Times of Oman - October 24, 2016

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MONDAY

October 24, 2016 22 Muharram 1438 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

MORNING MINUTE

At The Opening of the Annual Session of The Council of Oman, 2008

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Good government performance in the different sectors, serving the country and citizens with honesty and dedication and putting public interest over all other considerations are the necessary pillars for any sustainable development.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 202 | 36 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified rti tifi ti fieed Company Coomp C mpany any | Ch an C Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: haaiirrm man an //E Ed diittoo Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

FEELING THE PINCH?

ZAMBIA

HM the Sultan sends cable of greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Edgar Lungu of the Republic of Zambia on the occasion of his country’s Independence Anniversary. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed sincere congratulations and best wishes to President Lungu and the friendly people of his country. -ONA TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

November 1 date for OCA’s walkathon

REJIMON K

chiefreporter@timesofoman.com

Oman Cancer Association’s 13th walkathon in support of cancer patients will be hosted on November 1. >A4

People are cutting

OMAN

fuels inflation

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UK envoy’s praise for Anglo-Omani Society

avoidable expenses as petrol price rise

in the Sultanate

MUSCAT: Consumers and retailers say that a rise in the cost of living, fuelled largely by the increase in the price of petrol at the pumps, is hitting spending, with shoppers watching their wallets. Times of Oman reported yesterday how the latest government data recorded a year-on-year in-

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A. E. JAMES

China remains top Oman crude importer

NAT I O NA L D E V E L O P M E N T P R O G R A M M E S

Further, P. Chandrasekhar, Group General Manager at Jawad Sultan Group, said that the demand for niche and exclusive items in the market has dipped in recent months. “As prices are going up, people are reluctant to buy niche and exclusive items, which can destabilise their monthly budgets,” said Chandrasekhar, who is also a financial analyst. >A4

Budget deficit for first eight months touches OMR4.37b

MARKET

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(what) not to. We can see that they are avoiding the purchase of pricey unnecessary items, for the time being,” A V Ananth, director Lulu Oman and India, told Times of Oman. “Availability of local items at affordable prices is cushioning the inflation effect, however, we can say that there is an impact in sales of pricey items, to an extent,” Ananth added.

CRUDE REVENUE DECLINE

Four decades of friendship between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom were marked at a special event in Muscat.>A6

China retained its top position as the leading importer of Oman Crude by buying 180.99m barrels in the first nine months of 2016. >B1

flation rate rise of 1.33 per cent in September 2016, based on the consumer price index, and mainly driven by a 6.57 per cent rise in prices in the transport sub-segment, and a 0.77 per cent rise in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels. “We are witnessing a change in purchase patterns. People are coming to our hypermarkets with a proper plan on what to buy and

businesseditor@timesofoman.com

‘I Love The Sultan’ campaign at ISG

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MUSCAT: Oman’s budget deficit surged ahead by 63 per cent to OMR4,371.6 million during the first eight months of 2016, as plunging crude oil export revenues began affecting the government’s fiscal balance.

These figures follow a projected deficit of OMR3.3 billion for the entire 2016, as well as a deficit of OMR2,681.6 million for the January-August period of 2015, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) on Sunday. “The deficit for this year is high, primarily because the average

crude oil price was low in the first half. Now it is close to $50 per barrel and it is quite unlikely that it will remain at the low 2015 levels again. So, the deficit level could be lower in 2017, which again will depend on expenditures and estimated revenues,” said S. Suresh Kumar, head of research at Al Maha Financial Services. >A4



MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

OMAN

Sayyid Khalid Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Royal Diwan, approved the Muscat Municipal Council’s suggestion to name the road as “Mountain Road” considering it as one of the most important achievements made since the blessed Renaissance

CHARITY

Oman Cancer Association 13th walkathon on November 1 KHADIJA ALZADJALI

khadija@timesofoman.com

ENTHUSIASTIC: Team Muscat Media Group will promote the event at all schools in Muscat, where

they will encourage students to bring in many people to register in this massive campaign.

— Shabine E

‘I Love the Sultan’ campaign enters school visit phase Indian School Al Ghubra hosted the first event where the registration

explained to students ENCOURAGEMENT: Richard Pakenham, Chief Sales and Market-

MUSCAT: Following its success among Muscat residents, Muscat Media Group took the ‘I Love the Sultan’ campaign to its first school yesterday - the Indian School Al Ghubra -- to promote the initiative among students and explain the registration process. Richard Pakenham, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Muscat Media Group (MMG), delivered a speech to the gathering of over one thousand students from the senior block at their morning assembly, encouraging them to participate. “This is your opportunity to show your love to the Sultan. He has done incredible things for children and it’s now your time to show some love to the beloved His Majesty. We want as many expats as possible to register, because the Sultan has helped us in a huge way by allowing us to live, work and study in this beautiful country,” he said. The students were very excited to see the team from MMG at their school, and were thrilled after the team announced the special offer for schools. Team MMG will promote the event at all schools in the capital, where they will encourage students to bring in many people to register in this massive campaign. MMG will also give out bookmarks to individual class teachers, which explains the registra-

NOBLE CAUSE: Zamzam Al Busaidi, an organiser from OCA, said

that all money raised at the walkathon will go to Dar Al Hanan, which is a home for children who are being treated for cancer.

is impossible in life,” she added. The walkathon will start at 4pm in Qurum Park.

and from the hospital. “When people hear about cancer, they believe it’s undefeatable. In my opinion, it’s just a turn in life. I believe that there is a cure, and they can overcome it. Nothing

Art auction Meanwhile, some 80 art pieces are to be auctioned this Wednesday at the Grand Hyatt hotel in an effort to prevent cancer. The auction will be the Oman Cancer Association’s first Art Nouveau of its kind. Thomas Allen, a former intern and current volunteer at OCA, said that 25 per cent of the auction price will go back to the artist and the remainder will benefit the Mobile Mammogram Unit (MMU). “These proceeds go directly to the MMU. As of right now, we only have one van, but we have screened around 15,000 women from all over Oman in that van.” Allen said. It costs some OMR 75,000 a year to operate the MMU van, according to officials. The auction is scheduled for the 26th of October from 7pm to 10pm at the Grand Hyatt.

M U S C AT M U N I C I PA L C OU N C I L’ S S UG G E S T I O N

process was

Staff Reporter

MUSCAT: Oman Cancer Association will host its 13th walkathon in support of cancer patients on November 1, it has been announced. An annual event which is held to increase awareness among the Omani public about cancer, last year’s walkathon registered over 7,000 participants, and that number is expected to rise this year. Although there is no online registration, the OCA has setup registration kiosks at some seven locations around Muscat, including local malls, where educational information about cancer will be available. Also, by spending a small fee of only OMR3.5 for a Tshirt or OMR 1.5 for a cap, registrants can help save lives. Zamzam Al Busaidi, an organiser from OCA, said that all money raised at the walkathon will go to Dar Al Hanan, which is a home for children who are being treated for cancer. “The point is to raise awareness and understanding of what cancer actually is,” Al Busaidy said. “We are donating and raising funds for Dar Al-Hanan and for mammographies. The money is not going into the pockets of OCA.” Dar Al Hanan is an outreach program that serves the needs of children with cancer and their families, and are residing outside of Muscat. The centre first opened in 2011 and always has 12 families under their care. They offer three meals a day and a shuttle service to

ing Officer at Muscat Media Group, delivered a speech to the gathering of more than one thousand students from the senior block of the Indian School Al Ghubra at their morning assembly, encouraging them to participate. — Shabin E

31,753 register on Sunday for campaign

To include their names in His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s portrait for the 46th National day, 31,753 people registered yesterday. On Facebook, 48,000 people viewed it while the website recorded 4,500 page views.

tion process. Towards the end of the campaign, the class that has the highest number of entries from will be rewarded with a dinner for 150 people at the 360 de-

gree restaurant in Al Ghubra. Papri Ghosh, principal of the school said, “We will definitely be involved, and I think it’s a very exciting campaign and it’s got the fancy of the students. There is this sense of ownership that their name will be there, and they were all very excited when Richard introduced the campaign to them. It has actually sparked a lot of interest, and thanks to the Muscat Media Group for allowing our student to be part of this campaign.” With the ‘I Love the Sultan’ campaign, MMG aims to register about 100,000 participants in this biggest-ever event organized by the group. Following the initial success of the Times of Oman’s ‘I Love the Sultan’ campaign, the ‘Saarab’ augmented reality application (app) has been launched in order to make it easier for people to participate in this campaign. “I Love The Sultan” is an innovative digital campaign that will create a portrait of His Majesty using the names of hundreds of thousands of residents, Omani and expatriates alike. Those who register will also be entered into the biggest-ever prize draw from Muscat Media Group (MMG), with OMR25,000 in gifts to be won.

Bausher-Amerat road to be called ‘Mountain Road’ now Staff Reporter MUSCAT: ‘Mountain Road’ is now the official name of the mountainous road between Wilayat Bausher and Amerat.

Sayyid Khalid Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Royal Diwan, approved the Muscat Municipal Council’s suggestion to name the road as “Mountain Road” considering it as one of the most impor-

tant achievements made since the blessed Renaissance. Municipal committees in Baushar and Amerat will be updating their data with the new official name.

ECONOMY

A1 Government’s overall revenue < FROM

dipped 28.3% in eight months

“Now the government has to offer a larger scope for the private sector to step in to enhance investments (as partners), which will help economic growth and reshape the structure of the economy,” said a senior economist, who did not wish to be identified. “The government also has to rationalise and prioritise investments (to contain deficit),” added the economist. “When we consider deficits, we should take into account the ratio of the deficit as a per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and the government’s ability to service debt. As long as the government can service its debt, it is not a major issue,” noted the economist. Led by Saudi Arabia, all GCC countries are facing mounting deficits due to plunging oil revenues.

The country’s net oil revenues for the January-August period of 2016 fell by 43.6 per cent to OMR2,126 million, from OMR3,770 million for the same period last year, which was mainly due to a 36 per cent drop in the average price of Oman Crude at $38.3 per barrel for the first nine months, against $59.8 per barrel for the same January-September period last year. Revenue from natural gas showed a fall of 7.5 per cent at OMR868.3 million during the first eight months of 2016, compared to the same period last year. In fact, the average price of Oman Crude at $38.3 per barrel is much lower than the budget estimate of $45 per barrel. The overall revenue of the government dipped by 28.3 per cent

to OMR4,267.4 million for the January-August period in 2016. The government is likely to look at more austerity measures and will cut subsidies wherever possible. The overall crude oil production of the country grew by 2.9 per cent to 274.89 million barrels for the January-September period, which was equivalent to an average of 1,003,200 barrels per day. As far as the expenditure is concerned, there was a 5 per cent fall in total expenditures, which stood at OMR7,439 million during the eight-month period, against OMR7,834.6 million for the same period last year. The Oman government’s expenditure and revenues for 2016 are estimated to reach OMR11.9 billion and OMR8.6 billion, respectively.

ECONOMY

< FROM

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Low income goups most affected by rising prices in Oman

“People used to buy all kinds of items in the past. Now, they have become price cautious,” Chandrakeshar added. The government report says that furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance went up 0.92 per cent. Healthcare costs increased 0.91 per cent, education registered a 3.03 per cent jump, restaurants and hotel prices were up by 0.37 per cent. Also, goods and a variety of services rose 0.4 per cent. Foodstuff prices down In contrast, prices for the group of foodstuff and non-alcoholic beverages came down 0.77 per cent, clothing and footwear fell 0.46 per cent, communications by 0.26 per cent, and culture and entertainment fell 0.48 per cent. Gopal Purushotham, a banker in Muscat, said that low-income people were being hit by rising inflation.

“This situation is really a challenge. Day by day prices of provisions are going up. If your earning potential is not increasing, it is not at all well. However, as oil prices are going up, let’s be hopeful,” he added.

are struggling,” he added. The Sultanate’s petrol (Super Grade) price surged by some 50 per cent to 179 baisas per litre between mid-January and today, while diesel prices also showed a similar growth.

Offer economics Aswathi Shibu, a homemaker, said that her family is always looking for offers when buying items for the household these days. “Last week, we heard about offers in a hypermarket in Seeb. We were surprised to see a huge rush there. Even the escalator was stopped due to being overweight. We had to wait for more than two hours at the billing counter,” Aswathi recalled. Kabeer CV, a distributor of vegetables to small grocery shops, said that such offers are affecting them. “People looking for offers cannot be blamed, because their economic condition is bad, and all

Transportation costs up Starting in mid-January, the country has raised prices of refined petroleum products, which saved millions of rials in fuel subsidies. The increase in diesel prices used by trucks for transportation, led to an increase in the cost of transporting essential goods. Mohammed Faud, a national taxi driver in Ruwi, said that inflation has significantly affected his business. “Fuel prices are up. We are not supposed to increase the fares. Prices of goods are going up. I don’t know, how I can adjust. It is quite difficult now. I have to think of my family, children’s education and

medical expenses, too,” Mohammed added. ‘Good inflation’ Meanwhile, Philip K Philip, group CEO of Muscat Insurance Company and Muscat Life Assurance Company, said that as a general principle, most economists favour low rates of inflation, as opposed to zero or below zero. “Therefore, in my opinion, one shouldn’t be unduly worried about the minimal inflation rate. In real money terms, inflation due to healthcare costs could be occurring because of improved healthcare avenues and facilities. Increasing insurance penetration also could have influenced the current inflation (which will have a spiral effect on the spending, going forward),” Philip added. Hashim Kutty, working in Oman since 1975, said that the cost of living has so far not been affected that seriously.

“However, there is a small impact. We have to cooperate for the economic development of Oman. It is not much, I think. So, I am satisfied. We don’t know how much it will go up or come down in the future. We have to adjust,” Hashim said, adding that inflation will have an impact uponearnings. Vehicle sales affected The hike in fuel prices has also affected the sales of large engine vehicles, as buyers prefer to purchase more economical options. “We have had a significant drop in overall sales this year due to obvious reasons, however, the large vehicle market has been drasticallyaffected,” a sales manager of a leading brand in Oman said. “The most common question people are asking us is about the fuel efficiency of vehicles. Even customers who are looking for bigger cars enquire about smaller engine variants,” he added.

NS Rajiv, managing director of a transport company that operates some 40 buses, said that the hike in fuel prices has had a significant effect on his company. “We are in a fix. As I am operating buses for schools, I cannot increase the fees. Contracts are made on a yearly basis. I am suffering a loss of 10 to 15 per cent every month,” Rajiv said. Mismatch “While operational costs are going up and revenue is coming down, we are affected,” Rajiv added. A local hotelier also said that local bookings are falling, as people are not willing to spend as in the past. “Some days we even don’t have one local booking. It is affecting our revenues. People are not coming to hotels like in the past,” the hotelier said, on condition of anonymity. (With inputs from Gautam Viswnathan and Syed Haitham Hasan).


MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

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RESEARCH

Study sees limited impact of climate change on fisheries rior fishing coasts are often found in upwelling regions. Upwelling is caused by surface winds blowing along the ocean coast.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Global warming is less of a concern to the fisheries industries along the Omani coast during the summer season of June through September than previously thought, a new study has revealed. The study, which was published in Geophysical Research Letters, an earth sciences journal, was conducted by researchers from the Centre for Prototype Climate Modeling, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). Intensification Dr Praveen, Dr. Ajayamohan and Dr Sandeep, researchers from NYUAD, and Dr Vinu Valsala from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, participated in this study, entitled, “Intensification of upwelling along Oman coast in a warming scenario.” Coastal upwelling is a process D I G I TA L L I F E

‘Keep off suspicious sites to avoid malware infection’

RISING TREND: A recent survey by global internet security firm Trend Micro noticed a 55 per cent increase in malware detections in the region. – File photo

GAUTAM VISWANATHAN

gautam@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Mobile phone store owners and specialists in Oman have warned users not to visit sites that may seem suspicious, if they want to keep malware infections to a minimum. “These days, people begin using the internet on their mobiles the moment they get their phones,” said Sakeer, the manager of mobile phone distributors Play Phone Oman. “Everyone wants access to the internet and social media. Previously, phones were only used for phone calls, and this is why malware is spreading so much.” A recent survey by global internet security firm Trend Micro noticed a 55 per cent increase in malware detections in the region, with the UAE clocking an average of 91,956 detections a month. Oman was last on the list of the four GCC nations polled, registering an average of only 10,173 malware detections. Saudi Arabia (87,876) and Qatar (21,293) were the other two countries being monitored. “When users search for results via search engines, they must not click on the ads at the top and the bottom of the search results, as these may have malware attached to them,” explained Basheer, a phone technician. “Malware also comes from certain sites which automatically download files to your phone. These malware then pose as fake software updates for your phone. Antiviruses, said Basheer, are only a preventive measure for phones, and are not as effective at cleaning phones of malware as the public believes they are. “Most users don’t have any ideas about this sort of technology,” he added. “People think they clean the phone, but the truth is they are not very successful. The important thing is to not give permission to any suspicious-looking software to access your phone.” Speaking at a recent press conference, Ihab Moawad, a Vice President for Trend Micro, said, “The Middle East is a major driver for the global economy. As such, it will attract cybercriminals. This region is a growth area and we remain committed in our efforts to keeping our customers safe from internet threats.”

Dr. Ajayamohan is one of the participants of the New York University Abu Dhabi study

in which deep, cold water rises towards the surface along coastlines. Typically, these cold waters are rich in nutrients and support high biological productivity. Supe-

Previous studies Some previous studies were predicting a depletion of fisheries along the Omani coast due to global warming. Some studies even predicted a homogeneous weakening of upwelling along the Arabian Sea coasts. “However, those studies did not consider the changes in wind patterns and their effect on upwelling along these coasts in a global warming scenario,” the team noted. The study is being carried out using a high resolution Regional Ocean General Modelling System (ROMS). The fishing sector is one of the most productive sectors for the Omani economy and accounts for the highest non-oil export revenuesin Oman.

OMAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

OMAN ACHIEVEMENT

1 millionth passenger in under 10 months for Salalah Airport Times News Service MUSCAT: In a clear indication of the growth of air traffic to and from the governorate of Dhofar, Salalah Airport has exceeded the one millionth passenger milestone in less than ten months of operations. The airport ended 2015 having served 1,027,578 passengers which, according to Salim bin Awad Al Yafaei, General Manager of Salalah Airport, indicates that the airport has witnessed a growth in passenger traffic of 19 per cent. He also stated that if this growth rate holds steady, the airport will reach the two million visitor milestone in less than four years. Salalah Airport began receiving international direct flights this year, which has reflected positively on the number of passengers using the airport, growing from 789,836 passengers at the end of

Society lending strength to Oman-UK ties Jonathan Wilks,

September 2015 to reach 932,938 passenger by the end of September this year; a number which has since exceeded the one million milestone on October 15, 2016. In fact, the months of July and August witnessed the highest passenger traffic of the year. The airport saw 133,654 passenger in July and subsequently topped off at the peak of the fall season in August with 197,956 passengers, recording the highest monthly passenger rate so far this year. As gateway to the Dhofar region, Salalah Airport began operations in June 2015.

ambassador of the UK to Oman, marked the 40th anniversary of the Anglo-Omani Society at his official residence

LONG-TERM TIES: When I was appointed ambassador, I saw for myself the incredible personal relationships and the networks. It really makes our job at the embassy easier to build on the close relations between our two countries, said Jonathan Wilks, ambassador of the UK to Oman. — Shabin E

GAUTAM VISWANATHAN

gautam@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Four decades of friendship between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom were marked at a special event held in Muscat on Sunday. Speaking at a reception that had been organised at his official residence to recognise the 40th anniversary of the Anglo-Omani Society, Jonathan Wilks, ambassador of the UK to Oman noted, “The society is a really important part of the strength of the relationship between our two nations. “When I was appointed ambassador, I saw for myself the incredible personal relationships and the networks. “It really makes our job at the embassy easier to build on the close relations between our two countries,” he added. “It reflects the richness of the personal historical relationships in every field, whether it is military or security, cultural or educational, or investment and trade.” The chief guest of the night was Mohammed Al Zubair, Advisor

to His Majesty the Sultan Qaboos bin Said for Economic Planning Affairs. Also in attendance were Ali Al Sunaidy, of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and current Chairman of the society, as well as Robert Alston, who had previously served as British ambassador to Oman. Low-cost exchanges “Thanks to the generosity of His Majesty the Sultan, the AngloOmani Society has been assisted in providing a number of low-cost exchanges between Britons and Omanis, right across the board in a whole range of disciplines,” said Alston. “We are keen to develop these relationships more proactively, and those are involved in relationships between both countries. Please bear in mind that we are there to help.” Alston went on to expand on the operations of the Anglo-Omani society. “We have now had more than 100 young people who have come

for a year of study at the Sultan School for postgraduate studies,” he said. “The other programme that we’ve begun since the school was instituted is to bring a group of Arabic students from UK universities every summer. “We conduct an excellent programme at Corpus Christi College in Cambridge in July, at which a dozen or so Omani students were able to interact in a range of activities in the United Kingdom. Clearly, these programmes underline a particular vocation inherited to encourage in the next generation the relationships that existed in our students,” Alston added. Formed by Donald Hawley, the first British ambassador to the Sultanate, the Anglo-Omani Society aims to support the close relationship between the UK and Oman through education and culture. Information about the Anglo Omani Society can be obtained by email at manager@angloomanisociety.com or the British Embassy in Oman at 24 60 9000.

IRAQI CITY

Oman Air to begin flights to Najaf in November Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Air has announced that it will begin operating a four-times weekly service from Muscat to Najaf, Iraq in November. Officials note that the flights will further strengthen political, economic and cultural ties between Oman and Iraq. Regarding the new flights to Iraq, Paul Gregorowitsch, Chief Executive Officer at Oman Air, said, “Following a temporary delay of our service to Najaf, as the operational teams were assessing and scheduling all fleet types for safe deployment on the route, Oman Air is delighted to start this service as our first destination in Iraq. The holy city of Najaf offers excellent potentials for business travellers, those visiting friends and family, and for pilgrims. We anticipate a high demand.” The addition of this route demonstrates Oman Air’s continuing commitment to growth and expanding its network. This has seen the company take delivery of new aircraft, introduce a range of new destinations and launch new products and services.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Following a temporary delay of our service to Najaf, as the operational teams were assessing and scheduling all fleet types for safe deployment on the route, Oman Air is delighted to start this service as our first destination in Iraq, said Paul Gregorowitsch, Chief Executive Officer at Oman Air.

C H E D I M U S C AT O P E R AT O R

Tin Hotels plan to enter Muscat market in 2019

BIG PLANS: TIN Hotels will operate midscale 4-star hotels, said

Clement Koh, the senior vice president for sales and marketing at Singapore’s General Hotel Management.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Singapore’s General Hotel Management (GHM) has signed an agreement with Dubai hotel development and investment company Van de Bunt Partners to launch a brand called Tin Hotels in the Middle East. “It is our plan to operate at least one hotel in Muscat by 2019,” added Clement Koh, the senior vice president for sales and marketing at GHM. Speaking to Times of Oman, Koh said that TIN Hotels will operate midscale 4-star hotels. “Additionally, given how well GHM has entrenched itself with the emergence of the award winning Chedi Muscat in 2003, we believe our track record and repute will serve us well in launching this new concept and allowing it to gain credibility and acceptance rapidly,” he said. However, Koh refused to speak about the investment or where it will be located in Oman. “TIN Hotels will be a yield-driven investment, though it’s not possible for us to share specifics on investment values or locations at this stage, given negotiations that

Other than Muscat, GHM is exploring opportunities for two properties in Dubai. Each hotel is likely to host between 200 and 250 rooms

are still ongoing. That said, we’ve chosen Oman’s primary markets for entry, as we feel there’s a niche and demand for such a concept in this market,” he said. Other than Muscat, GHM is exploring opportunities for two properties in Dubai. Each hotel is likely to host between 200 and 250 rooms. In addition to the Chedi Muscat, which opened in 2003, GHM also operates properties in Vietnam, Indonesia and Switzerland under the Chedi brand.


MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

OMAN OMR132,000 refunded to Dhofar consumers Seventy-six Jaguar cars have been recalled by the PACP in cooperation with Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC

MUSCAT: Consumer protection authorities collected more than OMR132,000 from businesses and refunded them to consumers in Dhofar the third quarter of 2016.

The amount was collected by the Consumer Protection Department in Dhofar Governorate represented by the Complaints Division covered a number of sectors.

The maximum collection of OMR115,510 was from the motor vehicle and associated services sector. It was followed by mobile phone and services sector (OMR4,080), labour sector (OMR3,900), workshops sector (OMR3,200), watches, jewellery and accessories sector (OMR1,850), electronic and electrical appliances sector (OMR1,775), furniture and furnishing sector (OMR1,650) contracting and construction sector (OMR640) and other services sector (OMR 100).

Jaguar recall Seventy-six Jaguar cars have been recalled by the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) in cooperation with Mohsin Haider Darwish (MHD) Llc. The reason for recall of Jaguar (XF) and (XJ) cars is a defect in the central secondary pulley of the transmission belt. The company will work on replacement of the affected parts. The recall of such cars comes as part of efforts of the PACP in the field of traffic safety and its keenness for continued checking of all products in the Sultanate. -ONA CRIME

TWO TRAPPED ON MOUNTAIN AIRLIFTED

Two people trapped on a mountain in Qurayat were airlifted to hospital by Royal Oman Police (ROP), the authority tweeted. “When the police got an alert, the ambulance and rescue team, in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police Air Wings Unit, scrambled the area. The victims were spotted and air lifted to the hospital,” the tweet said. -Supplied photo

Two arrested on drug charges MUSCAT: Two persons were arrested in Al Athaiba allegedly for possessing drugs. Personnel of the Directorate General of Drug & Narcotics Control recovered narcotic capsules and 200 rolls of marijuana from the suspects who were of Asian nationality. They were referred to Public Prosecution for further investigations. -ONA

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

REGION

The air strikes happened hours before the arrival in Sanaa of UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed who told reporters at Sanaa airport he would discuss options for a political solution with Houthi representatives and try to secure another ceasefire

Iraqi Kurds claim to capture town of Bashiqa near Mosul Masoud Barzani, President of the Iraqi Kurdish region, told US Defence Secretary Ash Carter that the Kurds had succeeded in liberating Bashiqa from IS militants

ERBIL: Kurdish fighters said they had taken the town of Bashiqa near Mosul from IS militant group on Sunday as coalition forces pressed their offensive against the militants’ last stronghold in Iraq. Masoud Barzani, President of the Iraqi Kurdish region, told US Defence Secretary Ash Carter that the Kurds had succeeded in liberating Bashiqa from IS. Kurdish Peshmerga fighters told reporters at the scene that they had entered Bashiqa. Journalists were not being allowed into the town, which lies 12 km (8 miles) northeast of Mosul. The offensive to take Mosul, by Iraqi and Kurdish forces backed by a US-led coalition, is expected to become the biggest battle in the country since the US-led invasion in 2003. The capture of Bashiqa, if confirmed, would mark the removal of one more obstacle on the road to the northern city. The top US commander in Iraq, Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, said his own information - while limited - “suggests that President Barzani is right, that there has been a considerable success at Bashiqa”. But he added: “I have not received a report that says every

MAKING ADVANCE: A Kurdish peshmerga fighter shoots during an operation to attack IS militants in the town of Naweran, near Mosul, on Sunday. – Reuters

house has been cleared, every Daesh (IS fighter) has been killed and every IED (roadside bomb) has been removed.” Townsend told journalists that Bashiqa was one of the villages outside Mosul that IS had emptied of civilians and fortified over the past two years. Nawran Reuters television footage from Nawran, a town near Bashiqa, showed Kurdish fighters using a heavy mortar, a machine gun and small arms as smoke rose over the area. As Peshmerga forces moved though the area, armoured vehicles moved along a road and a helicopter flew overhead. The Peshmerga are also using tanks, rocket launchers and snipers. A Reuters photographer saw the fighters destroy at least three suicide car bombs dispatched against their forces. Turkish artillery is supporting the Peshmerga, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim was quoted as saying by CNN Turk

and other media outlets. “The Peshmerga have mobilised to cleanse the Bashiqa region from Daesh. They asked for help from our soldiers at the Bashiqa base. So we are helping the tanks with our artillery there,” CNN Turk quoted him as saying. Turkey has troops at a base in the area where it has been helping to train Iraqi Kurdish fighters. The artillery support could further strain relations between Ankara and the Baghdad central government, coming a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi declined an offer from Turkey to take part in the Mosul campaign. The offensive to capture Mosul started on Monday. Coalition forces have advanced to within 5 km (3 miles) of the city at the closest point, the interior minister of the Kurdish regional government has said. An Iraqi force of about 30,000, joined by US special forces and under American, French and British air cover, is ready to push into Mosul after recapturing Falluja

and Ramadi, west of Baghdad, and seizing the stronghold of Tikrit in central Iraq. IS have staged attacks apparently aimed at distracting the advancing forces. They hit the city of Kirkuk on Friday and on Sunday they attacked Rutba, a town 360 km (225 miles) west of Baghdad, where they killed at least seven policemen, according to a police source. The mayor, Imad Al Dulaimi, said the insurgents attacked during the night and gained entry to the town by coordinating with sleeper cells there. About 30 insurgents skirmished with tribal fighters and security forces before vanishing. Townsend said IS had staged what he called a complex attack in Rutba, which was being dealt with by Iraqi forces. The attack was intended “to try to draw our attention from Mosul”, he said. In an attempt to repel the offensive against Mosul, IS also set fire to a sulphur plant near the city. Up to 1,000 people were treated in hospital after inhaling toxic

fumes. Coalition officials have said the offensive is going well, but that it will take a long time to recapture Mosul, which has a civilian population of 1.5 million. Between 4,000 and 8,000 IS fighters have rigged the city with explosives, built oil-filled moats, dug tunnels, and trenches and are feared to be ready to use civilians as human shields. Carter sounded optimistic about the campaign to take Mosul during a trip to Erbil as he praised the Kurdish region’s Peshmerga fighters. “I’m here to commend you and your forces. I’m encouraged by what I see,” Carter told Barzani during talks. Peshmerga spokesman Brigadier General Halgord Hekmet told reporters that 25 Kurdish forces had been killed so far. “There (are) a lot of wounded,” Hekmet said, speaking through a translator. He spoke positively about air support his forces were receiving from the coalition but said more military assistance was needed, starting with armoured vehicles and equipment to detect roadside bombs. “Most of our Peshmerga got killed because they were riding in regular cars, not armoured,” Hekmet said. During the meeting, Barzani said the Mosul operation had started successfully and cited good progress over the past three days. He thanked the United States and the coalition for their support. In Rome, Pope Francis said he was close to the Iraqi people and in particular to the citizens of Mosul. “Our souls are shaken by the brutal acts of violence that for too long have been carried out against innocent citizens, be they Muslim, Christian or from other ethnic and religious groups.” He had been saddened by reports that numerous people, including many children, had been “killed in cold blood”. — Reuters

