Times of Oman - May 24, 2016

TUESDAY May 24, 2016 17 Sha’aban 1437 AH

6 085010 120010

HM SENDS GREETINGS

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Isaias Afewerki of Eritrea on the occasion of his country’s Independence Anniversary. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes of good health and happiness to President Afewerki and the people of Eritrea further progress and prosperity. -ONA

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 79

On the occasion of the 7th National Day, 1977

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ In our own region - the Gulf area - we are certain that it is vital that we and the states in the region should recognise that we must assume responsibility for our own security.

| 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

Prepare for takeoff Muscat International Airport construction to finish this year

Completed airport will be then handed over to operators, says PACA boss

‘Operational readiness’ likely to be some months after that

Turn to >A4 & 5 Photograph by ONA

MINISTRY OF MANPOWER

PRECAUTIONS

Hotline ready to take reports of mid-day break violations

Lack of safety main cause of fires

REJIMON K

MUSCAT: Failing to maintain and update fire safety equipment is one of the main causes of fires in the Sultanate, according to experts.

It is common for the number of fires to increase in summer, however, lack of safety precautions is the main reason behind fires, ac-

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Mid-day break violations can now be reported via a hotline number, according to the Ministry of Manpower.

“Violations can be reported at 80077000,” Salem Al Saadi, advisor to the Minister of Manpower, told Times of Oman.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Manpower announced that the mid-day break, for those working in open areas and elevated areas, will begin in June and continue through August.

Occupational safety In the notice, the ministry has called upon establishments and private sector institutions to abide by the provisions of Article 16 of the occupational safety and health regulations, which state that workers must not work at construction sites or in open and elevated areas from 12:30pm to 3:30pm during June, July and August.

In 2015, 391 companies were warned by the ministry for violating the mid-day break rule for outdoor workers in Oman which included 138 businesses in Amerat, 122 in Seeb, 98 in Bausher and 33 in Muttrah.

According to the Article 118 of the Oman Labour Law, violators can be penalised with fines ranging from OMR100 to OMR500, or a jail term of not more than one month, or both. The penalty is doubled for repeat violations.

In the first week of May, Al Saadi told Times of Oman that the mid-day break for workers will begin on June 1, as in previous

BREAK TIME: Construction workers at different sites in Muscat said it has become difficult for them to work in the sun.

years. Meanwhile, news reports in United Arab Emirates state that, this year, the mid-day break will begin on June 15 and end on September 16 .

Hotter than normal Jason Nicholls, a senior meteorologist at Accuweather.com, said that hotter than normal patterns will persist in the Middle East this week.

In many areas of Oman, temperatures are currently hovering around 45 degree Celsius.

Construction workers at different sites in Muscat said it has become difficult for them to work in the sun.

“It seems this time the summer will be worse. A few minutes in the sun drains our energy,” said Ravi Kumar, an expatriate construction worker in Ruwi.

Mohammed Aslam, another construction worker in Al Khuwair, along with his friends,added that they become dehydrated very quickly and are fearful about the heat during the coming days.

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REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com

cording to Oman-based insurers.

“Out of the 11 fire incident claims settled in 2015, we can say that nine were debatable claims,in which the insured had not followed safety precautions,” Philip K Philip, group chief executive officer of the Muscat Insurance Company and Muscat Life Assurance Company, told Times of Oman. “We have seen several

cases of lack of safety. We advise the party to have all safety precautions in place before insuring their property. However, we can’t say no to their claim when they approach us after an accident,” Philip added.

Recently, a series of fires have occurred in different warehouses and industrial areas in Oman, damaging property and goods worth thousands of rials.>A6

A2

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

OMAN

The visit of the Indian naval ships to the Gulf region, including Muscat, underscores India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries in the Gulf region, and strengthens the bonds of friendship between India and Oman Indra Mani Pandey, India’s ambassador to Oman

Waste to fuel water desalination Energy produced by

IN NUMBERS

More than 1.85 million tonnes of municipal waste

More than 317 dump sites.

9 transfer stations

4 landfills

1,284 vehicles and other equipment

6,466 workers

46 per cent food and plastic waste

plants using solid waste as fuel could

BABA UMAR

be used to desalinate water, officials said

BABA UMAR

babaumar@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman plans to desalinate ocean water using solid municipal waste as fuel, senior officials of the Sultanate’s waste management agency said.

“Our study says by using 2,100 tonnes of solid waste per day we can produce 18 million cubic metres of water per annum. That’s 30 per cent of the capacity of all existing desalination operational plants in Oman,” Shaikh Mohammed Sulaiman Al Harthy, Executive Vice President, Strategic Development Be’ah, told Times of Oman on the sidelines the first Oman Waste and Environmental Services Exhibition and Conference (OWES).

“Our studies say we could desalinate water with the energy that we get out of the waste energy plants. It’s a simple concept. The energy you get out of there you put into a reverse osmosis process where you desalinate water,” said Al Harthy of Be’ah, which is responsible for solid waste management in Oman. He added that nearly all studies have been completed, with the final study being “almost ready”.

“We are revealing it at this point and it looks promising,” Al Harthy told Times of Oman, adding, “We are talking to concerned authorities to see how we could take it forward.”

Inadequate records, laws Speaking about the solid waste management problem in the Sultanate, several experts stressed the need for a shift from traditional

Power, water demand expected to rise sharply

land disposal to Waste-to-Energy efforts and creating a national database of solid and industrial waste.

“There is no set regulation.

There is no correct national database on waste. We could export waste, but we need to know the cost involved. Our waste is rich in energy and could be used for energy production,” said Ali Al-Alawi, senior corporate environment advisor, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).

“We must utilise energy concepts, as Oman is facing a natural gas shortage,” he noted.

In his speech, Mahad Baawain, Director of the Centre of Environment Studies and Research, Sultan Qaboos University, called for advanced research and development to support the business of municipal solid waste (MSW) management.

“MSW should be looked at as a non-conventional resource and be part of a national integrated business market,” he said.

Stressing the need to minimise waste, the speakers agreed that Oman faces inadequate data and records about waste, insufficient laws and regulations, and inadequate numbers of experienced waste management staff.

babaumar@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Demand for power in Oman is expected to grow by almost 10 per cent per year until 2019, while the Sultanate’s annual growth rate for desalinated water will be 13 per cent by 2021, officials of government-owned Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) say.

“We are forecasting that this year we will still continue to grow (the power demand) at 8 per cent. We are a little bit cautious… we have lowered the forecast, given that we have not seen changes in the subsidy policy yet,” Ahmed Saleh Al Jahdami, CEO, Oman Power, told a gathering on Monday.

“We have also recently signed on to the new capacity Sohar and Ibri power projects that will generate 3,200 MW of electricity, in aggregate,” he said.

Al Jahdami was speaking at the second Oman Energy, Water Exhibition and Conference, and the first Oman Waste and Environmental Services Exhibition and Conference (OWES), at the Oman International Exhibition Center.

The three-day exhibition and conference was inaugurated by the Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs, Mohammed bin Salim bin Said Al Toobi, along with Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Mahrouqi, Chairman, Public Authority for Electricity and Water.

Al Jahdami said that huge growth is also being witnessed in the water sector. He noted that all water desalination is performed by the private sector.

However, there are two government owned-companies “which

OPENING CEREMONY: The second Oman Energy, Water Exhibition and Conference, and the first Oman Waste and Environmental Services Exhibition and Conference, began at the Oman International Exhibition Center Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs, Mohammed bin Salim bin Said Al Toobi, along with Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Mahrouqi, Chairman, Public Authority for Electricity and Water. - Talib Al Wahaibi

are going to be phased out by 2018, hopefully.”

“In water, we have seen increasing demand, and this will continue,” he said, adding that more projects will be commissioned in the coming years to desalinate some 300,000 cubic meters of water per day by 2021.

Also, he said, there are immense challenges as Oman Power has been told that it consumes some 25 per cent of the national gas requirement in Oman.

Earlier, Oman’s environment and climate affairs minister called for “innovative” technology to improve energy and water supplies in the Sultanate.

“More than 100 companies are participating in the exhibition, which is an achievement.

Some of the modern technologies are being showcased for the first time. The conference

should aim to focus on creating more jobs in the energy and power fields,” he said, adding, “The conference needs to address loss of water and electricity issues, ways to improve energy, water conservation, as well as usage.”

Deals signed Meanwhile, in his speech, the Chief Economist of Oman Investment Fund, Fabio Scacciavillani, stressed the need to benefit from the growth of some Asian and African economies.

He called for taking advantage of the geo-strategic position of Oman, located between growing India, China and Africa.

New deals were also signed between Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and PAEW, and between PDO and Nama

Group, to improve the security and reliability of the Sultanate’s electricity network.

PDO is the major exploration and production company, accounting for almost 70 percent of the country’s crude-oil production and nearly all of its natural-gas supply.

“The agreement will establish a framework for a more efficient and coordinated national electricity grid by integrating the existing networks,” said PDO’s managing director, Raoul Restucci.

Some 150 local and international power, water and waste management companies from 15 countries, including UK, France, Iran, India, Germany, Italy and Malaysia, are displaying various products, technologies and services related to water and power usage.

F R I E N D LY P R E S E N C E

Indian Navy ships in Oman to underscore solidarity

GOODWILL VISIT: Three Indian naval ships, INS Deepak, INS Tarkash and INS Delhi, under the command of Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding Indian Navy’s Western Fleet arrived in Muscat on Saturday. -Shabin E

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: India’s navy is ready to help train Omani sailors, a visiting admiral pledged.

“We are always open to requests from Oman to train its sailors in different areas, depending on the facilities we have,” Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, told Times of Oman.

According to Singh, some 150 Omani sailors are trained by India every year.

“We have provided training for Omani sailors in gunnery, navigation and mechanical engineering, hydrography, diving, training management, logistics management and dockyard management, to mention just a few,” Singh added.

Three Indian naval ships, Deepak, Tarkash and Delhi, under the command of Singh, arrived in Muscat on Saturday.

The ships are part of the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command, based at Mumbai, and are on a month-long deployment in the region, in a bid to improve bilateral ties with friendly regional navies.

Indra Mani Pandey, the Indian ambassador to Oman, said that the visit of the Indian naval ships to

the Gulf region, including Muscat, underscores India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries in the Gulf region, and strengthens the bonds of friendship between India and Oman.

Combating piracy “The Indian Navy plays a vital role in combating piracy and terrorism, in addition to providing humanitarian assistance in the region,” the Indian ambassador added.

INS Tarkash was sent to Yemen to evacuate 7,000 stranded people when civil war broke out.

“We were able to evacuate people, Indians and other nationals, when the civil war broke out in the country,” INS Tarksh Captain Pradeep Singh said.

Additionally, Pradeep Singh said that there have been no piracy incidents reported in the region, and if the situation continues, India might consider reducing the frequency of their patrols.

The Indian Navy has close and friendly ties with the navies of the Gulf region, and has been regularly conducting exercises with many of them. It has also been providing training and hydrographic support to several navies in the region.

The involvement of Indian na-

val ships in combating piracy off the coast of Somalia, since October 2008, has further strengthened bilateral ties and interactions with navies in the region.

Bilateral relations between India and Oman were formally established with the signing of the 1953 Indo-Oman Treaty of Friendship, Navigation and Commerce.

Later, the MoU on Defence Cooperation, signed in December 2005, provided the framework for defence cooperation between the two countries.

India and Oman are also members of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a voluntary and co-operative initiative among 35 countries of the Indian Ocean Region, which has served as a forum for sharing information and promoting cooperation on maritime issues.

The Indian ambassador also said that the India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee, set up in 2006, has been providing direction for increased defence cooperation.

“The biennial naval exercise ‘Naseem Al-Bahr’ has enhanced inter-operability between the two navies. The last joint naval exercise, off the Indian coast in February 2016, was a great success,” the ambassador added.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

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A look at the class XII board results of Indian schools in Oman reveals

TOP SCORES IN CBSE CLASS XII Girls outsmarted their male counterparts in the examinations. Girls study more than boys and spend more time on homework and it helps them to be on top in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) class XII examinations, teachers say.

that girls have consistently fared better than their

Girls

Boys

Indian School Muscat 14 girls

100%

2 boys

100%

male peers

Indian School Seeb RAHUL DAS

rahuldas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Girls have outsmarted the boys to grab top marks in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams, results of which were announced on Saturday.

At Indian School Muscat, 16 students scored 100 per cent in sculpture, psychology, computer science, engineering, graphics and chemistry. Out of this group, 14 are girls and two are boys.

At Indian School Seeb, Jane Saldanha topped the school with an aggregate 96.2 per cent and an A1 in all subjects. Ayisha Thasnima was second with 94 per cent and Anagha Suresh third with 93.6 per cent.

All of them are girls.

Also at Indian School Darsait, the topper of biology, chemistry and computer science was a girl, Aishwarya Gayathri, according to Dr. Sridevi P. Thashnath, Principal of Indian School Darsait.

In the commerce stream at ISD, Vigneshwar Arul Selvan secured the first position with 92 per cent, followed by Jesbi Suja Babu, a girl, with 89.6 per cent, while Lino Cherian Binoy grabbed the third position with 89.4 per cent, according to results.

At Indian School Ghubra, Gayatri Mainkar and Karthik Girish earned 96.4 per cent and topped the list in the science stream.

The top position in the commerce stream was, again, taken by a girl, Gayathri Venkatanarayanan who earned 95.6 per cent.

At Indian School Muladha, Ashisha Ann Saji, another girl, clinched the top position in the

Jane Saldanha

96.2%

Ayisha Thasnima

94.0%

Anagha Suresh

93.6%

Indian School Darsait Vigneshwar Arul Selvan

92.0%

Jesbi Suja Babu

89.6%

Lino Cherian Binoy

89.4%

Indian School Ghubrah Gayatri Mainkar

96.4%

Karthik Girish

96.4%

Gayathri Venkatanarayanan

95.6%

Indian School Muladha Ashisha Ann Saji

94.4%

Umair Asif Siddiqui

92.8%

Neelima Vinod

92.8%

Indian School Sohar Swapnil Gupta Jowan M. Jomon Source: CBSE

95.8% 86.0% Graphics

commerce stream with an aggregate score of 94.4 per cent.

However, in the science stream the first position is shared by a boy, Umair Asif Siddiqui, and a girl, Neelima Vinod, with an aggregate score of 92.8 per cent.

“Girls are sincere here and they take studying very seriously,” S I Shareef, Principal of Indian

School Muladha, told Times of Oman. He added that most of these students’ parents had also been enrolled in this school and now belong to the middle class.

“So the girls know the importance of their studies and they study very hard,” S I Shareef said.

At Indian School Muladha, 33 students in the science stream appeared for their exams, of which 25 were girls and eight boys, while in the commerce stream 47 students have appeared, of which 25 are girls.

Indian School Wadi Kabir, however, is the only school to have students who top in both the science and commerce streams in Oman in class XII Board Examinations. Of the 120 students of the science stream in Indian School Wadi Kabir, Vishaal Udandarao has topped the list of successful candidates with an aggregate of 98 per cent.

Of the 122 students of the commerce stream, a girl, Keziah stood first with 96 per cent aggregate.

Meanwhile, at Indian School Salalah the top honours were shared between a boy and girl.

While Rubin Jacob topped in the science stream, Subha topped in the commerce stream.

At Indian School Sohar, however, the boys swept all the awards.

In the science stream, Swapnil Gupta scored 95.8 per cent, and in the commerce stream Jowan M. Jomon scored 86 per cent to stand first.

Several reasons Teachers say that there are several reasons why girls out-perform their male counterparts in the examinations. “First, girls read more than boys. Secondly, girls spend more time on homework and are every methodical and sincere, which helps them during examinations,” said a teacher.

Students who have excelled, however, are very happy. “It feels great to score good marks. All my hard work has paid off,” one of them said.

Similar is the case of Indian School Nizwa where all the toppers were girls.

Prerna Barik got the highest with 94.8 per cent overall and is the topper for the academic session 2015-16, closely followed by Reshna Reji with 86.6 per cent in the second position and Manahil Ameen with 84.4 per cent in the third position.

EMPLOYMENT SYSTEM

Just seven more days to go for e-registration of job contracts Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Only seven more days are left for second, third and fourth-grade establishments to register their job contracts via an electronic employment system on the Ministry of Manpower’s website.

The deadline is June 1.

An e-employment contract, as it is called, is a system developed by the ministry for the national workforce to speed the process of employment.

Company representatives and job seekers will not need to visit the ministry to complete the process, but can submit paper work electronically.

“The company won’t need to come to the ministry to sign a contract, as well as bring the job seeker to do so,” a senior Ministry of Manpower official said earlier.

Sent electronically “When the employer and job seeker agrees on things, such as benefits and wages, the contract will be sent electronically to the job seeker, where he can approve, depending on the case. The contract will then go back to the employer for his approval and, thereafter, to the ministry, where it will be saved in the system,” he explained.

Further, private sector establishments can register contracts and pay fees electronically via the ministry website. An establishment and jobseeker must activate

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Girls beat boys at Indian school board exams

the electronic attestation before the final step can be carried out.

Registration for first, excellent, international and consultant grade job seekers began on March 1.

The ministry stressed that they will not accept, nor receive employment contracts by hand, at any of the ministry outlets after the deadlines have passed.

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INVEST EASY

Ministry takes serious note of fake bank statements FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A number of fake bank statements provided by investors were spotted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, according to a media statement made by the ministry.

The Ministry stated that companies submitting fake statements exploited the assistance provided by the ministry through the commercial registration services, known as Invest Easy.

The ministry also pointed out that specialists at the ministry checked the authenticity of bank certificates of some companies, in cooperation with the banking sector, and found a number of fake bank statements.

The ministry referred the violating companies to the authorities for further legal actions.

The ministry seeks, through its electronic services, to assist and DRAFT PENAL CODE

State Council session today MUSCAT: State Council will discuss draft Omani Penal Code, referred by Council of Ministers and reports of Majlis Al Shura and Legal Committee today.

Reports from members on their foreign participation besides incoming letters and the report of Secretariat General on its activities of during the period between 7th and 8th sessions will be discussed tomorrow.

The discussions will be held at the State Council’s 9th and 10th regular sittings of the first annual session of its 6th term under chair of Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of State Council.

In response to the Royal orders, State Council and Majlis will hold a joint sitting on Thursday under chairmanship of Dr. Mantheri to consider and approve articles over which there is disagreement between the two councils on proposed amendments to drafts of income tax, foreign investment and insurance firm laws. -ONA

The ministry confirmed it will not hesitate to refer offenders to authorities, while calling upon all firms, establishments and investors to provide accurate and reliable data, to avoid any legal consequences

speed procedures for all investors and entrepreneurs by connecting other government systems through one window, Invest Easy.

The one window service contains all data and information about businesses and institutional records in the Sultanate, and is considered the main source for all trade data.

The one window service is the fastest method to process paper work for investors.

The ministry uses several pro-

cedures to check the credibility of companies’ registered records and data through Invest Easy, where all bank certificates and other data are reviewed before the issuance of new licences, and even when renewing licences.

The ministry confirmed that it will not hesitate to refer offenders to the authorities, while calling upon all companies, establishments and investors to provide accurate and reliable data, in order to avoid any legal consequences.

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TIMES O F O MAN

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

AIRPORT SPECIAL

91% WORK OF MUSCAT AIRPORT COMPLETE

MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT KEY FACTS

Passenger terminal will include 10 luggage handling belts:

10

8

Parking international flights

For staff

Open

2

domestic flights

Covered

406 2,262 2,054

33 airlines in 2016

Source: Oman Airports Management Company | Ministry of Transport and Communications | National Centre for Statistics & Information

Two terminals have also been built to accommodate heavy aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 considering the number of passengers these aircraft carry

TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: With the ambitious goal of becoming one of the top 20 airports in the world, the new Muscat international airport terminal is more than 90 per cent complete and passengers could be using it as early as next year.

Dr. Mohammad Al Zaabi, CEO of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation said, “After completion, the airport will be handed over to the operating companies such as Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC), Oman Air and Royal Oman Police.”

“No doubt that they have a work plan called “operational readi-

ness” and the airport will be operational after that. It is known worldwide that it takes six months (to complete), “Be we can’t jump the gun and say exactly when the airport will be operational because it is a huge project packed with modern technology which needs training and familiarisation which takes time; so the airport will need to be operated according to standards.”

The 580,000 square metre airport has the Level of Service A according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) standard which means it can accommodate 12 million passengers up to a maximum of 18 million without any expansion and pro-

vide the optimum level of comfort for passengers using the airport.

“There is a study with the OAMC about the future expansions done in phases for future passenger intakes. For the first expansion phase the airport can take in 24 million, then 36 million and finally 48 million passengers,” said Al Zaabi.

Two terminals have also been built to accommodate heavy aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 while considering the amount of passengers each aircraft carries.

When asked whether the airport can handle large aircraft, Al Zaabi said, “The airport was designed to receive the biggest and most modern aircraft. In 2014 we opened the new runway which is 4km long and 75m wide.”

“This runway is up to international standards and in fact several large aircraft have landed in Muscat, especially the Airbus A380,” he added. Al Zaabi ended by saying that they are aiming for Muscat International Airport to be among the top twenty airports in the world according to the strategy announced by OAMC.

Flights per year

94,920 2015 50,000

Existing routes

100 km Sea of Oman

Routes of airlines landing in Muscat

1975 14,264

0

UAE

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Muscat

T I M E S OF OMAN

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

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New airport to boost economy of the Sultanate TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The new Muscat International Airport opening will have a positive effect on the Sultanate’s economy.

While the new airport will be able to take in 12 million passengers a year, and can be expanded to up to 48 million passengers per year, Dr. Ahmed Mohammad Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, believes that the airport would contribute to boosting Oman’s economy.

“Operating the new airport will form a touristic and economic value; especially with the Sultanate heading towards economic diversification which important projects like these will drive it to accomplish,” said Al Futaisi. “Oman’s new airports will supplement the national economy and attract more investments in the Sultanate,” he added.

Al Futaisi also lauded the workforce’s efforts. He thanked more than 20,000 men and women including contractors, counselors and supervisors for their achievements in almost completing the third stage of the airport.

The new Muscat International Airport terminal will have 118 check-in counters

for both international and domestic flights and 82 immigration counters, including areas for duty free, retail stores, restaurants and cafés.

The airport is equipped with 40 gates for both departing and arriving passengers and 29 waiting lounges. 16 additional waiting lounges have been constructed for passengers being transported to aircraft by bus when necessary.

Two new gates have been added to accommodate big aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 considering the amount of passengers each aircraft carries in one go.

There are 10 belts in baggage claim with eight of them for international flights and two for domestic.

The new arrival area will allow public access to restaurants, cafés and retail stores while they wait for their friends or family to arrive as well as giving them a top-down view of passengers claiming their bags from one of the 10 belts.

The 68,000 square metres – 5 level parking area in the north of the airport will be able to hold 1,100 vehicles while the 67,000 square metres parking area will be able to accommodate around 1,200 vehicles.

– ONA/Jun Estrada

Layout

Sea of Oman

1 km

12,000,000

Passengers per year

10,314,449

Existing New

Nizwa

Muscat

New roads were built to connect the new terminal with the existing road network

Modern, spacious airport with a tinge of Omani tradition TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Looking at the new Muscat International Airport from the outside makes you forget the old, outdated airport.

Simply speaking, the new airport looks modern and up-to-date, and will definitely be among the top 20 airports in the world by 2020.

Just walking in, you can feel a sense of relief and comfort because of the vast space. It is no longer tight and cluttered, and the feeling of being crowded has been lessened. In simpler terms, the new airport is a massive castle, while the old one is a three bedroom villa.

The modern architecture, infused with Omani culture, would surely awe passengers approaching the check-in counters, as large pylons are arched, simulating the arches of the palm tree. The airport also makes use of Omani-made

products, such as Omani marble decorating the walls, while imported granite tiles grace the floor.

Heading to immigration after the check-in area, passengers will be greeted by ROP officials at new counters.

The counters are not only new, but look cleaner and more refined – the difference between day and night compared to the current counters at the old airport.

I believe, for the first few months - or even years - passengers will still look around the airport to absorb the new concept, coupled with modern technology.

The airport tries to keep Omani heritage alive. On the way to the gates, passengers will notice, below the automatic walkways, a blue neon light along the walkway with large rocks and plants to simulate Oman’s wadis – the Sultanate’s natural swimming pools.

Passenger lounges, located near

the gates, are a welcome addition, since some passengers do not wish to go through the gate before it’s time to board, and would rather wait outside or walk around the terminal before it is time to leave.

The ramps that connect the aircraft to the terminal are made to have one walkway split into two; one for business class passengers and the other for economy. This will make boarding and disembarking more efficient and quicker.

The new arrival area, however, takes the prize, because the public can wait for friends or family inside the airport, while taking advantage of the facilities, such as restaurants, cafés and retail shops, while looking down from above to spot loved ones collecting their baggage.

Apart from the old-meets-new architecture and modern technology that the airport boasts, it has quite a relaxing, welcoming and homely atmosphere.

5,000,000 5,751,516 2010

2015

Expected

0

Aircraft remote stands

10

The biggest aircraft can come Airbus 380 & Boeing 747 will be able to land at the new airport

Airbus 380

Boeing 747

Airbus 320 Graphics

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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

OMAN

Located above the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort’s Mokha Café, the Eco Centre will also host ‘Turtle Talk’ and a host of fun activities for children

‘Big Give Challenge’ winners announced

#OMANPRIDE

Pre-Ramadan party for young cancer patients DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com

CONTEST: Award for the ‘Best Idea’ went to Baader bil Atta (Step up to give), ‘Best Publicity Awareness’ went to Ila Al Jannah Ma’an (Together to heaven), Best Project Implementation went to Akfilhum wa’ Asadhum (Assure them, and make them happy), and award for the most funds raised went to Madad group. — Photo by O.K. Mohammed Ali

Dar Al Atta’a awarded the winners and participants of the fifth season of the event at the ShangriLa’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd Al Said

HONOURED: In total, 15 teams took part in the competition, whose aim is to create voluntary groups

in local universities and colleges. — Photo by O.K. Mohammed Ali

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Local charity Dar Al Atta’a awarded the winners and participants of the fifth season of the ‘Big Give Competition’ at the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd Al Said last night.

Award for the ‘Best Idea’ went to Baader bil Atta (Step up to give), ‘Best Publicity Awareness’ went to Ila Al Jannah Ma’an (Together to heaven), Best Project Implementation went to Akfilhum wa’ Asadhum (Assure them, and make them happy), and award for the most funds raised went

to Madad group which collected OMR5,750. In total, this year’s challenge raised OMR31,985. In total, 15 teams took part in the competition, whose aim is to create voluntary groups in local universities and colleges. These groups would eventually compete with one another in creating innovative project ideas to generate donations, which will then support the programs held by Dar Al Atta. Out of the total number of teams, only nine qualified to the final level.

There were two teams each from the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and Nizwa University, and one each from the Higher College of Technology, Waljat College

of Applied Sciences (WCAS) and Mazoon University College.

All teams were given training courses that introduced them with the aim of the competition and its rules. The participants were also supported on the planning and implementation of their projects, this was done in collaboration with Injaz Oman and Shell Oman Marketing Company.

All the winners will be awarded with a course with Outward Bound Oman (OBO), which will help them develop leadership skills that will benefit them in their lives and career. OBO course are conducted in the wild, not under ACs in classrooms but in the mountains, deserts and wadis.

MUSCAT: Ice cream cones, popcorn, arts and crafts, balloons, soap bubbles and more, brought smiles to the faces of young cancer patients children at Royal Hospital during a pre-Ramadan party held in the oncology ward yesterday.

Some 10 children from the ward were treated to a colourful gathering, which was organised by ‘I Wish’, a charity organisation in Muscat, along with the Royal Hospital and W.J. Towell.

The event was held in a playroom.

Volunteers came from the hospital staff, W.J. Towell and the ‘I Wish’ charity to assist in the celebrations.

The room was decorated with balloons, art works and colourful wallpaper.

Occasionally, soap bubbles would also light up the faces of the children. Ice cream cones, drinks, popcorn and face painting were available for the children to enjoy.

There are 26 children in the ward, all of whom are being treated for cancer, and some of them are also terminally ill. All the children have their mothers living with them, except child who has his father living with him in the ward.

Oncology ward The ‘I Wish’ charity, which is run

by Karen Van de Ruit and Puja Khimji, was started three years ago. All of their charity work involves the oncology ward at Royal Hospital.

“We wanted to do something more personal, rather than huge events, and we initially started because we wanted to grant big wishes. But most of the kids here are very much in their wards, so they have limited knowledge about the outside world.

“We have become the iPad ladies now- because the kids only ask for iPads, phones, PSPs and similar items,” added Khimji. The charity has been working with the young cancer patients for three years, and over the years has built a relationship with the children and hospital staff.

“We try and hold maybe two

parties every year, pre-Ramadan and Eid, and last year we also had a part on National Day, and next month we will have Nelson Mandela day here. It’s hard to enter wards, but we have built a relationship here for three years, so they trust us,” she added.

“We are like Fairy Godmothers to the children, so we come and ask them what they wish for, and two days later we return with the items and fulfill their wishes. Most of our donations come from the community, and this year, Towell has kindly agreed to partner with us for this,” added Van de Ruit.

“The staff members at the ward are trying to educate the children by showing them films and videos about the outside world, hoping that they might ‘wish’ for an experience the next time, instead of an item,” Van de Ruit added.

At the end of the party, children received goody bags filled with chocolates, balloons, colouring books and other items.

“As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, we have different programs during the year.

One type is for sustainable development, which lasts for three to eight years, and some are continuous charity programmes, like this one,” said Ali Abdul Hussain Shaban, General Manager, Systems and Resources Management at W.J. Towell.

“We signed a long term contract with the Ministry of Health three years ago to support cancer patients from low income groups who cannot afford certain types of food or equipment they need.

Today, I just asked my team to provide this ward with a small theatre so they can watch movies and be entertained. With these events we will be able to understand their needs better and plan for how to provide for them next year,” he added.

Maryam bint Issa Al Zadjali said that she was overwhelmed to see the engagement of the students in the competition and their enthusiasm in the voluntary work.

Brilliant thoughts “The creativity in executing the projects and seeing how well it impacted the participants thoughts and personalities was brilliant. I wish them success and hope that this competition is their first step in achieving much more in their lives.

“Our deepest gratitude goes to everyone who contributed in the success of this competition no matter how small or big was it.” she said.

NOBLE CAUSE: Some 10 children from the ward were treated to a colourful gathering, which was organised by ‘I Wish’, a charity organisation in Muscat, along with the Royal Hospital and W.J. Towell. — Photo by Deeba Hasan

W O R L D T U R T L E D AY

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

A1 ‘Fire a major challenge for < FROM

establishments in Oman’

Last Friday, three fires were reported in Oman in a 24-hour period, and on Wednesday, goods worth OMR165,000 were destroyed when a fire engulfed four warehouses in Al Ansab.

According to an official from The New India Assurance office in Muscat, improved fire safety precautions could be adopted, in the interest of all concerned.

“In most cases, it has been observed that electrical wiring and cables were not tested or checked in a routine manner.

Poor quality cable materials are used, which leads to such incidents. Professional and qualified technical contractors are not engaged for installing electrical works or repairing the faults,” the official at The New India Assurance said.

“There are cases where a single socket is used by many people for charging mobile, TV, audio, and more by using an extension cord, thereby increasing the load, which heats up, causing fire in the vicinity and extends all over,” the official said.

Further, according to the official, in 2015 the firm received 71 claim intimations under the fire and property insurance policy.

“The fire incidents under the property policy mostly occurred in the porta-cabins used for workers’ accommodations in various sites throughout Oman. The causes were mainly stated to be “short-circuit” in the air-conditioners, switches, electrical panels, and other areas. Overall, this is a bad risk for insuring, since it easily catches fire, even due to minor sparks, short-circuits and prevailing temperatures,” the official added.

In March, Colonel Said Al Asmi, assistant general manager for operations at the Royal Oman Police (ROP), said that fire threats remain a major challenge for establishments in Oman, especially in summer.

“The unorganised and poorly marked storage of cables and inflammable materials in many buildings raise the risk of damage by fire,” he said.

Meanwhile, another official

at New India Assurance said to avoid fires, good housekeeping practices have to be implemented and maintained at all times.

“Adequate numbers of firefighting appliances, as recommended by the civil defence department, are installed and maintained in operating condition at all times in the insured premises,and in such a manner that they are easily accessible when needed,” the official said.

“Materials should not be kept near electrical panels, switch boards or live electrical wires, and periodic inspections of the electrical cabling and wirings should be done.”

The official added that congestion caused by stock and storing items up to roof heights should be avoided, while stock should be stored at least six inches above ground level.

According to a report by the National Centre for Statistics and Information, a fire is reported every three hours in the country, and 23 per cent of all fires are reported in residential areas.

