Times of Oman - February 25, 2016

THURSDAY

February 25, 2016 16 Jumada Al Ula 1437 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

To the students of Sultan Qaboos University, 2000

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’

I want to say a word about certain extravagant customs like the unreasonably high cost of marriage and the excessive sums spent on wedding celebrations which impose unacceptable burdens on young men and women (and young women and men), their parents and others. This is not a good thing and it is not one of the customs that we wish to retain; not at all. When I say customs, the fact is that some of them are of quite recent origin and were not known in the past. In the past people did not need much in order to be satisfied; that was how they lived. Their standard of living was different - that is for sure compared with today’s standard of living.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 3

| 44 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

Expats weigh future amid move to cut staff benefits Most of the expat staff working in state-owned institutions are wary of the plan to cut down their privileges and planning to shift

K U WA I T

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jabir Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait on the occasion of the National Day of Kuwait.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes of good health, happiness and a long life to Sheikh Sabah, praying to Allah the Almighty for the return of this occasion on him and the people of Kuwait to achieve further aspirations of progress and prosperity.

-ONA

back home rather than struggle in the Sultanate REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Thousands of expatriate workers employed by stateowned institutions, which receive 50 per cent or more of their funds from the government, are in a fix whether to continue working in Oman in the wake of possibility of some employee benefits being withdrawn.

According to a decision of the Ministry of Finance, thousands of expatriates and Omani employees working in state-owned institutions have had a number of benefits slashed, to cushion the economy, which is struggling due to the oil price fall.

An expatriate official working in a state-owned institution said

that if OMR400 is going to be cut from his salary in the name of benefit slashing, it would be quite difficult to survive.

“Currently, house rent, school fee and health insurance coverage is taken care of by the institution. An annual ticket we can adjust. But house rent and school fee cannot be adjusted. If I am not going to get it, I will leave Oman.

Finding a new job at this age would be difficult. However, if we can’t survive here, it’s better to go back than struggle in a foreign land,” the expatriate said.

“There are around 500 expatriates working in our company.

The majority of them will leave,” he added.

According to the ministry’s decision, privileges, such as health insurance for employees and family, life insurance, car insurance for staff and family members, loans, bonuses, incentives during Ramadan or Eid and increments not related to employee’s Key Performance Indicators (KPI) will be stopped.

Allowances Additionally, allowances for school fees, mobile phones and bills, annual medical check-ups for employee and families, provision of private cars for senior managers, annual leave tickets, housemaid allowances, house rents, furniture allowances, cred-

it cards for CEOs, hospitalisation fee and other allowances will also be stopped temporarily.

An Indian expatriate manager working in a state-owned institution said he had not received an official circular so far.

“However, I am totally in a fix.

Some of my expat colleagues from other Arab countries are planning to challenge the decision if implemented. I won’t do that… I will just pack up everything and leave Oman,” he added.

“If my office is going to follow all the rules set by the Ministry of Finance, then other than basic salary there will be nothing much left in hand. It would be quite difficult to survive without house

rent, annual tickets, health insurance coverage and all,” the Indian expatriate added.

A group of expatriate officials working in another state-owned institution in Muscat said they are waiting for the circular to be issued and will then decide on what to do.

“If our office is going to follow all the instructions put forward by the ministry, then it would be quite difficult to survive. There are only a few expatriates in this institution. We won’t be able to adjust with the halt in benefits. This is the hot topic for discussion in our office. Everyone is in a dilemma,” the expatriate officials said.

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

A2

Illegal structures demolished

OMAN

OMAN

MARKET

Circular on business of public sector staff

Muscat International Book Fair opened

Iran makes pitch to woo Omani investors

1

2

Iran offers ample investment opportunities for Omani entrepreneurs as the country is gearing up to execute several projects. “Iran is ready for investment and the country plans to develop infrastructure projects, hotels and modern technology ,” said Ali Akbar Sibeveih. >B1

A circular was issued by Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service for all units of the state administrative apparatus on the adoption of two alternatives allowing fulltime government employees to establish and manage their own businesses.>A2

Muscat International Book Fair was opened at Oman International Exhibition Centre on Wednesday under the patronage of Mohammed bin Al Zubair, Advisor to His Majesty the Sultan for Economic Planning Affairs. It will continue until March 5. >A6

3

EASING TRANSPORT PROBLEM

SQU students get Mwasalat bus service gift HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Students of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) will be able to save some money following the Oman National Transport Company’s (Mwasalat) decision to introduce bus service for students living in Al Khoudh area from the university’s campus.

“Following the increase in fuel prices, students without cars had no other choice but to pay taxi drivers at least one rial everyday for going to the campus,” Nasser Al Hanai, said head of SQU’s Student Council.

“We used to pay 200 baisas per day to reach the campus but after the hike in fuel prices, taxi drivers

have started charging 500 baisas,” said Al Hanai.

During the second quarter of 2016, Mwasalat will launch buses on the route connecting Burj Al Sahwa (Al Khoud) to SQU. The bus will run at an interval of 20 minutes, according to Salim bin Mohammed Al Nuaimi, undersecretary for Transport Affairs, Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The Student Council had conducted a survey among students to study the best and most efficient route to SQU from Al Khoudh area to recommend them later to Mwasalat.

Moreover, Al Hanai said the university will propose granting a special membership to

SQU students, who use the Mwasalat service.

Earlier this month, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, said Mwasalat has been highly appreciated by the people of Oman. “This is one of the reasons we are expanding our services,” he said on the sidelines of the annual meeting, which takes place at the beginning of every year to review the accomplishments of the previous year and to discuss plans for the new year.

More than 600,000 passengers used the Mwasalat service in the first 70 days of 2016, averaging around 9,000 passengers every day along routes connecting Ruwi to other places.

MORNING MINUTE

STUDY

Courses fail to meet job market needs: Shura panel ERIK PRINS

erik@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Courses at universities and private colleges are failing to meet the requirements of the job market, said Khalid Al Far’i, head of the Education Committee at the Shura Council.

Suggestions As part of an ongoing study on the current situation in universities and private colleges, being carried out by the Shura Council, the Education Committee recently spoke to academics of higher education, as well as the Ministry of Higher Education, for their suggestions.

One of the main issues that came forward during the meetings was the lack of perspective for students in the job market.

Labour market Al Far’i said varsities and private colleges have to meet the requirements of the labour market. He said for some courses though, there was hardly any chance of getting employment.>A5

S OU R C E O F I N S P I R AT I O N

Donating blood is this Indian expat’s passion DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: For over two decades, Ramadas Chandika has been involved with the noble cause of blood donation.

He first started donating blood, along with 15 other people, under the umbrella of a volunteer group called the Chiru Mega Youth Force (CMYF), which he started in Oman in 2001.

Ever since, Chandika has been

involved in organising blood donation drives, and has helped create awareness about the same among different organisations, convincing many more to join the force

and donate blood. His inspiration comes from his favourite actor, Chiranjeevi, who started a blood bank in Andhra Pradesh, Chandika’s native state. “Since Chiranjeevi has always been my favourite actor, I was motivated by his idea when he started the blood bank. I also thought of starting something like that in Oman.”

What started with a 15-member team, has today more than 200 people, who donate blood at the Central blood bank in Baush-

er every year. “We try to donate blood three times a year, and every time I go to donate, I have a large group with me. It feels great to see that something which I had started 20 years ago has today grown so much.”

Chandika’s CMYF has been winning the best blood donor team award given by the Ministry of Health (MOH) for the last decade and not just that, whenever the blood bank needs a specific blood group, they call Chandika for help.

“I feel really happy because I am the person to go to when someone needs blood; I have a lot of my friends calling me for help when they or their family members need blood. I immediately call the blood bank and give my reference, and when I do that, they are happy to release that blood type for my contact who is in need,” added the Indian expat.

Apart from blood donation and creating awareness, Chandika also does other charity work. >A6

Indian expatriate Ramadas Chandika.