NAT I O N AT WA R

Air raids resume as Yemen truce expires SANAA: Warplanes from a Saudiled coalition attacked targets in Sanaa at dawn on Sunday, hours after a three-day truce in Yemen’s war expired, residents in the capital said. The ceasefire, agreed to allow for an increased flow of humanitarian aid, ended without renewal after a day of heavy fighting between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi movement. Each side accused the other of repeatedly violating the truce and UN attempts to extend it before it lapsed appeared to have failed. “The (Houthi) coup militias deliberately thwarted the truce and that further convinced our military and political leadership of their unwillingness to accept a peace,” the government’s army chief of staff Mohammed Ali Al Miqdashi said on Saturday. Air strikes were reported over some military sites in Sanaa in the Hafa camp to the east and in the Nahdein area in the south. Radar positions were also targeted in the Houthi-controlled city of Hodeida and in the contested southwestern city of Taiz, residents reported. Houthi-run TV channel Al Masirah said that pro-Houthi fighters had launched an artillery attack on government forces near Taiz. A Saudi civil defence spokesman told state news agency SPA that missiles launched by the Houthis from inside Yemen destroyed two houses in the southern Saudi province of Jazan early on Sunday. The air strikes happened hours before the arrival in Sanaa of UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed who told reporters at Sanaa airport he would discuss options for a political solution with Houthi representatives and try to secure another ceasefire. The United Nations and diplomats had hoped a pause in the conflict would pave the way for talks to end a 19-month-old war which has killed at least 10,000 people in the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country. — Reuters

S P I R A L I N G I N F L AT I O N

SENSITIVE COMMODITY: A man carries subsidised sugar after buying it from a government truck

during a sugar shortage in retail stores across the country in Cairo, Egypt. – Reuters File

Egypt tea drinkers forfeit sugar as currency shortage spreads CAIRO: Laila El Sayed spent her afternoon searching grocery stores in Cairo’s bustling Dokki district on the banks of the Nile River for one thing: sugar. She managed to find two bags in a state-owned shop for 10 Egyptian pounds ($1.13), twice what she paid in August. In other parts of Cairo, shoppers stand in long lines as supermarkets limit customers to one or two bags of sugar. “I drink tea an average of five times a day with two spoonfuls of sugar. My husband drinks it with three spoons,” she said. “Now we have to cut even the tea we drink?” After six years of unrest, terrorist attacks and a collapse in the tourism industry, Egypt’s economy has been crippled by spiraling inflation and a shortage of foreign currency, making it tougher to import basic commodities. At the same time, sugar prices globally are on the rise because of supply problems in Brazil, the world’s biggest producer. The shortage is being especially felt in Egypt, where tea with heaps of sugar is one of the most popular beverages in street cafes. At one shop in Dokki, a cost of a cup of tea has risen 14 per cent to 4 pounds, said Ahmed Ali, who

works at the cafe. Egypt consumes about 3 million metric tonnes of sugar annually, but produces just over 2 million tonnes, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture. It expects the country to import 830,000 tonnes in 2016-17. “Importers are forced to buy dollars from the black market, so traders have one of two options — either factor in the dollar in the final price or give up the commodity altogether,” said Mohamed Hamza, a senior researcher at the USDA office in Cairo. “This is applicable to all imports, not just sugar, but because sugar is such a sensitive commodity, people can now feel it,’’ he said. A United Nations index of global retail sugar prices has risen 47 per cent this year, on track for the biggest annual increase since 2009. In the Bloomberg Commodity Index, sugar futures have risen more than any other raw material this year. To alleviate the crisis, Egypt’s state-owned trading arm announced plans to buy sugar and the government has promised to create stockpiles that would last six months. The General Authority for Supply Commodi-

ties bought 134,000 tons of sugar in an October 15 tender and the country has contracts to import 450,000 tonnes. The sugar scarcity is a symptom of Egypt’s broader economic turmoil. Since a popular uprising in 2011 against former president Hosni Mubarak, the country burned through billions of foreign currency reserves as political unrest drove away tourists and foreign investors. The Egyptian pound recently slumped to a record low 15.58 per dollar in the black market -- compared to the official rate of 8.88. As a result, it’s difficult for importers to source dollars needed to pay for shipments. Nile Sugar Co, which operates a sugar refinery about 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the Port of Alexandria, didn’t import any sugar this year because of the dollar shortage, according to Tamer Ismail, the head of the commercial department. The company usually imports between 100,000 and 200,000 tonnes a year of raw sugar, he said. “We have the facilities, we have the refinery but because of the dollar unavailability and the rise in global prices, we couldn’t import,’’ Ismail said. — Bloomberg


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INDIA

SP on brink of split as Yadav power struggle intensifies The tussle in the Samajwadi Party(SP) began last month when Mulayam replaced 43-year-old Akhilesh with his 61-year-old uncle Shivpal to the post of UP party chief, and also expelled several youth leaders seen

BRIEFING: Samajwadi Party President Shivpal Singh Yadav addressing press conference after Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav sacked

him from his Cabinet, at the party office in Lucknow, on Sunday. Other sacked ministers Narad Rai, R. Shadab Fatima and Om Prakash Singh are also seen. - PTI

as close to Akhilesh

LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party appeared to be headed for a split on Sunday as Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his party supremo and father Mulayam Singh were engaged in an open face-off, sacking each other’s loyalists Shivpal Yadav and Ramgopal Yadav. While Akhilesh sacked Shivpal, his uncle and party’s state unit chief, along with three other “proAmar Singh” ministers from his Cabinet, his father hit back by dismissing Ramgopal, pro-CM cousin and SP’s national general secretary, from the party for six years. The fast-paced developments unfolded on Sunday morning when Akhilesh held a meeting of party legislators, a day ahead of a mega meeting of party MPs, MLAs, MLCs and ministers called by Mulayam where some more tough decisions were likely to be taken. After the meeting, the chief minister recommended to Governor Ram Naik that Shivpal, Narad Rai and Om Prakash Singh (all

Cabinet ministers) and Sayeda Shadab Fatima (Minister of State — Independent charge) be sacked from his ministry. This was accepted immediately. While the meeting was underway, hundreds of Akhilesh’s supporters collected outside his residence, raising slogans in his favour. Significantly, before Akhilesh announced the sacking of Shivpal and three other ministers, Ramgopal issued a letter written to party workers, expressing support to the chief minister and warning those opposing him. “Those who oppose Akhilesh won’t be able to show their faces in the legislative assembly. Where Akhilesh is, victory follows,” he said in the letter. Noida scam probe After his sacking, Shivpal met Mulayam at his residence, which is just nearby that of the CM’s bungalow. Hours later, he announced that the SP chief had expelled Ramgopal from the party for six years. Shivpal told media-

persons that Ramgopal was colluding with BJP and had thrice met a senior leader of the saffron party to save himself and his son from a CBI probe in connection with alleged involvement in the Yadav Singh Noida scam probe. He said he was not worried about being dropped from the government and declared that the state Assembly elections would be fought under leadership of Mulayam. Launching a scathing attack on Ramgopal, Shivpal said he was tarnishing the image of SP by dabbling in corruption, colluding with BJP and weakening Mulayam’s leadership. “On Mulayam’s directive, Ramgopal is being stripped of his posts of party spokesman and national general secretary and is being expelled from the party for six years,” Shivpal said, giving rise to intense speculation about an imminent split. Party legislators who met at the residence of the chief minister on Sunday were said to be in a belligerent mood, opposing any action that could sideline Akhile-

A9

sh in the run-up to the Assembly polls. The tenor of the delegates was to crack the whip on supporters of Amar Singh, whose induction into the party two months ago had triggered a similar hullabaloo, according to party sources. The developments came a day after Akhilesh skipped an important strategy meeting of SP district and city unit presidents called by Shivpal. The chief minister instead separately met the delegates later at his official residence. SP oldtimers Beni Prasad Verma and Reoti Raman Singh tried to mediate a thaw to the ongoing crisis, but their efforts did not yield any positive result. The tussle in the party began last month when Mulayam replaced 43-year-old Akhilesh with his 61-year-old uncle Shivpal to the post of UP party chief, and also expelled several youth leaders seen as close to Akhilesh. Shivpal’s sacking came a day after a close aide of Akhilesh Yadav, MLC Udayveer Singh was ex-

pelled from the Samajwadi Party. Udayveer was sacked a few days after he shot off a stinging letter to Mulayam accusing his second wife of hatching a conspiracy against the chief minister. As crisis deepened in the ruling Samajwadi Party, opposition BJP sought to fish in troubled waters, saying the Governor should ask Akhilesh to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly and till he did so, he should not take any policy decision. “CM Akhilesh Yadav should resign or prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly,” UP BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya told reporters. “A government reduced to minority should not take any policy decision,” he said. As the confrontation between Akhilesh and Mulayam appeared to have reached a point of no return, reports were already doing the rounds that the chief minister could launch a new party — National Samajwadi Party or Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party with motorcycle as its symbol. - PTI

I N T E G R AT E D M A R K E T

GST law to boost domestic demand, drive job creation: PM NEW DELHI: The Goods and Services Tax law will boost domestic demand, create more opportunities for domestic business and drive job creation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday. He said so far the domestic market has been fragmented and different taxes across different states have made goods and services more expensive. “This has hampered growth in inter-state commerce. We are enacting a Goods and Services Tax law, to create an integrated national market. This will further boost domestic demand, create more opportunities for Indian business and drive job creation,” he said. India today, Modi said, is the fastest growing major economy, and one of the most attractive destinations for FDI. “Indeed, we stand out as a bright spot in the global economy. This is the result of India’s fundamental strengths — democracy, demographic dividend and demand. We need to fully harness these strengths. This can happen only if businesses make long-term investments that create jobs and sustain economic growth,” he said. Addressing the valedictory function of an international conference on arbitration, the prime minister said India is experiencing a digital revolution which is bridging the digital and economic divide in the society in general and rural society in particular. “A boost to the rural economy through this revolution will make the Indian economy even more robust,” he said. Innovative business models and app-based start-ups have instilled a spirit of enterprise among Indians, he noted, adding that yesterday’s job seekers are becoming today’s job creators. “The legal profession is also opening up to the promises of the digital world. From cause-lists to case-laws, the lawyer’s library is now just a click away on your mobile phone,” he said. - PTI

PERENNIAL PROBLEM

Children of bonded labourers use memories to rescue others BENGALURU: They are not easy to spot. Working in vegetable patches and on millet fields in India’s southern state of Karnataka, farm labourers caught in debt bondage suffer mainly in silence. But Gopal V has lived with this silence for long enough. Now 44, the son of bonded labourers is on a mission to identify workers trapped in debt bondage - and to make sure they get justice. “My parents worked endless hours not for money, just food,” Gopal said.”They worked for a landlord in my village, whose house I still can’t enter. He paid them back with a little food, and my father died in bondage.” Now, he travels across villages around Anekal, near the city of Bengaluru, looking for people like his parents. There is an urgency to his search, he says, because he wants to “get them out before they die”. India banned the practice of bonded labour in 1976, but the country is still home to 11.7 million bonded labourers, according to the International Labour Organisa-

tion (ILO). The labourers may be working to pay off a loan from their employer, or a debt inherited from a relative. Release certificates Jeevika, a non-profit organisation that works to eradicate bonded labour in the southern state, said it identified 12,811 bonded labourers in Karnataka between 2012 and 2015. Most of them are still waiting for state authorities to give them release certificates and compensation money, it said. Its founder, Kiran Kamal Prasad, estimates that there are up to 200,000 bonded labourers across Karnataka. “It is a perennial problem that persists in the agriculture sector,” said Druthi Lakshmi of the state’s rural development department. “We know they are really poor, illiterate people who often go back to the same landlord for work after they are rescued because the rehabilitation money is not enough.” The government is in the process of undertaking a more comprehensive survey to identify peo-

BANNED PRACTICE: Women labourers carry containers of mud as they work in a paddy field at Mohanpur, on the outskirts of Agartala. India banned the practice of bonded labour in 1976, but the country is still home to 11.7 million bonded labourers, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO). - AFP file photo

ple in bondage, she added. Gopal and others like him who work in partnership with Jeevika use their childhood memories of suffering and debt bondage to encourage others to find a way out of it.

“The fear of the landlord still exists in our (lower-caste) Dalit communities and people refuse to acknowledge they are in bondage,” said Ramakrishna V, also the son of a bonded labourer.

S I M U LTA N E O U S P O L L S

Elections in UP, four other states in February-March NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh, which is set to witness gamechanger elections, and four other states will go to polls simultaneously, most likely in FebruaryMarch next, commencing shortly after the presentation of the Union Budget on February one. While it will be a single-day polling in Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur, Uttar Pradesh is likely to have as many as seven phases, sources in the Election Commission said. The BJP, which had swept the Lok Sabha elections more than two years ago, winning 70 of the 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, is seeking to make a comeback by wresting power after 15 years from the ruling Samajwadi Party. The Bahujan Samaj Party is expected to give a stiff challenge to both of them.

In Punjab, after two successive terms, the ruling SAD-BJP combine is facing a tough battle from Congress on the one hand and a fledgeling Aam Aadmi Party on the other. Uttarakhand, where the ruling Congress staged a sensational comeback this year following a legal battle, is fighting antiincumbency and facing challenge from the BJP. Union Budget Goa, where the ruling BJP is seeking a fresh term, is pitted against Congress and AAP. In Manipur, the Congress is seeking to retain power. As a matter of abundant precaution, the government approached the Commission for clearing its proposal to present the Union Budget in Lok Sabha on February one and avoid criticism of violating the model code of

conduct that will come into force the day elections are announced. Sources said that the Commission had no objection to the budget exercise being carried on because of the fact that it would cover the entire country and was not specific to the pollbound states. It has also been conveyed to the government that caution should be exercised so that overtly populist measures are not included in the budget aimed at voters in these states. The Commission is working on a schedule for the polls which should be completed by the middle of March so that new assemblies in these states could be constituted well in time before the expiry of their tenure. It is working out the requirements about security forces with

the Centre and the states concerned for ensuring that the polls are free and fair. Nearly a lakh of state police and central armed police force personnel may be deployed to ensure that the electoral exercise is smooth and free from violence and malpractices like booth capturing. Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi had recently said, “We are trying to assess the requirement of security forces, climate and examination schedule — all these inputs are being taken into consideration. Only then we will be able to say whether they will be staggered or multi-phase.” While the term of the Uttar Pradesh assembly ends on May 27, 2017, those of Goa, Manipur and Punjab end on March 18. The Uttarakhand Assembly’s term ends on March 27. - PTI

“It takes a lot of talking before they break down and admit they are paying off a loan they took many, many years ago,” said Ramakrisha, now a lawyer fighting for workers’ rights in court. Activists say most people trapped in bonded labour are unaware of the fact they might have paid off their initial loan 10 times over. In addition, the 1976 Abolition of Bonded Labour Act cancels any dues that may be pending when a worker is rescued from bondage, they said. Jayaboraiah, 47, recalled how he was studying in his room when the landlord of his hostel came knocking. “He said my father had disappeared without repaying the 800 rupees ($12) loan he had taken to start a sericulture (silk production) business. I dropped out of school and spent eight years working in his home and field to pay off that loan,” Jayaboraiah said. But a glance at a report on bonded labour in a newspaper one morning led him to a government office to ask for help. “Now I know the law and am able

to explain to families in debt bondage that they have repaid their dues and should now be demanding minimum wages,” he said. All three men said their personal experience of growing up in the shadow of debt bondage helps them to start a conversation about the issue in villages where traditionally lower-caste people still find it “almost impossible to leave the clutches of a landlord”. Gopal said: “We are constantly threatened and so are workers, but we keep going to villages and areas where Dalits live and we lived until recently. It takes a lot of probing before anyone admits to having taken a loan and working to repay it. It takes us months to build trust,” he said. Gopal’s three daughters have documented the lives of their grandfather and uncles who worked as bonded labourers. “I tell them about it because it is the reality from which they have emerged, and it makes them sensitive to the fact that many more still need help,” Gopal said. - Thomson Reuters Foundation


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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 Protest is our democratic right and the government will have to face severe consequences if it tries to stop us Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman

PAKISTAN C A S E O F U NAU T H O R I S E D O P E R AT I O NA L E N T R I E S

NBP says embezzlements in PM loan scheme ‘not a case of fraud’ ISLAMABAD: The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has said that misappropriations in the Prime Minister’s Youth Business Loan (PMYBL) scheme was just a “case of unauthorised operational entries” and cannot be declared fraud — a stance contrary to ground realities. “No fraud has been committed in PMYBL scheme, rather it was a case of unauthorised operational entries and most entries have been reversed,” stated a hand-out issued by the NBP in response to a story published in The Express Tribune. However, the bank’s public stance on the issue is contrary to its internal correspondences. An analytical report of the NBP Mardan region has dubbed the case as fraud. Out of the Rs77.87 million in question, the bank in its internal report declared Rs8.2 million as “misutilisation/parallel banking”. Moreover, this week the top management of the NBP informed the Senate Standing Committee

that Shah Nawaz Khan, manager credit, was “criminally involved” and the case will be sent to the National Accountability Bureau for further investigation. The Express Tribune reported last month that millions of rupees have been embezzled in the PM’s business loan scheme by its staff in the main branch of Mardan region. The case surfaced in July this year and so far the NBP management has recovered Rs53.54 million out of Rs77.87 million, according to the information provided by the management to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance this week. The bank has so far failed to recover the remaining amount of Rs24.33 million, which is over 31 per cent of the embezzled amount. An NBP hand-out stated that there were total 161 loan accounts and as an abundant caution, balance confirmation to all 161 PMYBL loanees was sent. So far, 147 customers out of the total loan accounts have confirmed

Out of the Rs77.87 million in question, the bank in its internal report declared Rs8.2 million as ‘misutilisation/parallel banking’

the correctness of their balances, it added. The accused person illegally withdrew money from as many as 126 accounts, according to the NBP brief on the case. The bank insisted that it was not dilly-dallying in registering the criminal case against the accused persons. Being a corporate body, the bank has to follow specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to en-

sure non-partisan investigations and to collect all possible reliable evidences against the accused officials before registering any FIR/ Criminal Complaint, it added. The case emerged in July and the bank completed its first investigation by August 15. Yet it has not filed a criminal complaint against the accused. However, it has suspended 11 people involved in the case includ-

ing the prime accused. The bank’s stance on the case is also contrary to its own instructions, issued to deal with cases of fraud and forgery. A 1982 circular of the NBP states, “The matter of (fraud and forgery) should be reported to the police, if no recovery of the embezzled amount is possible within period of ten days”. The NBP said that as per SOPs,

Nawaz will be responsible if ‘third-force’ steps in: Imran Although the cricketer-turnedpolitician Imran Khan did not name the ‘third force’, his statement seemed to refer to the military establishment

ISLAMABAD:Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will be responsible if a “third-force” stepped into power as a result of his upcoming lockdown of the federal capital on November 2. “One person will be responsible if democracy is derailed,” Imran said while referring to the prime minister as he addressed media personnel outside his Bani Gala residence. Although the cricketerturned-politician did not name the ‘third force’, his statement seemed to refer to the military establishment. Imran accused the government of defaming Pakistan Army on the pretext of PTI’s protest.“In a democratic country prime minister is accountable to the people, however, Nawaz only wants to save his wealth.” Panama Papers are not accusations but evidence of prime minister’s corruption, the PTI leader claimed. Taking a jibe at Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Imran said: “Those who call themselves opposition are defending Nawaz to save their own faces.” Commenting on the hearing of Panamagate Scandal in the Supreme Court on November 1,

WON ‘UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT’: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan accused the government of defaming Pakistan Army on the pretext of PTI’s protest. PTI on Saturday won ‘unconditional support’ of the PML-Q for its November 2 sit-in in the federal capital.- AFP file photo

the party chairman said while the apex court may sentence the prime minister, the PTI was only demanding Nawaz’s resignation for a fair investigation. “Protest is our democratic right and the government will have to face severe consequences if it tries to stop us,” the PTI chief warned. Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Saturday won ‘unconditional support’ of the PML-Q for its November 2 sitin in the federal capital. Together the two parties decided to approach the Pakistan Awami Tehreek of Dr Tahirul Qadri, which, a PTI leader said, is likely to join the protest. The leadership of PML-Q and PAT had distanced themselves from the PTI after voicing reservations over its plan to hold a rally near the family residence of

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Raiwind on September 23 as part of its accountability movement. However, a PML-Q delegation during a meeting with PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced its support for the November 2 ‘Islamabad lockdown’. The PML-Q delegation was led by party’s Punjab President Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. “It has been decided that besides the PTI, the PML-Q will also contact PAT chief Tahirul Qadri to get him on board on the protest movement,” said senior PML-Q leader Ajmal Khan Wazir, who was part of the PML-Q delegation. He said the PTI and the PML-Q were of the opinion that genuine concerns and reservations of PAT should addressed and it should be persuaded to join the like-minded parties. However, Qureshi said

that joining the protest movement would solely be a decision of political parties and their leaderships and that they would not be forced to join hands with the PTI. “The PTI is only relying on its activists and common citizens who have been affected by the prevailing corrupt system in the country,” Qureshi said, adding that even the PML-Q had not been asked to support the PTI and that it was their own decision to be a part of the protest. However, Qureshi quickly thanked the PML-Q leadership on behalf of the PTI. “The PTI will not force any political or religious party. We don’t want to put any political party in an embarrassing situation by inviting them to our protest,” he added. “The PTI is open and anyone can join them unconditionally.”

KARACHI

R I S K O F WAT E R C R I S I S

Country to face dry spell till December ISLAMABAD: An ongoing dry spell in the country is likely to persist till December, possibly causing an acute water shortage, the Met office said on Saturday. It has directed all concerned authorities, along with farmers and domestic users, to conserve water or risk severe water crisis in the near future. “Water management is the need of the hour to avoid an expected drought-like situation in the country,” Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) chief Dr Ghulam Rasul said. He said there is almost no chance of heavy downpour across the country till December. “Below average occasional showers are expected at scattered places across the country till the end of this year. This will also have an adverse impact on snowfall patterns,” he said. According to him, there is no obvious explanation about what is causing the ongoing dry spell. Dr Rasul pointed out that the country’s irrigation system depends on reservoirs where water accumulates during the monsoon season. “Now October is coming to an end and we have already utilised a major amount of water from these reservoirs,” he said. “The remaining water is meant to be used to sow Rabi crops in both Sindh and Punjab.” The PMD chief advised concerned authorities to take precautionary measures while distributing water among both provinces in order to avoid needless losses. “Considering the current situation, there is an urgent need for the government to launch a massive campaign on water conservation,” he stressed. Taking a similar stand, the Indus River System Authority spokesman Khalid Rana said his department had already projected 17 per cent water shortage for the upcoming Rabi season. “Only if Pakistan receives a good amount of rainfall in December and January will the water shortage decrease,” he said. - Express Tribune

UNVEILED ITS FUTURE PLANS

MQM-London leaders detained for 30 days, sent to jail KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) London group’s arrested leaders, i.e Hassan Zafar, Kanwar Khalid Younis and Amjadullah Khan were sent on Sunday to the Karachi Central Jail for 30 days. Karachi police said the leaders were detained under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO). The three key leaders of the party’s pro-Altaf Hussain faction of were taken into custody by the paramilitary Rangers from outside the Karachi Press Club on Saturday. MQM-London’s Interim Rabita Committee convener Prof Arif and member Khalid Yunus gathered at the KPC, along with their supporters, to address a news conference where lawyers and social activists were expected to join the party. However, the news conference could not take place as both the leaders were whisked away by the

After meeting with Qureshi, the PML-Q held an internal party meeting to work out level of participation in PTI’s protest.“It will not be limited to verbal support,” a senior PML-Q leader said. During internal meeting, the PML-Q leadership decided that party activists from adjoining districts of twin cities would be mobilised and brought to the venue of protest on November 2. The PML-Q will target districts including Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jehlum and Mandi Bahauddin where it still have some level of popularity. Following the meeting, Elahi talked to media persons and said for the sake of internal interest all opposition parties should come on the same page to oust the incumbent corrupt regime. The PTI might win over PAT, but the main opposition party, the PPP, is unlikely to lend Khan its support for the November 2 protest. Pakistan Peoples Party stalwart Khursheed Shah said on Saturday that staging protest was a constitutional right of every political party but locking down a city was illegal. “We consider staging a protest and a dharna a constitutional right but shutting down any city is illegal. We will see arrests being made on what basis,” Shah said while talking to media in Sukkur. He said Khan did not know the art of politics and Sharif did not know how to run a country. “When the prime minister comes under pressure, he becomes amenable to all the demands of opposition,” he added. He said democracy strengthened the country and if democracy was under threat then the PPP would be in the forefront for its protection. “Threats are looming large on borders. The enemy is on the borders, and in this situation an internal war is not in favour of politicians at all,” he added. - Express Tribune

such accused officials are immediately suspended and transferred to Regional Offices to ensure transparency in the investigations. After conducting the investigations, as per the rules, criminally involved officials are nominated in the FIRs and cases are registered with the appropriate “Agency” for prosecution purposes. “The NBP is a responsible institution and follows all rules, regulations and laws of land in discharge of banking business and nobody at any level of managerial hierarchy has escape to these rules,” it vowed. NBP said that after detection of these unauthorised entries, the bank suspended the delinquent staff members and initiated disciplinary proceedings against them as per the Staff Services Rules. There is no denying of the fact that the bank shall refer the case to criminal agencies against criminally involved officials as the bank has zero tolerance policy against such offenders, it added. - Express Tribune

PRO-ALTAF FACTION: Hasan Zafar Arif, centre, member of the co-

ordination committee of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM London), addresses a news conference at the press club in Karachi. Karachi police said the leaders were detained under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO). - Reuters file photo

Rangers before they could step into the KPC building. Another member, Amjudullah, was taken into custody after he remained confined for four hours in the press club. The MQM-London leader Wasay Jalil tweeted that the Rangers also raided the Rabita

Committee member Sathi Ishaq’s house and arrested his 13-yearold son and 16-year-old daughter. The paramilitary force also raided another member Ashraf Noor’s house and arrested his brother, he claimed. MQM-London convener Na-

deem Nusrat demanded that the leaders be released immediately. Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar has announced launching a public outreach campaign in Karachi within the next few days. “We have decided to aggressively launch a programme of ‘Awami Rabita’ with all our strength,” Sattar told reporters in Karachi on Sunday. “This campaign will commence in a couple of days.” “Our representatives from Parliament, provincial assembly of Sindh and local government, along with other party officials, will play their role in this door-todoor public campaign,” the MQM leader added. Sattar said his party will serve the people and solve their issues with all its available resources within the next 100 days. The MQM will reveal programme details soon, he added. - Express Tribune

Pakistan Suzuki says no launch of new model for two years KARACHI: Pakistan Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) — the largest car maker in Pakistan — will not launch any new model in the next two years, a spokesman of the company said, adding that the investment, if any, was contingent on the government offering the same incentives it was offering to new entrants in the Automotive Development Policy 2016-21. “We have neither given a launch date nor have any plan for our vendors to localise parts for models,” a Pak-Suzuki spokesperson said. The spokesperson made the statement after a media report quoted officials of the Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production saying that Suzuki had, in its presentation to the del-

egation, unveiled its future plans. The report said that the company had announced its plan to start localising production of its 660cc engine Suzuki Alto by 2018, the model that would replace the 800cc, and worn out, Suzuki Mehran. It is pertinent to mention here that The Express Tribune announced the company’s intention to launch ‘the mentioned’ two new variants in the local market last year; the announcement was made by the Suzuki Global Head during a meeting with the Minister for Industries. In 2015, the company also revealed details that the two new models would take up around $110 million of the total investment of $430 million, planned by the company. - Express Tribune



A12

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

WORLD Spain’s Socialists clear way for minority government Socialists vote 139 to 96 to abstain against acting prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a looming confidence vote

MADRID: Spain’s conservative leader Mariano Rajoy was on course to secure a second term in power for his People’s Party (PP) on Sunday after his Socialist rivals agreed to abstain in a looming confidence vote, ending 10 months of political deadlock. Spain has been stuck in political limbo following national elections in December and June which left no single party with a majority, paralysing institutions and threatening to derail an economic recovery. Ceded ground With a third ballot on the cards the centre-left Socialists, traditional opponents of the PP, ceded ground on Sunday in an extraordinary, internal party meeting to choose between a third general election or allowing Rajoy to govern. Senior party members voted by 139 to 96 in favour of abstaining in a parliamentary confidence vote to be held this week. Rajoy’s minority government

BID TO END POLITICAL DEADLOCK: President of the Management Committee of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) Javier Fernandez, right, arrives at a press conference after an extraordinary meeting of the PSOE Federal Committee at the PSOE headquarters in Madrid, on Sunday. – AFP

will have to contend with a hostile, deeply fragmented parliament over the next four years, opening up a fresh source of political instability for Spain. His prime task will be to keep on track an economic rebound after years of recession, while cutting costs to meet stringent deficit targets.