Eco Centre opens at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Times News Service MUSCAT: A new eco centre was opened on Monday, coinciding with World Turtle Day 2016, at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa. Dirk Salzsieder, Resident Manager, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort, said the eco centre is a dedicated area to explore and learn about the natural eco system in Oman, which will remain open for guests and visitors. “This eco centre will create an awareness among the public,” he noted. The centre was inaugurated by Najeeb Al Rawas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, in the presence of resort residents, invited guests and children from Our Planet School in Madinat Qaboos. Located above the resort’s Mokha Café, the Eco Centre will also host “Turtle Talk” and a host of fun activities for children.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

A7

OMAN Fahd receives Chinese official

W O R L D H U M A N I TA R I A N S U M M I T

Alawi takes part in Turkey summit ISTANBUL: Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah participated in the meetings of the World Humanitarian Summit, yesterday.

Some 70 presidents and their representatives and a number of international organisations are taking part in the summit. The summit aims to set a new strategy for humanitarian work in light of A P R I L D ATA

Sultanate records .76% inflation BOOST TO TIES: Sayyid Fahd hailed the strong relations between the two friendly countries, stemming from the historic ties binding them. – ONA

During the meeting, the Chinese official conveyed greetings and best wishes of President Xi Jinping and the leadership in the People’s Republic of China to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said

MUSCAT: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers received yesterday Wang Yong, State Councillor and Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China.

During the meeting, the Chinese official conveyed greetings and best wishes of President Xi Jinping and the leadership in the People’s Republic of China to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, his government and the Omani people further welfare and prosperity.

Sayyid Fahd hailed the strong relations between the two friendly countries, stemming from the

historic ties binding them. Sayyid Fahd also commended the remarkable progress being witnessed by the joint cooperation, which depicts the keenness of both sides to work for the interests of the two peoples.

In turn, the Chinese guest reviewed policies of his country, which focus on the domestic economic building and opening foreign investment spheres. He expressed his pride and that of his accompanying delegation for visiting the Sultanate due to its positive effects in terms of strengthening the relations and exchanging views on a number of matters. He

praised the good global position which the Sultanate enjoys under its wise leadership, as well as its constructive role in the regional and international issues.

He stressed the importance of the talks he conducts with officials in the Sultanate, as the talks will reflect positively at the level of cooperation between the two sides.

Conversation during the meeting dealt with means of enhancing investment and trade and economic exchange, as well as means of activating the agreement signed between the two countries, besides the cooperation, usufruct, and development agreement to build the Sino-Omani Industrial City in Duqm, which is considered as a qualitative shift in the joint cooperation, due to its contributions in supporting the transport and trade movement. The meeting reviewed a number of other areas of importance to the two countries.

Sayyid Fahd asked the guest to convey greetings and best wishes of His Majesty the Sultan to the President and the Leadership in China, and the Chinese people further progress. -ONA

MUSCAT: Oman recorded a 0.76 per cent rise in inflation in April, 2016 compared with figures for March 2016, while average year-on-year inflation for the January-April period increased by 0.44 per cent compared with last year, according to the latest report by the National Centre for Statistics & Information.

Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels saw prices increase by 0.58 per cent in April compared with the previous month, while food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 0.32 per cent. Among the latter, bread & cereals prices went down by 0.89 per cent, while fish and seafood declined by 6.96 per cent. Meat, on the other hand logged a price rise of 0.02 per cent.

Milk, cheese & eggs, and oils & fats prices fell 0.63 per cent and 0.15 per cent respectively in April. Vegetables and fruits, however, turned costlier by 8.13 per cent and 2.61 per cent respectively compared with March prices.

Sugar, jam, honey & confectionary set logged a price rise of 0.30 per cent while other food products fell by 0.12 per cent. -ONA

the increasing catastrophes and crisis witnessed worldwide.

The summit also aims to set effective policies for the emergency cases and a report would be submitted by the UN Secretary General to the General Assembly on the conclusion of the summit.

Seven round-table meetings and 15 sessions would be held besides 120 activities on the sidelines of the meetings.

On the opening day of the summit, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon gave a speech presenting five proposals to get rid of the humanitarian crisis the world suffers from.

Oman is participating by a delegation comprising representatives from the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Social Development, the NHRC and the Foreign Ministry. —ONA

A8

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

REGION

What we need to understand is this is an incident that could have taken place anywhere.

Aviation incidents happen, unfortunately Yehia Rashed, Egypt’s Tourism Minister

Bombs kill 150, injure 200 in Syria IS group claimed responsibility for the attacks in the cities of Jableh and Tartous on Syria’s Mediterranean coast

BEIRUT: Bomb blasts killed nearly 150 people and wounded at least 200 in Jableh and Tartous on Syria’s Mediterranean coast on Monday in the government-controlled territory that hosts Russian military bases, monitors and state media said.

IS claimed responsibility for the attacks in the cities that have up to now escaped the worst of the violence in the five-year-old conflict, saying it was targeting members of President Bashar Al Assad’s Alawite minority.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 148 people were killed in attacks by at least five suicide bombers and two devices planted in cars. State media had said 78 people had been killed in what is Assad’s coastal heartland. The attacks were the first of their kind in Tartous, capital of Tartous province and home to a Russian naval facility, and in Jableh in Latakia province, near a Russian-operated air base.

The Kremlin said the bomb blasts underscored the need to press ahead with Geneva peace talks after the collapse of a February 27 ceasefire in April due to intensifying violence in a war that has killed at least 250,000 people.

“This demonstrates yet again just how fragile the situation in Syria is. And this one more time underscores the need for new urgent steps to continue the negotiating process,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with journalists.

Russian President Vladimir

DEVASTATED: Flames billowing at the scene of multiple bombings in the city of Tartus northwest of Damascus on Monday. Right: Syrian army soldiers and civilians inspect the damage after the explosions. Below: Syrians gather at the site of multiple bombings in the northern coastal city of Jableh and Syrian army soldiers inspect the damage in the city of Tartous. – SANA/Handout via AFP and Reuters

Putin reiterated his readiness to fight with the Syrian government against “the terrorist threat” and sent his condolences to Assad, the Kremlin said. The Syrian foreign ministry sent a letter to the United Nations, state television reported, saying the blasts were a “dangerous escalation by the hostile and extremist regimes”.

UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon condemned the attacks and a spokesman said Ban took “note with great concern of the escalating military activity in many areas in and around Damascus”.

One of the four blasts in Jableh happened when a man walked into a hospital emergency department and blew himself up.

Another blast was at a bus station. The Tartous bombs also targeted a bus station, the Observatory and state media said.

Younes Hassan, a doctor working at the Jableh hospital, said he heard an explosion at the bus station, followed less than a minute later by the blast at the hospital.

“Everything went into emergency mode, wounded people began arriving,” he told Reuters by

phone. The Tartous explosions also occurred in quick succession, no more than 10 seconds apart, a driver at the bus station said. “People began running but didn’t know which direction to go, cars were on fire, there was blood and bodies on the ground,” Nizar Hamade said.

Footage broadcast by the staterun Ikhbariya news channel showed several twisted and burntout cars and minivans.

IS claimed the attacks in a statement posted online by the group’s Amaq news agency, saying its fighters had targeted “gatherings of Alawites”.

Syria’s Information Minister Omran Al Zoubi said in an interview with Ikhbariya that terrorists were resorting to bomb attacks against civilians instead of fighting on the front lines, and vowed to keep battling them.

The government refers to all insurgents fighting against it in the conflict as terrorists.

The Observatory said an area of Tartous hosting internally displaced Syrians near a blast site was briefly attacked by government supporters in reaction to

the bombings. Some tents were burned but nobody was killed.

Tartous governor Safwan Abu Saadah told Reuters that reports on social media about refugees being shot and tents being burned down were not true. He said some Tartous residents had gone to refugee areas to protect them from possible attacks.

“Two days ago some camps in Tartous province experienced fires because of electrical problems ... today’s reports that people burned (these camps) are not true. Nobody would turn against our guests in this way,” Abu Saadah said.

Bombings in the capital Damascus and western city of Homs this year killed dozens of people and were also claimed by IS, which is fighting against government forces and their allies in some areas, and separately against its rival Al Qaeda and other insurgent groups.

Latakia city, which is north of Jableh and capital of the province, has been targeted on a number of occasions by bombings and insurgent rocket attacks, including late last year. — Reuters

OFFENSIVE

RECONSTRUCTION

Iraqi forces clash with IS militants near Falluja BAGHDAD: Iraqi government forces fought IS militants near Falluja on Monday and bombarded central districts at the outset of an offensive to retake the longtime militant stronghold on the western approaches to the capital Baghdad.

Some of the first direct clashes occurred in Al Hayakil area on Falluja’s southern outskirts, a resident said. Iraqi troops also approached the northern suburb of Garma, the top municipal official there said, to clear out militants before turning their attention towards the city centre.

Air strikes and mortar salvoes overnight targeted neighbourhoods inside the city proper where IS is believed to maintain its headquarters, but the bombardment had eased by daybreak.

Iraqi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Rasool, speaking on state television, described the government’s advance as “careful” and reliant on engineers to dismantle roadside bombs planted by the militants.

Falluja, a longtime bastion of militants 50 km (30 miles) from Baghdad, was the first city to fall to IS, in January 2014. Six months later, the group declared a caliphate spanning large parts of Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

Iraqi forces have surrounded Falluja since last year but focused most combat operations on IS-held territories further west and north. The authorities

JUBILANT: Iraqi security forces with militia fighters pose for the photographer near the frontline of the fight against IS militants near Falluja, Iraq, on Monday. – Reuters

have pledged to retake Mosul, the north’s biggest city, this year in keeping with a US plan to oust IS from their de facto capitals in Iraq and Syria. But the Falluja operation, which is not considered a military prerequisite for advancing on Mosul, could push back that timeline. Two offensives

by US forces against Al Qaeda insurgents in Falluja in 2004 each lasted about a month and wrecked significant portions of the city.

There are currently between 500 and 700 IS militants in Falluja, according to a recent US military estimate.

Iraqi army helicopters were

rocketing IS positions in nearby Garma and targeting movement in and out of the area in order to weaken resistance enough for ground troops to enter, Mayor Ahmed Mukhlif told Reuters.

The defence minister and army chief of staff visited part of that northern axis on Monday, a ministry statement said.

Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi, also grappling with political and economic crises in the OPEC member state, visited a command centre set up nearby to oversee operations, exchanging his suit for the black uniform of an elite commando unit.

Announcing the offensive in a late-night speech, Abadi said it would be conducted by the army, police, counter-terrorism forces, local tribal allies and a coalition of militias. Iraqi officials say the militias may be restricted to operating outside the city limits, as they largely did in the successful battle to retake the Anbar provincial capital of Ramadi six months ago, to avoid aggravating sectarian tensions with minority community residents.

State television aired footage of armoured vehicles sitting among palm groves on Falluja’s outskirts, a green tracer glow emanating

from shell and machine gun fire.

A family stood in the daylight outside a simple one-storey home, cheering and waving a white flag as a military convoy passed by.

Iraqi and US officials estimate there are as many as 100,000 civilians still in Falluja, a city on the Euphrates river whose population was three times that size before the war. A six-month siege has created acute shortages of food and medicine, pushing the city towards a humanitarian crisis.

The Baghdad government has called on civilians to flee and said it would open safe corridors to southern areas, but roadside bombs have prevented most of them from leaving.

The UN refugee agency UNHCR said 80 families that managed to flee in recent days via a main road or through agricultural fields were undergoing screening by the security forces.

It said in a statement that at least three people had been killed trying to escape while 10,000 families were stuck inside “in a very precarious situation”.

Residents living in central Falluja said they had moved at dawn to relative safety in outlying northern areas but IS patrols have since begun limiting movement even between neighbourhoods.

Militants were also using mosque loudspeakers to urge civilians to donate blood, residents said. — Reuters

Israel resumes cement shipments to Gaza Strip GAZA: Israel resumed cement shipments to the Gaza Strip on Monday, ending a 45-day-old ban it imposed after it accused the Palestinian enclave’s Hamas rulers of seizing some of the stock meant for rebuilding homes destroyed in a 2014 war.

Hamas has denied Israeli charges that it siphons off cement imports to fortify attack tunnels.

Nickolay Mladenov, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, welcomed the resumption of the shipments, saying in a statement that “all sides need to ensure that cement deliveries reach their intended beneficiaries and are used solely for civilian purposes”.

The first of some 90 truckloads of cement entered the Gaza Strip through an Israeli-controlled border crossing on Monday and Palestinian officials said they expected some 4,000 tonnes of the material would be brought in by the end of the day.

“But this can be reversed if we see another (Hamas) violation,” an Israeli official told Reuters.

The United Nations said 140,000 houses were partially or completely damaged during the 2014 war between Israel and the Hamas-led Gaza fighters. — Reuters

SERIES OF SETBACKS

‘Egypt must work harder to revive tourism industry after setbacks’ CAIRO: Egypt will have to work 10 times harder to revive its tourism industry, Tourism Minister Yehia Rashed said on Sunday, after a series of setbacks including the crash of an EgyptAir flight into the Mediterranean three days ago.

Rashed sought to play down the impact of the crash on Egypt’s image. All 66 people on board the plane are believed to have died and the reason for the crash is not yet clear. “The efforts that we need to put are maybe 10 times what

we planned to put in place but we need to focus on our ability to drive business back to Egypt to change the image of Egypt,” said Rashed from his office overlooking the River Nile.

“What we need to understand is this is an incident that could have taken place anywhere. Aviation incidents happen, unfortunately.”

Egypt’s tourism industry, a cornerstone of the economy and a critical source of hard currency, has struggled to rebound since the

2011 protests that ended Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule ushered in a period of political and economic upheaval. Egypt has lurched from crisis to crisis in recent months, straining the tourism sector and the economy as a whole.

The number of tourists fell 40 per cent in the first quarter of 2016 compared to last year due in large part to the suspected bombing of a Russian plane carrying 224 people from a Red Sea resort in late October. IS said it had smuggled a

bomb aboard and President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi called the incident act of terrorism. Then, in March, a man wearing a fake suicide belt hijacked an EgyptAir plane and diverted it to Cyprus.

Incidents Rashed said the incidents were not linked and argued that EgyptAir’s management of the crises had boosted confidence in the Egyptian flag carrier. He said it was too soon to gauge the impact of Thurs-

day’s crash on future arrivals. “It’s very early to say but I don’t presume that we will have cancellations,” he told Reuters.

“People want to travel more with EgyptAir because they know us. I mean, it’s one of the first airlines in the world you know so it does have a history of safety, it does have a history of hospitality.”

Following the Russian plane bombing, British and Russian airlines suspended flights to Sharm Al Sheikh, which was

popular with holidaymakers seeking winter sun, until they are satisfied with improvements to airport security. The ban has held back any recovery.

Rashed rejected the notion that the crash of the Paris to Cairo flight on the Thursday might further delay the resumption of those flights.

“On the contrary, it may be a good time for them to rethink their position,” he said. “I haven’t heard anything (about a resumption) but I wish it was yesterday.” — Reuters

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A9

INDIA

MONEY LAUNDERING PROBE

TORRENTIAL RAINS WREAK HAVOC IN MANIPUR

ED to invoke India-UK MLAT for Mallya’s extradition

Flood effected area of Kiyamgei, Imphal East in Manipur on Monday. Manipur was on the verge of being cut off from the rest of the country after rockslides hit the Imphal-Dimapur highway (NH-2) near Kohima in Nagaland, even as torrential rains continued to wreak havoc in the state. The Imphal-Silchar highway (NH-37) is already blocked due to multiple rockslides. Besides, a portion of the Imphal river bank, measuring over 100 ft, was breached near Kyamgei in Imphal on Sunday night, washing away and submerging hundreds of houses. - PTI

NEW DELHI: Enforcement Directorate (ED) is soon expected to make a fresh request for Vijay Mallya’s extradition under the India-UK Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in connection with its money laundering probe against the business tycoon in an alleged bank loan fraud case.

Officials said the agency is expected to place the request before the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) soon, in order to execute the non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued by a Mumbai court against Mallya, seeking execution of the 1992 signed MLAT between the two countries against a fugitive.

The India-UK MLAT has a clause where the treaty can be invoked in a criminal probe case seeking the “transfer of persons, including persons in custody, for the purpose of assisting in investigations or giving evidence” and it is understood that ED considers this step a better legal tool than the regular extradition action to get a person back to country, under investigation by Indian probe agencies. The agency has registered a money laundering case against Mallya and others based on an FIR registered last year by the CBI.- PTI

India, Iran to combat terror; ink Chabahar, 11 other pacts India committed around $500 million for the important port in Iran’s southern coast, which will serve as a ‘point of connectivity’ between India, Afghanistan, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and East Europe

TETE-A-TETE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during their meeting in Tehran, Iran, Monday. - PTI/PIB

TEHRAN: India and Iran on Monday pledged to combat terrorism and radicalism as the two nations signed 12 agreements including a “milestone” pact on developing the strategic Chabahar port, giving a boost to economic partnership in the post-sanctions era.

India committed around $500 million for the important port in Iran’s southern coast, which will serve as a “point of connectivity” between India, Afghanistan, Commonwealth of Independent States countries and East Europe.

“We have agreed to consult closely and regularly on combating threats of terrorism, radical-

ism, drug trafficking and cyber crime. We have also agreed to enhance interaction between our defence and security institutions on regional and maritime security,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here.

Modi, who is the first Indian prime minister to visit the Islamic nation after 15 years on a bilateral visit after Atal Behari Vajpayee, was addressing a joint press conference with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani after one-on-one talks. His visit comes months after lifting of international sanctions on Iran following Tehran’s historic nuclear deal with the

Western powers over its contentious atomic programme.

Terrorism Terming terrorism as a “big problem running rife and rampant in the region”, Rouhani said that both the nations have discussed the issue and agreed to share intelligence to combat the menace.

“Due to the importance of stability and security in the region and especially in the countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Yemen and because a big problem called terrorism is running rife and rampant in the region. “The two countries discussed about

political issues as well and how they can cooperate on intelligence sharing and how they can get closer to each other in the fight against terrorism and extremism and how they can contribute to peace and stability in the whole region,” Rouhani added. As regards the economic cooperation, besides developing the Chabahar port, the two sides also signed agreements in diverse fields like trade credit, culture, science and technology as well as railways.

“The bilateral agreement to develop the Chabahar port and related infrastructure and availability of about $500 million from India

for this purpose, is an important milestone,” said Modi.

“This major effort would boost economic growth in the region.

We are committed to take steps for early implementation of the agreements signed today,” he said.

Chabahar port, located in the Sistan-Balochistan Province on the energy-rich Gulf nation’s southern coast, is of great strategic utility for India. It lies outside the Arabian Gulf and is easily accessed from India’s western coast, bypassing Pakistan.

India and Iran had in 2003 agreed to develop Chabahar near Iran’s border with Pakistan.

“Chabahar can very well turn into a very big symbol of cooperation between the two great countries,” Rouhani said, adding that it can serve as a point of connectivity among “India and Afghanistan and countries in the Central Asia and CIS countries and also those in the East of Europe”.

Commenting on the importance of Modi’s visit, Rouhani said: “This visit come at a time when we have managed to conclude the nuclear deal and at a time when sanctions are withdrawn and now the ground is prepared more than ever for to further our economic cooperation.” India and Iran have also agreed to enhance interaction between their defence and security institutions on regional and maritime security.

Terming the “dosti” (friendship) between India and Iran as old as history, he said, “through centuries, our societies have stayed connected through art and architecture, ideas and traditions, and culture and commerce.” - PTI

SHEENA MURDER CASE

CBI court rejects Peter’s bail plea MUMBAI: A special Central Bureau Investigation(CBI) court here on Monday rejected the bail application of former media baron Peter Mukerjea who has been arrested in connection with the Sheena Bora murder case.

“The bail is rejected,” Special Judge H. S. Mahajan said while delivering the order in the court.

The judge said that the bail application has been rejected on the basis of certain facts in the case diary which cannot be disclosed to the defence lawyers.

Peter was arrested on November 19, 2015.

His bail plea had been rejected once earlier in February this year following which he moved another plea before the court in March.

His lawyers had sought bail saying that Peter did not know anything about the murder of Sheena and he was not in the country at that time. Rahul Mukerjea, Peter’s son from previous marriage, and Sheena were in a relationship.

Peter’s lawyers had also argued that he was not against the relationship between Sheena and Rahul. However, CBI had earlier told the court that Indrani and Peter were unhappy with their relationship. The central probe agency had argued that when Peter came to know that Sheena was Indrani’s daughter, everything changed and it resulted in the murder.

Indrani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her driver Shyam Rai had allegedly strangled Sheena, Indrani’s daughter from an earlier relationship, inside a car in April 2012.

The crime, which came to light in August 2015, is allegedly linked to certain financial dealings. - PTI

KILLING OF KERALA FISHERMEN

Supreme Court to hear Girone’s plea to go to Italy on May 26 NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on May 26 the plea of Salvatore Girone, one of the two Italian marines accused of killing two fishermen off Kerala coast, seeking relaxation in bail terms to enable him to go to his country till an International Arbitral Tribunal decides the jurisdictional dispute between India and Italy.

A vacation bench comprising Justices P. C. Pant and D. Y. Chandrachud fixed the plea for hearing on Thursday when Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Pinky Anand, appearing for the Centre, said the government does not object if conditions are relaxed on the same lines as was done in the case of another marine Massimiliano Latorre.

Latorre is already in Italy on

health grounds and his stay there has recently been extended by the apex court till September 30 this year. The marine, who presently is in the custody of the apex court and residing in Italian embassy here, has said that he be allowed to go back to his native place till the arbitral panel decides the jurisdictional aspect in the matter.

Italy and India have been making contrary claims over the right to prosecute the two Italian marines in the case.

“Relax the bail conditions, in terms described..., on Sergent Major Salvatore Girone, as contained in the Hon’ble Court’s consequential order dated January 18, 2013 modifying the Kerala High Court order of May 30, 2012 to enable him to return to Italy until a final decision by the Annex VII Arbitral

Tribunal on the merits of the case that finds that India has jurisdiction over him in respect of the ‘Enrica Lexie’ incident,” Girone said in his fresh plea.

The plea, filed through lawyer Jagjit Singh Chhabra, has also sought a direction that Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office be asked to provide him with the “necessary residential permit and exit visa”.

Girone has also said the authorities at the Indira Gandhi International Airport including the Bureau of Immigration and the concerned CISF and other security authorities be apprised of the court’s direction that he can leave India.

At the outset of the hearing, the bench posed a query as to how it can hear the plea for relaxation of

bail terms when the case has been heard by a three-judge bench.

“The bail order was initially passed by a two judge bench and hence, the present plea can also be heard by a two judge bench,” the ASG said.

The submission was reiterated by the counsel for Girone also.

The law officer also said the international arbitration proceedings is expected to decide the jurisdictional issue “expeditiously” and the marine can be be allowed to leave on the terms which was imposed on Lattore. Earlier, the apex court on April 26, had extended the stay of Latorre in Italy till September 30. The court was informed by the Centre that international arbitration proceedings in the matter would be completed by December 2018. - PTI

ACCUSED: Italian sailors Salvatore Girone, right, and Massimiliano Latorre leave the police commissioner office in the southern Indian city of Kochi in this January 18, 2013 file photo. - Reuters

A 10

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

INDIA

The terror attacks in broad daylight in the space of 75 minutes fuelled concerns among the political parties and the security agencies with former chief minister Omar Abdullah saying they were a “worrying” development and the government should move quickly to reassure the residents and tourists

FIRST CRUCIAL TEST

Maiden indigenous ‘space shuttle’ successfully launched BENGALURU: India on Monday successfully launched its maiden ‘swadeshi’ space shuttle with the winged Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-TD) fulfilling its mission objectives in the first crucial test to make space travel easier and cheaper in the future.

With the test-firing of the indigenous unmanned model space shuttle — the size of a Sports Utility Vehicle — by the ISRO from Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, about 350km from here, India has joined the race to develop reusable spacecraft to put satellites into orbit after US’ Nasa stopped its Space Shuttle programme in 2011.

Lifting off from the launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, the double delta-winged flight vehicle RLV Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) was hoisted into the atmosphere on the special rocket

booster for a peak altitude of over 65 km and released for its re-entry into the atmosphere before its splashdown in the Bay of Bengal.

Flight duration The total flight duration of the 6.5-metre long ‘aeroplane’-like structure from launch to landing lasted about 770 seconds, the ISRO said. From a 65km altitude, RLV-TD began its descent followed by atmospheric re-entry at around Mach 5 — five times the speed of sound — with the vehicle’s Navigation, Guidance and Control system accurately steering it during this phase for safe descent, the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) said in a statement.

After successfully surviving high temperatures of re-entry with the help of its Thermal Protection System (TPS), RLV-TD success-

fully glided down to the defined landing spot over Bay of Bengal, at a distance of about 450 km from Sriharikota, fulfilling its mission objectives, it said.

The RLV-TD is described as “a very preliminary step” in the development of a reusable rocket, whose final version is expected to take 10-15 years.

The aerospace vehicle with a 1.75 tonne weight was not recovered as it disintegrated on impact with water since it is not designed to float. The vehicle was successfully tracked during its flight from ground stations at Sriharikota and a shipborne terminal.

The government has invested Rs950 million into the RLV-TD project.

The RLV is ultimately aimed at putting satellites into orbit around earth and then re-enter atmosphere with the ultimate goal of

drastically slashing down the cost of launches by as much as 10 times.

In this flight, critical technologies such as autonomous navigation, guidance and control, reusable thermal protection system and re-entry mission management have been successfully validated, ISRO said in a statement.

The reduced-scale space plane resembling a US space shuttle was experimented on a model almost six times smaller than the final version. Hailing the successful mission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Launch of India’s first indigenous space shuttle RLV-TD is the result of the industrious efforts of our scientists. Congrats to them.” “The dynamism & dedication with which our scientists & @isro have worked over the years is exceptional and very inspiring,” the prime minister, now in Iran, said in a tweet. - PTI

BLAST OFF: ISRO successfully launches India’s first indigenously made space shuttle — the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on Monday. - PTI/ISRO

Jaya sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister for sixth time The AIADMK supremo retained 15 of her ministers who were in the previous cabinet and 13 new faces including three women

CHENNAI: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo J. Jayalalithaa, who defied a 32-year history to return to power for a second consecutive term, on Monday took oath as chief minister for the sixth time at a function in which Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was also present, breaking a practice of the rivals keeping away from the other’s ceremony.

The 68-year-old Jayalalithaa along with 28 others including her trusted lieutenant O. Pannerselvam took the oath of office and secrecy in the name of God in Tamil that was administered by Governor K. Rosaiah.

The AIADMK supremo retained 15 of her ministers who were in the previous cabinet and 13 new faces including three women.

Union Ministers Venkaiah Naidu, Pon Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and senior AIADMK leader M. Thambidurai and Jayalalithaa’s aide Sasikala

SWEARING IN CEREMONY: Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah administering the oath of secrecy to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa at the swearing in ceremony in Chennai on Monday. - PTI

were seated in the front row.

DMK treasurer M. K.Stalin, former DMK ministers E.V. Velu, Ponmudy, party MLAs Sekhar Babu, Vagai Chandrasekhar and Ku Ka Selvam also attended the ceremony. For decades both AIADMK and DMK leaders had kept away from the oath-taking ceremonies of rivals.

Amid slogans of “Puratchi Thalaivi Amma Vazhga (Long live revolutionary leader Amma)

by AIADMK supporters, Jayalalithaa stepped into the decorated Madras University Auditorium in her trademark green saree.

Slogans hailing the party chief also echoed the venue when she signed the documents after taking oath. Arrangements had been

made for live telecast of the ceremony in many parts of the state with giant LED screens being placed at vantage points.

While Jayalalithaa took oath alone, others were sworn-in in groups in a brief ceremony lasting less than 30 minutes.

At the venue, she was welcomed by top state government officials led by Chief Secretary K. Gnanadesikan with a bouquet of flowers.

Later, when Governor Rosaiah arrived she welcomed him with a bouquet and introduced her Cabinet colleagues in keeping with the protocol. Ministers in the outgoing Cabinet Natham Viswanathan, Vaithilingam, newly elected MLAs, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs of the ruling party were

also amongst the audience.

The ministers retained were O. Panneerselvam (Finance), Eddapadi K Palaniswami (Public Works), Sellur K. Raju (Cooperation), P. Thangamani (Electricity), S. P. Velumani (Municipal Administration), D. Jayakumar (Fisheries), C. V. Shanmugam (Law, courts), K.P. Anbazhagan (Higher Education), M. C. Sampath (Labour), R. Kamaraj (Food and Civil Supplies), C. Vijayabaskar (Health), S.P. Shanmuganathan (Milk and Dairy), R.B. Udhaya Kumar (Revenue), KT Rajenthra Balaji (Rural Industries), and K C Veeramani (Commercial Taxes).

Immediately after being sworn in, Jayalalithaa drove to Fort St George where the Secretariat is

located and signed five files to fulfil five of her electoral promises, as mentioned in her party manifesto.

She first signed a file ordering waiver of crop loans upto March 31, 2016 payable to co-operative banks. The waiver includes crop loan, medium and long term loans of small and micro farmers payable to co-operative banks and the move would entail a financial burden of Rs5,780 crore on her government. Jayalalitha’s second order was 100 units of free power for domestic electricity consumers with effect from Monday in tune with the present tariff computation.

It would entail an additional payout of Rs1,607 crore as grant to the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) by the state government. Another order was for increasing gold allocation from 4 to 8 grams for women beneficiaries under the Thallikku Thangam Scheme (Gold for ‘Mangalsutra’).

From now on beneficiaries will get eight grams of gold in addition to monetary assistance of Rs25,000 to Rs50,000.

The chief minister increased free power to handloom weavers to 200 units and for powerlooms to 750 units. She ordered closure of 500 state-run TASMAC retail liquor outlets and cut short working hours of bars.

With effect from Tuesday, the retail outlets and bars would function from noon to 10 pm which currently remain open between 10 am to 10 pm. All measures are in tune with her electoral promises and she had said she would show her gratitude to the people through her work. - PTI

T E R R O R AT TA C K S

Militants kill 3 policemen in Srinagar SRINAGAR: Militants on Monday killed three policemen including an ASI — two of them unarmed — in twin strikes in the heart of Srinagar, carrying out such a major attack in the summer capital of Indian-administered-Kashmir after a gap of nearly three years.

The terror attacks in broad daylight in the space of 75 minutes fuelled concerns among the political parties and the security agencies with former chief minister Omar Abdullah saying they were a “worrying” development and the government should move quickly to reassure the residents and tourists.

The militants also decamped with the service rifle of one of the slain cops.

Terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the two incidents. In the first strike, militants shot dead two policemen, who were unarmed, in the Zadibal area at around 10.45am.

The ultras shot at the two cops from close range at Mill Stop in Zadibal area which connects the city to Hazratbal Shrine and super speciality SKIMS Hospital at Soura, a police official said.

The two cops died on the spot, he said, adding the deceased have been identified as Assistant Sub Inspector(ASI) Ghulam Mohammad and Head Constable Nazir Ahmad. Police and other security forces have been put on an alert to look out for the assailants, who managed to flee the spot.

In the second strike, militants shot at constable Mohammad Sadiq, who was posted as personal security guard to chairman of J&K Pasmanda Tabqajaat (downtrodden classes) Mohammad Abdullah Chatwal, at Tengpora on Parimpora-Hyderpora Bypass road. - PTI

DECLINING FORTUNES

With Gandhis at rock bottom, opposition comeback a daunting task NEW DELHI: Prashant Kishor, the election campaign manager brought in by India’s opposition Congress party to reverse its declining fortunes, knew his real work would begin when the party hit rock bottom. It looks like that moment has come.

The party run by the fabled Gandhi dynasty, which has led the world’s largest democracy for most of its existence, suffered humiliation last week when it lost Assam to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a state election.

Congress had controlled Assam, in India’s northeast, since 2001, and for the nationalist BJP it was a first. The race was not even close, underlining the crisis facing the mother-and-son team of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

Two years ago they were eclipsed

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a landslide national ballot won on promises of economic growth and a strong, modern India.

While the euphoria of that time has faded and Modi’s agenda has been slowed by stalled reforms, other state election setbacks and devastating droughts hitting rural India, he remains comfortably the most popular politician.

The challenge for Rahul Gandhi, the public face of Congress’ comeback, is to make up lost ground in time for the biggest test before a

2019 general election — the state vote next year in Uttar Pradesh, home to around 200 million people. That, and the state of Punjab, will go a long way to defining who is the next prime minister; in 2014, the BJP won 71 of 80 parliamentary seats in UP and only Sonia and Rahul Gandhi held theirs for Congress. Rahul Gandhi declined to be interviewed for this article, but, in a series of public appearances that have become more frequent in recent months, he sought to target Modi directly. “Modi talked about good days to come but today the country is reeling under drought and farmers are committing suicide,” he told a recent “Save Democracy March” of a few thousand people in New Delhi. “Modi has nothing to say.”

In an intriguing twist in the race for Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi has invited Kishor to help coordinate Congress’ strategy, the same man who aided Modi’s march to New Delhi with a campaign that embraced modern electioneering techniques and wowed voters.

