaving the EU in a June 23 referendum

LONDON: US President Barack Obama implored young British people on Saturday not to pull back from the world, a day after sparking a row by bluntly telling Britain it should remain in the European Union to preserve its remaining global clout.

Obama angered critics of the EU on Friday by warning that Britain would be at “the back of the queue” for a trade deal if it left the club one of the strongest US interventions in the affairs of a western European democracy since the Cold War. Speaking to about 550 invited British young people at a “town hall” event on Saturday, Obama sought to pitch a more optimistic message to young Britons, who are considered to be more pro-European, if less active, voters than their parents.

Obama said he wanted young people to reject the cynicism piped towards them by TV and Twitter,

TOUGH WORDS: US President Barack Obama answers questions from members of the audience at an event in central London on

Saturday.— AFP

and he lauded both the European Union and NATO for sustaining peace and prosperity in Europe after centuries of war and strife.

Darkened by war “Think about how extraordinary that is: For more than 1,000 years this continent was darkened by war and violence. It was taken for granted.

It was assumed that was the fate of man,” Obama said at Lindley Hall in London.

“We see new calls for isolationism, for xenophobia,”

Obama said.”When I speak to young people, I implore them, and I implore you, to reject those calls to pull back.”

Joking about Britain’s colonial past, Obama cited a “tea incident” and said that the British had burned down his house - references to the 1773 Boston Tea Party protest and to the burning of the White House in 1814 by British troops.

But he stressed that the two nations had put their quarrels behind them to ensure a more stable and freer world.

Obama’s intervention over EU membership was welcomed by Prime Minister David Cameron but it was not immediately clear how far British voters will hear or heed Obama’s caution over the consequences of leaving the EU in a June 23 referendum.

A YouGov poll showed that while British voters think Obama has done a good job as U.S. president, 53 per cent felt it was inappropriate for Obama to express a preference on how Britain should vote, while 35 per cent said it was appropriate.

After a visit to the Globe theatre to mark 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare, Obama answered 10 questions from the youth audience on issues ranging from the peace in Northern Ireland to the rights of non-binary gender individuals.

While Obama’s warning about the prospects of a post-Brexit trade deal with the United States led television news broadcasts in Britain, EU membership was not raised during the question-andanswer session that lasted over an hour.

American interests “His meddling stems not from his concerns for Britain or, indeed Europe, but from his own - America’s - interests,” former British finance minister Norman Lamont, a supporter of a British exit, wrote in the eurosceptic Daily Mail newspaper.

But some of the participants in Obama’s youth meeting were positive about Obama’s intervention.

“It was fair, it was true, it is something that needs to be talked about for some of us that haven’t decided where to go,” said Abdirashid Fidow, a 25-year-old charity worker.

“How are we going to be special if you’re going to put us at the back of the queue?

“I have seen a lot of friends of mine change their minds after Obama spoke yesterday.”

Selected partly by a lottery run by the US Embassy and partly by school and university groups that were given blocks of tickets, the Britons gave Obama a standing ovation as he closed the session to the punk rock song “London Calling” by the Clash.

“I recognise that a US leader has gone further than ever before in intervening in another democratic process outside of their own jurisdiction,” said James Langford, a 25-year-old strategy consultant.”That is extraordinary in itself.”

“I don’t believe that anyone should change their mind on the sole basis of that decision.

It doesn’t annoy me,” Langford said.”He hasn’t told us how to vote, he’s advised us what he thinks the US’ perspective is.” — Reuters

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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

WORLD CONTROVERSY

Italy judge warns of political corruption ROME: A warning by one of Italy’s most prominent judges over what he said were unprecedented levels of corruption among politicians has angered Matteo Renzi’s government and unleashed a political storm over the role of the judiciary.

Piercamillo Davigo, a Supreme Court judge, made his name 24 years ago as one of the pool of Milan prosecutors that led the “Clean Hands” corruption investigation that swept away an entire political class.

In an interview in Corriere della Sera daily on Friday Davigo, who heads Italy’s national association of magistrates, said political corruption is now worse than it was in 1992 and criticised Renzi’s government for failing to tackle it.

“The politicians haven’t stopped stealing, they’ve stopped being ashamed of it,” he said.”Now they blatantly claim a right to do what they used to do secretly.”

Italy came 61st in Transparency International’s 2015 corruption perceptions index, second to last among the 28 European Union countries above only Bulgaria. It slipped below Greece and Romania compared with the year before.

Davigo said magistrates’ powers to tackle corruption and tax evasion had been weakened by lenient legislation brought in by former centreright Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and also by centreleft leaders, including Renzi.

Minister’s resignation Renzi made no comment, but on Saturday Davigo was attacked by the premier’s allies in his Democratic Party (PD) and other parties in the ruling coalition. He was applauded by the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and right-wing Northern League.

The furore comes at an awkward time for Renzi, whose industry minister resigned last month over an influence-peddling scandal.

Renzi says he has taken important steps to fight corruption, including raising prison sentences. — Reuters

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Merkel visits Turkey to ease tensions of deal on migrants Merkel, EU Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission VicePresident Frans Timmermans were due to discuss the migration crisis with Davutoglu after a visit to a refugee camp in the town of Nizip, amid a ramped up security presence

GAZIANTEP (TURKEY): German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in a Turkish border province on Saturday to meet Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu as she works to ease tensions in the deal to tackle the migrant crisis.

Prior to its enforcement almost three weeks ago, Merkel lobbied European leaders to back the deal to return thousands of migrants from the Greek islands to Turkey.

But as questions over its effectiveness, long-term viability and legality mount, so does the pressure on the German leader.

The agreement, coupled with border closures in Europe that meant smugglers could not secure passage to northern European states, initially slowed the numbers of new arrivals to Greece sharply. But boats have been arriving with about 150 people a day, indicating the “hermetic sealing” of the route appears to be over, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said.

Merkel, EU Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans were due to discuss the migration crisis with Davutoglu after a visit to a refugee

CONCERNED: EU Council President Donald Tusk, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s wife

Sare and European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans visit a group of children in the kindergarten in Nizip refugee camp near Gaziantep, Turkey, on Saturday. — Bundesregierung/Steffen Kugler/Handout via Reuters

A poster depicting Merkel’s face and the words ‘Solidarity with the migrants. We are proud of our Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’, in German was put up in the town

camp in the town of Nizip, amid a ramped up security presence.

Uniformed and plain-clothed police officers patrolled Gaziantep city, capital of the province that borders on IS-controlled Syrian territory and has been hit repeatedly in recent weeks by rocket fire from the other side of the frontier.

Live footage showed Davutoglu and local officials, as well as children holding flowers, greeting

Merkel in the airport.

Separately, footage showed Tusk disembarking from his official plane and being greeted by dignitaries.

A poster depicting Merkel’s face and the words “Solidarity with the migrants. We are proud of our Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu,” in German was put up in the town. Another welcomed Da-

vutoglu to Gaziantep.

At home Merkel faces criticism for allowing a German comedian to be prosecuted for insulting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. The issue is likely to come up in the meetings, but a senior Turkish government official said the main focus of the visit by Merkel, Tusk and Timmermans would be on relations with the EU and implementing the migrant deal, including how to spend a promised 3 billion euros in funding.

On Wednesday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the European Union needed to be more pragmatic in releasing the cash meant to help manage the migrant crisis, saying there were problems with the delivery of the money. Another side of the bargain, used to sell the migrant deal to the Turkish public, was Turks winning quicker visa-free travel

to Europe, a pledge that now could go unfulfilled, at least by the June deadline he had wanted.

While presenting an opportunity for the political leaders who made it, the deal has been fiercely criticized by United Nations refugee and rights groups, as immoral and a violation of international humanitarian law against blanket returns. Calling for an immediate halt to the implementation of the deal, Turkey has been blasted over detention of asylum-seekers, serious shortcomings in procedures amid chaos on the ground.

“While Turkey and Europe haggle over long standing political battles like visa free travel, refugees continue to suffer with little chance of protection in Europe and serious violations against them in Turkey,” said Gauri van Gulik, deputy Europe director at Amnesty International. — Reuters POLITICAL CRISIS

Burundi rebel group hands back army officer NAIROBI: A Burundian army officer who had been captured by a rebel group last month was handed back to his unit on Saturday, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.

At least three armed rebel groups have emerged since a political crisis erupted in Burundi a year ago, when President Pierre Nkurunziza launched his bid for a third term in office and then won a disputed election in July. More than 400 people have been killed in violence since April last year, worrying Western powers and regional states who fear a slide back into the kind of ethnically charged fighting witnessed during Burundi’s 1993 to 2005 civil war.

Handover in Congo Alexis Irambona was captured by a rebel group calling itself FNL, the same name as a political party in Burundi, although the party denies any links.

FNL party leader Agathon Rwasa, a former rebel commander, has said he would not take up arms again.

“He was handed over from FNL to my colleagues in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Georgios Georgantas, the ICRC head of delegation in Burundi, told Reuters by telephone.

He said the handover operation began on Friday and was completed on Saturday, after he was given to the Congolese armed forces and then to his Burundi unit, in the ICRC’s presence.

It was not immediately clear why the handover took place in neighbouring Congo. — Reuters

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

MARKE

GE SALES SOFTEN General Electric (GE) reported sales declines in oil and transportation as its transformation around industrial manufacturing ran into a sluggish global economy. — Bloomberg News

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German investors plan to build 1GW solar project in Sultanate Germany-based investment trusts will provide the required finance, technology, technically qualified professionals and training for local people to develop the project

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A group of investors from Germany is planning to build a mega solar power project with a generation capacity of one gigawatt (equivalent to 1,000 megawatt), a senior official from a Germany company told the Times of Oman.

“We are planning to build a one gigawatt (GW) solar power project in Duqm. As many as eight

companies have joined hands with the main promoter to develop the project,” said Dr. Wais Ahmadudin, chief executive officer of Mittelpunkt Personal GmbH.

We are planning to build a one gigawatt (GW) solar power project in Duqm. As many as eight companies have joined hands with the main promoter to develop the project Dr. Wais Ahmadudin

Chief executive officer of Mittelpunkt Personal GmbH

Investment trusts He said the Germany-based investment trusts will provide the required finance, technology, technically qualified professionals and training for local people to develop the project.

The Scholl Wais Beteiligungsge-

sellschaft mbH Investment Trust is the main promoter and the company will arrange investment from other investment trusts in Germany. Grune Planet Energie Ineter-

T H I R D Q UA R T E R D ATA

SLOWDOWN: The decline in oil prices has also pushed the Sultanate’s fiscal and external account

balance to a deficit in 2015. - Times file picture

Nominal gross domestic product in Oman declines MUSCAT: Reflecting the persistent low crude oil prices in the global markets, economic activities in the Sultanate of Oman have registered a slowdown with an overall contraction in nominal GDP (gross domestic product) by 14.2 per cent during the January to September 2015 period, mainly due to a sizeable drop of 38.5 per cent in the petroleum sector’s GDP. However, the non-oil sector witnessed a growth of 4.7 per cent during the period, notably from the services sector activities. The decline in oil prices has also pushed the Sultanate’s fiscal and external account balance to a deficit in 2015. Reforms in place limiting current spending and increased non-hydrocarbon revenue would help ease fiscal deficits.

Despite the easy monetary conditions, inflation has remained very low, with the annual average CPI (consumer product index) for the Sultanate pegged at 0.26 per cent during the January-

February 2016 period, compared with the same period in the previous year. The banking system is well capitalised and is resilient to the drop in oil prices supported by a relatively comfortable liquidity situation.

Total assets The total assets of conventional commercial banks increased by 10 per cent to OMR28.4 billion in February 2016 from OMR25.8 billion a year ago. Of the total assets, credit disbursement accounted for 65.9 per cent and increased by 9.1 per cent as of the end of February 2016 to OMR18.7 billion.

Credit extended to the private sector increased by 11.5 per cent to reach OMR16.5 billion at the end of February 2016.

Conventional banks’ overall investments in securities stood at OMR2.9 billion at the end of February 2016. Investment in Government Development Bonds rose by 29 per cent over the year to OMR863.9 million at the end of February 2016. Banks also in-

vested OMR395.5 million in the government. Commercial banks’ investments in foreign securities stood at OMR829.2 million in February 2016, reflecting an increase of 36.9 per cent over the year. Aggregate deposits held with conventional banks registered a modest increase of 1.4 per cent to OMR17.8 billion in February 2016 from OMR17.6 billion a year ago. Government deposits with conventional banks marginally declined by 6.9 per cent to OMR4.6 billion.

Deposits of public enterprises increased by 4.8 per cent to OMR1 billion during the same period.

Private sector deposits, which constituted 67 per cent of the total deposits with conventional banks, increased by 4.6 per cent to OMR11.9 billion in February 2016 from OMR11.4 billion a year ago.

The core capital and reserves of conventional banks stood at OMR3.8 billion as of the end of the February 2016, registering a rise by 15.6 per cent over the previous year. — ONA

nazional LLC is the local partner for developing the project.

“Both the governments of Oman and Germany are interested.”

Dr. Ahmadudin said an expert

team would submit a detailed project proposal to the Oman government during their next visit within three to four weeks. “It takes five years to complete the project, once

the project proposal is approved by the Oman government. We are also looking for local investors.”

He added that the proposed solar project will need 1,000 people, mainly locals. Training will be given to Omani youth in different batches of 10 to 15 in Germany for one to three months.

He also noted that the required investment for the renewable energy project is not yet estimated.

The solar panels required for the project will be mainly sourced from German manufacturers to maintain better quality.

In fact, Oman has several competitive advantages for developing the entire value chain in solar industry, mainly due to the availability of sunlight and sand.

Oman’s Rural Areas Electricity Company (Raeco) plans to raise the contribution of renewable energy (especially solar energy) to total power generation to 25 per cent within the next five years.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

MARKET

SLIMMING DOWN THE LIST: Yahoo and its advisers are already speaking with bidders to glean more information about the structure of the various offers, and to get a sense for how much analysis they’ve already done on the deal. – Bloomberg file picture

Yahoo to narrow field of bidders from ten offers Bidders for the Internet firm include Verizon, YP Holdings, TPG, and a consortium led by Bain Capital and Vista Equity Partners

CALIFORNIA: First-round bidders for Yahoo! could find out as early as next week whether they’ve made it through to the next stage.

Yahoo’s advisers will spend the weekend narrowing down the field of bidders after receiving more than 10 initial offers for the Internet company ranging from about $4 billion to $8 billion, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Several first-round bidders will be eliminated to slim down the group, the people said, asking not to be identified because the process is private.

After culling the list to a handful of the most plausible buyers, Yahoo will give them increased access to internal documents and management, one of the people said. A decision on a winner is probably at least a month away, the people said.

Yahoo chief executive officer Marisa Mayer said on an earnings

call with analysts on Tuesday that the company is moving swiftly to consider offers for its Web operations and that efforts “reflect clear, decisive action to move forward quickly and in a way that we believe will yield enhanced value.”

Higher bids Yahoo and its advisers are already speaking with bidders to glean more information about the structure of the various offers, and to get a sense for how much analysis they’ve already done on the deal.

Some of the higher bids —towards the $8 billion end of the range — came from companies or private equity firms that haven’t spent as much time with Yahoo, one of the people said.

Bidders include Verizon Communications, YP Holdings, TPG, and a consortium led by Bain Capital and Vista Equity Partners, people familiar with the matter said earlier this week. At

least one or two other strategic firms, as opposed to private equity funds, also bid, one of the people said on Friday.

SoftBank SoftBank doesn’t have interest in buying Yahoo’s core Internet business but will have discussions with any buyer that wants to also acquire the Yahoo Japan stake, according to people familiar with the matter.

SoftBank and Verizon have already had preliminary discussions about Yahoo Japan, two of the people said.

The conversations have addressed two scenarios — SoftBank buying back the stake and Verizon keeping it, the people said. Verizon is attempting to get a waiver from Yahoo to restart conversations over Yahoo Japan with SoftBank, the people said.

Representatives for Yahoo, Verizon and SoftBank did not comment. Companies that bid on Yahoo haven’t been allowed to speak to other potential buyers given the terms of the non-disclosure agreements they signed. – Bloomberg News

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GLOBAL TRADE

India ratifies WTO’s trade facilitation deal GENEVA: India said it has formally ratified the World Trade organisation’s (WTO) trade facilitation agreement, which aims at easing customs procedures to boost commerce.

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the move would supplement country’s ongoing reforms to bring in simplification and enhanced transparency in cross border trade in goods.

India’s WTO ambassador Anjali Prasad has handed over the instrument of acceptance to WTO director-general Roberto Azevêdo. “I am very pleased to receive India’s instrument of ratification,” Azevêdo said.

He said that India is one of the most dynamic economies in the world on Friday and has become a top recipient of foreign investment. “Ratifying the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) will help India further boost economic growth by reduc-

ing trade costs and supporting its integration into the global economy,” he added.

Clearance of goods Concluded at the WTO’s 2013 Bali Ministerial Conference, the TFA contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues.

It further contains provisions for technical assistance and capacity building in this area. he TFA will come into force once two-thirds of WTO members formally accept the Agreement.

India is the 76th WTO member to accept the TFA. The WTO said that on March 18, India submitted its ‘Category A notification’ to the World Trade organisation. - PTI

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

B3

MARKET Omani businessmen praise ministry efforts to open new African markets population and the growth rate is high, reaching 6.7 per cent.

He added that investment agreements were signed during the visit, in addition to the investment of the State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) in the harbour, which was important for Omanis who wish to invest in Tanzania.

They commended government efforts to set up investment partnerships and identify new markets for Omani products in Tanzania in particular and African continent in general

MUSCAT: Omani businessmen praised the efforts of the government to set up investment partnerships and open new markets for Omani products in Tanzania in particular and the African continent in general.

Eng. Sultan bin Saud Al Shithani, chief executive officer of Sultan Al Shithani Company said that the Tanzania visit organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry this month, is an opportunity to

strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries. He also said that the visit will help meet investors and traders in Tanzania that have a promising market as its population is more than 40 million.

Salim Abdullah Al Rowas, chairman of Oman Oil Marketing Company said that the visit, which included the promotional meeting for investment opportunities in the Sultanate, meetings with Tanzanian

INFRASTRUCTURE: Bagamoyo Port plan. – File

businessmen and visits to various Tanzanian cities, was an excellent one that provided the Omani businessmen with an opportunity to learn about the possibilities in Tanzania and its official institutions.

Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, chief executive officer of Al Yousef Group said the visit witnessed the participation of the largest trade

Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

delegation from the Sultanate, which included more than 100 representatives from various sectors.

He further affirmed that the choice of Tanzania was a strategic one because the African market is a huge market that includes countries, which have emerging economies, in addition to some African countries having large

Various projects Saleh bin Mohammed Al Shanfri, chief executive officer of Oman Investment Holding stressed the importance of the meetings that took place during the visit to Tanzania, which will open broader prospects for the Sultanate in general and the Omani businessmen in particular.

He added that the meetings were associated with field visits to many different Tanzanian regions to get acquainted with the economic sectors, such as nutrition, logistics, mining, tourism, as well

as exploring investment opportunities in Zanzibar.

Al Shanfri pointed out that the Sultanate’s investment in Bagamoyo Port project, in partnership with the Chinese company and the Tanzanian government, will pave the way for Omani and non-Omani investors to take advantage of the large project.

He explained that there is a significant presence of the Sultanate in Tanzania through the investments of Omani businessmen that go beyond $500 million, praising trust, reputation, good handling and hard work enjoyed by the Omanis in Tanzania.

Adel bin Salem Al Fairuz, chairman of Al Fairuz companies said that the visit has provided an opportunity to exchange ideas regarding investment projects in both countries, adding that he has investment projects in the Tanzanian city of Doma. — ONA

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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

MARKET F O U R T H E D I T I O N O F AWA R D

Omantel presents excellence award to Ibri businessman Times News Service MUSCAT: Omantel, the Sultanate’s telecom operator pioneered the concept of business excellence awards for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a celebration of the nation’s top performing SMEs and to increase awareness on the importance of SME development throughout Oman.

In the fourth edition of the Business Excellence SME Awards, Omantel is proud to present Ibri-based Younis Al Majrafi Trading Company with the recognition for ‘Best Community Contribution’ in Oman.

Younis’ enterprise journey began with an unlikely start, following an unfortunate accident that left him physically disabled and facing many challenges for his life ahead. Taking a leap of faith, he decided to establish his own private manufacturing company in 2007 registered under his own name, in the Wilayat of Ibri.