ANTI-BRUSSELS RHETORIC

upstart Podemos (“We Can”) and Ciudadanos (“Ciudadanos”) parties, which together secured close to a third of parliamentary seats. To govern, Rajoy needed sufficient support or an abstention by his rivals in a confidence vote. That two-stage ballot will now take place this week, with the second vote due on Satur-

‘Trump would ‘100 per cent’ accept election result if it’s fair’ WASHINGTON: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will “100 per cent” accept the results of the US election if it is fair, his son Eric Trump said on Sunday. “I think what my father is saying is, ‘I want a fair election,’” Eric Trump said on ABC’s “This Week.” “If it’s a fair outcome, he will absolutely accept it. There’s no question about that.” With national opinion polls showing Clinton with an increasing lead over Trump ahead of the November 8 election, Donald Trump has repeatedly said the election is being “rigged” against him. He has not offered evidence and numerous studies have shown that the US election system, which is decentralised and run by the states, is sound. At last week’s debate with Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, Trump challenged a cornerstone of American democracy by refusing to commit to honouring the result of the US election. “What I’m saying is that I will tell you at the time. I’ll keep you in suspense. OK?” Trump said. In the aftermath of the debate, Trump said he would accept the election outcome “if I win.” Trump’s campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, also was pressed on Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” on whether Trump would accept the election results. “The system is rigged, especially against the little guy,” said Conway without directly responding to the question. She spoke of any challenges to the election results as “hypothetical.” — Reuters

A P PA R E N T S U I C I D E

Italy warns of disaster if Europe rejects its budget MILAN: Italy’s economy minister said on Sunday the European Union must choose between allowing Rome to raise its deficit to cope with a recent earthquake and the migrant crisis, or the “Hungarian way” of putting up barriers, which he said would spell doom for the bloc. “Europe must choose which side to take. They can accept the fact that our deficit goes up from 2 per cent to 2.3 per cent (of gross domestic product) to tackle the earthquake and the migrant emergencies,” Pier Carlo Padoan told la Repubblica daily in an interview. “Or they can choose the Hungarian way, which puts up walls against the migrants and must be rejected. That would be the beginning of the end.” The Italian government has been stepping up an anti-Brussels rhetoric after unveiling an expansionary 2017 budget plan last week ahead of a referendum on constitutional reform that

December’s election broke the stable two-party system that has ruled Spain since the death of Francisco Franco in the 1970s, and a re-run in June delivered a similar result as new parties grabbed millions of votes in the wake of a deep recession. Rajoy’s PP beat the Socialists in both elections, followed by the

day or Sunday. The Socialists had blocked Rajoy’s reelection under their former leader Pedro Sanchez, a stance that would have forced Spain into its third election in a year. Sanchez was forced to resign earlier this month by his party, who feared the Socialists would suffer an electoral bloodbath if they triggered a fresh poll. Defending the vote, Socialist interim party head Javier Fernandez said the result was the least bad of the two options. “We went to win the elections, but since that didn’t happen, we need that there is a government to act as the opposition,” he said. Rajoy enjoyed an absolute majority in parliament after taking power from the Socialists in 2012, but his popularity was eroded by austerity measures and a series of corruption scandals that tainted the PP. Rajoy’s PP has 137 seats in the 350-strong lower house of parliament, the rest split between the now-leaderless Socialists, the anti-austerity Podemos and market friendly Ciudadanos. Those divisions will complicate his stewardship of an economy that is straining to cut one the highest public deficits in Europe and to shrink its public debt, which has almost tripled since the start of the crisis. First on an expanding to-do list for the new government will be updating the emergency 2017 budget to better reflect the deficit targets set by Brussels. Rajoy needs to find at least 5 billion euros in extra revenues or spending cuts. — Reuters

US PRESIDENTIAL POLL

may decide Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s political future. The budget hiked previously agreed targets for the budget deficit and the public debt, with Rome insisting it needs fiscal leeway to deal with the migrant crisis on its Mediterranean borders and reconstruction after a huge earthquake in August. The European Commission has numerous concerns about the plan and is considering sending Rome a warning letter, officials have said. In a further blow for the government, Fitch Ratings agency cut its outlook for Italy on Friday, saying weak growth, high debt and the uncertain outcome of the December 4 referendum posed risks to the euro zone’s third-largest economy. Fitch said Italy’s track record of “repeated delay and back-loading of fiscal consolidation reduces credibility.” Padoan said Italy had spent more money than any other European state to deal with the inflow of migrants and refugees. — Reuters

Japanese pensioner blows himself up TOKYO: A 72 year-old retired soldier blew himself up in a park in the Japanese city of Utsunomiya, killing himself and injuring three other people in an apparent suicide, state broadcaster NHK reported. A second explosion, separate from the blast that killed the former Self Defence Force member, caused a fire in a nearby parking lot, while the man’s home 8km (5 miles) from the park burnt to the ground, the report said. The police in the city, which is about 100km (62 miles) north of Tokyo, said they had discovered a suicide note written by the man and were investigating the three incidents, but did not give further details. Images broadcast by NHK showed two burnt out cars, one of which belonged to the dead man, about 200 metres (650 feet) from the park and a charred broken bench at the edge of the park, where a folk art festival was underway. The explosion in the park injured two men aged 64 and 58, who were being treated for shrapnel wounds The third victim was a 14 yearold school boy, NHK said. Witnesses told the broadcaster

BLAST SITE: Policemen and firefighters investigate a parking lot after an explosion in Utsunomiya, some 100 kilometres (60 miles) north of Tokyo, on Sunday. – AFP/Jiji Press

they heard a series of loud explosions. Suicide rates have declined in Japan in recent years, but remain among the highest in the world, with around 30,000 people

a year taking their own lives. Experts have pointed to the financial stress of surviving on small pensions for pushing some retired people to end their lives.

In 2015, a 71 year-old man set himself on fire on a bullet train in an incident that also claimed the life of a 52 year-old woman travelling in the same carriage. — Reuters


MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

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1 Speeders on Royal Oman

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The most dramatic economic effect of the United Kingdom’s Brexit vote has been the collapse of sterling. Since June, the pound has fallen by 16 per cent against a basket of currencies. Mervyn King, the previous governor of the Bank of England, hailed the lower exchange rate as a ‘welcome change’

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Prospects for growth in global trade in 2016 and 2017 have been downgraded again. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) now expects that trade this year will increase at its slowest pace since the post-2008 global recession. What is going on? This is not purely a function of an anemic global economic recovery.

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READERS’ FORUM Tailgating is a big problem in Oman This refers to the report Speeders on Royal Oman Police’s radar(October 23). As a UAE resident who is used to visit regularly - I see many other issues on Oman’s roads other than speeding. Tailgating and lane discipline in Oman is a big problem and a speed camera will do nothing to detect that. I drive a large fast pickup truck and often in Oman I’ll be in the fast lane going suitably fast and look in the mirror and I can only see the top of the windshield of the car behind. If that’s all I can see of them, there’s no way they can see what’s in front of me that might cause Scan this QR code me to brake. You don’t see that so much in to send letters to the the UAE where drivers tend to flash from a Readers’ Forum, distance if they want to get past. In fact in containing not more than 200 words with Oman the car behind is so close I couldn’t full name, address see him flash his lights even if he tried. and telephone What’s needed is education on the dangers number, may be sent of following too closely and penalties from by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com). marked or maybe unmarked police cars. If everyone follows at a safe distance and uses the correct lanes, then the speed isn’t that dangerous at all. Oman has large distances to cover and lower speed limits on long straight roads tends to see an increase in fatigue or distraction - people turning to their phones instead of concentrating. — Laurie Bridger, via Facebook

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WINSTON CHURCHILL

What’s blocking gender equality?

NOAH FELDMAN

If Donald Trump loses the election and doesn’t concede, it won’t violate the US Constitution. But it would break a tradition of concession that dates back more than a century and has achieved quasi-constitutional status. And like most enduring political customs, its value goes beyond graciousness.

O

ne year ago, the United Nations adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of which aims for true gender equality by 2030. Empowering women and girls is morally right and economically smart. Several recent studies confirm that there are substantial economic- and human-development costs associated with pervasive and significant gender gaps in economic opportunities and outcomes. A recent report by the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel, which we authored, identifies actions that governments, businesses, nongovernmental organisations, and multilateral development agencies can take now to close these gaps and accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs’ overarching goal of inclusive economic growth. The report shows that greater gender equality in a country is associated with better education and health, higher per capita income, faster and more inclusive economic growth, and greater international competitiveness. A widely cited McKinsey Global Institute study finds that closing gender gaps in labour-force participation rates, part-time versus full-time work, and the composition of employment would add 1225 per cent to global GDP by 2025. Other studies, using a variety of methodologies, find similar prospective gains, especially in low-fertility countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Germany, and in countries (for example, in the Arabian Gulf ) with low labour-force participation rates for women. The business case for gender quality is also compelling, because women make substantial contributions to all parts of the value chain. The UN report identifies numerous benefits for companies that have pursued gender equality in employment, pay, and leadership, including the ability to attract, motivate, and retain talented workers, and to address complex problems with more diverse teams. And several new studies find that companies with more women in top leadership and board positions have higher financial returns. More than 90 per cent of girls worldwide now finish primary school, and more women than men are now graduating from college in most regions. Yet, despite these gains, large gender gaps persist in all kinds of work – whether paid or unpaid, formal or informal, public or private, agricultural or entrepreneurial. Globally, only 50 per cent of wom-

en aged 15 and above are in paid employment, compared with about 75 per cent of men. At the same time, women do about three times more unpaid work than men do. When women are paid, their jobs tend to reflect gender stereotypes and provide relatively low earnings, poor working conditions, and limited opportunities for career advancement. Even when women perform the same or equalvalue jobs as men, they are paid less, on average (although the size of the pay gap varies considerably around the world). Women are under-represented in leadership positions in both business and government. And, compared to businesses owned by men, enterprises owned by women are smaller, employ fewer people, and are more concentrated in sectors with limited opportunities for profit and growth. The UN report identifies four overarching and interconnected factors that impede gender equality in all forms of work, and at all levels of development: adverse social norms, discriminatory laws and insufficient legal protections, gender gaps in unpaid household and care work, and unequal access to digital, financial, and property assets. Social norms determine economic outcomes for women in several ways: they shape women’s decisions about which occupational and educational opportunities to pursue; they affect the distribution of unpaid work within households and wages in paid care activities such as nursing and teaching, which employ a high proportion of women; and they reflect and reinforce discriminatory gender stereotypes and implicit biases that limit women’s pay and promotion prospects. In many countries, adverse social norms are also codified in laws that limit women’s professional choices and their ability to obtain passports, travel outside their homes, start businesses, and own or inherit property. A recent International Monetary Fund analysis finds that this kind of legal discrimination is associated with lower levels of educational attainment for women, wider gender-pay gaps, and fewer women-owned businesses. Moreover, according to the World Bank, 103 countries do not legally mandate gender non-discrimination in hiring, and 101 do not require equal remuneration for work of equal value in formal-sector jobs. - Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES OCTOBER 2001 Mantheri visits education college in Ibri IBRI: Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, minister of higher education yesterday, visited the Education College here. He met Huda Mohammed Fanawi, college dean, administrative staff and students. He also toured the new projects being implemented by the ministry. Meanwhile, a lecture in fighting poverty was delivered at the college lecture hall, in which the lecturer spoke about the concept of World Food Day.

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PICTOGRAPH

PUBLIC FINANCE CORPORATE INCOME TAX (in million Omani Rials) Total end of May

2015

2016

488.9

449.7

TODAY IN HISTORY INVITATION TO WRITERS We invite our readers to write articles on topics related to Oman. The articles should not exceed 800 words. Send us your article along with your picture to akhtar@timesofoman.com

1934: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, called Mahatma or “Great Soul,” resigns from Congress in India. 1952: Presidential candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower announces that if elected, he will go to Korea. 1970: Leftist Salvador Allende is elected president of Chile. 1973: The Yom Kippur War ends.

0

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information


A 14

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

LIFESTYLE GEAR

Story Felicia Campbell Photography Mehdi Taghavi

FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY

THE 2017 FORD EDGE

H

ow many of us spend our weeks, and often weekends as well, right here in the capital city shuttling between work, home, the gym, the mall or hypermarket, perhaps heading to old Muttrah or one of our five-star hotels for dinner and a change of pace? Sure, we hear the call of the wild — sand dunes and desert sunsets over Wahiba Sands; towering peaks and deep, wadi-cut valleys in the Hajar mountains; remote beaches in Dhofar — but far too often adventurous weekend plans are replaced with outing closer to home. So, when it comes to choosing a vehicle, in-town comfort, park-ability, and sporty acceleration for derby-style highway commutes are especially important. That said, who doesn’t want to have the option of hopping in the car and setting off for an impromptu outdoor adventure

when time allows? This is precisely what the Ford Edge was designed for — a nimble, urbanfocused crossover with enough under the hood to take you up the occasional mountain path or onto the beach for a barbecue. The 2017 models have been loaded with a few more goodies, like adaptive steering, which adjusts the steering ratio according to speed and wheel position, essentially giving more torque at lower speeds (like when parking) and softening the response at cruising speed for smoother lane transitions. The Sync 3 infotainment system is also an upgrade from previous models with a fantastic touchscreen display coupled with in-dash displays (available on higher trims). I took the sport model out for a spin, and was smitten with the in-town performance. Simply put, it was more comfortable than my living room. >A15


MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

WEATHER

TEMPERATURE

HUMIDITY

35 - 23 60-35% 0

0

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

11.56pm 3.13pm 5.39pm 6.50pm 4.52am

A1 5

LIFESTYLE SPECIFICATIONS 2017 Ford Edge Type: All-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback Engines STANDARD: 2.0-litre fourcylinder EcoBoost with 253PS@5,500rpm; 378Nm@2,500rpm AVAILABLE ON SEL AND TITANIUM:

#(. ,#),ŗ #-ŗ $/-.ŗ *& #(ŗ ŗ ,/#- ŗ &)(!ŗ -'))."&3ąŗ -#& (.&3ąŗ ( ŗ1#."ŗ&#..& ŗ î),.ąŗ ŗ1)/& ŗ!& ( ŗ *)1 ,ŗ $/-. & ŗ - .-ŗ 1#."ŗ * ,Ě )1(ŗ ( ŗ - ŗ ." ŗ -* )' . ,ŗ ), . ŗ -/ ŗ ġ ),ŗ , ." #&#.3Ģąŗ ,)--#(!ŗ ûüú%*"Ąŗ " ŗ " ,.3ŗ ) 3ŗ )'*& . ŗ 1#."ŗ " .#(!ŗ ( ŗ ))&Ě 1 -ŗ #''/( ŗ .)ŗ 1#( ŗ )( #.#)(-ąŗ #(!ąŗ .)ŗ ŗ '/&.#*& ŗ ,#0 ,ŗ ' '),3ŗ 0 (ŗ .ŗ"#!"ŗ-* -Ąŗ /.ŗ1" .ŗ )/.ŗ /( .#)(ąŗ ŗ . & - )*# ŗ *)1 ,ŗ .#&.ŗ ." ŗ1 % ( ŗ1 ,,#),ŗ * #&#.# -Ďŗ " ŗ!,)/( ŗ & , ( ŗ) ŗ." ŗ ! ŗ -. ,#(!ŗ )&/'(ąŗ ŗ-. !! ,#(!ŗ #!".ŗ /*ŗ")& ,-ŗġ!, .ŗ ),ŗ ŗ 0 , ! ŗ Ě #-ŗ ŗ , -* . & ŗ üú 'ąŗ /.ŗ ."#-ŗ #-ŗ ( .# ŗ&#% ŗ' ŗĈŗ' 3 ŗ (ŗ ' ,# (ŗ ().ŗ." ŗ0 "# & ŗ ),ŗ /( ŗ -"#(!ŗ),ŗ ."#(!ĎĢąŗ -"ŗ-.), ! ŗ ( ŗ)0 ," ŗ ,) %ŗ , 1&#(!Ąŗ )1 0 ,ąŗ 1 ŗ .))%ŗ -/(!& --ŗ")& ,ąŗ (.#Ě!& , ŗ'#,,),-ąŗ ." ŗ ! ŗ .)ŗ ." ŗ -&#!".&3ŗ ., " ,Ě )/,ŗ ûüĚ0)&.ŗ *)1 ,ŗ *)#(.-ąŗ * -- (Ě )/-ŗ#( &#( -ŗ) ŗ % (ŗ #&& ! ŗ ( ŗ ! ,ŗ (. ,. #(' (.ŗ-3-. '-ąŗ.)(-ŗ) ŗ .",)/!"ŗ ." ŗ $ (.ŗ !, 0 &ŗ ) ŗ ,!)ŗ -* ŗ 1#."ŗ )& Ěó .ŗ - )( ŗ #ŗ #-., &ŗ .)ŗ !#0 ŗ ." ŗ - , **3ŗ ,)1ŗ - .#(!ŗ ),ŗ '), ŗ ,))'ąŗ ( ŗ ŗ ŗ ŗ,) ŗ " && (! Ąŗ /,,)/( ŗ 3ŗ')(-.,)/-ŗþ2þ-ąŗ , '). ŗ -. ,.ŗ -3-. 'ŗ .)ŗ ! .ŗ ."#(!-ŗ 1 ŗ -&)1&3ŗ ' ŗ )/,ŗ 1 3ŗ /*ŗ ." ŗ (# ŗ ( ŗ ))&ŗ ), ŗ")**#(!ŗ#(Ąŗ " ŗ ' (#.# -ŗ , ŗ ().ŗ $/-.ŗ ')/(. #(ŗ* ."ąŗ ( ŗ -ŗ#.ŗ( ,,)1 ŗ .",)1(ŗ#(ąŗ 0 ,3."#(!ŗ#-ŗ ,!)()'#Ě ( ŗ !, 1ŗ '), ŗ *#.. ąŗ ŗ ./ &&3ŗ &&3ŗ ,, (! ŗ-)ŗ." .ŗ1" (ŗ3)/ŗ , ŗ 1),,# ŗ )/.ŗ ." ŗ )." ,ąŗ 1# ,ŗ ,#0#(!ąŗ 3)/ŗ (ŗ -#'*&3ŗ & (ŗ %ąŗ 0 "# & -ŗ #(ŗ )/,ŗ )(0)3ŗ ' %#(!ŗ #.ŗ #(ŗ3)/,ŗ* , .&3ŗ $/-. ŗ ( ŗ. 'Ě .1 (ŗ ." ŗ ')/(. #(ŗ 1 &&ŗ ( ŗ * , ./, ŗ )(.,)&& ŗ- .ąŗ ( ŗ ,/#- Ąŗ ." ŗ-" ,ŗ ,)*Ąŗ " ŗ ! ŗ-., #( ŗ " (! ŗ -)(!-ŗ ),ŗ ' % ŗ &&-ŗ 1#."Ě ŗ #.ŗ -ŗ." ŗ!,)/( ŗ ' ŗ/( 0 (ŗ )/.ŗ, ')0#(!ŗ3)/,ŗ" ( -ŗ ,)'ŗ." ŗ ( ŗ-. *ąŗ ( ŗ." , ŗ1 -ŗ-)' ŗ'#Ě -. ,#(!ŗ1" &ąŗ " (! ŗ& ( -ŗ1#."ŗ ŗ (),ŗ.3, ŗ-&#** ! ŗ)(ŗ." ŗ&))- ŗ-)#&ŗ !& ( ŗ#(ŗ3)/,ŗ-# ŗ0# 1ŗ'#,,),-ŗġ()ŗ ( ŗ!, 0 &ąŗ /.ŗ1 ŗ ' ,! ŗ .ŗ." ŗ ( %ŗ , (#(!ŗ ( -- ,3ąŗ ." (%-ŗ .)ŗ .)*ŗ ) ŗ ." ŗ ')/(. #(ŗ /(- ." Ąŗ )&&#-#)(ŗ & ,.-Ģąŗ ( ŗ1" (ŗ#.ē-ŗ.#' ŗ )1(ŗ#(ŗ." ŗ1 #ąŗ." ŗ ! ŗ ! #(ŗ .)ŗ-+/ 4 ŗ#(.)ŗ)( ŗ) ŗ.")- ŗ().),#Ě " & ŗ #.-ŗ )1(ąŗ ( ŗ ." ŗ ,)(.ŗ 0# 1ŗ )/-&3ŗ .#!".ŗ * ,%#(!ŗ -*).-ŗ .ŗ ŗ ' , ŗ*,)0# ŗ0#. &ŗ0#-# #&#.3ŗ-)ŗ ' &&ŗ ),ŗ )(ŗ ." ŗ ),(# " ąŗ ." , ŗ #-ŗ ŗ 1 ŗ1 , ŗ & ŗ.)ŗ' () /0, ŗ ,)/( ŗ .,/&3ŗ , ' ,% & ŗ * ,%ŗ --#-.ŗ /( Ě & ,! ŗ-.)( -Ąŗ .ŗ1 -ŗ-&)1ŗ!)#(!ąŗ /.ŗ .#)(ŗ ." .ŗ 1#&&ŗ . % ŗ , ŗ ) ŗ * , && &ŗ )( ŗ1)/& (ē.ŗ 2* .ŗ ŗ ,)--)0 ,ŗ.)ŗ * ,%#(!ąŗ * ,* ( # /& ,ŗ * ,%#(!ąŗ )/( ŗ)0 ,ŗ)îĚ,) ŗ. ,, #(Ąŗ #0 (ŗ ( ŗ 2#.#(!ŗ ." .ŗ .#!".ŗ -*).ąŗ /.)Ě ." ŗ0 "# & ē-ŗ* , ),' ( ŗ)(ŗ." - ŗ ' .# &&3Ąŗ )/ŗ$/-.ŗ1),%ŗ." ŗ* &-ŗ . ,, #(-ąŗ ŗ &ŗ )(ð (.ŗ ." .ŗ ." ŗ ! ŗ 1)/& ŗ " 0 ŗ &#..& ŗ #ö /&.&3ŗ ( ŗ." ŗ ,ŗ1#&&ŗ )ŗ." ŗ, -.Ąŗ "#-ŗ #-ŗ ().ŗ ŗ /&%3ŗ ,)--)0 ,ąŗ )(ŗ ŗ "ŗ1#."ŗ" , Ě* %ŗ- ( Ąŗ

) ŗ1#."ŗ- .3ŗ ./, -ąŗ )'Ě ' %#(!ŗ#.ŗ# &ŗ ),ŗ." ŗ " && (! -ŗ) ŗ #.3ŗ* ,%#(!ŗ ( ŗ' () /0,#(!ąŗ /.ŗ ),.ŗ ' (#.# -ąŗ ( ŗ -*),.3ŗ 2. ,( &ŗ #.ŗ#-ŗ &-)ŗ ,ŗ ,)'ŗ #'#(/.#0 ąŗ1#."ŗ -.3&#(!ąŗ &)(!ŗ 1#."ŗ .,/&3ŗ 0 ,- .#& ŗ *& (.3ŗ) ŗ-* ŗ ),ŗ* -- (! ,-ŗ1#."ŗ " ( &#(!ŗ )*.#)(-ŗ ),ŗ #.3ŗ ,#0#(!ŗ , &#(#(!ŗ %ŗ- .-ŗ ( ŗ ŗ! ( ,)/-ŗ ( ŗ 2 /,-#)(-ŗ #(.)ŗ ." ŗ !, .ŗ )/.Ě ,!)ŗ , Ąŗ " ŗ.1#(Ě./, )ŗüĄāŗ&#., ŗ )),-ąŗ." ŗ ! ŗ' 3ŗ ŗ." ŗ/&.#' . ŗ Āŗ ) ))-.ŗ (!#( ŗ#-ŗ -.Ąŗ ŗ" ŗ.)ŗ ') ,(ŗ '#&3ŗ0 "# & Ąŗŗ 1 . "ŗ '3- & ŗ )(ŗ ." ŗ , 1 3-Ąŗ -ŗŗ —felicia@timesofoman.com

3.5-litre Ti-VCT V6 with 283PS@6,500; 340Nm@4,000rpm STANDARD ON SPORT: 2.7-litre EcoBoost® V6 with 340PS@3,250rpm; 542Nm@3,000rpm

ŗ<FROM " ŗ

A14 .")/!". /&ąŗ ,)'ŗ." ŗûúĚ1 3ŗ

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Transmission: Sixspeed SelectShift® automatic with paddle shifters HIGHLIGHTS Ċŗ 1ŗûĂúĚ !, ŗ ,)(.ŗ 'Ě , ŗ1#."ŗ1 -" ,ćŗ-. ( , ŗ , ,ŗ ' , Ċŗ (" ( ŗ .#0 ŗ ,%ŗŗ --#-.ŗ1#."ŗ* , && &ŗ ( ŗ , 0 ,- ŗ* ,%#(! Ċŗ *.#0 ŗ ,/#- ŗ )(.,)&ŗ 1#."ŗ )&&#-#)(ŗ ,(#(!ŗ ( ŗ , % ŗ /**),. Ċŗ *.#0 ŗ-. ,#(!ŗ." .ŗ *.-ŗ.)ŗ ,#0#(!ŗ )( #.#)(-ŗ .)ŗ' % ŗ-. ,#(!ŗ -# ,ŗ .ŗŗ &)1ŗ-* Ċŗ ( Ě *#(!ŗ 3-. 'ŗ.)ŗ --#-.ŗ." ŗ ,#0 ,ŗ1" (ŗ." ŗ 0 "# & ŗ ,# .-ŗ)/.ŗ) ŗ." #,ŗ& ( Ċŗ # , .#(!ŗ-. ,#(!ŗ1" &ŗ 0# , . -ŗ.)ŗ & ,.ŗ." ŗ ,#0 ,ŗ.)ŗ , ./,(ŗ.)ŗ." #,ŗ& ( Ċŗ īŗ1#."ŗ ,)--Ě , ö ŗ & ,. Ċŗ īŗ1#."ŗ 3 ), ŗ )/ "īŗ.)/ "- , (ŗ#(. ,Ě ŗ #-*& 3#(!ŗ*")( ąŗ / #)ŗ ( ŗ 0 #& & ŗ( 0#! .#)(ŗ /( .#)(Ċŗ ( -Ě , ŗ&# .! . Ċŗüúđŗ !ŗŘ )1Ě &)--ŗ !( .# Ě #(. ŗ )&#-" ŗ #'-ŗġ . ( , ŗ)(ŗ *),.Ģ AUTHORISED DEALER: Arabian Car Marketing Company Ford Showroom, Wattayah +968 2457 9719


A16

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

LIFESTYLE

HOW TO INCREASE THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR CAR

D

ue to the progress of modern day technology and science, cars are generally designed to meet the fuel economy standard which can be customised. Most of the people are devoid of any knowledge about car tuning, since they discard it fast, saying that this is quite tough and beyond the grasp. In order to improve your car performance, you need to provide more powerful combustion. You can increase or modify the engine of your car so that it can go along with the changes. For this, you just need to know the basics and need to maintain a record of the previous checkup of your car. Here are some tips on how to increase the performance of your car. Tuning of Your Engine There are few important things which can provide the performance of your car or truck a muchneeded boost or upgrade. All you need to do is to install a small performance chip. In general, the performance chip is needed to be put in the engines which have the fuel injection along with the Electric Control unit or diesel remap. Very often, due to the presence of the performance chip, the engine of your car or any other vehicle gets almost 10% power boost. The nonturbo engines, in this case, get al-

most 25-30% power boost. Some of the home based turners are also there along with modern day software. One can also customise the shift points, tyre diameter and upgrades, based on the earlier records. The home-based turners can also improve and increase the gas mileage per glass tank.

Tuning and the Air Filters Many people have cars which are fuel-injected. Adding massive airflow can also be an option for upgrading your car performance. In order to add massive amount of air flow, one needs to remove the original air box with the air filter and replace the old one with the new cold air intake system. The cold air intake system refers to the cone-filter which can be added quite directly to the meter of the air flow. This entire thing enables the user to create a directed as well as uninterrupted airflow and enables the users to keep a track of the engine temperature. Seek Help of Aftermarket Exhaust Aftermarket Exhaust enables your car to exhaust from time to time and at the same time, improve the horsepower. This system enables the car to have a much better air flow. In general, when your vehicle performances, the lower way out provides the energy which is a bit

problematic. You need to combine more and more air. The more you can find the amount of car engines emitting air, the more air is needed to be pushed through the exhaust. This will help you in making more room than necessary. Through Upgrading Suspension Most often people overlook other area of car tuning which is building a suspension. If you can lower your car with some drop kit, you can enhance the car appearances and performances. Lowering of the car is also responsible for enhancing the results of the aerodynamics since it prevents more air from getting under the car by lowering the gravitational centre. Maintenance Record This goes for every service or product upgradation related to any kind of vehicles or tools. In order to make a machine more and more useful, you need to make many outgoing contacts too. This is why it is important to maintain a thorough track record as well as a maintenance record. Apart from the above mentioned, running a good research can be of great help in this regard. This can help you in reducing your confusion and deciding exactly what you want. — Artipot


B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

MARKE

AFAQ RECEIVES OFFER

Afaq Al Musana Trading Company (a subsidiary company in which Oman Investment and Finance Company has 60 per cent stake) has received a non-binding offer from a potential strategic investor to acquire 40 per cent of the shares of Afaq. - Times News Service Muscat 5,537.97 - 24.34 - 0.44%

Dubai 3,355.37 + 14.88 + 0.45%

Abu Dhabi 4,299.37 + 4.91 + 0.11%

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

Kuwait 5,330.49 + 9.03 + 0.17%

Saudi Arabia

5,720.63 + 68.83 + 1.22%

Bahrain 1,147.42 - 4.43 - 0.38%

Qatar 10,433.95 - 4.50 - 0.04%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.36 Pound ...........................................2.10 Indian Rs ............................. 173.46 Pakistan Rs ........................267.45 Bangla Taka......................200.88

Indian Rs ...................................173.65 Pakistan Rs ..............................271.85 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka........................... 203.55 Phil Peso .................................... 125.16

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

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........ $48.27 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$48.02 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$50.00 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) .........$47.94 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ..........$51.91 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$50.90

* Rates are as of October 23 Source: Bank Muscat

* Rates as of October 23 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

China retains top position in importing Oman Crude China purchased 180.99 million barrels from Oman in the first nine months of 2016, which constitutes 74.97 per cent of Oman’s 241.41 million barrel crude oil exports during January-September period of 2016

Times News Service MUSCAT: China retained its top position as the leading importer of Oman Crude by purchasing as much as 180.99 million barrels from the Sultanate in the first nine months of 2016. This constitutes 74.97 per cent of Oman’s 241.41 million barrel crude oil exports during January-September period of 2016, according to statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) on Sunday. In 2015, China was the top importer of Oman Crude, with imports of 237.56 million barrels, out of the Sultanate’s total exports of 308.14 million barrels.