Kishor now plans to bring those, and an intimate knowledge of the way Modi and the BJP operate, to a party that is widely seen as old-fashioned and overly reliant on the Gandhis. The 38-year-old, who largely avoids the public eye but engages the press and senior

UPHILL TASK: Congress had controlled Assam since 2001, and for the Bharatiya Janata Party it was a first. The race was not even close, underlining the crisis facing the mother-and-son team of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. - PTI file photo

party figures with increasing confidence, has a backroom team of researchers analysing census data to more effectively translate votes into seats.

Targeting That may mean targeting a particular caste or religion, for example. Sources close to Kishor, who worked in health activism before being taken on as policy adviser to Modi when he was chief minister of Gujarat state, said Kishor had “24/7” access to Gandhi, although he did not decide his day-to-day movements. Kishor is determined to move away from a system of patronage, inject a sense of urgency

and bring in fresh faces from the grassroots level upwards, even if it means upsetting the Congress establishment. And, reflecting a growing interest in politics rather than focusing on number crunching, Kishor wants to portray Congress as the only inclusive national party in India, the sources said.

The BJP has been accused of stifling free speech and promoting a nationalist agenda to appeal to the country’s majority at the expense of significant minorities.

“We are a party of all, for all and by all,” said Jyotiraditya Scindia, a Congress parliamentarian, and, in his mid-40s, is of Rahul’s generation and one of the party’s “new

guard”. “The only other national party, which is the BJP, is not representative of pan-India, because it is not of all, it is not by all and it is not for all.”

Kishor is understood to want to launch a “new face” to lead the Uttar Pradesh campaign, which could be Rahul, his popular sister Priyanka or someone else. Congress officials and Kishor declined to comment. Separately, a party source said this week that Rahul’s long-awaited promotion to take over Congress from his mother might happen “sooner than you think”. Kishor, for one, is realistic about Congress’ chances of catching up with the BJP. “We are way behind the curve,” said a source familiar with his thinking. “The total collapse of the party isn’t something we can ignore.”

In a party steeped in tradition, secrecy and deference, enthusiasm for Kishor is not universal.

“Indian politics is not susceptible to modern, professional analysis,” said one former Congress cabinet member. “You get it right, you’re lucky; you get it wrong, you’re unlucky.” Indian media have also reported on the campaign manager’s frustration at Gandhi’s reluctance to take quick decisions, and on speculation that Kishor would resign. As Kishor works behind the scenes, Rahul is re-emerging on

the national stage to take the fight to Modi. Congress loyalists say Rahul returned a changed man from a sabbatical in a secret location in early 2015. “He ... discovered his inner politician,” said Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Congress lawmaker. “He’s active in parliament.

He’s more confident. His repartee shows he can think on his feet.”

Since Kishor joined Rahul’s team a few months ago, the leader has set a frenetic pace, joining student protesters on the barricades, showing solidarity with drought-hit farmers and hitting the campaign trail up and down the country.

The latest state polls, which also included Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal where regional parties expectedly dominated, suggest that Rahul’s impact has been limited so far. State polls are especially important for the BJP because state legislators elect members of the upper house of parliament where Modi’s goods and services tax bill is stuck because it does not have a majority.

Some of Modi’s closest advisers say they are more worried about Kishor’s involvement with Congress than about Gandhi, given his impact on Modi’s victory and inside knowledge of the way he thinks. But political analysts say Modi should not lose too much sleep for now. - Reuters

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

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PAKISTAN

Students advised to check recognised universities Commission spokesman said the commission had issued the advisory to guide students seeking admissions in the upcoming academic year

Five gunned down near border with Iran

No enmity Further, Balochistan levies officials stated that according to relatives of the victims, they did not have enmity with anyone. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Two killed, five injured in blast near Balochistan University in Quetta HICCUP: List of recognised universities and approved programmes available online. — Express Tribune

nised institutions and campuses.

The spokesman said colleges affiliated with different universities had also been listed at the website.

“Some colleges claim affiliation with a university and promise students that they will get its degree. Affiliation status of a college should be verified by students before they apply. Many students suffer when they discover too late

that their college is not affiliated with any university,” he said.

The spokesperson said the list had also tried to address the problem of unrecognised degree programmes at recognised universities. He said it was possible that some degree programmes at recognised institutions might not be approved by the HEC. “It is important for students to know

ENGROSSED A man reads a newspaper containing news about Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour at a stall in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Monday. — Reuters

S O U T H WA Z I R I S TA N C R O S S I N G

Nisar has ‘reservations’ over border post handover to Kabul ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has expressed reservations over the handover of a purpose-built border crossing facility in South Waziristan Agency to Afghan authorities.

The development came a day after the military said that the Angoor Adda border crossing facility was handed over to the Afghan authorities “to strengthen brotherly relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan and with a

MURDER

QUETTA: At least five people were killed on Monday as unidentified men opened fire at them in Kech District’s Mand area near the Pakistan-Iran border.

“A vehicle was on its way when unidentified armed men opened fire at them near a river in Mand,” Balochistan Levies official Mohammad Rizwan Baloch said while speaking to The Express Tribune.

The victims were identified as Kareem, Qayum, Nadir, Ameen and Muyeed.

“The suspects threw the bodies out of the car and then set the vehicle on fire,” Mohammad Rizwan said, while adding that the reason for the attack is yet to be ascertained.

An Higher Education

LAHORE: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has issued an advisory to update students about HEC-recognised public and private universities in the province.

Talking to The Express Tribune, an HEC spokesman said the commission had issued the advisory to guide students seeking admissions in the upcoming academic year.

He said the commission had updated its website for students and parents. “They are encouraged to check the list of recognised institutions before applying.”

According to the advisory, the HEC recognises 179 degreeawarding public and private universities and their sub-campuses across the country.

The spokesperson said that the website also had a list of unrecog-

A11

strategic intent to improve border management”.

“It was reiterated during the process, that all border-related issues will be amicably resolved through mutual consultations subsequently,” the military’s media wing said in a statement on Saturday.

However, a source told Daily Express that the interior minister has voiced his reservations over the move in a letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

“All constitutional and legal procedures set for such decisions have been violated blatantly, reads the letter.

Clear rules “There are very clear rules which should be followed before taking such important decisions.”

Nisar said in the letter that the ministry was a big stakeholder in matters related to border management, border control or protection of borders. — Express Tribune

about such degree programmes,” he said.

He said, “Universities need HEC approval before starting a degree programme but some start admissions and seek approval later. It becomes a problem for students when the university fails to complete programme requirements and are left with an unapproved degree.”

He said the HEC had compiled a list of such programmes to avoid a situation where students enrolled in these programmes could put the blame on the commission.

He said in the past some institutions had used their students to pressure the HEC into granting approval for their degree programmes or recognition for their sub-campuses. — Express Tribune

Explosion Earlier this month, at least two policemen were killed while five others injured in an explosion near Balochistan University in Quetta.

Talking to Express News, Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti confirmed the incident.

“The attack targeted a checkpost in which two police personnel lost their lives while five more are injured, including three police personnel,” he said. — Express Tribune

A12

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READERS’ FORUM Use of plastic items by cafes needs to be banned This refers to the report, Food safety: Restaurants in Oman placed under CCTV surveillance (May 23). It’s good step but the government should change the law and allow restaurants to have take away and delivery points without any space requirements. The authorities need to take action against coffee shops whose staff are not wearing clean dress. Additionally there is a need to check crockery as very poor plastic one are used. This is common in cafes in Ruwi, Ghala and Ghubra. Along with this use of plastic items needs to be banned. Lastly, there is a need to check food Scan this QR code quality. — Asad Musa Qureshi, Muscat to send letters to the via Facebook Readers’ Forum,

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Failure to address the explosion of government borrowing will have adverse effects on the global economy and on debt-burdened countries themselves. The problem is bad and getting worse almost everywhere. US Congressional Budget Office estimates that federal debt doubled over the past decade, from 36% of GDP to 74% of GDP

containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Congrats for Oman cricket team This refers to the report, Oman humble Nigeria in 181 –run victory (May 23). I sincerely congratulate the Oman cricket team for this marvellous victory in their ICC World Cricket league Division 5 match, with such a huge margin. This 181 run victory will infuse immense confidence in boys. I wish and pray that the journey of Team Oman in this competition moves forward with the same pace and style. Keep it up boys. — Mohammad Osama Rawat, Ruwi

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THEODORE STURGEON

Investment between growth, development W

hen economist Adam Smith spoke about freeing the market from government intervention, he was asked how private companies and organisations can best maintain public interest in their behaviour and policies. He noted that the market has an internal mechanism for dealing with this. Terming it as the market’s ‘invisible hand’, he said that organisations’ efforts towards their own interest would work to greater benefit of the society in comparison to actions that were directly intended to serve public interest.

Smith’s ideas were revolutionary in the 1700s, when politics dominated economy. Economic activities were in favour of the rulers and aristocrats.

Growing in power, private corporations began to replace political elites; the benefits of economic activities became theirs alone. Millions of people were denied the fruits of their hard labour. This is why the concepts of growth and development became separate, while they should be one and the same.

The link between growth and development should be the link between a creek and its river, or the link between a river and the sea it ends in. More accurately, it is the link between rain and crops.

Growth is supposed to nurture development and should result on a positive impact on human competency in the service of communities and economies, regardless of how difficult the task is.

This is one of the greatest errors of previous practices, not only on a local level, but in the global economic arena as well. Private corporations have made strong profits in the past century. The channeling of these profits towards human and social development, and building an infrastructure that enables suitable forms of economic activities for each era, are limited or, in many cases, absent.

I believe we must not shy away from acknowledging the faults of our global economic system. Many voices have already been raised in this regard. Criticism, however, is different today than it was when arguments were between different economic theories — one called for nationalisation and the other for privatisation. Criticism now is in defence of humanity and the future, of how the global economy should be in terms of standards, ethics, and goals.

It is time to revise concepts that caused this error.

The most important idea we must revisit is the relationship between the private sector and the government. We must identify the interests of both parties

and the outcomes of their economic effort, and then steer it towards the benefit of humanity.

Privatisation has become the key to solve all problems, but we must remain conscious of the new issues it can bring forth. We live in different times unlike those when Smith freed the market from the politicians’ dominance. In this day and age, it is profoundly necessary to consider the stability and autonomy of governments and communities, and encourage a healthy synergetic relationship to promote stability. Such stability cannot be achieved without nations’ control over their own resources, and without governments leading and supervising development in their respective countries.

That is not to say that foreign investments hold any less importance. It is necessary for some countries that need foreign capital and expertise to enhance their GDP, and for all countries that seek improving their experience and expertise and integrate them with successful global ventures. A short-term policy attracting foreign investors with cheap labour and resources, and a semi tax-free environment could be detrimental in the long run. The motivations of investment in any country define the culture that will affect the outcome of said investment, and determine the level of responsibility of foreign investors to achieve social and economic development of communities where they work.

In the Sultanate of Oman, we encourage foreign investment. The most important lesson we have learned from our development experience in the Sultanate is to employ an approach that yields sustainable results, uses caution and addresses our future long-term goals. Even if progress is slow, the process must achieve stable results, not temporary ones. Development operations must be shared and as responsibility between both public and private sectors, so resources are used optimally to contribute towards a brighter future for Oman.

Thus, we welcome foreign investments. We can promise investors that the sustainability of their investment and profit growth will be determined by the level of support their investments provide for achieving our vision toward our nation and our society. - Exclusive to Times of Oman The author is the Chairman of National Bank of Oman, Executive Chairman of Investcorp and an International Advisor to the Brookings Institution. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman..

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES MAY 2001 Majlis office holds regular session MUSCAT: The Majlis Al Shura office held its tenth regular meeting yesterday under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Qatabi, president of the Majlis. The office reviewed a number of proposals/explanations received from different government bodies in reply to the Majlis Queries. The office also discussed proposals from the General Organisation for Youth Sports and Cultural Activities (Goysca) president, and the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources.

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1543: Nicolaus Copernicus publishes proof of a sun-centered solar system. He dies just after publication.

1844: Samuel Morse taps out the first telegraph message.

1878: The first American bicycle race is held in Boston.

1930: Amy Johnson becomes the first woman to fly from England to Australia.

Minimum

7

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0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016 The decision to lift the ban was not based on China or any other considerations. It was based on our desire to complete what has been a lengthy process of moving towards normalisation with Vietnam Barack Obama, US president

ASIA

US lifts arms ban on Vietnam as regional tensions simmer ence with President Quang Washington would continue to speak out for human rights, including citizens’ right to organise through civil society. Obama is scheduled to meet with a group of activists on Tuesday.

Quang, who actually announced the lifting of the US embargo before Obama could do so, was until recently minister of public security, which activists say harasses and arrests dissidents.

The move came during US President Barack Obama’s first visit to Hanoi, which his welcoming hosts described as the arrival of a warm spring and a new chapter in relations between two countries that

BOOSTING TIES: Vietnam’s President Tran Dai Quang, right, and US President Barack Obama, left, take part in a joint press conference at the International Convention Centre in Hanoi on Monday. - AFP

were at war four decades ago

HANOI: The United States announced an end to its embargo on sales of lethal arms to Vietnam on Monday, an historic step that draws a line under the two countries’ old enmity and underscores their shared concerns about Beijing’s growing military clout.

The move came during President Barack Obama’s first visit to Hanoi, which his welcoming hosts described as the arrival of a warm spring and a new chapter in relations between two countries that were at war four decades ago.

Obama, the third US president

to visit Vietnam since diplomatic relations were restored in 1995, has made a strategic ‘rebalance’ towards Asia a centrepiece of his foreign policy.

Vietnam, a neighbour of China, is a key part of that strategy amid worries about Beijing’s assertiveness and sovereignty claims to 80 per cent of the South China Sea. Decision The decision to lift the arms trade ban, which followed intense debate within the Obama administration, suggested such concerns outweighed arguments that Vietnam had not done enough to improve its human rights record and Washington would lose leverage for reforms.

Obama told a joint news conference with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang that disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved peacefully and not by whoever “throws their weight around”.

But he insisted the arms embargo move was not linked to China.

“The decision to lift the ban was not based on China or any other considerations. It was based on our desire to complete what has been a lengthy process of moving towards normalisation with Vietnam,” he said.

Obama later added his visit to a former foe showed “hearts can change and peace is possible”.

The sale of arms, Obama said, would depend on Vietnam’s human rights commitments, and

would be made on a case-by-case basis. Human Rights Watch reacted with dismay to Washington’s decision to toss away a critical lever it might have had to spur political reform in the Communist party-ruled state.

Phil Robertson, the watchdog’s Asia director, said in a statement that even as Obama was lifting the arms embargo Vietnamese authorities were arresting a journalist, human rights activists and bloggers on the street and in their houses. “In one fell swoop, President Obama has jettisoned what remained of US leverage to improve human rights in Vietnam — and basically gotten nothing for it,” he said.

Obama told the news confer-

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Defence strategy Dissent was once the domain of just a few in Vietnam, but while the party has allowed more open criticism in recent years, it is quick to slap down challenges to its monopoly on power.

Though the communist parties that run China and Vietnam officially have brotherly ties, China’s brinkmanship over the South China Sea — where it has been turning remote outcrops into islands with runways and harbours — has forced Vietnam to recalibrate its defence strategy.

Security analysts and regional military attaches expect Vietnam’s initial wish list of equipment to cover the latest in surveillance radar, intelligence and communications technology, allowing them better coverage of the South China Sea as well as improved integration of its growing forces. Washington has allowed sales of defensive maritime equipment since 2014. Hanoi’s military strategists are expected to now seek drones, radar, coastal patrol boats and possibly P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft from the United States. - Reuters

THAILAND

One Rohingya shot dead in mass escape from camp BANGKOK: Thai police shot dead a Rohingya Muslim from Myanmar on Monday during a dramatic mass escape of detainees from an immigration camp in southern Thailand, police said.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Noppadon Rakchart said 21 Rohingya fled the Phangnga Immigration Detention Centre at about 1am after sawing through an iron bar in their communal cell. One was shot dead and three arrested after throwing stones and punches at police and immigration officers who gave chase, said Noppadon.

The other 17 escaped.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya “boat people” have fled poverty and persecution in western Myanmar since religious violence erupted there in 2012. Many headed for Malaysia but often got waylaid at human trafficking camps in the jungles of southern Thailand or arrested by the authorities.

Stateless Most Rohingya are stateless and unrecognised by the two countries, Bangladesh and Myanmar, they call home. This complicates repatriation, which can lead to lengthy spells in overcrowded Thai detention centres, which Rohingya often try to escape.

The latest attempt was triggered by “stress and homesickness,” said Noppadon. “They have been inside for almost a year.” The Rohingya was killed because “he resisted arrest and attacked the police”, Police Major General Worawit Parnprung, Phangnga police chief,said.

“The police had to defend themselves,” he said. - Reuters

I NA D E QUAT E P R E PA R AT I O N S

Everest safety under scrutiny as third climber dies while descending KATHMANDU/SYDNEY: A 43-year-old Indian mountaineer has died while descending from the summit of Mount Everest, in the third fatality on the world’s tallest mountain in as many days since climbing resumed after last year’s avalanche tragedy at Base Camp.

Subash Paul, who climbed the 8,850 metre (29,035 feet) on Saturday, perished the next day due to exhaustion, Wangchu Sherpa of the Trekking Camp Nepal company said on Monday.

An Australian woman and a Dutch national have also died since Friday due to altitude sickness in the notorious ‘death zone’ where the air is so thin that only the fittest can survive without supplementary oxygen.

Hiking officials and climbing veterans say the deaths raise questions about the preparations and safety standards of some climbing operators, with cut-price local companies competing for business as international outfits scale back operations. This year’s Everest campaign has been hit by high winds on some days when climbers had been counting on the

weather ‘window’ to open to make their summit bids before the monsoon sweeps in next month.

Inexperienced climbers Queues have formed on the final stretch to the summit, which is often secured by a single rope line, leading veterans to complain that slow and inexperienced climbers were holding up others and putting them at undue risk.

“Many climbers without any experience crowd Everest every year, and companies often use poor quality equipment... offering cheap packages to clients who are exposed to security risks,” Nepal Mountaineering Association Chief Ang Tshering Sherpa said.

“Climbers with well-managed companies employing experienced guides are safe.”

Hiking officials blame the government, which charges $11,000 for each Everest permit, for failing to spend any money on safety measures. The government collected $3.1 million from 289 climbers as permit fees so far this year.

But officials blame inadequate preparation on the part of climb-

SAFETY QUESTIONED: This file photo taken on April 20, 2015 shows Mount Everest in the Kumbh region of northeastern Nepal.

A 43-year-old Indian mountaineer has died while descending from the summit of Mount Everest, in the third fatality since climbing resumed after last year’s avalanche tragedy at Base Camp. - AFP

ers. “The deaths were not due to accident or the crowd,” Tourism Department official Sudarshan Dhakal said.

“Energy loss and altitude sickness mean that they were not well prepared.” Expedition organisers were assembling a rescue team on Monday to retrieve the bod-

BLAZE

Fire at Thai school dormitory for poor hill-tribe girls kills 17 WIANG PA PAO DISTRICT, CHIANG RAI, (Thailand): Fire swept through a dormitory at a school for girls from poor hilltribe families in Thailand, killing at least 17 and injuring five, police said on Monday.

The fire broke out late on Sunday as the girls, aged five to 12, slept at the Christian Pitakiatwittaya School in the northern province of Chiang Rai. “Most of the losses were because the children were asleep,” said district police chief Colonel Prayad Singsin. Two of the injured were in critical condition, he said.

Forensic experts sifted through the debris and ashes inside the concrete shell of the school dormitory building on Monday. Preliminary indications suggested a faulty fluorescent light on the ground floor may have been the cause, Sant Sukhavachana, a senior regional forensics officer, said.

A hot fragment fell onto a pile of clothes and started the fire, he said. The children likely died due to smoke inhalation, he said.

DESTROYED: A forensic expert inspects a burnt building at the Pitakkiat Wittaya School in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand, on Monday. - Reuters

“There was a lot of smoke and the room where it happened was right below where the children were sleeping,” he said. A total of 36 children of the 142 that attend the school were in the dormitory when the fire started, said Pim Wasana, the head of the school, said.

The alarm was raised by a school cleaner, she said. “I am at a loss for words,” she said. “I don’t

know what I should do, but the only thing on my mind now is to try to find a way to ease the parents’ suffering.”

Namae Patikiri, a 57-year-old member of the Hmong hill tribe, lost six grandchildren in the blaze.

“Five of them had only moved here a year ago,” she said, crying.

“The other one had only been here for two weeks.” - Reuters

ies of Australian university lecturer Maria Strydom and Dutch climber Eric Ary Arnold. Strydom died before reaching the summit on Saturday, one day after Arnold perished after attaining the peak.

Apart from the three deaths, two other Indian climbers have been missing on Everest since Saturday,

and hiking officials said chances of finding them alive were slim.

Another Indian woman who fell sick was being escorted to lower camps and will be evacuated by a helicopter, an agency official said.

While fatalities are not unusual, there are fears the latest casualties could again hit mountaineering in Nepal. At least 18 people died a year ago when an earthquake sent a massive snow slide careening into Base Camp, while an avalanche in the treacherous Khumbu Icefall killed 16 guides in 2014.

The back-to-back tragedies had halted climbing on Everest. “It is a difficult and challenging climb and many people have died,” Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told reporters in Brisbane, adding that the government was assisting with the repatriation of Strydom’s body.

Arnold Coster, the owner of Arnold Coster Expeditions which led the group containing both Strydom and Eric Ary Arnold, said both climbers became ill very quickly on the descent. The Dutch climber was assisted down to the South Col camp, the final camp before the summit, where he was

given oxygen and medicine but “unexpectedly passed away that evening in his tent,” Coster said in a Facebook post.

Strydom decided to turned back from her attempt to reach the summit and was assisted down to the South Col by her husband, veterinarian Robert Gropel. After spending the night there, she walked out of her tent to continue the descent, only to collapse on the Geneva Spur, two hours from Camp 3 where helicopter evacuations are possible.

The expedition leader said Gropel, who himself suffered high altitude pulmonary oedema on the descent, tried unsuccessfully to carry his wife’s body down the mountain.

He was evacuated by helicopter to Kathmandu on Monday.

May is one of the most popular months to scale Everest before the peak is shrouded by rain, cold and cloud brought on by the monsoon in June. Good weather over the past two weeks has allowed more than 350 climbers to reach the summit this month from the Nepali side of Everest. Several people have climbed from Tibet. - Reuters

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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

GLOBAL EYE

UNITED STATES: The US Supreme Court is shown as the court meets to issue decisions on Monday in Washington, United States. — Win McNamee/Getty Images/AFP

FRANCE: An illustration photo shows a tennis ball which drops into

water during rainfall on Monday in Paris, France. — Reuters

FRANCE: People take picture of the giant ‘#ParisWeLoveYou’ during the launch of the collaborative social network project to build a giant hashtag covered by a mosaic of pictures at place du Palais Royal, in Paris on Monday. — AFP

CHINA: People slide down a rope from a bridge during a rescue

training in Chongqing, China, on Sunday. — China Daily/via Reuters

CHINA: Children watch robots dancing at a science and technology camp in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China on Sunday. — China Daily/via Reuters

ITALY: A person walks past art by England-based graffiti artist Banksy, during the “Guerra, Capitalismo & Liberta” ( War, Capitalism and Freedom ) exhibition at Rome’s Palazzo Cipolla, Italy, on Monday. — AFP/VINCENZO PINTO

BRITAIN: A peacock bird design made of flowers is seen at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, Britain, on Monday. — Reuters

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

WORLD

Baltimore police officer Edward Nero, 30, had faced misdemeanour charges of seconddegree assault, reckless endangerment and two counts of misconduct in office

Far-right candidate defeated in Austrian presidential vote leader Alexander van der Bellen edges ahead with 50.3 per cent of vote

Embarrassing setback Hofer’s defeat averts an embarrassing setback for Europe’s political establishment, which is increasingly under threat from populist parties that have profited from concerns about the region’s refugee crisis and years of weak growth and high unemployment.

“It’s a relief to see the Austrians reject populism and extremism,” French Prime Minister Manuel

F R E D D I E G R AY D E AT H

Baltimore police officer acquitted BALTIMORE: Baltimore police officer Edward Nero was acquitted on Monday of all charges in the 2015 death of black detainee Freddie Gray, an incident that triggered rioting and protests and fueled the Black Lives Matter movement.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Barry Williams, who heard the case in a bench trial, issued the verdict before a packed courtroom.

Nero, 30, had faced misdemeanor charges of second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and two counts of misconduct in office.

There were no initial signs of rioting after the verdict but a group of protesters chased members of Nero’s family into a parking garage, yelling, “No justice, no peace.”

Mayor Stephanie RawlingsBlake issued a statement urging calm and said Nero would face an administrative review by the police department.

“In the case of any disturbance in the city, we are prepared to respond,” she said.

Nero had been charged with arresting Gray, 25, without justification in April 2015 and failing to secure him in a police van, where he suffered a fatal spine injury.

Former Greens party

VIENNA: Austria has elected a 72-year-old former leader of the Greens party to be its next president, narrowly avoiding becoming the first country in the European Union to vote in a far-right candidate as head of state.

After an election on Sunday that was too close to call, Austrian officials spent most of Monday counting hundreds of thousands of postal ballots which ended up vaulting Alexander van der Bellen past Freedom Party rival Norbert Hofer and into the ceremonial post of president. The Interior Ministry gave van der Bellen 50.3 per cent of the vote, compared to 49.7 per cent for Hofer, who had run on an antiimmigration platform.

Hofer conceded defeat in a post on his Facebook page, thanking his supporters and telling them not to be despondent.

“Of course I am sad today,” he said. “I would have liked to take care of our wonderful country for you as president.”

A15

ELATED: Presidential candidate backed by the Greens Alexander Van der Bellen reacts during an election party after the second round

of the Austrian President elections on Sunday in Vienna. Freedom Party rival Norbert Hofer conceded defeat in a post on his Facebook page, thanking his supporters and telling them not to be despondent. – AFP

Valls said in a Twitter post. “Everyone in Europe must draw lessons from this.”

Austria is a relatively prosperous country, but it has been at the centre of a record influx of migrants from the Middle East, fanning public resentment towards the two centrist parties - the Social Democrats (SPO) and the conservative People’s Party - that have dominated politics since the end of World War II.

Sunday’s provisional result, which did not include the postal ballots, showed Hofer ahead with 51.9 per cent to van der Bellen’s 48.1 per cent.

But the SORA institute, a pollster, had said that mail-in ballots were likely to favour van der Bellen because they are traditionally used by more educated voters. The institute’s election-day polling showed 81 per cent of voters with a university degree had backed

van der Bellen and 86 per cent of workers voted for Hofer. The vote in Austria, a country of 8.5 million people, had unsettled leaders elsewhere in Europe, particularly in neighbour Germany where a new anti-immigration party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), is on the rise.

In France, the National Front of Marine Le Pen is leading in polls ahead of a presidential election next year. Across the Channel, the

UK Independence Party is campaigning for Britain to leave the European Union in a referendum on June 23. Hofer, 45, has described himself as a centre-right politician and told voters not to believe suggestions from other parties that he would be a dangerous president.

But his party has its roots in Austria’s Nazi past, a history the country has not confronted as openly as Germany. — Reuters

Failed to prove case Williams said prosecutors had failed to prove their case. During a 25-reading of his decision, he said that Nero acted as a “similarly situated” officer would.

He said Nero’s partner, Garrett Miller, had testified that Nero had not handcuffed Gray.

Gray’s death a week after his arrest sparked a day of rioting in which nearly 400 buildings were damaged or destroyed in the majority black city of 620,000 people. The case helped stoke the Black Lives Matter movement and national debate over policing in minority communities. Nero was among six officers charged in Gray’s death and the second to go to trial. The trial of the first officer to be tried, William Porter, ended in a hung jury in December. — Reuters

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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

WORLD

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$3.8b fund for schools in war zones launched by UN envoy for those children’s futures, but also for the futures of their communities and their countries,” Jo Bourne, UNICEF’s head of education, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Since war broke out in 2011, Syria’s education standards have dropped to the levels of South Sudan - which has some of the world’s worst levels education said Kevin Watkins, executive director of the think-tank ODI. “That’s in part because of the failure of the international community to respond with the right type of funding at the right time,” Watkins said on the sidelines of the summit.

“We’re seeing huge reversals of education in countries like Central African Republic, South Sudan, northern Nigeria and displaced populations in Cameroon and elsewhere,” he said.

The fund aims to help more than 13 million children and young people over the next five years, and 75 million by 2030

ISTANBUL: A crisis fund has been launched to raise $3.8 billion to help millions of children missing out on school because of war or natural disasters, UN special envoy Gordon Brown announced on Monday at the first ever World Humanitarian Summit.

Nearly 75 million children living in areas affected by war or natural disaster had their education disrupted last year, leaving them prey to child labour, trafficking and extremism, according to research published in March.

The fund aims to help more than 13 million children and young people over the next five years, and 75 million by 2030. “For the first time, we have a humanitarian fund targeting education,” said Brown, the former British prime minister and now UN Special Envoy for Global Education. “A fund that plans - not just for weeks or months - but for years in support of a child’s development. And a fund with a contingency reserve allowing us to act when a crisis hits ensuring no begging bowl has to be circulated,” he added.

On average, only two per cent of global humanitarian appeals are dedicated to education. Despite growing needs, funding for education in emergencies has almost halved since 2010, according to the London-based Overseas Development Institute (ODI).

DIRE STRAITS: Yemeni students in the capital Sanaa. Nearly 75 million children living in areas af-

fected by war or natural disaster had their education disrupted last year, leaving them prey to child labour, trafficking and extremism, according to research published in March. – AFP

“Without school, young children caught up in emergencies are at risk of becoming the youngest labourers in the field, the youngest brides at the alter, the youngest soldiers in the trench, and in some cases, the youngest recruits vulnerable to extremism and radicalisation,” Brown said.

Education is one of the items on a broad agenda for government and business leaders, aid groups

and donors gathered in Istanbul for the two-day summit.

They want to try to develop a more coherent response to what UN chief Ban Ki-moon has called the worst humanitarian situation since World War II, with 130 million people affected by war or natural disaster.

Nobel peace laureate Malala Yousafzai urged world leaders ahead of the conference to match

their words with action.

“I call on world leaders in Istanbul to be generous and back up their words with political will,” she said. “They must deliver on each and every commitment they make, including fully funding the new Education Cannot Wait initiative.” An average of four schools or hospitals are attacked or occupied by armed groups every day, the UN children’s agency (UNICEF) said ahead of the summit. In Syria alone, more than 6,000 schools are out of use - attacked, occupied by the military or taken over as an emergency shelter. And in conflict-hit Central African Republic, a quarter of schools are not functioning, UNICEF said. “Education is an absolutely vital investment both

Underfunded Education for children in Syria and its neighbouring countries is massively underfunded, he said.

Funding is needed consistently, so children’s schooling is not disrupted.

“If you speak to the kids and parents concerned, they regard (education) as an absolutely fundamental priority. And there is something that you can do about it,” Watkins said.

The new fund will pool resources from government and private donors, to be used by local NGOs - who can deliver education much more cheaply and quickly than the World Bank or UN agencies, Watkins said. “At the moment... almost all the money mobilised... trickles down incredibly slowly, after quite a lot of it has been removed because of the costs of the system, and it delivers pretty meagre results on the ground,” he said.

“I think this (new fund) ticks a lot of the boxes for fixing things that are clearly wrong in the system.” — Thomson Reuters Foundation

WOMEN, PEACE, SECURITY

Jolie to teach at London School of Economics LONDON: Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie is to join the London School of Economics (LSE) as a visiting professor on a new masters course on women, peace and security, the school announced on Monday.

The LSE said the course, which starts next year, is the first of its kind globally and will be run by the LSE Centre for Women, Peace and Security which was launched last year by Jolie and Britain’s former foreign secretary, William Hague.

“It is vital that we broaden the discussion on how to advance women’s rights and end impunity for crimes that disproportionately affect women, such as physical violence in conflict,” Jolie, a special envoy for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), said in a statement. “I am looking forward to teaching and to learning from the students, as well as to sharing my own experiences of working alongside governments and the United Nations.”

Hague will also be joining LSE as a visiting professor.

The Oscar-winning actress and Hague have become an unlikely double-act on campaigning to end violence against women in conflict. The partnership was sparked by Jolie’s 2011 directorial debut “In the Land of Blood and Honey” that was set against the backdrop of the 1992-95 Bosnian war in which an estimated 20,000 women were believed to have been raped.

The pair co-founded the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative in 2012 to rally global action on such crimes, increase the numbers of perpetrators brought to justice and ensure better support for survivors.