In just nine years from the conception of his firm, Younis was acknowledged for his company’s contributions to the community in which it F I R S T Q U A R T E R R E S U LT S

Halliburton reports $2.1b charge on job cuts, assets HOUSTON: Halliburton booked a $2.1 billion expense in the first quarter for cutting jobs and writing off assets, giving some results early and delaying the full earnings release as it strives to wrap up a takeover of rival Baker Hughes.

The world’s largest provider of fracking services eliminated 6,000 more jobs in the quarter to reduce costs, according to a statement on Friday. The release of its full earnings report is being postponed to May 3 from April 25 because of the deadline to complete the deal with Baker Hughes by the end of this month, Halliburton said.

“It makes sense to delay this until after April 30, but the timing is just a little odd, doing it the Friday before the report,” Luke Lemoine, an analyst at Capital One Southcoast in New Orleans, said Friday in a phone interview. “It does probably show that they’re trying to work on this deal really hard for the April 30 deadline, and they just don’t need any distractions right now.”

Halliburton, which announced the takeover in November 2014 in a deal now worth about $25 billion to better compete against industry leader Schlumberger, is facing a Justice Department lawsuit to stop the merger on concern it will harm competition. The deal, which would unite the No. 2 and No. 3 oilservices providers, threatens to eliminate head-to-head competition in 23 products and services used in oil exploration and create a duopoly with market leader Schlumberger, the Justice Department said. — Bloomberg News

operated. Receiving this honor was a result of hard work and dedication towards supporting social work within the local community.

Expressing his joy at being recognised with a prestigious award from Omantel, he noted, “To begin with, I would like to extend by sincere gratitude to Omantel for organising this competition and providing SME business owners like myself with a platform to share our voice. It is indeed praiseworthy that the Business Excellence Awards scout the country for the best contributions to the SME sector and bring them to light. Everyone at Younis Al Majrafi Trading Company is very pleased to have received the award and we hope that it will encourage other small entrepreneurs to start their own business.”

He added, “The idea of starting my own firm was born after the tragedy that I had been through.

Thus, I created a private manufacturing and welding workshop which offered construction and contracting. Initially, it started with just a dream, but today I am

Everyone at Younis Al Majrafi rafi Trading Company is very pleasedd to have received the awardd and we hope that it will encourage other small entrepreneurs to start theirir own business Younis Al Majrafi

SME businessman

proud to say that I employ six workers in the workshop and are often inundated with orders. Given this pace of business, I am even considering expansion!”

Younis Al Majrafi mentioned that to him, disability is only a minor hurdle.

He commented, “It is the belief of some that a physical disability

might stand in the way of on an individual career and personal life, but I am testament to the fact that with sheer will, one can overcome all obstacles and achieve success. My disability has made me more sensitive to the needs of the community and has motivated me to be even more involved with charity work — something that has earned me this excellence award from Omantel.”

Discussing the future, he stated, “My vision for expansion within Ibriwill always be a priority, then we can create a larger facility and provide services to more governorates in the Sultanate through different branches.”

Younis Al Majrafi also commended the government’s efforts towards aiding small and medium businesses across Oman.

He also highlighted the important role that small businesses play in the nation’s economic growth.

Sharing his thoughts on the Omantel Business Excellence SME Awards, he said, “Omantel has been one of the companies who have taken it upon themselves to support the SME sector; they are

often seen launching new products and services for businesses and doing their best to assist small organisations.” He went on to thank Omantel for their consideration of his company’s efforts towards community development and was confident that it would encourage more people to understand the true meaning and significance of social work.

Al Majrafi continued, “We are committed to delivering the highest quality of work and service to our customers, and as a business owner I am personally committed to ensuring the best working environment and conditions for my loyal team. Their dedication is evident in the high quality standard we achieve in our work.”

Concluding his conversation, Younis Al Majrifi shared that initially there was very low customer confidence in his blacksmithing workshop as not many Omani entrepreneurs venture into this domain. However, with time, his company was seen as trustworthy and quality-focused which ensured that he has his own customers.

Oman’s non-oil sector grew 4.7% in 2015 third quarter tember 2015 to reach OMR18.2 billion, up from OMR16.5 billion in 2014. This was due to a 10.2 per cent growth in credit extended to the private sector, which reached OMR15.9 billion, together with an 8.8 per cent growth in credit extended to the government sector (ministries, government bodies and public institutions).

The growth was driven mainly by a 6.4 per cent increase in high valueadded industrial activities, along with a 4.3 per cent rise in agriculture and fisheries and a four per cent upswing in services

TORISM SECTOR: In the tourism sector, revenues at five-star hotels slipped 18.1 per cent in the third

quarter of 2015 to OMR14.4 million, compared with OMR17.8 million during the same quarter of 2014.

- Times file picture

MUSCAT: The non-oil sector’s contribution to the economy grew by 4.7 per cent to reach OMR14.1 billion at the end of the threemonth period ended September 2015, compared with OMR13.5 billion during the same period of 2014, according to a report on the Sultanate’s economy for the third quarter released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The growth was driven mainly by a 6.4 per cent increase in high value-added industrial activities, along with a 4.3 per cent rise in agriculture and fisheries and a 4 per cent upswing in services.

Industrial activities registered

better results, owing to a marked growth in the construction, electricity and water and mining and quarrying sectors of 17.1 per cent, 13.6 per cent and 8.5 per cent respectively. In contrast, value addition by the manufacturing industries fell by 1.6 per cent in the third quarter, compared with the same quarter of 2014.

The services sector grew to OMR9.5 billion in the third quarter, from OMR9.1 billion in the prior year period, propped up by strong real estate, renting and business activities, which grew at 5.8 per cent and also a 5.3 per cent increase in financial intermediation activities. Transport, storage

and communications rose 4 per cent, while public administration and defence reflected a growth of 3.9 per cent.

Other services Other services, including health and education posted a growth of 3.6 per cent even as the growth rate in the hotels and restaurants sector stood at 3.2 per cent.

Meanwhile, wholesale and retail trade picked up by 3 per cent in the third quarter of 2015, compared with the corresponding period of 2014.

On the other hand, the petroleum sector’s activities declined by 38.5 per cent to OMR6.9 billion,

compared with OMR11.3 billion in the same period of 2014, while natural gas logged a growth of 20 per cent.

Domestic liquidity increased 13.8 per cent in the third quarter, compared with the corresponding period of 2014 to reach OMR14.7 billion.

Total deposits were up 6 per cent to OMR18.1 billion as against OMR17.1 billion in the same period of 2014. Private sector deposits increased by 8 per cent, while public sector deposits rose by 2.9 per cent.

The report also indicated that the total credit (loans) increased by 10 per cent as of the end of Sep-

Personal loans Personal loans accounted for 39.4 per cent of the total bank credit in the third quarter of 2015 at OMR7.2 billion, up by 9.6 per cent, compared with the same quarter of 2014.

Significantly, the average interest rate on total loans in the third quarter of 2015 fell by 5.9 per cent, while real interest rate (average interest rate minus inflation rate) rose to 4.6 per cent in the third quarter of 2015, compared with 3.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2014.

Tourism sector In the tourism sector, revenues at five-star hotels slipped 18.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2015 to OMR14.4 million, compared with OMR17.8 million during the same quarter of 2014. In contrast, fourstar hotels revenue jumped by 30.5 per cent during that period.

In terms of the overall price index for producers, prices fell 25.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the same quarter of the previous year due to lower oil and gas product prices, which increased by 29.4 per cent and non-oil product prices that were up by 4.8 per cent. — ONA

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ROUND-UP

Ford Ranger promises enhanced performance The new 2016 Ford Ranger establishes new benchmarks in the pickup segment with an uncompromising blend of robust capability, craftsmanship and advanced technology

MUSCAT: The Ford Ranger has been one of Ford’s most successful workhorses.

Its ever-willing attitude to get the job done has earned it a huge distinction among its fans the world over. Now in an even more modern and powerful form the allnew Ranger is set to carve its mark with enhanced capability and refinement that truly sets it apart, says a press release.

The new 2016 Ford Ranger establishes new benchmarks in the pickup segment with an uncom-

promising blend of robust capability, craftsmanship and advanced technology. The Ranger is one of the toughest, most capable pickups out there. Its impressive power and capabilities are made possible thanks to the latest generation of powerful and fuel-efficient diesel engines, as well as a petrol unit.

One look at the Ranger and you’ll notice a bold, more modern look that lends the new Ranger a powerful presence on the road, and immediately conveys a sense of capability. The updated exterior has been combined with a stylish new interior that creates an even more comfortable, contemporary and car-like environment for the driver and passengers. Behind the steering wheel, a new 8” TFT screen cluster provides drivers with vehicle information, as well as entertainment and cell-phone features at a glance.

The new Ford Ranger remains one of the most capable pickups in its class. With an exceptional 800mm water wading depth and 230mm ground clearance, it is engineered to handle the most extreme terrains with ease. Thanks to a 28-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle, drivers in the new Ranger can feel confident when taking on steep obstacles.

A robust electronically controlled transfer case allows drivers in 4x4 models to shift on the fly from 4x2 to 4x4 high via a knob on the centre console. For low-speed torque or additional downhill control, drivers can also engage low-range 4x4 gearing, while an electronic locking rear differential (Available from January 2016 production) helps to improve traction in difficult conditions. These offroad strengths are matched to a towing capability of up to 3,500kg

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and impressive payload capacity.

The new Ranger achieves all this with a level of refinement not usually seen in the pickup segment. While the current Ranger already sets the standard for ride and handling, Ford engineers finetuned the suspension of the new version for additional comfort and even better handling.

The driving experience is further enhanced by an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system (Available in Wildtrak only), which provides precise steering with a natural and confident feel.

Furthermore, by eliminating the power steering pump used in a traditional power-steering system, EPAS also results in a quieter vehicle and improves fuel efficiency by about three per cent.

Engineers fitted the new Ranger with advanced sound-deadening materials and improved insulation for one of the quietest and most comfortable cabin interiors in its class.

A host of cutting-edge technologies are available on the new Ford Ranger to help drivers stay connected and in control. SYNC2, the latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system, gives drivers smarter and safer ways to stay connected and is standard on the new Ranger Wildtrak.

In Oman, Ford vehicles are brought to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co.

P H I L A N T H R O P Y C AT E G O RY

P. M. Jabir honoured at NRI of the Year awards in Mumbai MUSCAT: Muscat based social activist, P. M. Jabir was honoured at the third edition of Times Now- ICICI Bank NRI of the Year awards in Mumbai.

In a glittering function held at Grand Hyatt Hotel, the award to Jabir was presented by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister - India and Chanda Kochhar, ICICI Bank MD and CEO, says a press release.

“While you (NRIs) make our mark felt strong and clear across the continents, we in India are doing our bit, in putting our shoulders to the wheels of this gigantic chariot called India pushing it faster and farther,” said M. K. Anand, Times Network MD and CEO. The NRI of the Year Awards is an important component of our engagement with a critical constituency, not just for us as a me-

dia group, but also for the country and its global agenda.”

The third edition of the award recognised 14 others under different categories - entrepreneur, professional, academics, philanthropy and culture from Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East. Jabir was the only person to be awarded in the philanthropy category.

The award is constituted by Times Now, India’s leading English news channel from Times Group, India’s largest media conglomerate and leading bank ICICI Bank and powered by Global Indian International school.

Jabir was chosen for this most prestigious award by an eminent jury for his selfless service to the migrants in distress spanning over a period of almost three decades.

N O N - B A N K I N G F I NA N C I A L C O M PA N Y

Muscat Finance opens customer service kiosk at MCC MUSCAT: Taking its products and services closer to its customers, Muscat Finance – the Sultanate’s first non-banking financial company (NBFC) – formally launched last week its signature customer service kiosk at one of the capital region’s most prestigious leisure destinations, Muscat City Centre - Seeb.

Growing presence The launch, coming just months after it rolled out its first customer service centre at Muscat Grand Mall,

affirms the company’s commitment to growing its retail presence across Muscat, says a press release.

Installed in a high-traffic area of the mall, the kiosk emblazoned in the brand colours of Muscat Finance, was inaugurated by Faisal Mohammed Al Yousef, chairman of the company, in the presence of the company’s Board of Directors, CEO and senior management of the company, who were all delighted to be part of an event that is truly path-breaking in the non-banking financial services

industry in Oman.

Significantly, a customer service kiosk in Muscat City Centre effectively gives Muscat Finance a presence at the nerve centre of the capital region’s most populous district, commented Bikram S. Rishi, chief executive officer.

“Seeb is not only the largest wilayat in terms of size and population, but it is also home to a large number of citizens and residents who fit the customer profile that Muscat Finance has its sights on.

By positioning ourselves in the

centre of this promising market, we see great potential to dramatically ramp up our customer portfolio by leveraging our strengths as a service-driven company."

Open 7 days “Manned by a warm and courteous team of professionals, the Muscat City Centre kiosk is open all seven days of the week (10am to 10pm on weekdays and up to 12 midnight on weekends) for the convenience of our valued dealers and customers,” he stated.

I N N O VAT I V E S O L U T I O N S

AIR CONDITIONER SEMINAR

Panasonic launches VRF system in Oman MUSCAT: At the annual Air Conditioner Seminar 2016 in Oman; Panasonic, a global leader in technology, launched VRF system delivering energy-saving performance, powerful operation, reliability and comfort surpassing anything previously possible.

This represents a true paradigm shift in air conditioning solutions.

With the Panasonic VRF system, single outdoor units combine to expand capacity up to 80HP, up to 64 indoor units can be connected and it has advanced control solutions to meet different applications, says a press release.

Speaking on this occasion Kei Taniguchi, director - Marketing for Panasonic Middle East & Africa said: “By the introduction of new VRF FSV EX models having industry best EER levels of 5.3 and further strengthening the room air conditioner line-up with UC models having ‘super dyma’ outdoors

TECHNOLOGY CONTEST: 'Team Mind Code’ in the Innovation category, ‘Team YOLO’ in the World Citizenship category and ‘Team WeOm’ in the Games category were the winners. – O. K. Mohammed Ali/ TIMES OF OMAN

giving advanced rust protection, we now have a complete line-up to target individual as well as corporate segment.”

Panasonic room air conditioners have been known for their performance and technologies such as the Inverter 55 series which offers excellent energy savings, Econavi smart sensors and Nanoe G air purification system which are unique to brand. Panasonic has come closer to the Middle East consumer by meeting the expectation of customers seeking quick and instantaneous cooling with the i-Auto feature which delivers increased air vol-

ume and 15 % faster cooling with 1 touch of a button. The V & PV series of room air-conditioners offer high levels of EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and operate on environment friendly R-410 a refrigerant.

George Alexander, general manager for Omasco, an ISO 90012008 certified company and local partner of Panasonic in Oman, said: “Like every year, we showcase Panasonic ACs across Oman with the focus on new range, customer awareness and complying with the quality regulations of Oman. This year we bring back the popular and durable window AC

for Oman market.”

He stated that, “Panasonic AC seminar is conducted in Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Nizwa and Sur which reflects our desire and commitment to reach maximum customers in Oman.”

Additionally, this year Omasco has also launched an awareness component among its partners on the effectiveness of AC installation to maximise customer experience with Panasonic. In addition, AC launch is followed up with a technical seminar to enhance and upgrade the capabilities of local partners and installers.

ICONIC COLLECTION

Chopard celebrates 40th anniversary of Happy Diamonds MUSCAT: The iconic Chopard collection Happy Diamonds is turning 40 this year. In tune with its multiple transformations, Happy Diamonds is a unique concept in the jewellery and watchmaking field and has provided fascinating expressions through the years, forging an authentic legend in the process, says a press release.

Madhursinh Jesrani, general manager, Khimji’s Watches, the sole representatives of Chopard in Oman, commented: “Since 1976 when Happy Diamonds danced their very first steps at Chopard, they have become true icons, an instantly recognisable signature.

The joyful light-hearted charm of perpetually twirling diamonds in the Happy Diamonds collection is very fascinating. Unique and con-

nected, ever moving yet timeless, precious and bold: they embody a distinctively Chopard lifestyle.”

In 2016, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the launch of this concept, Chopard presents new moving elements featuring an unprecedented innovation in the history of Happy Diamonds: prong setting. The gems are larger than before and feature a variety of siz-

es, thus exquisitely accentuating their whirling dance and the spirit of profusion. Jewellery thus welcomes a supremely romantic new collection named Happy Dreams, while watchmaking sees the arrival of a new ladies’ watch that pays tribute to the past by picking up the cushion shape of the very first model.

While Happy Diamonds initially

graced the world of watchmaking, debuting first as an award-winning gentlemen’s timepiece, they soon gave an incredible boost to jewellery. It all began with a magnificently daring masterstroke by Caroline Scheufele, who was fascinated by the circus and gave free rein to her imagination in drawing a precious clown with a tummy full of moving diamonds and colourful stones.

The success of this jewellery creation, initially produced as a one-off model for her personal collection, led to the launch of the Happy Diamonds jewellery line and also marked the start of jewellery at Chopard in 1985.

The clown was followed by the elephant, the ladybird, the teddy bear and the heart.

Microsoft Imagine Cup winners set to represent Oman at Pan-Arab semis Staff Reporter MUSCAT: The winners of Microsoft Imagine Cup 2016 were declared recently. 'Team Mind Code’ in the Innovation category, ‘Team YOLO’ in the World Citizenship category and ‘Team WeOm’ in the Games category were announced as the winners.

Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world’s premier technology competition for students from all academic background, aims to inspire student around the world to create innovative solutions that change the way we live, work and play while also growing the skills they need to pursue a future in technology.

The winners will be travelling to Cairo between May 27 and 29 to represent the Sultanate of Oman in the Pan-Arab Semifinals 2016.

Seventh local round of Microsoft Imagine Cup Oman was organised in a strategic partnership between Microsoft and Omantel, with the support of Information Technology Authority (ITA).

The awarding ceremony of Imagine Cup 2016 was attended by representatives from Omantel, ITA and Microsoft, the judging panel and participating teams; in addition to esteemed guests, and students.

During the final round of Microsoft Imagine Cup Oman 2016, the six shortlisted teams pre-

sented their projects in front of a live audience and a judging panel consisting of an array of industry experts representing Microsoft Imagine Cup’s local partners and supporters, as well as a representative of Microsoft Oman, Omantel, Riyada and ITA. “We congratulate the winners and commend the enthusiasm of all participants who spared no efforts during the different rounds of the competition leading to the semi-final and final rounds,” Sherif Tawfik, country general manager for Microsoft Oman and Bahrain.

Talal bin Saeed bin Marhoon Al Mamari, Omantel’s chief executive officer, congratulated the winners and encouraged them to continue their hard work towards finalising their projects and enhance their presentation and communication skills in preparation for Pan Arab SemiFinals in Cairo. “Throughout the past editions, Microsoft Imagine Cup helped to identify a number of innovative and creative young Omanis who shone, competed against other teams and raised the Sultanate’s flag in the Arab World and beyond,” he said.

“Ideas and projects presented in this year’s Imagine Cup Oman highlighted on the skills and potentials of our Omani youth,” said Dr Salim bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA said.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

ROUND-UP Toyota Yaris becomes even more affordable The Summer Surprises campaign on Yaris hatchback ends on April 30

MUSCAT: A worthy choice, the Toyota Yaris hatchback represents a remarkably clever transportation solution. Its bold and youthful looks set it apart in a crowd.

Now the Toyota Yaris hatchback is more affordable and is available with the benefits of Summer Surprises campaign, says a press release.

“It is a bit like the best becoming even better,” says an enthusiast, “Toyota Yaris hatchback is a stylish and very dependable car, everyone knows that …and now with the new price point, it will delight customers that much more.”

The buzz around Yaris hatchback

is confirmed by a Saud Bahwan Automotive spokesperson, “Yes it is true that the two new variants of Yaris hatchback are even more affordable and are available with the benefits of Summer Surprises campaign!” However, the spokesperson reminds that there is a need to hurry as the offer ends on April 30, “Now is the time to make the most of the opportunity.”

The definitive fog lamps accentuate Yaris’ air-piercing, stylish frontal face. Completing its bold stance are the colour-keyed front and rear bumpers, outside

door handles and side protection moulding. Adding to its appeal are stylish alloy wheels that lead up to power doors, windows and outer mirrors. It is all here in the Yaris hatchback.