The Sultanate’s total crude oil exports grew by 3.8 per cent to 241.41 million barrels in JanuarySeptember period of 2016, compared to 232.52 million barrels for the same period last year. However, the average price of Oman Crude in international markets plunged by 36 per cent to $38.3 per barrel in the first nine months of 2016, from $59.8 a barrel during the same period last year, according to the NCSI data. Oil revenues tumble As a result, the country’s net oil revenues tumbled by 43.6 per cent to OMR2,126 million during the January-August period, against OMR3,770.4 million in the same

EXPORTS GROW: The Sultanate of Oman’s total crude oil exports grew by 3.8 per cent to 241.41 million barrels in January-September period of 2016, compared to 232.52 million barrels for the same period last year. The picture is used only for illustrative purpose. – File picture

period of 2015. Taiwan (14.84 million barrels), the United States (12.92 million barrels), Japan (11.09 million barrels) and South Korea (10.11 million barrels) followed China as leading importers of Oman Crude. Other countries importing Oman Crude

PRODUCTION CUT

Russian, Gulf oil ministers to discuss production cut MOSCOW: Russia’s energy minister met counterparts from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oilproducers to discuss steps to stabilise crude markets amid Opec’s drive to win cooperation from the biggest supplier outside the group in limiting output to prop up prices. Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates gathered in Riyadh for oil talks at the offices of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretariat. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak met them later on Sunday for a separate round of talks and was expected to speak afterward at a

news conference. Oman was the only one of the GCC’s six members not attending. GCC countries “Oil markets are on the way to being re-balanced,” Saudi Arabia’s Energy and Industry Minister Khalid Al Falih said at the start of the GCC meeting. “Low oil prices are putting pressure on GCC countries’ development plans.” Russia was invited to attend the Gulf ministers’ talks, he said. “We are working with Russia and other oil producers to stabilise the market.” Novak is set to meet representatives of the Opec on Monday

in Vienna for talks that could include production cuts, and officials from Russia and Saudi Arabia will hold bilateral discussions later this month. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to cooperate with Opec, he’s been vague about whether the country will trim output or just freeze production at September’s post-Soviet record. Opec is seeking to attract other producers to join the plan it agreed in Algeria meeting to put into effect the group’s first output cuts in eight years. Crude plunged to a 12-year low in January, squeezing the budgets of producers. - Bloomberg News

in the first nine months included Singapore, India and Thailand. Meanwhile, the country’s total crude oil and condensate production grew by 2.9 per cent to 274.89 million barrels (1,003,200 barrels per day) in the first nine months of this year, against 267.06 million bar-

rels during the same period in 2015.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......15.55 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............153.50 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............ 144.00 * Rates as of October 23 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

R E A L E S TAT E M A R K E T

Worst is over for Dubai real estate as buyers return ABU DHABI: Dubai’s property market is bottoming out as buyers return to the market and the emirate offers an alternative to investors worried about the UK’s Brexit vote, according to Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah. “I think the worst is over,” he said in an interview in Singapore. “Dubai is growing, we are seeing signs of more inquiries — serious inquiries — and I think that’s a sign of recovery. The market is maturing, we are seeing more serious, cautious investors, not speculators,” he added Real estate sales in the emirate fell almost 30 per cent by value in the first seven months of the year, according to data from the Dubai Land Department, as a slump in oil prices led to an economic slowdown in Gulf countries. Real estate analysts see either a flat market or a further slowdown in 2017 with Jesse Downs, managing director at real estate consultant Phidar Advisory predicting a 10 per cent drop in values after a 7 per cent slide this year. Lootah is visiting Singapore to market Nakheel’s Palm 360 and Palm Tower projects to overseas investors. - Bloomberg News


B2

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

MARKET MSM index ends lower

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,562.53 ...............5,537.66 ....................5,537.97 ................... 5,562.31............... -24.34 .................. -0.44 Financial Index .....................................7,245.28 ............... 7,193.01 .....................7,197.11 ................... 7,248.18................ -51.07 .................. -0.70 Industrial Index ..................................... 7,151.11 ................7,137.78 .................... 7,143.18 .....................7,151.11...................-7.93 ...................-0.11 Services Index ...................................... 3,041.44 .............. 3,034.82 ...................3,034.82 ...................3,041.29.................. -6.47 .................. -0.21 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................852.72 ..................849.37 .......................849.37 ...................... 852.68...................-3.31 .................. -0.39 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 9,595,215 ....................2,244,394 .....................616 ............... 17,271,464,075 .................. 7 ......................17 .................... 13 .........................37

The top gainer was Takaful Oman, up by 2.11 per cent, while National Mineral Water was

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

the top loser with loss of 16.67 per cent ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Selling pressure in large caps weighed on the MSM 30 Index, which declined by 0.44 per cent to close at 5,537.97 points. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 849.37 points, down by 0.39 per cent. Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. The top gainer was Takaful Oman, up by 2.11 per cent, while National Mineral Water was the top loser with loss of 16.67 per cent. As many as 616 trades were executed on Sunday, generating turnover of OMR2.24 million with 9.6 million shares changing hands. Out of 37 traded securities, seven advanced, 17 declined and 13 remained unchanged. Omani investors remained net buyers of OMR654,000 followed by GCC and Arab investors for OMR178,000 while foreign investors were net sellers of OMR832,000 worth of shares. Financial Index ended negatively at 7,197.11 points, down by 0.70 per cent. Takaful Oman, Global Financial Investment, Al Batinah Investment and Developmentand Oman United Insurance gained 2.11 per cent, 1.14 per cent, 1.14 per cent and 0.69 per cent, respectively. Al Madina Investment, HSBC Bank Oman, Al Sharqia Investment, Al Madina Takaful and Bank Sohar declined by 6.78 per cent, 1.69 per cent, 1.64 per cent, 1.43 per cent and 1.36 per cent, respectively. Industrial Index retreated by 0.11 per cent to close at 7,143.18 points. Oman Flour Mills, up by

1.23 per cent, was the only sector gainer. National Mineral Water, Al Hassan Engineering, Galfar Engineering and Oman Fisheries declined by 16.67 per cent, 3.23 per cent, 2.08 per cent and 1.67 per cent, respectively. Services Index declined by 0.21 per cent to end the session at 3,034.82 points. Port Services Corp. and Sembcorp Salalah increased by 1.67 per cent and 0.42 per cent, respectively. Al Jazeera Service, Ooredoo Oman, OIFC and Oman Telecommunications Company declined by 4.32 per cent, 1.19 per cent, 1.10 per cent and 0.67 per cent, respectively.

REGULAR MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 483,475 ..........117,296..................... 50 ........... 0.239 ...........0.245 ...........0.239........... 0.243 .............0.239 ........... 0.004............. 1.674 ................0.243..............0.243...................0.245 ..................23,094,720.........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 761,500 .........220,850......................19 ........... 0.290...........0.300 ...........0.290 .......... 0.290 .............0.288 ........... 0.002............. 0.694 ................0.290..............0.283...................0.290 ..................29,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 327,916 ..........160,834..................... 37 ........... 0.490 ...........0.492 ...........0.490........... 0.490 .............0.490 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.492..............0.492...................0.500 ................. 311,537,535 ........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ..................................................................892 ...................391........................1 ........... 0.438 ........... 0.438 ...........0.438........... 0.438 .............0.438 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.438..............0.438...................0.450................. 144,922,247 .......0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES .................................67,000 .............10,864........................6 ............0.163 ........... 0.163 ...........0.162 ........... 0.162 .............0.162............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.162 ..............0.160...................0.162................... 47,986,616 .........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ............................................ 500 .................. 109........................1 ............0.217 ........... 0.217 ...........0.217 ........... 0.216 .............0.216............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.217 .............. 0.215...................0.225 ..................64,535,978 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 526,112 .............99,961......................19 ............0.190 ........... 0.190 ...........0.190........... 0.190 .............0.190 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.190..............0.190...................0.199..................128,228,612........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ........................................................235 .................. 106........................1 ........... 0.450 ...........0.450 ...........0.450........... 0.486 .............0.486 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.450..............0.450...................0.486...................25,515,000 .........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ..........................................................5,000 ..................720........................2 ............0.144 ........... 0.144 ...........0.144............0.145 ............. 0.145............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.144..............0.143...................0.144..................212,077,212 ........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 181,952 ............ 30,823......................21 ............0.168 ........... 0.170 ...........0.166 ............0.169 ............. 0.170............-0.001 ........... -0.588 ...............0.170 ..............0.170................... 0.171 ................... 29,575,415 .........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 133,859...........199,617......................17 ............1.500 ........... 1.500 ...........1.490........... 1.490 .............1.500 ...........-0.010 ........... -0.667 ...............1.490 ..............1.490...................1.500................ 1,117,500,000 ......0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,450,007 ......609,009................... 156 ........... 0.422 ...........0.422 ...........0.418 ........... 0.420 .............0.424 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.943 ...............0.420..............0.420...................0.422 ...............1,048,425,108 ......0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE................54,593 ...............9,827........................6 ............0.180 ........... 0.183 ...........0.180........... 0.180 .............0.182............-0.002 ........... -1.099................0.180.............. 0.181...................0.183...................36,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 341,204 .........226,929..................... 75 ........... 0.672 ........... 0.676 ...........0.660........... 0.664 .............0.672 ...........-0.008 ............-1.190................0.660..............0.652...................0.664................. 432,226,969 .......0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 692,288 .........100,382.....................20 ............0.145 ........... 0.145 ...........0.145 ............0.145 ............. 0.147............-0.002 ............-1.361................0.145 .............. 0.145...................0.146................. 232,652,404 .......0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................... 11,400 .................. 787........................2 ........... 0.069 ...........0.069 ...........0.069........... 0.069 .............0.070 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.429 ...............0.069..............0.069...................0.070...................12,075,000 .........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ...............................................7,386 ............... 1,310........................3 ............0.178 ........... 0.178 ...........0.177 ............0.177 ............. 0.185............-0.008 ........... -4.324 ...............0.177 .............. 0.177...................0.183................... 10,833,156 .........0.100

Saudi stocks gain Saudi Arabian stocks led gains across most Gulf equities, rising for a third day on optimism the kingdom will repay companies after it raised a record $17.5 billion from its debut international bond sale. The Tadawul All Share Index added 1.5 per cent in Riyadh to 5,737.97, set for the highest level in a month. Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development was the mosttraded stock after it posted an increase in quarterly profit for the first time in a year. Dubai’s DFM General Index added 0.5 per cent. Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s largest economy, sold the biggest ever foreign bond from an emerging-market nation and vowed to increase payments to contractors, sparking a stock rally that boosted the market capitalisation of the exchange by about $12 billion. – United Securities/Bloomberg News

OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 1,149,998 ........ 63,453..................... 54 ........... 0.058 ...........0.058 ...........0.054........... 0.055 .............0.059 ...........-0.004 ........... -6.780 ...............0.056..............0.056...................0.057................... 11,393,326 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 6,195,317....1,853,266...................490 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......18........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PARALLEL MARKET ................................................................................................................................................................................. OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ............................. 46,000 ...............6,653........................8 ............0.142 ........... 0.149 ...........0.142............0.145 .............0.142 ........... 0.003............. 2.113.................0.149 ..............0.146...................0.149...................14,500,000.........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS .................................................12,945 ............... 8,471........................2 ........... 0.652 ........... 0.656 ...........0.652........... 0.656 .............0.648 ........... 0.008............. 1.235 ................0.656..............0.652...................0.660 .................103,320,000 .......0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ..................75,664 ............. 13,391......................14 ............0.176 ........... 0.180 ...........0.176 ............0.177 ............. 0.175............ 0.002............. 1.143.................0.177 .............. 0.177...................0.179 ...................35,400,000.........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ........................ 10,933 .................. 973........................2 ........... 0.089 ...........0.089 ...........0.089........... 0.089 .............0.088 ............0.001 ..............1.136.................0.089..............0.088...................0.089....................2,670,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.............................................. 170,000 ...........40,580........................6 ........... 0.238 ...........0.240 ...........0.238........... 0.239 .............0.238 ............0.001 .............0.420 ................0.238..............0.236...................0.240 .................228,142,696........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE............................................................961 ................... 111........................1 ............0.115 ........... 0.115............ 0.115 ........... 0.120 .............0.120 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.115 ...............0.115...................0.120...................32,005,869.........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ....................................................................100 .....................22........................1 ............0.218 ........... 0.218 ...........0.218............0.217 ............. 0.217............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.218 ..............0.205...................0.229 .................412,126,704 ........0.100 OM0000002580 ...........OMAN EDU. & TRIN. INV. ............................................... 480 .....................78........................1 ............0.163 ........... 0.163 ...........0.163 ............0.176 ............. 0.176............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.163 .............. 0.165...................0.190...................12,320,000.........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ..................................... 460 ...............2,070........................2 ........... 4.500...........4.500 ...........4.500 .......... 4.500 .............4.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................4.500 ............ 0.000...................4.750...................44,010,972.........1.000 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 528,030 .........100,326......................18 ............0.190 ........... 0.190 ...........0.190........... 0.190 .............0.190 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.190..............0.190...................0.193.................. 135,737,205 ........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ................................................. 100,250 ............10,928........................3 ............0.110 ........... 0.110............0.109........... 0.109 ............. 0.110............-0.001 ........... -0.909 ...............0.109..............0.108...................0.109................... 27,641,310 .........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,381,937 .......109,173.....................20 ........... 0.079 ........... 0.079 ...........0.079........... 0.079 .............0.080 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.250 ...............0.079..............0.079...................0.080 .................118,500,000........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............98,003 ............. 11,720......................13 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ...........0.119 ........... 0.120 .............0.122 ...........-0.002 ............-1.639................0.120.............. 0.119...................0.120...................10,800,000.........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ....................................................... 86,173 ...............5,089........................4 ........... 0.060 ...........0.060 ...........0.059........... 0.059 .............0.060 ...........-0.001 ............-1.667................0.059..............0.059...................0.060 ................... 7,375,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ......................................................65,079 ............... 7,549........................5 ............0.116 ........... 0.116............0.116 ............0.116 ............. 0.118 ............-0.002 ............-1.695................0.116 .............. 0.116...................0.120................. 232,036,284 .......0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 750,703 ........... 70,588......................19 ........... 0.094 ........... 0.095 ...........0.094........... 0.094 .............0.096 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.083 ...............0.095..............0.095...................0.096...................27,258,180 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 3,327,718 ........387,721....................119 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......16........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Sohar Freezone receives major award for investment Times News Service MUSCAT: Sohar Freezone has been selected as winner of the New Investments Award in the 2016 fDi Magazine Free Zones of The Year Awards, in its annual search for the best free zones. fDi magazine is a part of the UK’s Financial Times newspaper group. Sohar is the only winner in this category in the Middle East region. Editor Courtney Fingar congratulated Sohar on this significant achievement as she presented the award to Sohar executive commercial manager Marc Evertse. “Despite the currently low oil prices and all the global economic volatility, interest in Sohar Freezone has not declined and we have seen some significant new investments signed over the past year. For example, Chinese investors from the Jiangsu Changbao Steel Tube Company are building a greenfield steel mill to produce seamless steel pipes for a broad range of industries, including oil and gas extraction, chemicals, automobiles and machinery manufacturing,” said Jamal T. Aziz, chief executive officer of Freezone, commenting on the New Investments Award. The prospects for continued strong growth at Sohar Freezone look positive, with its prime loca-

ACHIEVEMENT: fDi Magazine editor Courtney Fingar congratulat-

ed Sohar on the achievement as she presented the award to Sohar executive commercial manager Marc Evertse. - Supplied picture

tion next door to one of the world’s fastest growing ports, handling over 2,500 ships a year and an abundant supply of feedstock. Combined with excellent landside connectivity, boasting new and uncongested highways to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states, reasonable energy rates and a supportive legal and regulatory framework, Sohar Freezone is well on track for more success in the years ahead as planning commences to develop phase two. Mark Geilenkirchen, chief executive officer of SOHAR, said he was delighted about the decision from fDi Magazine. “Oman is concentrating on the logistics and transportation sector through a

consolidated and long-term logistics strategy. The plan is to improve soft infrastructure, support mechanisms and national institutions, to catapult the Sultanate into the top ten of the world’s most logistics-friendly economies by 2040. As one of the region’s prime logistical hubs, SOHAR will play a critical role in these plans. We envisage developing the Freezone as a hub for innovation, especially in the logistics sector,” he added. The fDi New Investments Award was a timely reminder that setting up a Freezone business in the Middle East was never more straightforward thanks to the onestop-shop system that Sohar has developed over the past few years.


MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

B3

MARKET CORD-CUTTING AGE

AT&T buys Time Warner in transformative Hollywood deal NEW YORK: Rise of millennial cord-cutters has now made its most definitive mark on corporate America: The $85 billion marriage of telecom giant AT&T and media juggernaut Time Warner. And reverberations of the deal unveiled on Saturday will resonate the most in corner offices across Hollywood’s biggest television and film lots. The company established by inventor Alexander Graham Bell in 1879 that survived radical changes in the telephone industry has just come rushing into the modern media age. AT&T’s acquisition will provide customers with a massive amount of content to beam to its wireless, broadband and satellite TV customers. Buying Time

Warner - itself dating back to when Albert, Sam, Harry and Jack Warner incorporated their fledgling movie studio in 1923 - gives AT&T access to programming from HBO, Warner Bros., and networks CNN, TBS and TNT. Delivering content The combination puts all of Hollywood on notice about how to navigate a quickly shifting media landscape - deal or no deal? Only cable giant Comcast, which in 2011 acquired NBC and Universal Pictures, harnesses the same kind of firepower in delivering content directly to viewers. But it throws into question how everyone from Rupert Murdoch’s

21st Century Fox to cable baron John Malone’s control of Lionsgate/Starz might respond. “Premium content always wins. It has been true on the big screen, the TV screen and now it’s proving true on the mobile screen,” said AT&T chief executive Randall Stephenson after the deal was announced. “We’ll have the world’s best premium content with the networks to deliver it to every screen.” The boards of AT&T and Time Warner were in talks for months before reaching a final agreement this weekend, according to people familiar with the negotiations. The acquisition is one of the most lucrative of the year, handing Time Warner shareholders $107.50 a

Remittances to developing nations to grow India, China, the Philippines, Mexico and Pakistan lead the mid-2016 table of remittance recipients among low and middleincome countries

This is good news, because remittances are a powerful force for income equality, and help raise income levels, quality of life, and economic activity in emerging markets Sudhesh Giriyan

Chief operating officer, Xpress Money

Times News Service MUSCAT: Remittance outflows from the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region are expected to edge up by 1.6 per cent for 2016 year despite cyclically low oil prices, according to Xpress Money. The latest World Bank report said that remittance growth to emerging markets has slowed in 2016 but has continued to hold its own for the year even in the face of market uncertainty. Remittances to low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are projected to hit $442 billion in 2016 – an increase of 0.8 per cent over the previous year. India, China, the Philippines, Mexico and Pakistan lead the mid2016 table of remittance recipients among LMICs. Nepal heads the table for countries most reliant on remittances to bolster GDP, followed by Liberia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic and Haiti. “It is heartening to see that economic challenges have not entirely stopped the growth of remittances. The remittance sector

is holding on even as other market economic indicators register quite mixed readings. This is good news, because remittances are a powerful force for income equality, and help raise income levels, quality of life, and economic activity in emerging markets. They make families and communities more prosperous, and help people pull themselves out of poverty,” said Sudhesh Giriyan, chief operating officer of Xpress Money. According to Xpress Money, the remittance industry is possibly one of the few industries that posts year-on-year growth, despite global market conditions. In 2008, when the world faced an economic meltdown, the remittance industry remained resilient and since 2010, the remittance industry has posted a positive 3.8 per cent year-on-year growth. The remittance industry is one of the few industries that has posted nominal growth despite gloomy economic data. For

instance, container traffic – considered a proxy for trade growth – has flat lined in 2016, with 10 of the world’s top 30 ports reporting a decline in traffic. Similarly, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is estimating that global trade growth is at its lowest levels since the financial crisis in 2009.Global retail too is being hit, despite low oil prices reducing goods manufacture and transport cost. “While collated remittance data for 2016 won’t be released for a while, we’ve seen that global remittances have managed to survive the storm. We are looking forward to seeing a remittance recovery in the latter half of the year, and expect it to gather pace in early 2017. We expect 2017 to be a good year for remittances to developing countries – which will boost quality of life and spur investment in infrastructure, education and healthcare,” Giriyan added.

share in a cash-and-stock transaction that represents a more than 40 per cent premium to where shares traded last week. Putting the deal in perspective for the entertainment industry, the acquisition could bring massive benefits to AT&T’s 45.5 million DirecTV and U-verse viewers along with 142 million wireless subscribers. It would give AT&T rights to hits like Game of Thrones, Westworld and True Detective, along with Warner Bros. film legacies such as Batman and Harry Potter. AT&T can also tap into HBO’s 130 million cable and online streaming subscribers. “Combining with AT&T dramatically accelerates our ability to de-

liver our great brands and premium content to consumers on a multiplatform basis and to capitalise on the tremendous opportunities created by the growing demand for video content,” said Time Warner chief executive Jeff Bewkes. Near-hostile takeover bid Indeed, the deal marks a pivotal moment for Bewkes since he took stewardship of Time Warner in 2007. He pledged to shareholders two years ago that the company was worth remaining independent in the face of an $80 billion nearhostile takeover attempt by Murdoch, holding steadfast to the belief a more lucrative deal could be had. Analysts say Bewkes, long con-

sidered a managerial placeholder until he could find just the right suitor, has been cautious about striking just any deal. On one side, Bewkes has been hampered by the disastrous combination with AOL more than 16 years ago that has continued to spook Wall Street. Yet, on the other side, he’s watched idly as rival Disney picked off top Hollywood brands like Marvel, Luscasfilm and Pixar. Shareholders have given Bewkes extraordinary leeway, especially considering earnings are up 15 percent this year despite a disappointing performance by its flagship Warner Bros. film studio. The company also has pacified. - Bloomberg News


B4

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

FEATURE

Upbeat outlook for shale producers Instead of falling victim to the Saudiled battle for market share, the shale industry will provide the spare capacity to meet future demand.

W

hen the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries started its price war, the US shale boom looked doomed. Two years and a u-turn in Opec policy, executives at the annual Oil and Money conference in London painted an upbeat outlook for shale, with giants like Exxon Mobil Corp. and ConocoPhillips saying the industry has not just survived the bust, but will continue to have a global influence. “We have confirmed the viability of a very large resource base in North America,” said Exxon chief executive officer Rex Tillerson. “Never bet against the creativity and tenacity of this segment of our industry.” The consequences will reverberate through the energy industry and the world economy. A cohort of shale producers ready to boost output when prices rise could cap any recovery at about $60 a barrel for the next couple of years, regardless of any Opec moves to cut pro-

duction. Instead of falling victim to the Saudi-led battle for market share, Tillerson said the industry will provide the “spare capacity” to meet future demand. Warning bells It is a view that puts Tillerson at odds with some of the industry most powerful voices, including Khalid Al Falih, the Saudi energy minister, and Patrick Pouyanne, the CEO of French oil giant Total SA. Both men warned that two years of low prices and investment cuts have left the global industry ill equipped to supply enough oil by the end of the decade. “Many analysts are now sounding warning bells about future supply shortfalls and I am in that camp,” Al Falih said. Whether a shortage arrives by the turn of the next decade is yet to be seen. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said that oil prices of about $50 to $60 a barrel can stimulate enough supply for short-term

needs until 2020. The Paris-based adviser has also warned about the long-term impact of unprecedented cuts in spending. In the meantime, the industry’s nearly unanimous view is that shale output can grow again. The US Energy Information Administration expects crude production to start rising again in the first quarter of 2017, reaching 8.8 million barrels a day by the end of next year from about 8.4 million barrels now. That would still be short of the 9.6 million barrel-a-day peak in June 2015. Still, after a two-year price war the industry has emerged battle-hardened, with executives saying over panel discussions and cocktail parties in London that they are more optimistic now they can weather low prices. ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan Lance told the conference that US shale output will “come back strongly” supported by lower costs. New oil wells are viable in the Permian, Eagle Ford and Bakken shale basins at just $40 a barrel, he said. “The oil

price is essentially unchanged from the conference last year, but the tone from the companies seemed more optimistic,” said Lydia Rainforth, oil equity analyst at Barclays Plc in London. “Most speakers at the conference referenced $50 to $60 a barrel as a reasonable oil price for the oil market near term.” Junk bonds In an unusually open speech, Andrew Gould, board director at stateowned Saudi Arabian Oil Co., said that a $50-to-$60 a barrel price would be “sufficient to develop the low-cost resources to provide increases that will be necessary over the next three to four years.” Perhaps the best indicator of the changing fortune of shale is the plunge in yields of junk energy debt. At its worst in February, investors sold off shale bonds, pushing yields to a record 21 per cent. Today, they are trading at 7 per cent, a level similar to when oil traded at about $100 a barrel. “The equity and debt market is open for US

shale companies”, said David Foley, CEO of Blackstone Energy Partners LP, the private equity fund. After a two-year hiatus, initial public offerings have returned to the American oil patch, with Extraction Oil & Gas LLC raising $633 million this month. It is not just shale producers expressing more optimism. Major oil companies also hailed a new environment, with BP Plc CEO Bob Dudley saying the company will be able to balance its books next year at about $55 a barrel, not far above current prices. For Opec, there is cause for both celebration and concern. After a two-year war downturn that wreaked economic havoc in several member countries, oil is trading at the highest level in more than a year and the prospect of a return to $30 or lower seems remote. While the group can claim that it has successfully set a floor for prices, the resilience of its rivals means the ceiling may not be too far away. – Bloomberg News


B

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

SECTION

END CALL SAVE LIVES

E-

A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

IMES TECH STUFF

PHONE BATTERIES EMITTING TOXIC GASES

Not just catching up fire or exploding as you sleep next to them, dozens of dangerous gases are being produced by the batteries found in billions of consumer devices like smartphones and tablets, scientists have warned. The team has identified more than 100 toxic gases released by lithium-ion batteries, including carbon monoxide, which can cause strong irritations to the skin, eyes and nasal passages and harm the wider environment. - IANS

T E C H U P D AT E S

Now you make calls with Windows 10 Messenger app Social media giant Facebook has rolled out a new update to its Messenger app that now lets Windows 10 — just like for Android and iOS — users to make voice and video calls, a media report said. Until now, a user had to leave Messenger for Windows 10 and go to Messenger.com or Facebook.com to make voice or video calls. The phone icon on the updated Messenger is on the top right corner of the screen in the Windows 10 app. A chat glows green when the other person is currently active, Venturebeat reported. When you start a call, the app asks the user if the “calls use Wi-Fi or your data plan”. This is a little odd because a Windows 10 computer does not have a data plan. “Currently, the Windows Phone app does not have voice and video calling,” a Microsoft spokesperson was quoted as saying. According to the report, in July, Facebook said 10 per cent of all Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls went through the Messenger. - IANS

Ultraviolet light can improve efficiency of phone cameras

Will robots upend development model? Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea all advanced in much the same way — beginning with simple products, such as garments and textiles, and moving their way up to electronics and other cutting-edge goods and services

W

hen the Chinese appliance maker Midea Group announced a bid for the German robotics manufacturer Kuka this spring, it seemed like something of an omen. Kuka makes robots that specialise in assembling goods on a factory floor — exactly the kind of work that has lifted millions of Chinese out of poverty. After opening up to the world in 1979, China focused on tapping its vast pool of cheap labour. From T-shirts to Christmas ornaments, Chinese manufacturers could undersell the world on most any basic product simply by drafting another migrant farmer into a factory. Investment flooded into Chinese cities. The factories got bigger, better and more advanced. Wages rose, poverty fell, and a middle class emerged and quickly expanded. This was a well-worn path of development. Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea all advanced in much the same way — beginning with simple products, such as garments and textiles, and

moving their way up to electronics and other cutting-edge goods and services. As their firms and workers grew more experienced and accumulated more know-how, their economies diversified and their people grew richer. Today, many developing countries are still counting on this model. The problem is that robotics may fundamentally upend it. Industrial robot sales Even as global growth slowed, industrial robot sales grew 12 per cent between 2014 and 2015, and have grown fourfold since 2009. As robots get cheaper and better, the advantage of employing a lowskilled labourer starts to fade. Even a lowly sweatshop worker will struggle to compete with a robot’s productivity, not to mention its low rates of error and other advantages. In other words, where poorer countries could once use their cost advantage to lure manufacturers, now all cost advantages are disappearing in the robotics age. A robot costs the same to employ whether in China, the United States or Mad-

agascar. That’s why Adidas is now making shoes in Germany — in a largely automated factory, closer to its customers and free from the risks, costs and complexities of a lengthy supply chain. It is not alone. Rich countries are repatriating the production of everything from apparel to electronics. Wal-Mart wants to re-shore the manufacture of $50 billion worth of goods over the next 10 years, relying on increased speed and lower costs as key competitive advantages. The implications of this shift shouldn’t be underestimated. International trade The days of international trade growing at near double-digit rates might be over. Trade has historically grown at twice the rate of gross domestic product, but in the past few years it has stagnated, leaving it 15 per cent lower than would be expected, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics. It may well have permanently stagnated. In this new reality, development plans for poorer countries will have to be rewritten. But it isn’t at all clear how to do so. One step could be investing in “leapfrog technology.” Mobile phones are the much-cited example of this phenomenon: Thanks to cellular, poorer countries have been able to reap all the advantages that phones brought without the expense of laying land lines. In the digital age, it’s possible that other technologies could prove similarly transformative. China has become the largest buyer of industrial robots in the hopes that they’ll help manufacturers make the leap to advanced electronics.