A2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016 A leading hypermarket chain in Oman has pulled off the Snickers (Miniatures), Mars (Minis and Miniatures) and Best of Our Minis chocolate bars from its shelves Mars chocolate bars removed from stores shelves >A4

OMAN Illegal structures demolished, more on the watch list Muscat Municipality had been monitoring

MINISTER OF CIVIL SERVICE

Circular on government staff business issued MUSCAT: A circular was issued by Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service for all units of the state administrative apparatus on the adoption of two alternatives allowing full-time government employees to establish and manage their own businesses.

The first alternative stipulates that an employee shall submit a

request to resign to establish and manage his/her private business.

The resigned employee will be granted a monthly sum of money equal to his full salary for one year from the date of termination of his service. The second alternative stipulates that an employee shall apply for unpaid leave to establish and manage his/her business for a period not exceeding

four consecutive years.

Decision The circular comes following the implementation of a decision by the Council of Ministers during its meeting No. 2/2016 within the framework of its keenness to help employees in establishing and managing their private businesses for the public interest. -ONA

V O LU N TA RY M E A S U R E

10 structures in

Lulu removes Mars chocolate bars from all store shelves

Seeb and has now demolished six of them. The other four were left intact,

REJIMON K

pending further investigation DEMOLITION: The Municipality has tried to deal with randomly

built structures inside homes and on farms, which, according to the Municipality, are often rented out to expatriate workers. – Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: Six illegal structures have been demolished in Seeb, the Muscat Municipality has said.

The action was taken after occupants of the structures failed to produce any documents or other proof of legal ownership.

Hence, the structures were found to be in violation of the laws of the land.

The Municipality had been observing 10 structures in the area and has now demolished six of them. The other four were left intact, pending further investigation.

The Municipality’s operations were carried out in the context of its efforts to counter the phenomenon of illegal structures while protecting public property.

The Municipality said it has been monitoring 191 other illegal structures in Seeb, 90 of which have already been demolished.

Some of the structures’ residents have been issued ownership docu-

ments by the Ministry of Housing and others are still being evaluated by the Clearing Committee.

Owners of the illegal property have been given some time to produce any documents or other proof of ownership of the land. The structures that were assigned to be demolished are in the Jafnain area of Seeb and their removal has commenced, based on an administrative decision to establish a committee for the immediate demolition of illegal structures in 2007.

This was done in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police (ROP), the Ministry of Housing and the Public Prosecution.

Muscat Municipality further said violators were reminded not to violate the law again.

The demolished structures included buildings and fences made from permanent and non-permanent materials, sheep shelters and piles of bricks. Also, a well

had been dug illegally on stateowned land.

The Municipality has tried to deal with randomly built structures inside homes and on farms, which, according to the Municipality, are often rented out to expat workers.

Structures, for which a permit has been issued, such as rooms and kitchens, are only intended to serve the needs of the occupant and cannot be rented out to expat workers, the Municipality emphasised.

Citizens and residents have been warned against housing any expat workers in residential areas.

The local order (23/92) stated that erecting labour camps, except in areas allotted by the government, is not allowed.

Exceptions to this rule are small structures that are built for workers at construction sites, with the permission of the Municipality.

reji@timesofoman.com

WITHDRAWN CHOCOLATES

MUSCAT: A leading hypermarket chain in Oman has pulled off the Snickers (Miniatures), Mars (Minis and Miniatures) and Best of Our Minis chocolate bars from its shelves after news of a recall by the chocolate maker was published.

“We have not gotten any instruction from anybody. However, based on the news, we have instructed all our outlets to remove the Mars chocolate bars from the shelves,” a senior official from the Lulu hypermarket in Oman, said.

According to a statement from Mars Gulf, the chocolates made in the Netherlands factory have been recalled from the Gulf Cooperation Council market, including Oman.

The chocolates have been withdrawn after a piece of red plastic was found in a Snickers bar purchased in Germany.

“This is a voluntary measure taken by Mars to avoid any possibility of health hazards that may be caused by the presence of pieces of plastics,” Mars Gulf said in a statement. “This is an isolated incident that is limited to the products above that were produced in

Product Name Snickers Miniatures Mars Minis Mars Minis Mars Miniatures Best of Our Minis Best of Our Minis

Weight 150g 144g 270g 150g 710g 500g

The chocolates have been withdrawn after a piece of red plastic was found in a Snickers bar purchased in Germany.

– Reuters

the Netherlands. This incident has no impact on any of our other chocolate brands or products outside the list (given below) or produced in other countries regardless of format, size, batches or

Expiry Dates 4 Dec 16 – 8 Jan 17 11 Dec 16 – 8 Jan 17 11 Dec 16 – 8 Jan 17 4 Dec 16 – 1 Jan 17 11 Sep 16 – 13 Nov 16 4 Sep 16 – 13 Nov 16

packaging,” the statement added.

According to reports, Mars chocolates have been recalled in 56 countries.

“As far as we know there are 55 countries involved,” Eline Bijveld, Mars’ corporate affairs coordinator for the Netherlands told the AFP news agency earlier in the day, refusing to reveal the whole list.

Mars is one of the world’s biggest food companies, with 29 chocolate brands, including M&M’s, Galaxy, Twix, Bounty and Maltesers. It also makes Wrigley gum, Uncle Ben’s Rice, Dolmio pasta sauce and Pedigree pet food.

The company is one of the largest privately owned businesses in the United States and reported global sales of $33 billion last year.

A4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

150

OMAN Indian envoy praises community role in ties Indra Mani Pandey, India’s ambassador to Oman appreciated the role played by the community in development of close and strategic with the Sultanate

Times News Service MUSCAT: A reception for the Indian community in the Sultanate was recently hosted by Indra Mani Pandey, the South Asian country’s ambassador to Oman.

Welcoming the community in the first reception since joining as ambassador here on August 10, 2015, he conveyed his appreciation for the role played by his compatriots in the development of close ties and strategic partnerships between the two countries.

He also praised the contribution that the community continues making in the growth and development of both the countries.

He also outlined the initiatives taken by the Embassy to reach out to various segments of the Indian community in Oman, including Indian workers.

In this context, the Ambassador said he appreciated the role played by Indian Social Clubs in Muscat and other cities, various linguistic wings, volunteers, social workers and other community organisations in meeting social, cultural, educational and other needs of the community and in assisting the Embassy in reaching out to various segments of the

PLAYING HOST: Indra Mani Pandey, India’s ambassador to Oman

reiterated his request to the community to do their utmost in enhancing bilateral trade and mutual investments. – Supplied photo

Indian community in Oman.

The envoy also referred to the successful launch of MigCall Mobile App, which has enabled thousands of Indian workers in the Gulf countries to connect to Indian Embassies and Consulates in case they need assistance.

He reiterated the commitment of the Government of India to promoting the welfare of Indian communities abroad and spoke about various initiatives taken by the Government of India to forge close ties with the Indian diaspora.

He also invited community members to participate in various developmental schemes launched by the Indian Government, such as ‘Made in India’, ‘Skill India’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Smart Cities’, ‘Clean India’, and others.

The diplomat reiterated his request to the community to do their utmost in enhancing bilateral trade and mutual investments between India and Oman, and improving living and working conditions of Indian workers in Oman.

Members of the Indian com-

munity expressed their appreciation for the reception hosted by the Ambassador at he Embassy auditorium, which provided them with an opportunity to better understand the initiatives taken by the Embassy and the Government of India to promote the welfare of the Indian diaspora in Oman. The reception also provided an opportunity for community members to interact with one another.

‘ITEC Day’ Meanwhile, the Embassy will be organising the annual ‘ITEC Day’ on February 29, 2016 at the Embassy auditorium. It is expected to be attended by a large number of ITEC Alumni and representatives of the Government of Oman, officials and media, an Embassy release said.

The event provides an opportunity to alumni, who have been trained in India under this programme, to get together at the Embassy, where they can interact among themselves and learn

from their experiences. A number of ITEC alumni will speak at the event and share their experiences.

The ITEC Programme, fullyfunded by the Government of India, has evolved and expanded over the years. It covers a diverse range of subjects from traditional areas, such as agriculture, SMEs, management, English language to IT, Science and Technology, biotechnology, and others. Over the years, it has emerged as a pillar of India’s cooperation with developing countries. Skills being imparted encourage human resource development, capacity building, upgrading skills and empowerment.

Training and skill development under ITEC Programme contributes directly to Oman’s goals to develop its human resources and diversify its economy through small and medium enterprises .