According to an automotive site, “The Yaris hatchback radiates a stylish and dynamic sporty design with a sharp impressive look. It has a high quality attractive interior, which guarantees excitement every time you climb aboard. The superior space and the multiple seat adjustments allow the driver to find the best driving position

INTERVIEW WITH HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES

and visibility. Additionally, the top class rear comfort ensures a pleasant ride for all passengers even on long drives.”

Step-up to the Yaris hatchback and the keyless entry system unlocks the door to welcome you.

Step in and you immediately notice that the Yaris is unexpectedly roomy, and packed with an astonishing array of features.

These include a sporty stylish dashboard adorned with an audio system with 4-speakers, and ECO meter that indicates how economical is the driving, a sporty leather power steering wheel with red stitching & audio controls, sporty front seats, leather + silver shift lever knob and a multi information display. Also available is a USB & AUX port,a multi-information display, power outer mirrors and driver’s seat height adjusters. The rear flat floor (increasing rear legroom) and the large luggage area – all add to the appeal of the vehicle.

In Oman, the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive supports Toyota’s outstanding product quality.

HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS

A’Saffa chicken burger a favourite among families MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods products are all about providing simple, convenient and pleasurable eating options, with high-quality ingredients for families in Oman and the GCC. A’Saffa chicken burgers (non-breaded and breaded) are increasingly popular with children and the young alike.

Quick, tasty and filling, A’Saffa’s tender, juicy and crispy chicken burgers are crafted from chicken breasts and are best enjoyed on a fresh toasted burger bun, with a slice of tomato, lettuce and cheese, says a press release.

“We are known for our healthy and pure food products principle; and our obsession with quality in procurement, manufacturing and distribution of foods has helped establish us as a leader in the Omani food industry. As a market leader, it is our mission to provide consumers with food products that are wholesome and processed hygienically from pure, tasty, premium, natural, halal and healthy ingredients,” said Sidhartha Lenka, head of Mar-

keting and Sales, A’Saffa Foods.

He elaborated: “We are delighted that the chicken burgers and our other products are being savoured by one and all in the Sultanate; and believe that our innovative, flavourful food products range can stir the chef in anyone. Consumers can enjoy A’Saffa products in a variety of options - all you have to do is put them on the frying pan or grill and within minutes, a delicious A’Saffa dish is ready to enjoy.

Always fresh, A’Saffa processed products are healthy, tasty and a preferred brand in Oman, as well as other parts of the GCC.” A’Saffa Foods is an acknowledged leader in the poultry and processed value-added poultry market in Oman.

19TH ANNIVERSARY

alizz Islamic bank focuses on TSC to give away seven cars boosting intellectual capital Times News Service MUSCAT: alizz Islamic bank believes in strengthening its intellectual capital through specific development programs, creating a lasting performance culture and introducing best practices to enhance the level of employee’s productivity.

This was stated by Mohammed Al Balushi, head of Human Resources at alizz Islamic bank in an interview to Times of Oman.

Excerpts from the interview: alizz Islamic bank is the newest bank in Oman, please let us first know more about alizz. alizz Islamic bank was founded in November 2012 following the Royal Decree No. 69/2012 and started operations in September 2013. The bank provides retail and corporate finance through branches, online, and mobile devices. We are here to deliver exceptional and sustainable results to our stakeholders by providing superior Sharia compliant financial solutions.

Would you share with us your experience as a chief of human resources and describe your professional development?

I have, in general, a length of more than 22 years of experience in the banking sector. I think it is important for human resources leaders to have a good knowledge about the industry they work in because understanding business requirement is a key success factor in this area. My role includes acting as an internal consultant and business partner to support the business counting on my previous experience. I started working in retail, then customer compliance, investment, credit and I spent some good time in audit; but more than two thirds of my work experience is in HR. As an Islamic bank, how are you improving the capability of your human resources in a new banking industry?

Well; first-comes-first: Planning.

We identify our goals of talent development; for instance, the domain of Islamic banking and compliance to Sharia law. We prioritise our target group based on business need and strategise

awareness campaigns and knowledge partaking plans.

We also ensure utilising the available technology in offering the knowledge based content in an attractive and effective manner. We optimise the use of resources through internal workshops and knowledge sharing session conducted by our internal expertise in Sharia and Islamic finance. The continuous monitoring and assessment of training outcome is also a key element for counteractive actions.

What are the challenges of human resources management in Islamic banking in terms of recruitment, retention and qualification?

The domain of Islamic banking is new to the Sultanate. The main challenge is to build solid knowledge and experience among bankers about Islamic finance while keeping pace with the demand in the market. Recruiting potential front-runners in this area and providing the right knowledge dosage at the right time is key success element. Retention is always a challenge in the banking sector and it’s rather more intense towards persons who already started working within sharia-compliant products and practiced Islamic banking.

Would you draw the light on female talent in your organisation and their contribution in the journey of alizz Islamic bank?

In numbers we have females representing 30% of our workforce and some of them are heading key roles in their division/departments and, in fact females are present equally in all levels of the organisation from senior management and below. It is worth mentioning that some of the significant decisions in the inception of our bank were taken by our female colleagues.

To what extent the human resources in alizz Islamic bank are using the technology to carry out operations?

The use of information technology in the human resources management has largely changed the way business is conducted.

For sure human intervention and judgment remains the most important element in managing HR, but the use of technology has helped a lot in reducing workload from HR staff when we speak about data management, payroll & benefit, workflow processes …etc.

In alizz we use Oracle HRMS for personnel management, recruitment, and payroll and benefits.

We use self-services and manager self-service modules to swift our communication and work flow.

We are also in process of introducing (e-learning) to leverage our staff training activity. We keep our eyes open to the development in this regard and will always try to utilise technology as far as it provide value addition to the quality of our services.

What are the main features of your performance management system?

One of the success factors for any organisation is to create performance culture; of course, management has to put in place the main outline and objective for it.

We currently apply the balance scorecard to identify objectives at the divisional level for the four dimensions: financial, customer service, process & procedures, and people. These objectives descends to the lower levels of the organisation where everyone is aware of her/his deliverables. We have a systematic assessment to measure achievement of the said goals.

Do you have any collaboration with universities and education institutions to provide training to students?

As you may be aware, many degree programmes embrace trainingon-the-job that requires students to get practical training in a bank or a company for a duration. In alizz Islamic bank we have an organised in-take of trainees covered by policy and procedures.

MUSCAT: The Sultan Centre (TSC) is celebrating its 19th anniversary by giving away seven cars for the next seven weeks.

Lucky shoppers at any of TSC’s outlets in Oman can enter its ‘Win 7 Cars in 7 Weeks’ promotion, which will put them in the

running for a brand new Chevrolet Cruze, says a press release.

Any customer who spends OMR10 or more has an opportunity to enter the draw, the more you spend the more chances you have of winning your dream car.

The promotion has been

launched in all TSC stores across Oman and the weekly draw will be held at TSC Wholesale Centre in Al Khoud.

The Sultan Centre customers can participate till June 8 in the promotion for a chance to win Chevrolet Cruze.

FA C I L I TAT I N G B A N K I N G S E RV I C E S

Bank Muscat deploys three more mobile ATM/CDM vans MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, as part of its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in facilitating banking services in remote areas, has deployed three more state-ofthe-art mobile ATM/CDM vans.

Responding to the increasing demand for mobile banking services across the Sultanate, the bank presently has the largest network of five full function ATM/CDM vans in Oman, says a press release.

Ensuring doorstep banking to customers across all regions, the services available at the mobile ATM/CDM vans include cash withdrawal, cash deposit, cheque deposit, balance enquiry and mini statement. Fund transfer facility is also available to any Bank Muscat account as well as other bank accounts. Customers can also use the mobile ATM/CDM for speed transfer to India; utility bill and school fee payments; credit card payments; mobile top-ups; cheque book request and PIN change.

Amjad Al Lawati, AGM – Cards

& eBanking, said: “Moving along with the times, Bank Muscat ensures world class banking services for citizens and residents in all regions, especially remote areas where development activities are taking place. Product innovation and improved level of service by Bank Muscat is the key to making a difference in banking excellence. Marked by convenience and security, the mobile ATM/ CDM facilitates essential banking transactions, serving as a boon for people in far-flung areas.”

In 2009, Bank Muscat launched the first mobile ATM truck in Oman to provide banking services in remote parts of the country.

Government and private organisations in far flung areas utilise the mobile ATM services to facilitate cash withdrawal by employees on salary days. During national celebrations and festivals like Muscat Festival and Salalah Festival, the mobile ATM truck is conspicuous with its presence, serving the banking requirements of citizens and visitors. Notably, the mobile ATM rendered valu-

able services during cyclone Phet.

Ensuring accessibility across the country, the largest network of ATM/CDMs form a pillar of customer service. Being a member of OmanSwitch and GCCNet, customers from any bank in Oman, the GCC countries and from around the world can use Bank Muscat ATMs for their cash requirements.

Reinforcing customer service and enhancing convenience, the bank has introduced state-of-theart integrated ATM/CDM machines in select branches and offsite locations across the Sultanate.

Equipped with cutting edge technology, the integrated machines have higher capacity and enhanced capability of cash deposit, withdrawal and bank transactions integrated in one unit, thus adding to customer convenience.

Amjad Al Lawati added: “In step with the dynamic ‘Let’s Do More’ vision, the focus of Bank Muscat is clear – create a sustainable financial platform for society and business and thereby contribute to the Sultanate’s economic growth.”

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ROUND-UP

Lulu offers stylish range of ethnics and denims Slated to run till April 30, Ethnic Celebrations include a wide array of classic ethnic ensembles with a distinct touch and contemporary designs

MUSCAT: Lulu Hypermarket launched the Ethnic Celebrations offering an eclectic range of ethnic womenswear and materials.

Slated to run till April 30, the festival offerings include a wide array of classic ethnic ensembles with a distinct touch and contemporary designs, says a press release.

The promotion line features sarees, churidars, churidar materials, kurtis, anarkalis, and salwar suits in vibrant shades from In-

dia and Pakistan. The event was inaugurated by Naheed Naveed Atif, charge d’affaires, Embassy of Pakistan, and Sushma Pandey, wife of Indian Ambassador , Mahfuja Akhter of Bangladesh and Uthayarani Pathmanaathan from Sri Lanka at Lulu Hypermarket, Bausher, says a press release.

While speaking about the festival, Shabeer K. A., Regional director - Oman, said, “The idea to come up with a wide range of designer, colourful and engaging

collection of ethnic wear emerged because we wanted to showcase the colours of life from the Asian continent. For those who are fashionable and value conscious this festival has plenty to offer with a wide variety to choose from.

“We are quite optimistic that the Ethnic Celebrations will leave a definite impression. Ethnic wear is always associated with elegance, grace and poise. Keeping pace with the sentiments, Lulu has put together a wide of range

of ethnic apparels to suit every woman’s taste and choice. To make the celebrations even more interesting, there is a fabulous flat 30 per cent offer on all ethnic and denim collections during the period of the promotion,” he added.

There is also some great news for all denim lovers out there!

Denim is looking hotter than ever with trends changing the way.

From high street slim-fit flares to retro-wash to mid-wash styles, there’s just so much on offer this season. The denim receives a style overhaul this season in every incarnation possible - think dresses, dungarees, jackets, and skirts. The Denim Fest at Lulu is designed for everyone, not just for the jeansloving folks.

Dress in the most royal and attractive traditional dresses this festive season. Add to your collection some of the most stylish and vibrant ethnic sarees and dresses in cotton, linen and silk with embroidery and textured work.

Through this offer, Lulu hypermarket has aimed to include enticing hues, interesting styles and vivacious range to make sure that customers can shop for their favourite outfits and look as ravishing as ever.

POPULAR CONTEST

Home Centre’s Room Makeover contest infuses colour into lives of 15 winners

MUSCAT: Living in an aesthetically appealing and energising space can certainly enhance one’s happiness and sense of well-being.

Over the years Home Centre, the largest home retailer in the Middle East, has transformed the personal living spaces of several deserving customers with its popular Room Makeover competition.

In its fourth edition in 2016, the Room Makeover competition successfully refurbished the homes of 15 people across the region and infused new energy into their lives. Winners were identified from six countries in the region – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Lebanon - based on their unique stories of why they believed their rooms needed a makeover, says a press release.

Home Centre received an

overwhelming response of close to 60,000 entries and worked to shortlist a final 14 while carefully factoring in the personality traits of the contestants. The 15th winner was picked via an online voting system created on Home Centre’s Facebook page.

Médéric Payne, CEO of Home Centre, said: “The unprecedented response to this year’s Room Makeover contest is a testament to the close relationship we share with our customers. The contest reiterates our keenness to give back to the community through this all-inclusive initiative. At Home Centre, we welcome the chance to touch the lives of our valued customers and help them achieve their dream homes with the help of our expert team of visual merchandisers and designers.”

An aggregate amount of OMR1,500 was used to reinvent the living spaces of four winners each in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as of two winners each in Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, and one winner in Lebanon.

Home Centre’s expert stylists ensured that every winner’s room was transformed as per their personal preferences and needs to reflect their distinctive personalities. Each of the makeovers was completed within a single day and accomplished using Home Centre’s vibrant new collection.

Speaking of the room makeovers, Nancy Ajram, celebrated Arabic singer, diva and Home Centre’s brand ambassador in the region, said: “This is a great exercise that Home Centre conducts annually that makes a real

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difference to the lives of customers. Looking at the final outcomes of this year’s room makeovers, I commend Home Centre’s stylists for their exceptional efforts in improving the aesthetic appeal of so many living spaces.

“This competition is truly oneof-a-kind and I am confident it will continue to garner positive reactions year-on-year.”

In Oman, one winning story was of a couple that moved homes three times in three years and lived with damaged furniture due to their repeated transits from one place to the next.

The other winning story was of a young boy who lived with a family of seven and reached out to Home Centre requesting a much-needed change of their living room.

I D E A L T R E AT

Tropical Juices launches ‘Gulkand’, its refreshing new ice cream flavour MUSCAT: Tropical Juices and Ice Creams, the pioneer in the manufacture and retail of fresh homemade ice creams and an integral part of the Golden Spoon Group, has launched a new, tasty and refreshing ice cream flavour – Gulkand – an ideal treat to beat the summer heat.

Gulkand ice cream is naturally churned with wholesome ingredients and the freshness of rose petals, says a press release.

Najeeb Ahmed Al Balushi, chairman, Golden Spoon Group of Restaurants said: “In Persian, gul means flower and kand means sweet. Gulkand is a sweet preserve of rose petals and is a natural body coolant and overall stress reliever. Thanks to its natural cooling properties, gulkand is excellent for combating acidity, aids digestion, strengthens gums and teeth and is a natural rejuvenator as it is a powerful anti-oxidant. With so many benefits and in keeping with our theme that tradition is the new blend, it was only logical for us to blend this fine age-old delicacy with milk and cream and create the magical gulkand ice cream. It is the 14th flavour that will now be available at all the Tropical ice cream parlors and we are sure it

will receive an overwhelming response too.”

Happy with the indigenous success of the Tropical, Al Balushi said: “We had launched Tropical at a time when well-known international brands backed by multinational support and infrastructures were dominating the market. We thought it will be a good idea to start a local company that would use the fresh natural ingredients to produce wholesome and pure products. Today, the main area where Tropical has a leading edge is the freshness quotient of our products with no additives or preservatives. Our production team consists of hard core professionals committed to the highest global standards and this is evident with the immense popularity of our ice creams, juices and in-house specialities. We hope our customers will enjoy our new offerings.”

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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

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alizz wins Best Islamic Bank in Oman award The award was subject to competition among major banks across the country

MUSCAT: In recognition of its commitment to its customers, alizz Islamic bank won ‘Best Islamic Bank’ in Oman from World Finance, thus continuing to contribute to the bank’s success story since business operation roll out.

The award was subject to competition among major banks

across the country.

The best Islamic bank country award is presented to financial institutions which stand out for their dynamic profile and which distinguish themselves from their competitors, says a press release.

World Finance Awards are known throughout the financial

and mainstream press as the pinnacle of recognition. World Finance awards panel uses a wide range of criteria to inform its decision over its awards, lending the critical eye of experienced business journalists to the exhaustive information gathered by the research team.

In addition to the World Finance awards, alizz Islamic bank recently won ‘Best Customer Service Award 2015’ at Banker Middle East Award.

The two awards reflect the bank’s commitment to implement worldclass services and products for its customers. Winning this award is a significant recognition of bank’s

commitment to continuous quality and service delivery to all of the valued customers.

Speaking on this occasion, Aisha Abdullah Al-Kharusi, chief marketing officer at alizz Islamic bank, said: “These awards honour and recognise the extraordinary efforts of the wider management team as well as the talented employees of alizz Islamic bank, in growing Oman’s newest Islamic bank. These awards recognise the progress we are making towards excellence as well as our ongoing commitment to delivering world class products and services to our customers,” she added.

QUARTERFINALISTS OF 2016 OOREDOO CRICKET TOURNAMENT

The 2016 Ooredoo cricket tournament moved to the quarterfinal stage after 24 exciting league matches. The tournament which commenced recently has seen some exciting games and great support. The teams to progress to the quarterfinals are Mangalore United, Oman Friends, Towel Engineering, Fire Blasters, Tuskers, Rockers, Middle East Engineering & SBG-11. The last eight stage is expected to be a closely fought contest. — Supplied pictures

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AFFORDABLE

Attractive pricing on pre-owned Volkswagen Passat MUSCAT: Offering quality, reliability and German engineering for everyone at very affordable prices, Wattayah Motors ‘Das WeltAuto’ approved pre-owned Volkswagen car division, now has a range of 2014 model year Passat sedans on sale with prices starting from just OMR5,799, says a press release.

The Wattayah Motors ‘Das WeltAuto’ approved pre-owned car division ensures that customers who wish to purchase a used Volkswagen can do so with confidence.

All pre-owned models sold at the dealership, including the new fleet of Volkswagen Passat models, are put through a rigorous testing programme by Volkswagen trained and certified technicians. Only after passing the comprehensive, 132 point check programme does the car make the grade as a Volkswagen approved pre-owned vehicle. As part of the ‘Das WeltAuto’ pre-owned car programme, customers also benefit from a trade in facility, hassle free finance and up to 12 month unlimited mileage warranty

when making a purchase.

Andrew Squires, general manager of Wattayah Motors said, “Das WeltAuto is the worldwide used car brand for Volkswagen and was introduced in Oman last year. It is designed to offer our customers absolute peace of mind by offering only approved used cars that have been quality checked and sold with full service histories, mileage checks and warranties; offering an experience not unlike that of purchasing a new car. Furthermore, purchasing any car through our approved preowned car division, ensures its cost of ownership is lowered even further; making it more accessible to a broader spectrum of customers who want to experience the pleasure of driving and owning a Volkswagen.”

“The previous generation Volkswagen Passat was amongst our best-selling models that offers German Engineering and innovation at an affordable price. It was succeeded by the new 2016 Volkswagen Passat, launched in January this year,” Andrew added.

P R O M O T I N G E D UC AT I O N

Bank Muscat extends support to Teacher’s Day celebrations MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, as part of its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in sustainable development, co-hosted the Teacher’s Day celebrations organised by the Directorate-General of Education in the Governorate of Muscat under the auspices of Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Shabibi, Minister of Housing.

In appreciation of the support extended to the education sector, the bank was honoured on the occasion, says a press release.

Aimed at promoting education

and supporting the future generations, Bank Muscat and the Ministry of Education has a framework of partnership complementing the learning experience of school students and motivating the teacher community. The partnership comes within the framework of joint cooperation between the public and private sectors in order to contribute and support the development of the community.

Aimed at achieving common goals in sustainable development, the initiative stems from the bank’s commitment to the country’s future generations.

Bank Muscat has adopted a series of measures to support various community activities complementing the progressive march of the nation. The bank remains committed to shouldering its developmental and social responsibilities within the framework of cooperation and coordination with all segments of society, especially youth who represent the country’s future. The bank seizes every opportunity to contribute to Oman’s future by investing in sectors such as education, nurturing talent which is the real wealth of the nation.

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

SECTION

LIVERPOOL DROP SAKHO AFTER FAILED DOPE TEST >C4

SPOR YOUR GAME

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Clinical Daredevils get the better of MI Sanju Samson struck a fine half century while JP Duminy made a brisk unbeaten 49 to help Daredevils post 164 for five. Daredevils then restricted Mumbai Indians to 154 for seven

NEW DELHI: Delhi Daredevils produced a fine all-round show to beat defending champions Mumbai Indians by 10 runs and extend their winning run in the ninth Indian Premier League, here on Saturday.