But such technology won’t do much good without a skilled workforce. A factory of robots will require minimal low-skilled labor, but it will need engineers and computer scientists. Investing in education — not just coding skills, but the ability to shift seamlessly between products and to create new products faster than competitors — will be critical. Skilled labour Developing countries should also consider programmes to attract skilled labour. China and India, among others, have set up offices to lure home educated workers who have left for richer countries. Investment in people will be increasingly important, whether governments can afford it or not. Finally, countries trying to boost growth could improve governance and domestic policies. If trade is less important, they’ll need to encourage direct investment flows. If skilled workers are in demand, they’ll need to relax labor policies to attract educated migrants. And if ideas are more important than ever, they’ll need to make life easier for entrepreneurs. In short, they’ll need to solve their own problems. None of that is easy. And it may not even prove up to the challenge. But the robots are coming, one way or another. Developing countries are the least prepared for that shift — and have the most to lose. - Bloomberg News

HAVE YOUR SAY

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Treating photodetectors — used in systems and devices from smartphones to space stations — with ultraviolet light can improve the efficiency of cameras, researchers say. Together with colleagues from China and Saudi Arabia, scientists from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) said that treating an ordinary low bandwidth photodetector with UV light can turn it into a high-bandwidth device. “It’s hard to find the right materials because the substances that permit ultraviolet light tend to be nontransparent to infrared radiation and vice versa. We found a way to ‘broaden’ the spectral response of photodetectors,” noted Vadim Agafonov, head of the Molecular Electronics Center at MIPT and a co-author of the paper. The researchers conducted an experiment whereby a polymer-based photodetector incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles was exposed to UV light for 30 seconds. As a result, they achieved a high-performance photodetector with a much broader spectral response and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 140,000 per cent, as compared to the 30 per cent measured before UV treatment. “You can thus convert a polymerbased photodetector into a highly sensitive broadband device. The process itself is quick, cheap and efficient, which is important for practical applications,” added Agafonov. According to the paper, published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, it is sufficient to treat a photodetector with UV light once during its manufacturing in order to achieve the broad spectral response. - IANS

Photography-centric smartphone Ektra to be unveiled by Kodak After not so successful device IM5, photography company Kodak will launch its new device Ektra — a smartphone aimed at aimed at shutterbugs — that looks like a camera. Named after its 1941 rangefinder (and the 1970s 110 film camera range), the handset’s back is wrapped in “leatherette” with a slightly curved grip on one side and a dedicated shutter button on top, Engadget reported. To be available in Britain from December for 450 pounds ($550), the smartphone has a large, protruding lens pokes out the back and a 21MP Sony sensor (IMX230) under the hood and is photographer-friendly. Kodak has recruited Bullitt, a phone manufacturer to make the device. The camera app on the smartphone has a digital “Scene Selection Dial” that lets you access different shooting modes. Bullitt has also made Snapseed the default photoediting app, believing it is one of the best options on the Play Store. The phone is powered by a deca-core MediaTek Helio X20 processor and 3GB of RAM. It comes with 32GB of internal storage, which you can supplement with a MicroSD card up to 128GB and a 3000mAh battery that supports “Pump Express” quick charging. The 5-inch, 1080p display has a stock version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. - IANS


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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

ROUND-UP BAIC senior official visits Oman

BAIC is the fourth largest automotive group in China with a comprehensive portfolio of products, from passenger cars to light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles

MUSCAT: Gulf Great Sands recently launched the BAIC brand (Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation) of passenger and light commercial vehicles in Oman. Dr Huacheng Wei, chairman of BAIC International visited Oman to bring more focus from the group in introducing BAIC products suited for this market, as Oman is the core market for BAIC Group, says a press release. Dr Wei has expressed his confidence on Gulf Great Sands in building BAIC brand in Oman. He stated that Gulf Great Sands is one of the reputed companies in Oman and has a good knowledge about

the local market. “We are quite impressed with their investment in world class facilities (showroom, service and parts outlets) which will be a key for our success in Oman,” he said. BAIC is the fourth largest automotive group in China with a comprehensive portfolio of products, from passenger cars to light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles. BAIC Group having a history of over 58 years in automotive business has stateof-the-art R&D Centre in Beijing, Styling Centre in Turin (Italy), eight major production bases all over China, ranks 160th among Fortune’s Global 500 companies (2016). Since 1980 - BAIC has initiated cooperation with many internationally reputed automobile manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz, Daimler AG, Hyundai and Suzuki. European engineering SAAB (Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget) is a North European brand from Sweden. At the end of 2009, BAIC Motor acquired SAAB’s core assets, including its 9-5/9-3 vehicle platform, Turbo engine transmission, R&D, manufacturing and supplier systems. The SAAB unique front wheel drive and steering technology was also inherited by BAIC. The unique reindeer horn body structure is sourced from SAAB’s Safe Cage patented technology. The integrity of the passenger

compartment is ensured using collapsible IP beam support design to reduce engine penetration in the passenger compartment.

Grand Tiger G3. BAIC Oman is also committed to introduce many more new models in the near future based on local market demand.

Innovation and capability BAIC absorbs SAAB’s core technologies intelligently, and with this knowledge has developed the auto platform—the M-Trix platform. The M-Trix platform provides BAIC with the upper hand when it comes to competing internationally, and gives it a leading edge with regards to research and development, production, workmanship and quality management. BAIC has state-of-theart R&D Centre in Beijing spread over 45,000 m2 with over USD 62 million investments and includes Trial Manufacturing, Testing and Styling Departments. Gulf Great Sands has launched the Urban Explorer X65, fashionable A115 sedan and the stylish pickup Grand Tiger TUV and

X65: Urban explorer As the first crossover based on SAAB technologies, X65 combines space of a MPV and comfort of a sedan. BAIC X65 ensures excellent performance with 2.0L 174 Hp turbo engine, new generation AISIN 6 speed automatic transmission with smart paddle shift. X65 Comfort has smart equipment like machine cut alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, leather seats, power driver seat, rear view camera, smart key and push button start all of which provide customer with enjoyable driving experience. X65 inherits the European Safety Standards due to which it meets the 5 star CNCAP rating and is equipped with safety features like 6 airbags, bluetooth, TPMS, ABS, EBD and parking sensors.

A115: Fashionable sedan A115 is a fashionable and stylish compact sedan from BAIC which exemplifies dynamism and subtle power. The standard dual airbag, ABS, cage-type body structure and doors made from integrated stamping technology contribute to its superior safety. A115 is equipped with 1.5L - 113hp engine, 4-speed AT. Micro USB, glove box with cooler, power windows and mirror, keyless entry, 6/4 split rear seats make every day drive comfortable for all passengers. Alloy Wheel, rear LED lights, Hawkeye headlamps, a wide central mesh, flying wing-shaped front bumper give the dynamic and signature look of a luxury segment sedan. It has artistically crafted and robust grille and backwardsextending fog lamps. Additionally, 22 storage compartments meet all of your storage requirements.

Grand Tiger TUV Grand Tiger TUV is perfectly embodies the combination of style, space and safety like a lifestyle pickup and is available in both 2WD and 4WD options. It is 2.4 litre engine with 5 speed manual transmission provides a refined performance, overall length of 5310 mm and width of 1812mm make it the most spacious pickup in its class. Grand Tiger TUV has a sporty dashboard, integrated console, auto air-conditioner, self-luminous instruments makes the interiors comfortable for a long journey. Life style pickup image is further reinforced with 16” alloy wheels, side steps, chrome outside mirrors, over fenders. Grand Tiger TUV has many standard safety features which are available only in high end pickups such as ABS, EBD, dual airbags, parking sensors and steel roll cage. The tread of the tyres is best in class given extra grip and comfort on road. The cargo bed protector is standard in TUV pickups which gives longevity. Gulf Great Sands is setting up a state-of-the-art service centre in Ghala, Muscat spread over more than 2,000 square metres to provide aftersales services to BAIC customers. GGS has already tied up for periodic maintenance services in many cities including Salalah, Sohar, Sur, Nizwa, Ibra and Barka etc. BAIC offers 5 years or 100,000km manufacturer warranty on all passenger vehicles and 3 years/100,000km manufacturer warranty on commercial vehicles in Oman.

L AT E S T E D I T I O N

Women@NBO event seeks to inspire new generation of leaders MUSCAT: One of the region’s most prominent female business leaders, Sayyidah Rawan Al Said, was the guest speaker at the third Women@NBO event, an initiative established to empower women in the workplace and develop a strong pipeline of potential female leaders within National Bank of Oman (NBO). The pioneering Women@NBO initiative was launched in February to deliver motivation, coaching and mentoring to NBO’s female employees throughout the year, with a prominent speaker invited to give a talk each quarter to women working at NBO. It is championed by NBO’s Salma Al Jaaidi, the first female chief risk officer in Oman.

The latest event was open to all of the bank’s female employees and was timed to coincide with Omani Women’s Day, says a press release. Sayyidah Rawan Al Said talked to attendees about her career, which has spanned more than two decades in the investment field both in public and private sector organisations, including ONIC Holding Group and the State General Reserve Fund of Oman. Commenting on the event, Salma Al Jaaidi, chief risk officer at NBO said, “While the Women@ NBO initiative was only launched this year, it is already able to attract speakers of the stature of Sayyidah Rawan Al Said. Her remarkable achievements over more

than two decades at the pinnacle of the financial services industry are an inspiration to all of the women at NBO. We look forward to welcoming another great speaker at

the next Women@NBO event and inspiring our team to also achieve great things.” Attendees next heard a talk from Karen Richards, board and execu-

tive leaders coach on the topic of emotional intelligence and its role in leadership. The event concluded with the launch of the first NBO female

leadership development programme, which will seek to enhance the personal and professional performance of the bank’s female talent in order to support NBO’s commercial objectives. In line with NBO’s vision to be the bank of choice for employees, the programme is also designed to enhance attraction, retention and the development of the top female talent to create a strong pipeline of future senior leaders. Twelve female employees have already been nominated to take part in the intensive six-month programme, and every year a new batch of potential female leaders will have the opportunity to enrol in the programme.


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Bank Sohar introduces Aafaq Al Najah SME debit and credit cards Featuring a new design and equipped with chip and pin technology, the new ‘Aafaq Al Najah’ debit and credit cards will allow small business owners to better control and securely manage their day-today expenses

MUSCAT: Following the recent launch of its brand for SME services and accounts –‘Aafaq Al Najah’, Bank Sohar has now unveiled the dedicated debit and credit cards as part of the existing range of products and services. Featuring a new design and equipped with chip and pin technology, the new ‘Aafaq Al Najah’ debit and credit cards will allow small business owners to better control and securely manage their day-to-day expenses, says a press release. Commenting on the launch of new cards, Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, senior AGM and acting head Retail Banking noted, “The Aafaq Al Najah debit and credit cards have been designed for SME owners, and their launch further endorses our commitment to provide SMEs with solutions that will help them to scale up and develop swiftly. Featuring a unique design, the cards have been specially developed to offer local SME’s yet another compelling proposition for convenient

ďŹ nancial management and easier savings on business spends, together with a range of other exclusive value added beneďŹ ts.â€? Upon opening the ‘Aafaq Al Najah’ account, Bank Sohar’s SME customers will instantly be issued an EMV compliant ‘Aafaq Al Najah’ SME debit card that will offer its users high daily cash withdrawal and point of sale limits, as well as cash deposit facilities. On the other hand, SME customers will need to request for the ‘Aafaq Al Najah’ credit card which will depend on a

number of elements including the business module, through a swift and easy process. The credit card will offer its users a number of additional beneďŹ ts such as no annual charges for the ďŹ rst year and a 12% interest which is considered the lowest in the market. The credit card also offers the beneďŹ t of streamlined expenses reporting and reconciliation of SME expenses data, offering its users a better understanding of purchasing patterns and expenses; in turn offering SMEs greater convenience in

SHAHRY BUSINESS BUNDLE

managing transactions and keeping track of expenses In addition to these beneďŹ ts, the cards are accepted at over 29 million point-of-sale outlets and Visa ATMs worldwide, offering comfort and exibility to customers wherever their business takes them. What is more, the cards also have the added beneďŹ t of allowing the customer to consolidate their spend information and monitor expenses such as travel and entertainment costs as required. “As one of the most prominent local banks, we have remained committed towards serving the needs of Oman’s growing SME sector. Under the ‘Aafaq Al Najah’ brand, we aim to leverage the experience, strengths and expertise, of our talented staff to develop unique products and services, such as these dedicated SME credit and debit cards, to empower smaller businesses to maximise their potential and drive them towards long term success,â€? added

Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi. Bank Sohar’s commitment to the SME sector is clearly evident through the bank’s set up of a dedicated department responsible for providing SMEs with specialised ďŹ nancial services that now fall under the recently launched Aafaq Al Najah brand. The exclusive unit has been set up conveniently in the Abraj Al Sahwa building, near the industrial area in Ghala, for easy client accessibility and convenience as well as to better facilitate senior level interaction by the relationship managers at the clients’ locations. The department plays an essential role in supporting upcoming and newly established businesses in varying ďŹ elds. In order to further support such companies, the bank has also implemented a policy that not only facilitates an easy approval system with a high delegation of authority; it also offers attractive interest rates, easy terms and conditions and quick turnaround times.

H E A LT H C A R E

Ooredoo 4 months free promotion to Al Raffah hospital drive growth for business customers specialist briefs on ers free subscriptions for every third month of their ďŹ rst year. Subscribers who sign up for to Shahry 5 will receive guaranteed savings of OMR20, while Shahry 10 customers will save double. Those that choose Shahry 20 and Shahry 30 will save OMR80 and OMR120 respectively. Monther Al Mamari, director of Business Product Management at Ooredoo, said, “From the moment we ďŹ rst launched Shahry Business in 2013, we have been exploring ways to provide greater value and the best experience and keep customers connected and business thriving. Our latest promotion fulďŹ ls that promise, taking the un-

MUSCAT: After a highly successful inaugural year, Ooredoo announced the return of its popular four months free promotion with new beneďŹ ts designed to empower its Shahry Business customers with greater value than ever before. For the next three months, both new and migrated customers who sign up for a Shahry Business bundle will enjoy four months free subscription and save 33 per cent on the ďŹ rst year of their annual contract, says a press release. Enhancing the existing strong beneďŹ ts and cost efficiency of the Shahry Business packs, the new 4 months free promotion gives incredible value by offering custom-

precedented value of the Shahry Business bundles to new heights with remarkable savings and a ‘subscription holiday’ to provide a boost to businesses.� Created to inspire Oman’s burgeoning entrepreneurial community, Ooredoo’s Shahry Business Packs offers customers a unique solution that combines calling, texting, user group calling, and mobile data services in a highly affordable monthly package. Offering a full-range of the company’s award-winning products and customer care, the packs have evolved into a one-stop solution for all of Oman’s business-related communication needs.

C E L E B R AT I O N S

Z-Corp marks Omani Women’s Day MUSCAT: To acknowledge the contribution of Omani women to the nation, The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp) and its group companies recently organised a programme at Bait Al Zubair to celebrate Omani Women’s Day. The Zubair Corporation has been celebrating the day to mark women’s cherished contribution within the company and throughout the society ever since a decision to dedicate October 17 as Omani Women’s Day was taken, says a press release. A ‘Symposium on Omani Women’ was organised in 2009 on the instructions from His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to “encourage women to shoulder even bigger responsibilities in the country’s growth process�. The decision to designate October 17 as Omani Women’s Day was taken then. Z-Corp organised Omani Women’s Day programme to recognise and value the vital role of women and their contribution in the or-

ganisation and society at large. As part of its corporate social responsibility, Z-Corp has pledged to empower women in the workplace and communities. Being an equal opportunity employer, the company has created an environment at the workplace that is attractive to women professionals and enables them to thrive. Stressing that women in Oman have been appointed to top posts in both public and private sectors, Thuraiya Al Riyami, deputy

manager (employee relations), HR department. The Zubair Corporation said, “Thanks to His Majesty, Omani women enjoy many rights. Women have contributed positively to the country’s development and that has been recognised.� She added, “I am proud to work in a company that has taken steps to empower women in the workplace and the society. Z-Corp sees the worth in investing in the empowerment of women in the office and society.�

SOCIAL MEDIA

MUSCAT: A pregnancy is considered high-risk when there are potential complications that could affect the mother, the baby, or both. Such a pregnancy could be the result of a medical condition present before pregnancy, or one that arises during it. High risk pregnancies can often result in low birth rate, which occurs in a staggering 8.2% of the 4.3 million babies born each year. The Sultanate of Oman has seen a rise in high risk pregnancy cases over the last few years. According to Dr. Savita Mukherji from Aster Al Raffah Hospital, Ruwi, some of the pre existing conditions that could lead to a high risk pregnancy include, but are not limited to: ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— 0 ( Ĺ— . ,( &Ĺ— ! Ćŗ )'en above the age of 32 ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— # &Ĺ— "#-.),3Ćŗ ( &/ #(!Ĺ— * -.Ĺ— miscarriages, premature birth or a family history of genetic defects. ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— ( ,&3#(!Ĺ— )( #.#)(-Ćŗ / "Ĺ— as diabetes, epilepsy and blood pressure Furthermore speciďŹ c conditions can develop during the course of a woman’s pregnancy causing it to become high risk. These include: ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— , & '*-# Ćŗ " , . ,#- Ĺ— by high blood pressure, urinary protein and swelling. ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— -. .#)( &Ĺ— # . -Ćŗ Ĺ— .3* Ĺ— ) Ĺ— diabetes that develops during pregnancy. ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— & (. Ĺ— , 0# Ćŗ Ĺ—-#./ .#)(Ĺ—1" , Ĺ— the placenta covers the cervix. A recent study in Oman has concluded that during a high risk pregnancy, a large number of women developed anaemia (21.8%), hypertension (2%), diabetes and a low birth rate. These disorders are only treatable through surgery or the use of high potency drugs, which themselves cause severe nausea and vomiting. With the advent of women tak-

ing up a larger role in society and asserting themselves in the work force, pregnancy can lead to a stressful time. This stress manifests itself in social and psychological factors that increase the risks during pregnancy. Factors such as: ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— , Äš*, !( ( 3Ĺ—),Ĺ—." Ĺ—*, Äš( . &Ĺ— depression. ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— ,-)( &Ĺ— 2* . .#)(-Ĺ— ),Ĺ— ,Ĺ— about pregnancy. ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— ( +/ . Ĺ— ').#)( &Ĺ— -/**),.Ĺ— systems. Listed below are a few recommendations, made by the Oman Medical Journal, that can mitigate the physical, social and psychological causes of a high risk pregnancy. ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— ..#(!Ĺ— .Ĺ— & -.Ĺ— Þúú'!Ĺ— ) Ĺ— )lic acid daily, beginning before and continuing through the pregnancy ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— #(!Ĺ—/*Ĺ—.)Ĺ— . Ĺ—1#."Ĺ—)( Ä“-Ĺ—#'munisations. ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— 0#(!Ĺ— Ĺ— " &."3Ĺ— ( Ĺ— 1")& some diet. ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— !/& ,Ĺ— 2 , #- Ĺ— .)Ĺ— ' #(. #(Ĺ— weight and prevent obesity. ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— .,# .&3Ĺ— 0)# #(!Ĺ—." Ĺ—/- Ĺ—) Ĺ— #! rettes, alcohol and drugs. ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— .. ( #(!Ĺ—, !/& ,Ĺ—*, Äš( . &Ĺ— " %ups with one’s gynaecologist. ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— (. ,* ,-)( &Ĺ— ( Ĺ— )!(#.#0 Ĺ— havioural therapy ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— /*/( ./, Ĺ— ( Ĺ— ' -- ! Ĺ— .)Ĺ— relieve bodily stress ÄŠĹ—Ĺ— ').#)( &Ĺ— -/**),.Ĺ— !,)/*-Ĺ— #(Ĺ— order to be able to talk about the fears and anxieties of childbirth. Despite the difficulty in diagnosing high risk pregnancies, advances in medical sciences have ensured that the health of the mother and child are preserved and any complications are dealt with immediately. However, if any one of the aforementioned factors comes up during your pregnancy, we recommend that you consult your gynaecologist immediately.

SPECIAL OCCASION

A’Saffa recipe contest to offer attractive prizes to winners MUSCAT: Friday lunches with family are the best, as the entire household comes together over sumptuous food that is every family’s weekly food delight. Resonating this, ‘A’Saffa – a part of every household’, is giving families across Oman and the GCC, a chance to have their family-favourite Friday lunch recipe using A’Saffa chicken featured and shared with the thousands of followers on their Facebook and Instagram page; attractive prizes are in the offing too, says a press release. A’Saffa Foods’ all-new social media recipe contest is spearheaded by an infographic post captioned – ‘#contestalert’ on its social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. The post goes on to

Elucidating that a woman is empowered when she has both the ability to succeed and advance economically, Zuwaina Al Azri, communications manager at Zubair Automotive Group said, “The day is an opportunity for us to remember how lucky we are as Omani women to have the chances and empowerment, thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty.â€? She also added, “I am proud to work in a company that enables an inclusive work environment and encourages women to emerge in management positions.â€? The Zubair Corporation has been endeavouring to fulďŹ l the directives of His Majesty to accord attention to women, in appreciation and support of Omani women’s role in the Sultanate’s achievements. The group has been providing opportunities to women in professional and personal development and reviewing policies to ensure that its workplace is allencompassing, and impartial.

high risk pregnancy

explain the contest and its terms and conditions. In keeping with the terms and conditions of the contest; to participate, all one needs to do is share their family-favourite A’Saffa chicken recipe, along with a picture of the recipe by writing to A’Saffa Foods on ‘anas@asaffa.com’. The contest is open from October 20 until November 19. Winning recipes and entries will be uploaded on the A’Saffa Foods Facebook and Instagram pages on November 29. The winner of the contest will receive 10 cartons, ďŹ rst runnerup will receive 7 cartons, and the second runner-up will receive 5 cartons of A’Saffa frozen chicken (1000g) respectively in each of

the countries. Sidhartha Lenka, head of Marketing and Sales at A’Saffa Foods averred: “As the acknowledged market leader in Oman in the poultry sector, A’Saffa is a clear provider of valuable protein to an ever-increasing number of families and individuals across Oman. “We take our position as the Sultanate’s largest fully integrated poultry producer of chilled and frozen chicken, snack food, and allied products adhering to stringent quality standards, religious values, business ethics and principles. Hence making it imperative for us to give back to our valued customers, by engaging them through meaningful content and contests on our social media channels.�

OIFC celebrates Women’s Day MUSCAT: Oman Investment & Finance Co. (OIFC) celebrated Omani Women’s Day. The celebrations showed the true spirit and belief of the management on the importance of women’s role in business, work and comprehensive development of the society of Oman. Female staff at OIFC enjoys great importance by managing several roles at various levels throughout most of the functional and operational departments and sections. Currently, OIFC has 162 female staff, which estimated as 22% of its workforce. The celebration had coincidentally fallen during the period of multiple training programmes that were in progress, where about 35 female staff is currently under training for skills development programme. Said Ahmed Safrar, CEO, said,

“It is our great pleasure today to salute all the Omani women for their great contribution towards the development journey of the nation, and we take this opportu-

nity to greet His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for dedicating this day for Omani women’s recognition of their role in the development of our beloved country.�


B8

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

ROUND-UP

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Bank Muscat initiative set to create CSR Imprints for nation Marking a big step in the public-private

Bank Muscat is proud to launch the Imprints initiative on the occasion of the 46th National Day commemorating the glorious achievements of Oman under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said

partnership to make lasting contributions to society and the nation, Bank Muscat has drawn up a wide ranging plan under the Imprints platform to engage different segments of society

MUSCAT: Highly ambitious in its scope and reach, the Imprints corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative launched by Bank Muscat reflects the bank’s commitment to the nation on the occasion of 46th National Day commemorating the glorious achievements of Oman under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The new initiative stemming from the Royal directive of His Majesty the Sultan to accord priority for social responsibility is the first-of-its-kind in Oman in terms of its scope and reach, engaging different segments in making a big difference in giving back to society, says a press release. Marking a big step in the public-private partnership to make lasting contributions to society and the nation, Bank Muscat has drawn up a wide ranging plan under the Imprints platform to engage different segments of society. Against the backdrop of prevailing economic and social situation, the bank’s focus to make imprints for the nation include four key programmes to inculcate financial literacy, sustain green environment, encourage enriched lifestyle and promote sustainable tourism. As the leading bank in the Sultanate, Bank Muscat is at the forefront in contributing to society and thereby setting a fine example for the corporate sector to develop social responsibility as corporate culture. The Imprints initiative reflects the bank’s focus to set benchmark standards in social responsibility. AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive, said, “Bank Muscat is proud to launch the Imprints initiative on the occasion of the 46th National Day commemorating the glorious achievements of Oman under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Through Imprints, Bank Muscat seeks to contribute to various segments of society and demonstrate its commitment to be the most exemplary corporate citizen in Oman. We are confident that many corporates will follow suit with similar initiatives benefiting the nation.” In the Imprints programme to inculcate financial literacy, the bank will create an online portal, game or app for individuals to access financial literacy courses for free. The content will be tailormade for different age groups, including college students. In all, the bank aims to certify 200,000 Omanis in financial literacy. For those who are not familiar with technology, classroom learning will be arranged.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa

Chief executive

Targeting school students, the bank, in association with the Ministry of Education, will launch ‘Little Investor’ programme to educate Omani children on the basics of financial literacy and investment, implementing an already successful model by Meethaq Islamic Banking of teaching school students to manage personal finance, including savings. The aim is to develop the children’s entrepreneurial thinking and skills. Taking the financial literacy programme to a higher level, the bank’s management and senior officials will attend financial coaching clinic to share their expertise with SMEs. The bank, in association with the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP), will also launch a communication cam-

paign stressing the importance of financial literacy. Topics to be covered include savings, financial planning and identifying fraudulent communication. The Imprints programme to sustain green environment will focus on energy saving initiatives starting with a pilot Meethaq branch using solar energy, followed by two more branches run on green energy. The energy saving programme to be implemented in association with International Finance Corporation (IFC) will also highlight energy efficient products for homes and SMEs. The bank will provide special incentives like lower charges and interest rates on Meethaq and baituna mortgage finance for houses featuring energy efficient design and fixtures.

The bank will organise educational workshops for the public to raise awareness on alternative sources of energy in the country. Industry experts will address these workshops. The highlight of the Imprints green initiative will be a public garden to be gifted to the nation, in association with Muscat Municipality, as a mark of the bank’s commitment to the nation on the occasion of Oman’s 46th National Day celebrations. Aimed at encouraging enriched healthy lifestyle and sustainable environment, the public garden will feature exercise equipment and fixtures run on efficient alternative sources of energy, providing the local community an ideal place for relaxation. In step with the government’s economic diversification pro-

gramme, the Imprints initiative has drawn up a programme in association with the Ministry of Tourism to support start-ups, encouraging Omani entrepreneurship in the tourism industry. The bank will encourage Omani youth to focus on providing basic amenities at Oman’s tourist attractions, thereby ensuring sustainable sources of income for the local community. Recalling what the country has given to the people during the past 46 years under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Bank Muscat aims to make lasting imprints for the nation through the Imprints initiative as part of a strategic direction to consolidate social responsibility benefiting different segments of society. Committed to contributing towards sustainable development

and delivering long-term benefits to the community, Bank Muscat CSR programmes are focused on key segments, including youth, sports, health and education. As the bank progresses on the path of sustainable development, new opportunities are explored. Since its inception, the corporate social responsibility department of the flagship financial services provider in Oman has taken major strides in nurturing a socially responsible culture in the bank, bringing benefits to different segments of society and touching the lives of people. In line with the corporate ethos, bank employees are engaged in creating opportunities to help the community through various initiatives. The CSR and sustainability strategy pursued by Bank Muscat is focused on delivering long-term benefits to the community and the nation. As the nation’s leading financial institution, Bank Muscat aims to motivate corporates to provide the required support for social development initiatives. Among the ongoing CSR initiatives by the bank, Green Sports has proven to be a thoroughly successful model for engaging the local community in establishing a modern sporting infrastructure in the country. The support to develop modern sports infrastructure across the Sultanate complements the government efforts in building a sporting nation. Jesr Al Mustaqbal educational sponsorship programme covers students from low income or social welfare families. The programme in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education provides educational and vocational training support, including sponsorship to complete bachelor degree programmes. The Tadhamun CSR programme launched by Bank Muscat in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development has been benefitting social welfare families across the Sultanate. Keeping in view the Sultanate’s weather conditions, the programme is focused on distribution of basic electronic home appliances, including airconditioning units and refrigerators. All CSR programmes draw from the bank’s values of leadership and partnership, creating a positive impact on society.