They co-hosted the first global conference on the issue in London in 2014. Hague said the new course would help underpin their work by developing research to help tackle the culture of impunity. — Thomson Reuters Foundation

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TU ES DAY, MAY 24, 2016

OMAN CRUDE DECLINES Oman Crude (July delivery) declined 85 cents to $45.22 per barrel on Monday, said Dubai Mercantile Exchange. The average price of Oman Crude (June delivery) was $39.4 per barrel, $3.06 a barrel higher than May delivery 2016. - ONA

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MEGA INVESTMENTS

China plans mega projects, including refinery, in Duqm MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A land lease agreement was signed between Oman and China to establish a major industrial park in Duqm, which will attract a series of mega investments from China that include an oil refinery with a refining capacity of about 230,000 barrels per day.

The construction of oil refinery is subject to necessary approvals from competent authorities in the Sultanate.

Relationship between Sultanate and China, Oman’s policies and the strategic location of Duqm port attracted China to invest in Oman, said Ali Shah, general manager of China-Arab Wanfang Investment Management Company Ltd, on the

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT: Sandan Light Industries Park will spread over an area of 250,000 square metres and will house 2,400 workshops, automobile showrooms and other offices.

- Supplied picture

Sandan, Towell sign deal The contracting firm will start work on the first phase of the park after one month and the whole project will be completed after two years, according to Said Al Rashdi, executive manager at Sandan

Times News Service MUSCAT: A construction deal was signed by Sandan Development with Towell Construction & Co (TCC) on Monday to build the country’s first integrated light industries park.

The contracting firm will start work on the first phase of the park after one month and the whole project will be completed after two years, according to Said Al Rashdi, executive manager at Sandan.

Sandan Light Industries Park will spread over an area of 250,000 square metres and will accommodate 2,400 workshops, automobile showrooms, building material shops, 450 office space and 1,400 residential units.

The project, which is fully invested by local investors, has a strategic location at Halban in the middle of Muscat Express way and Al Batinah Express way, and five kilometers away from Al Muabailah exit on the Expressway.

As many as 15,000 people will be accommodated, who will have all facilities inside the park. The park is planned to accommodate a mosque, a hypermarket, a hospital, restaurants, shops, banks and travel agencies.

Ground levelling work Referring on the progress so far, Al Rashdi said that about 90 per cent of ground levelling work has already been completed, which was a difficult work due to high standards adopted by Sandan.

Leveling land was a critical process since it was the first step.

Al Rashdi added that when the company launched the project, there was a big demand for the units offered on sale, thanks to an attractive package of incentives.

Al Rashdi explained that Sandan has received 14 construction bids from local and international construction firms after the launch. ”We studied carefully the offers and made our opinion to award the construction of the park to TCC, which is one of the most important companies operating in the Sultanate.”

Husain Jawad Abdul Rasoul, chairman of TCC, said that winning the industrial park project is a source of great pride for the company. The company will cooperate with Sandan to have a long-term relation in future projects that will support national economy and create more jobs for Omani youths.

“The industrial park is a pioneer project that reflects innovation and creation required for the future period to support development and progress in the Sultanate,” noted Khaled bin Sulaiman, business development advisor at TCC. “We are very happy to win this project and will not spare effort to execute the first phase, which is a 350,000 square meter and deliver it to Sandan with highest quality and on time,” said M K R Sai, the newly appointed chief executive officer at TCC.

sidelines of the signing ceremony.

“Chinese investors need a (industrial) park in Oman to cover the markets of South Asia, West Asia, Middle East and Africa with rich resource, good geographical location and flexible policy,” Ali Shah added.

“Different investors from China are coming to Oman under the umbrella of one company,” he added.

The proposed industrial park in Duqm is expected to attract as much as $10 billion worth in investments by 2022.

Agreement was signed by Ali Shah on behalf of China and Yahya bin Said bin Abdullah Al Jabri, chairman of the Special Economic Zone Authority in Duqm (Sezad).

According to Ali Shah, the project that spreads over a huge area

of 11.72 square kilometres is divided into three main categories - heavy industrial area, light industrial area and mixed-use area (including a hotel).

“The project will be completed in three different phases and the first phase is expected to ready in five years,” Ali Shah asserted.

The whole project is expected to be ready within ten years.

The first area of about 870 hectares will be allocated for heavy industries. According to him, Wanfang will allocate this land under sub-usufruct conventions to other Chinese investors and companies.

“Wanfang will be responsible for operation and maintenance of infrastructure on site unless applicable systems in the Sultanate require,” added Ali Shah. > B2

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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

MARKET Banking sector achieves strong growth despite oil price slump first-of-its-kind summit in Oman. Bank Sohar and Oman Data Park were the Supporting Sponsors. Oman Air was the official Airline Partner.

In spite of the falling oil price, last year witnessed a 8.4 per cent growth in credit and 12.6 per cent rise in core capital and reserves, a top-level official of Central Bank of Oman said Hamoud Sangour Al Zadjali, executive president of the Central Bank of Oman. — Supplied picture

money and efforts in technological innovations; new and advanced modes of service delivery are constantly introduced.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s banking sector has achieved a robust growth, despite a slump in crude oil prices across the globe, a top-level official of the Central Bank of Oman said here on Monday. “(The) banking industry in Oman has been a sound catalyst for the economic growth and it will continue to be so. A fall in oil price has not affected and will not affect its vital contribution,” said Hamoud Sangour Al Zadjali, executive president of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).

He was delivering the keynote speech at the GCC New Age Banking Summit 2016 organised

by UMS Conferences.

“In spite of falling oil price, 2015 too witnessed 8.4 per cent rise in credit and 12.6 per cent rise in core capital and reserves. Even though the total deposits registered a lesser rise at 3.41 per cent, there was no let-up in banking activities and reach,” added Al Zadjali. The strength of banking industry is reflected in professionalism, sound corporate governance and management, keeping up capital ad-

(The) banking industry in Oman has been a sound catalyst for the economic growth and it will continue to be so. A fall in oil price has not affected and will not affect its vital contribution Hamoud Sangour Al Zadjali Executive president, CBO

equacy ratio, which is at high 16.5 per cent now, consistent growth in business, still maintaining a low gross non-performing loan ratio of 2.5 per cent and steady rise in profits in 2015.

Meeting SME requirements Along with personal loans, it does cater to the needs of business; finance and stands fairly diversified. Banks are committed to meet the requirements of small and me-

dium enterprises sector and they extend assistance for non-financial areas too like entrepreneurial development. Banks are diversifying the sources of funding and there is no reason to doubt banks’ capacity and willingness to deploy credit and resources towards assisting and contributing to growth – even in changed environment.

It will be a matter of relevance to note at this summit that banks in Oman are spending good time,

Innovative technologies While delivering his keynote address, Al Zadjali also stressed on the importance of new and innovative technologies in meeting the needs of new age customers and balancing them with control, risk management and compliance. “The banks in Oman are spending good time, money and efforts in technological innovations; new and advanced modes of service delivery are constantly introduced. CBO has been conveying its expectation of prudent growth meeting the needs of the society and looks forward to continued growth of banking industry consistent with real economy,” he added.

Highness Sayyid Taimur bin Asad Al Said was the Guest of Honour and Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali was the chief guest and keynote speaker at the event.

Bank Muscat was the Official Banking Partner and GBM was the Technology Partner for the

Digital landscape While delivering his opening remarks, Asad Batla, head of consumer banking in Bank Nizwa and the chairman of the summit, said: “With the exponential growth of smartphones and new technologies, the way we do things has changed and banks have to embrace digital landscape to deliver better banking experience through better customer engagement, mobile apps, digital payments, big data analysis and partnering with external service providers.”

The GCC New Age Banking Summit was a unique platform for the banking and finance professionals to discuss the new developments in global banking and debate on the focus areas for Omani banks. The event hosted a line-up of expert regional and global industry speakers from companies including IBM, Bank Muscat, Oman Data Park, Westpac Pacific Banking (Australia), GENESIS Institute (UAE), Arab National Bank (Saudi Arabia), Meethaq Islamic Bank and Takaful Oman Insurance. The deliberations helped the audience gain expert insights on disruptive technologies, global banking trends and new age customer needs, and an opportunity to network with industry peers and banking solution providers.

Featuring sessions on Omani channel banking and risks and compliance, the event stressed on driving efficiency across various channels for better monetisation as well as the need to be in line with regulatory norms while embracing digitisation.

Bloomberberg Businessweek Middle East, OER, Times of Oman and Al Shabiba were the media partners for the event.

F L E E T E X PA N S I O N

Boeing wins $11.3b order for 100 planes from VietJet HANOI: Boeing won an order for 100 jets from VietJet Aviation Joint Stock valued at $11.3 billion in list prices as Vietnam’s only private airline expands fleet amid a surge in travel.

VietJet signed the agreement on Monday in Hanoi during President Barack Obama’s visit to Vietnam.

Delivery of the Boeing 737 Max 200 planes will run for four years beginning in 2019 and will help the carrier expand its fleet to 200 by the end of 2023, the company said in a statement.

Low-cost carrier The low-cost carrier, which started operations in December of 2011, is seeking to expand in a market that’s grown 20 per cent annually in the last three years, according to the airline. At present, VietJet operates more than 250 flights a day with 50 routes in Vietnam and across the region to countries such as Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Myanmar and Malaysia. “They seem to be extremely ambitious,” said Brendan Sobie, Singapore-based chief analyst at CAPA Centre for Aviation. “They have established themselves domestically with a strong brand and high share of the market in a very quick time.”

Fastest-growing VietJet will probably surpass national carrier Vietnam Airlines as the nation’s biggest domestic carrier this year, according to CAPA Centre for Aviation. Vietnam is expected to rank among the world’s 10 fastest-growing aviation markets in the next two decades, according to the International Air Transport Association.

The Boeing aircraft “will accommodate our strategy of growing VietJet’s coming international route network, including long-haul flights,” Chief Executive Officer Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao in a statement. — Bloomberg News

DUQM ECONOMIC ZONE

The agreement was signed by Ali Shah, general manager of China-Arab Wanfang Investment Management Company and Yahya bin Said bin Abdullah Al Jabri, chairman of Sezad. - Supplied picture

< FROM

B1 China plans mega projects The second category will be an area of about indivisible 10 hectares allocated to the implementation of a tourism project.

“We are planning to build a Chinese-style hotel, which will have an investment of $150 million and it is expected to generate more than 200 job opportunities,” Ali Shah said.

The third category will be on an area of 292 hectares allocated for the establishment of an oil refinery and petrochemical industries’ complex. The capacity of the refinery will be about 230,000 barrels per day.

According to Ali Shah, the entire project offers 12,000 job opportunities and 10 per cent of which will be allotted to the Omani nationals.

“We (would) like to increase the percentage of Omani work-

force in the future,” he added.

He also said that $100 million will be invested to build a hospital, which will have 500 beds and provide medical treatment to people within the locality, regardless of nationalities.

Ali Shah also said that they will invest $15 million to build a school for the park residents, including Chinese, Omanis and other nationalities.

Job creation He also confirmed that around 1,500 jobs will be provided to Omanis and approximate 1,000 Omanis will get degree education for vocational training in China.

“We agreed to give the land to China and they will build the entire infrastructure for the park.

So, this will reduce the burden on us to build the infrastructure,” Al

Jabri said. Al Jabri stated that the signing of the agreement reflects the position reached by the Sultanate and its ability to attract investments. “This also reflects the investment environment in the country and global interest enjoyed by the Sultanate under the patronage of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos,” he added.

According to Al Jabri, Chinese investments are a great addition to the current investment in Duqm.

“SEZAD’s efforts made during the past years have attracted investments from the GCC, Asia, and Europe. We hope that diversity would contribute to attract Omani experience specialised in many areas related to ports, petrochemical industries, fishery industries, tourism, trade and other areas,” he added.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

B3

MARKET CIVIL WORK

Al Hassan Abu Dhabi wins major contract

PDO and Nama Group sign key power distribution deal

Times News Service MUSCAT: Al Hassan Engineering Co. Abu Dhabi LLC, which is controlled by Al Hassan Engineering Co. with a 49 per cent stake, has received a letter of intent from Siemens, Abu Dhabi, for construction of 132KV substation civil works for Dh57.55 million.

The project duration is one year from June 2016, according to a disclosure statement posted on Muscat Securities Market (MSM) website.

The agreement means the four systems will eventually be interconnected via a 400-kilovolt power transmission system, which will enable them to share power reserves, co-ordinate on electricity generation and planning and access areas with high renewable-energy potential.

INVESTMENT

Dubai investor plans to open Monaco’s first gold refinery DUBAI: Dubai investor Selim Fendi plans to open Monaco’s first gold refinery in early 2017 to meet demand from local and global jewellers looking to make sure they aren’t using metal from conflict areas.

Aurum Monaco SAM will produce up to one metric tonne of gold a month in its first year, with capacity to boost that to three tonnes a month, Fendi said in an interview. The gold will be from mines in Colombia, Peru, Chile and soon Ecuador that are financed by Fendi’s Dubai gold-trading company Noble Precious Metal DMCC. “Major luxury groups” are lined up to buy, mainly in Europe and the US, he said.

“Some jewellery brands in Monaco buy gold at a premium because they want gold that hasn’t harmed the environment, was mined using fair labor conditions and is traceable and conflict-free,” Fendi said.

“The big luxury brands don’t have enough gold that is certified.

We will have full traceability from mine to refiner.”

Fendi is planning the refinery even as global gold jewellery demand is shrinking and some factories are closing. MTC-PAMP India, India’s biggest gold refiner, temporarily stopped operations after weak demand and higher supply in the domestic market made it unprofitable. Global jewellery demand in the first quarter slumped 19 per cent from a year earlier, led by declines in India and China, according to the World Gold Council.

Monaco abides by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s due diligence guidelines for responsible sourcing of gold, according to Claude Cardone, president of Monaco’s chamber of watchmakers and jewellers.

“Monaco is a perfect place to have a gold refinery because Monaco has a concentration of wealth, and wealth brings gold,” he said by phone. — Bloomberg News

Times News Service MUSCAT: An agreement to enhance the security and reliability of the Sultanate’s electricity network was signed by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) with Nama Group on Monday.

At present, there are four separate electricity supply networks — the main integrated system in the north, the Dhofar system in the south, the Duqm system in the east and PDO’s system in central Oman.

The agreement means the four systems will eventually be interconnected via a 400-kilovolt power transmission system, which will enable them to share power reserves, co-ordinate on electricity generation and planning and access areas with high renewableenergy potential.

It should also reduce the amount of fuel gas needed for power generation facilities in the country, free-

ing it up for use elsewhere.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) and Oman Power and Water Procurement (OPWP) Company, both members of Nama Group, should lead to a more integrated and co-ordinated power grid across the country, according to a press release.

The MoU was signed at the opening of the three-day Oman Energy and Water Exhibition and Conference at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb.

“This agreement will establish a framework for a more efficient and co-ordinated national electricity grid by integrating the existing networks,” said PDO managing director Raoul Restucci.

“PDO and our partners will be able to work together more effectively to ensure the stability and security of the day-to-day running of the system and also dur-

ing emergencies. If one part of the country needs more electricity, this makes it easier to transmit it from another part where there is less demand. The new set-up will also mean we can reduce the consumption of vital gas for power generation, which can be diverted for industrial, commercial and residential uses.”

The MoU will also establish a technical support hub, where experts from PDO, OPWP and OETC can share relevant technical and economic data and information and pave the way for co-operation on potential renewable-energy development.

OPWP chief executive officer Ahmad Al Jahdami said, “Power interconnection between PDO and the main power grid will allow

for joint planning for future power capacities in a manner that will reduce the costs of the produced capacities. It will also provide new opportunities for the utilisation of renewable energy between the two grids, in addition to meetingthe gas needs ofthe Sultanate.”

OETC chief executive officer Ali Al Hadabi said, “This MoU will provide the opportunity for studying the possibility of interconnecting the unified transmission grid owned by OETC and connecting it with PDO’s grids and the possibility ofextending high voltage lines to the south of the Sultanate, in Salalah.

“At OETC, we consider this project viable and important,as it will help us in the future to connect our existing grid in

Dhofar-Salalah with the main grid in the north.”

PDO also signed a second MoU with the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) for closer co-operation in the PAEW’s plans and projects for communities in PDO’s concession area and the formation of a committee to supervise the process of distributing water to residents in the area (excluding Dhofar and Sohar).

The agreement also covers the possibility of PDO advising on topics such as renewable energy, competency development and the development of small and medium enterprises. Further, the Company will assist the PAEW with lean efficiency programmes and will provide some technical support.

ECONOMY

Japan’s exports post seventh monthly decline TOKYO: Japan’s exports fell for a seventh consecutive month in April as the yen strengthened, underscoring the growing challenges to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s efforts to revive economic growth.

Overseas shipments declined 10.1 per cent in April from a year earlier, the Ministry of Finance said on Monday. The median estimate of economists surveyed by Bloomberg was for a 9.9 per cent drop. Imports fell 23.3 per cent, leaving a trade surplus of 823.5 billion yen ($7.5 billion), the highest since March 2010.

Even after coming off an 18-month high earlier this month, the Japanese currency has gained 9 per cent against the dollar this year, eroding the competitiveness of the nation’s products overseas and hurting the earnings of exporters. Concern about the impact of the yen was on show over the weekend as Finance Minister Taro Aso and his US counterpart disagreed over the seriousness of recent moves in the foreign-exchange market.

VITAL EXPORTS: Exports to the US fell 11.8 per cent in April from a year earlier, while shipments to the EU rose 9.9 per cent. — Bloomberg file picture

“Exports are getting a hit from the yen’s gains and weakness in overseas demand, especially in emerging nations,” said Yuichi Kodama, chief economist at Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co. in Tokyo, who added that last month’s

OIL SUPPLIES

Opec set for another meeting LONDON: After failing to reach an accord on oil supply in Doha last month, Opec is poised to go another meeting with no agreement on how much crude to produce. All but 1 of 27 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg said the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) won’t set an output target on June 2, as it sticks with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to squeeze out rivals includ-

CRUCIAL AGREEMENT: Present, there are four separate electricity supply networks — the main integrated system, the Dhofar system, the Duqm system and PDO’s system. - Supplied picture

ing US shale drillers by pumping near-record volumes. An accord on an output cap with non-members such as Russia collapsed in Doha last month when Saudi officials insisted Iran would need to take part.

Oil has rebounded about 80 per cent to almost $50 a barrel from the 12-year low reached in January as depressed prices take their toll on supplies. The IEA

and Goldman Sachs Group say the crude glut is dissipating, signaling that the Saudi approach — opposed by most Opec members when it was unveiled in late 2014 — is finally paying off.

The head of Iran’s state oil company said at the weekend that the country has no plans to join any output freeze since it’s still ramping up exports to presanctions levels. — Bloomberg News

earthquakes in Kumamoto also will likely slow exports. “There’s a high chance that Japan’s economy will return to contraction in the April-June period as domestic consumption and exports look weak.” Monday’s report also

shows that exports to the US fell 11.8 per cent in April from a year earlier, while shipments to the EU rose 9.9 per cent.

Exports to China, Japan’s largest trading partner, dropped 7.6 per cent. Imports fell 23.3 per

cent, the biggest decline since October 2009. Oil and liquefied natural gas contributed the most to the decline. The petroleum and coal tax was raised in April, which also could affect declines in energy imports. Impact of Quakes The tremblors hit the southern island of Kyushu in April, bringing a halt to production at factories of companies including Sony and Toyota.

They disrupted parts suppliers, including Aisin Seiki, delaying production of Toyota vehicles.

Exports of cars to the US fell 4.4 per cent in April from a year earlier, declining for the first time since November 2014. The disruptions from the earthquakes could further hurt auto exports, according to the finance ministry.

Supply chain disruptions may affect shipments of auto parts and electronic components, slowing Japanese exports to China and elsewhere in Asia in the AprilJune period, Yoshimasa Maruyama, chief market economist at SMBC Nikko Securities in Tokyo, said. — Bloomberg News

B4

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,949.52 ...............5,931.98 ................... 5,948.41 ................... 5,931.09.................. 17.32 ...................0.29 Financial Index .................................... 7,642.22 ............... 7,625.75 ....................7,641.56 ................... 7,624.78.................. 16.78 ...................0.22 Industrial Index ....................................7,328.38 ...............7,305.46 ................... 7,328.38 ...................7,294.52................. 33.86 ...................0.46 Services Index .......................................3,301.17 ...............3,294.76 ...................3,300.20 ...................3,282.49...................17.71 ...................0.54 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................888.33 .................. 887.06 ...................... 888.25 .......................887.06.....................1.19 ................... 0.13 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 14,670,654 ..................3,128,858 .................... 806 ................ 17,157,682,571 ................ 13 ........................4 .................... 25 .........................42

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, MAY 23 ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

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

Muscat Securities Market. – Times file picture

MSM index ends higher

OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 871,000 .........264,160..................... 45 ........... 0.304...........0.306 ...........0.299........... 0.304 .............0.290 ............0.014 .............4.828 ................0.300 ............ 0.300...................0.302 .................. 88,357,910 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 3,077,271....... 338,418................... 155 ............0.108 ........... 0.112............0.108............0.110 .............0.106 ........... 0.004............. 3.774 ................0.110 .............. 0.110................... 0.111 ................... 31,897,870 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 183,113 ............ 12,205......................11 ........... 0.067 ...........0.067 ...........0.066........... 0.067 .............0.065 ........... 0.002............. 3.077 ................0.067..............0.066...................0.067................... 13,879,143 .........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 1,057,846 ......285,686......................51 ........... 0.270 ...........0.272 ...........0.270........... 0.270 .............0.265 ........... 0.005............. 1.887 ................0.271 ..............0.271...................0.272...................79,977,694 .........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 1,113,170 ....... 233,129..................... 65 ........... 0.207 ........... 0.215 ...........0.207........... 0.209 .............0.207 ........... 0.002............. 0.966 ................0.214..............0.214...................0.215...................26,103,674 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 146,786 .............31,592......................14 ............0.213 ........... 0.216 ...........0.213 ............0.215 .............0.213............ 0.002............. 0.939 ................0.216 ..............0.216...................0.218..................145,100,797 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 145,440 ......... 237,067........................9 ............1.630 ........... 1.630 ...........1.630 ............1.630 ............. 1.615 .............0.015 .............0.929 ................1.630 .............. 1.630...................1.640................1,222,500,000......0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 688,713 .......... 155,448.....................60 ........... 0.226 ...........0.227 ...........0.224 .......... 0.226 .............0.224 ........... 0.002............. 0.893 ................0.226..............0.226...................0.228 ..................33,916,950 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 430,830 ........... 76,938......................13 ............0.179 ........... 0.180 ...........0.178 ............0.179 ............. 0.178.............0.001 ............. 0.562 ................0.178 .............. 0.178...................0.179 ..................287,205,382........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 568,409 ........ 228,900..................... 53 ........... 0.402 ...........0.404 ...........0.402........... 0.402 .............0.400 ........... 0.002.............0.500 ................0.402............. 0.400...................0.402 ...............1,003,492,604 ......0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 480,500............ 97,713..................... 29 ........... 0.203 ...........0.206 ...........0.203........... 0.203 .............0.202 ............0.001 ............. 0.495 ................0.203..............0.203...................0.204 ..................40,600,000 ........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE .................................60,884 .............16,012........................2 ........... 0.263 ...........0.263 ...........0.263........... 0.263 .............0.263 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.263............. 0.240...................0.262 ..................26,300,000 ........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ........................... 1,200 .................. 305........................1 ........... 0.254 ...........0.254 ...........0.254........... 0.250 .............0.250 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.254............. 0.240...................0.250 ..................23,760,000.........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ........................................................... 152,047 ............79,951......................17 ........... 0.520 ...........0.526 ...........0.516 ........... 0.526 .............0.526 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.526..............0.524...................0.528...................28,930,000.........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ...................................................... 145,875...........185,261.....................20 ............1.270 ........... 1.270 ...........1.270 ........... 1.270 .............1.270............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.270 ..............1.270...................1.280................. 254,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 121,450.............13,360......................16 ............0.110 ........... 0.110............0.110 ............0.110 ............. 0.110............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.110 ..............0.106...................0.110 ................. 220,034,407 .......0.100

The top gainer was Renaissance Services, up

OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 227,018..........129,400......................11 ........... 0.570 ...........0.570 ...........0.570........... 0.570 .............0.570 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.570..............0.570...................0.580 ................ 362,400,806 .......0.100

by 4.83 per cent, while National Aluminium

OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 173,100.............43,195......................18 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.249........... 0.250 .............0.250 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.250..............0.250...................0.251....................5,250,000 ..........0.100

was the top loser, down by 1.58 per cent

OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 119,200.............11,005........................5 ........... 0.094 ...........0.094 ...........0.092........... 0.092 .............0.092 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.092..............0.090...................0.093....................2,760,000 ..........0.100

OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ........................................................... 25,000 .............12,150........................2 ........... 0.486 ...........0.486 ...........0.486........... 0.486 .............0.486 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.486..............0.482...................0.486..................160,804,137........0.100

OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES .......................................... 109,024 ............25,301......................12 ........... 0.232 ...........0.236 ...........0.232........... 0.232 .............0.232 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.236..............0.232...................0.238................... 14,199,391 .........0.100

OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 257,525.............37,084......................13 ............0.144 ........... 0.144 ...........0.144........... 0.144 .............0.144 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.144..............0.144...................0.145...................46,987,659 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 243,560 ........... 34,927..................... 36 ............0.143 ........... 0.145 ...........0.142........... 0.143 ............. 0.143............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.145 ..............0.143...................0.145...................12,870,000.........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 352,000 ...........88,000........................8 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.250........... 0.250 .............0.250 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.250..............0.249...................0.250 ................ 424,800,350 .......0.100

MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat bourse recovered on better support from retail and institutional investors. The MSM30 Index ended higher to close at 5,948.41 points, up by 0.29 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index increased by 0.13 per cent to close at 888.25 points. Galfar Engineering was most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. The top gainer was Renaissance Services, up by 4.83 per cent, while National Aluminium was the top loser, down by 1.58 per cent.

As many as 806 trades were executed on Monday, generating turnover of OMR3.13 million with 14.6 million shares changing hands. Out of 42 traded securities, 13 advanced, four declined and 25 remained unchanged.

GCC and Arab investors were net buyers for OMR130,000 followed by foreign investors for OMR14,000 while Omani investors were net sellers for OMR274,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 7,641.56 points, up by 0.22 per

cent. Al Madina Investment , Al Anwar Holding, Bank Sohar and Bank Muscat increased by 3.08 per cent, 0.89 per cent, 0.56 per cent and 0.50 per cent, respectively. National Bank of Oman was the only loser in the sector and was down by 0.38 per cent to close at OMR0.257.

Industrial Index declined by 0.46 per cent to close at 7,294.52 points. Galfar Engineering, Al Anwar Ceramics and Jazeera Steel Product increased by 3.77 per cent, 1.89 per cent and 0.97 per cent, respectively. National Aluminium and Oman Cables declined by 1.58 per cent and 0.27 per cent, respectively.

Services Index closed at 3,282.48 points, up by 0.54 per cent. Renaissance Services, Al Batinah Power, Oman Telecommunications Company and OIFC increased by 4.83 per cent, 0.94 per cent, 0.93 per cent and 0.50 per cent, respectively. Ooredoo Oman was the only sector loser and was down by 1.06 per cent to close at 0.748. – United Securities

OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES .......................... 60,000 ............... 7,575........................4 ............0.128 ........... 0.128 ...........0.125 ........... 0.126 .............0.126............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.125 .............. 0.125...................0.126.................... 7,414,245 ..........0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. ..........1,150 ............... 1,772........................2 ............1.545 ........... 1.545 ...........1.535 ............1.545 ............. 1.545............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.535 .............. 1.535...................1.545..................106,605,000........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ................................................. 100,000 ........... 13,000........................1 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.130........... 0.130 .............0.130............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.130 .............. 0.127...................0.129...................32,966,700.........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................... 17,500 ...............1,300........................4 ........... 0.076 ........... 0.076 ...........0.074........... 0.074 .............0.074 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.074..............0.074...................0.075...................12,950,000.........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY..................................... 25,000 ............ 45,650........................2 ............1.825 ........... 1.830 ...........1.825 ............1.825 .............1.830............-0.005 ........... -0.273 ...............1.830 ............. 0.000...................1.830..................163,702,500........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 137,000.............35,491........................7 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.257........... 0.259 .............0.260 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.385 ...............0.257..............0.255...................0.260 .................381,968,350........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO........................................................................ 64,800 ............ 48,478........................6 ............0.748 ........... 0.752 ...........0.748 ............0.748 ............. 0.756............-0.008 ............-1.058................0.752 ..............0.752...................0.756................. 486,906,284 .......0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS .............. 48,246 ............. 12,011........................7 ........... 0.249 ...........0.250 ...........0.248........... 0.249 .............0.253 ...........-0.004 ............-1.581 ................0.249............. 0.240...................0.249 ................... 8,359,291 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 11,204,657........2,802,485 ...........699 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......32........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ...................................................... 43,000 ...............2,646........................8 ........... 0.062 ...........0.062 ...........0.061 ........... 0.062 ............. 0.061.............0.001 ............. 1.639 ................0.061 ..............0.060...................0.061.................... 7,750,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................... 27,456 ............... 2,551........................3 ........... 0.094 ...........0.094 ...........0.092........... 0.093 .............0.092 ............0.001 ............. 1.087 ................0.092..............0.091...................0.092 ...................6,994,344 ..........0.100 OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING .......................................... 600 ...................198........................6 ........... 0.330 ...........0.330 ...........0.330........... 0.330 .............0.330 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.330..............0.330...................0.362 ...................1,980,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001228............OMAN HOTELS AND TOURISM ............................45,980 ............ 28,324........................1 ............0.616 ........... 0.616 ...........0.616 ............0.616 ............. 0.616............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.616 ............. 0.000...................0.612...................33,880,000.........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................... 19,827 .................. 654........................5 ........... 0.033 ...........0.033 ...........0.033........... 0.033 .............0.033 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.033..............0.033...................0.034 ...................2,805,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE......................................................23,308 .............. 2,844........................2 ............0.122 ........... 0.122 ...........0.122........... 0.122 .............0.122 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.122.............. 0.121...................0.125...................32,539,301 .........0.100 OM0000001723 ............OMAN ORIX LEASING ............................................... 12,595 ...............1,448........................3 ............0.115 ........... 0.115............ 0.115 ............0.115 ............. 0.115 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.115 ...............0.115...................0.124...................28,869,531 .........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 2,825,132 ...... 216,057.....................22 ........... 0.076 ........... 0.077 ...........0.076........... 0.076 .............0.076 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.077..............0.077...................0.078..................114,000,000........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 466,373 ............71,487..................... 55 ............0.153 ........... 0.154 ...........0.153 ............0.153 ............. 0.153............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.154 .............. 0.153...................0.154..................223,778,023........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 3,464,271 ......326,209...................105 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 9........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ........................1,726 .................. 164........................2 ........... 0.095 ........... 0.095 ...........0.095........... 0.096 .............0.096 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.095..............0.095...................0.100....................31,119,515..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .......................................................................................1,726 .................. 164........................2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

K E Y I N I T I AT I V E

RAISING FUNDS

Brazil's government to host a round of ANZ Banking mulls investor meetings for state asset sales sale of part or all of BRASILIA/SAO PAULO: The Brazilian government plans to host a round of investor meetings to market a broad plan of asset sales, a key initiative to help raise cash and reduce a record budget deficit, a senior official and people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

According to Wellington Moreira Franco, the head of a government agency to draw foreign investment to Brazil, a round of so-called roadshows is seen as a necessary step to advertise the assets and the legal and regulatory framework behind the programme . He did not give a timetable nor say which assets will be sold.

Still, five sources with knowledge of the plan told Reuters over the past week that Moreira Franco and Foreign Affairs Minister José Serra will lead the roadshows, which may take place in New York, London and other financial hubs. Two of the sources said the presentations are scheduled for mid-July. The list of ready-for-sale assets is still in the making. Yet, interim President Michel Temer’s government wants to sell majority stakes in the fuel distribution unit of oil producer Petróleo Brasileiro SA and in power utility Furnas Centrais Elétricas SA, and some of the facilities that airport authority Infraero runs, the sources said.

Moreira Franco said the programme’s goal is to help create jobs as Brazil wrestles with a two-year long recession and slumping commodity prices. Still, the plan could help Brazil raise extra funds to narrow a deficit that most economists forecast to top 10 per cent of gross domestic product this year.

“It’s time to end with the government monologue and start building solutions with our partners,”

FUND RAISING: Michel Temer, Brazil’s acting president, centre, smiles during an event in Brasilia, Brazil. - Bloomberg News

Moreira Franco said late on Friday, adding that the legal and investment framework will be designed in a way that bidders “feel safe and confident.”

State asset sale The state asset sale programme offers more evidence of Brazil’s policy shift since the Senate’s decision earlier this month to try the impeachment of leftist President Dilma Rousseff. Temer, her replacement during the trial and afterwards if she is found guilty, has vowed to streamline Brazil’s bloated state and open room for more private investment activity.

It could become Brazil’s most ambitious privatization drive in two decades.

Qatar Investment Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Co PJSC, and Mubadala Development Co PJSC are among the sovereign

wealth funds invited to attend the roadshows, three of the sources said. Canadian investment firms and European infrastructure companies have already been contacted too, the same sources added.