Young Sanju Samson (60) struck a fine half century while JP Duminy made a brisk unbeaten 49 to help Daredevils post 164 for five after being asked to bat at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground.

Defending the total, Daredevils dished out a disciplined bowling and fielding display to restrict Mumbai Indians to 154 for seven and register their third win on the trot. Veteran Amit Mishra proved why he is regarded as the best leg-spinner of the country at present by returning with figures of two for 24, which included the important wickets of Ambati Rayudu and Jos Buttler.

Chasing 165, Mumbai lost Parthiv Patel early but skipper Rohit Sharma (64 off 47 balls) and Ambati Rayudu (25 off 23) added 53 runs for the second wicket to steady the innings.

While Rayudu played an aggressive knock, Rohit’s was an uncharacteristic innings as he preferred to play the second fiddle. Rayudu cracked four boundaries before he was cleaned up by a flighted googly from Mishra in the ninth over.

After Rayudu’s fall, Krunal Pandya came to bat and the youngster used his long handle to great effect to make a quickfire 36 off just 17 balls before he was caught short off the crease at the non-strikers end by a direct hit from DaredevCRICKET

Chris Gayle welcome in Big Bash League: CA MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia (CA) says it will not take any steps to prevent West Indian batsman Chris Gayle playing in its Big Bash T20 league next season. In what appears to be a reversal of position, chief executive James Sutherland told News Corp. on Saturday that Cricket Australia would not involve itself in a recruitment issue unless it involved a player implicated in match-fixing.

Gayle’s tenure with the Melbourne Renegades in last year’s BBL was tainted when he made what was interpreted as a sexist comment to a female television reporter. During a sideline interview he invited reporter Mel McLaughlin for a drink, then said “don’t blush baby”.

Gayle was fined $10,000 for the comments which Sutherland described as “completely inappropriate” and “bordering on harassment.”

On Saturday, Sutherland said it was not Cricket Australia’s role to exclude players from the Big Bash League. “No matter what anyone at Cricket Australia thought, I think you’re on a slippery slope if you start making judgments on players who could or shouldn’t be playing in the Big Bash League or in our domestic competitions.” - PTI

THIRD WIN IN A ROW: Delhi Daredevils players celebrate after their win over Mumbai Indians in their

IPL match in New Delhi on Saturday. – PTI

ils skipper Zaheer Khan off his own bowling. Krunal struck four boundaries and two huge sixes and together with Rohit shared 41 runs for the third wicket.

The way Krunal was going at one stage it looked Mumbai would finish off the match in quick time but his run out and Mishra’s brilliant spell in the middle overs turned the things in Daredevils favour.

Mishra then foxed Butler with another googly to trap the batsman plumb in front of the wicket.

With Mumbai Indians needing 47 off the last four overs for a win, all hopes of the visitors were on the shoulders of their skipper Rohit and Kieron Pollard.

Rohit and Pollard then brought down the equation to 32 off the last two overs and the big-hitting West Indian raised the hopes of Mumbai Indians when he clobbered Zaheer over long-on boundary for a six.

But it was not to be Mumbai’s day as Pollard departed in the next ball when he miscued a shot only to give a simple catch to Chris Morris at sweeper cover.

Needing 21 off the last over, Rohit brought down the equation with a six off the second ball of Morris but he fell victim of an unnecessary mix up with Hardik Pandya in the very next ball while

going for a double. Thereafter, victory was a mere formality for Delhi and they wrapped up the match in style without any further fuss.

Earlier, Samson top-scored with 60 off 48 balls during which he struck four boundaries and two sixes, Duminy’s runs came off just 31 balls with the help of three fours and two hits over the fence.

Vital partnership However, the start was far from rosy for the Daredevils as they lost IPL 9’s maiden centurion and inform Quinton de Kock (9) early.

De Kock started off Derdevils innings in great fashion by hitting Tim Southee to the fence in the first two balls of the innings. But the South African departed in the next over, caught by Hardik Pandya at backward point off Mitchell McClenaghan while the batsman went for an expansive shot.

The other Daredevils opener Shreyas Iyer made 19 off 20 balls before perishing in the seventh over, caught by Ambati Rayudu of Hardik Pandya.

To make matters worse for the hosts, Karun Nair too did not last long as he top-edged a Harbhajan Singh delivery to Southee a fine leg as Daredevils slumped to 54 for three by the end of the eighth over.

Then Duminy and Sanson joined hands and played sensibly to stitch vital 71 runs off just 51 balls for the fourth wicket to take Daredevils forward.

The duo mixed caution with aggression to keep Daredevils scoreboard ticking and set the platform for the total. Samson reached his fifth of 40 balls in the 15th over but departed soon in search of quick runs. He clobbered McClenaghan over the long-on boundary in the second ball of the 17th over but departed a delivery later in search of one too many, hitting a low full toss Souhtee at long-off.

After Samson’s dismissal Duminy took the onus on himself to take Daredevils to a decent score and in the company of Pawan Negi (10 not out) put on 39 runs for fifth wicket to take the hosts past the 160-run mark.

For Mumbai Indians McClenaghan (2/31) picked up two wickets, while Hardik Pandya (1/7) and Harbhajan Singh (1/24) accounted for one wicket each.

Brief scores: Delhi Daredevils 164/4 (Sanju Samson 60, J.P. Duminy 49 n.o.; Mitchell McClenaghan 2/31) bt Mumbai Indians 154/7 (Rohit Sharma 65, Krunal Pandya 36; Amit Mishra 2/24). - PTI

LASER EYE SURGERY

INSIDE LIFESTYLE

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IPL

Hyderabad thrash Kings XI Punjab HYDERABAD: Riding on a superb bowling performance and skipper David Warner’s quickfire 59, Sunrisers Hyderabad outclassed a spiritless Kings XI Punjab by five wickets in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on Saturday.

Warner continued his sublime form in the tournament as he struck seven boundaries and three sixes in his 31-ball innings to help team chase down Punjab’s meagre total of 143 for six by posting 146 for five with 13 balls to spare. Warner was well supported by Shikhar Dhawan (45).

Mustafizur Rahman (two for nine runs) and Moises Henriques (two for 33) were the pick of the bowlers for Hyderabad. Chasing a target of 144, the hosts got off to a flying start scoring 65 for no loss in the powerplay. Leading the way was skipper Warner who smashed the Punjab bowlers to all parts off the park to being up his half century in just 23 balls.

The Australian kept his good form in the tournament going as he returned back to the top of the leading run scorer list with 294 runs from five games.

But the 90-run partnership for the first wicket came to an end in the 10th over when Warner trying to up the scoring rate was caught by David Miller at long-on off the bowling off Sandeep Sharma.

Hyderabad received a double blow when incoming batsman Aditya Tare (0) trying to sneak an impossible single off his first ball finally ran himself to have his team at 90/2 in the tenth over.

Next up, Eion Morgan (25) stayed calm to help team close in on the target after Dhawan was dismissed in 14th over.

Earlier put into bat, Punjab got off to a disappointing start losing opener Murali Vijay (2) in the third over itself to have the visitors in the backfoot.

But his opening partner Manan Vohra (25), who looked good right from the start, sneaking in with ones and twos and striking three fours and one six, ran himself out in the final ball of the powerplay to leave the team at 35 for two.

Incoming batsman Marsh used his experience to best effect to hold on to the wicket. But Punjab from there on received two quick blows in one over with Henriques dismissing hard-hitters David Miller (9) followed by Glenn Maxwell (1) in the 10th over.

Axar Patel (36 not out) and Nikhil Naik (22) played a handy knock in the end to help team cross the 140-run mark.

Brief Scores: Kings XI Punjab 143/6 in 20 overs (Shaun Marsh 40; Muztafizur Rahman 2/9, Moises Henriques 2/33) lost to Sunrisers Hyderebad 146/5 in 17.5 overs (David Warner 59, Sandeep Sharma 1/30). - IANS

CRICKET

Inzamam not happy with Pakistan pitches KARACHI: Pakistan’s new chief selector Inzamam-ul Haq is not happy with the state of pitches being used for a top ongoing domestic one-day tournament and also with the quality of cricket on display in the event.

Inzamam, who was recently appointed Pakistan’s new chief selector, said he would like to see more sporting pitches in the Pakistan Cup one-day tournament underway in Faisalabad in which the country’s top players are participating.

“I don’t think the pitches presently in use generally in domestic cricket or in the Pakistan Cup

will help produce quality cricketers. It is not my domain to speak on pitches but they play an important role in producing quality players in every format,” the former Pakistan captain said.

The Pakistan Cup, into its fifth day, has so far failed to produce high scoring matches and bowlers and batsmen have both struggled on slow, low bounced and sluggish pitches.

Inzamam said pitches for one-day cricket should encourage players to not only play their strokes and teams to get big totals but also some encouragement to bowlers. - PTI

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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

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Dhoni’s Pune eye revival in home tie against KKR Having moved to

Lions look to get back to winning ways

Pune this year from the banned Chennai Super Kings, where he enjoyed great success, Dhoni will be keen to replicate that in his new jersey with a bit of help from his teammates

PUNE: Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be eager to break the sequence of reverses and get Rising Pune Supergiants’ campaign back on track when they lock horns with in-form Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on Sunday.

Having moved to Pune this year from the banned Chennai Super Kings, where he enjoyed great success, Dhoni will be keen to replicate that in his new jersey with a bit of help from his teammates.

So far, it hasn’t been a smooth campaign for India’s twin World Cup winning captain, barring the tournament opener against defending champions against Mumbai Indians, which his side won comprehensively by nine wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.

The next three outings, including last night’s against Royal Challengers Bangalore in front of the home crowd, ended in defeats for Supergiants. Not the result a team comprising Kevin Pietersen, Steve Smith, Faf du Plessis and Ajinkya Rahane, besides Dhoni, deserves.

The overseas trio of Pietersen, Smith and Du Plessis failed miserably in the last game, and the Supergiants would hope for a much-improved performance from the batting heavyweights.

Thissara Perera and Rajat Bhatia, who almost guided RPS to a win yesterday with their brilliant hitting, will look to continue in similar fashion.

While Perera was the pick of

RAJKOT: Their three-match unbeaten march halted in the previous game, Gujarat Lions would be looking to get back to winning ways when they lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who are without the services of their hard-hitting batsman Chris Gayle, in the Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter here on Sunday.

Suresh Raina-led Gujarat Lions, one of the two debutant teams in IPL this season, started their maiden campaign with impressive performance in first three games, winning against Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiants and Mumbai Indians.

However, the Lions suffered a humiliating 10-wicket loss at home against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last match.

Come Sunday, they would like to bring their campaign back on track by capitalising on RCB’s weak bowling and the absence of destructive opener Gayle, who has gone back to the West Indies to be with his partner Natasha Berridge and new-born son.

the bowlers the other day, the likes of Ishant Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Murugan Ashwin will have to be among the wickets for Pune to harbour hopes of a victory at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. On the other hand, led by discarded India opener Gautam Gambhir, Kolkata Knight Riders have been on a roll, winning three of their four matches.

Such has been their form that the two-time former champions continue to top the standings in the eight-team league. Barring the defeat against Mumbai Indians, the Knight Riders had been convincing in their wins.

Gambhir has been leading the team from the front and has held the orange cap for long. The lefthanded batsman would be too happy to continue in same vein.

His opening partner Robin

The Lions batting would revolve around openers Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum, followed by the likes of Raina, Dwayne Bravo and Dinesh Karthik.

McCullum is yet to show his full potential, even as Finch had struck three back-to-back half centuries in first three games, failing only against Sunrisers Hyderabad when he could not open his account.

The Lions opening pair had clicked just once in four matches so far, which was against Rising Pune Supergiants, where they notched up 85 runs for the first wicket in less than nine overs.

The Lions would want Finch and McCullum to give them a solid platform against a formidable RCB batting lineup. Raina looked in good touch in the last game with a 51-ball 75, although it came in a losing cause, and he would like to continue like that.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli-led RCB have had mixed fortunes so far in the tournament, winning two and losing two. But they would take the

Uthappa blazed away to the third fastest half century of the season against Kings XI Punjab. If the two gets going, the task can difficult for the opponents.

Thanks to the opening pair’s good run in the league so far, the middleorder hasn’t had the opportunity to be tested. How the batsmen, following Gambhir and Uthappa, perform when confronted with pressure, remains to be seen.

Should they get an opportunity tomorrow, the likes of Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Suryakumar Yadav, Andre Russell and Yusuf Pathan could be tested for sure.

In bowling, Morne Morkel has led the pace department well, with support from Umesh Yadav.

Left-arm spinner Shakib has been steady, and so was Piyush Chawla.

Then there is Sunil Narine and all-rounders Russell and Yusuf.

heart from their victory over Rising Pune Supergiants at Pune last night. Kohli and AB De Villiers are in terrific form and RCB’s batting would rely heavily on these two.

Gujarat Lions (from): Suresh Raina (Capt), Sarabjit Ladda, Akshdeep Nath, Amit Mishra, Dwayne Bravo, Paras Dogra, Eklavya Dwivedi, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Shadab Jakati, Dinesh Karthik, Shivil Kaushik, Dhaval Kulkarni, Praveen Kumar, Brandon McCullum, Pradeep Sangwan, Jaydev Shah, Umang Sharma, Dwayne Smith, Dale Styne, Pravin Tambe and Andrew Tye. Royal Challengers Bangalore (from): Virat Kohli (Capt), Varun Aaron, Abu Nechi, S Arvind, Samuel Badree, Stuart Binny, Yuzuvendra Chahal, AB De Villiers, Praveen Dubey, Chris Gayle, Travis head, Iqbal Abdulla, Kedar Jadhav, Akshay Karnewar, Sarfraz Khan, Vikramjeet Malik, Mandeep Singh, Adam Milne, Harshal Patel, Lokesh Rahul, Parveez Rasool, Kane Richardson, Sachin Baby, Mitchell Starc, Vikas Tokas, Shane Watson, David Wiese and Tabraiz Shamsi. - PTI

Kolkata Knight Riders (from): Gautham Gambhir (capt), Piyush Chawla, John Hastings, Brad Hogg, Jason Holder, Sheldon Jackson, Kuldeep Yadav, Chris Lynn, Manan Sharma, Morne Morkel, Colin Munro, Sunil Narine, Manish Pandey, Yusaf Pathan, Ankit Rajput, Andre Russell, Rajgopal Satish, Shakib Al Hasan, Jaydev Unadkat, Robin Uthappa, Suryakumar Yadav and Umesh Yadav.

Rising Pune Supergiants (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Kevin Pietersen, Faf du Plessis, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Jaskaran Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ankit Sharma, Albie Morkel, Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma, Ishwar Pandey, Thisara Perera, Saurabh Tiwary, RP Singh, Rajat Bhatia, Ankush Bains, Baba Aparajith, Murugan Ashwin, Ashok Dinda, Deepak Chahar, Scott Boland, Peter Handscomb, Adam Zampa. - PTI

TELY BOYS WIN FIGHTERS XI CRICKET TITLE

Tely Boys defeated Rajasthan Royals to emerge the champions of Fighters XI Cricket tournament. In the final played at Al Saada ground in Salalah, Rajasthan Royals, batting first, were bowled out for 66 in 14.2 overs. Bilal top scored 22. Ramshad claimed three wickets and Rayees, Hamras and Raniz took two apiece. In reply, Tely Boys chased the target in the 11th over. Shabeer (13), Jammu (18) and Rayees (17) were the main contributors. Musafar and Abid took two wickets each. Player o f the final award went to Rayees (Tely Boys), best batsman and man of the series prize was won by Musafar (Rajasthan Royals), best bowler was Sanal (Blue Star). Shabeer Kader of Fighters XI handed over the prizes. — Supplied photo

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

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SPORTS MOTOGP

OFF-ROAD RUNNING

Rossi beats Spanish rivals to pole in Jerez

Conlan and Ng’eno win opening race of MRR’s Summer Series MUSCAT: Nick Conlan and Irene Ng’eno won the men’s and women’s titles respectively in the first race of the Muscat Road Runners (MRR) Summer Series organised near Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher here recently.

In the first of the six off-road races, a six-km event, Nick Conlan clocked 22:29 to take the top place in the men’s category.

Edward Black in a time of 23:20 won the second place and he was closely followed in the third place

by Hamed Al Mahrooqi in 24:35.

In the women’s category, Irene Ng’eno completed the race in 27:49 to take the top honours while Sally Hart settled for the second place in 28:08.

Anne Menard took the third place in 29:45.

In the 3km junior race, James emerged the winner in a time of 15:09 and he was followed by Syke in 23:04.

The participants need to compete in four races to qualify for the series T-Shirt and overall points.

The second of the Summer Series will take place at 6 p.m. on May 4.

Results: Men’s open: 1. Nick Conlan - 22:29; 2. Edward Black

- 23:20; 3. Hamed Almahrooqi 24:35. Women’s open: 1. Irene Ng’eno - 27:49; 2. Sally Hart 28:08; 3. Anne Menard - 29:45.

Veteran men: 1. Salah Al Wahaibi - 27:43; 2. Derek Solecki 28:28; 3. James Shorter - 28:49.

Veteran women: 1. Francesca Aub-Robinson - 32:20.

Super veteran: 1. Cesare Porta - 33:48.

C O M M E N TA RY

How urgh could be blessing for KP, MS and the crowds

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ising Pune Supergiants skipper MS Dhoni is, unlike Rudyard Kipling, no dealer in words, but if words are, of course or just sometimes, the most powerful drug used by mankind, Kevin Pietersen may now be feeling a little more “urgh” than he did while hobbling off the field in the game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday.

Pietersen had tweeted about his urgh sitting in a wheelchair in the dugout with his right calf in bandage before Dhoni’s 38-ball struggle ended in the cool hands of AB de Villiers at long-off in the 16th over and Pune’s hopes vanished as Thisara Perera perished in the 19th over, but the skipper’s post-match observation that KP’s injury could be a blessing in disguise leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

Dhoni may be right that KP’s injury offers him the opportunity to bring more all-rounders into the playing eleven, but his choice of words to describe the unfortunate situation was poor.

Dhoni spoke of his difficulty in taking a decision “to drop someone with the kind of players we have got”, but there could have been a better way

Dhoni may be right that KP’s injury offers him the opportunity to bring more all-rounders into the playing eleven, but his choice of words to describe the unfortunate situation was poor.

Dhoni spoke of his difficulty in taking a decision “to drop someone with the kind of players we have got”, but there could have been a better way to put injury into context

to put injury into context or context into difficulty than letting the man in the wheelchair know that your pain was a thing of joy for others.

Pune started off with an impressive win against the Mumbai Indians, but their fortunes suffered three setbacks in a row, and the reason for the Pune un-rising is actually a lack of resources — not really the problem of plenty Dhoni is hinting at.

On paper, they have the batsmen to chase a target or post a total in excess of 200, but the reality we witnessed in the last three games was quite different. Steve Smith and Ajinkya Rahane are not the best in the Twenty20 business, Dhoni is a shadow of his former, dominating self and the long tail of the Supergiants hangs limply right from the top order.

Rahane is a good player but an unlikely match-winner. He gives the team a reliable start, as in the case of the recent World T20 semifinal against the West Indies or the Friday’s game against the RCB, but often fails to convert the starts into matchwinning accelerations.

His gritty 60 off 46 balls laid the foundation for the chase on Friday, but for a guy who has been in the thick of things right from ball one, his failure to get going in the late overs and his inability to get himself to face more balls is not exciting from a team or crowd point of view.

On Friday, Dhoni found himself at the crease earlier than he would normally like, and losing three wickets — Du Plessis, Pietersen and Smith — for what the skipper later described as “nothing” wasn’t the sort of setting that allowed

him to go on the offensive.

Of course, Dhoni tried to be aggressive in the beginning, but like an ageing lion that lost its teeth and claws his attempted roars ended up as shrill cries.

He sought to unsettle Shane Watson as early as the sixth over, which was a complete disaster, and when he was caught on the boundary off the penultimate ball of the 16th over there were just three boundaries in his account.

Not even a single six for a man famed for hitting the biggest ones. Cricket is about taking risk and responsibility in the right mix—not about running madly all the time for singles and twos. We aren’t watching a cricket match to spot Usain Bolt.

With just one win in four matches, and placed seventh on the points table, Pune need to do better to ensure a berth for them in the playoff.

They have 10 more matches left in the league, and that’s plenty of time to catch up with the table toppers.