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EXCITING FINAL DAY ON CARDS AS BOTH TEAMS SMELL WIN >C2

SPOR YOUR GAME

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OMAN’S ABDULLAH AL RAWAHI CRASHES OUT

Omani karting hero Abdullah Al Rawahi’s exciting run in the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals ended in an agonising retirement on the final day of action at the Circuito Internazionale di Napoli in Sarno, Italy. >C4

MENA GOLF TOUR

Azzan to lead Oman’s challenge WELL DONE: India’s Virat Kohli and Manish Panday celebrate

team’s victory in the third ODI match against New Zealand. – PTI

Kohli does it again for India India chased down the target set by New Zealand with 10 balls to spare, riding on Kohli’s 26th century in the 50-over format

MOHALI: Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 154 to make short work of a seemingly steep target as India beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the third One-day International in Mohali to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series on Sunday. New Zealand, who won the last match in Delhi to tie the series at 1-1, were all out for 285 in the 50th over after India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and opted to field. India chased down the target with 10 balls to spare, riding on Kohli’s 26th century in the 50-over format. The hosts lost both their openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane inside nine overs and, with the required run rate climbing, needed a solid partnership to get back on track. Kohli, who was

dropped on six by Ross Taylor off Matt Henry, and Dhoni (80), who promoted himself up the batting order to number four, provided just that with a brisk third-wicket stand of 151 runs. India’s Test captain Kohli, who will turn 28 next month, finished things off with an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 97 with Manish Pandey (28 not out). With India needing 23 from 18 balls, Kohli, who scored an unbeaten 85 in the first ODI, tore into Boult, hitting three fours and a six in his over to plunder 22 runs. Earlier, James Neesham (57) and Matt Henry (39 not out) added 84 for the ninth wicket to prop up New Zealand after theywere reduced to 199 for eight following a middle-order collapse. - Reuters

SCOREBOARD

NEW ZEALAND M. Guptill lbw b U. Yadav 27 T. Latham c M. Pandey b Jadhav 61 K. Williamson lbw b Jadhav 22 R. Taylor st Dhoni b Mishra 44 C. Anderson c Rahane b Jadhav 6 L. Ronchi st Dhoni b Mishra 1 J. Neesham c Jadhav b U. Yadav 57 M. Santner c Kohli b Bumrah 7 T. Southee b U. Yadav 13 M. Henry not out 39 T. Boult b Bumrah 1 Extras (w-7) 7 Total (all out, 49.4 overs) 285 Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-80, 3-153, 4-160, 5-161, 6-169, 7-180, 8-199, 9-283,10-285 Bowling: U. Yadav 10-0-75-3 (w-3), H. Pandya 5-0-34-0 (w-2), J. Bumrah 9.4-052-2, K. Jadhav 5-0-29-3 (w-2), A. Patel 10-0-49-0, A. Mishra 10-0-46-2

TENNIS

Kerber outlasts Cibulkova SINGAPORE: Angelique Kerber was forced to dig deep in her WTA Finals opener before the German world No. 1 battled past Dominika Cibulkova 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-3 in a high-class baseline slugfest at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Sunday. Earlier, Simona Halep got her campaign off to a perfect start when the Romanian world No. 4 dominated an erratic Madison Keys to kick off round-robin play in the elite eight-woman, season-ending event with a 6-2, 6-4 victory. First-time finalist Cibulkova opened with a double fault and Kerber, who won two Grand Slam titles in 2016, took advantage of her opponent’s nervy start to grab an immediate break. Agnieszka Radwanska opens her campaign against Svetlana Kuznetsova on Monday with Garbine Muguruza and Karolina Pliskova completing the White Group. - Reuters

INDIA R. Sharma lbw b Southee 13 A. Rahane c Santner b Henry 5 V. Kohli not out 154 M. Dhoni c Taylor b Henry 80 M. Pandey not out 28 Extras (lb-2, w-7) 9 Total (for 3 wickets, 48.2 overs) 289 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-41, 3-192 Did not bat: K. Jadhav, A. Patel, H. Pandya, A. Mishra, U. Yadav, J. Bumrah Bowling: M. Henry 9.2-0-56-2 (w-1), T. Boult 10-0-73-0 (w-2), T. Southee 10-0-551 (w-2), M. Santner 10-0-43-0, J. Neesham 9-0-60-0 (w-2) Umpires: B. Oxenford & C. Shamshuddin TV umpire: CK Nandan Match referee: Richie Richardson Result: India won by 7 wickets

MUSCAT: Lee Corfield will be hoping to pick up plenty of good vibes when he returns to the Ghala Golf Club in Muscat to defend his title this week as the MENA Golf Tour reaches its business end. Currently placed ninth on the Order of Merit, the 34-year-old Englishman needs another strong finish at the Ghala Open, starting on Monday, in his quest to close the gap on the leaders, but will have to be wary of rivals lining up as potential roadblocks along the way. “Everybody is capable of having a great week and win, but it feels nice to come to a venue where you have enjoyed a bit of success. My game is in good shape and I am really looking forward to the week ahead,” said Corfield, who racked up a creditable tied 11th at last week’s Sahara Kuwait Championship. The Ghala Open — the 15th and penultimate event on the tour — offers one last chance to competitors to consolidate their positions on the Order of Merit before the ‘cut’ is made for next week’s season-ending Tour Championship, which boasts a prize fund of $100,000. Craig Hinton currently leads the Order of Merit for professionals, but with the likes of his fellow Englishmen Zane Scotland, Andrew Marshall and Luke Joy Dodd snapping on his heels, the prognoses points to an interesting finish. Going forward many good storylines could unfold during the week as England’s Joe Heraty, who matched the MENA Golf Tour record for the lowest 18-hole score with a 62 en route to his two-shot victory in Kuwait last week, will be hoping to make it two in a row and join an exclusive club of multiple winners on the tour. In the amateur division, Chile’s Matias Calderon, who also shot a 62 last week, and Brazil’s Tiago Lobo headed for another showdown if they could produce the

Golf Citizen to sponsor Arab Championship in Oman

Azzan Al Rumhy

same kind of form they showed in finishing tied third in Kuwait. Top-ranked Omani golfer Azzan Al Rumhy, who lives just a sand wedge away from the course, will spearhead the home challenge in the MENA Division that features leading players from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, including Othman Almulla and Khaled Attieh, while Morocco’s Younes El Hassani and Lebanon’s Peter Badawy headline the star cast in the region’s professional division. Ghala Golf Club wears a new look after undergoing several significant changes in the last 12 months to make it more playable. An upgraded driving range, a new 5th green, re-shaped sandy areas and bunkers and re-designed holes 8 and 9 highlight some of the changes at the oldest course in Oman, first established in 1971, ensuring a true test of golf. Current standings: Professionals: 1. Craig Hinton (England) $35,164; 2. Zane Scotland (England) $32,094; 3. Andrew Marshall (England) $27,450; 4. Luke Joy (England) $26,020; 5. Antonio Costa (Chile) $24,330; 6. Fredrik Lindblom (Sweden) $17,168; 7. Joe Heraty (England) $ 15,708; 8. Wolmer Murillo (Venezuela) 15,000; 9. Lee Corfield (England) $14,991; 10. Carlos Balmaseda (Spain) $14,524. Amateurs: 1. Rayhan Thomas (India) 297 points; 2. Tiago Lobo (Brazil) 155; 3. Matias Calderon (Chile) 152; 4. Edward Holland (England) 145; 5. Benjamin David (England) 142.

PACT SIGNED: OGC Chairman Mundhir Al Barwani, centre,

exchanges the documents with Mohammed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of ‘golf in DUBAi’. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Golf Citizen has teamed up with the Oman Golf Committee (OGC) to sponsor the Arab Golf Championship to be held at Ghala Golf Club in Muscat from November 9 to 12, underlining its commitment to bringing golf business to the forefront of digital technology. Held under the auspices of the Arab Golf Federation, the blue-riband event will see the region’s top talent convene in the Omani capital to battle it out for their moment in the spotlight. Golf Citizen’s new tie-up with the Oman Golf Committee will help create a platform for the Sultanate’s golf clubs, Ghala Golf Club included, to join the fast-expanding network and sell times on one of the fastest growing online golf booking portals. “We feel a sense of obligation to support all initiatives which target overall development of the game in the region,” said Mohammed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of ‘golf in DUBAi’ that

has created Golf Citizen. “Oman has made great strides in putting together a solid infrastructure for golf and hosting of international events there that strongly endorses the country’s commitment to broadening the base of golfers in the Arab world.” “These are exciting times for us and we look forward to working with the Arab Golf Federation and OGC with the mutual goal of putting the region’s golf on the world’s sporting map,” he said. OGC were delighted to forge a partnership with Golf Citizen. “We have four top golf courses in Oman and it makes perfect sense to bring major tournaments there if we are to position our country as a golf destination,” Mundhir Al Barwani, Chairman of OGC, said. “With Golf Citizen coming on board, we are better placed to realise our huge golf potential by promoting our golf courses on its network and boost in-bound tourism,” he said.

ROAD TO OMAN

Armitage seals NBO Golf Classic Final spot MUSCAT: Marcus Armitage’s inaugural European Challenge Tour victory in the big-money Foshan Open catapulted him from 53rd to 11th in the Road to Oman Rankings and sealed his spot amongst the top 45 in the season-ending NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, set to take place at the spectacular Almouj Golf from November 2 to 5. The Englishman finished 19-under, one ahead of France’s Matthieu Pavon and Germany’s Alexander Knappe to claim a winner’s cheque for €72,333. The sizeable winner’s cheque has all but assured his spot in the all-important top 15 on the Rankings,which earns him a coveted European Tour card for next season. However, the 29-year-old

ALL SMILES: Marcus Armitage celebrates with his trophy after

winning the Foshan Open in Guangdong Province of China.

has a bigger aim for the season. “I want to go and win the Rankings,” said Armitage, a rookie on the Challenge Tour who now has 103,208 points for the season.

“Now I have pretty much secured a European Tour card that is my goal – there is nowhere else to go.” In addition, it was a fantastic weekend for last week’s Hainan

Open champion Knappe as he usurped Englishman Jordan L Smith from the summit of the Road to Oman Rankings after finishing joint runner-up with Pavon. The latter also had reason to cheerafter he climbed from tenth spot into fifth place in the Rankings in very much in the hunt for glory. As well as a share of a €400,000 prize fund on offer for victory in the prestigious NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, the top three players will also win a share of the lucrative €60,000 Bonus Pool. This week, the inaugural Ras Al Khaimah 2016 Golf Challenge takes place at Al Hamra Golf Club offering players a final chance to make the top 45 in the Rankings in order to gain a place in the Oman field.


C2

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

SPORTS

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Exciting final day on cards at Chittagong SCOREBOARD

Chasing 286 for their first win in nine Tests against England, Bangladesh reached 253 for eight when bad

BIG WICKET: England’s Gareth Batty, centre, reacts after dismissing Mominul Haque of Bangladesh. – AFP

light ended play on the fourth day

CHITTAGONG: England need two more wickets on the final day to keep their all-winning record in Tests against Bangladesh intact with the hosts 33 runs away from a famous victory in the closely-contested opening Test at Chittagong. Chasing 286 for their first win in nine Tests against England, Bangladesh reached 253 for eight when bad light ended play on the fourth day on Sunday. Debutant Sabbir Rahman (59) and Taijul Islam (11) were at the crease. England batted for some 20 minutes in the morning, adding 12 runs to their overnight second-innings total of 228 for nine before they were bundled out for 240. Bangladesh left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan finished with five for 85. Openers Tamim Iqbal (9) and Imrul Kayes (43) gave Bangladesh a decent start on a Zahur Ahmed

Chowdhury Stadium pitch that offered plenty of turn and bounce for the spinners. England captain Alastair Cook started with spin from both ends but did not see any success until the 10th over when Tamim was out to a bat-pad catch off Moeen Ali. Kayes was the more attacking of the pair and he continued batting positively, adding 46 for the second wicket with Mominul, who was dropped on four by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow off Moeen. The left-handed Kayes was not afraid to hit the ball in the air against the spinners and also employed sweep shots, both conventional and reverse, to good effect to find six boundaries in his 61-ball knock. However, he was out shortly before the lunch break trying to sweep leg-spinner Adil Rashid, the ball hitting his glove and looping to Joe Root at slip for a simple catch. Mominul Haque (27) and Mahmudullah (17) both fell leg before

to Gareth Batty, who is playing his first test after a gap of 11 years, shortly after the lunch break. Shakib (24) then added 32 for the fifth wicket with Mushfiqur before edging Moeen behind to Bairstow. Captain Mushfiqur Rahim (39) and Sabbir were the last recognised batting pair for the hosts and added 87 for the sixth wicket, putting the pressure back on England. Batty returned for a spell and finally sent back Mushfiqur, caught at short leg with a delivery that spun sharply and bounced awkwardly for the batsmen to handle. England thought they had the match in the bag when Stuart Broad, who saw Sabbir dropped on 34 by Bairstow off his bowling, dismissed debutants Mehedi Hasan and Kamrul Islam in quick succession. But Sabbir and Taijul remained unbeaten, adding 15 for the unbroken ninth wicket to push the match into the final day. - Reuters

England 1st innings: 293 Bangladesh 1st innings: 248 England 2nd innings A. Cook c Mahmudullah b M. Hasan 12 B. Duckett c M. Haque b Al Hasan 15 J. Root lbw Al Hasan 1 G. Ballance c Kayes b T. Islam 9 M. Ali c Rahim b Al Hasan 14 B. Stokes lbw Al Hasan 85 J. Bairstow b Rabbi 47 C. Woakes (not out) 19 A. Rashid lbw Al Hasan 9 S. Broad run out 10 G. Batty lbw T. Islam 3 Extras (b-3, lb-8, pen-5) 16 Total (all out, 80.2 overs) 240 Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-27, 3-28, 4-46, 5-62, 6-189, 7-197, 8-213, 9-233. Bowling: M. Hasan 20-1-58-1; S. Al Hasan 33-7-85-5; T. Islam 15.2-2-41-2; K. Rabbi 8-0-24-1; Mahmudullah 1-0-6-0; S. Islam 3-0-10-0. Bangladesh 2nd innings T. Iqbal c Ballance b Ali 9 I. Kayes c Root b Rashid 43 M. Haque lbw Batty 27 Mahmudullah lbw Batty 17 S. Al Hasan c Bairstow b Ali 24 M. Rahim c Ballance b Batty 39 S. Rahman (not out) 59 M. Hasan lbw Broad 1 K. Rabbi c Ballance b Broad 0 T. Islam (not out) 11 Extras (b-9, lb-13, w-1) 23 Total (8 wkts, 78 overs) 253 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-81, 3-103, 4-108, 5-140, 6-227, 7-234, 8-238. Bowling: G. Batty 17-3-65-3; M. Ali 14-2-60-2; C. Woakes 7-3-10-0; A. Rashid 17-2-55-1; S. Broad 13-4-26-2; B. Stokes 10-2-15-0 (w-1). Umpires: K. Dharmasena, C. Gaffaney TV umpire: Sundaram Ravi Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle

CRICKET

Pakistan take 342-run lead over West Indies ABU DHABI: Pakistan took a commanding 342-run lead over West Indies on the third day of their second Test match in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. At the draw of stumps, Pakistan were 114 for the loss of one wicket in their second innings. Sami Aslam scored 50 runs while fellow opener Azhar Ali was unbeaten on 52. Giving him company was Asad Shafiq on five. Earlier, Pakistan bowled out West Indies for 224 in their first innings with leg-spinner Yasir Shah claiming four wickets and Rahat Ali bagging two.

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan 1st innings: 452 West indies 1st innings L. Johnson lbw R. Ali D. Bravo lbw Y. Shah K. Brathwaite run out M. Samuels c Aslam b R. Ali D. Bishoo b S. Khan J. Blackwood c S. Ahmed b R. Ali R. Chase c Shafiq b Shah S. Hope b Shah J. Holder (not out) M. Cummins b S. Khan S. Gabriel c S. Khan b Shah Extras (b-2, lb-7, nb-1) Total (all out, 94.4 overs)

12 43 21 30 20 8 22 11 31 3 13 10 224

Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-65, 3-106, 4-106, 5-121, 6-144, 7-169, 8-178, 9-197. Bowling: R. Ali 21-8-45-3; S. Khan 19-8-352; Z. Babar 21-6-39-0; A. Shafiq 1-0-2-0; Y. Shah 28.4-6-86-4; M. Nawaz 4-1-8-0 (nb-1). Pakistan 2nd innings S. Aslam c Hope b Gabriel 50 A. Ali (not out) 52 A. Shafiq (not out) 5 Extras (b-4, lb-1, nb-2) 7 Total (1 wkts, 39 overs) 114 Fall of wickets: 1-93. Bowling: S. Gabriel 8-1-21-1 (nb-2); M. Cummins 3-0-5-0; K. Brathwaite 13-2-27-0; D. Bishoo 12-0-45-0; J. Holder 3-0-11-0.

SOUTH KOREA FOOTBALL CHIEF VISITS OFA South Korean Football Federation (KFA) President Chung Mong-Gyu, who is also a vice-president of AFC, arrived here on a two-visit. He held meetings with Oman Football Association (OFA) chief Sheikh Salim Al Wahaibi and other board members. — Supplied photo


MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

C3

SPORTS ISC BADMINTON

Ameen and Nayaz win in doubles MUSCAT: Ameenudin and Mohammed Nayaz displayed good team work to overcome Ramesh and Ashruddin 21-19, 21-12 in the Men’s A Doubles competition of the Dalma Energy–ISC Annual Badminton Tournament organised by Indian Social Club (ISC). George Thomas and Sajeesh defeated Sajeev and Sunil Vikraman 21-12, 21-9. In other matches, Dr. Moideen and Jahi defeated Faigee and Sainath 2113, 21-17 while Vinod VT and Sajeev won 21-9, 21-11 against Abu Mathew and Faizal. In the Men’s Singles, Prasad Kulkarni upset Gireesh in a 21-11, 21-8 victory while Shabaz Nasar defeated Vinod Abraham 21-11, 21-11. Vishal Dhavale defeated Dr. Chandrasekhar Nooyi 21-4, 21-4. In Boys Under-18 event, Prayag defeated Sidharth 15-3, 15-0. In Girls U-18, Gayathri Krishna defeated Jaanavi Gundupalli 21-7, 21-11 to setup a semifinal clash with her sister Gouri. Shreya Krishan also moved to semifinals after defeating Muthu Abhirami 21-12, 21-13. In Girls Under-13, Shreya Krishna and Shama Fatima moved to semifinals winning over Niharika and Rachna Ramesh respectively. In Boys Under-13, Aditya Kabra, Adhindra VS and Ness Jassani moved to the next round eliminating Patil Harshvardhan, Jewel Manoj and Tej Bhatia respectively. In combined boys and girls event, budding talent Prisha Gupta registered an easy 151, 15-2 victory over Sushmita Krishnan while Nitin Prabhu defeated PCR Anirudh 15-5, 15-9.

HOCKEY

India edge Pakistan in Asian Champions Trophy KUANTAN: Top-ranked India had to dig deep into their reserves to eke out a 3-2 victory over arch-rivals and defending champions Pakistan in a preliminary league match of the fourth Asian Champions Trophy hockey here on Sunday. India exhibited their composed defence when under pressure from early Pakistan raids and worked

hard to gain control of the showpiece encounter of the tournament at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium. Young striker Pradeep Mor scored his maiden goal in 13 international appearances to give India the lead in the 11th minute, but Pakistan then took charge through strikes from Muhammad Rizwan Sr in the 31st minute and Muham-

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

mad Irfan Jr in the 39th. Rupinder Pal Singh converted India’s only penalty corner in the 43rd minute and Ramandeep Singh came into goal-scoring action the following minute by deflecting in a diagonal cross from Talwinder Singh. This victory gives India seven points from three outings. India had outplayed Japan 10-2 in their

first outing, but were held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea on Saturday. Starting as two-time defending champions, Pakistan suffered a 2-4 loss to hosts Malaysia and then prevailed 1-0 over South Korea in their previous matches of the sixnation league. Top four team from the round-robin competition will advance to the semifinals.

Hosts Malaysia posted their third successive victory when they outplayed Japan 7-2 to stay on top of the round-robin league standings with a maximum nine points. In the round-robin league standings, Malaysia are followed by India on seven points from three matches. Pakistan and China are on three points from three outings. - PTI


C4

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

SPORTS

OMAN CRICKET LEAGUE

Enhance and Assarain involved in dramatic tie

DAY’S STAR: Kaleemullah of Assarain receiving an award after his

TOP PERFORMERS: Carillion Alawi’s Wasim Jamadar, left, and

H DIVISION: Khalsa United players celebrating victory over RAHRC.

heroic effort.

Murtaza Murgha.

– Supplied photos

H DIVISION: Douglas OHI after beating Mustafa Sultan Enterprises.

J DIVISION: Unique Elegant rejoice after beating Muscat Masters.

G DIVISION: Victorious NBO team, who beat QBG

MUSCAT: Enhance Oman and Assarain played out a thrilling tie in the Muscat Pharmacy & Stores sponsored Oman Cricket League Premier Division match at the Ministry of Sports Affairs ground. Batting first, Enhance Oman put on 204 for 8 in 50 overs. Noorul Riaz top scored with 65. Vinukumar, Shahan Akram and Arif Hussain claimed two wickets each for Assarain. In response, Assarain scored 204 for 9 in 50 overs, thanks to a stubborn knock off 28 not out (24 balls: 2 fours, 2 sixes) by Kaleemullah. At one stage Assarain were 172 for 9 and it was Kaleemullah who helped them force a tie. Earlier, Ram Kumar top scored with 42. Nester Dhamba claimed 4 wickets for Enhance to enable the hard fought tie. Brief scores: Enhance Oman 204 for 8 in 50 overs (Noorul Riaz 65, Arif Hussain – 2 for 23) tie with Assarain 204 for 9 in 50 overs (Ram Kumar 42, Nester Dhamba 4 for 32). Points: Assarain 2; Enhance Oman 2

Win for Carillion Carillion Alawi beat New Prism by five wickets in a D Division match played at the Municipality 3 ground. Batting first, New Prism scored 164 for 9 in 20 overs. Yogendra Rajput top scored with 88. Murtaza Murgha claimed 4 wickets for Carillion. In response, Carillion Alawi scored 165 for 5 in 20 overs. Gurmit Ram and Wasim Jamadar scored 45 and 63 each to enable the win. Jitender Desai claimed 3 wickets for New Prism in vain. Brief scores: New Prism 164 for 9 in 20 overs (Yogendra Rajput 88, Murtaza Murgha 4 for 37) lost to Carillion Alawi 165 for 5 in 20 overs (Wasim Jamadar 63, Jitender Desai 3 for 14). Points: New Prism 0; Carillion Alawi 2

NBO beat QBG In a G Division match, QBG went down to NBO by 25 runs at the Municipality 3 ground. Batting first, NBO scored 179 for 8 in 20 overs.

Batting first, Douglas OHI scored 193 for 8 in 20 overs with Santosh Vishwa top scoring with 65. In response, MSE scored 116 for 9 in 20 overs. Abishek Rai, Ehasan Ullah and Viplav Kumar claimed two wickets each for Douglas to enable the bonus point win. Brief scores: Douglas OHI 193 for 8 in 20 overs (Santhosh Vishwa 65) beat MSE 116 for 9

Muntasar Hussain top scored top scored with 68. Sham Rao claimed two wickets for QBG. In response, QBG scored 154 for 8 in 19 overs. Aditya top scored with 45. Zaheer Abbas was the pick of the NBO bowlers claiming 2 wickets.

scored 168 for 6 in 20 overs. Faris Al Zadjali and Nanda Kumar top scored with 55 and 53 each. In response, Khalsa United scored 170 for 3 in 18.4 overs. Sushil Kadam top scored with 81 to enable the win.

Brief scores: NBO 179 for 8 in 20 overs (Muntasar Hussain 68, Sham Rao 2 for 22) beat QBG 154 for 8 in 19 overs (Aditya 45, Zaheer Abbas 2 for 18). Points: NBO 2; QBG 0

Brief scores: RAHRC 168 for 6 in 20 overs (Faris Al Zadjali 55, Nanda Kumar 53) lost to Khalsa United 170 for 3 in 18.4 overs (Sushil Kadam 81). Points: Khalsa United 2; RAHRC 0

RAHRC lose Khalsa United beat RAHRC by seven wickets in a H Division match played at the Municipality 4 ground. Batting first, RAHRC

Douglas OHI win In another H Division match, Mustafa Sultan Enterprises went down to Douglas OHI by 77 runs at OAC 3 ground.

in 20 overs. Points: Douglas OHI 3 (BP) ; MSE 0

Easy for Unique Elegant In a J Division match, Unique Elegant beat Muscat Masters by 9 wickets at the SQU ground. Batting first, Muscat Masters scored 114 for 7 in 20 overs. Sridhar Moosa top scored with 55. Gaurav Sanghi claimed 2 wickets for Unique. In response, Unique scored 115 for 1 in just 10 overs with Kiran Joshi (79 not out) top scoring to claim the bonus point win. Brief scores: Muscat Masters 114 for 7 in 20 overs (Sridhar Moosa 55, Gaurav Sanghi 2 for 22) lost to Unique Elegant 115 for 1

in 10 overs (Kiran 79 not out). Points: Unique Elegant 3 (BP) ; Muscat Masters 0 Other results: B Division: PDO 223 for 9 in 30 overs (Sajid Nisar 56, Haitham Al Sabri 3 for 36) beat OCT Amerat 73 all out in 19.5 overs. (Asaddullah Asghar 5 for 17). Points: OCT Amerat 0; PDO 3 (BP). C Division: Attic Outdoors 154 for 9 in 20 overs (Ishtaq Ahmed 51, Navin Kerai 3 for 33) lost to Al Mardhuf 156 for 5 in 14.2 overs (Vishal Bupendra 44). Points: Al Mardhuf 3 (BP) ; Attic Outdoors 0 E Division: Enhance Falcons 157 for 6 in 20 overs (Vishwananth R. 94). lost to Waves Engineering 160 for 6 in 17.1 overs (Sakir Salim 58, Hari Krishnan 4 for 25). Points: Waves Engineering 3 (BP); Enhance Falcons 0 I Division: OCT Al Nahdha 104 all out in 18.5 overs (Malcolm Robert 4 for 19) lost to Mani’s Azad 105 for 5 in 12.3 overs. Points: OCT Al Nahdha 0; Mani’s Azads 3 (BP) J Division: CCC 166 for 8 in 20 overs (Abdul Suhan 51, Sanjay Ramesh 4 for 29) lost to Design Group 113 all out in 18.4 overs. (Muntazar Balehnour 5 for 21). Points: Design Group 0 ; Classic Cricket Club 3 (BP).

MOTORSPORT

Al Rawahi crashes out at Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals

UNLUCKY: Oman’s Abdullah Al Rawahi

MUSCAT: Omani karting hero Abdullah Al Rawahi’s exciting run in the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals ended in an agonising retirement on the final day of action at the Circuito Internazionale di Napoli in Sarno, Italy. On a day when Team UAE and Oman experienced mixed fortunes, there was elation and heartbreak in equal measure in the DD2 Final as Taymour Kermanshahchi saved his best for last with a

fantastic drive to 8th place while podium contender Abdullah Al Rawahi, crashed out while fighting amongst the front runners on lap 3. Al Rawahi’s pace and race craft had set him apart throughout the Heat stages and he was into his groove immediately with a number of clinical overtakes as he made his way quickly to seventh, in a tight pack with the race leaders. Eyeing a move for sixth past rival Canadian Marco Signoretti, Al

Rawahi powered through but the two drivers touched under braking as Signoretti tried in vain to defend, forcing them both into a spin and agonising retirement. Kermanshahchi continued with aplomb, picking off a number of other top-class competitors on his way to an inspired 10th place, later promoted to 8th after penalties were applied to two other drivers. Al Rawahi was truly magnanimous after his disappointing result.

“Thank you to everyone for all the support. Congratulations to Team Oman and UAE for the fantastic performances and great team spirit. I think we did a great job all week in very tough conditions against the world’s best drivers. Luck was not on my side today but that’s racing sometimes,” Al Rawahi said. “For me, there is always next year.” Ferenc Kancsar went on to win the Final and retain his Championship crown.


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Workers Accommodation available nearby Sohar Port 500 to 5000 workers can accommodate with all facilities

^ƉĂĐŝŽƵƐ ƐŚŽǁƌŽŽŵ Θ Žĸ ĐĞ ƐƉĂĐĞ for rent at Al – Mabela

*industrial Catering *Manpower Supply *Facility Management *Staff Accommodation *Event Management*Construction

. 176 m2 showroom area ͘ Kĸ ĐĞƐ ͬ ƐŚŽƉƐ ͘ ^ƉĂĐŝŽƵƐ ϭ Θ Ϯ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵ ĂƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ . Government water.

Contact +968 22092638 / 968 93031168 E-mail. arn14256@gmail.com / nitsohar@gmail.com, www.alistiqamah.net

Contact - 97792004 / 93220482

FOR SALE * 6BR Villa in Al Ghobra Facing the beach for sale. Ύ ŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů Θ ZĞƐŝĚĞŶƟ Ăů >ĂŶĚ ŝŶ Al khuwair for sale. * warehouse in Wadi Al kabir for sale.