Moreira Franco declined to give an estimate of how much the government could fetch from asset sales, although two of the sources said proceeds could range between $10 billion and $20 billion over the next two years.

Some of the largest investment banks operating in Brazil will also attend the meetings, many of them representing potential buyers, the sources added.

In a statement to Reuters, Temer’s office said the government “plans to transfer to private investors several assets, stakes and companies, although it is still analyzing which and which others will remain in the hands of the state.”

Spokespeople for Serra’s office declined to comment. Spokespeople for the wealth funds and the Canadian firms including Brookfield Asset Management Inc, did not have an immediate comment.

Sanitation, insurance, lottery Temer plans to deliver to lawmakers later on Monday a request to raise a key budget deficit target for this year, which requires congressional approval before the end of the month to avoid a government shutdown. The new shortfall estimate is the so-called primary deficit goal, or the expected difference between spending and revenues before debt payments.

Brazilian equities, bonds and currency have gained in recent months, on optimism that an eventual removal of Rousseff from office for breaking budgetary rules could usher in more businessfriendly policies.

Moreira Franco noted that the asset sale program and contacts with investors could also help the government resume auctions of oil and natural gas exploration permits.

The programme will be implemented in phases that will hinge on the ability of officials and their advisors to prepare deals, the sources noted. Moreira Franco said that no banks have yet been hired to advise on the program.

According to the sources, the government will first offer those state companies with the most attractive or profitable business models, keeping a smaller stake in them. At a later stage, the government would try to exit stakes in privately-held or listed companies owned by BNDESPar, an investment holding company controlled by state development bank BNDES, they said. — Reuters

its insurance unit

SYDNEY: ANZ Banking Group is exploring plans to sell part or all of its life insurance and pension product development unit, valued at up to $4 billion in total, people familiar with the matter said, in line with its broader strategy of raising funds to boost capital.

The plans being worked out

by Australia’s No. 4 lender come months after it split its global wealth management business into separate arms, one focusing on developing insurance and pension products and the other focusing on distribution.

ANZ is still streamlining the product development division before seeking bids for the business, the people said, declining to be identified as the plans were confidential. The people said no final decision to sell the operation has been made, and ANZ could yet decide to retain the business.

The lender has already held informal discussions with investment banks on a potential disposal, but there is no clear time-frame for the launch of a formal sale process, according to the people familiar with the matter. The business could be valued at between $3 billion and $4 billion overall, according to one person. Like many global lenders, ANZ is exiting capitalintensive businesses at a time when banks are under increasing regulatory pressures to have a greater capital buffer against souring loans. Last week, ANZ said it has cut 200 Australian jobs due to slowing economy and weak lending growth.

Australia’s insurance sector has already seen a shake-up in

The plans being worked out by Australia’s lender come months after it split its global wealth management business into separate arms

recent months as the country’s banks face increasing pressure to sell off non-core assets. The sector generated A$4.5 billion ($3.3 billion) in profit last year, according market research firm IBISWorld. Last October, National Australia Bank, the country’s No. 1 lender, agreed to sell 80 per cent of its life insurance arm to Japan’s Nippon Life Insurance.

Then earlier this year, Macquarie Group sold its life unit to Zurich Insurance Group for an undisclosed sum.

The ANZ business could attract interest from insurers from Japan and China among others, the people with knowledge of the matter said.

ANZ took full control of its wealth management and life insurance division in 2009 after buying a 51 per cent stake in the business from former joint venture partner ING. ANZ has an 8.5 per cent share of Australia’s A$86 billion life insurance market, according to IBISWorld. — Reuters

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ROUND-UP

Renault’s attractive Ramadan promo offers exclusive benefits Renault Ramadan promotion which began on May 22 will go on till July 21

MUSCAT: Renault Oman from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has launched an exclusive Ramadan promotion for the benefit of customers who buy Renualt vehicles during the scheme period.

The Renault Ramadan promotion which began on May 22 will go on till July 21. Renault Oman’s unique Ramadan offer boasts of a host of benefits for customers purchasing its top selling models and latest models, says a press release.

Assured cash gift As part of Ramadan promotion, Renault Oman has worked out a lot of special offers which the customers can avail during the period.

Those looking to purchase the following Renault cars during the scheme period are assured of cash gifts of different values.

Renault Symbol 1.6l: Customers will be entitled to receive free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlim-

ited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and assured cash gift of OMR500. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package. Customers will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km periodic maintenance service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km periodic maintenance service. They are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win any one of the products comprising of Apple iPhone 6s, Dell Laptop-Intel Core i5 or LG 32 inch LED TV. Renault Megane 1.6l SE CVT: Customers will be entitled to receive free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and assured cash gift of OMR600. They are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package and will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km periodic maintenance service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km periodic maintenance service and are entitled to a scratch and win card.

The Renault Fluence 1.6l and 2.0l: Customers will be entitled to receive free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and as-

sured service package gift up to 100,000km periodic maintenance service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km periodic maintenance service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card.

sured cash gift of OMR1,000.

They are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package and will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km periodic maintenance service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km periodic maintenance service and are entitled to a scratch and win card.

Renault Safrane 2.0l, 2.5l and 3.5l: Customer benefits include free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and assured cash gift of OMR1,000. They are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package and will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km periodic maintenance service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km periodic maintenance service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card.

Renault Captur 1.2 ltr PE, SE and

LE models comes with free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and a cash gift of OMR1,000. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package and will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km periodic maintenance service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km periodic maintenance service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card.

Renault Koleos 2.5l: Customers will be entitled to free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card, and assured cash gift of OMR1,500.

Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package and will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km periodic maintenance service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km periodic

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

A senior official for SBA said, “The Ramadan offer is our way of rewarding our valued customers for their love and trust in the brand. We are driven with the singular objective of offering the best for our customers.”

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

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

WORLD CLASS DESIGNS

M U LT I S P E C I A L I T Y H O S P I TA L

Oman based Starcare opens in Kerala MUSCAT: Starcare Health Systems, which opened its first hospital in Oman in 2011, is now spreading its wings across the ocean.

The brand which has a leadership status in healthcare, currently managing two hospitals and a medical centre, has opened a new 300 bedded multi speciality hospital in Calicut (Kozhikode), a city in the northern part of Kerala in India, says a press release.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sadik Kodakat, chairman of Starcare, said, “I am pleased that we could open a world class hospital in my hometown. As a team, we have utilised the experience that we gained by working in the UK, UAE and Oman back to India.

Creating a clean, safe, transparent environment that patients can wholeheartedly trust and feel valued is our focus in Starcare Hospital Kozhikode. We have highly talented doctors there and now they have an international level hospital to work with. It is heartening to see many senior professors who have taught me joined Starcare.”

maintenance service and are entitled to a scratch and win card.

Renault Duster 2.0 ltr PE and SE model (2 wheel drive & 4 wheel drive) attractions comprise free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and assured cash gift of OMR750. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package and will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km periodic maintenance service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km periodic maintenance service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card.

Renault Dokker LE 1.2l M/T model (with and without partition) comes with free registration, AAA road side assistance card and a cash gift of OMR500. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package and will be eligible to win an as-

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

Dr Abdulla Cherayakkat, one of the most popular physicians in Kerala is leading Starcare Kozhikode as its managing director. “Being right on the national highway only five minutes away from the busy city centre and only about 30 minutes from Calicut International Airport gives us an added advantage. Even before opening, we have started seeing overseas patients, Omanis in particular, who have started enquiring about our services,” he said.

Starcare Kozhikode will have

more than 35 specialities with special emphasis on everything related to women’s health, orthopaedics, spine surgery, vascular surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, cancer care, gastroenterology and surgery, advanced laparoscopy and all sub-specialities of ENT including cochlear Implantation.

The project was supervised by the Starcare UK team from Oman. K. Jayan, vice president who lead the project team said, it was certainly challenging to get everything to high standards that we are accustomed. But we have done it. Starcare Kozhikode brings a new concept of ‘Patient Portal’, where complete medical records of the patients will be stored in a cloud based electronic medical record and patients can access their own record from anywhere in the world. This will be of particular use to our international patients.”

Dr Askar Kukkadi, director of Starcare Oman operations added, “Soon there will be special counters opened in all our units in Oman which will help

NAT I O NA L M I N E R A L WAT E R C O M PA N Y

any Omani patients who require treatment abroad. Calicut Superspeciality Hospital Help Desk+968-2644304” has been already live at Starcare Hospital Seeb.

Omanis can expect the same level of Starcare quality at a lower cost in Starcare Kozhikode. More importantly this new hospital will allow us to bring in highly skilled doctors more often to Oman and create an even better tertiary care centre here in Oman itself.”

An interesting facet of the hospital is the superbly designed suite rooms which offer a 3 sided immense view of vast greenery. This gives a better healing environment to this superspeciality hospital making it an ideal destination for long stay ailments as well.

“We have always set high standards for ourselves in terms of quality of service and infrastructure that we provide. This is in line with our history of being the hospital in Oman to achieve the prestigious JCI Accreditation (USA) in the shortest time period,” added Dr Naseem, CEO of Starcare Seeb.

Mrunal’s Boutique to showcase Ritu Kumar’s collection in Muscat MUSCAT: Mrunal’s Boutique is bringing Ritu Kumar’s collection for an exclusive showcase to Oman on May 28 and 29.

In line with Mrunal Khimji’s vision to bring world class handwork, designs and talent from Indian and Western heritage to Oman, Ritu Kumar is yet another example of this. The showcase will be held exclusively at Mrunal’s Boutique in Qurum from 10.30am to 7pm, says a press release.

Ritu Kumar is the largest and most respected designer-wear brand in India today. Since 1969 it has developed a unique style of its own, reflecting the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship in a contemporary vocabulary. Kumar’s understanding of ancient designs and the innovative use of traditional crafts has created a new classicism.

Today the company is renowned for its distinctive use of colours, quality of fabrics, intricate embroideries and a gloriously rich Indian aesthetic.

The full collection will be available in Oman during the showcase including sarees, salwar khameez, tunics with both formal and casual wear.

M U S I C A L E X T R AVA G A N Z A

NMWC wins gold at Tech Awards MUSCAT: National Mineral Water Company (NMWC) won gold at the Oman Tech Awards 2016 for the design of its website nmwcoman.com.

National Mineral Water Company’s portfolio is expanding to include new internationally recognised brands with a strong focus on high-quality products. This approach to developing the business will promote new strategic partnerships in the future.

The new website allows the reader to scroll through the different products that are distributed, read about its manufacturing techniques and quality controls, and appreciate its delivery processes as well as see a kaleidoscope of photographs giving insight to its strength in practise its employees, says a press release.

With the technical help of Ad-

ventz Design NMWC created the new website www.nmwcoman. com with the intent of being user friendly and informative, artistically appealing, easy to navigate and informing the consumers about NMWC and what the business is able to do.

Shortly customers will be able to read a weekly blog giving information about health issues affecting the consumer as well as having a strong interface with the company Facebook and Twitter profiles

giving customers details of offers, promotions and competitions which are run on a regular basis.

“Receiving this recognition shows our commitment to giving the very best service to our consumers. We want to make the best use of social media and technology to reach out to our consumers giving them an insight as to how NMWC is able to deliver quality products pure, precious and natural, every time,” said John Pugh, managing director, NMWC.

‘BEST ICT SOLUTIONS PROVIDER’

MG Group recognised at Oman Tech Awards MUSCAT: MG-Group received the award for ‘Best ICT Solutions Provider’, adding another feather to the company’s cap paving the way to advancement and growth and more success in the IT field, at the Oman Tech Awards.

MG’s uniqueness lies in the educational solutions all over Oman,

focusing on smart curriculums.

On the other hand, the investment and development in mobile banking for the whole region is being developed for easy access for its users. These technology solutions will ease the e-lifestyle of the public and will bring another milestone to the company, says a press release.

In the IT business, especially in the Mena region, change is the only thing constant and MG meets this challenge in the short and long term by improving distribution capabilities and technical competency to build stable, mutually beneficial relationship with both end users and channel partners.

ISD organises Symphoneve 2016 MUSCAT: Indian School Darsait (ISD) organised ‘Symphoneve 2016’, a musical extravaganza recently at City Amphitheatre, Qurum. It served as a platform to raise funds for the school to support its developmental activities.

The renowned musical rock band ‘Agam’ enthralled the audience with their breathtaking performance of free-style fusions ranging from classical, semiclassical to folk and cinematic.

It was a synthesis of good music with keyboard, guitar, violin and drums rendered at its best, says a press release.

The programme began with a young and spirited performance by the senior boys of ISD to the

tune of Arabic songs. This was followed by the welcome address by Dr Sridevi P. Thashnath, principal. Extending a cordial welcome to the dignitaries and the audience, the principal acknowledged the generosity exhibited by the sponsors and patrons of ISD. The untiring efforts of the core team under the chairmanship of Jaikish Pavithran, member, SMC was applauded by one and all.

The amphitheatre reverberated with mesmerising music that transported the audience into a world of rhythmic entertainment.

The exuberance displayed by the audience too echoed throughout the programme and enlivened the atmosphere. Abdul Rahim Kasim,

president of the School Management Committee, duly honoured the musicians with mementoes.

Symphoneve was presented by Minara, and was brought out in association with Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group. The event was powered by 360 Degrees Restaurant. SMC Infra was the gold sponsor. Event sponsors included Malabar Gold & Diamond, BEC Group and S&T Interiors & Contracting, KAS. Oman Air was the official airline; Times of Oman the media partner; Al Zahra Printing Press the print partner; and Voice of Kerala the radio partner.

Orbit Event Management managed the event with the active involvement of ISD staff members.

B6

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

ROUND-UP Toyota Oman launches new app

This strategic tool will help in creating two-way communications between customers and Toyota Oman while boosting their convenience

MUSCAT: Toyota Oman unveiled a new application to add to its customer care offerings in the presence of Yoshiyuki Koike, general manager and Maasayuki Fukumori, project general manager, Bahrain Representative Office of Toyota Motor Corporation.

The event featured a futuristic launch of the new app that mesmerised the audience while giving them a clear idea of its powerful features, says a press release.

“This new application will bring the power of Toyota service to the fingertips of our customers,” remarked the spokesperson. “Its development reflects our commitment to delivering the highest quality customer service to all

Toyota owners across Oman. This special app can be easily downloaded for various platforms and offers a whole host of benefits to the customers.”

Indeed, the Toyota Oman-mobile app is one more step towards connecting customers. This strategic tool will help in creating twoway communications between customers and Toyota Oman while boosting their convenience.

“Now onwards Toyota customers will be able to connect with any Toyota service branch across Oman…non-stop….24x7, 365 days a year. We have tried to incorporate the most useful and advanced features in Toyota Oman mobile apps

and they will be released in phases.”

Toyota Oman has initiated a process of introducing a free WiFi zone in service HQ-Wattayah and thereafter at major Toyota service locations, in phases.

The customers can then download Toyota Oman Mobile apps without consuming their internet data. This initiative will allow customers to connect their friends and relatives when their vehicle is undergoing service.

A first time user enthusiastically remarked, “It is easy to use this app. When you click on the tab – service network. You start navigating! You can see the list of service centres, sorted as per the dis-

PRODUCT LAUNCH

tance from your current location or in alphabetical order. You can find all relevant information available right in front of you, at your fingertips. You can call the branch directly, find the distance between your current location and also display way to reach the selected location and even request a service appointment. Very user-friendly.”

Through the app, customers can also appreciate the various service products available on offer including maintenance reminders system, express maintenance, extended service interval, value added services, Kizunax, easy payment plan.

Toyota Oman App also provides

customers with information on various strategically designed customer retention programmes, viz., Toyota Thiqah, Toyota Mousbaq and Toyota Tamin, that benefit the customers: Toyota Thiqah: A uniquely rewarding service loyalty programme specially designed for Toyota vehicle owners, Toyota Mousbaq: Customised prepaid service packages offered to customers for taking care of vehicle preventive maintenance requirements, Toyota Tamin: A unique product developed in partnership with Al Ahlia Insurance Company to provide a comprehensive insurance coverage on Toyota vehicles with highly rewarding features like Toyota dealer repairs, without any depreciation free UAE coverage and free AAA card.

The app also includes an interesting utilities area wherein warning symbols, current offers, useful tips, and car locator as well as fuel station locator are available for user convenience. The warning symbols guide the customer about appropriate action to be taken when a warning symbol lights on in the instrument cluster/ dashboard of their vehicle.

Current offers update customers about special offers and running campaigns. Useful tips: Customers will find that the useful tips in the app, which will keep them always driving safe and sound.

The car locator is a very attractive feature introduced by Toyota

Oman in mobile app, using which customers will be able to locate their vehicle easily in large parking lots. Using this, by saving the location of a new ventured spot of interest, the app can assist customers to reach to the spot easily next time. The fuel stations locator guides the customers to find nearest fuel stations from their current location, showing the distance and the way to reach the nearest fuel stations. This is a very useful feature especially when on a long drive, or at a new location.

The menu button also contains a link through which the customers can connect directly through Toyota Oman Facebook page and YouTube page, where the customers can enjoy latest information and videos of their favourite Toyota.

“Apart from special offers, schemes and promotions, the My Garage portion of the app will be customised to keep our customers apprised of the scheduled time for servicing of their vehicles, vehicle readiness, the loyalty points accrued etc., feedback forms and payment gateway and much more will be added soon,” the spokesperson added.

The app is a reflection of the belief that the customer not only merely deserves an excellent product but is also entitled to after-sales service of an equal calibre. Is it any wonder then that Toyota owners share the sentiment - ‘Toyota Akeed’.

RECOGNITION

Al Ariq hosts seminar on cleaning and waste handling technology

MUSCAT: Al Ariq Equipment, the leading cleaning and waste handling systems provider, hosted a seminar recently at Muscat Holiday Inn Hotel, Al Khuwair focusing on latest in cleaning technology, waste handling systems including odour management solutions.

The event was attended by professionals from the industry and municipalities. The seminar highlighted the importance of having adequate technology for street cleaning and how to verify standards of cleaning and waste handling, says a press release.

The session started with the launch of an innovative urban and industrial waste vacuum cleaner technology introduced by Glutton Cleaning Machines, Belgium.

Vincent Laurent, technical

manager - Glutton, narrated and demonstrated the newly launched product showcasing its advantages as solutions from litter picker to modern machine. It has revolutionised the work of road maintenance staff as well as municipalities since it is easy to use, silent in operation and environment friendly.

The seminar also discussed on road sweeping systems and speaking on the latest mechanical suction sweeping system Mario Pepe from Dulevo International, Italy presented street cleaning methods using mechanical suction sweeper.

He explained that Dulevo technology is unique and a combination of mechanical and vacuum collection system is considered to be ideal for sweeping roads in

Oman and its special dust filtration system is capable of picking dust right down to three micros.

The panel discussion at the seminar saw participation of Muscat Municipality officials and facility managers.

Speaking on the event, Sivakumar, commercial manager of Kalhat Services, said that the sessions were informative and the Glutton technology was a revelation.

“The seminar concluded with a commitment for re-cycling of waste at home and office and as to accelerate this thought all the participants were given with segregation at source container. We also had topics for waste recycling and odour management,” said Nikson Mathew, divisional manager, Al Ariq Equipment.

OHI Leo Burnett wins at Transform Awards Mena MUSCAT: OHI Leo Burnett won silver for Bank Muscat Meethaq at Transform Awards Mena.

The Transform Awards recognise best practice in corporate, product and global brand development work, with categories that focus on strategy, execution, content and evaluation. Transform Mena is the only awards programme awarding the best brand work in the Middle East and North Africa. In a category that saw leading branding agencies across the Mena region vying for top honours, OHI Leo Burnett won the silver for Hafawa Priority Banking of Meethaq in the category of Best Use of Visual Prop-

erty, says a press release.

“We are proud of this honour and feel privileged to collaborate with the Bank Muscat team to develop an impressive and now award-winning brand identity for Hafawa. This is a testimony to the Leo Burnett philosophy of ‘crea-

tivity has the power to transform human behavior and is reflected in all that we do’. Using the cultural nuances of Oman to evolve a brand is rewarding in itself,” said Narayan Iyer, general manager, OHI Leo Burnett.

Commenting on the win, Ammar Al Saleh, executive vice chairman, OHI Group, said, “Oman has great potential for branding, businesses have to trust local advertising agencies and collaborate to co-create successful and award winning brands that are rooted in our culture and tradition yet modern and relevant. This award reflects that effort and it is an honour to be part of it.”

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C E L E B R AT I N G FA S H I O N

Signature Couture Show all set to bring best of fashion world to Oman MUSCAT: Signature Couture Show, presented by Jaguar F-Pace, is all set to get the sartorial mercury soaring tomorrow at Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

The star of the evening will be the Jaguar F- Pace, which will be launched at the event by MHD, the sole retailer for the Jaguar and Land Rover brands in the Sultanate of Oman for more than five decades, says a press release.

The event also promises an impressive line-up of globally renowned names in the world of fashion, who will amp up the glam quotient with their exquisite creations.

Alpana Roy, executive vicepresident - UMS said, “The first two editions of Signature Couture Show have established its credentials an event that differentiates itself by creating equal emphasis on bringing the best of the fashion world to Oman and providing a credible platform for local talent. This year is no different. We are committed to treating our discerning audiences to a spectacular show and our lineup includes names such as Lucy Choi, Gaurav Gupta and local talent Nawal Al Hooti.”

Fashion and the art of shoemaking are in Lucy Choi’s DNA. Lucy, who spent 8 years in the finance industry before she decided to follow her calling, always knew she would be part of the industry someday, given that her inspiration has been none other than Jimmy Choo, the man known for turning shoes into art pieces.

Lucy Choi London, which is now 4-year-old, benefits from her family shoe dynasty and the founders’ combined wealth of over 30 years’ experience in the shoe and luxury brand industry.

The brand ethos is based on Lucy’s 3 Cs: comfort, craftsmanship and character. A dependable British brand, which encompasses luxury, style, on trend fashion and affordability, Lucy Choi London

will enthral Muscat’s audiences for the very first time at the Signature Couture Show.

So will Gaurav Gupta, who will also be debuting his collections in Oman. Gupta is no stranger to accolades. A graduate of Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, a very young Gaurav Gupta was instantly recognised as ‘Future of Couture’ by Altaroma Altamoda. Now, with over a decade in the fashion industry, Gaurav Gupta, the man and the brand, managed to change the face of the sari forever, Gaurav has delivered and sustained a world that is Indian at its core and boundless in its form. It is no wonder then that even international celebrities consistently endorse his genius with red carpet appearances. A few of them are Skylar Grey, Aishwarya Rai, Nicole Scherzinger and Julie Berman.

Last but definitely not the least, Nawal Al Hooti needs no introduction. She made her mark in the fashion world with the launch of her brand in 2003. The first Omani name to do so, her fashion philosophy etches itself in artfully merging heritage with modernity.

Nawal’s world is a beautiful tapestry of glamour where ethnicity merges with style and elegance harmoniously blends with beauty of colours of nature. Her work is an artistic dossier of details of time and place that translates the values of pride in Omani identity; something that has time and again caught the world’s attention and has made Oman and its heritage a star on the global runway.

The show is also supported by partners Mouawad and Saraya Bandar Jissah; salon partner: Vibes Hair & Beauty; media partners: Times of Oman and Al Shabiba; print partner: Oman Printers & Stationers, hospitality partner: Al Bustan Palace, A RitzCarlton Hotel, and accommodation partner: Coral Hotel.

ROUND-UP

Gruhapravesh set to showcase top builders The flagship property show by IndiaProperty.com will showcase around 200 new projects by 45 top builders from India

MUSCAT: Global property show & Gruhapravesh, India’s biggest property show by IndiaProperty. com, comes to Muscat, Oman for the second time on popular demand from the NRI community here on May 27 and 28 at Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi.

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

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

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

Over 45 top builders from India will showcase their projects

this year from all the major cities in India like Kerala, Hyderabad, Benguluru, Mangalore, Mysuru, Chennai, Coimbatore, DelhiNCR, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Ahmedabad and Kolkata. The reputed developers exhibiting their projects are Godrej Properties, Vilas Javdekar Developers, WTC, Hiranandani, Mahindra Lifespaces, Montag Infrastucture, Icon homz, Fortuna, Shriram properties, Time Green, Asset Homes, ABAD Builders, EV Group, Olive Builders, Heera Homes, Crescent Builders, L&T Realty and more.

There would be something for everyone who wants to buy a house in India – from apartments, plots, villas and gated communities to projects ranging from INR 3 lakhs to 50 million.

There would an exclusive Kerala pavilion at the property show.

Investments in Kerala real estate promise high returns in the wake of upcoming new government.

There are many infrastructure projects are expected to boost the realty industry in Kerala and create business opportunities like the smart city project in Kochi, metro rail, ambitious high-speed railway corridor, light metros in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, international airport at Kannur, Vizhinjam Port, upgraded water and power supply.

A recent report by IndiaProperty.com, features the top investment destinations in India.

M E D I C A L E D UC AT I O N

Badr Al Samaa Nizwa holds CME programme NIZWA: Badr Al Samaa Nizwa organised a continuing Medical Education (CME) programme recently at Al Diyar Hotel as part of its ongoing professional development programme.

IIango, Branch head, Badr Al Samaa Nizwa, welcomed the gathering that was attended by more than 110 medical professionals, both from the ministry and private healthcare establishments. He indicated about the importance of continuing learning process through which patients are benefited, says a press release.

There were two topics presented by Dr Sajid Valsan, consultant ENT surgeon and Dr Ammar Yas, Internist, Badr Al Samaa Nizwa.

Dr Sajid elaborated on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), its manifestations and management options. OSAS, though common condition, has been implicated as a significant risk factor for hypertension, car-

diac disease, diabetes mellitus and stroke. The condition is overlooked when treating its aforementioned complications. Treating OSAS also reduces road traffic accidents brought about by excessive day time sleepiness while

driving. A sound sleep and a simple snore could be so complicated.

Dr Ammar spoke in detail about Hepatitis B virus infection, its prevalence locally and globally, spread of disease and more importantly the preventive measures. It captured the audience interest as most of them being medical or paramedical personnel are at a high risk of contracting the infection in their daily lives.

Mementos were awarded to the speakers as a token of appreciation for their informative sessions.

Sreejith, senior marketing executive, healthcare promotions, proposed the vote of thanks for the overwhelming support from the medical fraternity.

O M A N AV E N U E S M A L L

Nabeel Perfumes opens new showroom MUSCAT: With the background melodies of the Oud and the wafting scent of Arabian music, Nabeel Perfumes Group officially inaugurated its new showroom at Oman Avenues Mall recently to mark its second boutique in Oman.

At the launch ceremony, Mustafa Adam Ali, managing director of Nabeel Perfumes Group, expressed his extreme happiness at the new addition and revealed his company’s expansion plan by announcing its entry next month

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into Nizwa and Salalah markets.

He added, “The Sultanate of Oman is one of our most promising markets in our expansion plan as the range of our perfumes is well-suited to the taste of discerning customers in this Sultanate.

We promise to dedicate ourselves to maintaining consistency in offering the best quality of Arabic perfumes, with aesthetic packaging, unique bottles that gives the end user an exceptional experience. We hope our success will

provide young Omanis with inspiration and encouragement to always pursue their dreams no matter how hard the path seems to be, as only devotion, determination and adherence to quality standards can overcome any difficulty.”

The boutique is located at the ‘Silk Route’ section of the mall that is solely dedicated for Oriental products, a perfect hub for Nabeel Perfumes to meet and serve customers looking for authentic Arabic perfumes.

Highlighting the nifty investment zones in the top cities, the report elaborates that, a healthy trend is observed in Mumbai.

“The satellite township of Navi Mumbai has emerged as the newest investment destination for home buyers and builders alike.

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

Cities such as Pune, Chennai and Ahmedabad have been chosen for the Smart Cities Mission.

This means these cities are in for an infrastructural do over. The Smart Cities Mission will ensure that the livability index of these cities goes up by several notches. The real estate scenario of these cities is set to improve in the coming days. Pune and Ahmedabad are already quite strong realty wise. The Smart Cities Mission will further strengthen their position.

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

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

have raised expectations among buyers and investors.

Moving to southern cities, Kochi which is an important city in Kerala is now witnessing good demand for affordable and mid segment properties. Over 60% of the projects here fall into these two categories.

Kannur, another area in Kerala is set to have a functional international airport by next year. This development along with improvements in infrastructure in areas around Kannur is boosting the real estate market here. The expo will showcase projects from cities of Trivandrum, Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kochi, Thrissur, Calicut, Kannur, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram. The top builders to name few are Crescent Builders, Asset Homes, ABAD Builders, Nucleus, Olive Builders, Heera Homes, Pentium Construction.

Bangalore has emerged as one of the most stable markets in the country. Hyderabad’s real estate market is set to flourish this year.

The city is turning into a commercial realty hub. Coimbatore is one of the Tier 2 cities which provides real estate investment opportunities at affordable prices. Well known areas such as Race Course, R.S. Puram and Avinashi Road are quite popular with buyers.

According to Ganesh Vasudevan, CEO IndiaProperty.com, “There are two big developments that are set to reshape the real estate sector in India. One is the Smart Cities Mission and the other is the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act. The Smart Cities Mission will bring in better infrastructure and change the real estate landscape of some of India’s important cities. By doing so it will give the real estate industry a big boost. The Real Estate Regulation and Development Act is another game changer for the industry. It will go a long way in helping the sector to regain customer confidence.

Through the act, accountability and transparency will be given a new lease of life.”

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ROUND-UP

Bank Muscat to host workshops for SMEs Expert trainers will lead the workshops for existing and prospective entrepreneurs to familiarise them with the basics of finance and cash flow management

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, is hosting two workshops on ‘Basics of finance and cash flow management for SMEs’ in Muscat and Salalah.

The first workshop will be held

in Muscat at the bank’s head office on Monday, May 30 and the second workshop in Salalah on Wednesday, June 1 at Crowne Plaza Hotel.

The workshops are organised by al Wathbah, Bank Muscat’s SME department, as part of activities

aimed at expanding and strengthening avenues for SME development in Oman, says a press release.

Expert trainers will lead the workshops for existing and prospective entrepreneurs to familiarise them with the basics of finance and cash flow management. Topics to be covered include balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, sources and use of cash for SMEs, main cash financial indicators and ratios. The workshop is designed to help the participants evaluate whether their business is healthy from a cash perspective and how to take managerial decisions based on the basics of finance and cash flow management.

Bank Muscat regularly organ-

ises workshops and seminars to facilitate unique learning opportunities to address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and thereby create an environment favourable for SME success.

Over the years, Bank Muscat has launched several initiatives as part of its commitment to SME development in Oman. Serving as building blocks for entrepreneurs, these initiatives assume importance in the backdrop of the priority accorded by the government to develop the SME sector in Oman.

Aimed at strengthening the SME sector and creating a successful generation of entrepreneurs, al Wathbah is committed to facilitating such unique initiatives.

E X PA N S I O N

Polyglot Institute opens branch in Al Khoud MUSCAT: With over four decades of dedication and experience, Polyglot Institute announced the opening of its new branch at Al Khoud.

Under the leadership and vision of Sheikh Al Qasim Al Harthy, Polyglot Institute has made its mark in the Sultanate of Oman

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by being the pioneer in providing outstanding general training.

This expansion symbolises the organisation’s growth which is aligned with the group’s strategy, says a press release.

The modern new branch has 16 classrooms and 5 IT labs.

PROMOTION

Hayyak customers receive free data for one year with value smartphone purchase MUSCAT: Omantel, the Sultanate’s first integrated telecoms provider, has unveiled the Hayyak Smart Device promotion, an exciting offer giving new prepaid customers free monthly Internet data when they purchase an entry level smart device.

In line with Omantel’s aim to consistently deliver even more value to its customers, the new promotion rewards new subscribers with a free Hayyak starter kit and up to 200MB of mobile data free each month for one year when they purchase a smartphone or 3G/4G enabled device ranging from OMR20 to OMR69 from selected retailers, says a press release.

Commenting on the new promotion, Saleh Mahmood Al Maimani, Omantel’s senior manager of Consumer Product Development noted, “In today’s modern world, distance is no longer a barrier to keeping in touch with family and friends. With the new Hayyak Smart Device promotion, our new subscribers will have the means to remain constantly connected through the free monthly internet data they receive when they purchase selected smart devices from Adhwa Al Bilia Trading (Oman Phone) or Addirham Trading. Our customers will receive their first month

free Internet immediately, and will only need to recharge OMR1 in the subsequent months. Staying connected could not get easier.”

“At Omantel we are constantly striving to enrich the lives of our customers by delivering even more value. The secret to our success has been the strong relationships we have with our customers, a relationship we are constantly looking to strengthen with offers such as the Hayyak Smart Device promotion that ensures subscribers get the most value for the lowest cost,” continued Al Maimani.

Hayyak plans are truly unique in terms of value, satisfaction, coverage and boast numerous benefits, meaning customers can select the plan that suits their personal needs and lifestyle.