A win against the Kolkata Knight Riders, the leaders at the moment, tonight could get Pune rising into the mood.

When “urgh” transforms into sunshine, KP, MS and the crowds will savour the blessings.

The writer is a freelance contributor based in India. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

JEREZ: Italian veteran Valentino Rossi stunned his Spanish rivals Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez by seizing pole position for their home MotoGP race in Jerez on Saturday. Rossi’s fastest time of one minute and 38.736 seconds pushed Yamaha teammate and reigning world champion Lorenzo back to second place, 0.122 slower, with Honda’s championship leader Marquez third.

The pole was Rossi’s first since last year’s Dutch round in Assen and his 52nd in the top category.

It was also the 37-year-old’s first pole in Jerez since 2005. The Italian has won six times in 16 starts

at the southern circuit in the top flight. The nine-time world champion, who is 33 points behind Marquez and 12 adrift of Lorenzo, has now qualified on the front row for three successive races .

Italian Andrea Dovizioso will line up fourth for Ducati in Sunday’s race, round four of the season, followed by five Spanish riders. Britain’s Cal Crutchlow, 10th for LCR Honda, was the only non-Spanish or Italian rider in the top 10.

The session started late after final free practice was delayed because five out of the 10 Michelin tyre fitters were laid low by sickness. - Reuters

C4

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

SPORTS

Man City go third, Newcastle rally boosts survival hopes Manchester City’s bid for a top-three finish picked up extra momentum, a 4-0 demolition of Stoke City lifting them a point clear of fourthplaced Arsenal with 64 points from 35 matches

LONDON: Manchester City moved up to third in the Premier League on Saturday while Newcastle United boosted their hopes of survival by coming back from two goals down at Liverpool to draw 2-2 and secure a precious point.

On an afternoon that reaped 19 goals from four matches, last season’s Player of the Year Eden Hazard finally opened his league account for the season with two in Chelsea’s 4-1 win at Bournemouth.

Manchester City’s bid for a topthree finish picked up extra momentum, a 4-0 demolition of Stoke City

FINE GOAL: Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho goes around Stoke City’s Danish goalkeeper Jakob

Haugaard to score their fourth goal during the English Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Saturday. – AFP

at the Etihad Stadium lifting them a point clear of fourth-placed Arsenal with 64 points from 35 matches.

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho, 19, scored in the 64th and 74th minutes and was brought down for the penalty in the 43rd from which Sergio Aguero netted

his 16th goal in as many games in all competitions this year.

Fernando headed City’s opener from Jesus Navas’ 35th minute corner. Leaders Leicester City, who have 73 points from 34 games, host Swansea City on Sunday while Arsenal travel to third from bottom

Sunderland. Second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, on 68, entertain West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

Liverpool stayed seventh in the table after their 2-2 draw at Anfield which marked the return of former manager Rafa Benitez with a combative Newcastle side.

Rollercoaster afternoon The match was overshadowed by the news that Liverpool’s French defender Mamadou Sakho had failed a dope test.

Benitez, who managed Liverpool for six years and won the Champions League with them in 2005 when they came back from 3-0 down against AC Milan to draw 3-3 and win on penalties, had another rollercoaster afternoon.

Daniel Sturridge put Liverpool ahead after 76 seconds and it was 2-0 on the half-hour when Adam Lallana scored the second but Newcastle rallied after the break through Papiss Cisse and Jack Colback to clinch their first away point of 2016.

Second from bottom Newcastle are level on 30 points with Sunderland, who have two games in hand, and one behind Norwich City.

Aston Villa, who have already been relegated, lost 4-2 to visiting Southampton as they slumped to a 10th defeat in a row.

On the south coast, Chelsea took their revenge for a 1-0 home defeat in December by defeating Bournemouth in a closer contest than the scoreline suggested. Hazard, who had not scored in the league for 29 games and 356 days, was on target in the 34th and 91st minutes.

Cesc Fabregas set up three of the goals, with Spain forward Pedro opening Chelsea’s account in the fifth minute and Brazil midfielder Willian notching their third. - Reuters

LA LIGA

Bale lifts Real to comeback win at Rayo Vallecano

DOUBLE STRIKE: Gareth Bale

MADRID: Gareth Bale made up for the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo by scoring twice to inspire Real Madrid to come from two goals down and win 3-2 at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

Real managed to edge to the top of the table despite Ronaldo missing his first league game of the season with a muscle strain although they also suffered another scare before their Champions League semi-final next week with a suspected injury to Karim Benzema.

Real had found themselves two behind within 14 minutes as Adrian Embarba scored from close

range in the seventh minute before Rayo’s Venezuelan striker Miku pounced on more poor defending from the visitors.

Revival Bale started the revival, heading in from a 35th minute corner before Zinedine Zidane’s side drew level six minutes after the break through substitute Lucas Vazquez.

Welshman Bale then completed the comeback nine minutes from time, collecting a misplaced pass from a Rayo defender before powering the ball past goalkeeper Juan Carlos.

The victory put Real on top of La Liga on 81 points.

Real, who had not lost to Rayo Vallecano since 1997 and had thrashed their city neighbours 10-2 earlier this season, missed Ronaldo, who strained a muscle in the 3-0 win over Villarreal on Wednesday.

Still, the visitors nearly got off to a dream start as Bale hit the post in just the second minute, but Rayo soon imposed themselves with former Manchester United player Bebe setting up their first goal.

He took on Danilo and Pepe before rolling the ball across for Em-

barba to score from six yards out.

Then a weak header from Raphael Varane allowed Miku to pounce.

Bale’s header lifted them before the break but Benzema had to be substituted in the 42nd minute with a suspected injury, putting in doubt his chances of facing Manchester City on Tuesday in the Champions League semifinal first leg.

The Frenchman was replaced

by Vazquez, who headed home Danilo’s cross at the far post and it was Bale who had the final say, intercepting the ball and racing into the box down the left flank to strike the winner. - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Liverpool drop Sakho after failed dope test

Mamadou Sakho

LONDON: Liverpool sidelined France international defender Mamadou Sakho on Saturday pending the result of a doping investigation that could rule him out of the European Championship in June.

France’s RMC radio reported that Sakho, 26, had failed a dope test following the use of a fatburning drug as an aid to weight loss. Liverpool, who played relegation-threatened Newcastle United in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday, did not provide details of the substance but said they had received a formal communication from UEFA on Friday.

A club statement said UEFA was “investigating a possible anti-doping rule violation by Mamadou Sakho” and the player would respond to European soccer’s ruling body.

“The player is currently not subject to any playing suspension,” Liverpool added. “However, the club, in consultation with the player, has decided that while this process is followed the player will not be available for selection for matches.”

Manager Juergen Klopp, questioned by Sky Sports television, had nothing to add.

UEFA said separately that the “adverse finding” had been registered in a test carried out at the Europa League round of 16 game against Manchester United on March 17.

The ruling body said the player and club had until Tuesday to request analysis of the B sample and provide explanations for the presence of a prohibited substance.

“There are no disciplinary proceedings opened at this stage,” UEFA added.- Reuters

C

LIFESTYLE

SECTION

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

Health WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

L

asik, commonly referred to as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction, is a type of refractive surgery for the correction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

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What is Laser Eye Surgery?

While laser eye surgery is the term most people use, I personally prefer to call it ‘refractive surgery’ because that includes so many more possibilities for different types of patients. Laser eye surgeries include the initial method where the cornea is not cut to make a flap but instead the surface of the cornea is scraped (PRK), or a small blade being used to cut a flap (LASIK), or the latest femtosecond methods where a laser is used to create a flap (Z LASIK). All these procedures have the same aim: to expose and re-shape your cornea (the clear, outermost part of your eye) and help you get rid of your glasses.

If we use the term ‘refractive surgery’ however, we can also include other ways to help you get rid of glasses (near and distance) with the options of KAMRA presbyopia inlay — it is a safe, proven and lasting solution to correct presbyopia and restore your everyday near vision, ICL (implantable contact lens) and Toric ICL, multifocal IOL, trifocal IOL, and Crystalens accommodating IOL can be used for patients for whom the traditional laser methods are unsuitable or who are reaching the presbyopic age and cataract surgery may be looming — my other surgical passion. Finland Eye Centre offer all these solutions and more.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Basically, almost anyone over the age of 18 with healthy eyes wishing to get rid of their glasses is likely to be eligible for some type of refractive surgery. The tough part is making sure of patient selection, trust and rapport between patient and surgeon, careful examination and planning, and patient awareness. Matching the right patient to the right method is essential.

At least I can speak on behalf of myself and my surgeons that patients should rest assured that their surgeon will plan each patient’s treatment as an individual, customised decision, keeping in mind not only the medical facts but also taking into account the patient’s lifestyle, personality, finances, and expectations.

It should be noted that even eyes with certain conditions (such as keratoconus, retinal degenerations, glaucoma, and diabetes) may be eligible for refractive surgery once their other conditions are under control. In fact, keratoconus patients (or those with otherwise suspicious or irregular corneas) have a full range of options especially for them.

What are the Benefits?

Whatever your reason is to get rid of glasses — sportive lifestyle, dreams of joining the army or police, chef’s with foggy glasses, having to change between near, distance, and computer glasses, or simply hating to wake up and first put on your glasses or contact lenses — you can enjoy life without the need to wear glasses or lenses all the time. And if you are the fashion-conscious type, there is no reason you cannot continue to wear statement glasses or coloured contact lenses for the fun of it.

What are the Risks?

As with any surgery, risks and complications are possible. With careful planning, uneventful surgery, meticulous post-operative care (by the surgeon and the patient), most patients are extremely happy basically from the moment they get up from the operating bed. In some cases, at times even due to reasons unknown, complications can arise. As long as the patient is aware that there is no such thing as a 100% guarantee or risk-free surgery, complications can be managed with time, treatment or re-operation (enhancement or another type of procedure) if needed. Most importantly, patients need to trust that their surgeon will take care of them as well as possible and that the advice given needs to be taken seriously, from the recommended surgery to post-operative drops to followup visits. —lifestyle@timesofoman.com — Dr Liisa Laakso is medical director and consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Finland Eye Centre. Contact +968 2456 4488.

C6

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

PRAYER TIMINGS

@ MGM

@PANORAMA MALL

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI The Huntsman: Winter’s War – (3D) (Action | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 3:15, 5:00, 9:15 & 11:30PM Precious Cargo – (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani 3:00, 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30PM Demolition (2D) (Comedy | Drama) (12+) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts 4:45, 6:45PM Cabin Fever (2D) (Horror) (18+) Cast: Gage Golightly, Matthew Daddario 11:45PM Fan (Hindi| Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 8:45PM The Jungle Book - (3D) Drama| Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:00, 5:30 & 7:15PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL The Huntsman: Winter’s War – 3D (PG12) Action| Adventure | Drama Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 12:30, 7:30, 11:30 PM Gold Class – 5:00 PM Precious Cargo – 2D (12+) Action Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani 5:45, 9:45, 11:45 PM Gold Class – 3:15, 9:15, 11:15 PM The Jungle Book – 3D (PG) Adventure | Drama| Family Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 6:45 PM Gold Class – 7:15 PM Fan – 2D (PG12) Hindi| Thriller Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 2:45, 8:45 PM

Cabin Fever 18+ (Horror) Cast: Gage Golightly, Matthew Daddario, Samuel Davis 11:45PM

The Ones Below – (2D) (Thriller) (15+) Cast: Clémence Poésy, David Morrissey 4:15 & 11:45PM

PANORAMA MALL The Huntsman: Winter’s War – (3D) (Action | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 3:45, 6:00 & 11:30PM Precious Cargo – (2D) (Action) (12+) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani, 3:00, 4:45 & 11:30PM Precious Cargo – (2D) (Action) (12+) 2:30, 9:30 & 11:15PM The Ones Below – (2D) (Thriller) (15+) Cast: Clémence Poésy, David Morrissey 4:15 & 11:45PM Fan - (Hindi| Thriller) - VIP LOUNGE (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 8:30PM Fan (Hindi| Thriller) (PG12) 6:00, 8:15 & 11:15PM The Jungle Book – (3D) (Adventure | Drama| Family) (PG) - VIP LOUNGE Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 6:30PM The Jungle Book (MX4D) (Adventure) (PG) 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 & 9:30PM

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

36 25 Minimum

11.45 13.30 14.00

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com The Huntsman: Winter’s War (Action) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 4.00, 8.00, 10.00, & 11.55 PM CP No: 1105 (PG12) Cabin Fever (Horror) Cast: Gage Golightly, Matthew Daddario, Samuel Davis 4.30 & 11.55 PM CP No: 1106 (18+) Demolition (Comedy / Drama) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Chris Cooper 2.00 & 6.00 PM CP No: 1107 (12+) Fan (Hindi) (Drama / Thriller) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Waluscha De Souza 2.00, 6.30, & 9.15 PM CP No: 1100 (PG12)

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Sarrainodo (Telugu) (Action & Drama) Cast: Allu Arjun & Rakul Preet Singh 3-30 Pm Cinema Main; 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema-3 Kali (Mal) (Comedy & Drama) Cast: Dulquar Salmaan & Sai Pallavi 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema Main; 3-45 Cinema-3 Vetrivel (Tamil) (Action\Comedy) Cast: M. Sasi kumar& Miya George 6:45PM Cinema -4 Theri (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Vijay & Samantha 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema-2 Fan ( Hindi) ( Action\Thriller) Cast: Shahrukh Khan 3-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -4 Next Change: Manithan (Tamil) Programmes are subject to change

WITH LOVE

0

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

50-15%

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

06:00 06:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

10:25

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

07:00

SALALAH The Jungle Book (3D) (PG) (Adventure ) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 6:30PM The Huntsman: Winter’s War (3D) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron 2:00, 6:00, 11:30PM Fan (2D) (PG12) (Thriller) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 8:15, 11:15PM Demolition (2D) (12+) (Comedy Drama) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts 5:00PM Precious Cargo (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani, John Brotherton 1:30, 3:15, 10:00, 11:55PM The Ones Below (2D) (15+) (Thriller) Cast: Clémence Poésy, David Morrissey, Stephen Campbell Moore 4:15PM Sarrainodu (2D) (12+) (Telugu) (Action / Masala) Cast: Allu Arjun / Rakul Preet Singh 7:00PM Kali (2D) (12+) (Mal) (Romantic | Thriller) Cast: Dulquer Salmaan and Sai Pallavi 8:30PM

BAHJA CINEMA

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

Screen 3 Laal Rang (Action / Thriller) –PG12 Cast: Randeep Hudda, Piaa Bajpai, Rajneesh Duggal 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM

SOHAR The Huntsman: Winter’s War – 3D (Action, Adventure, Drama) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron 3:45, 6:15, 11:30PM Precious Cargo– 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani, John Brotherton 3:15, 6:45, 9:15, 11:30 PM The Ones Below– 2D (Thriller) (15+) Cast: Clémence Poésy, David Morrissey, Stephen Campbell Moore 5:00, 11:45 PM The Jungle Book – 3D (Adventure, Drama, Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:15, 5:15, 7:15PM Fan-2D (Crime, Drama, Thriller) (PG12) 3:00, 8:30, 11:30PM Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi, Mariola Jaworska Theri – 2D (Romance, Comedy) (12+) Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth, Prabhu, Amy Jackson 6:30PM Kali – 2D (Romantic, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salmaan & Sai Pallavi 9:30PM Sarrainodu – 2D (Action, Masala) (12+) Cast: Allu Arjun / Rakul Preet Singh 8:30PM

BURAIMI Fan PG12 (Hindi, Thriller) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 8:30 PM The Jungle Book (3D) PG Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 5:30, 7:30PM Cabin Fever (18+) (Horror) Cast: Gage Golightly, Matthew Daddario, Samuel Davis 11:45PM The Huntsman: Winter’s War PG12 (Action) Cast : Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 5:00, 9:30, 11:30PM Precious Cargo (12+) (Action) Cast : Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani 6:30, 11:30 PM The Ones Below (15 +) (Thriller) Cast: Clémence Poésy, David Morrissey 4:45, 9:45PM Kali (12+) (Malayalam) Romantic | Thriller Cast: Dulquer Salmaan and Sai Pallavi 7:30PM

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

Daily Daily Daily

Screen 2 Fan (Thriller) –PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi, Mariola Jaworska 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

RUWI Screen 1 The Jungle Book (2D) (Adventure /Drama/ Family) –PG Cast : Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

SUR Precious Cargo (Action) (12+) Cast: Bruce Wiilis, Claire Forlani 6:30, 11:45 PM The Huntsman: Winter’s War (Action | Adventure | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron 4:30, 8:15 PM Fan (Hindi | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 8:45 PM The Jungle Book 3D (Adventure | Drama | Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 4:45, 6:45 PM Kali (Mal) (Romance | Thriller) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salman, Sai Pallavi 10:30 PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu 6:00 PM Sarrainodu (Telugu) (2D) (Action) (TBC) Cast: Allu Arjun / Rakul Preet Singh 8:30 PM

AZAIBA The Huntsman: Winter’s War (3D) (Action |Adventure | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 3:15, 11:45 PM The Jungle Book (3D) (Adventure|Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:00, 11:30 PM Fan (2D) (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 2:30, 5:30, 8.30, 11:15 PM Laal Rang (2D) (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Randeep Hooda, Piaa Bajpai 3:30, 11:30 PM Kali (Mal) (2D) (Romance | Thriller) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salmaan and Sai Pallavi 6:15, 9:15 PM Theri (Tamil) (2D) (Comedy | Action) (12+)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

The Huntsman: Winter’s War – 3D (PG12) Action| Adventure | Drama Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 12:30, 7:30, 11:30 PM Gold Class – 5:00 PM

The Jungle Book - (3D) Adventure | Drama| Family) (PG) 3:15, 5:15 & 7:15PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (3D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 9:00PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.10pm 3.37pm 6.37pm 7.51pm 4.19am

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

@ BURAIMI

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES (ROUND THE CLOCK) Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya 24787766, 24787780

Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al Hayat International Hospital, Al Ghubra 22004000, 94267068/97049520 Al Hayat Clinic, Al Hail 22009455

AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

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LIFESTYLE H E A LT H N O T E S

A banana a day may keep blindness away If you love apples, so also love the humble banana. Eating a banana daily is likely to boost eye health and prevent vision-related diseases, a study has found. Researchers have found that bananas have carotenoid — a compound that turn fruits and vegetables red, orange or yellow and are converted into vitamin A, important precursors for eye health — in the liver. According to previous research, foods containing high levels of carotenoids also protect against chronic disease, including certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The study showed that banana rich in provitamin A carotenoids may offer a potential food source for alleviating vitamin A deficiency — important for sight. To combat vitamin A deficiency, researchers have been investigating methods to boost carotenoids in bananas. Cara L. Mortimer and other researchers from Queensland University of Technology in Australia studied two banana varieties to find out why they make very different amounts of carotenoids. They found that the pale yellow, lowcarotenoid cavendish variety produces more of an enzyme that breaks down carotenoids. In addition, another variety stashes its carotenoids in microscopic sacs during ripening, shifting the chemical equilibrium in the fruit so it can make even higher levels of these substances. Bananas are ideal food for young children and families for many regions of the world, because of their sweetness, texture, portion size, familiarity, availability, convenience, versatility, and cost.

Chill Out with Summer Food

S

ummer is upon us and the moment you step out of the confines of your homes and the air conditioners you feel the intensity of the soaring temperature. While there are plenty of ways to beat the heat why not eat some of the fresh summer fruits to beat the heat. These seasonal fruits and vegetables help us to lower our body temperature, keep us hydrated for long owing to its high water content.

Health experts say that since summer fruits like grapes, peaches, berries, watermelon, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits like oranges have high water content and are also packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants to boost our health especially during the summer months. Time to incorporate these fruits into your diet.

and packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that helps in prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and also potassium, watermelon is the best fruit to have during the summer months as it keeps our body well hydrated. So sink your teeth into this refreshing, juicy fruit.

Watermelon You can call it a summer staple fruit. Laden with vitamins A and C,

Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes,

Cucumber We all know how important it is to be ‘cool as a cucumber’ in life, the idiom that actually gets its name from the cooling properties of cucumber. There are myriad benefits of eating cucumber. While its high water content makes it an ideal summer vegetable, it is known to be very low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat. It also contains significant amounts of vitamin B and other minerals, and helps to flush the toxins out of our body.

are among the most cooling of all fruits. They aren’t just refreshing but also functions as antioxidants and are full of vitamin C. A chilled glass of lemon water helps to cleanse the system.