In addition to civilian ITEC slots, India also increasingly provides training to personnel of the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Army of Oman. The programme is also open to the private sector in Oman, in conformity with the Sultanate’s policy of job creation through the private sector.

Having become a centre for global research and development over the last few decades, India is emerging as a prominent innovation hub, expanding its investment in this field, and is ready to share experiences with friendly countries, including Oman.

Under the ITEC Programme, India annually extending 50 fullyfunded training scholarships to Oman through 2011-12, covering technical and vocational training courses from traditional areas to cutting-edge technologies.

The number has gradually been raised to 150. In view of the exceptionally close bilateral relations, and Oman’s interest and optimal utilisation, the scholarships will remain at the enhanced number of 150 for the next financial year beginning April 1.

is the number of scholarships offered under India’s ITEC Programme to Oman

CRIME

2 arrested on drug trafficking charges Times News Service MUSCAT: An Omani citizen was arrested for trading in drugs in North Batinah, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) reported. Heroin was found in the man’s possessions, which along with the mobile phones he was using to buy and sell the drugs, have been confiscated.

Another Omani national was arrested in Seeb for carrying drugs with the aim of trading in them.

Seventeen capsules of morphine were found with him and were confiscated. He has been referred to the public prosecution before being led to court.

The ROP has called upon everyone to cooperate in the fight against drugs and report any suspicious activities to police officers by calling the hotline 1444 of the emergency number 9999.

The Sultanate has stepped up its efforts to counter the growing problem of drug abuse in the country. Recently, the Times of Oman quoted a senior official of the ROP reminding drug dealers that they risk execution when caught smuggling drugs into the country. The official said drug users risk a maximum of three years in prison and a fine of OMR3,000.

Consumer Law violation Meanwhile, two Asians were arrested in Suwaiq for violating the Consumer Protection Law. The two had been accused of selling forbidden goods inside one of the shops selling chicken in Suwaiq. Seven cartons and 212 bags containing three types of cigars were confiscated. The two were informed about their crime and referred to the public prosecution.

I N - F L I G H T E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Oman Air renews deal with Global Eagle Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Air and Global Eagle Entertainment (GEE) have renewed their contract for inflight entertainment.

As part of the multi-year agreement, GEE will provide a full range of in-flight entertainment (IFE) content services, including movies, music, TV, games and magazines in cabin and seatback screens, as well as launch a passenger tablet system featuring the iPad. GEE will also provide comprehensive IFE system testing and support for both domestic and international flights aboard Oman Air’s B737, B787 and A330 aircraft.

Oman’s national airline, Oman Air had first signed on with GEE for IFE content in 2012.

“GEE is playing an increasingly

vital role in the development and deployment of our in-flight entertainment platform across the Oman Air fleet,” said Usama Al Kharusi, senior manager, In-flight Services for Oman Air. Growing partnership “The renewal of our content services agreement with Oman Air is the result of a growing partnership built on trust and a lot of hard work behind the scenes. GEE is building its content business based on its thorough understanding of customers’ in-flight entertainment business,” noted Amir Samnani, senior vice president of Content Services, GEE. GEE, is a global provider of aircraft connectivity systems, operating solutions and media content for the travel industry.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH TWITTER PAGE

Tweet all about it

SUCCESSFUL CONCERT

Indian music duo impressed by Muscat audience

OMAN

More private hospital call The Sultanate now plans to set up hundreds of new clinics over the next few years, in line with the country’s long-term strategy for the healthcare sector

Times News Service MUSCAT: Private health firms have been invited by the Ministry of Health to open new facilities in the Sultanate.

The Directorate General of Private Health Establishments has E D UC AT I O N

MUSCAT MAGIC: While Sulaiman calmly swayed as he played

his music, Salim bounced about the stage like a firecracker.

Times News Service MUSCAT: “Thank you Muscat, you guys looked like a galaxy of stars! Another amazing concert, indeed,” said world famous Indian music director duo Salim-Sulaiman after a packed performance at City Amphitheatre, Qurum.

The brothers performed not just their popular numbers — Shukran Allah, Tauba tauba, Haule haule, Dance pe chance, Ishq wala love and Ainvayi ainvayi — but also other hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Such was their high energy as revellers danced non-stop since Salim-Sulaiman came on stage at 7.40 pm.

‘Raised the bar’ Commenting on the successful concert, Akshay Chowdhary, Director of Light and Shadow Enterprises said, “In recent years, Light and Shadow Enterprises has definitively raised the bar for entertainment in Muscat.

Concerts, such as Temptations Reloaded with Shahrukh Khan and Katrina, Akon’s Live Concert and Salman Khan’s event, which we have done in the past, have proved our organisational skills, set-up abilities, production calibre and eye for detail. We are happy to add Salim-Sulaiman to the list, who are known for their power-packed performances all over the world.”

While girls danced to Aadat se majboor, the men enjoyed Ainvayi ainvayi. The audience, a mix of young and old, were a little restless when Salim-Sulaiman took the stage. There were shouts of “Salim, you rock” and he answered, asking “Muscat are you ready for more?”

On stage, Salim and Sulaiman were dressed in black. While Sulaiman calmly swayed as he played his music, occasionally throwing his hands up in the air, Salim bounced about the stage like a firecracker, head banging, dancing and quivering with fervour. “But it was Salim’s infectious smile that left the audience hungry for more,” Akshay Chowdhary said.

Then there was complete silence when Salim-Sulaiman dedMINISTRY

e-link boosts transparency MUSCAT: Through the e-link with the Ministry of Manpower and the Royal Oman Police (ROP), several measures are being taken to limit the sale of commercial registration for small companies and establishments, Said bin Juma Al Salmani, Secretary of the Commercial Registration at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said.

He added that the e-link will enhance the efficiency and ensure easy processing of transactions without the need to report to the ministry.

It will also prevent any sale transactions for the commercial registrations of companies. He affirmed that the ministry will take all legal measures against those involved in such transactions and those who misuse the facilities provided by “Invest Easy” programme.

Al Salmani also pointed out that the ministry has no objection against the sale of commercial businesses or merger of commercial registrations as it is globally practiced. -ONA

< FROM

A1 icated a song to the victims of the Peshawar attack.

December 16, 2014 was the day when terrorists took the lives of 141 children. “This tragic incident not only made our entire nation’s blood run cold, but also left a terrifying mark across the globe,” they said.

Moved Moved by this attack, Salim-Sulaiman dedicated their new song, ‘Khaalipan’, to the victims of the Peshawar massacre.

Penned by the talented Amitabh Bhattacharya, the song is not only dedicated to the victims of Army Public School, but also highlights the issue of children’s mass deaths across the globe.

Then, Light and Shadow discovered a local talent, Kiran, who wowed the audience with her rendition of the Shukran Allah song with the musician brothers.

Further, Vipul Mehta sang songs, such as Jalwa, Yeh hausla and Haule haule, while Shraddha Pandit performed Halkat jawani, and then followed up with Mar jawa, and Dance pe Chance.

Salim and Sulaiman then decided to jazz things up with Ainvayi ainvayi and wrapped up the show with a dance number in Punjabi. The programme was brought to Oman by Oman’s event management agency, Light and Shadow Enterprises.

The presenter of the concert was Minara, a product of Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives (AVOD) S.A.O.G. Mitsubishi was driving the event.

Other sponsoring partners were R&B, Mobicell and Huawei. Tanuf Water and Effect was the official refreshment for the event, Tim Hortons, Jet Airways, Foodlands Restaurant, AXA Insurance, NABIL, Talentz Centre and the Times of Oman were supporting partners.

Special mentions go to the organisers for the production, arrangements and security. “The show started on time and was a three and half hour extravaganza in which everything proceeded smoothly. With this concert, Light and Shadow redefines events with the Salim-Sulaiman Concert,” audiences said.

A5

Specialised courses to be scrutinised

“For specialisations, such as graphic design, airport management and nanotechnology, there aren’t enough job opportunities.”

According to Al Far’i, lack of competence and the quality of courses had resulted in poor preparation for the labour market, and not the general policy of universities and colleges.