A D VA N C E D FA C I L I T I E S

Burjeel Hospital strives to keep abreast of emerging trends MUSCAT: Burjeel Hospital in Al Khuwair, conveniently located in the heart of the city, is equipped with the most advanced facilities in diagnosis, treatment, and management of various health conditions with a team of renowned medical experts at the helm.

Dr Ashendu Kumar Pandey, recently appointed as the chief operating officer of Burjeel Hospital, is an MBBS, D. Ortho, says a press release.

Dr Pandey brings wealth of expertise from his professional experience in various well-known hospitals in India and the region.

He has sixteen years of leadership experience across corporate and trust healthcare, heading operations of healthcare business units including pre and post hospital care formats, strategic initiatives, projects, technology management and hospital planning. He has joined Burjeel Hospital in Oman to spearhead its goals to redefine healthcare delivery through Burjeel’s signature art of healing. The hospital combines world-class medical excellence while providing a comforting ambience, full of warmth and personalised attention to every guest.

In an interview Dr Pandey explains why has Burjeel come to Oman and what all it offers.

Why has Burjeel come to Oman at a time when there seem to be too many private hospitals around already?

Healthcare provision in the Sultanate is going through a transitional stage: both the public and private healthcare systems continue to expand to support the increasing demand for quality healthcare services in Oman. We are committed to meeting this demand in what is one of the most promising countries in the region.

Like our Burjeel network in the UAE, we are confident that in a short span of time, the new medical facility in Al Khuwair will also be recognised as one of the leading hospitals in Oman.

As a hospital, we are constantly striving to stay abreast of emerging trends and meet the changing needs of our patients. Although Oman has a sufficient number of polyclinics and primary healthcare centres, it is significantly lacking in terms of quality tertiary healthcare.

We foresee major changes happening in the delivery of healthcare across the region in the coming months and years, which is why we continuously improve our services, with a focus on unrivalled patient-centred care.

The ‘art of healing’ seems to be Burjeel’s main identity.

Can you please elaborate this concept?

At Burjeel, we strongly believe it is not just about the cure. It is not

How are the doctors and healthcare professionals employed by Burjeel Hospital different from other private medical hospitals in Oman?

The reputation of a hospital is built on the quality of medical care provided. Hence stringent standards are in place to recruit world-class medical talents. Our panel of highly qualified doctors has been trained extensively in leading hospitals around the world and possess internationally recognised qualifications from Europe, US and other continents.

only about the equipment. It is not merely about the facilities.

Amidst all the medical advancements of the modern world, it is easy to forget that those who are sick sometimes need something more than medicines, treatment or sophisticated medical environment.

Often a genuine and warm smile, a reassuring touch or a few words of comfort can instil hope and confidence in patients and help them on their way to faster recovery. This is what we mean by the ‘art of healing’.

At Burjeel, we are of the firm belief that the process of healing is much more than curing a medical condition in a clinical environment. We provide an extremely comforting ambience, full of warmth and personalised attention and this is the reason why along with world-class medical professionals, sophisticated diagnostic equipment and superior healthcare services, Burjeel Hospital is set to change the landscape of healthcare delivery in Oman.

Burjeel is positioned as a premium healthcare brand. Do you think the communities in Muscat will benefit substantially from it?

Burjeel Hospital is a premium brand that is committed to offer the best healthcare services for our patients and the communities we serve.

The upcoming hospital in Al Khuwair will have all the core medical, paramedical, and support services supplied by welltrained, credentialed and accredited professionals.

This premiere 7-star healthcare facility will provide worldclass, specialised medical treatment and services to communities in Muscat and across the Sultanate.

Burjeel Hospital will have premiere and deluxe in-patient rooms, which are well-appointed and exceptionally spacious.

This 74-bed hospital will include a total of 31 consultation rooms.

What specialities will your hospital offer to the residents of Oman?

The upcoming new medical facility, Burjeel Hospital in Al Khuwair, will benefit the community on many levels. It will provide people access to state-of-theart clinical facilities and quality healthcare from a team of reputed medical professionals from across the world. In light of this, the medical hub in Muscat has been purpose-built to house centres of excellence and clinics such as obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, cardiology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, urology, psychiatry and neurology, dermatology and cosmetology, ENT, sleep medicine, endocrinology, internal medicine, family medicine, dentistry, general surgery, and plastic surgery. Furthermore, the hospital’s pre- and post-operative rooms, triage centre, emergency room, labuor and delivery suites, ICU, NICU, Cath Lab, MRI, CT Scan, laboratory, and pharmacy will be equipped to the highest clinical standards.

Burjeel Hospital has been operating in the UAE for four years now and is getting stronger. Why have you decided to expand in Oman rather than going to bigger markets in the Mena region?

Our fast growing network is a genuine manifestation of Burjeel’s commitment to extend ‘the art of healing’ in every country in the Mena region. We see Oman as a critical market where we can make a real, sustainable impact and bring about meaningful change in the community.

Besides being an important gateway to other Middle Eastern markets, Oman itself is a country with significant potential. Our network of medical facilities is also undergoing massive expansion in the region and the same goes for Oman.

In the coming months, we are bringing our 7-star services to other parts of the UAE including Al Ain and we are extending our reach to other GCC countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

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SPOR YOUR GAME

Wawrinka dazzles as rain relents at Roland Garros The 31-year-old third seed was left in the shade by straighthitting Czech Lukas Rosol for much of their first-round clash but finally came to life to win 4-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

PARIS: Defending champion Stan Wawrinka dazzled the moment he walked on to a gloomy Philippe Chatrier Court wearing a fluorescent yellow shirt but his play only occasionally matched his attire as he flirted with a humbling first-round exit on Monday.

The 31-year-old third seed was left in the shade by straight-hitting Czech Lukas Rosol for much of their first-round clash but finally came to life to win 4-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

It was touch and go for a while, though, as Rosol, who famously beat Rafael Nadal in the Wimbledon second round in 2012, threatened another huge upset on a damp and dreary day that began two hours late because of heavy rain.

“A really tough match, the conditions were slow and heavy,”

TOUGH MATCH: Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka celebrates after defeating Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol during their first round match in the French Tennis Open on Monday. – AFP

Wawrinka, relieved to avoid becoming the only defending French Open men’s champion in the professional era to lose in the first round, told reporters.

“He kept me under pressure permanently. I kept running after the score. You can’t really relax.”

It was that kind of day, one for grit over style and Spain’s fourth seed Garbine Muguruza, a Wimbledon finalist last year, showed plenty as she too avoided an early exit.

Wearing a long-sleeved top like most of the women players, the flat-hitting Spaniard took a while to find her game but eventually ground past Anna Karoline Schmiedlova 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

“It was so cold. Even though I was running and playing, I felt like cold. I thought it was going to rain. I was looking to the sky,” Muguruza told reporters.

Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, champion 10 years ago, also toiled away to beat Yaroslava Shvedova as the seeds, apart from a few exceptions such as seventh seed Roberta Vinci, flourished.

Some advanced to the second round with a flourish, namely second seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland and Romania’s Simona Halep, the sixth seed.

Halep, beaten by the currently suspended Maria Sharapova in the 2014 final, beat Japan’s Nao Hibino 6-2, 6-0 while Radwanska, looking to go beyond the quarter-final for the first time, dispatched Serbian Bojana Jovanovski 6-0, 6-2.

Vinci was crushed 6-1, 6-3 by Ukraine’s Kateryna Bondarenko.

It was a shock-free day in the men’s draw with a batch of seeds moving through, led by number five Kei Nishikori.

The Japanese, a semi-finalist in Madrid and Rome in the build-up to Roland Garros, followed Wawrinka on to Chatrier with his job already half done against Simone Bolelli. He carried on where he left off before rain halted play on Sunday, easing to a 6-1, 7-5, 6-3 victory.

He was joined in the second round by eighth seed Milos Raonic and 16th seed Gilles Simon who delighted the hardy home fans by beating Brazil’s Rogerio Dutra Silva 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-2.

Viktor Troicki ended the hopes of former top-tenner Grigor Dimitrov. - Reuters

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C O M M E N TA RY

How Kohli pushes the line of arrogance and why we simply applaud the act

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fter running back from the edge of the 30-yard circle to take what looked like an impossible catch a metre or two from the rope, to send Karun Nair back to the dugout to spend the rest of the night in shock and surprise, Virat Kohli put a finger on his lips in a sassy act of telling the roaring crowd to keep silence and just watch the fun.

And, after getting the Delhi Daredevils out for a below-par score of 138, and after watching Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers failing to rise up to the occasion, Kohli flicked Carlos Brathwaite in the 13th over to the deep square leg boundary and celebrated the moment hitting his bat furiously on his pad.

There was no need for the extravagance on both occasions. In the first case, it was too early in the innings — just the sixth over and the second wicket — to act cocky and, in the second, moving into a personal score of 42 was no milestone, especially when the situation was still dicey, with the Royal Challengers Bangalore

still needing 43 runs from 42 balls. The finger-on-the-lips act was a spontaneous expression of confidence and the bat-onthe-pad show was an irresistible pat on the back for getting his plot right after sending the ball exactly where he wanted.

Both acts fell, or so we were forced into thinking, charmingly within the line of limits.

A little later, after pushing the first ball of the 19th over to midon for a quick single that elevated his team to the second spot on the points table, the man happily announced that what he did in the 14 matches, especially the last four, was actually boring, but that was what he was born to do.

He then talked about a thin line between confidence and

Obviously, there’s a thin line between flattery and genuine praise, but the line, whether it’s between confidence and overconfidence or flattery and due praise, gets pushed further and farther when the man of the moment is Kohli

overconfidence and the need not to get arrogant or rude.

Such simple tips on arrogance and rudeness, after spending a considerable time out in the middle gleefully engaging in acts that blatantly crossed the line, would have been hilarious had it come from any other player but Kohli.

Kohli has scored a record 919 runs in 14 matches. Now that he has given himself at least two more games, one against the Gujarat Lions on his home turf, and another, either in the final or in the qualifier two, depending

on the result of the first game, chances of the RCB skipper going past the magical 1000-run mark in a single season for the first time in IPL history looks incredibly possible. When Kohli won the toss and chose to chase a target, the scales seemed tipped in favour of the RCB. If anything could distract the big hitters, it was the below-par score of 138. When Gayle and De Villiers departed rather too quickly, inside the first three overs and with just 17 runs on the scoreboard, the swing

of things coming from Chris Morris and Zaheer Khan looked ominous. Kohli was patient, but his rare lapse came in the sixth over when he edged a delivery from Morris and the ball fell just short of Karun Nair in the slips.

When he was in his peak, West Indian great Brian Lara had said the art of reading the bowler right was about forcing the guy into landing the ball where he (Lara) wanted.

Such confusion in the minds of bowlers and rival skippers is common when they are up against great players.

It was poor tactic on the part for Zaheer to hold Morris back after a bit of chat between the South African and Kohli produced the edge, but great players like Kohli often get their rivals into acute brain-freeze.

Kohli has become the focus of attention in the ninth season of the IPL, and this time overwhelmingly for the right reasons. To Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, Kohli is a run machine. To Mitchell Johnson

who tried and failed to dismantle the machine both during his international career and quite after hanging up his boots, “the man is a superstar”.

Australian captain Steve Smith couldn’t stop himself from chanting “Virat” at the end of every sentence he had spoken at the post-match chat after the World T20 Championship defeat at the hands of India.

David Warner says Kohli has set a benchmark for every other player in the world.

Obviously, there’s a thin line between flattery and genuine praise, but the line, whether it’s between confidence and overconfidence or flattery and due praise, gets pushed further and farther when the man of the moment is Kohli.

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

Resurgent RCB clash with steady Gujarat The last time RCB squared up against Gujarat they recorded a 144-run victory, their biggest ever in the history of IPL

BENGALURU: Powered by an in-form Virat Kohli’s inspirational leadership, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would look to inch closer to a maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title triumph when they take on tabletoppers Gujarat Lions in the Qualifier I, here on Tuesday.

RCB were in a real spot of bother as they needed to win their last four games to make it to the playoffs. The Bangalore outfit showed great fighting spirit, with Kohli leading from the front, to record four consecutive wins to finish the league engagements at the second spot. RCB finished the preliminary round with 16 points from 14 games, just behind leaders Gujarat Lions, who garnered 18 from 14 matches.

RCB seem to have struck form at just the right time and after a not-so-impressive start to the season, the Kohli-led side has dished out four clinical performances to beat the Lions (by 144 runs), Kolkata Knight Riders (by nine wickets), Kings XI Punjab (by 82 runs D/L method) and Delhi Daredevils (by six wickets) to seal their top-four place.

In the do-or-die battle against Daredevils last night, RCB first restricted their opponents to 138 for eight and then chased down the target with consummate ease — Kohli again hogging the limelight with an unbeaten 54.

RCB would be desperate to continue their winning momentum for two more matches and ensure that they improve on their runners-up finish from the 2009 and 2011 season.

The last time RCB squared up against Gujarat here, they recorded the biggest ever (144-run) victory in the history of IPL. AB

INTENSE: RCB captain Virat Kohli in discussion with teammate AB de Villiers. – BCCI

TABLE TOPPERS: Gujrat Lions captain Suresh Raina speaks with coach Brad Hogg and teammate James Faulkner. – BCCI

de Villiers (129 not out) and Virat Kohli (109) went on a rampage in that game and scored magnificent centuries. And come Tuesday, the Bangalore outfit will once again fancy their chances on home turf.

Nightmare trio The biggest hero for RCB this season has been skipper Kohli, who is perhaps enjoying the best phase of his career.

Kohli has so far amassed a record 919 runs in the ongoing IPL with four centuries and six fifties at a staggering average of 91.90.

Kohli has also been an impressive captain and infused confidence in the team after a disappointing start. At one point of time, qualifying for the play-offs looked

a distant dream, but the captain made it possible with his glorious batting and leadership qualities.

In the company of Kohli, de Villiers and Chris Gayle also dished out some sizzling batting performances. The trio has been nothing short of a nightmare for the team’s opponents. While de Villiers has 603 runs under his belt with one century and five half-centuries, Gayle indicated his return to form in the last few games. Credit for the turnaround should also go to RCB’s not-so-experienced bowling attack, which was under fire for a major part of the tournament.

RCB’s turnaround in bowling was made possible by legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who is the leading wicket-taker with

19 scalps from 11 games. The late entry of Chris Jordon also helped RCB in containing their rivals in the death overs. Australian Shane Watson too has served the team well with the ball, picking up 16 wickets so far in this season.

Debutantes Gujarat Lions, on the other hand, were the first team to qualify for the play-offs by destroying the hopes of title-holders Mumbai Indians.

Gujarat defeated RCB by six wickets in their opening meeting this season before suffering the 144-run loss in the next tie.

And the Suresh Raina-led side will be eyeing sweet revenge for the embarrassing defeat to head straight into the final of their maiden IPL appearance.

In contrast to RCB, Gujarat made a rampaging start to the season before facing a late slump.

In Aaron Finch (339 runs from 11 games), Brendon McCullum (321 from 14), Dwayne Smith (250 from 10), Raina (397 from 13), Dinesh Karthik (283) and Darren Bravo, Gujarat too have a formidable batting line-up.

In the bowling department, Gujarat have depended on the pace duo of Bravo and Dhawal Kulkarni. While Bravo has 15 wickets against his name, Kulkarni has managed 14 scalps so far.

The spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Pravin Tambe, who did not have the best of IPL so far, too would like to come to the party. - PTI

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

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SPORTS Oman outplay Jersey for second victory at ICC WCL SCOREBOARD

After being asked to bat first, Oman scored 205 for 9 in 50 overs thanks to fine knocks

by Zeeshan Maqsood and Jatinder Singh.

Then they bowled out Jersey for 147 in 41.4 overs with Munis Ansari taking five wickets ALL-ROUND SHOW: Oman celebrate after their victory over Jersey. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Oman came up with another superlative display to outplay hosts Jersey for their second successive victory in the ongoing ICC World Cricket League Division 5 competition on Monday.

Oman and Jersey, both of whom are favourites to clinch the two available promotional places to Division 4, ‘replayed’ the match after their first encounter ended in a no result due to rain on Saturday.

However, it was Oman who displayed their all-round abilities and kept their cool at the crucial moments to record a 58-run victory thanks to patient knocks by Zee-

shan Maqsood (69) and Jatinder Singh (40) and a five-wicket haul

by Munis Ansari.

For the second time, Oman captain Ajay Lalcheta lost the toss and like in their 181-run victory over Nigeria on Sunday, the Sultanate squad were asked to bat first.

Though Oman lost Khawar Ali (2) early in the innings, Zeeshan and later Jatinder steadied the shipt. Down the order Swapnil Khadye (21), Mehran Khan (17) and Rajesh Ranpura (12) made valubale contributions to ensure Oman put up a defendable score of 205 for six

in 50 overs. In reply, Jersey, who also scored a big victory against Vanuatu on Sunday, made a cautious start. But once left-arm spinner Lalcheta, who opened the bowling, removed opener Nat Watkins (2) in the seventh over Jesery kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

After Munis removed another opener Peter Gough (17), Aamir Kaleem struck two vital blows.

Then Munis Ansari and fellow pacer Rajesh Ranpura went on to trouble the opposing batsmen with their accurate bowling.

Though Anthony Hawkins-Kay

GOOD RESPONSE

(45) and Luke Gallichan (30) did give Oman some anxious moments, their departure sparked a collapse and Jersey folded up for 147 in 41.4 overs.

Munis Ansari returned with figures of five for 27 in 10 overs while Ranpura and Aamir Kaleem grabbed two wickets each.

On Tuesday, Oman are expected to have an easy outing against Vanuatu while Jersey play Tanzania and Guernsey face Nigeria.

The two finalists of the ICC WCL Division 5 will earn a promotion to Division 4.

OMAN Zeeshan Maqsood c Dunford b Perchard 69 Khawar Ali c Dunford b Hawkins-Kay 2 Noorul Riaz c Hawkins-Kay b Watkins 14 Jatinder Singh c Watkins b Stevens 40 Z. Siddiqui c Hawkins-Kay b Stevens 3 A. Kaleem c Dunford b Hawkins-Kay 12 Ajay Lalcheta lbw Jenner 3 Mehran Khan b Watkins 17 S. Khadye run out 21 Rajesh Ranpura not out 12 Extras (b-2, lb-4, w-6) 12 Total (9 wkts; 50 overs) 205 Did not bat: Munis Ansari Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-48, 3-126, 4-132, 5-138, 6-143, 7-163, 8-178, 9-205.

Bowling: AW Hawkins-Kay 6-0-18-2; B. Kynman 6-0-21-0 (w-1); NAT Watkins 10-1-43-2; CW Perchard 10-0-29-1 (w-3); BDH Stevens 10-1-45-2; JW Jenner 7-034-1 (w-1); CJ Bodenstein 1-0-9-0 (w-1).

JERSEY PW Gough b Ansari 17 NAT Watkins c Khadye b Lalcheta 15 BDH Stevens c Ranpura b Aamir Kaleem 5 JW Jenner c&b Aamir Kaleem 14 CJ Bodenstein c Khadye b Ansari 0 Hawkins-Kay c S. Khadye b Jatinder 45 LE Gallichan b Ansari 30 CW Perchard b Ansari 0 JE Dunford not out 3 B Kynman b Ansari 1 RJG Palmer c Aamir Kaleem b Ranpura 0 Extras (lb-2, w-15) 17 Total (all out; 41.4 overs) 147 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-39, 3-43, 4-43, 5-82, 6-143, 7-143, 8-143, 9-146.

Bowling: Ajay Lalcheta 7-0-29-1 (w-4); Rajesh Ranpura 6.4-3-10-1; M. Ansari 10-1-27-5 (w-3); Aamir Kaleem 8-0-21-2 (w-1); Zeeshan Maqsood 5-1-35-0 (w-2); Khawar Ali 2-0-11-0; Jatinder 3-1-12-1.

FOOTBALL

Al Azzani calls up 24 players for Oman U-23 team camp MUSCAT:Oman national under-23 football team coach Hamad Al Azzani has called up 24 players for the domestic training which is scheduld to start from Saturday.

The training-cum-conditioning camp runs till July 6.

The team are also scheduled to travel to Manama to play two friendly matches against Bahrain Under-23 team on July 2 and 5.

Hamed Al Azzani boys will be playing the friendly matches as part of their preparations for the GCC Under-23 Championship to be organised in Qatari capital of Doha in August and September this year.

List of players called for camp: Hassan Al Saaadi, Ammar Al Shiyadi, Ammar Al Rashidi, Mohsin Al Ghassani (Al Suwaiq), Zaher Al Aghbari, Murwan Awlad Wadi, Iyhad Al Balushi (Seeb), Abdulaziz Al Ghailani, Ayman Ibrahim, Abdullah Al Mashaikhi, Adel Al Alawi (Sur), Thuwaini Al Mukhaini, Yousef Al Mukhaini, Amran Al Mukhaini (Al Arouba), Ahmed Salim, (Saham), Bilal Al Balushi, Al Munther Al Alawi (Oman), Jamil Al Yahmadi (Al Shabab), Bakhit Salim Fadhel (Salalah), Thani Al RAshidi (Al Khaboura), Abdullah Arafa (Dhofar), Ibrahim Al Sawafi (Bausher), Nabil Al Mashaikhi (Al Nahda) and Mazin Al Balushi (Al Salam).

TEST SERIES

India pick fast bowler Thakur for West Indies Test series

ISC table tennis tourney gets underway MUSCAT: The annual table tennis tournament organised by the Indian Social Club (ISC), sponsored by Muscat Insurance Services LLC and Oman United Insurance Company got underway at the club hall.

Surabhi Salian and Alina Desai set the early pace with impressive victories in the girls under-13 singles singles.

In the round-robin league matches, Surabhi scored two outright victories, 12-10, 11-6, 11-7 over Dimple Malaviya and 11-5,

11-6, 11-5 over Shwetha Ganesh to go to the top of Group A. In Group B, Alina Desai posted a fine 11-6, 11-5, 11-9 over Ananya Krishnan. Ananya, however, kept her hopes alive with a fighting 119, 11-9, 11-2 victory over Nashita Khan. In action from the under-10 singles, Dimple Malaviya posted a convincing 11-3, 11-4, 11-5 win over Kevin Thiyagaseelan, Rishabh Shegh defeated Akshara Pateriya 11-4, 11-2, 11-8 and Mohamed Adnan held his nerves to score an impressive 11-7 14-12, 7-11, 11-4 vic-

tory over Akshara Pateriya.

Madhav Vinod Nair advanced to the second round of the boys under-15 singles event after registering 11-4, 11-4, 12-10 win over Hariharan Subramanian.

N. Rubesh Kumar also advanced with a 11-6, 11-8, 12-14, 11-4 triumph over Teerth Sheth while Madhav Arvind was a 222-9, 22-5, 22-6 winner over Siddhartha Parida. Prakhar Pateria was in sublime touch and proved too strong for Chandan Srinivas whom he handed a 11-0, 11-4, 11-1 defeat.

MUMBAI: Fast bowler Shardul Thakur was the surprise selection in India’s 17-man squad for their Test series against West Indies, the Board of Cricket Control (BCCI) in India announced on its website(www.bcci.tv) on Monday.

The 24-year old earned his first call-up to the national side after playing a key role in Mumbai’s 41st Ranji Trophy victory in February, picking up 41 wickets in his 11 matches. Virat Kohli has been named captain of the side for the July-August series with Ajinkya Rahane will be his deputy.

The four-match series will mark the resumption of bilateral ties between the sides after the Caribbean team pulled out midway through a 2014 tour of India over a protracted pay dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board.

The BCCI also announced a weakened 16-man squad for the One-day and Twenty20 Internationals to tour Zimbabwe.

The uncapped Faiz Fazal, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jayant Yadav, Karun Nair, Mandeep Singh were included while experienced players such as

FIRST CALL: Shardul Thakur

Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Suresh Raina were rested.

India will play three One-day Internationals and three Twenty20 games beginning in June.

West Indies tour squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, Shikar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma,

Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Stuart Binny.

Zimbabwe tour squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), KL Rahul, Faiz Fazal, Manish Pandey, Karun Nair, Ambati Rayudu, Rishi Dhawan, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran, Mandeep Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Jaydev Unadkat, Yuzvendra Chahal. - Reuters

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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

SPORTS

TOMORROW’S LEADERS: All the participants in the Oman Sail-Ahmad Bin Majid Private School championship organised at Al Musannah Sports City. – Supplied photo

Marwan, Issaa emerge winners A soft breeze made their task of sailing around the marina area all the more challenging but Marwan Fauzi Al Busaidi emerged as winner in the Optimist class.

In the Laser Pico class, the winner was Isaa Nasser Al Gahwari

MUSCAT: Oman Sail and Ahmad Bin Majid Private School in Muscat hooked up to beat the drum for sailing recently in a special championship event at Al Musannah Sports City to highlight the benefits of the sport among youngsters.

The two organisations formed a close bond four years ago when the school, named after the famous Omani navigator and cartographer Ahmad bin Majid, began sending its students to Almouj Sailing School for introductory lessons in sailing, upholding a founding principle of

the school to teach youngsters leadership discipline, self-dependency, and how to overcome challenges.

Since then, almost 300 students have become involved in Oman Sail’s sailing programmes and 36 of them took to their Optimists and Laser Picos to have some fun, inspired by Oman Sail’s sailors such as Mohsin Al Busaidi, Khamis Al Anbouri, Fahad Al Hasni and Nasser Al Mashari who all earned their spurs on the Musannah race track.

A soft breeze made their task of sailing around the marina area

all the more challenging but after some friendly competition, cheered on by around 150 fellow pupils, Marwan Fauzi Al Busaidi emerged as winner in the Optimist class with Qussai Nasser Al Dhakhari runner-up and Marwan Mohammed Al Rahbi in third. All the competitors came from the school’s primary level.

Furthermore, eight-year-old Yusuf Suleiman Al Kasbi of Grade

EURO 2016 SQUAD

Watching out for new young talent at Musannah was Mohammed Al Balushi, Centre Manager of Musannah Sailing School.

“Sailing for these kids is all about having fun but they look at the likes of Mohsin Al Busaidi and Nasser Al Mashari and see how successful they have become through sailing and their interest is immediately engaged,” he said.

“Oman Sail has worked hard at developing these exemplary rolemodels for the youngsters and having a connection with an organization such as the Ahmad bin Majid Private School which upholds the same principles is a great boost to all the coaches and instructors who are tasked with introducing and teaching the sport of sailing to new generations.”

The school will continue its training sessions with Oman Sail as part of the curriculum in order to up skill the levels of their current sailing talents. According to Abdullah Al Mahwashi who is leading the sailing programme at the school. The school plans a bigger event next year to mark its 25th anniversary.

CRICKET

Italy coach Conte omits Balotelli MILAN: Italy manager Antonio Conte named his provisional squad for the European Championship on Monday, and his selection was notable as much for the player he left off as for those he chose.

Milan’s Mario Balotelli will not be part of the team for the championship matches, which start on

3 won the Youngest Sailor Award.

In the Laser Pico class, popular among the secondary level pupils, the winner was Isaa Nasser Al Gahwari with Turky Abdulla Al Hasni second and Abdulmalik Ahmad Al Rahbi third. Blue House was the overall winner.

School chairman Najim Mohammad Al Timami, who spent the day cheering and supporting the competitors, congratulated the

students on their participation in the championships and extolled the virtues of sailing as a learning activity. “This has been an enjoyable and valuable day for all of us.

We have seen sailing as a sport bring out the best in these youngsters,” he said.

The theme of the first InterHouse Sailing Championship in Oman by Ahmad bin Majid was “Today’s navigators — tomorrow’s leaders”.

“They have learned leadership skills, taking risks and chances and being good sports, both in victory and defeat. They will have gained an understanding of how important it is to have resilience and to remain calm and collected when the going gets tense.

“All these are great lessons to learn in life and reinforce our confidence in such activities, moving away from dependency on textbooks. The sailing programme started four years ago and it forms a core part of the school’s leadership programme. The programme runs parallel to the equally successful international curricula at Ahmad Bin Majid.”

June 10. That is not a huge surprise; Conte has named the striker only once since taking over in 2014.

The 23-man squad: Gianluigi Buffon, Federico Marchetti, Salvatore Sirigu; Davide Astori, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, G. Chiellini, Angelo Obinze Ogbonna, Daniele Rugani; Federico Bernardeschi, Antonio Candreva, Matteo Darmian, Mat-

tia De Sciglio, Stephan El Shaarawy, Davide Zappacosta; Marco Benassi, Giacomo Bonaventura, Daniele De Rossi, Alessandro Florenzi, Emanuele Giaccherini, Jorge Luiz Jorginho, Riccardo Montolivo, Thiago Motta, Marco Parolo, Stefano Sturaro; Citadin Martins Eder, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, Graziano Pelle, Simone Zaza; Alex Meret (reserve goalie). - Reuters

Australia captain Smith wary of pink ball Test at Gabba MELBOURNE: Australia captain Steven Smith has no qualms about playing another day-night Test at Adelaide Oval but is wary of how the pink ball will perform in the humid conditions expected at Brisbane later this year.

Australia play Pakistan in the first Test under lights at the Gabba on December 15, despite warnings from former players and pundits that muggy conditions could make the ball unplayable for batsmen.

In the inaugural day-night match against New Zealand in drier Adelaide conditions last year, the ball hooped around menacingly during the floodlit late sessions and Australia won in three days.

Cricket Australia (CA) hope to schedule another test against South Africa at Adelaide Oval in November but the Proteas have balked at the prospect, citing a lack of experience with the pink ball.

“I think it worked well, the one Test at the Adelaide Oval,” Smith told reporters in Brisbane on Monday. “I personally believe that’s the best place to play a day-night test match but we’ve got the one at the Gabba this year so it will be interesting to see how that goes.

“It’s just a little bit different with the ball and humidity that quite often is around in Brisbane, so it could be very difficult for the batters, particularly if there’s grass left on the wicket.”

Fears that the pink ball might not last the required 80 overs in test cricket saw a grassy pitch prepared for the Adelaide match, making the task much harder for

It’s just a little bit different with the ball and humidity that quite often is around in Brisbane, so it could be very difficult for the batters, particularly if there is grass Steven Smith Australia captain

batsmen. “I think we still need plenty of development with the ball to make sure that we don’t prepare a wicket that suits the ball with plenty of grass on it,” Smith added.

South Africa captain AB de Villiers said last month that his team had misgivings about playing the day-night test after getting feedback from Smith and some other Australian players.

Although Smith responded by backing Cricket Australia’s campaign for the Adelaide match, he was less enthused about playing a

personal role in talking South Africa around.

“I guess we could have conversations about it with some of the senior players in South Africa but in the end it’s up to both boards what they want to do in regards to the game,” he said.

Smith will lead the one-day team in a triangular tournament in the Caribbean against West Indies and South Africa next month and said he had recovered from a wrist injury that ended his stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) prematurely. - Reuters

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

Dining WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Deliciously Chilly Recipes Oneza Tabish

POMEGRANATE GELATO This super easy, no eggs, no cooking, and no churning, fresh pomegranate ice-cream tastes like a lucious pomegranate milk shake INGREDIENTS • 3 fresh pomegranates • 1 lime • 175g icing sugar • 500ml double cream PREPARATION •Juice two of the pomegranates and the lime and strain the juices into a large bowl. Save the third pomegranate to use the seeds before serving. Sift in the icing sugar and whisk to dissolve. Feel free to use the whisk attachment of your stand mixer, or use a hand mixer or electric whisk — just be careful as the juice will splatter and can stain.

• Add the double cream to the pomegranate mixture and whisk, using your preferred method, until soft peaks form. Transfer the pomegranate whipped cream to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze at least 4 hours or overnight.

• Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before serving to soften, then serve in serving bowls and scatter with seeds of the third pomegranate.

FROZEN BANANA DESSERT Pop bananas in the freezer and ordinary fruit transforms into a healthy dessert with major wow-factor.

INGREDIENTS • 2-3 large very ripe bananas • 2 tbsp chocolate chips • 1 tbsp butter • 4-5 dry roasted cashews, coarsely chopped PREPARATION •Peel the bananas, cut into slices and place them inside a freezer bag in a single layer. Freeze overnight.

Make the chocolate coating by placing the chocolate chips and butter into a bowl. Set this over hot water.

You can also microwave and heat 10 seconds at a time until they begin to melt. Remove it from the heat and continue to stir until the chocolate has completely melted. Set aside. Take the frozen bananas from the freezer and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Divide the banana mixture in two bowls and drizzle each with the chocolate coating . Sprinkle chopped nuts.

EASY BERRY SORBET Stockpile seasonal berries and cherries in the form of this incredibly fresh and delicious berry sorbet.

INGREDIENTS • 1-3/4 cups sugar • 1-3/4 cups water • 2 cups strawberries • 2 cups raspberries • 1-1/2 cups real cherry juice • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice • 2 tbsp orange juice concentrate PREPARATION • Combine sugar and water in a large pot. Boil until the sugar has dissolved completely. Stir in the strawberries and raspberries. Continue cooking for 10 minutes. Strain through a strainer. Refrigerate the juice until chilled and toss the pulp. Once the juice has cooled stir in the cherry juice, lime juice, and orange concentrate. • From here you have three options: 1) Pour mixture into an ice-cream maker and follow instructions that came with it. 2) Pour into an airtight container. Freeze solid. Blend until smooth and freeze again. 3) Pour into an airtight container and place into the freezer. Whisk every 20 minutes for the first two hours then freeze solid. • Enjoy with a hand full of fresh berries or berry sauce.