Cantaloupe Cantaloupe is low in calories and high in potassium. The soft, juicy pulp of cantaloupe is low in calories and since it is 89 per cent water, it’s ideal fruit for the hot and sticky summer months. Ward off dehydration during summers by having cantaloupe in plenty.

Radishes The cheap and best way to stay hydrated through food is to eat enough radish. They have a very high water content and are a great source of vitamin C, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also a rich source of potassium, which can help lower your risk of kidney

stones and stroke, and minerals like sulphur, iron and iodine.

Mint The cooling properties of mint and its refreshing aroma makes it suitable for summer. Mint is rejuvenating and hence it helps one to feel fresh especially during summer and the ability to chase away sluggishness when the heat soars. They have long been used by herbalists to create herbal teas, balms, ointments and other products, which can soothe your mind and body. Additionally, mint helps relieve both indigestion and inflammation, which can plague us during summer.

Pomegranate When the sun is wrecking havoc, it is easy not only to lose your cool, but also your energy.

The heat can drain you more than you think, especially if you have a job that keeps you outdoors.

— lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Living around green spaces checks diabetes, BP A five-10 minute walk in your neighbourhood park can elevate your oxygen levels but if you aim for overall health, try living amid greenery as it can reduce chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorders among the elderly. The findings revealed that higher levels of greenness around homes is associated with a significantly lower risk of chronic diseases — a 14-per cent risk reduction for diabetes, a 13-per cent reduction for hypertension and a 10-per cent reduction for lipid disorders. “This study builds on our research group’s earlier analyses showing block-level impacts of mixed-use and supportive building features on adults and children,” said lead study author Scott Brown from the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine in the US. The research adds to the evidence that higher levels of greenness is associated with better health outcomes.

One week of sleep loss can hamper ‘good’ cholesterol Lack of sleep will not only alter your mood and make your days drowsy, sleep loss can also influence cholesterol metabolism (good cholesterol), affecting blood vessels in your body. According to University of Helsinki researchers, genes which participate in the regulation of cholesterol transport are less active in persons suffering from sleep loss than with those getting sufficient sleep. This was found both in the laboratory-induced sleep loss experiment and on the population level. The experimental study proved that just one week of insufficient sleep begins to change the body’s immune response and metabolism. “We examined what changes sleep loss caused to the functions of the body and which of these changes could be partially responsible for the elevated risk for illness,” explained Vilma Aho, researcher from the “Sleep Team Helsinki” research group, in a university statement. The study examined the impact of cumulative sleep deprivation on cholesterol metabolism in terms of both gene expression and blood lipoprotein levels.—IANS

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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

LIFESTYLE

Take a Break from the Computer Nowadays most of us spend almost 6-8 hours in front of our computer screens.

So if you working all day on a computer, it is important that you take ample breaks in between. Eye specialists say that every 20 minutes, it is important to look 20 feet away or more for at least 20 seconds which relieves the eye strains.

Constantly working on computer causes problems of dry eyes as we tend to blink less when focusing our eyes on the screen.

There are plenty of simple things you can do each day to keep your sight in shape.

Here are a few easy ways.

EYES

Eating for Good Eye Health While eating a balanced diet is important for our health, the food on our plates also play an important role in protecting our eyes. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E, are essential for good eye health. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, carrots, fish like salmon and tuna, citrus fruits, eggs, nuts, and beans all are essential for good vision.

Be Proactive About Your

Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays While we use sunscreen creams to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the UV rays we often forget the fact that UV light exposure can have severe harmful effect to our eyes. So while you are out in the sun make sure to wear sunglasses that has 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection. Choose sunglasses that block 99 per cent to 100 per cent of both UVA and UVB rays. While driving use polarised lenses to reduce glare.

Children who play out frequently should also be told to stay away from the direct rays of the sun.

Regular Eye Check Up is Must It is important to go for regular eye examination. Eye specialists say that children should have their first eye exam between the ages of 6 and 12 months as early detection is vital. Many children face learning problems owing to their visual defects which remain undiagnosed if not checked early.

Adults, especially those who are 40 and above should have yearly eye examination. Conditions like macular degeneration in which a part of the retina deteriorates, cataract, and glaucoma are commonly found. If you have a family history of eye related problems, or diabetic, then it’s all the more important to check your eye sight. Also while going for check up it is essential to keep the optometrist or ophthalmologist updated on your medical history. If you have hypertension, diabetes or any other conditions do alert your doctor.

Quit Smoking Smoking not only affects our lungs, it affects our eyes too. Cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration can occur if you are a chain smoker.

Apart from this, smoking also causes dry eyes, and othet eye inflammation. So stop smoking now and if you had been a smoker so far make sure you go for an annual comprehensive eye examination.

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M S U N DAY, A P R I L 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

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*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

DĂĚŝŶĂƚ ^ƵůƚĂŶ YĂƐ ͗^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵͬKĸĐĞ Ăƚ 'ƌŽƵŶĚ &ůŽŽƌ͕ ϯϰϬ ^Ƌ Mtr. Facing main Road HAR Complex MSQ : 2,3-BHK Flats and 2 & 3 BHK villas with

ͬ ͕ĐĂƌ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ͕ ^ǁŝŵŵŝŶŐ WŽŽů ;'ĂƚĞĚ ŽŵƉůĞdžͿ Qurum : 6 BHK villa with garden, split Acs, shaded car parks, servant rooms DĂďĞůůĂ ͗ Ϯ ,< &ůĂƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ;ďƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐͿ Darsait : 1 & 2-BHK Flats with AC & Shop Ruwi : 2-BHK & 3-BHK Flats and shops Al Amerat : 2 & 3-BHK Flat , 3 & 4-BHK Villa with A/C

For viewing please call 99466729, 99316410, 92841690, 91313271, 24694088 or email us on :hartc@omantel.net.om

*Tourist visa arranged

Quality Warehouses for rent at Mizfa 550 sqm to 3400 sqm.

Contact 99332291 / 96046951

3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent.

18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi.

Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use. OMR 295/- month.

Call 94477222 Deluxe 1 & 2 bedroom flats, ideal for office / residence at Qurum near PDO. Contact: 97721313 / 95070421

Flat in Wadi Al Kabir 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 family hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms. Contact: 99277787

Room for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis hotel, very big. R.O 180/-.

Contact: 95724975

Luxury fully furnished 2 bedroom flat at Al Khuwair for short or long term lease contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact 94617563 / 92888376, tel : 24833848 / 24834888

Room for rent big room, toilet, washing place including water & electricity Bowsher OMR 200/-.

Contact: 91153933

1 BHK at Walja. Contact: 95915154 1000 SQM industrial land in Misfah area with 3 rooms, 5 bathrooms, kitchen near Azaiba United 2 sides road facing large parking space. Ideal for workshop, staff camp, store. Contact: 99454425 1BHK new building with A/C curtains near Khimji Mart MBD. Contact: 99061408 / 99024039 Villa for rent 8 big room, 7 toilets, big hall, Kitchen & store Al Khoud.

Contact: 91153933

1BHK Ruwi & Qurum.

Contact : 99024730 2 Bedroom flat near Kuwait Masjid, Wadi Kabir. Contact: 98498823 / 97608564 Villa for rent, 4 rooms, big hall, 6 toilets, big living room, kitchen & store Bousher 750/-OMR. Contact: 91153933 7 rooms villa attach bath at Azaiba 18th November Road.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

Villa for rent, big hall, 4 room, 5 toilets, kitchen, store living room in Ghubra OMR 650/-.

Contact: 91153933 Villa for rent room, toilet, hall, kitchen, store with furniture water & electricity included Bowsher OMR 300/-. Contact: 91153933 Warehouse for rent at Ghala Ind. Area. 800 & 2500 approx sqms Near Hotel Al-Madinah Holiday, Ghala. Container can enter. Immediate access to roads & highways.

Contact : 94583320 1, 2. 3.BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

4 BHK villa in Azaiba.

Contact 99792181 200 & 300 sqr mtrs office space in MBD (Ruwi). Contact 99792181 2 BHK Office space in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 Flat for rent in South Mabela.

Contact: 95331177 / 95230355 2BHK spacious flat with 3 toilets in Ruwi, Mumtaz area.

Contact: 95110215 / 92862290 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact – 97007934 / 92609232 Office space small in Azaiba.

Contact: 99428143 7 B/R en-suite villa for rent/lease with ac, 1100 OMR per month, location: al khuwair opp. safeer plaza hotel. Contact : 93389107

2BHK at Mawaleh near Sadiq Al Amin Mosque.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Brand new double bed room flats with two and three toilets, split ac, elevators available at Al Khoudh next to Al koudh health center.

Contact 99022675 Available for Rent one Room with Bathroom and Kitchen in Al Khuwair (near Sagar Polyclinic), suitable for Executive Bachelors or Couples. Contact 99225008 Flat for rent in Ruwi, Mumtaz area 2 bedrooms. Contact: 24291500 / 91409667 Villa for rent in Al Mawaleh behind Al Tawfeer Super market nr Al Mawaleh facilities - 7 spacious bedrooms, 7 toilets, 1 big hall, 1 family hall, 1 kitchen & parking, rent 800/-negotiable.

Contact: 92885889 / 95031133

FOR RENT IN RUWI 1 BHK – SPILT A/C, BUILT IN WARDROBE &CENTRALIZED GAS. SPACIOUS 2 BHK.

Contact : 990 49 722

Office for rent. Contact: 99355330 1000 sqmtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc.

Contact 24700120 / 92584715 1000 sqm Industrial space with office and accommodation, near Grand Mosque, Ghala.

Contact: 99364938 2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 1BHK at Hamriya near Muscat Pharmacy & 2 BHK at Mawaleh near Mosque Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 1 BHK in Azaiba. Contact: 99385835 / 99428143 Flats in Qurum. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430

FOR RENT Two modern fully furnished & ĞƋƵŝƉƉĞĚ Žĸ ĐĞƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨŽƌ ƌĞŶƚ Ăƚ :ĂƐŵŝŶĞ ŽŵƉůĞdž ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ͗ ϭͿ ϭϱϮ DϮ ǁŝƚŚ ƌĞĐĞƉƟ ŽŶ͕ ϭ 'D Kĸ ĐĞ͕ Ϯ ŵĞĞƟ ŶŐ ƌŽŽŵƐ͕ Ϯϲ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ƐƚĂƟ ŽŶƐ͕ ƉĂŶƚƌLJ͕ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟ ŽŶ͘ ϮͿ ϭϯϮ DϮ ǁŝƚŚ ƌĞĐĞƉƟ ŽŶ͕ ϳ Žĸ ĐĞƐ͕ ϲ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ƐƚĂƟ ŽŶƐ͕ ϭ ĐŽŶĨĞƌĞŶĐĞ ƌŽŽŵ͕ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟ ŽŶ͘

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ Ͳ ϵϵϰϲϵϲϵϴ Flat for rent in Wadi Kabeer near India Primary School 2B & 1K. Contact: 92222922 Villa for rent Al Zahiya Muttrah, 5 rooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen & big compound. Contact: 91163611 New flat at Al Wadi Al Kabir.

Contact: 96130797 / 92130703 Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 2 B, 1Bathroom & 1K in Al Azaiba (Behind Zubair Showroom).

RO340/- Call: 98989054 Ware houses in Hay Aseem Barka, 11000 m2 near round about new Beach road at Al Khoud location open store with office.

Contact 92959129 Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Offices in Ghala. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Shops / flats available in Honda Road, Ruwi & Mabellah Industrial area. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448 Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Dar sate Tel : 00 968 95158570 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Mutrah.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Duplex villa in QURUM 29.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688

New building Wattayah main road, showroom & office space.

Contact 94300909 2BHK flat shops / ware house space available for rent behind new ROP building at Honda road.

Contact 91165807 2 BHK / 1BHK near Machi Market Ruwi. R.O 200/- & 225/-.

Contact: 99354771 Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569 2BHK Wadi Kabir R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045 Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. contact 99342661 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

New Rent house in Mabela.

Contact: 99880841/96053220 1 BHK near Medical Darsait R.O 170/-. Contact: 95076261 2,200 sq mtr factory area & 800 sq mtr store with 8 accommodation rooms and 10 office cabins available for rent in Barka industrial area. Contact 91398381 / 80 / 78, email - agsan2005@gmail.com 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/in AL Khuwair. Contact 95154331 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278

2BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi. Contact: 99269751

Four bedroom two floors luxurious and spacious residential villa in Al Hail North, near to the sea and Oman oil. Each room has its own bathroom. It has splits A/C’s and shaded car park. OMR 750 monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

Flats, shops and store for rent in Ruwi, MBD & Mumtaz. Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842

Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346

Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street. OMR 330 Monthly.

Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

New flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes, 1 living room, 2 bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets, every rooms with split A/C high quality finishing rent per flat is R.O 340/- .

Interested candidates please Contact 00968 92225523

FOR SALE 1100.00 m2 com. & Res. plot at heart of Ruwi. Contact: 93666944 Excavator Volvo 240 & Hydraulic Hammers. Contact: 99209427 Fork lift Caterpillar (tool carrier cat it 28 f) oxy / PDO certified with excellent condition for sale.

Contact details: gsm: 99332937, land ph: 24446535 Shop for sale in Mabela Sanayya-3 suitable for any business.

Contact : 96653000 2012 S350L AMG Mercedes special order 62500 KM asking 21800 Tel: 99423189 Pharmacy in prime location in Muttrah Souq. Contact: 95803883 20 x40 containers. Contact: 99354909 Dental chair, mobile dental X ray, instruments, 5 year old, sale for 1000 Rials only in Al Buraimi.

Contact: 92737149 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair.

Contact 92881849 /What`s up No 97290565 Dental Clinic for sale in Seeb.

Contact: 96373097 / 92882209 Coffee shop for sale in Al Khuwair 33. Contact: 92994415 Villas in Al Khoud.

Contact 95056808 / 97201688 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 95056808 / 97201688 Furniture and other treatment items for Ayurvedic clinic.

Contact 97986525

A well running pharmacy for sale at prime location. contact 99627621, 93240949 Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278 Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 165 Thousand.

Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

ACC. AVAILABLE 1 BHK flat for rent in Darsait Rent - R.O.250/-. Contact no.

99357586,99785068 Fully furnished single room with sharing dining room (fully furnished) available for Executive bachelor in CBD area.

Contact: 99239409 Room for rent at Al Khuwair for bachelor 115 RO with A/C bed, Elect + water. Contact: 95190627 Studio type furnished room with small kitchen, bathroom and big balcony behind KIMS hospital Cont 95405033 Rooms available with Kitchen facility at Ruwi. Contact: 91214897 Sharing accommodation near ISD. Contact: 99657340 Sharing bachelors accommodation available in Rex Road, Ruwi.

Contact 94442157 Sharing accommodation one attached hall, small kitchen, A/C, Internet R.O 140/- E& W at Al Khuwair. Contact: 99382008 Furnished flat near ABA American School near Madinat Qaboos Rent R.O 650/- P.M. Contact : 99335100 Furnished single room available for Executive bachelor or small family in Walja near Honda Road Ruwi. Contact 99016546

Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale. Contact 99273774/ 99202278

Big room available with AC, toilet, Kitchen at Al Hail Highway roadside preferred south Indians.

Contact: 92968292

Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos can be sent 95865457

Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah.

Contact 99336776 Single room available near Darsait Lulu. Contact: 92120626 Separate entrance furnished bedroom with attached bath and kitchen for Executive bachelor in a villa opp.

Star Cinema. Contact: 99314807 Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90.

Contact 96524717 Small old house for rent in Al Ghoubra. Contact : 97165972 Single room B/K sharing Mumtaz area. Contact: 95212017 ROOM for RENT for Filipino, spacious, new building in Al Khuwair near City Seasons. Water, Wifi, Electric Included. Call 97728418.

Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan village. #93687466 Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.

Contact 96234708 Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. CONTACT 96202458/96761960 Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 97167857 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 93049849 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested pleasecontact 92680041 Mr. Altaf

ACC WANTED Wanted one room.

Contact 98026234 Looking for a villa in Amerat area.

Contact : 95405033

BUYING Buying cars for cash.

Contact 90202090 Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

FOR HIRE Crane trailer, hiab. Contact: 99354909 FH Volvo 40 feet flat trailor available for rent. Contact: 95120774 For rent Backhoe Loader Volvo BL71 long term. Contact: 99257975 Quality concept trading LLC Crane rental daily monthly cranes available for rent at attractive prizes Contact: 92870992

MV SALE Prado 2007, Mazda 2000, lancer 93, 3 ton truck double cabin. Contact: 99454425 Skip loader Hino 1999 model.

Contact: 99441640 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2012, expat owned, company maintained, 125000 KMS, warranty up to 2018, expected price E 8500.

Contact: 99330509 Honda CRV, 2015, white, expat lady driven, 9000 kms, No.2 expected price 10500. Contact: 99330509 Nissan Pathfinder 2012 model.

Contact: 99467005 / 92552328 Forklift caterpillar 5 ton, 2006 model. Contact: 99467005 / 92552328 Hyundai Veracruz 2011 model for sale, 4 WD color black 7 seater with engine capacity 3775CC, automatic – Steptronic with GPS. Contact 97203784 Nissan sunny, year 2000, km 190k, expat lady driven in good condition, RO 700 negotiable.

Suzuki alto, year 2008, km 127k, expat driven in good condition RO 600 negotiable. Call or whatsapp immediately 968-98898273

FOR LADIES Offer!! Treading Gold Facial & Pedicure just for 10 RO, Al Doom Parlour Ruwi: # 99619409

LOST Mst Juthi has lost Bangladesh Marriage Contract Passport No BE 0011631. Finder please handover to ROP.

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Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT LOOKING FOR SALESMEN

SITUATION WANTED

CANADIAN CO.- FREE CONSULTANCY FOR LEGAL JOB

- Required urgently young & dynamic - Junior Sales Persons with a valid - Oman Driving license for a reputed printing and graphics company.

- For Hotel Staff, Construction Staff, Medical, Gas & Oil Staff.

- Free recruitment - free tickets, accommodation, work visa, contract for 2 (two) years.

Contact: 96260078 / 96532284 Email: info.alsaj@gmail.com

Contact : 93392630 Send CV on muslimatservices@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male 25yrs, 3+ years experience in tax & financial consultancy, Masters in International business, B.Sc (Hons.) in accountancy & finance, looking for suitable placement in finance / consultancy, posses driving license can join immediately.

Contact: 95980549 Jordanian Senior Accountant 15 yrs experience in Oman finance & accounts. Contact : 92881223

Looking for Accountant for Cosmetics Industry having experience in retail and inventory.

Contact – 24704636 Email : saadest@omantel.net.om

ARCHITECT Required Architect Minimum 3 years experience for a reputed Engineering Consultancy in Muscat. Preference for Arabic speakers.

Contact: 92838840 OR email- abdul2390@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE One of a Leading Excellent grade group of Companies is looking for a “Junior Accountant” ( Omani Nationals only ) for their Duqum office.

Interested candidates may send their CV by email to mkh.almajali@gmail.com Required Accountant with minimum 4 years experience.

Email: telljobs@gmail.com

ADMIN We are looking for Public Relations Officer. Contact: 99855604

CATERING Cook exp Australia Japanese, Indian, Arabic all kinds of foods Mediterranean foods & also seek job with visa. Contact: 96136615 / 91139936 Wanted Male/female Indian cook with experience in Omani & Indian food for Omani Family. Visa available. Contact : Antony 99889459

DRIVER Urgently requires Hiab Driver & JCB Operator with valid Omani / GCC driving license, Mason having 5 years experience.

Contact: 24594868/ Fax: 24593880 Mobile 93210740 Email: info@sajgloballlc.com

EDUCATION A well known private school is in need of Laboratory Assistant, English, Maths, Science & Kindergarten teachers.

Contact: 96910649 Email: staffing.oman@gmail.com Parameters required in the following disciplines mathematics science neighborhoods physics.

Send CV at the following Email: aleithar@hotmail.com

MEDICAL Urgently required Gynecologist& and General Practitioner with MOH license for polyclinic in Saham.

Contact: 91311990 Urgently required Nurses for Al Hayat International Hospital : Omani Female Nursing Assistants, Female Nurses (Filipino preferred) with or without MOH license. Contact: 00968 94267068 / 97049520, Email: pradeep.ratnagiri@ alhayathospital.com Urgently placement for female Staff Nurse & Pharmacist clinic at Samail. Send CV : Email: saemomar@gmail.com, Contact 95498105 Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

Urgently required a Driver.