“Some courses do not provide adequate quality to meet the requirements of the job market,” he said. Al Far’i added that action will be taken to find out which courses offer the least perspective for job seekers.

‘Not suitable’ “The Ministry of Higher Education will examine a number of specialisations and may cancel courses that are not suitable for the job market,” he said.

In addition, Al Far’i said the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA) will also examine the academic quality of a number of courses and define whether the quality delivered is adequate or not. He added that it is not yet known which courses do not meet the requirements.

Awaiting the evaluation “We are awaiting the evaluation carried out by the OAAA,” he said. The Education Committee also found that the Ministry of Higher Education itself is facing a number of challenges when it comes to the job market. Al Far’i told the Times of Oman (TOO) that institutions within the job market do not give a clear idea to the Ministry as to what specialisations are needed.

Also, the development of new courses does not always catch up with the needs of the job market.

“After a new course has been approved, it might take at least five years to start it. During this period, the needs of the job market may change drastically.” Al Far’i suggested that to resolve the issue, the ministry should get help by assigning graduates from secondary education to courses suitable for the job market.

invited suitably qualified health care facility planning companies to register with them to provide design and commissioning support to private health providers wishing to open new facilities in Oman.

“The requirement of the companies, who wish to register, should

have a track record of providing successful hospital and clinic projects,” the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

Companies that wish to register should submit their company profile, list of successful projects, resumes of key employees and associates, and other relevant details by the end of March 2016 to the Office of Director General, Directorate General of Private Health Institutions.

Decent foothold Oman is now targeting to set up hundreds of new clinics over the next few years, in line with the country’s long-term strategy for the sector.

Private providers have already

found a decent foothold in Oman’s healthcare sector.

Preference A study found that almost half of the patients treated at the country’s private medical facilities are locals, even though Omanis qualify for free public health care.

“Opening up more hospitals and healthcare would reduce the burden of the government to provide healthcare and develop the private sector’s competencies,” said a leading private health care official.

Thousands of Omanis go abroad for medical treatment each year.

“With new hospitals and health care centres being opened, we hope to cut down on that number,” the official said.

A6

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016 I have lived in this beautiful country for so many years now and I am earning my livelihood here, the levels of tolerance are also very high here and we have the freedom to practice our culture Ramadas Chandika, Indian expatriate

OMAN

Advisor to HM opens Muscat Book Fair More than 650 publishing houses from 27 Arab and foreign countries are taking part directly or through their agents in the fair

MUSCAT: Muscat International Book Fair was opened at Oman International Exhibition Centre on Wednesday under the patronage of Mohammed bin Al Zubair, Advisor to His Majesty the Sultan for Economic Planning Affairs. The exhibition will run until March 5.

The chief guest and the attendees toured the various pavilions

and sections of the exhibition.

They were briefed on various exhibited books and houses of publication taking part from the Sultanate of Oman and other countries.

More than 650 publishing houses from 27 Arab and foreign countries are taking part directly or through their agents at the fair. For the first time, publishing houses from Pakistan and the Italy are taking part.

The fair has two sections, the first one named “Al Farahidi,” which is dedicated to official agencies, Arab and foreign publishers displaying Arabic books.

“Ahmed Bin Majid” section is for the publishing houses displaying foreign, Arab and children’s books, as well as the fair’s associated events and activities.

The fair, which stretches over 8,550 square meters, houses 950 pavilions at the two sections.

The official participations stood at 44 from the Sultanate and abroad while the number of participating houses of publishing at the foreign book section stood at 33 representing

GCC, Arab and foreign houses and libraries.

The number of book titles listed at the Fair’s website stands at 250,000 and is available at the search engine of the website.

Among the programmes at the fair are cultural, intellectual, literary and art events organised, in collaboration with the Organising Committee of the 21st edition of Muscat International Book Fair, the Cultural Club, the Literary Forum, the Omani Journalists Association, libraries, National Youth Commission, National Human Rights Commission and the Sultan Qaboos College for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers.

The fair will remain open from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm everyday except for Friday, when it will open from 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm.

Thursday; February 25, Monday; February 29 and Monday; March 2 will be dedicated only for students from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.

February 28, March 1 and March 3 will be dedicated for women and female students from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. -ONA

B L O O D D O NAT I O N

< FROM

A1

Responsibility towards community

When someone needs flight tickets, or money for an operation, Chandika and his team are always there to help.

“I have lived in this beautiful country for so many years now and I am earning my livelihood here, the levels of tolerance are also very high here and we have the freedom to practice our culture, and by helping out in different initiatives, I feel like I am fulfilling a responsibility that I have towards this country.”

Source of support A source of support for Chandika is his family—his wife and two lovely children. “My son is very young now but he goes with me to every charity initiative and the blood donation camps as well. He tells me that he wants to be 18 very soon, so that he can also donate blood.”

Chandika runs a small business in Oman but he is heavily involved in the blood donation work.

His message to people is that everyone should donate blood since it only helps and causes no harm.

“Blood donation is a very healthy activity and there is no harm caused to the body. We all have a social responsibility and blood donation is an easy and effective way to fulfil it. My motto is ‘Service to Humans is Service to GOD.’”

FEBRUARY 27

Opera Galleria to host Insta8 Fashion Times News Service MUSCAT: Come February 27, social media fashionistas are in for a special treat at Opera Galleria.

Insta8 Fashion is a presentation of eight fashion moments from everyday life captured and posted on Instagram by fashion influencers.

These trendsetters will also discuss their experience in the fashion industry and give details on how they use Instagram as a tool to reach their fans.

Along with you and your friends, an illustrious group of celebrities will be there to speak about their efforts—Antoine Salameh of GM Labourjoisie, the dress-designer for Nicki Minaj and Kylie Jenner; Maria Farah, Miss Lebanon and Miss International finalist and Areej A. Jalil Al Balouchi, the fashonista better known as Mamacita.

Besides being the favourite destination for discerning shoppers, Opera Galleria has also become an important platform for social media influencers.

In fact, the first ever Insta8

event was held in Opera Galleria in April 2014.

The inaugural event had eight motivators, nominated by the public, speaking on eight subjects for eight minutes.

The event highlighted the importance of social media for retailers and individuals and resulted in the inclusion of an additional 400 followers to the mall’s Instagram page.

This was followed by the Opera Galleria staging of the Insta8 executive presentation and the previous Insta8 Fashion show, with similar results.

Insta8Oman is a unique platform that, with its exciting permutations and combinations and all-pervasive reach, has gripped the imagination of social media aficionados across the country.

During the Insta8 Fashion Show, newcomers who believe that they have what it takes to be serious social media influencers can apply to participate in one of the many fields that will be covered in the upcoming Insta8 events.

SOHAR

Efforts on to restart desalination plant MUSCAT: Sohar Power Company, the owner of Sohar water desalination plant and Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), the company responsible for the procurement, are making efforts to restart the plant after the sudden technical breakdown on Tuesday, said a statement of Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW).

PAEW said in statement after the plant shutdown that the emergency plan was immediately activated. The Main Emergency

Committee and the national teams at the governorates held meetings to solve the problem.

Citizens and residents in the Governorates of North Al Batinah and Al Buraimi were advised through PAEW website on the social networks, audio, visual and print media means and SMS to regulate their use of water. The authority called upon citizens and residents to take necessary measures and rationalise water consumption until the plant resumes operation. -ONA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

REGION

The opposition fears government forces backed by the Russian air force will continue to attack rebels under the pretext of targeting the Nusra Front.

Syrian opposition yet to agree to truce plan Rebel combatants must say by Friday if they will halt fighting as UN hopes pause will allow peace talks to restart

BEIRUT: Syria’s main opposition group said it has yet to commit to a US-Russian plan to stop fighting in Syria on Saturday, underlining rebel doubts over a deal they fear will not prevent Russian air strikes against them.

Combatants are required to say whether they will agree to the “cessation of hostilities” by noon on Friday (1000 GMT), and to halt fighting at midnight Saturday.

The deal does not include IS or the Nusra Front, an Al Qaeda affiliate which is widely deployed in opposition-held areas.

The United Nations hopes the planned cessation of hostilities will provide a breathing space for Syrian peace talks to resume.