COOL STRAWBERRY BITES Sweet, juicy strawberries dipped into yoghurt make for a quick, tangy frozen treat.

INGREDIENTS • Yoghurt (Greek preferred) • Strawberries PREPARATION • Clean and trim the strawberries. You can use them halved or whole.

• Either put the yoghurt in the freezer for a while to thicken it, or use Greek yoghurt as it’s thicker.

You can also strain the yoghurt in muslin cloth for a while to release liquid and make it thicker.

• Dip the strawberries in the yoghurt. Place on a wax paper, parchment lined sheet that fits in your freezer and freeze for 4-5 hours.

• Pack in an airtight container for quick treats.

• Serve with a toothpick.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

C6

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

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Sarabjit (Hindi) (2D) (Drama) (PG12) Cast: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shiwani Saini, Randeep Hooda 3:30, 6:15, 8:45, 11:15 PM Azhar (Hindi) (2D) (Action) (PG) Cast: Nargis Fakhri, Emraan Hashmi 10:30 PM Brahmot Savam (Telugu) (2D) (Comedy) Cast: Mahesh Babu, Kajal Aggarwal, Tanikella 6:00 PM (TBC) Maruthu (Tamil) (2D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Vishal, Sri Divya, Radha Ravi 7:45 PM

PANORAMA MALL X-Men: Apocalypse (3D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender 3:30, 6:15, 9:00 & 11:45PM X-Men: Apocalypse (4D) (Action) MX4D Cast: James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence 3:15, 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30PM (PG12) X-Men: Apocalypse (3D) (Action) (PG12) VIP LOUNGE 3:15, 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30PM Our Kind of Traitor - (2D) (Thriller ) (15+) Cast: Ewan McGregor, Damian Lewis 3:30, 9:30 & 11:30PM This Time - (2D) (Tagalog) (PG12) Cast: James Reid, Nadine Lustre 7:30PM Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead - (2D) (Comedy | Horror) (15+) Cast: Jay Gallagher, Bianca Bradey 11:30PM The Angry Birds Movie - (3D) (Animation) 3:00 & 6:45PM

AZAIBA X-Men: Apocalypse (3D) (Action ) (PG12) Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender 3:15, 9:00, 11:45 PM Our Kind of Traitor (2D) (Thriller) (15+) Cast: Ewan McGregor, Damian Lewis, Naomie 3:45, 11:45 PM The Angry Bird Movie (3D) (Action) (U) Voice Overs: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess 3:45 PM Chakravyuh (Kannad) (2D) (Action (PG) Cast: Puneeth Rajkumar, Rachita Ram 6:00 PM The Jungle Book (3D) (Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 5:45 PM King Liar (Mal) (2D) (Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Dileep, Madonna Sebastian, Lal 8:45 PM

RUWI Screen 1 Sarbjit(2D) (Drama ) –PG12 Cast : Aishwarya Rai, Randeep Hooda 3.30, 9.30 PM X-Men: Apocalypse (2D) (Action) PG12 Cast : Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn 6.30 PM Screen 2 X-Men: Apocalypse (2D) (Action) –PG12 Cast : Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn 3.45, 9.45 PM Sarbjit (2D) (Drama ) –PG12 6.45 PM

SUR X-Men : Apocalypse 3D (Crime ) ( PG12 ) Cast : James Mc Avoy, Michael Fassbender 4:45, 9:15, 11:45 PM Our Kind of Traitor (Thriller ) (15+ ) Cast : Ewan Mc Gregor, Damian Lewis 4:30, 9:00 PM King Liar (Malayalam | Comedy ) (PG12) Cast : Dileep, Madonna 11:00 PM The Angry Birds Movie - (3D) ( Animation) 7:15 PM ( U ) Marudu ( Tamil | Action ) (PG12) Cast : Vishal, Sri Divya, Radha Ravi 6:30 PM SOHAR X-Men: Apocalypse (PG12) (3D) (Action) Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender 3:15, 6:00, 8:45, 11:30PM Jungle Book (PG) (3D) (Adventure) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 5:00PM The Angry Birds Movie (U) (3D)(Comedy) Voice Overs: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess 3:00, 7:00PM Our Kind of Traitor (15+) (Thriller) Cast: Ewan McGregor, Damian Lewis 3:45, 9:15, 11:45PM Sarbjit (PG 12) (Hindi)(Biographical Drama) Cast : Shiwani Saini, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan 11:15PM King Liar (PG12) (Malayalam) (Comedy) Cast: Dileep, Madonna Sebastian, Lal 9:00PM Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (15+) Cast: Jay Gallagher, Bianca Bradey 11:55PM (Horror) Captain America: Civil War 3D (PG12) 9:00PM Captain America: Civil War 2D (PG12) 3:45PM Maruthu (PG12) (Tamil/Action/Romance) 6:15PM Brahmot Savam(Telugu/Comedy/Romance) Cast: Kajal Aggarwal, Mahesh Babu, Tanikella Bharani 6:30PM BURAIMI Maruthu (PG12) (Tamil) (Action / Romance)

Cast: Vishal Krishna, Sri Divya, Radha Ravi 6:30 PM X-Men: Apocalypse (PG12) (3D) (Action) 4:30, 8:45 & 11:30 PM Jungle Book (PG) (3D) (Adventure) 4:30 PM The Angry Birds Movie (U) (3D)( Animation) Voice Overs: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess, Jason Sudeikis 6:45 PM Our Kind of Traitor (15+) (Thriller) Cast: Ewan McGregor, Damian Lewis, Naomie Harris 4.45, 7.00 & 9.15 PM Sarbjit (PG 12) (Hindi)(Biographical drama) Cast : Shiwani Saini, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Randeep Hooda 11.15 PM King Liar (PG12) (Malayalam) (Comedy) Cast: Dileep, Madonna Sebastian, Lal 9:00 PM Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (Comedy) Cast: Jay Gallagher, Bianca Bradey, Leon 11:55 PM (15+)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

43 34

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

50-20% Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/ her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

LISTINGS

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

Daily

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

King Liar ( Mal) (Comedy) Cast : Dileep ,Siddique & Madonna Sebastian 9-30 pm Cinema Main; 3-30 & 6-30 pm Cinema-2 Brahmotsavam (Telugu) ( Drama) Cast : Mahesh Babu, Samantha & Kajal Agarwal 3-30 & 6-30 pm Cinema Main; 9-30 pm Cinema-2 Marudhu (Tamil) ( Act) Cast: Vishal & Sri Divya 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema-4 Jacobinte Swargarajyam ( Mal) (Comedy\ Drama) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Renji Panicker & Lakshmi 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -3 Programmes are subject to change

0

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Minimum

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

STAR CINEMA

0

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

The Trust (Crime / Thriller) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CENSOR PERMIT NO : 1119 (15+) Term Life (Crime / Drama) Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CENSOR PERMIT NO : 1120 (15+) Correspondence (Drama / Romance) Cast: Olga Kurylenko, Jeremy Irons, Shauna 2.00 & 6.00 p.m.

CENSOR PERMIT NO : 1125 (12+) Ratchet & Clank (Animation) Voice Overs: James Arnold Taylor, David Kaye, Jim Ward 2.00 & 6.00 p.m.

CENSOR PERMIT NO : 1126 (PG)

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

BAHJA CINEMA

SALALAH X-Men: Apocalypse (3D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence 6:00, 8:45, 11:30PM X-Men: Apocalypse (2D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender 1:00, 3:45PM Captain America: Civil War (3D) (PG) (Action | Adventure| Sci-Fi) Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson 3:15, 11:15PM The Jungle Book (3D) (PG) (Adventure) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 2:30PM The Angry Birds Movie (3D) (U) (Animation) 12:30, 4:30PM (Eng) Voice Overs: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess, Jason Sudeikis Our Kind of Traitor (2D) (15+) (Thriller) Cast: Ewan McGregor, Damian Lewis, Naomie Harris 1:15, 6:30, 11:55PM Sarbjit (2D) (PG12) (Biographical Drama) Cast: Shiwani Saini, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan 8:30PM King Liar (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam) (Comedy) 9:00PM Maruthu (2D) (PG12) (Tamil) (Action ) Cast: Vishal Krishna Reddy, Sri Divya, Radha 6:15PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

12.09pm 3.30pm 6.51pm 8.11pm 3.57am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@SHATTI

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES (ROUND THE CLOCK) Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya 24787766, 24787780

Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al Hayat International Hospital, Al Ghubra 22004000, 94267068/97049520 Al Hayat Clinic, Al Hail 22009455

AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE L O C A L E AT S

Go Mangolicious at The Yellow Chilli STORY SHRUTHI NAIR

One of the very few reasons as to why most people look forward to the summer season is for the love of mangoes. Keeping that in mind Yellow Chilli Oman welcomed the scorching summer wholeheartedly by introducing a month-long Mango Festival in both their outlets.

The entire menu tagged as “Mangoes All The Way” has the fruit playing the protagonist sometimes and otherwise just complementing the dish with the right tinge of sweetness. Every dish right from the starters to the desserts is a well thought of gem which makes one fall in love with it from the very first bite. For me the cherry on the cake was the cute anecdotes and stories behind each dish which Chef Manoj Radi narrated while serving the dish.

The menu serves two drinks: the ambi panna cooler and the mango mojito. Both are essential summer drinks that helps quench your thirst as well as get your tastebuds accustomed to the taste of mango. While ambi panna is a popular traditional Indian summer drink, the mango mojito is an interesting fusion which contains mint, green lime, and crushed ice.

The other dishes from the menu that are absolute stunners include aam rass pani poori, aamchur papad nachos, achari murgh tikka, khatti tawa macchi, khatti meethi nalli boti and the star dessert, mango ‘cool-fi’ and malai cream. Pani poora a.k.a gol gappa or fuchka is one of the most common and loved street food in India. But as soon as you put one of these pani pooris in your mouth you are going to be in for a surprising mango explosion. The nachos are papad cut in triangular shape to give it the feel of nachos. While it might be impossible for one to think of having heavy non-vegetarian dishes with mango, it is almost magical how the fruit complements the chicken, fish, and mutton in the menu. While you get the taste of mango the sweetness or tanginess doesn’t overpower the taste of meat that is served. A mango ‘cool-fi’, popularly known as kulfi in India, will get you nostalgic. The malai cream is a mango mousse that will slowly and deliciously melt in your mouth.

Visit Yellow Chilli today if you don’t want to miss out on giving yourself a grand mango feast. The fest ends on the 31st of this month. —shruthi@timesofoman.com

Chocolate vs Cocoa When to Use Them

I

n most cake baking classes, there is one ingredient that remains a staple favourite and it is none other than chocolate, of course. Undoubtedly, it’s the most favourite flavour on the planet.

Not only is it a popular candy, but as a flavouring, chocolate has been undeniably favoured by humans — raging tempers are calmed, foul moods are soothed, and ruffled feelings are comforted by its seemingly magical power.

Originally a native to the Central and South American regions, the cocoa tree now grows all around the equatorial band.

When its seeds are dried, what is commonly known as the cocoa bean is obtained, chocolate is then obtained from beans.

Main Difference between Cocoa and Chocolate Most people are under the misconception that cocoa is a lesser quality product than chocolate.

On the contrary, cocoa is a purer form of chocolate. The two main components of chocolate are cocoa solids, which gives the flavour, and cocoa butter, which gives the rich creamy texture.

When it comes to baking, there can be a lot of confusion between chocolate and cocoa. What’s the real difference between these two?

Cocoa powder contains very little cocoa butter, as it is mainly composed of cocoa solids one can consider cocoa powder as chocolate minus most of the cocoa butter. It contains about 10% of cocoa butter, compared to pure unsweetened chocolate comprising of 55% cocoa butter. Therefore, cocoa powder will add a stronger punch of chocolate flavour as it has more cocoa solids and less cocoa butter.

Overall, cocoa powder is more bitter, sharp and dense in flavour, whereas chocolate is creamy, sweet and less sharp in taste. For hot chocolate, adding cocoa powder will give a much more rich taste whereas chocolate will give a more mellowed flavour.

Dutched vs Natural Cocoa Most recipes that call for cocoa

usually specify either Dutched or natural processed cocoa. Dutchprocessed cocoa is treated with alkali, which causes an increase in the pH level and reduces the sharp, bitter flavour of cocoa.

When to Use Chocolate and When to Use Cocoa?

Texture is as important as flavour in any recipe. The dessert’s texture is greatly influenced by the type of fat used in the recipe, from the oil, butter, cocoa butter from the chocolate, or a combination of all.

For creamy desserts, it’s best to use chocolate as some desserts need the silkiness that only cocoa butter can render. For your mousses, puddings, and ganaches, the luxurious taste and mouth feel of cocoa butter truly comes out, so definitely opt for chocolate while making

these. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use cocoa powder. Adding a tablespoon or two in your mousses and puddings will boost the flavour of the dessert without altering its chemistry.

When baking cakes, a cake made with cocoa and another made with chocolate can greatly differ in texture and flavour. These again have to do with the fats used in the recipe. Cakes made with cocoa powder and oil result in tender and intense flavoured bases.

Devil’s Food Cake is a good example of its deep flavour and colour, with the moist texture coming from the cocoa powder and oil pairing. The rich and intense flavour is because of the lack of milk or butter diluting the pure chocolate flavour.

Chocolate cakes made using chocolate are sensitive to temperature, due to the cocoa butter; therefore you’ll need to take this under consideration. Chocolate cake should be served at room temperature. In brownies, cocoa gives chewy results whereas chocolate yields a fudgier texture. The more chocolate in the recipe, the fudgier your brownies will be.

— Courtesy of Artipot

C8

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

LIFESTYLE ONE INGREDIENT NGREDIENT

FIVE WAYS

Pie

Take one packet of pistachio pudding in a bowl. On it add a can of crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup walnuts, and 1/2 cup grated coconut. Mix the ingredients well. Fold in container of cool whip and add 2 cups of pie crust. Refrigerate for a few hours and serve with a topping of whipped cream.

Cake

Take a box of yellow cake mix and to it add 1/2 cup oil, 2 packets of pistachio pudding, 4 eggs, and 1 cup sour cream.

Separately mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup walnuts for filling. Put 1/2 of the cake mixture in a well-greased pan and sprinkle half of the filling. Top it with the balance cake mix batter and pout the remaining filling. Bake at 180 degrees C for 45 minutes.

Fish

Take 1/4 cup of butter and spread on a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese and place fish fillets, almost a kilogram on it. Sprinkle some shredded cheese and chopped pistachio nuts on the top and bake at 200 degrees C for about 10 minutes. Baste until the nuts are brown. Sprinkle salt and garnish with lemon wedges.

Shake

Mix 1 litre ice cream and 1/2 kilo mango pulp. Add 5 tablespoons ground pistachio and a cup of milk to the ice cream mixture, and blend well. Serve it with crushed ice on top, and sprinkle some chopped pistachio pieces.

Salad

Sauté 2-4 chicken breast pieces cut into strips till brown in 2 tablespoons butter. Add 1 tablespoon of any salad dressing and simmer for 1 minute. Add 8-10 strawberries and simmer for another 10 seconds. Pour mixture over 2 cups of freshly chopped spinach. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of chopped pistachio nuts and refrigerate it. Serve chilled.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T U E S DAY, M AY 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

D2

T U E S D AY, M AY 2 4 , 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

COLD STORE ROOMS

FOR RENT

Available at a prime location on azaiba service road (previously occupied by A’Saffa Foods) near Al Turky and Mazda showroom

Contact: 95215289, 99229263, 93221054

Villa for rent in Al Hail South one at first floor and other at Ground floor.

Contact: 99546777 Open Commercial Land of 21370 sqm near AL Nahda Resort, Shaksuk, Barka. Contact : 99337160 Office for rent in Al Ansab near bank Muscat. Contact: 99466173 3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent.

18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi.

Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use. OMR 295/- month.

Call 94477222 Plot at Barka next to Germany College & next to Aramex Company, next to Bahwan Warehouse, next to Omasco warehouse 37,074 SQM2 required 0.250 Baiza per SQM. Contact: 99888390 Double bedroom flats available in Honda road, Ruwi and Mabellah.

Contact: 24833972/ 24833974 Mobile 99367448 1000 sqmtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 / 92584715 2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact: 92584715 / 24700120 Al Khuwair 17, villa 3 B. Rooms, 3 toilets, kitchen, hall owner.

Contact: 99385553 Al Khuwair 17 a new room, toilet, kitchen, deluxe owner.

Contact: 99385553 Staff Complex villa (Al Khuwair 17) 10 rooms, 10 toilets, 7 kitchens.

Owner Contact: 99385553 2 BHK at Azaiba behind Bahwan half KM. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer including 3 rooms with ACs. Contact: 99333639

FURNISHED OFFICES FOR RENT Available at a prime location on Azaiba Service Road (Previously Occupied by A’Saffa Foods) near Al Turky and Mazda showroom.

FOR RENT OFFICES & OUTLETS IN PRIME LOCATIONS: MAIN ROAD – MIDDLE OF THE MARKET AT: WALJA – HAMRIYA – SEEB - BARKA

CALL: 99332242 / 99106193 khamisco@alkhamis.com.om

FOR RENT

Commercial Space Commercial Space For Rent in Al Khuwair. Ideal for Coffee Shop / Restaurant / Office Space / Showroom 27sqm / 68sqm / 128sqm

Contact: 95215289, 99229263, 93221054

Contact: 96775026

1 BHK and 2BHK Flats available near Lulu Darsait (Main road, Opp. to Min. of Defense). Contact : 93202733

1BHK Flats for rent, behind Sheraton hotel in Ruwi, rent R.O 250/per month. Contact: 96051941

Flat for rent : flat available at Hamriya & Wadi Kabir. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499

1BHK flat in Ruwi for family.

Contact- 92947251

3 Bedroom well maintained flat (villa Type only 2 flats in villa) in Al Khuwair, behind Al Akhtam Restaurant villa No 1841, Way No 3922--- block no 239.

Contact: 99462980 4 bedroom villa at Madinat Illam Office / 1 BHK Ruwi.

Contact: 95915154 1BHK Ghubra R.O 275/-.

Contact: 92144045 3BHK Al Khuwair R.O 375/-.

Contact: 92144045 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 225/-.

Contact: 92144045 1BHK Darsait R.O 225/-.

Contact: 92144045 Room Al Khuwair R.O 110/-.

Contact: 97799175 7 rooms villa at split AC 18th November road Azaiba.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Shop for rent at Wadi Kabir Industrial area. Contact: 99888390 New flats Wadi Al Kabir.

Contact: 92130703 5 bedroom brand new villas for rent in Al Khoud, near Al Ruwad International School.

Contact: 99447002 / 99352441

Just 2 OMR / Sqm, Showroom / store for rent Ground floor & basement, area - 1100 Sqm, location Seh Al Ahmer, 20 km to Rusayl.

Contact: 97714433 / 93437982

Flats for rent at Just RO 160/- 2 Bed room, hall, kitchen , 2 toilets, location Seh Al Ahmer, 20 KM to Rusayl, including AC & roof Garden.

Contact: 97714433 / 93437982

2 BHK at Mawaleh North, near Sadiq Al Amin Mosque.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

Villa for rent in Al Khoud, 6 rooms, hall. Contact: 91763665

For rent Gym & Health club for rent in Al Khoud near Al Ruwad International School.

Contact: 99447002 / 99352441

5 BHK Villa in Al Khuwair, for Staff Accommodation. Contact 99792181 2BHK Flat near Indian School, Wadi Kabir. Contact: 91173997 /24714625

Well maintained 2 bedrooms flat in CBD prime location.

Contact: 24714625 / 94460790

2 & 3 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair & Ghubra. Contact 99792181

For rent New flats at Darsait Al Sahail. Contact: 99777351

3000 Sqr mtrs compound land in Misfah. Contact 99792181

House in Darsait 3 rooms, kitchen, 1 bathroom with A/C. Contact: 95522405

Flat for rent Al Hail North to the Wave Muscat ground floor with furniture the price RO 250/-.

Contact: 99353433

Flat for rent in Al Qurum, 3 rooms & hall. Contact: 91763660 Flat for rent in Al Khoud, 2 rooms & hall. Contact: 917633665 Villa for rent in Al Ghubrah, 5 rooms, hall. Contact: 91763665 1 bedroom family / bachelors in Al Khuwair R.O 100/-.

Contact: 95154331

Flat in Al Bustan in Muscat, 3 rooms, 3 bathrooms, family hall, kitchen, store, laundry with spilt unit air condition 350/- O.R. Contact : 98919037 Flat in Al Bustan in Muscat, 4 rooms, 3 bathrooms, family hall, kitchen with spilt unit air conditioner 400/- O.R. Contact: 96228232 / 92776303

1 B/R Fully Furnished Luxury Apartment @ Al Khuwair 33.

2 B/R Fully Furnished Luxury Apartment @ Al Khuwair 33. 4 B/R Unfurnished Apartment with attached Split A/C @ Azaiba. Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC : 99249069 / 94617563/ 99436312, Email: info@alshahiintl.com Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats for rent, rooms in Al Khuwair. Contact: 93830111

1BHK at Hamriya near Muscat Pharmacy & 2 BHK at Mawaleh near Mosque Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 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 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. contact 99342661

Flat for rent 2 bedrooms in Ruwi Mumtaz area. Contact: 91409667 / 24291500

4 BHK Villa in Bowsher Heights.

Contact 99792181

Ware house in Ghala for rent (400/ 800/ 1200/ 3300 SQM).

Contact: 91155779

1700 sqr mtrs open Land + small store + garage for Rent in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181

Hotel for investment.

Contact: 91155779

Shop for rent good location main road behind wholesale hyper market Amerat space 11 MT long, 4 MT Width. Contact: 92877449

2/3 BHK in Al Khuwair for rent.

Contact: 91155779 Flats, shops & store for rent in MBD area Ruwi, Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 Offices and Flats in Ghala.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street.

OMR 330 Monthly. Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

Villa in Al Khoud consists of 6 bedrooms, 1 sitting & living room. Contact: 91153933 Flats in Ghobrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

T U E S DAY, M AY 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

INVESTOR PARTNER REQUIRED For a successfully Catering Restaurant Investor cum Partner is required.

Investor with fixed returns also welcome.

Please contact – 95213273

FOR RENT

Email: muscatcoffeeshop@gmail.com

ONE STOP SHOP BUSINESS SERVICES Public Relation Service (PRO) Document Clearance, Business setup, Formation new Companies, LLC Companies, Investor Visa, Legal Services.

Contact Saleh:

96723485

Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

NRI

Flat for rent in Al Khuwair 33.

Contact: 92277419 2 BHK flat at Ruwi Mumtaz area RO 320/-. Contact: 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 Villa in Bousher consists of 5 rooms, 1 hall & living room.

Contact: 91153933 Villa in Al Ghubra consists of 5 bedrooms, 1 hall and living room.

Contact: 91153933 Room with 9 bathrooms in Bousher for rent. Contact: 91153933 Apartment in Al Khoudh consists of 2 room & hall.

Contact: 91153933 Flat for rent near Royal Hospital.

Contact: 99346793 2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 Fully furnished offices in Ghala main Street.

Contact: 94300909 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khood.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats In Qurum.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

2BHK split A/C for rent Muttrah near Oman House.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 1BHK Studio flat near Star Cinema RO 180/-. Contact: 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Dar sate Tel : 00 968 95158570 Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair.

Contact: 95154331 Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400.

Contact 99420346 Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-.

Contact: 99335580

20 cent of Land at Irinjalakuda,

PORTA CABINS

Kallettumkara,

FOR SALE

Trichur Dist besides road side

Two Porta Cabins of Size 12mX3.6m and 11mX3.6m In good condition.

Contact Lal 99418657 or Vijay 24492813 99147207

for sale.

Contact on

+968 93978378 / 0091 9947461230 Plot for sale in Mundur & Palakkal Trichur District.

Contact: 00968 92376297

FOR SALE WANTED Running Coffee Shop at Hamariya/Ruwi for sale with CR & Visa.

Contact : 92824153 / 99881187

IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area.

Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/ 99012165

Commercial land in first line in Barka for sale. Contact: 91155779 Farm in Barka for sale.

Contact: 91155779 Villa for sale in Mabela 6 rooms, living room & hall.

Contact: 91763665 Dental chairs for sale sparingly used dental units for sale.

Contact Mr. Ansari 92616343.

Kumar 99570284 6 Villas of six bedrooms each under construction in one compound in Bausher near Muscat Private hospital. Prices range from 165 thousand to 179 thousand for each villa. Each villa has three floors and 369 sq mtrs build up area.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

FOR SALE

Commercial /R land in Ghala (Industrial area) for sale.

Contact: 91155779 Villa in Al Qurum / Azaiba/ Mawaleh for sale. Contact: 91155779 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale. Contact 99273774/ 99202278 10 Shops in ground floor of 8 floor building in Bausher near Muscat Private Hospital. Have income of about 2,700 monthly. OMR 268 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

Semi furnished big room with separate entrance attached bathroom near Indian School Al Ghubra for non cooking Indian Executive bachelor. Contact: 95146361 / 92657598 Big single room with AC, separate toilet, kitchen at Al Hail highway side preferred South Indians rent RO 90/-. Contact: 98593040 Semi furnished room for single bachelor at Muttrah R.O 85/-, WIFI & E/W. Contact: 92828615 Full Furnished room with attached bathroom near Star Cinema for ex. Bachelor/lady. Contact 92886715 / 99782133

Dental clinic for immediate sale doctor going abroad. Contact: 92882209 / 96373097

Working beauty parlour for sale at Al Ghubra. Contact: 98178135

Coffee shop for sale 7 visa available at Al Khuwair.

Contact: 98826793

Double Shutter 80 sq mtrs corner textile shop in Seeb Souq for sale.

Contact 99326339

Independent room in Qurum heights. Contact: 95529970

2 Shops for sale at prime location in Ghobra. Contact: 96381294 Bozlur

Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430

Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 97167857

Building in Al Khuwair at prime location for sale. Contact: 91155779

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

Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor Opp. O.C. Centre Ruwi . Call : 90611670

Commercial /R land in Al Khuwair for sale. Contact: 91155779 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 95056808 / 97201688 Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Ware house in W/K for Sale.

Contact: 91155779 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. Contact 92881849 / What`s up No 97290565 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 165 Thousand.

Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter.

Photos can be sent 95865457

FOR LADIES Offer!! Treading Gold Facial & Pedicure just for 10 RO, Al Doom Parlour Ruwi: Contact 99619409 (watsup) Home service available

Prado 2007, manual 4-cylinder.

Contact: 99454425 Car for sale Mitsubishi Lancer, 2008 model, 1.3 CC. Contact: 92815138 Diesel tanker 1600 gallon, Volvo model 1987. Contact: 92836774 Nissan path finder, 2012 model.

Contact: 99467005

ACC. AVAILABLE BUYING

Steel rack sets (Godown shelf’s).

Contact: 94521205

MV SALE

Room furnished attached for Executives in Mumtaz area.

Contact: 99334770

1 BHK appartment for rent in Al Khoud Shabiya near mazoon mosque for rent (next to alkhoud medical center and squ) MOB: 93913224 Small old house for rent in Ghobra. Contact: 97165972 Room with attached bathroom for working ladies in a flat in M.B.D. Contact: 99764307 Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 93049849

Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Buying cars for cash.

Contact: 90202090

ACC. AVAILABLE Room available for family / bachelor opposite to o.K. Center, Ruwi.

Gsm 942-888-63 Sharing accommodation near ISD. Contact: 99657340 1 BHK for rent, Ideal for small family or two bachelors, easy access to main road with AC near Sheraton hotel, CBD. Contact: 96444400 Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM. Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.

Contact 96234708 Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90.

Contact 96524717 Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah.

Contact 99336776 Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. CONTACT 96202458/96761960 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested pleasecontact 92680041 Mr. Altaf

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

MATRIMONIAL Ezhava male, 31 yrs, height 5.6, B. Tech Aeronautical, administrative professional, parents in Oman.

Contact 99550870 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact 96059801.

Sunni Muslim family seeks proposal for their 24 year old daughter from well settled Urdu speaking Indian family. Pls call on 93521249 / 99374371 Parent of Thrissur based Hindu Ezhava girl aged 20, Slim,Atham star, Studying for B. Pharm seeking alliance from well employed Graduates, preferably in Engineering Contact :96425102 Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman.

Contact 968 98267338, 0091 9287215726

LOST Aneesh Sukumaran has lost Indian Passport No. G1472644.

Finder please handover to ROP Sultana Akter has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AG 4516356.

Finder please handover to ROP

D4

T U E S D AY, M AY 2 4 , 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT Urgently required

an Accountant With minimum 3-5 years Oman / GCC experience for a reputed Trading & Contracting Co. located in Azaiba.

Candidate must have Oman D/L & NOC.

Send your CV: info@styletrading.net Fax: 244 95 411

URGENTLY REQUIRED 1. Electrician: Preferably with Electrician license in Oman with minimum 3 years of experience, urgently required full time for a reputed Construction Company (Driving license holders may have more preference) Contact - PH: 99337945, 95073506, 24544798 Email: skill.mct@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED

REQUIRED URGENTLY An experienced Cold Store Technician For a well-established Muscat based Frozen Foods Distribution Company.

Must have sound knowledge of cold room installation/ maintenance and air conditioning maintenance experience.

Applications may be mailed to the HR Manager:

nationalcoldstores@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Part Time Accounting, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Monthly Reports, Accounting set up for new companies, Project Report for Bank Loan purposes. GSM : 96975454, email: ibfc.gcc@gmail.com Indian male good experience in accounts, Admin & ERP, Tally 9 NOC available looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94834687 Senior Accountant 5 years experience NOC available up to finalization valid D/L. Contact: 96339599 Email: ahmedmohdkhan@gmail.com

HOTEL MANAGER A new modern 3 star hotel located in a prime location at Bawshar – Muscat is looking for a Hotel Manager. The Candidate should be a holder of degree or an equivalent qualification in Hotel Management and should have at least 5 years’ experience at the Hotel industry with 2 years at least as Hotel manager.

Indian male 32 Chartered Accountant having 2 years Oman experience looking for suitable placement in finance & Audit fields.

Contact: 96357827 Email: ubaiskeeran@gmail.com

Interested Candidates can e-mail CV’s to Qaisbahwan@yahoo.com

Indian Accountant with 15 yrs experience / driving license 8 yrs in Oman local release available.

Contact: 93477447 Email: s4svpai@gmail.com Indian CA, male 34yrs and 14+ Yrs exp. in A/Cs, finance, auditing, consultancy and knows SAPB1,Tally ERP etc. , Oman D/L .Currently in Oman. NOC available.

Please contact: 94704800, Email: omanjobca@gmail.com.

Young male Indian ACCA finalist with B.Sc (Hons) in Accounting with 3 years experience in Tally & KPI & holding valid Omani driving license seeks immediate placement, NOC available.

Contact: 92851056

ACCOUNTS & FINANCE Wanted an experienced Accountant. Forward your CV to ami.almoosa@gmail.com

BEAUTICIAN Require Employee for Saloon in Al Amerat, should have experience.

Contact: 90600688

MEDICAL Wanted G.P Doctor, Pharmacist, Lab Technician and Staff Nurse for a running medical clinic near Sohar area. Contact 95272672 Care Medical Centre Al Seeb requires Gynecologist and General Practitioner.

Mail CV to:sarita_h23@yahoo.com

Required Office Boy. Contact : 91120552

Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact: 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com

A full time living Housemaid required for an Indian family in Ghobrah. Contact: 97335255

Wanted expatriate legal professional. Forward your CV to lawfirmfm@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELPER

DRIVER Required Omani Driver for a restaurant. Contact 95929911 Wanted a experience Driver for Capital and Interior work.

Gsm : 942-888-63

Wanted driver. Contact: 97165972

EDUCATION/TRAINING Teachers required Math, Science & English with B.Sc, B.Ed & B.A, B. Ed for Omani Private School in North Al Hail. Contact: 95141554 / 95825772

ENGINEER/MECHANIC. Required for a leading Engineering Consultancy firm experienced Office Secretary. Send CV to: mail@abdullamukadam.com Fax: 24614398 Civil Engineer, Masons, Helpers, Shuttering, Carpenters, Steel fixers with 5 yrs experience in Oman.

Contact: 97491117

IT Required Shop Sales man + Hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 years experience.

Contact: 98825806 / 98825806, Email: info@rns-group.com

MEDICAL Required Office Assistant with driving license present in Oman, Electrical B.Tech with 5 years of Oman experience & D/L electrical with ITI Industrial & MEDC license.

Contact: 99454425 Wanted Nurse for a dental centre at Qurum. Interested candidates may contact the below or mail : drasyanaseem@gmail.com or Contact 99458844

Chief Accountant well experienced with reputed group available for immediate joining.