FOR RENT ^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵ Θ >ĂďŽƵƌ ĐĂŵƉ ŝŶ ǁĂĚŝ ů ŬĂďŝƌ ĨŽƌ rent. brand new building 1BHK/Basement/ ^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵ Θ Žĸ ĐĞƐ ŝŶ ZƵǁŝ ĨŽƌ ƌĞŶƚ

Contact: 91155779 hrm_gh@live.com

Furnished rooms for rent for family 200 RO per month include water & electricity, Al Khuwair. #99251975

1& 2 bed flats rent 250+ 350/- available in Wadi Al Kabir (near Lulu) with split A/C, all maintenance, 24 hours watchman facilities, with security systems. Contact: 99451168

Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM Small villa for rent in Al Amerat near sultan center. 3 bedrooms, 3 toilets, sitting room and kitchen area of the building is 170 sq. rent is ro.250/- pm. call 99469203 1, 2 & 3 BHK in good locations at Al Khuwair, Darsait, Ghubrah, Qurum 29 & Wadi Kabir. Contact : 94359190 / 96364610 1 & 2 BHK spacious flats behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Tel: 99373290, 24815012 2 BHK flat for rent at Azaiba in front of Al Sahwa towers. Contact: 97016442

2BHK in Ansab 275/-OMR. Contact 91377970

Shop for rent SOUQ road Muttrah, near Oman house. Contact: 99183525 / 24706045

Brand new show room deluxe 3 BHK, 2 BHK apartments with basement parking at Azaiba near Al Sahwa tower. Contact: 98294753 2BHK flat for rent at Wattaya near National Bank of Oman (2 bed rooms, sitting room, kitchen & 2 bathrooms). Contact: 97016442 1000,00 m2 Industrial plot with compound wall & two room at Misfa I/A. Contact: 99342733 / 91118706

2 Bed room flat overlooking Riyam Garden, Corniche. Contact: 24714625 / 91173997 Flat (villa type) , in Al Azaiba North, first floor sitting room, family hall, kitchen, 2 bathrooms. Penthouse 3 bedrooms with attached bathrooms. Well designed with quality finishing R.O 500/-. Contact Real Estate Services Co: 91246444 / 92905432 / 24222345

2BHK in Wadi Kabeer. Contact: 92144045 / 97799175 2 Bedroom flat near Indian school Wadi Kabeer with A.C. Contact: 99322363 / 95453813 2 BHK M.B.D R.O 280/-. Contact: 92144045 / 97799175

Preferably to One Organization 16 Flats of 2 Bedrooms + Sitting + 2 Bathrooms + kitchen in Al Khuwair near to Said Bin Taimoor Mosque and Oman Oil, Gr. floor & 1st Floor 6 flats and penthouse 4 flats. Plus servant room outside. Spacious parking inside and outside the building. Real Estate Services Co. (RESCO ) : 91246444 / 92905432 / 24222345 Villa for rent at Qurum with Majlis, dining room, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, car parking, land scaping area. Contact : 97016442 2 Bed room centrally air conditioned flat in CBD near central bank. Contact: 24714625/ 91173997 / 93527328

Shop / office (rent 230/ 240/250)/ comm / Resi building (near Lulu) Wadi Al Kabir Friday market road. Contact: 99451168 3 Bedrooms flat in Qurum, sitting & dining 2.5 bathrooms, kitchen at R.O 450/- monthly. Dimensions are good. Location is near by the road that goes towards Oman oil and Burger king. Contact Real Estate Services Co: 912464444 / 92905432 / 24222345 1,2 BHK Darsait. Contact: 92144045 / 97799175 Room in Wadi Kabeer. Contact: 99058744 Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Kuwaiti Mosque in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Oman house in Muttrah. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232


M O N DAY, O C T O B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT Flats and shop for rent in Ruwi, Honda road and Mumtaz area. Contact 97293708 / 92433127 / 97103695 Deluxe, 2 BHK flat for rent in Wattaya. Contact: 98802343

Villa in South Mawaleh: 8 bedrooms, 2 Majilis, 1 Family Hall, 9 toilets, 2 kitchens with Split AC, ample car park Contact: 96775026 / 99463626 3 BHK ground floor house for rent in Al Hail South. Contact: 95047657 Villa for Rent behind mazoon mousqe 7 bedroom, living room, dining room . Contact 95150809 for 750 R.O nogotiable 1 BHK near Medical Darsait Muttrah house R.O 180/-. Contact 95070201 2 BHK with split / AC in Azaiba, 18th November Street. Contact: 96708000 3 bedrooms villa in Qurum near Ramee hotel & close to crown Plaza Hotel and beach. Contact Real Estate Services Co. : 91246444 / 91248444 / 92905432 / 24222345 Brand new 14 flats in Al Wadi Al Kabir, 11 flats of 1 bedroom RO 250, 3 flats of 2 bedrooms RO 300. Contact Real Estate Services Co. : 91246444 / 91248444 / 92905432 / 24222345 2 bedroom flat – luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair, 1 bedroom flat – luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair for short or long term contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact 99436312 / 92888376 / 94617563, tel : 24834888 / 24833848 Flats for rent in Ghala, before palm tree R/A and next to Al Maha F/S Ghala, 2 bedrooms ++ RO 350 monthly, 1 bedroom ++ at RO 300 monthly. Contact Real Estate Services Co. : 91246444 / 91248444 / 92905432 / 24222345 2 BHK with split / AC in Bareeq Al Shatti. Contact: 96708000

3 bedroom ground floor house for rent in South Al Hail behind Al Hail Hypermarket. Contact: 95047657 5 warehouse on Misfah, Bausher opposite to Oman cement factory, 2 ware house 845 sqm each, 3 ware house 425 sqm each. #96041560 / 99322321 Mr. Prasanna 6 Bedroom villas available for rent at North Al Hail, near Wave, complex with swimming pool and Gym. Contact: 99833747 Office space for rent (240sq. mtr, with partition) for rent in Bank in Melli Iran Building, MBD area, near Center point. Contact: 99011352 Room in Azaiba. Contact: 99555843 Flats for rent in Darsait, 3 bedrooms++ RO 350 monthly. Contact Real Estate Services Co. : 91246444 / 91248444 / 92905432 / 24222345 2 BR apartments available for rent, close to Muscat Grand Mall, next to Diwan’s Office, South Ghubra. Contact: 2456256 / 99833747

FOR SALE Sale new hydraulic folding machine HFMX 2500C Excel machine tools England damaged during handling weight 1980 Kgs, motor 4.0 kw, lying at Wadi Kabir. Contact: 92875444 Branded safety products for sale. Contact: 99763434 Shop for sale in Al Ghubrah. Contact: 99030180/ 97003247 Twin Villa for sale in Azaiba near Sultan Centre. Each side has three floors, five bedroom plus maid room. Each room has it’s own bathroom and one extra toilet between dining and sitting room. The villas are now about 5 years old and very clean and well maintained. It has split A/C’s. OMR 215,000 each villa. Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

FOR SALE Scrap for sale Contact Mr Ravi 99329514 Shop for sale furniture, furnishing at Mabela. Contact: 90600280 Restaurant for sale : well equipped and furnished restaurant is looking for managing partner / for sale in Ruwi, Muscat. Contact: 24816082 / 94427373

FOR SALE 1. Porta Cabin Ϯ͘ ŽŽŬ >ŽĂĚĞƌ ;EĞǁ ,ŽůůĂŶĚͿ 3. Water Tanker ;,ŝŶŽ ϮϬϬϬ 'ĂůůŽŶͿ ϰ͘ ZŽůůĞƌ ;: ϯ dŽŶͿ ϱ͘ ZŽůůĞƌ ;: Θ tĂĐŬĞƌ͕ ϭ dŽŶͿ ϲ͘ ^ĐĂī ŽůĚŝŶŐƐ ϳ͘ , W ƵĐƚ WŝƉĞƐ ;ϯϬϬ ŵŵ ƚŽ ϭϴϬϬŵŵͿ ϴ͘ dŽǁĞƌ ,ŽŝƐƚ

Contact 93990154

Shop for sale, Honda road, Ruwi. Contact: 91974643 / 24705105 / 94289164

ACC. AVAILABLE Room with bath, kitchen at Al Khuwair. Contact: 99743569 Fully furnished room in an appt for Indian married couples near Royal Hospital area. Ready to move in December 1st; even short term stay for minimum 4 months. Contact 95956865 for further details.

Beauty Salon in Azaiba on the Service Road for Sale / Lease. Gsm: 90657312

Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor Opp. O.C. Centre Ruwi Call : 90611670

Industrial land in Rusail.4000 sqm. Contact 99323957 / 95490842.

Furnished room in ruwi and azaiba for rent for executive bachelors. Gsm 99058344

RESTAURANT for sale in Ruwi. Contact: 99378964 Juices, Ice cream parlour in Ruwi. Ideal location. Contact: 92150455 BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALEWell-furnished running building material-electrical shop (4 shutter / 200sqm) in Al- Khoudh- 6, for immediate sale- shop with stock or stock only. Serious buyers may please Contact: 94320909 Beauty parlour for sale in Ruwi. Contact: 92430239 Heidelberg GTO, single colour 36cm x 52cm & sorm machine single colour 52cm x 74cm. Contact: 99369880 / 92857355

BUYING Buying cars for cash. Contact 90202090

MV SALE Toyota hiace (delivery van) model: 2015. Contact: 91974643 / 24705105/ 94289164 Suzuki swift desire, model 2013. Contact: 99602748 Dihatsu Terrios Trend 4WD, 2012 Registration, dealer service registration up to August 2017. Contact No: 92812144

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text,

Land for sale in the village of Bimmah on the coastal road Qurayat/ Sur with a space of 604 square meters for an attractive price. Contact 92905222

Furnished room with attached bath room in Ruwi. Contact: 93223278 Fully Delux furnished sharing flat for Indian Executive near Sheraton CBD. Contact 99219337

AVAILABLE Bobcat available for rent. Contact 97623299 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

should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

PDO approved prime mover and flat bed trailer available for long lease or rental preferably with direct company. Contact: 99427951

CHANGE OF NAME I ELSIE D’SOUZA, holder of Indian Passport No. K8182077, daughter of LIGORY D’SOUZA having permanent residence in F3, ROYAL CLASSIC BUILDING, PONDA, GOA and presently residing in FLAT 21, BUILDING 1311A, ST3615, NORTH AL GUBRA ,MUSCAT intend to change my name from ELSIE D’SOUZA to SWETA SURAJ KOLVENKAR for all practical purposes. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box no. 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman. I Mitkumar Dinesh Kumar Shah (holder of Indian passport No. L 4997866) Son of / Daughter of Shah Dinesh Kumar Navinchandra having permanent residence in Ambaji Road Mandvi Surat 394160 (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in Seeb Souq, Opposite HSBC bank, Way 4029, Muscat POB 211, PC 122 (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Mitkumar Dinesh kumar Shah (old name) to Meet Dinesh Shah (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No. 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

LOST Ayip Lawi Amat has Indonesian lost Passport No. AT 198479. Finder please handover to ROP


D4

M O N DAY, O C T O B E R 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 SITUATION WANTED VACANT Reputed mineral water company required the following HEAVY/LIGHT DUTY DRIVERS VAN SALESMAN with Omani driving license

SALES SUPERVISOR/SALES KͳKZ /E dKZ with Omani driving license , >W Z^ ͳ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ϯ ƚŽϱ LJĞĂƌƐ

Contact - 90372638

tĂŶƚĞĚ &ĞŵĂůĞ 'LJŶĂĞĐŽůŽŐŝƐƚ ͕ Female GP and One Female Dental ƐƐŝƐƚ ĂŶĚ &ĞŵĂůĞ >Ăď dĞĐŚŶŝĐŝĂŶ͕ ƐƐƚ WŚĂƌŵĂĐŝƐƚ͘ ;&ƌŽŵ /ŶĚŝĂ Žƌ WŝůŝƉŝŶŽ Ϳ͘ tŝƚŚ Žƌ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ DK, >ŝĐĞŶƐĞ ĂŶĚ ĂƚĂ &ůŽǁ ĨŽƌ ů ^ĂĂĚŝ ^ƉĞĐŝůŝƐĞĚ DĞĚŝĐĂů ĞŶƚƌĞ͕ DƵƐĂŶŶĂ͘

Contact # 91262604, ŵĂŝů / ͗ ĐŚŝůůĂƉĂůůŝϳϲΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

REQUIRED AN AUDITOR

SITUATION WANTED hƌŐĞŶƚ ZĞƋƵŝƌĞŵĞŶƚͲ ^ĂŵĂ 'ƌŽƵƉ >> OPERATION MANAGER - Male ;ĨŽƌ Ă ƌĞƉƵƚĞĚ ĐŚĂŝŶ ĐůŝŶŝĐƐͿ

ϭ͘ DŝŶŝŵƵŵ ϯLJĞĂƌƐ ŵĂŶĂŐĞƌŝĂů ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ Ϯ͘ ĂƉĂďŝůŝƚLJ ŽĨ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĞdžƉĂŶƐŝŽŶ͕ able to handle the clinics issues ϯ͘ WĞƚ ůŽǀĞƌ ͬ ŶŽ ĨĞĂƌ ĨƌŽŵ ƉĞƚƐ ϰ͘ EK ĂŶĚ ĚƌŝǀŝŶŐ ůŝĐĞŶƐĞ ĂƌĞ ŵƵƐƚ͘ Send CV and current picture with ref no:0809

ŵĂŝů͗ ũŽďƐΛƐŐŽŵĂŶ͘ŶĞƚ

tŝƚŚ ϲ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ͘ The candidates should be a commerce graduate ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ŝŶ ĂƵĚŝƟ ŶŐ͘

ĂƵĚŝƚďƵƌĞĂƵƐůůΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ

PROPERTY SUPERVISOR

ϯ z Z yW Z/ E KDWh>^ Zz WZ/KZ/dz DK, >/ E ,K> Zͬ WZKD dZ/ W ^^ E / d ^ CONTACT NO:

Requirements: 1. General knowledge of property rental system 2. General knowledge of maintenance 3. Omani driving license

00968 93685196, 96182018 ŵĂŝů͗ ŝŶĨŽΛĂůŵŝƐŬŵĞĚŝĐĂůŐƌŽƵƉ͘ĐŽŵ > D/^< D / > 'ZKhW͕ ^ht /Y͕ / Z/ ; Z E ,Ͳd,Z/^^hZͲ /E Ϳ W EK͗ ϰϵ͕ W ͗ ϱϭϭ / Z/ ^h>d E d K& KD E ǁǁǁ͘ĂůŵŝƐŬŵĞĚŝĐĂůŐƌŽƵƉ͘ĐŽŵ

Send CV to:

jobs.oman2017@gmail.com

NB: INDIANS PREFERRED

ACCOUNTS Accountant 2-3 years experience. Candidate should be Indian, English speakers. NOC is a must. Email: mohammad.jwabreh@ bearingcitysc.com. Fax: 24509312

BEAUTY Muscat beauty supplier looking for Salesman representation for a company specializing in sales of beauty products and materials with 3 years experience & valid driving license. Contact: 00968 98515355 Hussin Urgently required a Gulf experienced Beautician (Lady) Contact: 99619409

DRIVER Urgently required delivery driver, with valid Oman motorcycle license, at least 1-2 years experience in delivery. Contact 24694905 Urgently required a Driver with Oman license. Contact: 95729711 / 99364735 Wanted Driver. Contact: 97165972 Wanted Driver for heavy (sewage vehicle) and light vehicle with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 97991654 / 97991652 Kindly send CV at Email: construction@remasalseeb.com / remaschandran2020@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELP Required house maid part time / full time, visa available. Contact 92895417 A full time living house maid required for an Indian family in Ghubra. Contact: 97335255

ENG./TECHNICIAN QS/ Site Engineer with diploma & minimum 10 years Gulf experience required- 2 Nos. Contact / Email: omaniantrad@gmail.com Urgently required: Senior Civil Engineer- with 10 years experience in building construction and to be valid in Oman for interview. Interested candidates may fax to 00968-24605955 or email us to sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com. Wanted for immediate appointment at Salalah, Oman : Procurement and Trading/Sales Engineer, Electrical Engineer (3) Civil Engineer. Apply soon to vmwilly@yahoo.co.in / hr_oman1@yahoo.com Required Electrical Engineer bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering. Should have 5- 10 years in Oman experience in primary substations. Interested candidates send resume to hr@aljood-oman.com

WANTED AUDIT PARTNER Ŷ KŵĂŶŝ ƵĚŝƚ Į ƌŵ ŝƐ ƐĞĞŬŝŶŐ ƵĚŝƚ WĂƌƚŶĞƌ ƚŽ ũŽŝŶ ƚŚĞ Į ƌŵ͘ /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ŚĂƌƚĞƌĞĚ ĐĐŽƵŶƚĂŶƚƐ ĂƌĞ ƌĞƋƵĞƐƚĞĚ to send their C.V to

ͲŵĂŝů ͗ ĂƵĚŝƚďƵƌĞĂƵϮϬϭϲΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ ENG./TECHNICIAN

MEDICAL

Civil Engineer for Reputed firm in Oman for their Construction division for minimum 3 years of experience and valid driving license. Contact : 94148970 send resume to : raja.suguna1975@gmail.com

Gynecologist, G.P, Staff Nurse, Lab technician, receptionist (Philippine) . Contact: 94562008 Email: halamedicalgroup@gmail.com

Urgent requirement for building & roads construction company Civil Engineer 5 yrs exp Oman Fore man 5 yrs exp in Oman, Accountant 3 yrs exp., tally is advantage. Contact: 71100641 / 71100643

EDUCATION The Egyptian School wanted Chemistry & Physics Teacher for 1G – Applications. Send CV by hand or by Email: egyptionschool98@gmail.com Contact: 24603930 A well known bilingual private school is in need of Laboratory Assistant, English, Mathematics, Science, Computer and Kindergarten Teachers. Contact: 96910649 Email: staffing.oman@gmail.com

IT An IT company which develops websites and mobile apps, wanted a Business coordinator and Secretary with experience in media sales coordination and social media. Email CV to: hr@cityvago.com

MEDICAL Wanted Dentist & Nurse with or without MOH. Contact : 95042101 or send CV to Email : azad.a.asif@gmail.com Required male female GP, Administrator for a Polyclinic at Ibra. Contact 71100596, jaharaajmal2016@gmail.com Fusion Medicare Polyclinic, Muscat wants GP, staff Nurse holding MOH license & Receptionist (Omani) Contact 97698004 email: medicare@fusionlogicoman.com GP, Pediatrician, Gynecologist, General Surgeon, Orthopaedician, Dentist, Pharmacist, urgently need to work in a polyclinic in Sur. candidates with MOH license preferred. Contact: 00968 - 24446454, 00968-91164581 (Sunday to Thursday 8.30 AM to 9 PM)

Wanted female & Male Nurse with or without license (good salary, food & accommodation with other benefits. Contact 92989109, medicoport@gmail.com Required licensed GP doctor, lab Technician, Pharmacist and Asst Pharmacist for a clinic in Salalah. Contact: 93129219 & send CV to: clinicrecruitment2015@gmail.com Postgraduate Gynaecologist & GP with prometric dataflow required for Polyclinic Muscat. Attractive package. Kindly send your documents on dsm.reqruitment@gmail.com Wanted female & Male Nurse with or without license (good salary, food & accommodation with other benefits. Contact 97700963, medicoport@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Urgent required : Store labors. Candidate should be Indian, English speakers. NOC is a must. Email: mohammad.jwabreh @bearingcitysc.com, Fax: 24509312

SECRETARIAL / OFFICE Wanted Office clerk having two years experience. Contact: 92891888

SALES / MARKETING Urgent requirement Sales representatives in FEMCO LLC Eco friendly products. Graduate with minimum 2 years experience driving license is a must. Sent CV to: info@femcooman.com Wanted Sales man logistics experienced sales person with D/L in freight forwarding, clearing, shipping, etc. Contact: 94007259 Email: smylackal@albadrigroup.com Required well experienced dynamic candidate in Real Estate Evaluation Field beside Building Management Techniques. Contact 91246444, rescooman@gmail.com Indian Salesman indoor, knowledge in English & Arabic. Contact: 93326636

Finance Manager 22 years experienced Chartered Accountant and cost & management accountant looking for a suitable change. Contact: 99884291 / 99741875 / 24601935

Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail. Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415

SITUATION VACANT

VACANCY IN OMAN

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, B.Com, MBA in Finance, 4 yrs in Larsen & Tourbo, 26 yrs in Oman, English/ Arabic speaking with driving license. NOC available. Contact 95588565

Interested candidates may mail their CV’s to:

X-RAY TECHNICIAN’S

ACCOUNTS

SALES / MARKETING Required salesman, Tailor, Barber. Contact: 96964767 Required sales and marketing executive for a 4-star hotel in muscat. candidate with excellent communication skills and having 3+ years experience need apply. driving license will be an advantage. email: hoteljobsmuscat@gmail.com

SKILLED LABOUR Urgently required Sub contractors for building work at Mabellah. Contact: 98113748 / 24422458 Email: kabnair@gmail.com Required Experienced Auto Electrician and Automobile Mechanic for a reputed service station. Contact : 91232638 hashim@ramainvestment.com

SIT. WANTED ACCOUNTS Indian Accountant having 8 years experience in Accounts (5 years ) in Saudi, Oman driving license excellent knowledge in tally, focus, quick books & MS. Office, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 93878624 Email: arunjames88@gmail.com Indian female, M.Com, having 4 yr’s experience in Accounts looking for Accountant/suitable job. Contact: 98418533 / 99338639 Qualified CA, ACS, 10 +years Managerial experience, looking for immediate opening. working in Bank, Open to any GCC. Contact : +968-90788509, Email: kartirevy@gmail.com 12 Yrs Exp Accountant worked in Construction, Cont & Trad Cos. worked on Oracle / Orion / Tally/ Epromis, ERP s/w with Valid D/L – (NOC/Release available). Contact 92194086 Pakistani male, MBA finance, 10 years experience accounting, finance, business development, Administration & banking profi cient in quick book & Microsoft suite, valid Oman driving license. Contact: 94162125 Indian B.Com, LLB, Inter, ACS with 30 years experience in accounts / finance (20 years in Oman) seeks suitable change, NOC available. Contact: 99251444 Indian Accountant, B. Com, Having 8yrs of Experience in Oman, Up to finalization, Tally, SAP, Oman D/L, Release Available. Contact - 93484122, Email:prijilputhan@gmail.com Indian male, 28 yrs, MBA (Finance) with 8 yrs experience in accounting with MNCS using Sap FICO as ERP, Currently on visit till 17-Nov -2016 seeking job in Oman. Contact: 98935778

Indian female 23 yrs MBA, Finance and HR, currently on visit looking for suitable job. Contact: 93305002 / 99048224 Email: manjusharavindren@gmail.com Sir Lankan Senior Accountant having BBA, MBA, CA foundation with 6 years (2.5 years in Oman) of experience in Tally ERP, MYOB, Quick book, Oracle Oman D/L, release available. Contact: 93598736 Accountant Assistant B.Com Graduate with 2 yrs experience in Accounting. Contact: 94736742 Omani female Accountant, 32 years, having 10 years exp in admin/accounts seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93295953 Indian female MBA, 3 years experience seeking suitable job. Contact: 99257214 Pakistani male 23 years B.Com, 1 year experience of Accountant looking for a good job. Contact : 79096696 Indian male 8 years Accounts experience in Oman total 16 years experience can handle accounts upto finalization, good knowledge in Tally ERP/ Promis and MS Office have Oman driving license and NOC. Contact: 96937943 / 99043561, Email: ksunil2000@gmail.com Indian female Accountant B.Com tally, 10 years exp in Oman. Contact: 91443796 Accountant Sri Lankan National Inter CA 3 yrs exp in finance ready to join immediately. Contact: 79049355 Email: ahamedfiham777@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, WITH Oman D/L & 9 yrs experience, 8 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 Accountant Indian female B.Com, tally 5 years experience 2 years in Oman. Contact: 99139188 Indian (M), 31 yrs, M Com 9 yrs experience in Oman, looking for Manager or Executive position in Fin & Accounts, NOC Available. Contact 968 96166178/ +919768537435: mohammednajeem@yahoo.com Accountant 8 Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 Indian female, 26 years,brought up in oman,M.COM(FINANCE) CA Foundation(CPT),CA INTER(DOING) presently on family visa seeking for immediate and suitable placement. Contact -97174201/99663957 Email-anishasasi@gmail.com Accountant, 10 yrs experience, male tally, ERP, holding Oman driving license up to finalization accounts handling. Contact 79002093 MBA Finance 20 yrs of MNC (MEP) experience thorough knowledge in preparation of financials, budgeting, fore casting, audit, trade finances, cash flows, guarantees, income tax, project (cost control) & ERP implementation with NOC seeks suitable placement. Contact 96280551 Email: ramu2587@hotmail.com Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman. Ready to join immediately. Contact 98263394

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 12 Yrs Exp Accountant worked in Construction, Cont & Trad Cos. with Valid D/L – (NOC/Release available). Contact 92194086 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 female B.Com Materials Management 9 yrs exp in purchase & Accounts seeks suitable placement NOC available. Contact: 92695946 Certified Public Accountant (Filipino, Male, 27-yrs-old) with four years experience, seeking suitable placement in accounting/ audit, currently on visit. Contact; 94959606, email: czesar.42@gmail.com 7 Years experience as Financial Analyst, MBA in finance. Responsibilities- research contributor, financial statement analysis, generating MIS & efficiency report, managing TAT, business & clients. On visit visa in Muscat. Contact 90191628 / 96175780 Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin. Contact :94743790 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 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 8 yrs exp. in Admin & Accounts (3 yrs in Oman), MBA, exp. in Tally ERP 9, Indian (F) seeks placement. Contact 97243806 Accountant B.com Indian male 12 yrs exp seeks suitable job.NOC available . Contact : 91212471 Email: rennyj6@gmail.com ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. Contact 99284193 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 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 Indian female 26 yrs, MBA finance 2 yrs exp with MNC. Email: rilooozmali@gmail.com. Contact : 90551366. 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement. Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

ARCH./ INTERIOR DEC. Sudanese male Architect with 8 years of experience in design & and project management B.Sc, Master of Art in Architect and PMP holder. Contact: 93522498 / 93946515 Email: hesham.siddiq@gmail.com Architecture Graduate in urban planning & architecture Indian male, 6 months experience in architecture & interior design NOC available. Contact: 96926903 Email: nikcherian93@gmail.com B. Arch Grad Indian female 24 yrs, highly skilled in designing looking for entry level architect positions currently Oman residence visa. Contact : 95990255 Email: lubainank@gmail.com


M O N DAY, O C T O B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED An experienced Chartered Accountant

Male -FMCG DISTRIBUTION PROFESSIONAL ,MBA MARKETING ,10 years Managerial experience in GCC /OMAN looking for Divisional Manager position. NOC /DL available.

with over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change.

Contact -92405181

96491030

British Citizen Senior Architect, Managing Director, Chief Architect 14 years experience, V Ray 3D, AutoCAD BOQ, master degree on architectural design. Contact: 92480035 Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience. GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com Architect Sudanese female 7 years experience design site work, interior design programs AutoCAD archicad. Contact: 71190409 / 94078945

ADMIN

Contact # 96654216

Contact - 96501189

; ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐƐ Θ dĞůĞĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟ ŽŶͿ͕ D ;DĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐͿ͕ /ŶĚŝĂŶ ŵĂůĞ͕ ϯϬ LJƌƐ͕ ϳ LJƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ ŝŶ ^ĂůĞƐ͕ DĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ Θ WƌŽũĞĐƚƐ͕ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ƉůĂĐĞŵĞŶƚ͕ ǀĂůŝĚ KŵĂŶ ͬ>͕

,ŽƐƉŝƚĂůŝƚLJ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů /ŶĚŝĂŶ͕ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĂƐ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů DĂŶĂŐĞƌ ŝŶ Ă ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ,ŽƚĞů ŝŶ DƵƐĐĂƚ͘

Quantity Surveyor, Sri

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

NOC AVAILABLE Contact - 98518776

ϭϴн LJĞĂƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ DŝĚĚůĞ ĂƐƚ & /ŶĚŝĂ͘ tŝƚŚ ƌĞůĞĂƐĞ ͬ EK ͕ ƐĞĞŬŝŶŐ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů DĂŶĂŐĞƌ ͬ KƉĞƌĂƟ ŽŶƐ MĂŶĂŐĞƌƐ ũŽďƐ ŝŶ ,ŽƐƉŝƚĂůŝƚLJ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ͘

Lankan male, 25 yrs, B.Tech HND QS (Civil & MEP), AutoCAD with 5 yrs experience, looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 968 99589495, Email : mct2016job@gmail.com

Contact 92032632, haseebmursaleen@gmail.com

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

DRIVER Experienced driver available with 4WD willing to work fulltime / part-time, familiar with all tourist destinations in Oman. Contact: 24814231 / 91941545 Looking for driving job. Contact: 93798802 Heavy duty driver looking job 15 yrs experience in GCC Know English, Hindi & Arabic. Contact: 98571413 / 95464051

HR senior professional with 10 yrs (7 yrs in Dubai& Qatar) comprehensive exp in leading HR function (recruitment, training, performance mangt system, GCC Law, operations, benefits administration and strategy) available to join immediately. Contact: 0097455375005(Qatar) Email: maliksha@gmail.com

One year experience in heavy D/L, looking for job. Contact: 94397006

Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have vocational M.B.A diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position.Contact 90196235 Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817 Egyptian woman resident, considerable experience in the Administration and Secretarial Executive for company. Contact : 97221126

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN Tunisian girl looking for job in media field, has 8years experience in publishing contact 97816917 AUTOCAD D MAN, 3 yr DCE, ITIi, experience in arch 2d,3d ph : 99506977 Free lance / part time autocad works / make boq 2d /3d arch , structural, shop drawings interior drawings. Contact 97103168 mkgroupoman@gmail.com AUTOCAD freelance / part time , ARCH,MEP, 2D,3D, shop drawing, Bill of QTY PH : 97103168, mkgroupoman@gmail.com Skilled Indian Designer, 7 yrs experience in Oman designing & Execution of Work at site & workshop seeking senior placement. Contact: 93285996 Email: kw251287@gmail.com Interior design Engineer looking for a job, 6 years experience. Contact: 91291502

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WITH NOC HR & ADMINISTRATION PROFESSIONAL

CONTACT: 90189412

Wanted job for surveyor, driver experience 2 years. Contact: 97060510

Indian (F) MBA HR & Finance with 3.5 yrs Oman Exp in HR/Admin/ Procurement, NOC available M: 99791008 / 93888576

džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ /d WƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů

With 14 years of Oman experience in Omanization, well familiar with Oman labor laws, employee relations / welfare, Liasion & Coordination, Strategic HR Planning, performance Appraisal & General Administration.