The last round in Geneva broke up earlier this month without progress after the Syrian government launched a Russian-backed offensive on the city of Aleppo, where more fighting was reported on Wednesday.

The HNC, which groups political and armed opponents of Presi-

REDUCED TO RUBBLE: A boy rides a bicycle past a man sitting on rubble of a damaged house in the rebel held historic southern town of Bosra Al Sham, Deraa, Syria on Tuesday. – Reuters

dent Bashar Al Assad, said on Monday it had “given its acceptance of international efforts for a cessation of hostilities”.

But HNC chief negotiator Mohamad Alloush said on Wednesday that the council had not yet decided whether to commit to the deal. “There was no consultation of Syrians. Will all the observations, additions and amendments requested by Syrians be taken into consideration?,” Alloush said in an interview with the pro-opposition Orient TV station.

The opposition fears government forces backed by the Russian air force will continue to attack rebels under the pretext of targeting the Nusra Front.

“How can (Russia) offer guarantees while it is part of the problem,” said Alloush, who heads the political office of the Jaish Al Islam rebel group.

The Syrian government, its war effort buoyed since September by the Russian air force, has accepted the cessation of hostilities agreement announced on Monday.

Assad told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday that his government was ready to assist in implementing the deal, the Kremlin and the Syrian presidency said.

Putin and Assad, who held a telephone conversation, stressed the importance of a continued “uncompromising” fight against IS, the Nusra Front and other militant groups.

Putin has embarked upon a frantic round of telephone diplomacy. The Kremlin described the calls as an effort to explain the substance of the US-Russiabrokered ceasefire.

The Russian Defence Ministry

said it had significantly reduced the intensity of its air strikes in Syria in the past two days in areas where armed groups had expressed their readiness to take part in the ceasefire.

Russian state media have presented the fact that Moscow helped broker the potential ceasefire as a sign that Russia matters again on the world stage and has successfully shrugged off what it has cast as US-led efforts to isolate it over the Ukraine crisis.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he feared the ceasefire plan would do little more than benefit Assad.

Turkey has grown increasingly frustrated by the international response to Syria’s five-year-old war, incensed by a Russian intervention which has tipped the balance of power in favour of Assad and by US support for a Kurdish militia it sees as a hostile insurgent force. “If this is a ceasefire that is up to the mercy of Russia, which has brutally attacked the moderate opposition and aligned with Assad under the pretext of fighting IS, we fear that the fire pouring over innocent people will never stop,” Erdogan said in a televised speech.

Relations with Moscow hit a nadir after Turkey shot down a Russian jet near the Syrian border last November, while Ankara’s ties with Washington are at their most strained for years.

The Syrian army and IS fought fierce battles on Wednesday near Aleppo, where an attack by the militant group has cut the main land route to the city. — Reuters

SEND US YOUR VIEWS AND COMMENTS editor@timesofoman.com webeditor@timesofoman.com

A7

A8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY EXPO MUSCAT 2016

TIMES OF OMAN SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

A9

A8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY EXPO MUSCAT 2016

TIMES OF OMAN SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

A9

A10

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

INDIA

Twenty eight people have been killed during the stir. We have arrested 127 persons and registered FIR against 535 others. Over 200 persons including few security personnel were also injured during the agitation Yashpal Singhal, Haryana, Director General of Police

28 killed during Jat quota agitation The situation was fast returning to normalcy and no untoward incident had been reported from anywhere in Haryana on Wednesday PROTEST: Shopkeepers protest outside former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda residence in Rohtak on Tuesday. - PTI

HISAR/CHANDIGARH: Twenty eight people were killed during the Jat quota agitation in Haryana, Director General of Police Yashpal Singhal said, while maintaining that the situation was fast returning to normalcy and no untoward incident had been reported from anywhere on Wednesday.

“Twenty eight people have been killed during the stir. We have arrested 127 persons and registered

FIR against 535 others. Over 200 persons including few security personnel were also injured during the agitation,” the DGP told a news conference here.

Till Tuesday the state government had maintained the death toll at 19. Singhal said that situation was fast returning to normalcy in various parts of the state. He

said that rail and road traffic had started on most routes which had remained blocked in view of over week long stir.

“No untoward incident had been reported from anywhere in the state today,” he said.

Meanwhile, Haryana government on Wednesday announced that those who suffered property

loss during Jat quota agitation could claim upto 25 per cent as interim relief immediately on the basis of self-assessment of the damage. An official spokesman said the state government announced to give an interim or part assistance immediately to those who would submit their details on a prescribed proforma on the basis of self-assessment of the damage caused to their properties in the Jat agitation.

“An applicant can claim upto 25 per cent as an interim relief,” he said. The spokesman informed that the government had made available a proforma for claiming compensation at the earliest.

Claimants are required to provide details such as name, Aadhaar number, bank account number along with RTGS/NEFT code, address, electricity account number, if meter is installed, date of natural disaster, fire or law and order disturbance, and whether the damage is covered by an insurance policy, he said adding, other details include category of property damaged and extent of damage. - PTI

Sedition charge slapped on Hooda’s aide over audio clip HISSAR: Haryana police on Wednesday booked former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s close aide Virender on sedition charges over an audio clip of his conversation in which he allegedly incited violence during the Jat quota agitation.

An FIR has been registered in Rohtak against Virender and Man Singh Dalal, who also allegedly figured in the taped conversation, under various sections of the IPC, including sections 124-A (sedition) and section 120-B (conspiracy), Haryana Police DGP Yashpal Malik told the media here.

The have also been charged

with IPC sections 153-A (promoting enmity between classes) and section 153-B (imputation, assertion prejudicial to national integration), he said. The FIR against the duo has been registered on a complaint of a Bhiwani resident Pankaj Kumar, DGP said.

The DGP said that if other “conspirators” are found, they too will be booked and action will be taken against them as per law for attempts to disturb peace in the state.

Virender, adviser to former chief minister and Congress leader Hooda, had earlier accepted that the voice in the clip was his but alleged that it had been “doctored”. - PTI

WA R M W I N T E R

Hottest day in Kashmir in 76 years SRINAGAR: Indian-administered-Kashmir witnessed the hottest day in February in 76 years as the mercury rose to 20.6 degrees Celsius in Srinagar on Tuesday, more than 10 degrees above normal for this time of the year.

“Srinagar had recorded a high of 20.6 degrees Celsius in the month of February in 1940. After a gap of 76 years, the same temperature was recorded yesterday,” Director local Meteorological department Sonum Lotus said here.

He said the maximum temperature is presently 11 degrees above normal and is expected to rise further due to clear skies.

However, he said a minor variation in the weather condition can change the trend.

“So far it is the highest day temperature in the last 76 years in the month of February,” he said.

Kashmir Valley is witnessing bright winter sunshine giving a feel of early arrival of spring which usually starts at the end of March. The sprouting of plants and blooming of some flower varieties — signs of spring in Kashmir

SOURCE OF CONCERN: An almond tree in full bloom at Badamwari

Almond Alcove) in Srinagar on Wednesday. The trees have flowered earlier due to warmer temperature than normal in the Valley marking the beginning of the spring. -PTI

— have started at least one month ahead of the natural process due to the early favourable temperature. The development has become a source of concern for environmentalists who see it as an effect of climate change. Apart from occasional snowfall ranging from moderate to heavy in the high altitude areas in the Valley, the plains, including summer cap-

ital, Srinagar, virtually witnessed a snow-less winter, much to the concern of the farming community especially the orchardists.

The farmers are concerned that below average snowfall and rains are expected to have an impact on farming activities in the coming months and early blooming might result in shortfall in produce as the fruit yielding flowers are

weak and cannot survive if hit by inclement weather. Srinagar experienced brief spells of snowfall on two occasions in the past two months but there was no accumulation of snow.

The ‘Chilai Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter which begins on December 21, not only remained mostly dry but also saw mercury settle at several degrees above normal temperatures.