Contact : 98803439 / 97413784.

Urgently required GP, Gynecologist, Dentist, Staff Nurse, Lab Technician, Pharmacist, for a medical centre in Muscat.

Email ruwistar@hotmail.com.

Tel: 92603863 Urgently required Office Staff/ Manager for medical equipment import office in Ruwi. email: ruwistar@hotmail.com.

Tel: 92603863 Required Lab Technician, X- Ray Technician, Staff Nurses & Doctors.

Contact: 99681325 Email: pmsunilkumar@hotmail.com Oman licensed GP doctor & Nurse required for a polyclinic in Sohar.

Remuneration to be best in the field.

Contact : 93828382 / 93678494, Email: alshifamodern@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 Require a qualified Nurse to take care of an elderly female.

Contact: 99425200

MISCELLANEOUS Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Female Executive Secretary for MD Indian / Philippine Minimum 5years experience in HR and other administration work. Immediate appointment & attractive package.

Send your CV with passport size photo to E-mail: dsjob913@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Require Freshers & experienced Receptionists, insurance underwriters & marketing executives with fluency in English (Omani & expatriates) apply to insure@dotintl.com Experienced Sales and Marketing Executive required for Indian restaurant, valid driving license preferred. Email CV to deepak@jashnoman.com Required female person to work at the retail shop/Marketing.

Please send your CV on e mail: Zeyanaalharmaly@yahoo.com Sales person with 10 years experience in logistics sales. Attractive salary and incentive scheme.

Required for the fastest growing logistics company in Oman.

Will be required to recruit and develop a sales team.

Email: telljobs@gmail.com Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proficient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & flexible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area fluent in English.

Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Interior Designer, Telecom Engineer, Finance Controller & Sales Manager with 3 to 5 years of experience in Oman with driving license who can execute and manage to get projects kindly.

Contact: gcpel16@gmail.com with monthly expected salary.

Required smart, young, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience for a reputed manufacturing company in Oman, Experience in building materials is an added advantage. Omani Driving License and NOC is a must. Attractive remuneration package.

Apply with photograph to E-mail: salesjobds@gmail.com Required fresh Graduate in Sales / marketing with valid D/L. Send CV on Email : citycom213@gmail.com Required smart, young, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience for a reputed manufacturing company in Oman, having its Head Office in Ruwi. Experience in building materials is an added advantage. Omani Driving License and NOC is a must.

Attractive remuneration package.

Apply with photograph to E-mail: salesjobds@gmail.com

Required Sales Merchandiser Age 21-30 status: Single, English speaking, experience 2 years minimum, Salary RO 300/(Accommodation+ transportation).

Contact: 93875654

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Required Indian Mason – 5 nos., eligibility (minimum 5 yrs experience in road construction field).

Contact: 99882127 Email: georgymv@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. Contact 93953613, Email-allen.mathew83@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa.

Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.

Contact: 96976240 Accountant Indian male with 7 years experience up to finalization in tally & accounts receivable SAP R/3, good knowledge of payroll having Oman D/L, NOC. Contact 93733996 Email Id: thmsb182@gmail.com Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc. Ready to join as early as possible.

Contact: 96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com Senior Accountant Indian male 10 years experience (8 yrs in Oman) with D/L & NOC, Accounts upto finalization.

Contact: 99582979 / 97373853 Sudanese accountant holding BSC, CIB 8 Post Graduate Diploma in financial management with Banking experience in projects finance. Contact: 99061339

MBA female looking for job in accounting or in marketing or Administration department having 1 year experience have knowledge of Tally ERP9, MS Word.

Contact: 95910427 Email: ritashivprasad111@gmail.com Indian female with B.Com & CA Inter having overall 12 years experience in accounting / finance field, now on visit visa.

Contact: 90651102 Part Time Accountant, up to finalization of accounts, looking for job after 5 PM (location prefer MSQ to Al Hail). Contact: 90935099 American Certified Manager (6 sigma, CPPM) with MBA, PMP trained having 10 years, UAE cross functional experience in procurement, projects management, supply chain, facilities & Administration with UAE D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact: 90772927 Email: callshebin@gmail.com MBA & BBA (Hons) finance & having three years experience in accounts & seeking suitable job on visit visa, immediately joining. All documents are attested and verified from Oman.

Contact: 00968 94044125 Omani female looking for job exp in accounts date entry customer service & PRO. Contact: 91161736 Indian male 43 yrs, M.Com – Finance with 5 yrs experience in Accounts in India, presently in visiting visa looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 93671785 Email: jeyan903@gmail.com Qualified CA & CS, CISA (pursuing) Indian male 10 yrs managerial experience, working in bank seeking suitable placement open to any GCC. Contact: 90788509 Email: kartirevy@gmail.com Accountant Assistant BBA, exp, Tally have 2 yr valid VISA PH : 98269281 Young Indian male ACCA finalist with B.Sc (Hons) in applied Accounting with 3 years experience & holding valid Omani driving license seeks immediate placement, NOC available.

Contact: 92851056 Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance.

Contact: 99284193 Indian/MBA/male Chief Accountant 18Yrs Experience, MIS, C.Flow, Budgeting, ERP, Cost accounting & Liasing with auditors. NOC available. Contact: 92254691/97826674 email: khader2305@gmail.com

Indian (Male) having 17+years Experience in Trading & Healthcare seeking senior Position in Accounts (11 years GCC Experience ) currently on Resident Visa (NOC Available ) and has a valid Omani Driving Licence. Contact: 91335026; skumartp@gmail.com Indian male 26 years MBA experience in Accountant & Administration in a MNC company currently on visit visa ready to join.

Contact: +968 92194987 email: achal1989@hotmail.com Indian male Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah.

More than 20 yrs experience in Accounting job (upto the finalization of Accounts), 8 yrs working experience in Middle East in Dubai, Muscat & Salalah. Contact 91325029.

Sri Lankan, Senior Accountant with 6 Years experience, 2 years in Oman, BBA, Reading MBA , CA Inter Looking for Suitable Job, have Valid Oman Driving License, NOC Available. Contact 97250638 msmnaja@gmail.com Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Senior Accounts Executive, B.Com, 05 years experience in India, seeking urgent job in Oman.

Contact 919900077458, +968-98444359, Email:syedtou23@gmail.com.

Fresher 24, ACCA Affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or Audit with Oman driving license.

Contact - 92430152 Email - raju.rd619@gmail.com Indian male MBA (F) with 6 years of experience as an Accountant proficiency in various A/C software & SAPFI seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 95920740 Email: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com Accounts part time services, available to handle all accounts up to finalization on monthly basis.

Finalization and audit works.

Contact: 96247295 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement. contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394 Indian female M.Com with Oman driving license having 10+ years experience in Accounts & Administration in Oman seeking suitable job, NOC available. Contact: 91609799

ARCHITECT ARCHITECT, Indian Female with 4 years experience in Oman, well versed in related softwares, seeks suitable placement. Contact email: samarch0409@gmail.com GSM 96207476 Indian female diploma architect 6 years exp in Oman Engineering consultancy, valid Oman driving license. Contact: 96683293 / 97750870 Architect looking for a private & freelance work in design & modeling in 3ds max & architecture.

Contact: 96041201 Architect female 5 years experience seeking job.

Contact: 96146645, Email: anjuovil@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian female with nearly 10 years of Oman experience in Administration and HR, seeking suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 99242841 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

T U E S DAY, M AY 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Mechanical Engineer & Project Manager Sudanese 29 yrs, more than 3 yrs experience in Mining Company, Profession:Production & manufacturing, safety, fire fighting designing, Engineering Management, sales – Muscat, Oman.

Contact 968 93642704, Email : mohamedfdl87@gmail.com

MANAGER, CIPD HR

Indian male MBA

With 13 years experience in GCC and Oman. Competent in Sales, Marketing, Business operation and administration.

Interested employer please call

Finance & Marketing 25 yrs having 1.9 years of experience Finance & Marketing Contact: 95206140/ 96992013

Indian male, Diploma Engineer with BBA & 16 yrs experience in Oman, worked with MNC in retail (Telecom/ Lubricant sales) and with construction industry handling various products & subcontract projects.

Holding valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

97728418

bonnythomas007@gmail.com

Email:

Contact 96960991, Email : sunap1968@gmail.com

Contact - 96491030

ADMIN

DRIVER

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

INDIAN MALE, MARKETING & HR SPECIALIST,

With 15 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin / logistics looking for suitable position. Fluent in Arabic / English with D/L. Contact: 95824598 Indian female 27 yrs MBA HR with 3.6 yrs exp in HR / Marketing / Customer relation currently in Muscat on visit visa. Contact: 97205038 Email: chandpriya89@gmail.com Indian male Post Graduate in HR 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.

Contact 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 Indian female BE (EC) with 2 years HR /IT/ Admin experience looking suitable placement now in visit visa.

Contact: 93263169 Receptionist (BSC Hotel Management) Indian male 26 years experience in Taj, Ramada, Crowne Plaza looking for position, now in Oman (Salalah) on visit visa.

Contact: 99780896 Indian female MBA (HR) 4 yrs exp in HR & Admin in India & Oman looking suitable placement.

Contact: 95619537 Indian, 20 years experience in Oman as Personal Assistant / Office Manager / Executive Secretary / Senior Administrator / Business Development Asst. seeks job change. Release available.

Contact 99168054.

Dynamic Indian male with 5 years Oman & Indian experience in Administration, purchase, marketing with valid Oman driving license seeks placement, also a certified SAP SD. Contact: 93846053 Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

CATERING Filipino Cabin steward / Linen vallet is looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: +968 91065438 or email: blonglive@gmail.com

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

DRIVER Experience driver looking for job.

Contact: 95113612 Light driver available.

Contact: 95501608 Light driver available.

Contact: 91362475 Looking for a full time driver with valid Omani license.

Contact: 95454033 Looking for weekly light driving job, experience 5 years.

Contact: 92640278 Light driver. Contact: 99775728 Looking for driving job experience 5 years, Pakistani.

Contact: 96046242 / 93804176 Light duty driver Pakistani more than 3 yrs exp seeks placement.

Contac: 97732728

License light heavy duty, PDO license experience 8 years mechanical experience vehicle.

Contact: 92091528

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711

Light driver / Salesman fluent in English, Arabic well knowledge of Muscat Areas. Contact: 97950869

Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release.

Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com

Bangladeshi driver looking for job.

Contact: 97418036 Driver with light duty license, 10 yrs experience.

Contact: 92742722 3 years experience looking for job. Contact: 96457875 Light vehicle driver. Contact: 95891087 Light driver with 6 years experience looking for job.

Contact: 92617293 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 96371945 / 94575111 Light duty driver 2 yrs exp.

Contact: 96393805 Driver with car. Contact: 93346085 Family driver. Contact:97196448

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

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 Civil Engineer B.E 6 years experience with Omani driving license.

Contact: 95964048 / 99554461 Email: adnan002@yahoo.com Diploma in Civil Engineer (11 years Gulf experience +7 years India experience) Building structure & finishing work NOC available. Contact: 90458201 Email: siva6467@yahoo.com

Indian Graduate Civil Engineer having over 19 years Gulf experience in contracting consultancy firms seek immediate employment. NOC available. Contact: 93251306 / 99446786

Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 mail: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

Diploma Engineering Instrumentation Technician, 2 years experience skills calibration & installation etc. Contact: 98963344 / 96946408 Email: anfeeranfu4@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male with 1 year experience looking for job, qualification in QA- QC, HVAC & piping engineering. Contact: 90510800 Email: muhammedjaseem07@gmail.com

Civil Engineer, B.Tech, 6 yrs experience with Omani driving license, local release available.

Contact: 91693008

Worked as Electrical & Instrumentation Maintenance Engineer with Global Gypsum Board Co. LLC, Salalah (3 years) having valid Oman driving license looking for a new job urgently. Contact: 93363104

B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com Project Manager Electrical with 6 years experience with EHV & MV substation projects. NOC available.

Contact 91398559 Electrical Engineer with 8 Years Experience, looking for Job, having driving License and NOC. Ph#91293519 Email:nomee987@gmail.com Diploma in Civil Engineer 3 years experience (Surveyor) 1 year experience building work looking for job. Contact: 94857668 Email: mudassarsh93@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech & M.Sc, 3 yrs experience in Oman having Driving License.

Contact: 91162085 Mechanical Engineer with 2 years experience in Quality Control / Mechanical Engineer has achieved certification in NDT level 2, currently in Oman looking for suitable placement. Contact: 95632276, Email: jassim.sudhakaran@gmail.com Electrical Engineer with 16 years experience in switchgear / transformer / over head lines & trading, looking for sales / procurement & project planning & Execution with NOC & D/L. Contact: 95994727 Email: qurm340@gmail.com B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering experience 3 years in central industries Ltd Chennai as Project Engineer in oil & gas industry in installation Erection, commissioning & maintaining terminal Automation system.

Contact: 93550661 Email: rashiqrahuman@yahoo.in Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283

Computer Hardware & Networking Engineer Egyptian Bachelor of Engineering in computer & networking from Middle East College looking for a job on family visa. Contact: 97764264 Indian male, Instrumentation Engineer with M.Tech in Chemical process control seeking for suitable job position, presently in Oman for visit. Contact: 98352288 Indian male 23 years Electronics and Communication Engineer B.Tech & Technical Diploma looking for suitable position. Contact: 94804100, sulthank@live.com Mechanical Engineer 28 years, experience 1 year in Oman with NOC looking for suitable placement. Contact 94887665 Email: mechatron_mt@yahoo.com B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 33 with 6+ years experience in GCC in MEP building construction field (execution and design of HVAC,firefighting,plumbing), with D/L, NOC available 96978380;prajithks@gmail.com Civil & MEP Sub contractor we are doing all types of civil electrical & plumbing works. Contact: 98040451 /94109760 Auto CAD Drawings & program chart we are doing all types of civil, electrical, plumbing shop drawings & program chart for approval.

Contact: 98040451/ 94109760 Civil Engineer B.Tech 2 years experience on visit seeks immediate placement. Contact: 98233199 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 Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961

Sr. Sales & Marketing Specialist

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male 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 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 DIP Mechanical Engineer tool & die, CAD course Pro Engineering ROPE Access level 1 experience 3 years in Hyundai Motor Chennai.

Contact: 93550661 Email: feroz1391@gmail.com B.Sc Civil Engineer, MBA experience 5 years (15 months in Oman) English & Arabic, driving license looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 94162443 Electronic and instrumentation B.Tech Indian male 04 years with 2 years Indian experience looking for suitable position available in Oman on visit visa.

Contact: 91228010 Indian male BE Mechanical with 11 years experience in Automotive engineering and Industrial maintenance in Oman. With valid driving license seeks suitable job.

On release in Oman. 92880593 Indian 24 yrs exp SR civil Engg with NOC, searching suitable job, in any project Supervision.

Contact: 96602718 mishteyaqh@yahoo.co.in Diploma Civil Engineer (8 years Exp.) with driving license.

Contact 92429006, francisprem123@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer 6 years experience in Oman.

Contact: 95212902 Electrical & Electronics Engineer 1 year experience currently on visit visa, available immediately.

Contact: 90654844 / 90491353 Email: feyizmohamed@gmail.com Telecommunication Engineer resident in the Sultanate, Sudanese Nationality. Contact : 95000024 Automobile Mechanic ITI 3 years experience marine mechanical fitter 2 yrs experience.

Contact: 93674847 Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784 Mechanical Engineer 2 years experience as HVAC design and drafting MEP Engg. Contact: 90150913 Young Indian, Engineering in Bio-technology, Bio-chemical and Chemical, looking for a challenging placement in Oman.

Contact 97607000. Email: sivasankarjayakumar@gmail.com Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat.

Contact: 91176187 syam036@gmail.com Indian 14 yrs exp SR MEP – Elect Engg with NOC, searching suitable job, in field PMC, Fire consultants , Testing & com, project supervision.

Contact: 92437865 Email: maimran.mtech@live.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 Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman.Contact:98921022

An experienced Chartered Accountant With over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change.

Indian male, 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 Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact : 99739415 / 92091528 Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University.

B.Ed qualified, distinction holder through out academics with absolute passion for teaching. Having 6 yrs teaching experience currently on family visa. Contact: 91360147 Indian English teacher B.A Tesol, 8 years experience, 4 years in Omani School & 4 years in India seeks suitable job. Contact: 99839385 Indian female, MSc Physics, B.Ed, 5+ years experience in Oman seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 93992958 / 96203570

25 yrs, Master degree with 2 yrs of experience both HR & Marketing, now on visiting visa.

Contact 96972939 / 96096723 Email : lijubn@gmail.com, jerrin007@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female, 25 Years - MSc Biotechnology, 1yr exp. in Microbiology, Looking for suitable job.

Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com

MEDICAL D- Pharm Pharmacist 17 years experience Ayurvedic Panchakarma Masseur’s 3 years experience.

Contact: 93672452 General Dentist with NOC, 5 years experience seeking for suitable job. Contact: 98956747 / 91159996 (Brother) Email: dramjad32t@gmail.com Licensed Pharmacist with experience want job in Buraimi or Sohar.

Contact 93608698

IT

Indian female Dentist specialized Endodontist looking for suitable placement, prometric completed.

Contact: 96410448

Filipino I.T. with 5 years experience looking for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: +968 91183514 or email delarama_ryan_t@yahoo.c om

MANAGER

IT Solution Architect,Indian female post graduate with 12 years of IT experience. Looking for position of IT Solution Architect/Consultant/Project Manager, Valid driving license. Contact 96563962 Indian male 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator& 1 year experience in Amazon EC2 Cloud at Wipro Technologies Bangalore seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available.

Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech Electronics communication, MCSA, Java on visit visa seeking placement in IT / Network / Server Support / Retail sales. Contact: 91736346 Email: sajilsadanandan@gmail.com Software Developer having two years of experience in PHP Web development & Microsoft CRM & adx Portal experience looking for a developer position in reputed Software house or IT Dept bilal.

Contact: 95596711 / 92762313 IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact: 94672759 System IT Engineer with Linux & UNIX System Administration skills transferable visa. Contact: 99109332 Omani 26(m) seeks placement 6 yrs experience IT specialist.

Contact: 99025044 Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area. Contact: 98660672 Indian female M.Sc Biotechnology, 3 years experience seeking for suitable position, part / full flexible for research, teaching business development IT hospitals.

Contact: 94710931 Email: skystars.hm@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 34 yrs in Oman on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97702082 Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable lacements. NOC available.

Contact: 92066 523

Young Dynamic MBA Post-Grad with 2 yrs exp as Procurement officer at Muscat & 3 yrs exp & Marketing-Interior construction in India with NOC and Driving License. No# 98238260 Workshop Manager having 30 years gulf and abroad experience in plants & machineries, heavy duty trucks, readymix batching plants & crushers, water well drill rigs, rock blasting machineries etc. kindly contact @ 97145088.

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills. Holding Oman Driving license. Looking for suitable placement. Contact 99709336 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Call: 95244761 Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827

SALES / MARKETING Indian male, 5 years building material sales experience in Oman Seeking for placement.

Contact 90655903 10 years ICT Business development & project management exp in Oman looking for suitable senior position. Contact: 98987654 Pakistani male MBA 6 years experience, electrical & building material in Oman seeking for placement.

Contact : 968 96789513 Indian male 24 years B.com 2 years of experience in Sales & Office Admin knowledge of Tally ERP 9 & MS Office. Contact: 98613373 / 97359814, Email: syedismailnoor@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity.

NOC available. Contact: 96001877 Indian Male 22 years, Having experience in indoor sales/site supervisor Looking for suitable Placement.GSM: 97435306.

Email: zuhebnakhwa94@gmail.com

D6

T U E S D AY, M AY 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SALES / MARKETING Marketing, BBA, Dip in Logistics Mgmt, on 2 yrs free visa.

Contact : 98269281 Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity.

Contact: 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail.com Graduate looking for suitable replacement. NOC available. Experience in Oman 15 + years. Field : Executive - Sales & Marketing / Executive Secretary.

Contact : 95798149 35 years male, Lebanese holding British passport, 10 years of experience in procurement, Omani Government tenders, setup marketing plans & strategies, importing, Organizing events, management, have car, NOC available. Contact 94123939 Email: 002015r@gmail.com Indian male MBA Sales Marketing business development with 10 years of vast experience 5 years GCC 5 years India excellent communication skills presently in Oman on visit visa looking for best opportunity. Contact: 97946069 mail: faizanahmad2308@yahoo.com Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India.

Contact: India:-+918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@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

SKILLED LABOR STP operator 20 yrs experience.

Contact: 93550661 Email: feroz1391@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS B.E. (Mechanical) 12years industrial sales one year Muscat experience, Presently in India, Immediately ready to join.

Contact :917338899372 , email id : ganesh2008sep@gmail.com Male, Indian, 25, 5 years experience in Dubai; looking for permanent placement in Oman for jobs related to sales, coordination and marketing. Contact: +971563664701 syed97681@gmail.com Male, 23, with experience in UAE & India, looking for job in sales / marketing. Contact: 94032041 Sr. Accountant, WITH Oman D/L & 8.5 yrs exp, 7.5 yrs Oman & 1 yr India in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, independently handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement, srjob12@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male Diploma in Electronics, having 3 years of experience in the hardware and networking field, also worked in construction company Mabela for 6 months as supervisor, trying to get driving license. Contact: - +96897017866.

Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Male,5 years experience in GCC & India, looking for permanent placement in Oman. NOC Release Available. Contact: 00968-95140445; noorullahanas@gmail.com Indian female (27 yrs) MBA(IT),BCA,CCNA.2year experience in IT operations in Oman. Graduated from Oman with good analytical, communicating & programming skills, presented in international conference, seeking suitable positions.contact:93672143.e-mail id:fathima.shoukath@gmail.com Indian Female seeking a job in Back Office and Accountancy, 8+ years proven experience as a dynamic candidate with excellent Excel & Communication skills.

Quick learner and Team player.

Currently on Family Visa.

Contact 94093154, 91746890, Email: joyjohn_hhh@yahoo.com Sri Lankan Male, 31 years. 6 years experience as an Accounts Executive, (Languages can speak Urdu/ Arabic, English written & spoken) .

Contacts: 99782930/ lalindra1st@yahoo.com HSE Engineer, Indian male, 5.5 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 Sri Lankan Male, 31 years. 6 years experience as an Accounts Executive, (Languages can speak Urdu/ Arabic, English written & spoken).

Contact 99782930/ lalindra1st@yahoo.com Indian male with 10+ years of working experience (security solutions, event management) on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact – 97945269, hkkrishna@gmail.com Indian male Network Cabling Technician (19-years gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement. mobile no: 0091-8089909265 (India), email: mohithavp@gmail.com 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 D/L, languages known English ,Arabic, Hindi. can join immediately. Tel: (+968) 96339599, mail-ahmedmohdkhan@gmail.com Business Management Graduate with 12 years of experience in Oman, Worked with catering, medical, IT groups seeks suitable placement in Finance/purchase/ insurance sector, NOC Available.

Email, saima.gangawali@gmail. com, Mob 94258301

Procurement/Tender & Contract Procurement /logistics & freight Specialist /Oil Field / petrochemical/Engineer /MBA /SAP certify / 15yrs Rich Experience/ Import &export Specialist / Oil Field experience/ coordinator / World Wide supplier network /Noc available Looking for challenging Position Contact: 97813849, Email Id:vved76@gmail.com

Indian Male, 24 yrs, looking for any type of job, qualification is Diploma in Electronics with 3 years of experience in the hardware an networking field an also worked in construction company Mabelah for 6 months as supervisor, having valid D/L. Contact : - +96897017866.

Male, 23, with experience in UAE & India, looking for job in sales / marketing. Contact: 94032041

BS in Electrical engineering, experience : 6 years in electrical installation and maintenance Contact : 99817032, Email : engmmg24@yahoo.com

Indian Male Accountant. Completed MBA with 1 year experience, good working knowledge in Tally & Excel. Searching for suitable job. Email : jovin8910@gmail. com, Contact : 919715874548 , 918015907437 Indian male electrician(EEE ).

Two years good working experience searching for suitable job.

Gmail antonyajin15@gmail. com, : Contact; 918148336160 / 918300136160 Electrical & Electronics diploma Engineer Indian male 23 years, 2 years experience in Electrical field/good experience in Electronics MCU projects currently in visit visa please do not hesitate to #93047707 adilm89@gmail.com Indian male 30 yrs, holding valid driving license, having 5 years of experience in sales, looking for suitable position.

Contact # 90552942/94355626

33 year old Filipina with experience in Tele performance, Manila call centre, now working as Waitress in Qatar seeking suitable post.

Local contact 99022484 SCM / LOGISTICS/ PROCUREMENT - 25 Yrs exp - Indian Male - Oil & Gas, Manufacturing Sector - Having valid Oman D/L & NOC available. Seeks Challenging senior position. GSM-94236414, Email ID - jayamurli@gmail.com Petrochemicals Specialist, Chemical, MBA 18 YEARS EXPERIENC IN OIL FIELDS COM, RAW MATERIAL , polymer, SPACIALISED IN Procurement /COMMECIAL/ PURCHASE / LOGISTICS / SCM/Planning & sound knowledge of technical requirement for any manufacture plant Forecasting, Distribution, Vendors Development, LC opening/ establishment coordination with NOC available.

Contact:97813849

SITUATION WANTED Highly experienced mechanical/ steel structural fabrication engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC available.# 99860714, hussain20173@gmail.com.

Indian Male 28 years, Mechanical Engineer (Diploma) with 2 years’ exp., Automobile ITI NCVT, CSWIP-BGAS Painting QC Grade-2, NDT Level-2, ISO Lead Auditor QA (IRCA), Piping QC & Isometric Drawings, WPS & WPQR, available on Visit Visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 90653733, libinthomaslt@gmail.com Indian male, M. Com with 3 yr Oman Exp in Accounts with valid NOC & D/L on Visit Visa, available to join immediately . GSM :94744575 Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic. Well knowledge of Oman Areas looking for suitable placement. Contact 97950869 IT Administrator with 6 yrs of GCC experience, now in Dubai (visit visa).seeking suitable placement in UAE. Contact :00971-565598176, email:aneeshngr@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Indian male) with 5 years experience in Oman and having a valid Oman driving license and NOC looking for a suitable opportunity. GSM: 93101283 Email: ajeshcyril@gmail.com Indian Male: 23yrs, MBA in Marketing from UK (United Kingdom), looking for a job, currently in Muscat in visit. No: 97210361 / 95357513, Email: sharanshetty3@gmail.com Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com B.E(Mechanical) 12years industrial sales one year Muscat experience ,Presently in India ,Immediately ready to join ,Mobile no :917338899372 , email id : ganesh2008sep@gmail.com Electrical & Electronics diploma engineer Indian male 22 years, 2 years experience currently in visit visa. Contact 93047707 adilm89@gmail.com Planning Engineer, BE Mech Engg.

Indian Female having total 11 yrs exp in oil & gas projects (8+ yrs in Gulf) with valid Oman D/L, Seeks a Suitable job. Contact: 92456003 Indian Male 48 Yrs with over 25 Years Oman experience in Sales & Marketing with NOC & valid Oman D/L Also Fluency in Arabic, seeks suitable placement. Contact no.: 92210661/99224057 B.S.C in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 Years (Power Plant).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com Fresh B.Com Graduate in visit visa looking for a job. Contact: 93518923 / 99075027. email: sheikcok@yahoo.com Part- Time Accountant, well experienced senior accountant ,capable of doing all type of accounting works up to finalization, Budgeting, Bank financing requirements, taxation work etc available. # : 98803439 Admin Assistant. Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available).

GSM. 00968-98404122, mail panduru.jeevankumar@gmail.com Import & Export professional, Experienced as Asst. Commercial Manager for 15 years, Proficient in MS office, Male Indian, Seeks suitable placement, on Visit, #95484684

MANPOWER

Indian male, 33 yrs, MBA-HR generalist with 10 yrs including training of Omani nationals.NOC possible .Seeking a suitable job.

Contact :saiprasad_18@yahoo.com, 94179499

Tea boy looking for job Name: Man Bahadar Contact: 97859837

Indian male, 40 Years, B. Com, having 10 years experience in Oman, Tally & ERP- looking for suitable placement ( NOC and Oman driving license available.

Contact +91 89 43 109897 Rajeev. 252002@gmail.com

Indian Female, 29 Yrs Age, M.Sc Microbiology, looking for Job any reputed organization / Hospitals, seeks suitable position.

Contact : 95218424 / 9610 6604.

On Family Residence Visa.

Safety officer, 3 years of experience in safety certifications: BE (electrical and electronics engineering), NEBOSH, IOSH, DHSE, first aid. Contact +97474018995, mail:midhunmich@gmail.com, skype:midhunmike Indian male, network cabling technician (19 years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement. NOC available. Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), E mail: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian male,B.Com + Dip. Logistic 2year experience looking for a job in Accounts/Logistics Field. Presently on Visit Visa # 93884951, Email:mehreenraiz@gmail.com Electronics Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement. GSM- 99105043 IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support/Retail sales. # 91496939.

Looking for a part time accounting & admin job. Contact 99196621.

Indian male, 40 Years, B. Com, having 10 years experience in Oman, Tally & ERP- looking for suitable placement ( NOC and Oman driving license available) Tel- +91 89 43 109897 Rajeev. 252002@gmail.com Assistant Accountant - B.Com Graduate with excellent overall skills. 2 Years of experience. Ready for immediate joining.

Contact: sharonravi00@gmail.com, 968-92049215 Software Engineer with 5 + plus years of experience in Infosys ltd on visit visa seeking suitable vacancy in oman. Email : steffyraphel@gmail.com mob: 96896246205 / 96897032284 Indian male, 24 yrs, B. Com Graduate more than 1 year experienced in accounts planning to come for a family visit in oman seeking for a suitable placement .#99339544 / 99743709 IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support/Retail sales. # 91496939.

Indian male 26 years, Graduate in BBM & having Diploma in Logistics with 3 years of experience in Banking and Accounts looking for suitable placement. Contact : + 968 97166820/ +91 9895102356 Email :afsalrahman1989@gmail.com Indian Female looking for a part time opportunity (Graphic Design/ Teaching/Research Assistant/ Business Development/Administration) Contact: 95811820 or sankarikm06@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Having D/L & NOC. Mob:94122464, caammk13@gmail.com

Indian Female, M.Sc Computer Science, Seeking suitable placement in Muscat Area. #98660672

Indian female 10 years exp as cook in Oman. South Indian & Gujarati special looking for job, company or restaurant.

Contact 90559292 Indian Male B-Com Graduate 1 year, experience in market survey, Valid Driving License, looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 92567020 / 96930392 Indian Male 30 year GCC driving license and past experience as project coordinator looking for a suitable position. Project Coordination, Sales Executive, Marketing Executive or any other suitable post. Contact number -97070427 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 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. # 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 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.

Contact 90654826 Email: mailingsaikiran@gmail.com 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 Indian male network cabling technician (19-years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com Safety Officer 3 years of experience in safety certifications: BE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering),NEBOSH, OSH, DHSE, first aid. Contact +97474018995, email:midhunmich@gmail.com skype:midhunmike 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 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

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com 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

SIT.WANTED 27 years old Indian male looking hospitality jobs in Hotel. Experience in customer service, front desk, housekeeping supervisor, captain, cashier,guest relation manager.

Contact. +968-90351742 Email. samubaid6@gmail.com 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 Contact 91240251 / kvaradhan@hotmail.com Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 ,5 year experience in HR .Contact 91467576.

Female Dentist with MOH license and NOC, 7 years experience 2 yrs out of them in Oman looking for a job. Contact 97401243 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 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 LAND SURVEYOR: Male, more than 12 years’ experience in land/pipe line surveying in Oman and UAE. Looking for suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact 91215843 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) 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

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SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

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

DRIVING SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

RENT A CAR

TRANSPORTATION Transport. Contact: 96538078 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact:94510847 Transportation. Contact 9508282 25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP speciďŹ cation for monthly rent & small car with driver. # 99839898

Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact - 99012165

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED Need investor for pure Veg. Coffee shop, Al Khuwair. Contact: 99437869

SITUATION WANTCLASSES Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. Contact: 98294551

CONTD ON PG 8

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman Required partner investor to build an apartment in Al Mobelah.

Contact: 99355330

Want to market a product.

Contact: 92162623 IT Consultancy division available interested person to handle the above division can #92162623 Coffee shop for sale 7 visa available at Al Khuwair. #98826793

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

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/COMP./WEB.

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control building. Cleaning tiles / Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble.# 24793614/ 99314807 Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723

Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 96236476

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

Split unit & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 95323517 / 93769089

A/C Maintenance & Servicing, Fridge, Washing machine & Dish washer repairing, Painting & Cleaning services, Electrical & plumbing.

Contact 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC Contact: 99344723

Regular container transportation from Sohar sport to anywhere in Muscat area OMR 100 per container. Contact: 93731363

House shifting. Contact 99708138

A/C servicing maintenance.

Contact: 92279370

CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 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

Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing.

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 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064 House Shifting Packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013