Omani, male, 26 yrs experience looking for job in reputed Companies as PR, having experience at airport / Emigration, Ministries/ Manpower with Oman D/L. Contact 95445779

Graduate (female), 5 yrs experience in administrations looking for suitable placement (visit visa). Contact 98277037

/ŶĚŝĂŶ ŵĂůĞ͕ D &ŝŶĂŶĐĞ͕ ͘ Žŵ Θ ŽŵƉƵƚĞƌ ŝƉůŽŵĂ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ Ă ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ƉŽƐŝƟ ŽŶ ƵƌƌĞŶƚ ƉŽƐŝƟ ŽŶ͗ Financial controller džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ͗ ϭϱ LJĞĂƌƐ н

ǁŝƚŚ ŽǀĞƌ ϮϬ LJĞĂƌƐ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ͘ ĂŶ ŵĂŶĂŐĞ ZW ƐLJƐƚĞŵƐ͕ ,ĂƌĚǁĂƌĞ͕ EĞƚǁŽƌŬ͕ tŝͲ&ŝ ĂŶĚ Biometric Devices. EK ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘

Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR. PH : 92279784

ARCH./ INTERIOR DEC.

SITUATION WANTED

Searching job for light driver, experience, 4 yrs. Contact: 92458526

5 years exp D/L (GCC) looking for job. Contact 98077904 Driver with Oman license, 1 year exp. Contact: 95679493 3 years experience heavy & oxy license driver looking for job. Contact: 97363138 Experience heavy driver, looking for job. Contact: 91493829 Looking for driver job. Contact: 98549627 Driver available for job. Contact: 96381406 Providing transportation services throughout Muscat, light vehicle. Contact: 95371665 Bangladeshi male light driver experience 16 years need job. Contact: 99165961 Bangladeshi, 5 years exp in distribution/loading with D/L speaks Arabic & Hindi. Contact: 95865971 Light driver exp 4 years know English, Arabic, Hindi. Contact: 94928736 Driver with car available. Contact: 98522914 Looking for job light driver 8 yrs in GCC country & speak Arabic good. Contact: 92806893 Looking for job light driver 2 yrs exp. Contact: 91659265 Driver with car. Contact: 95518612 Light driver looking for job, 5 years exp in Oman. Contact: 94208089 Indian Driver light need job. Contact: 96693613 18 yrs exp driver seeks job. Contact: 95541940 Driver job wanted. Contact: 96393082 Female family driver. Contact: 98044188 Looking for job exp having driving license. Contact: 97363138 Driver looking for job. Contact: 95892363

Service Engineer three years experience in Oman with license. Contact: 94180383, Email: khalid_khogli@hotmail.com

Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. # 92451323. Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com

B. Tech Mechanical HVAC site Engineer 4 years experience, currently on visit. #92837696 / mdabdulather@gmail.com

Mechatronics Engineer with NEBOSH and three years experience in Oman with license. Contact: 94180383, Email: khalid_khogli@hotmail.com

Indian male Civil Engineer 1.6 yrs exp, having Omani D/L, looking for suitable position. NOC available. Contact – 92157694 / mohammedamair.bin@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

B.Sc. Mechanical Engineer with 6 years Gulf Experience in Oil & Gas, MEP and HVAC. GSM:92730137

Diploma in Mechanical Engg, 10 years exp in steel fabrication site work with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 94696192

Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 8 yrs Exp in consulting engineer with auto cad & D/L. Contact : 98484123 Civil Engineer 8 yrs Exp in building construction with auto cad & D/L. Contact : 93060770 Indian male 26 years Mechanical Engineer with 2 yrs exp in Oman. Looking for suitable placement. Contact - 91328079 Civil Engineer 8 years experience BOQ estimating, building good knowledge computer AutoCAD also. STP plant experience 3 years Quantity surveyor. Contact: 94932724 Civil Engineer, B.Tech, Indian male with one year of Oman experience seeking suitable position. NOC available from current employer. Contact: 91702450 Email: tijoct2015@hotmail.com 18 years experienced Indian Civil Engg. residential, commercial, high rise industrial buildings) with transferable visa. Contact: 92855910 Email: jk2_anu@yahoo.co.in Indian male 44 yrs, 21 yrs experience Mechanical Engineer proficient in Admin, Sales, marketing very good written oral communication. Contact: 96746735 Diploma in Electronic & communication 8 years exp in security system, CCTV, ACS, Data cabling side with valid Oman D/L NOC available. Contact: 95961202 Email: shakeep@yahoo.co.in Civil Engineer roads / highways 07 years Oman experience in well reputed companies, available with N.O.C from sponsor valid GCC Oman driving license light. Contact: 95994968 / 94111957. Sudanese Civil Structure Engineer with 4 years experience looking for suitable job with D/L.NOC available. Contact: 97906770 Iraqi male, Architect and Civil Engineer looking for job in design and manage and supervising and civil work in the site with 5 years experience in architect and civil field residing in Muscat. Contact 71165357 Email: arch.marwan@yahoo.com

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrs exp seeks suitable position in a reputed company. NOC available. Contact 96789711 Indian male 22, BE Civil Engineer with few site and internship experiences looking for a suitable position in your firm. Got knowledge in (Primavera, Autocad, Staad pro). Currently In visit visa. 98327644 or shakib842@gmail.com Indian male, B.E Mechanical with 2 years experience as Maintenance Engineer in Cochin Refinery and 1 year experience in Chevrolet seeking job. Contact : 97964862, Email :jossyabraham20@gmail. com Civil Engineer Project Manager 14 years exp, 11 yrs in Oman PMP FDC Contract Management experience independently handling Civil works familiar with Oman regulating looking for senior level position, local release available. Contact: 98826815 Pakistani male 30, Diploma in Civil 12+ years exp 9 years in KSA looking job for Surveyor have visa with NOC driving license. Contact: 97255028 Email: leo_khurais@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer 27 yrs Indian male 4 yrs experience, certification ASNT, level 2, ASME 31.3 looking for suitable position. Contact: 98843671 Email: ifthikharahmedpo@hotmail.com Indian male 8 years experience in electrical field with managerial, office, site supervision, fault debugging and exposure to electrical devices now in visiting visa. Contact: 90181566 Email: jittoandrewsnesto@gmail.com B.E Mechanical Engineer, Indian male 22 yrs, currently on visit Oman knowledge of AutoCAD, 2D & 3D looking for job in various mechanical fields. Contact: 00968 92113987 Email: mohammedthanzeel@gmail.com B.E Civil Engineer Indian male 26 years with 8+ years Indian experience in building construction & consulting field with AutoCAD, NOC available, looking for suitable position. Contact: 94656970

34 years, Pakistani with qualification of B.Tech pass Civil Engineering searching for job, total experience 13 years with 8 years in Oman, NOC available valid driving license. Contact : 96136226

Civil Engineer (BE), Indian male 25 yrs with 2+ yrs experienced, certified in AutoCAD, Staad Pro, Revit looking for suitable position NOC available. Contact: 94973235 Email: merlinraj1710@gmail.com

Female Civil Engineer with 2 years Oman experience seeking suitable position. Release available. Contact: 97906991 Email: bhavya.bharathan@hotmail.com

Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. Contact: 98921022

Diploma in Civil Engineer, 3 years Sudanese National, 4 years experience in construction sites in Oman. Contact: 91183608

B.E Mech Engineer, Indian male, having 2 yrs experience in Mechanical Engg seeks suitable position. Contact: 98827544 Email: sibi.a.b.varghese@gmail.com

Pakistani male Civil 3 years diploma 8 years experience as Site Engineer, valid Omani D/L immediate joining. Contact: 93294965

Mechanical/ Piping Engineer (B.Tech.) on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 94703350 mail: nadeembcoolboy@gmail.com

Indian male, 23 Yrs, B-Tech - Electrical & Electronics, having 2 Year of Work experience - looking for suitable placement. Currently in Oman on Visit. Contact: 96739500

Electrical & Electronic Engineer MEP (Electrical Drafting and designing) Oman Driving license2 years experience - Mob 99759466 ; shyjalpk@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784

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

Software Engineer looking for a job experience of 1 year related to software testing, documentation or development etc on visit, worked on Android, ASP .NET, C#, Java, Web development. Contact: 97236636 Email: hasanmir777@gmail.com B.Sc Civil Engineer: 5 years experience with having D/L. Contact: 93850440, Email: shahadat033@gmail.com Diploma in Instrumentation and control, instrument technician 2 years experience male, 25, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 96946408 Email: anfeeranfu4@gmail.com Indian male 27 years civil Engg (Project Coordinator) 6 years experience in Oman looking for suitable position NOC release available. Contact: 95071223 Civil Eng Civil Draughtsman with diploma more than 8 yrs exp in Oman having valid D/L, NOC available. Contact: 96785348 / 93129804 Email: abbasimran786@hotmail.com Indian male, B.E Mechanical with 2 years experience as Maintenance Engineer in Cochin Refinery and 1 year experience in Chevrolet seeking job. Ph number: 97964862, Email:jossyabraham20@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) on visit visa looking for suitable job, has certificate of rewit MEP. Contact: 97923238 Email: vvikhil4@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity. Contact: 93101283 Mechanical Engineer with 4yrs exp in maintenance, design, contracting firms with GCC D / license Contact 95712436 & tejab17@gmail.com Graduate Civil Engineer 20 yrs GCC experience with Omani D/L, seeking job NOC available. Contact: 98621645 Email: imtiazcv@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects. Contact – 90164912 Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).Looking for a Suitable position. Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa. Contact: 92157694. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Building Engineer, Senior level 9 yrs experience, Projects management, Coordination, Quantities Surveying Engineer contracts, civil software’s & AutoCAD looking for senior level position, NOC available. Contact: 79097475 Email: a-shaqfa@hotmail.com Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS and Low current systems and has good knowledge about Electronic Security Systems, currently working in Oman, NOC Available. Contact: 94737033/ mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961 Electrical Engineer, 24 yrs, Indian Male, Fresher, Training Undertaken in Electrical Draughtsman, Fire Alarm, Fire Fighting and Industrial Automation. Contact: 94989767, Email: Junaiz987@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 Email: syam036@gmail.com

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact 99739415 / 92091528 Indian female 24. Masters in Computer science engineering, seeking job in colleges, schools and institutes. Having in good skill in teaching and advanced technologies. Contact : 93356858 Email id : annielino11@gmail.com Indian female 27 TGT in Computer Science having 2 years experience in CBSE school seeking for suitable teaching opportunity in schools or colleges. Contact: 96410225 / 99105854 Email: anitha.mathew.anna@gmail.com Mathematics Lecturer , Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University, B.Ed qualified, distinction holder with 6 yrs teaching experience in colleges. Contact : 91360147.

HOSPITALITY

Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Male, 30yrs. Experienced in Steam turbines and Thermal Power house seek employment. Contact - +91 8130553668 or mohamedshah7@gmail.com

Indian male 31yrs old with hotel management degree, 03 yrs experience in F&B services at 5 star hotel Dubai, 05 yrs in American 06 star cruiseliner has butler. Has Oman driving license. Contact 99859150.

Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit. PH: 93837973

Indian male BA & LLB IATA cargo having 10 years experience as lawyer in Indian, currently on visit visa seeking placement. Contact 99068790 Email: meltoma@gmail.com

Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com 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

IT Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement. Contact 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement. Contact 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com


D6

M O N DAY, O C T O B E R 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 IT

MISCELLANEOUS

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE

SALES / MARKETING

IT Support Engineer, exp 4 yrs in Dubai & 1 yr in India. Contact: 94832244

BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants). Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com

Secretarial & Office: Indian(F), MBA in Finance, 2 years experience as Associate in Branch Operations (Record Keeping, Desk job)on family visa.Ph:93186865 ; email: ddthoppil@gmail.com

Indian male 1 yr exp in sales automotive (TBL) looking for best opportunity , NOC available. Contact# 97793879 Email: shyampkn@gmail.com

Over 9 years experienced (7 years in Oman) IT support professional looking suitable opportunities (NOC available). Contact: 97689128 Email: dd_mcp@hotmail.com Omani 27 m, IT Support Engineer seeks placement 7 yrs excellent exp, networking hardware, software. Contact: 95356166 Indian female- B.Tech with 3 Years of Experience as Software Engineer in an MNC looking for suitable placements. Please Contact through. Mob ; 95196243 Mail- hnambissan@gmail.com or IT Engineer Graduated from Bangalore reputed university 1.5 yrs of of experience in software skilled in Php html CSS Jquery on visit visa. Contact: 91213391 IT Engineer male, 28 yrs, over 7 yrs experience with NOC, D/L available seeking placement in IT / Network / Telecom field. Contact: 93563297 Email: monuzv24@gmail.com Indian male, 27 years, bachelor in IT, having 5 years experience in PHP DEV., Networking, IT support, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98825722 Email: ajaybin.joy@gmail.com Mobile & laptop Technician Indian male having 2 years experience in India, currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement in Oman. Contact: 71018270 / 92365310 / Email: shibinscaria1@gmail.com Indian female, 22- Science Graduate in IT with an exp. of few months in the related field seeks a suitable job in Muscat. Studied CCNA & Web design courses. Pursuing Masters in IT now. GSM: 94909075. Mail id: madhue009@gmail.com Female, master in mass communication, B.Ed, experience in media channel and teaching PH : 99362024 Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available. Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area. Contact 98660672 CFA level 1 cleared (pursuing level 2) MBA operations research, female, 5 yrs experience as Analyst, have a valid Oman driving license, looking for related openings. Contact 95818892 IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India. Contact 94672759

LOGISTICS Experienced Indian Male seeking placement in “Stores & Logistics”. Contact: 91927039

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Male, 25 years old, born and brought up in Oman B.COM(Finance),MBA(Marketing) with Valid Omani Driving License seeking suitable placement. Contact 94170219/99621400 Email:mahimmatha2016@gmail.com 9 year experienced industrial painter and sand blaster with Oman driving licence. NOC available. Seeks suitable placement. Contact ZakeerHussain 96681934. Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements. NOC available. Contact: 92066 523 B.Com,IICL Certified Container Inspector(No.150850),Visit Visa, Six months experience, need placement. Phone 90880935,99023279, Email solexyesudas@gmail.com.

Indian male age 47, 15 years exp in store in charge in GCC, seeks suitable job. Contact: 90198237 21, Indian female B.com graduate on family visa looking for immediate and suitable placement. Holds valid Omani Driver’s license. Contact: 97208869 Indian female, 25 yrs, Msc Biotechnology, looking for suitable job. Contact 92619048 email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Filipino Graphic Designer / I.T. looking for a suitable job with 10 years experience. Very good in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Photography, Knowledge in CCTV & Access Controls. Call 79042628. Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge. Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill. GSM: 97761075

MANAGER / SUPERVISOR Manager - Business Development, Advertising and Marketing, Facility Management, Operations, Client Sericing, Brand Building. +968 93031168 Marketing Manager 29 years professional experience in building materials in Oman / GCC with NOC. Contact: 92284066 / 98559317 Indian male MBA 14 yrs experience in business development seeking managerial roles driving license, NOC available. Contact: 93956234 Indian male (44), MBA, 19 yrs experience in Oman. Present Industry: Natural stones for construction. Responsibilities: Production, Trading, Business development and overall management. Looking for an immediate opening. Contact : 90992631 General Manager IRAQI who is able to motivate a sales force and focus it on success. Adept at administrative organization utilizing talent and resource and meeting or exceeding all sales goals Experience 13 Years Inside- outside Oman, following activities:(construction – real estate - fit out - pipe lain - Infrastructure) Contact: - Oman 71146111

MEDICAL Indian Female Nurse with MOH License, seeks suitable placement in Muscat, Contact: 95537685 Staff Nurse having 6 years experience with MOH license and NOC, looking for job. Contact: 97440718 Looking for the job for the past of Physiotherapist Certificate holder having experience one & half year. Contact: 92545386 / 95474455 Email: deondavid443@gmail.com Indian female Nurse 9 yrs experience / Gulf experience prometric 70% & dataflow completed looking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 96739298 Veterinary Doctor: Indian Female looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 96906534 /99014885, Email: monishmajeed@gmail.com Dr.Ayman Abduljalil Ali, E.N.T Specialist (Otolaryngologist), Yemeni-male, looking for job. Mobile: 00201096542706, Email: aymanjalilorl@gmail.com Filipino male Medical / Sales representative with 3 yrs experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: 92610394 Iraqi Dentist female, MOH license seeks suitable job in clinic in Muscat. Contact 97891219

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE

Indian male 40 years BSc degree, 16 yrs experience, 6 yrs in GCC in store keeping & material coordinating seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98966849

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

Sudanese male bachelor geology and mining with 3 years experience in MUD logging and training in soil investigation. Contact 92956848

Indian female, 25 yrs, Msc Biotechnology, looking for suitable job Contact 92619048 email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com

Filipino female, Bachelor Degree in Political Science, 7 years experience in Administration, Sales and Training. I ‘m highly motivated, hard working, skillfull, and willing to work in full time basis, seeks suitable placement. Contact 71149947 A confident & more than 7 years experienced bilingual secretary/ admin officer with NOC looking for the right opening. Contact 94742482 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Contact 95244761

SALES / MARKETING NOC available Indian male, 30 yrs, MBA (marketing), BE, (ECE), 7 yrs exp in Oman in sales, projects & marketing seeks suitable placement, valid Oman D/L. Contact: 98518776 Indian female, 9 years exp in logistics, sales coordinator, exp in SAP, MS Office & having Oman D/L, currently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 95251911 Multinational FMGC experienced, qualified Sri Lankan lady seeking employment in Muscat. Marketing, Brands, Sales, Communication. Oman exp & DL available. Contact 98250829 6 years experience in sales, marketing with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact : 96626489 Indian male 26 yrs, 2 yrs exp in show room sales on visit visa. Contact: 99356596 Coordinator Indian male 42 yrs, 16 yrs exp having valid Oman D/L release available. Contact: 93412622 Indian male 26, MBA in Marketing, 4 years experience in sales and marketing with valid GCC D/L Now in visiting visa looking for challenging opportunities. Contact: 98666324 Email: ajithvjames@gmail.com Seeks suitable placement sales, marketing, and supervisor. Contact: 98522914 15+ Experienced in Sales & Marketing, Modular Kitchen & Furniture with NOC & Valid License @ 96239126 Indian, 8 years experience in sales & marketing looking for suitable job. NOC available. Contact: 99837447 Email: rhlboss86@gmail.com Indian male with 6 years experience in sales in oman. NOC available, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95364128 Indian male 27 years 5 years G.C.C experience in sales & marketing with valid Oman license holder, NOC is available, looking for suitable position. Contact: 94048369 Indian male 28 yrs B.Com 5 yrs exp Admin / sales seeking job, NOC available. Contact: 96191521 Resident in Oman 18 years, 10 years experience in setup marketing plans and strategies, sales, import & logistics, procurement, Omani government tenders, organizing projects & events, import fireworks for festivals, NOC available, have car. Contact 94123939. Email: 002015r@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech Auto mobile with MBA in marketing& HR, 3 yrs experience in service field, looking suitable job in Oman NOC available. Contact: 79080760 Email: althafhussain262@gmail.com BBA Graduate male Indian having valid Oman driving license looking for a job in the field of sales and marketing available immediately. Contact: 24566124 / 92518257 Indian Origin, Portuguese Nationality male MBA (Marketing) excellent English vast multi-tasking experience 29+ years in Admin HR/PR Logistics sales facility management with Oman driving license seeks suitable placement. Contact 94034168 Email: sheriagnes@gmail.com

Indian male 29 seeking for store keeping and inventory controller job with 6 years exp at East Africa. Contact: 99695002 Email: arafathw880i@gmail.com An experienced person in joinery / fit out looking for working partner job. NOC & local release is available. Contact: 90872012 Indian male 26 yrs, Graduate, 3 years experience with Air India seeking suitable opportunity with reputed firms. Contact: 98847095 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 Oil & gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license.#96143430 / 99875919 Indian female 29 years Post Graduate with computer Knowledge 2 years of Oman experience in coordinator & 5 years of experience in customer service, client relation officer with excellent communication skill seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95337665 10+ Years Exp , 8 years In UAE , in Logistics ,Warehouse & Inventory looking for Job. Contact Number -00968 98096086 Indian male 26 years of experience of sales & marketing in surgical and laboratory equipments. Looking for good replacement. Contact – 92015894 /95774854 Indian male age 24, B.Com. having 2 year experience and currently in visit visa. Looking for suitable placement in Sales, Marketing & finance. Contact: 90766307 Email: shhaazz.007@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity. NOC available. Conatct 96001877 Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Conatct 95792820 Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India. +918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com

SITUATION WANT- SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED GOOD NEWS Indian male 33 having 4 year experience in oman. Have valid driving license, looking for job in any field.Contact: 98477536, Email: Irbqzahmed83@gmail.com PROCUREMENT OFFICER, IndianMale 34yrs,M.Com with 14 yrs work Exp.( 8 yrs in Oman ) working in Construction Co LLC( for ROAD,CIVIL,ELECTRO-MECHANICAL & Others Projects ) and having valid LT D/L, NOC/Local release available & ready to join within a week-M:+919440810180 Email: nagauae@gmail.com Indian/male (26)/ MBA/2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management, with valid Oman license available for immediate joining. Contact: 92536194, email:suhailbs@gmail.com Highly Qualified male wanted decent driving job. Contact: 91243132 Safety officer : 3+years of experience in construction and industrial safety, B.E (Electrical and electronics engineering), nebosh, IOSH, DHSE, first aid. Contact : +97474018995, email:midhunmich@gmail.com 28,male,ACCA finalist, BSc Honours, have 4 years of professional experience in Accounts, handling work of 15 companies independently.NOC available, seeking for permanent replacement at a Senior Position,GSM-97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@gmail.com

Deepavli special offer for first anniversary Dabeli by 10 +1 FOC up to 30.10.16, many more at Kachhi coffee shop Wadi Kabir near Lulu udit: 94460286 / Kishore: 99437869 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic clinic, 18th November Street Al Ghubra (North). Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 Ayurvedic treatments & massage – Ayurvedic Clinic Al Khuwair. Contact 97263637 / 93309131 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com Car care, care for your car stop worrying about your car. Enjoy your vacation peacefully. Here is a solution for safe parking and cleaning your car when your car when you are away on vacation. Taking very good care of your car, trust us. Contact: 96964767

TRANSPORTATION House shifting and transport. Contact: 96737158 Transportation available Pick and drop Ruwi, Al Khuwair, Azaiba & Al Hail. Contact: 94297820 Transportation. Contact:94087276

Indian male 21 bachelor’s of commerce (B.Com) looking for salesmen or any new field job in oman thanks.Young honest and hardworking guy right now on family visit visa. Contact: 94562777 Email: hammadakrami61@gmail. com

Transportation. Contact 91703829 Transportation. Contact 90558627 Transportation. Contact 94510847 Transportation. Contact 92015894

Indian Male, 37 Yrs Age, M.com looking for Job any reputed organization. Having more than 9 years in Muscat in the area of HR & Admin seeks suitable position. Contact : 95218424 / 9610 6604.” N O C shall be provided by Current Co.

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED

Experienced driver available with 4WD willing to work fulltime / part-time, familiar with all tourist destinations in Oman. Contact: 24814231 / 91941545

Indian Male, B.Tech, (31 years), 7 years of experience as A dynamic Supply Chain professional Management with Logistics, Warehouse, Inventory, Quality and Distribution . Proficient in warehouse planning, documentation, accepted warehousing methods, procedure, and techniques, looking for a suitable job. Contact 9945 3837

Indian male executive secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact : 99514286, Email: azimmohd@yahoo.co.in

Indian male 25 years on visit in Oman seeing job travel & tourism & ticketing staff having IATA, 3 years experience. Contact: 90105780

Indian Male,7 years of experience in sales and Distribution, holding Oman driving License, presently in Oman looking for a suitable placement. Contact 97409636

BBA Bachelor of business administration exp in custom clearance procedure, also done international logistics management & Nimb National Institute business management (US) certification all documentation work related logistics. contact – 91949050 / akram.chaush001@gmail.com

TOURS & TRAVELS

SKILLED LABOUR Indian male, 29 yrs, working as forklift operator in Oman, 3 yrs experience in Dubai and 4 yrs experience in Oman. Noc/ release available, having forklift operator license, looking for suitable placement. Contact 97833280

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 33 yrs, MBA-HR with 10.8 yrs. exp. in Recruitment, Training, PMS, OD, Sites-HR and Omani nationals development, seeking a job, NOC available. Contact saiprasad_18@yahoo.com 94179499 Indian female 10 years exp as cook in Oman . south Indian & Gujarati special .looking for job. Contact 95795971

28,male, ACCA finalist, BSc Honours, have 4 years of professional experience in Accounts, handling work of 15 companies independently.NOC available, seeking for permanent replacement at a Senior Position,GSM-97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@gmail.com Indian Male , MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with oman D/L & NOC, Hospital, Pharma Herbal, FMCG, F&B Marketing, construction A/c & sales , 93379044 Pakistani male looking for part time cleaning work. Contact 96710189 Lady Secretary 10 years’ experience in Oman leading companies worked with sales and management team, seek immediate employment. Call: 93095425 or 24791145

25 years Indian male with 3 years experience in Oman, seeking job in admin accounts. release available. Contact +968 94574596, email id: obaidkhattab@gmail.com

Male 9 years experience in IT, 1 year experience in Admin & 8 years experience in oracle. Degree master, 34 yrs seeking job. Contact: +968 92553452 Email: shahzadhussain919@gmail.com Post graduate in power systems (transmission &distribution) electrical engineer, experience in sub-station, MV, LV systems. power and oil & gas projects, having valid oman driving license, presently working in Muscat- NOC available. Contact : 94669679 mail: prsabarish@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech Mechanical engineer 4 year experience (3 years in India & 1 year in Oman) Driving license Oman, NOC Available looking for job in Oman Contact : 93845629, Email:syedakshar@gmail.com B.Tech Mechanical indian with 2 years experience in Pipelines and HVAC projects currently available in Oman with visa. Looking for suitable placements. #79062695, E-mail:aneespk37@gmail.com Indian Female Nurse with MOH Licence. Looking for suitable placement in Muscat. Contact: 95537685.


M O N DAY, O C T O B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

RENT A CAR

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. # 99839898

WANTED Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778

MANPOWER

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS

DRIVING

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon Female Driving Teacher training professionally in both Khuwair Ghubrah and Azaiba, mawalih and Alkhawd. With good English Language for connect No.95133981

for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D7


D8

M O N DAY, O C T O B E R 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 COMPUTER/WEB./ EDU./CLASSES

SITUATION WANTED TOURS

We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Enjoy Camping in Wahiba desert & all over Oman & tour. Contact: 92226866

SITUATION WANTSERVICES GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

WE SERVE OMAN

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. Contact: 98294551

SERVICES tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ General cleaning etc. ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020

MATRIMONIAL

SITUATION WANTSERVICES WĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů Θ BƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ăůů ŬŝŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƉĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ MĂƌďůĞ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJͬ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ Contact: 98814733 /98814740 ů ,ƵƐŶ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ >͘>͘ Guaranteed water proofing at low rate gypsum false ceiling works, building maintenance works. Contact: 93362587 Providing cheap website building services as a freelancer. Contact: 95371665 Marble polishing & crystallization, building cleaning floor, floor polishing, carpet, sofa shampooing, pest control, anti termite, shifting maintenance. Contact: 99504275

Window unit & split unit A.C servicing & repairing - Barka, Mabela, Ruwi area. Contact: 99557080 Maintenance, Sub contract work electrical work, plumbing work. Contact: 97895741 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Pest Control Treatments. Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact: 99344723

Split unit & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance Barka, Mabela, Ruwi area. Contact 95323517 We undertake new construction & maintenance & gypsum works. Contact 92711506, ammarayyub@gmail.com House shifting packing. Contact: 99657644 / 98518013 Painting & plumbing work. Contact: 95963682

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance - Barka, Mabela, Ruwi area. Contact 96236476 Carpet & Sofa Shampooing General Cleaning & Polishing Ocean Center L.L.C. #24707833 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & antitermite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing,Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir AlRizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 Marble Crystallization & Grinding, Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact 92705130

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 Affordable rates all types of curtain blind. Contact 99539521/ 95615642

NRI One ground DTP approved land for immediate sale in Kovaipudur –Coimbatore. Contact 9003147615 (India) For sale well built and maintained 3 BHK apartments (2 Nos, each 1666 SQ.FT) both at 10th floor at ECR Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, close to Valmiki Nagar Signal. Contact: +91 9600063675, Email: jsm274465@gmail.com

Female, 24 yrs, Civil Engineer from a good god loving Catholic (R.C) family looking for good alliance from Kerala aged not above 30 years. Contact: 92545386 / 90136707, 00918086835503 (Kerala) Parents of 28 yrs, Indian Boy from Mumbai, ISWK student, ACCA, BSC honours, working as a senior accountant in Muscat, seeks suitable alliance for Sunni Muslim family. Contact no.(parent): 96408642, email address: khaledaoman@gmail.com Marriage makers widow/ divorce/ new for Indian Kerala & Indian Muslims. Contact: Whatsapp: 00968 98796982 & calling 98604960 Ezhavaboy age 28 height 174cm Star anizhamBTech working in Oman Seeks suitable alliance. Contact 99430227


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