Meanwhile, the night temperature in most parts of Kashmir marked a slight improvement but continued to remain 10 degrees below freezing point in the frontier region of Ladakh. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal, during this part of the season, the MET office said. The famous ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a minimum of minus 2.2 degrees Celsius against Tuesday’s minus 3.5 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam, which serves as a base camp during annual Amarnath yatra, recorded a low of minus 2.9 degrees Celsius against the previous night’s minus 3.9 degrees Celsius. - PTI

REMISSION IN SENTENCE

Sanjay Dutt to walk free on Thursday PUNE/MUMBAI: Barring any last-minute hitches, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, convicted in 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case, will be a free man on Thursday when he walks out of Pune’s jail after he was granted remission in his five-year sentence.

On the eve of his release after serving 42 months behind bars, a public interest litigation was filed in the Bombay High Court on Wednesday challenging his early release on remission, alleging that the 56-year-old actor was getting preferential treatment.

Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Ram Shinde on Tuesday said the actor will be completing his jail term on February 25, after counting in the eight months and 16 days he earned as exemption or remission on account of good behaviour in prison.

Dogged by controversies Jail officials said the actor, who has been dogged by controversies triggered by accusations that he availed of irregular remission in his sentence and was accorded a special treatment by the authorities, will be released on Thursday.

According to his lawyers, Dutt’s remission days were calculated in accordance with rules and jail manual.

“Dutt will be released tomorrow (February 25) in the morning around 10am in keeping with the normal procedures as applied to every prisoner who has completed his sentence and jail term,” Yerawada Jail Superintendent U. T. Pawar said. Pawar refuted allegations that the jail authorities had given Dutt a special treatment during his stay in view of his celebrity status.

“His remission was worked out

Sanjay Dutt

in compliance with jail rules and he was treated like any other convict,” he said.

The PIL filed by social activist Pradeep Bhalekar urges the High Court to cancel the government’s decision granting the remission and to order the actor to be taken into custody again to serve his entire five-year sentence imposed on him by the apex court.

“The remission granted to Dutt is wrong and illegal. What is the good behaviour and conduct that has been held as a ground for granting him remission and reducing his sentence?. What about all the other convicts especially in petty offences who are rotting in jail? They have also filed applications seeking remission but there has been no order on those,” the petitioner’s lawyer Nitin Satpute said in Mumbai.

Satpute said he would mention the PIL before the appropriate bench on Thursday. Dutt was lodged in the Yerawada prison in May 2013 to undergo remainder of his sentence after being convicted for illegal possession of arms under the Arms Act. According to jail officials, the Khalnayak and Munnabhai of the silver screen was given work of making paper bags in his cell. — PTI

A12

T IME S O F O MAN

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

#TRENDING ONLINE HOT PICKS MOST READ

MOST SHARED

TIMESOFOMAN.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/TIMESOFOMAN

TOTAL VIEWS

TOTAL PAGE LIKES

48,017,723

325,407

1 Thousands in Oman to get

1 41st anniversary

their work benefits cut

subscription offer

timesofoman.com/Oman

facebook.com/timesofoman

2 Muscat among top three

cities for expats in GCC timesofoman.com/Oman

3 Private sector workers

worry for their benefits in Oman 2 Morning Minute - Private

timesofoman.com/Oman

sector workers in Oman worried

4 Khoula Hospital helps 23

timesofoman.com/Multimedia

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

week-baby to survive timesofoman.com/Oman

3 Faster removal of abandoned

cars planned, says Muscat Municipal Council

5 New projects to ease road

timesofoman.com/Oman

traffic in Oman

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

timesofoman.com/Oman

4 Mars Inc recalls products in

55 countries - AP timesofoman.com/World

5 Public sector staff in Oman

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/OPINION

allowed to own business, keep their job

The agony of Hillary Elizabeth Drew

timesofoman.com/Oman

MARC CHAMPION MOST POPULAR VIDEO

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/VIDEOS Faiz Subri asked to demand more free-kick duties by his Penang manager after striker’s swerving set-piece goal in Malaysian league

It is delusional to think that the UK can live in isolation from the rest of the EU — the requirements of trade and the single market mean it will be regulated from Brussels with or without its consent. And it is just as delusional to think the UK would outlive a Brexit — Scotland would in all probability leave Britain’s union

TWEET WE LIKE @srweiss Had an amazing time in Oman! #WanderlustWednesday #travel #ArabianPeninsula

LEONID BERSHIDSKY INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY

INSTAGRAM.COM/TIMESOFOMAN

It is inconceivable that President Vladimir Putin didn’t know how weak Ukraine was. He had access to intelligence from the neighbouring country. He could even talk directly to the deposed president, Viktor Yanukovych, who had just fled to Russia. Nothing prevented a Russian invasion.

«

SHARE THIS!

Photo: Mikhail Saballa

READERS’ FORUM Findings reported by astronomers not to be trusted The refers to the story Telescope used on Armstrong’s moon landing finds new galaxies (February 23). It is hard to believe this report. It is common knowledge that the so called Moon landing is considered fake. Also, in my opinion the various finding by mathematical calculations are unlikely to be true. For me, if the evidence that has been reportedly is seen or inferred by other devices then it is a factual observation. The current research is more like the subjective study of astrology.

— Murshid Hakeem, Muscat Scan this QR code to send letters to the Readers’ Forum, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Colonialism haunts Africa This refers to the report Burundi to hold talks, free prisoners in bid to defuse political crisis (February 23). It is heartening to see the East African country’s leadership listening to reason. United Nations Secretary General Ban-ki Moon needs to be commended for his diplomatic endeavour. The fact that the Burundian regime will follow through its promises wholly is still to be seen. However, look at the past it is likely things are unlikely to change. The ethnic strife is unlikely to end due to divisions, which are the fruits of colonialism. Many conflicts on the continent are a direct result from illogical border demarcations forced by the former overlords. — Sabina De Villiers, Ruwi

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com Not even computers will replace committees, because committees buy computers.

EDWARD SHEPHERD MEAD

IMTIAZ GUL

What is tabled before the National Assembly is only part of the costs such trips entail. Few Pakistanis would know that a significant portion of the ministry of foreign affairs’ budget goes into servicing VVIPs’ foreign tours and this doesn’t show up in the prime minister’s or the president’s official tour expenses

B

eing Hillary Clinton, one of the most celebrated women in the world, holder of some of the highest offices in American politics, and possibly the next president of the United States, has had more than its share of agony. Widely regarded a year ago as a shoo-in for the Democratic Party’s nomination, she has faced a far more difficult slog than anyone, including her, ever contemplated. Yet most of the problems Clinton is encountering were predictable and foreshadowed in 2008, when she ran against Barack Obama. Others she has brought on herself.

For one thing, she’s simply not a very good politician. Clinton is the only person known to have launched her campaign twice. (The first attempt, in Iowa, where she talked to about eight people in closed meetings, didn’t work out very well.) This impressive, remarkably intelligent woman just doesn’t have the feel for politics that is demanded at the highest levels.

Success in US presidential politics requires superb intuition, being quick on one’s feet, and, above all, a compelling rationale for running. True, Clinton offers numerous programmes that she would push as president; but, to borrow from Winston Churchill, there is no theme to her pudding. The closest she comes to a message is a less-than-soaring “I’m a progressive who can get things done.”

By contrast, her rival, Bernie Sanders, has become a serious contender because he brilliantly composed a persuasive message for his campaign: The system is rigged and a corrupt campaign-finance regime is holding it in place.

The sweeping programmes Sanders is pushing – a single-payer health-care system and free tuition at public colleges – however impracticable, are popular, especially among younger people, who overwhelmingly favour him over Clinton. Her message is one of incrementalism: Don’t dare to dream big. Meanwhile, Sanders is preaching a political revolution. Then there’s the issue of trustworthiness. Sanders’s integrity comes across as unimpeachable, while Clinton continues to provide reasons for questioning hers. She and her advisers are clearly stunned by the force of the challenge she’s facing. Sanders appears authentic; Clinton seems programmed. She sometimes seems to be tonedeaf, particularly out of tune with the public mood on the subject of money. Anger at the growing gap between the very rich and everyone else has been brewing for years. Shortly before she began her campaign, Hillary Clinton said that when they left the White House she and her husband were “dead broke.” If so, they recovered quickly: Bill and Hillary Clinton are believed to be worth well

over $100 million, all of it made since they left the White House and most of it through astronomical speaking fees.