Contact: 99291154

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING Need salesman with driving license, having two years experience. Contact: 92891888 Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proficient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & flexible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area fluent in English. Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com Urgently required Sales Executives, Operations Executive import & export, for a reputed freight forwarding company in Muscat candidates with Oman D/L and minimum 2 yrs experience in similar field preferred. Interested candidates may send C.V to recruitment.oman@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Pakistani male MBA finance 8 years experience in Accounting & Finance GCC , D/L on visit visa.

Contact: 95035011 Email: mibm_af@yahoo.com Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available. Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.#90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 Senior / Chief Accountant, having 12 years Oman experience in reputed firms seeks suitable job.

Immediate available.

Contact: 99513082

Wanted driver. Contact: 91025698

DESIGNER Looking for a female fashion designer to work at Al Bawwab Textiles in Shatti Al Qurum.

Contact : 94029940

DOMESTIC HELP Wanted female Muslim cook for family at Qurum, visa available.

93387962

Urgent required Outdoor sales 3-5 years of experience in spare part, Store Keeper 2 years experience, Accountant 2-3 years experience.

Tel: 24504726 Fax: 24504723 Email: Muscat.supply@gmail.com Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred. Contact 99273774/99202278

SALES / MARKETING ENGINEER/MECHANIC. A leading company in the field of construction Contracting excellent grade required buildings Engineer with min 6 years experience in Oman. Should have valid Omani driving license. Candidate should send C.V to eng08vacancies@gmail.com Urgently required subcontractor in construction for big projects.

Contact : 99416162 Maintenance Foreman with D/L electrician cum plumber, CCTV technician building material salesman. Contact: 99383044

Salesman required for electrical equipments with driving license & 5/7 years working experience.

Fax your C.V 24833043 (Jinan Enterprises) Urgently Required: Construction Company Purchaser- with experience in Oman and with NOC for immediately join. Interested candidates may call us to our office telephone: 0096824696584/24696585 or fax: 00968-24605955 or email us to sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com

Engine cylinder head technician required immediately for guide changing, seat changing, seat cutting & valve lapping. call or whatsapp immediately 968-98898273

Looking for Salesman with experience in vegetable and fruits sales, good conduct, fluent in English.

Should have driving license. Email CV on: info@eigllcoman.com Contact - 96339339

Required Hydraulic Mechanic.

Contact 95251213

Salesman for a printing press.

Contact: 99498949

Part time Accountant up to finalization audit & assignments.

Contact: 91126314 Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.

Contact: 99602608 Part-time Accounting up to finalization, Auditing, Taxation and Project Finance assistance - 91044655 Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. #93953613 , Email allen.mathew83@gmail.com Senior Accountant-M. Com, Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts upto finalization. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, cammk13@gmail.com Indian male 24 yrs B.Com, TallyERP 9 with one year exp seeking for suitable placement. #93502127 Accountant Indian male with 7 years up to finalization Tally & accounts receivable SAP R/3, good knowledge of payroll having Oman D/L, NOC. # 00968-93733996 Email: thmsb182@gmail.com

Accountant 8 Years experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 Chief Accountant well experienced with reputed group available for immediate joining. Contact : 98803439 / 97413784.

Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. # 97712084 Indian male, 24 yrs, Graduated with specialization in Accounting 2 years experienced C.A.CPT completed. #94628086 / 97315091 Indian male well experienced in Accounts ERP, TALLY 9 & Admin NOC available looking for a suitable job. Contact: 92650835 A young CA (ACA & ACCA qualified) with 4 years experience in one of top audit firms in UK & KSA seeks suitable placement in Oman.

Contact: Kamran: hkamran112@ gmail.com. +44 7480 1196 74. +968 93595050.

Audit and accounts 5 years experienced male/25 with SAP, Tally and peachtree knowledge available for suitable placement.

97190575.

Male, 33 yrs, 14 yrs experience in Marketing, finance & accounts financial services, transaction processing, investment banking seeking suitable openings.

Contact: 94697386 Sudanese female Accountant excellent knowledge, MS Office, can work under pressure.

Contact: 97200130 Young ACCA finalist with Hons. degree in applied Accounting from Oxford Brooks with three years experience with valid Oman driving license looking for immediate placemen. Release NOC Available.

Contact: 92851056 M.Com Accountant three years experience three star hotel Tamil Nadu India, immediately available.

Contact: 92831400/96051737 Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394 Indian male , 29 B.com ICWA (pursuing) 7 years experience in accountant / audit with valid Omani D/L seeking for suitable placement, NOC available. Contact: 94706954 Email: ajurn33@gmail.com Indian CA, Male, 34 yrs, having14+ Yrs exp. in A/Cs, finance, auditing, consultancy and knows SAPB1,Tally ERP. Valid Oman D/L .Currently working in Oman. NOC available.

Contact: 94704800, Email: omanjobca@gmail.com.

Male Accountant M.Com (finance & accounts) having 3 years experience in accounts looking for available job on visit visa.

Contact: 94648575 Male CA finalist B.Com having 5 years experience with big four audit firms looking for suitable job on visit. Contact: 92230543 Email: m.naveednaseer@gmail.com CMA & CIA qualified finance professional with 13 years of me experience in FMCG industries as well as various other industries available for immediate permanent job openings. Contact: 94543660 ACCA finalist with 2 years of experience in a Construction Company as an Accountant in United Kingdom here on visit visa for 3 weeks from 12 April - 3 May. Contact: 99171627 Part time accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5 pm (location prefer - MSQ to Al Hail).

Contact: 95694737 Filipino Male, 24 Years Old.. looking for job, have experience in Cargo & Logistics/ Rent a Car/ Real Estate/ Finance & Accounts/ customer service and as Travel Agent. Hard working and with good computer and communication skills having Omani driving license. GSM: 95370052

Indian female MBA in finance currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement in Accounts.

Contact: 92896110 Email: anoopodiyan@gmail.com ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance.

Contact: 99284193 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement. contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com MBA finance from Pakistan with 4 years experience in Accounts & finance department currently in Muscat on family visit visa, 27 yrs.

Contact: 90590037 Email: numanaslamcfo@gmail.com, nouman_aslam2006@yahoo.com 10 yrs of Oman experience capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable placement in senior sales / business development position. Contact : 98987654

ADMIN Indian looking for customer service, purchase front office Admin 5 years experience in UAE. Contact: 91744032 Indian female 26 years MBA (BBA, BIRLA Institute, Oman) seeking for full / part time job in Secretary / Admin / Customer Support / Office Assistant / HR. Contact: 93241466 / 92767450 Email: sujasunny2003@hotmail.com Indian male, 26 yrs experience (1.5 yr in Oman) in HR/Admin/ Office / Sales seeking suitable placement, local release available.

Contact 93112346 or sibyambadan70@gmail.com Indian, 20 years experience in Oman as personal assistant / office manager / administrator seeks change of job with release Contact: 99168054, mbkishore@hotmail.com Indian male – MBA (HR) & Engineering graduation with total 10 years of experience in HR & Admin ( 3 yrs of Oman Exp.) along with hands on experience in technical bid submission for all Government & PDO tenders ready to join immediately with NOC. Contact: 91240251/ Email; kvaradhan@hotmail.com Indian male, 28 MSW, 5 yrs exp Office Operations, Administration, Public relation & counseling on visit visa. Contact: 90652428 / smbinil@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, MBA HR,BBA. One Year Administrative/Accounts experience, looking for suitable placement, on visit visa Contact: 90653362 Indian / female, 26 yrs, MBA with 3 yrs experience in HR / Admin marketing customer relations currently in Muscat on visit visa.

Contact: 97205038 Email: chandpriya89@gmail.com Indian Male 19 years (8 Years in Oman) well experienced in HR / Admin in Oil & Gas, Construction fields with Oman D/L seeks suitable position. Release / NOC available call: 92854993.

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 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 Indian female with nearly 10 years experience in administration & HR, seeking for a suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact: 99242841 B.Com 3 years business process outsourcing. Contact: 94657273 Teacher female 27 yrs, MCA 5 yrs experience in teaching in India currently on visit visa seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 96709509 Email: viyannifd@gmail.com Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

DRIVER Looking for driving job experience 3 years Pakistani.

Contact: 93804176 8 years experience in driving heavy D/L (PDO) H2S. Contact: 92091528 Pakistani male seeks job, have Oman driving license, 6 years experience in driving. Contact: 96915494 Light Duty Driver looking for job.

Contact: 96250185 Light Duty Driver looking for job.

Contact: 96780325 Light driver looking for job.

Contact: 96798075 Heavy driver available.

Contact: +968 96449233 Temporary light driver.

Contact: 99053510 Light Duty Driver, 3 years 6 months experience. Contact: 95768440 L/Driver, having 11 years experience in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact 96373904 Light driver 9 years experience looking for job. Contact: 95827886 Looking for a job as driver experience 9 years in Oman, Language Arabic / Hindi / English.

Contact: 92517532 Need job for Driving. Contact: 94375896 Light duty driver 4 years Oman exp seeks placement.

Contact: 98726383 Driver, exp 1.5 years, Language English, Arabic & Urdu, license light. Contact: : 96011572 / 94484181 Experience driver looking for job.

Contact: 95113612 Bangladeshi male light driver exp 16 years need job. Contact: 99165961 Driver 3/6 years experience, I have 2 years experience out door sales man in led light, Pakistani, Oman experience 6 years.

Contact: 94565993 / 92627855 Family driver available.

Contact 92943094

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Architect Interior designers 3d Visualizer, 8 yrs exp, Indian male, have Omani D/L available. NOC & local release. Contact: 92710047 Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Free lance /part time autocad works (ARCH/ MEP) 2D/3D PH: 97103168 Piping designer with 14 years experience working with PDO, OXY for 10 years NOC available.Contact: 92582356 Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Supervisor / Cad Draftsman with Oman light driving license 10 years experience in carpentry field. Contact: 95962384 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. B. Tech Mechanical Engineer having 3 years experience in maintenance & commissioning experience in an engineering services company on visit visa looking for suitable. Contact 91106765 Email: tamooraslam123@yahoo.com Indian male 22, Chemical Engineer residing in Oman looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92379181 Engineer I have driving license of Oman I need job of driving.

Contact: 95980506 D.A.E (civil) Engineer + safety course (OSHA & IOSH), 5 years experience in infrastructure work looking for suitable placemen.

Contact 97658602

S U N DAY, A P R I L 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Indian male, 25 yrs, Accountant, 2.5 yrs in Finance & Accounts, MBA Finance & HR, exposure in SAP, Tally, ERP 9 on visit visa.

Contact 96715420 / 91265020, Email : jijosrgo@gmail.com, simonjosephjc@gmail.com

Sales & Marketing specialist with 16 yrs experience in Oman in MNC retails telecom lubes construction related industry handled various projects, holding valid Oman driving license, release available.

Contact 96960991

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Oman experienced Lawyer

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Indian male, BA, Arabic, LLB, MBA Knows English, Arabic with over 9 yrs in legal field, now working as a legal advisor in Muscat, seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ϵϲϵϳϮϵϯϵ ͬ ϵϲϬϵϲϳϮϯ ŵĂŝů ͗ ůŝũƵďŶΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ͕ ũĞƌƌŝŶϬϬϳΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. B.Tech & Diploma in Mechanical having 3 years exp. in India looking for suitable job. Contact : 90542737 Electrical B.E.C Engineer Pakistani male 24 years looking for a job. Contact: 94049812 / 92958112 Civil Engineer having 7 years, 8 months experience with driving license immediately joining having NOC. Contact : 99294954 Purchaser (construction) with 4 years experience & driving license.

NOC available looking for similar job. Contact: 98956725 Civil Engineer 8 years experience.

Contact: 90183630 Indian male BE (ECE) having 1 year experience in Engineering and 8 years experience in medical transcription seeking suitable placement currently on visit visa. Contact: 90658764 Email: princekjohn555@yahoo.com Diploma of Associate Engineering in Civil technology 14 years experience in project of construction works like buildings, roads, oil & gas field on visit visa expiry date 11/06/2016 looking for good job in Oman. Contact: 00968 92161978 Email: qazijahangeer@gmail.com Civil Eng exp 15 years NOC available looking job change Gulf experience over 12 years in Oman, 8 years experience handled MOH – project, MOS projects, MOS – projects. Contact: 98036290, cmsarasu@gmail.com Electrical Engineer having 5 years experience in the field of managing supervising testing & commissioning of electrical distribution, transmission & substation projects.

Contact 92322906 / 90377916 Email: mshameerbm@gmail.com Indian male 26 B.Tech Civil Engineer 3 year’s 8 months Experience at building construction. In Oman 2 year’s experience N.O.C available seeking suitable placement Contact : 97396269 Email : usmanshaik42@gmail.com Indian male 23 years, young dynamic looking for draughtsman in civil. Contact: 94553406 Email: choudharyibrahim93@gmail.com Indian female 23 years Mechanical Engineer with 1.5 years experience looking for suitable jobs.

Also interested in sale & and marketing. Contact : 94743992 E mail : selveena054@gmail.com Civil Engineer, 6 yrs experience with Omani driving license, local release available. #91693008 An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Building Site Supervisor since 2010 in Oman with Omani D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91507828 Indian male, Technical Sales Manager, B.E Mech, with 11 years exp in Automotive Eng & Industrial Maintenance with Oman D/L seeks suitable job. On release to join immediately – 92880593 An electrical & electronics engineer awarded from Sunderland University with an experience in access central eyewear & rebranding of petard elations facilities have a valid visa up to year & half. Contact: 91347567 B.E Mechanical Engineer, 24, one year experience as Production Shift Engineer, achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP, presently in Oman on visit visa, looking for a suitable placement. Contact:95065955 Email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com

Egyptian lady have BA in Electrical power & machines & did some training looking for job in any company. # 95935181 / 91112193 Graduate Civil Engineer having 19 years Gulf experience seeks immediate employment in reputed firms in Muscat NOC available.

Contact: 99446786 / 93251306 Female Electrical Engineer, excellent knowledge, Graduated with distinction, can work under pressure. Contact: 98133281 Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement, Mob:97061817, Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com Road Engineer 10 years experience in Oman. Contact: 91274706 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release.

Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer (UK), 4 yrs exp in technical, Sales Engineer in Oman having valid GCC license looking suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 97612297 Email: ymirzall@caledonian.ac.uk Electrical Engineer having 8years experience with valid driving license (NOC available) Ph#91293519 Email: nomee987@gmail.com Indian female M.Tech in VLSI Design B.Tech in electronics with valid IELTS score 6.5 now in family visa experience in teaching & and admin. Contact: 90195131 Email: chinj.89@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 yrs, experience HAVC firefighting CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.in

Civil Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male 24 yrs having 1+ year experience in Industrial construction with good communication skills and software knowledge, looking for suitable position available on visit visa. # 968 - 99779538 / 98694939 Email: arunsathyan92@gmail.com Engineer with 4 years experience in Oman in telecom operations looking for a suitable opportunity have valid driving license interested in marketing also.

Contact: 98513495 Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. contact:98921022 NDT / QA / QC Supervisor / Radiographer DAE Mechanical pipingvessel LPG Bozer Storage tank inspection experience 10 years.

Contact 96954202 Email: nasirarain86@yahoo.com Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in Indian (MRF Tyres) holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Male QC inspector Mechanical, NDT 20 years experience valid Oman D/L , release available.

Contact: 91001104 B. Sc Civil Engineer 27 yrs, Oman experience as Project Manager, Structural Engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC / local transfer available. Contact : 99349578 Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com An Electrical engineer with 4+ yrs of experience in Electrical network (MT, LT) with professional computer skills seeking for work.

Contact: 99841736 / 93955381/ +149922698343 Email: e.kmmh@hotmail.com Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit. PH:93837973

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Mechanical Engineer is looking for a job vacancy Graduate of Malaysia, 7 years of work experience in oil & Gas fluent in both Arabic & English. Contact: 95569430

Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement.

Contact : 99739415 / 92091528

Electrical Engineer 6 years experience in Oman experience in MEDC / projects valid D/L. Contact: 91249329

Indian Lecturer M.Phil, M.Com, MBA DMM , 3+ years of exp in college & 2+ years exp in corporate seeks a suitable position.

Contact: 90369540 Email: abilashraji@gmail.com

Structural Engineer, ME, with 2 yrs exp proficient in ETABS, STAD, SAFE & Prokon, seeks job.

Contact:050-9984535

IT

Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784 Sudanese Civil Structure Engineer 3 years looking for job in reputable company AutoCAD, Etabs, Staad Pro Omani driving license available. Contact: 97906770 Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B Tech) Indian male with 1 year experience on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact : 90510800, Email : muhammedjaseem07@gmail.com Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization.

Contact 96570891

INDIAN FEMALE, 23 years, BSCCS Diploma in IAD graphics, well knowledge in computer applications 6 months experience presently in Sohar seeking suitable placement. Contact: 96670907.

Email: ammuch.4@gmail.com ICSI & B.Com qualified Corporate Secretary (female) with 2 years experience handling compliance of 200 companies in Indian seeks placement in compliance field or company incorporation & allied fields. Contact: 94863182 Email: meghnasunil6@gmail.com Indian Electronic Technician 5 years exp CCTV, Telephone, video door phone, NOC available.

Contact: 99803912 Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area. Contact: 98660672 9 years of Software Test Consulting and business analysis experience in various CBS (Core Banking Solutions) and other Banking related solution implementations with deep understanding of Islamic Banking. Completed CDIF CIMA Diploma in Islamic Finance and ADIF - Advanced Diploma in Islamic Finance conducted by CIMA, UK. NOC available. Contact: manivannanbalaji@gmail.com GSM: 9393 8086

Qualified Certified Management Accountant (CMA-USA) and cost and management accountant (ACMAIndia) with over 25 years experience in Sultanate of Oman in finance, banking and administration is seeking a suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact 97351649, advocatesharaf@gmail.com

Contact 95986767

IT

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE

Indian female MCA & BSc Physics Graduate, holder of valid driving license, seeking suitable placement in IT or Administration.

Contact: 99466062

Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761

B.Tech (IT) experience in Networking server & desktop management in corporate environment looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92954613 Omani 26 (M) Seeks placement 6 yrs experience IT specialist.

Contact 99025044 IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact 94672759 Female 24 yrs, 3 years in IT programmer now in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact: 96350234

PROJECTS HSE OFFICER, having 9 years experience in construction.

GSM 97035591 Email - ajeeshvr.ajeesh@gmail.com

MANAGER Procurement and Projects Manager having 10 years UAE experience, MBA Graduate with 6 sigma & CPPM seeking suitable position.

Contact: 90772927 Finance manager 22 years Oman experience available with NO. Contact: 91335205/91302906 Purchase/Planning & Logistics Manager, MBA (Finance), 14yrs.

Oman Exp. with D/L, NOC available, looking for suitable position.

Contact : 93826090, jskanchan01@gmail.com Egyptian male 36 years Warehouse Manager, 7 years in Sultanate of Oman, 1 year in UAE, and 3 years in Egypt.

Contact: +968 97200468 Email: ayman_mano1979@yahoo.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Indian female master degree one year experience seeking suitable placement in any field. #97792820 Email: pnjli.1991@gmail.com Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements. NOC available.

Contact: 920 66 523 BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com

MEDICAL Indian male BE (ECE) having nine years experience in medical transcription / health care & documentation seeking suitable placement as Medical Transcriptionist Insurance Coordinator or Medical Secretary, currently on visit visa.

Contact: 90658764 Email: princekjohn555@yahoo.com Indian female staff nurse with parametric passed 10 years experience looking job Muscat regain.

Contact: 95851590 / 91510137 Indian female (MSC – Microbiologist) seeking suitable job.

Contact 96791162 / 90618567 Indian Bsc Female Nurse with 6.5 years exp, 4 years in KSA. Passed Oman Pro Metric with 69%, completed data flow. Presently in Muscat in visit visa looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 94744900, 94742834, jincyalphonese@gmail.com

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED LABOUR S.T.P Operator 20 years experience in Oman. Contact: 93089468

SALES / MARKETING Indian male (25) MBA / MMS (Marketing) on visit visa valid UAE driving license exp 2 yrs sales / marketing. Contact: 98089262 Indian male, 29 years BSc, Graduate, with Omani driving license and 7 years of sales experience in home appliances, IT products, mobile and traffic safety equipments currently working on employment visa, NOC available seeking for suitable placement immediately.