Not unlike other former US presidents – Jimmy Carter is a notable exception – the Clintons exploited their fame and influence to build up a fortune. It’s not so much how they made most of their money as who paid them. While Bill made business deals with some shady international figures, Hillary made a lot of her fortune by giving speeches to Wall Street firms, the main target of public wrath for causing the Great Recession of 2008.

This provided an ideal target for Sanders, who singled out the fact that Clinton earned $675,000 for three speeches she gave to Goldman Sachs.

Sanders’s charges put her back on her heels; when asked by the moderator in a CNN Town Hall why she accepted so much money from Goldman Sachs, a nonplussed Clinton shrugged and replied, “That’s what they offered.”

Then there’s the controversy over her having chosen to use a private, unsecured server installed at her home in Chappaqua, New York to process her emails, business as well as personal, when she was Secretary of State during President Barack Obama’s first term in office. The server issue, first revealed in March 2015, now dogs her campaign, speaking not only to her tone-deafness, but, more deadly, to her judgment. How could she not know that a secretary of state will receive and may respond to classified information?

After the server became public knowledge, Clinton, as her husband has also done, resorted to legalisms: She hadn’t received or sent information on her server that was “marked classified at the time.”

Students of Hillary-speak immediately sensed something fishy. The State Department, it turns out, has two email systems: one classified and one unclassified; and one kind of material can’t be sent on the other. To avoid sending her classified information on her private server, her aides delivered it by other means – orally or in written summaries.

Thus, they weren’t “marked classified at the time.”

Yet State Department inspectors have found hundreds of emails that had been sent to her server that should have been classified. An FBI investigation is underway. Finally, what was supposed to be a huge asset for her candidacy – the prospect of making history as the first woman president – isn’t working out as she and her campaign had expected. As in 2008, large numbers of women don’t want to be told that they must support Clinton simply because she’s a woman. They find that an insult to their intelligence, and young women in particular are largely supporting Sanders; they prefer his platform and are troubled by questions about her integrity. - Project Syndicate.

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES FEBRUARY 2001 Exhibition on beauty of Oman begins at SQU MUSCAT: An exhibition – Oman: Genuineness and Beauty – by the UAE artist, Mohammed Al Mur, chairman of the UAE culture and sciences board, was opened at the Sultan Qaboos University here yesterday. Mohammed bin Al Zubair, adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for economic planning and president of the SQU, and Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al Rowas, minister of information, attended the opening ceremony. Al Mur gave a lecture at the SQU conference hall in which he said every visitor to Oman would undoubtedly be enticed by two phenomena. The first was the beauty of its nature and the other was the genuineness of the Omani people.

PICTOGRAPH

TOTAL OF ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION IN OMAN

Gross production, September to November 2015 (Gigawatt per hour) Sep

3,192

Oct

2,943.5

Nov

2,449.2

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

1815: Napoleon leaves his exile on the island of Elba.

1910: The Dalai Lama flees from the Chinese and takes refuge in India.

1926: Poland seeks a permanent seat on League of Nations council.

1952: French colonial forces evacuate Hoa Binh in Indochina.

0

Source National Centre for Statistics and Information

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

A1 3

INDIA NO AGREEMENT ON WORDING

No joint communique at end of Nepal PM’s Delhi visit KATHMANDU: Nepal and India did not issue a joint communique at the end of a state visit by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to Delhi on Wednesday due to India’s position on the new constitution of the Himalayan nation.

Nepalese Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay confirmed there would be no joint communique at the end of Oli’s visit after the Indian side did not show interest in it.

The development will mark a departure as the tradition of issuing joint communiques at the end of visits of Nepalese heads of state or government to India has usually been followed — at least since 1990.

Officials privy to the visit said preparation were afoot in New Delhi earlier on the joint communique and senior officials from both the sides were engaged in finalising its wording.

But at the last moment, no joint statement was issued after India refused to say categorically that it welcomed the new constitution in Nepal.

On the other hand, Nepal wanted to get ‘India welcomes the new constitution in Nepal’ incorporated in the joint communique, said a Nepali official.

Until Wednesday afternoon, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Joint Secretary Prakash Subedi, who looks after the India desk, and

Joint Secretary (North) Abay Thakur, in charge of Nepal and Bhutan, were busy working on the joint communique in Hotel Hyatt in Mumbai but could not finalise it due to no agreement on its contents and wording.

The Indian side stressed on the wording as per Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement after a delegation-level talks with Oli on Saturday at Hyderabad House in Delhi, said the officials.

Oli and Modi jointly addressed the press conference but did not take any questions from the media.

Modi said: “...after a struggle of decades, making and promulgation of the constitution (in Nepal) are significant achievements... but

its success depends on consensus and dialogues.”

Both the prime ministers have addressed a joint conference and made statements.

The foreign ministers from both sides have also made several statements in New Delhi and so there was no need to come up with such joint statement, the Indian side is said to have told the Nepalese delegation.

According to Nepalese Ambassador to India, the Indian side communicated that of late, they have stopped issuing joint communiques during the visits of other heads of state or governments and hence will follow the same during this visit also. - IANS

ELATED: Prime Minister of Nepal K P Sharma Oli with Bollywood

actress Manisha Koirala at a meeting over a high tea in Mumbai on Wednesday. - PTI

Opposition targets government over JNU row, Vemula suicide Irani takes on Opposition, says she is being targeted

To counter the opposition onslaught, BJP targeted Rahul Gandhi for his ‘support’ to those standing with hanged Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru

NEW DELHI: Sparks flew in the lower house of Parliament Lok Sabha on Wednesday as the raging JNU row and suicide of Dalit student Rohith Vemula was taken up for discussion, with opposition accusing the government of muzzling the voice of the youth and “mercilessly crushing” the principles of democracy.

To counter the opposition onslaught, BJP targeted Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for his “support” to those standing with hanged Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and said the House has to decide if it stands with those who attacked Parliament or those who laid down their lives defending it.

The debate, on the first working day of Budget session, saw accusations and counter-accusations, with both ruling and opposition sides underlining their credentials as “nationalists”.

Initiating the debate, Congress’ Chief Whip Jyotiraditya Scindia alleged “undue interference” by Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani and Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya in Vemula’s case.

“Bandaru Dattaterya in his letter had called Rohith a castiest and an anti-national. Where in the world can you see a HRD minister writing five letters in any case,” he said.

Scindia also raised the issue of FTII, Indian Institute of Technology Madras and JNU and said, “the

PROTEST: Leaders of Left parties and Janata Dal(United) shout slogans at a protest at Parliament against the Jawaharlal Nehru University issue during the ongoing Budget session in New Delhi on Wednesday. - PTI

government was trying to muzzle the voice of the youth.”

Lambasting the government, Scindia attacked External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Irani for emphasising that Vemula was not a Dalit.

Criticising the role of Hyderabad University administration, he said protests and fights are the part of academic institutions but in this case the Vice-Chancellor should have tackled this issue in a better way.

However, he instead suspended the Dalit students and compelled them to stay in an open tent because of the the “politics of the RSS and BJP,” Scindia said.

“What is the duty of the government? It is to protect the democratic institutions and work for the betterment of the people. But since last two years, with the atmosphere of intolerance, no one feels secured. It is mercilessly crushing the democratic principles,” the Congress leader said.

“The Prime Minister speaks of demographic dividend of the

Dadri lynching, RSS and the suicide of Rohith Vemula in the Hyderabad University.

JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar was targeted for his opposition to RSS and ABVP, the Congress leader said.

From BJP side, Anurag Thakur raised the nationalist pitch over the JNU issue and attacked Congress, saying for the party, “it is ‘family first’, ‘party next’ and ‘nation last’. For us, it is ‘nation first’, ‘party next’ and ‘family last’.”

He alleged that Rahul Gandhi went to the university to support such outfits which were named by the previous United Progressive Alliance government as “frontal organisations” for Maoists.

“I want to ask Sonia ji, why your young leader was standing with those who stand with Afzal Guru,” Thakur said addressing the Congress President who was present there. His speech saw protests from Congress members who raised a point of order, saying he was levelling “derogatory allegations” against Rahul, a contention rejected by the Speaker. - PTI

HITTING BACK: HRD Minister Smriti Irani speaks in the Lok Sabha in New Delhi on Wednesday. - PTI

Irani said, adding she had asked them to listen to the students who come from different backgrounds and address their issues.