Contact 97890607 Email: ashrafambar@gmail.com Indian female, BSc, B.Ed, MBA, Marketing having 3 years experience, seeks suitable placement in marketing field. Contact: 95041134 Email: divya.vini@gmail.com 35 years male, Lebanese holding British passport, 10 years of experience in procurement, Omani Government tenders, setup marketing plans & strategies, importing, Organizing events, management, have car, NOC available. #94123939 Email: 002015r@gmail.com Graduate Diploma, 5+ years in logistics operation and marketing / event management with driving license.

Contact: 92107006 Email: nasir_k4@yahoo.com Indian male 31, BBA Muscat born, fluent in English above average Arabic, experience in Sales, Marketing , customer service sectors ranging from FMCG to real estate, with NOC, seeks suitable placement. Contact: +968 93870938 Experience Sales Executive Muscat 13 years, KSA 9 years, with Oman driving license & KSA. Contact : 93508287 / 90701036 Sales experience of 2 years driving license diploma holding in wireless networking. Interested in Marketing, Accounts and Salesman. Contact: 98668151 Wants a suitable job as Salesman & have driving license. Wants a job with good salary & have 6 years of experience & can speak in English, Arabic and Hindi.

Contact 94162434 24 years experience Sr. Management professional as Profit centre head. Industry electrical trade looking for a suitable position in Oman / UAE. Contact: 91195418 Email: ab_9616@rediffmail.com Indian male 29, BHM, 3 yrs exp in Oman in sales with D/L NOC. Contact: 92594055 Indian male 23 years BSc Computer Science on visit visa seeking job opportunities for suitable placement. Contact: 92740543 Email: aneep93@hotmail.com Indian male B.com 10 years experience in Oman stores & warehouse, immediate job with NOC. Contact: 95192733, email: sammathew2004@yahoo.co.in 26 yrs Indian male MBA Marketing Sales / Marketing Executive, 3 yrs experience now available in Muscat on visit visa seeking placement for immediate joining.

Contact: 95978874 Email: ansariafsar550@gmail.com MBA (Marketing) Sales & Marketing Executive with 4 years of experience in Sales & Business Development in FMCG sector is looking for best opportunity in Muscat at present available in Muscat on visit visa. GSM:95840153.

Mail: akbarshareef786@gmail.com Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Conatct 95792820

MISCELLANEOUS Tea boy looking for job Name: Man Bahadar Contact No. 97859837

MISCELLANEOUS Indian B-Com Graduate 1 year Experience in market survey, Valid Driving License, looking for any suitable post. Contact: 92567020 / 96930392, shwayanad@gmail. com Indian male, M. Com, 11 years experience in the field of accountancy and Stores. Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, oracle, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733 Senior Accountant, NOC available, more than 5 years exp., born & bought up in Oman, Accounting upto finalization, computer skills tally9, Sage ERP ACCPAC 500(6.0A), Vcams, Audit ,valid Oman driving license, languages known English, Arabic, Hindi. Can join immediately.

Tel: (+968) 96339599, E-mail(ahmedmohdkhan@gmail.com) 23 years male experienced in travel & admin immediately available for appointment. NOC available.

Contact : 93253759 Indian male, M.Com, 7 years Oman experience in the field of accounts and valid oman driving license & NOC . Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, oracle, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733 Indian male 42, BE-Civil 13 years experience in Road construction. looking for suitable placement. having valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 95225214, Email: Sudheerrokkala73@gmail.com Safety Officer 3 years of experience in safety certifications: BE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering),NEBOSH, IOSH, DHSE, first aid. Contact +97474018995, email:midhunmich@gmail.com skype:midhunmike HSE Engineer, Indian male, 4 Plus years experience in Oil & Gas, Working in Shclumberger, NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. CONTACT-krish.569@gmail.com Mobile- +91 9867016808 Indian female 27 yrs, Diploma in Aviation & Hospitality management, seeking suitable placement.

Curnetly in Oman, NOC Available.

Contact 94880684 Indian Male 28 years, Mechanical Engineer (Diploma) with 2 years’ experience, Automobile ITI NCVT, CSWI-BGAS Painting QC Grade-2, NDT Level-2, ISO Lead Auditor QA (IRCA), Piping QC & Isometric Drawings, WPS & WPQR, available on Visit Visa, looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 90653733, libinthomaslt@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash flow & marketing projects & investments & tenders & real estate.

Contact :- 92385033 Bachelor in Hotel Management Having 13 years experience in Catering Industry in all aspects of Operations with D/L looking out for a suitable placement. #90654826 Email: mailingsaikiran@gmail.com Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 ,5 year experience in HR .#+968 91467576.

Indian Female, M.Sc Computer Science, Seeking suitable placement in Muscat Area.

Contact : 98660672 Indian male network cabling technician (19-years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact 0091-8089909265 (India), E mail: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian female, MBA, Diploma in Aviation & Hospitality mgt (IATA), having 4 yrs of exp, on family visa seeks job in Oman.

Contact-9910 4529, 95679557, e-mail-jkramya91@gmail.com Pakistani male having 7 years experience in General Salesman having valid D/L Looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97216830 Email: asim-samb5@yahoo.com 9 yrs exp Site Engineer in Civil & Shade Structure. 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact: 93790601

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED LAND SURVEYOR: Male, more than 12 years’ experience in land/ pipe line surveying in Oman and UAE. Looking for suitable placement. NOC available. #91215843 ELECTRONICS ENGINEER Indian/ male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Communications,ITI,1.7 Years experience as Service Technician in India, on visit Visa, looking For a Suitable Placement.

Contact :92794176 , E-mail: prathyushkp9@gmail.com Marketing Communications Coordinator Indian, 25 years GCC experience in Media, Advertising & Marketing ATL + BTL branding. Contact: 93031168 Email: arn14256@gmail.com Indian male physiotherapist with 3 years of experience, with (moh license and NOC available. seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99767528, 91317863 Indian, 32 years, passed M.A. English M.Sc Psychology, DHM & B.Ed in English with 4 years experience seeking for part time or full time job. Contact: 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com 27 years old Indian male looking hospitality jobs in Hotel. Experience in customer service, front desk, housekeeping supervisor, captain, cashier,guest relation manager.

Contact. +968-90351742Email. samubaid6@gmail.com 27 yearsold Indianmale looking Jobs in documents Collection executive.Experience in collection executive. Contact. +968-90358068 Email wasimsaif04@gmail.com Indian female, M.Sc Computer Science, Seeking suitable placement in Muscat Area.

GSM : 98660672 Indian male, 26 years old BA Graduate having 1 year experience in accounts finance field. Looking for suitable Job On visit visa immediately available.

Contact 9565 9415 Anishkhan991867@gmail. Com ELECTRONICS ENGINEER Indian/ male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Communications,ITI,1.7 Years experience as Service Technician in India. On visit Visa, Looking For a Suitable Placement.

Contact :92794176, E-mail:prathyushkp9@gmail.com B.Tech, MBA currently working in India in Bank. Contact: +918939857146 Email: sebimathew87@gmail.com Pakistani male 23 years old experience in travel agency - ticketing looking for a suitable job, NOC available. Contact: 93253759 Accountant cum cashier available.

Contact: 98002428 Indian with 3 years for experience in sales and marketing fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam looking for suitable job.

Also hold valid Driving License, currently in oman Mob : 93451439 HSE Engineer, Indian male, 4 Plus years exp. in Oil & Gas, Working in Shclumberger, NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. #krish.569@gmail.com, Mobile- +91 9867016808 Indian male Physiotherapist with MOH license and NOC looking for suitable job. Contact: 92617235 Indian Male, 40 Years, B. Com, having 10 years experience in Oman, Tally &ERP- looking for suitable placement ( Local release and Oman driving license available. Tel- 92469789

Indian Male 42 year’s, MBA, Sr. Material controller having 12 years experience in Oman with reputed companies. Having Oman driving License, Seeks suitable replacement immediately. Available NOC. Cont. 00968-92944026, Email – charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN Indian/male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Comm,1.7 Years experience as Service Engineer in India. On visit Visa, Looking For a suitable placement. Contact : 92794176 E-mail:prathyushkp9@gmail.com Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact 99514286 Indian male Kerala, B.com & B.PE. Currently on visit visa, looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store keeper etc. Ready to join as early as possible. Contact:-93301023, email:- sajith3969@gmail.com Female Dentist with MOH license and NOC, 7 years experience 2 yrs out of them in Oman looking for a job. Contact 97401243 Electrical diploma Engineer Indian male 22 years, 2 years experience in control panel contact 93047707 adilm89@gmail.com IT System Administrator 6 yrs experience, male, Filipino Desktop, Laptop and printer Support, Backup administrator, Router and switch Network, Server Administrator. +968 94134295 Female dentist with MOH license and NOC ready to join 7 years experience 2 of them in Oman.

Contact 97401243 Indian male 28 years B.com, MBA 4 yrs experience in accounts / finance currently in Oman on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 93460277 Email: shineraj786@gmail.com Having 10 years exp. in Admin & HR in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com Indian Male 42 year’s, MBA, Sr. Material controller having 12 years experience in Oman with reputed companies. Having Oman driving License, Seeks suitable replacement immediately. Available NOC. Cont. 00968-92944026, Email – charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in Pharmacist M. Pharm working in Oman for 2 years with MOH license Data flow completed. #98399415 NOC available, Indian Male - MBA (HR) and B.E (E.I.E) with total 9 years of experience in HR & Admin and Business Development (3 yrs of Gulf exp.) can join immediately 91240251 / kvaradhan@hotmail.com M. Sc Computer Science – 2 year Experience – in India, looking suitable Placement. Email:-elvisgt6@ gmail.com, Mob:-+91 9497482305 (INDIA), Oman:-98291626.

Indian, 30 years, B. Com with 2 years Oman experience in Tally ERP-9 available in Muscat seeking suitable positions. # on 95186652 ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN Indian/male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Comm, 1.7 Years experience as Service Engineer in India, On visit Visa, looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 92794176, E-mail:prathyushkp9@gmail.com Sudanese male, 5 years experience in warehouse management and logistics services#90644186

SITUATION WANTED B-tech Civil with honours, Civil Engineer (structures) Experience more than six years. #91431483. Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. CONTACT-krish.569@gmail.com contact +91 9867016808 PART TIME ACCOUNTANT available, well experienced in accounting up to finalization. knowledge in tally also. contact. 92643875 Chief Accountant 25 years experienced looking for part/full time accountant job.

Contact: 95598477 / 98803439 Indian Pediatric consultant, md with 20 years experience and wife gynecologist md with 15 years plus experience seeking opportunities with reputed hospitals in Muscat. deemaild@gmail.com 14 years experienced light driver with valid Oman license looking for suitable job. Contact 99442481 Indian male: 24 years, diploma in computer science and B.E(CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeking for the suitable job. Contact: 91170912, Email id: sales2@witoman.com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience, seeking for part time job. mobile no: 0096899070584. email: remluvp@gmail.com Civil Engineer (roads and structures) Education B. Tech Civil Engineering with honours experience more than six years.

Contact no 91431483 ,Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com Indian male 6 years exp in different field, with valid Oman driving license. Languages known Hindi, English, looking for any job(Driver for executives). Contact 98696795 HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years Experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger.

NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE, contact krish.569@gmail.com Mobile- +91 9867016808

Indian male Network cabling technician ( 19-years gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com Experienced B.Com graduate + IATA Diploma holder looking for Accounts/Admin/Travels related job. Mob. 91142997. NOC available .

Indian male B.A degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 years experience as restaurant & catering manager in Oman & Saudi with V/L Oman D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 92100141 MBA Graduate (Indian male 26 years) having 2 years experience in Qatar as admin assistant looking for suitable placement.

Contact 93041141 Email: mahinmehboob@gmail.com Indian female, MBA with 9 yrs of experience in finance & procurement currently on family visa looking for suitable position in finance & supply chain.

Contact 95622568 Draughtsman, 15 years’ experience, Indian male currently in Oman looking for suitable position.

Gsm – 95358115, 96977289, Email : pillairp41@gmail.com Indian Female living in Ghubra Muscat near Emirates Shopping Center. 20 years of experience in Teaching. Able to handle all subjects till grade 6. Need suitable job.

Contact- 94406552 Indian male,16 years Oil & Gas experience ( Down Hole Tools ), 3 years in Oman, Dip. Mechanical Engineer, Having D/L and NOC. Email – jajisuni@yahoo.com, Mob : 965 956 18.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER, IndianMale 34yrs,M.Com with 14 yrs work Exp.(8 yrs in Oman) working in Construction Co LLC( for ROAD,CIVIL,ELECTRO-MECHANICAL & Others Projects ) and having valid LT D/L, NOC available & ready to join within a monthM:94064650, Email: nagauae@gmail.com Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job.

Phone:91997605. email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com 8 plus years of experience in Events /Marketing Communication /conferences / Trainings / Media representation. Having UAE D/L. seeking Suitable Placement: Contact: 95792820. suheal.ma@outlook.com Indian Female, 24 MA Eng. Litr with 2 yrs experience in teaching & 14 months in Administration cum Secretary, Currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92613704/99260702, Email:rohinis2010@gmail.com Female Junior Architect Graduated from School of Planning & Architecture, Vijayawada. Excellence in Autocad, Sketching & Modelling. Internship - KHAM Designs, Bangalore. Presently with Atulya Architects & Associates. Email saatvika.frozenmusic@gmail.com #00968-94057427.

Indian Male,Kerala,B.COM & B.PE having 13Years of Physical Education Teacher experience. Currently on visit visa Looking for a suitable job. Contact:- 968 94106834. email:-akhilrajkj@gmail.com.

Indian/male (25)/ MBA/2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 96914068, E mail: mailanasap@gmail.com

14 years experience in 5 star hotel as sales manager in UAE & INDIA on tourist visa looking for suitable opportunity please contact 91305978

32year Indian Male MSC,MBA-HR having 8yrs Exp(HR / Payroll / Admin) with Oman valid DL. Seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact: 99322978

Indian male with 1 yr exp looking for job in I.T as Web developer, presently in Muscat on visit visa. #92312978 Admin Assistant. Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). GSM. 00968-98404122, Email - panduru.jeevankumar@ gmail.com Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 and half year experience in HR .

Contact : +968 91467576 .

Indian male, 8.5 yrs experience, B.Com Graduate with GCC exp & valid driving license looking for better job opening in Muscat.

Contact: 92609935 / 94771365 2 years experienced male seeking job related to safety. M. Tech in HSE, MSc in Environmental Science and IOSH certified. #94653264 Sri Lankan Male 34 BSc. (Physics) 5 years experience as a site manager and administration supervisor in Oman with valid D/L looking for a suitable position. contact 99153061 or v.chandramohan@yahoo.co.uk

6 YEARS EXPERIENCE HR/Finance Indian female[29Years] MBA. On family visa, Seeking suitable placement-93908191, email:aswathi.wnd@gmail.com Indian Female Electronics System Eng. UK Graduate. Programmer Micro Controller Robot, Eng. Analysis, Instrumentation & Control, Eng. Projects, Integrated Circuit Eng., Electrical and Fluid Drives, Analogue Electronics, Wireless Systems. Seeking suitable post.

Contact: 97848075, s.dinesh1508@gmail.com Indian, BE Mechanical Engineering with 1 yr exp as service Engineer, looking for suitable positions. Contact-90637918, E mail: aquasharath@gmail.com Senior Accountant, 5 yrs Oman, 10 yrs UAE experience in manufacturing & construction valid D/L immediately available. Email: irfan_syed2000@hotmail.com, call: 95389018 Commercial or Operation Manager 18 yrs in Oman – finance, purchase, sales, HR & Admin exp. #99044724.

E mail: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com

DRIVING

Indian male 37 YEARS, BSC COMPUTER SCIENCE having More than 8yrs of experience with well exposure in PDO, DALEEL & OXY as IT SUPPORT / DESKTOP SUPPORT ENGINEER. Seeking suitable placement.

Contact rangaraj_vck@yahoo.co.in / 968-99758320 B.Com Graduate with 4 year experience as an Accountant in Oman.

Also have Oman Driving License.

Best fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi& Malayalam. Looking for Job. Currently in Oman. #+968 93943448, murshid4u@gmail.com

MANPOWER

Diploma(Electrical Engineering) From Government polytechnic.Age 27years, 6 years Experiance in Maintenance, troubleshooting and managing and Technical in substation as a Electrical Engineer. Seek suitable placement. GSM- 92995899, (a.abbas31@gmail.com) MBA Indian male 2 years experience in firefighting & security systems sales & marketing. Seeking suitable job. Contact – 90634050 Mechanical Engineering 6 years experience. contact 00968998907110091 - 9841867534 Email:sayed.fortuner88@gmail.con

NRI

INDIAN RAILWAYS Ticket Reservation Hotel & Bus Tickets

Star Travel Sr Material controller, having 13 years experience in material controlling in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). # 00968-92944026, Email charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in

92820665 / 24711734 1 B/R - 890 S.FT fully furnished flat at Best Western Quepem.

Contact: 97094797

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

TOURS

Moon Travel L.L.C

Saudi Arabian Government approved agent

Umrah Package by Road & Air Bus Departures- Apr 19, May 03, 17 & 31.2016 Ramadan Schedule - Jun 06, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 & 30.2016 Contact: Tariq Al Balushi - 99218069 Ahmed Maseehuddin - 99353611, Oĸce: 24790746/24706217

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS Investment Required Minimum OMR 500,000 to transfer 5 Excavators big + 5 Tippers 2015 Astra, working on good profitable Excavation projects. Assured income 36 %.

98867530 / 99120532 engrfaheem@hotmail.com

A well developing, beautifully designed, villa project in Kerala needs an investor as partner. original land. clear documents. high returns guaranteed. please call 00919447433853/8086793717

MATRIMONIAL Tamil Hindu Brahmin Iyer/boy, parents invite proposal for their only son 25 yrs / 6.1 ht / B.Tech (NIT), MBA (IIM), EX- ISM student, employed MNC Bangalore star Uttira Thdhi seeks suitable alliance fom Iyer/Iyebger families.

Parents in Oman Contact: 98288925 / 92264915 30 yrs, Kottayam working in Saud Bahwan Automotive L.L.C Oman.

Contact: 93049433 / 99613914 Nair boy Alleppy dist, 25 Revathy 175 Cm, B.E Mech 3 yrs in Oman as planning Engineer seeks alliance.

Contact: 94232342

RENT A CAR

Investment opportunity for lucrative building and decorative product. Contact: 99421513 Email: borderlineomn@gmail.com We are looking for training license training business to buy.

Contact: 97100419 Email: trainingsmuscat@gmail.com

MATRIMONIAL Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman.

Contact 968 98267338, 0091 9287215726 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact 96059801.

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact: 99839898

TRANSPORTATION Transportation available on rent 10 ton Hiap Trailers.

Contact 94207475 / 95649231/ 97982842 Transportation. Contact: 95190627 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact 94087276 Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact - 99012165

RENT A CAR

Best Rates for Saloon Contact: 97869042 / 95730550 sales@modernreem.com

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTSERVICES CATERING SERVICES We do industrial catering service, Canteen / mess, 3 times packed meals and all types of catering events.

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/COMP./WEB.

Contact: 92188777 / 99249899

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

WĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů Θ BƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ăůů ŬŝŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƉĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ DĂƌďůĞ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJͬ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ϵϴϴϭϰϳϯϯ ͬϵϴϴϭϰϳϰϬ ů ,ƵƐŶ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ >͘>͘

^ Zs/ ^ tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

PALEST CONTROL TABA SERVICE LLC 100% Professional Aīordable Rate !!!

Ants, Rodent, & cleaning On monthly, Harmless & Odourless

CALL - 91464586 Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 GOOD NEWS Ayuruedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com 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

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. # 98294551 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 96236476 We do building maintenance all kind of works. Contact 99247663

House Shifting Packing. Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. #99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Split A/C servicing R.O 10 only.

Contact: 94217681 /99210141

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723 House shifting. Contact 99708138 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing.

Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. contact 24793614/ 99314807

Split & window A/c installation & maintenance specialist package & ducted units. Contact 98667326

Muscat Driving School established for over 15 years drive safe with MDS. Meet our professional friendly Instructor. Contact: 99773651 / 95840670 Sohar 26844412 Ruwi / Darsait 24781123 MGM 24399951 AL Khudh 24536348 CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC Contact: 99344723

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 Cleaning Services, Sofa, carpet shampoo old house or new house.

Contact: 92179395 All MEP & Civil shop drawings.

Contact : 93070771 Email : designjob2014@gmail.com Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130