“Help me build the nation, not destroy it from within,” she said stressing, “I respect your patriotism, don’t demean mine... I have my idea of India...don’t demean it.”

Citing documents, she said, report by JNU’s security people observed that some students were indulging in anti-national sloganeering even though the students had sought permission to hold a “poetry” event.

Those involved in the programme which include Umar Khalid, Kanhayia Kumar and others, she said, were suspended by the JNU authorities though they were allowed to stay on the campus till completion of the inquiry.

Earlier too, Irani said some students and professors had taken out rallies in support of Afzal Guru, who was hanged for his role in attack on Parliament, and burnt the effigy of Home Ministry. - PTI

FA L L I N G R E V E N U E C O L L E C T I O N

HURUN GLOBAL RICH LIST

Mukesh Ambani richest Indian BEIJING: Industrialist Mukesh Ambani remains India’s richest person with a sharp surge of 30 per cent in his net worth to $26 billion, pushing his global rank to 21st on a worldwide rich list topped by Bill Gates.

The total number of billionaires from India has risen to 111, consolidating the country’s third position after China and the US, according to Hurun Global Rich List 2016, a ranking of the US dollar billionaires currently found in the world. Bill Gates, retained the top spot with a fortune of $80 billion.In the overall list, Gates was followed by Warren Buffett with a net worth of $68 billion further followed by Amancio Ortega with $64 billion net worth in the third place. Jeff Bezos, with $50 billion and Carlos Slim Helu with $53 billion made it to the top five billionaires in the world.

The world’s billionaires grew

youth. But what do we see in the country? In Madhya Pradesh, we see Vyapam in Madhya Pradesh, the problem of drugs in Punjab, the way the voice of students in FTII was muzzled.

The government machinery is being misused and is trying to crush the voice of the dissident and those having the contrary view,” he said.

He also questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying “He tweets on every other thing, but it took five days for him to speak on this matter, only after a worldwide uproar. There is no reference on in the Mann Ki Baat.”

Scindia said while the government was celebrating 125th century of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, it was not following its path. “There is huge gap between the talk and the act of the government.”

Scindia said nobody supports the slogans which were chanted in JNU but slogans cannot be criminalised and termed as treason.

He alleged that the government was angry with JNU because it stood against “saffron terrorism”,

NEW DELHI: Under intense attack, HRD Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday made a forceful statement in the Lok Sabha, saying Kanhaiya Kumar and some other students had been found indulging in anti-national activities by the JNU authorities themselves.

She also made an emotional pitch with regard to the suicide by Dalit student Rohith Vemula of Hyderabad University, insisting that her ministry had no role in his death and the deceased himself had said in his suicide note that nobody should be held responsible for his action.

Replying to the charged day-long debate on recent incidents in JNU and Hyderabad University during which the government faced opposition onslaught, a combative Irani said she was being targeted by Congress for contesting against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi Parliamentary constituency.

“I will not seek forgiveness for doing my duty...you (Congress members) never wanted to listen to my reply,” she said aloud, as the Congress members, Left parties and Trinamool Congress staged a walkout as she was speaking.

During last 20 months as Minister, Irani said she tried to do justice to students by trying to address their complaints without asking for their “caste or religion”.

Rejecting the charge of saffronising education, she said, she would quit politics if it was established she made any attempt to do so.

Most of the vice chancellors are Congress appointees,

by 99 to 2,188 individuals, which is a new world record and which is 50 per cent more than 2013.

Meanwhile, India consolidated its position in the third place with 111 billionaires, 14 more than last year. “The combined wealth of the Indian billionaires shot up by 16 per cent to $308 billion and the average age was 64,” the report added. Besides Ambani, the Indians who got featured in the coveted list include Dilip Shanghvi ranked 46th with a net worth of $18 billion, followed by Pallonji Mistry(rank 69, $13 billion), Shiv Nadar (rank 78, $12 billion), Cyrus S Poonawalla (rank 149, $8.1 billion), Uday Kotak (rank 152, $8 billion), Azim Premji (rank 155, $7.7 billion).

Sector-wise, manufacturing, pharma and tech were the sectors that minted most number of billionaires with 22, 20 and 15 super rich people, respectively. -PTI

Prabhu on tight rope walk to balance finance with aspirations in rail budget NEW DELHI: Indian Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu faces a stiff dilemma on whether to raise fares and freight rates in his second Rail Budget on Thursday as railway finances come under tremendous strain.

While the falling revenue collection and increasing demand for funding various capacity augmentation projects as well as the requirement for improving passenger services demand hiking up fares, a section in Railway Ministry does not favour any such move, saying an increase at this juncture will not be a very good idea as elections are round the corner in four states and diesel price is on the downslide.

“Diesel price is on the decline.

Passenger bookings and goods loadings are also on downslide. So at this moment hiking freight rate and passenger fares will affect the Railways adversely,” sources in railways said, adding “fare hike can

be effected anytime after budget also, if required and it is not necessary that it has to be done only in the budget.”

Besides, Prabhu will also have to take call on whether to impose safety cess for strengthening safety measures to prevent accidents.

However, railways have already decided to run as many special trains on higher fares in popular routes catering to the growing demand during festive season, an indirect way of hiking fares.

Upgradation of existing coaches with modern facilities and improved interiors are being planned in a big way to run trains on higher fares like the recently launched Mahamana Express between New Delhi and Varanasi.

The cross-subsidy from freight to passenger operation has crossed Rs 30,000 crore this year while the Seventh Pay Commission burden is about Rs 32,000 crore. Railways

FINAL TOUCHES: Union Railway

Minister Suresh Prabhu give final touches to the Railway Budget 2016 in his office in New Delhi on Wednesday. -PTI

have earned Rs 136,079.26 crore as against the target of Rs 141,416.05 crore during April-January period, a decline of 3.77 per cent.

Railways had effected a 14 per cent across-the-board hike in pas-

senger fares in 2014 during the NDA regime and a 10 per cent increase last year.

However, despite the grim economic condition, the Railway Budget is expected to focus on massive capacity creation in the rail sector with an increased plan outlay of about Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

A significant amount will be earmarked for safety upgradation, electrification, doubling and modernisation of yards to clear traffic bottlenecks, the sources said.

It appears that Prabhu will have to depend mostly on the External Budgetary Resources (EBR) for execution of the capacity augmentation projects and he will give details of his resource mobilisation plan in the Rail Budget 2016-17.

Since Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) from the Finance Ministry is unlikely to meet the railways’ expectation, funding of projects will be mostly from EBR. - PTI

A 14

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

PAKISTAN H E A LT H

MAKESHIFT SCHOOL

Students from poor families attend a makeshift school set up by an NGO in Islamabad. on Wednesday. — AP/PTI

Epilepsy patients get treatment in country for first time KARACHI: Fifteen epilepsy patients have been cured at Neurospinal & Cancer Care Institute, Karachi, so far using the state-of the-art gamma knife machine available for the first time in Pakistan.

This is a safe radiation process which is used to treat different kinds of cancers.

Talking to a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE), who visited the institute yesterday, the head of NCCI and former neurosurgeon professor Sattar Hashim told Express newspaper that in the system the cause of the fits of epilepsy in a person is discovered through a test using the positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PETCT) machine.

If the patient does not recover with drugs, they are referred to this treatment. Radiation oncologist Dr Azhar Rasheed and neurosurgeon Abid Saleem were also present on the occasion.

Prof Hashim said that the

PA R K I N G I S S U E

Bail for man who ‘beat up’ traffic wardens KARACHI: A judicial magistrate granted on Tuesday bail to a man who allegedly beat up traffic police personnel in January this year over a parking issue.

Karachi South magistrate Kaleemullah Kalwar ordered the release of the accused, identified as Abdul Shafiq, after furnishing bail of Rs20,000 and a surety bond of similar amount.

Traffic wardens beat up man in Karachi over motorcycle parking Shafiq’s case surfaced on January 11 after news channels aired videos of him scuffling with traffic policemen near the PIDC area. Initially, it was reported by the media that he was tortured by law enforcers and was locked up.

The narrative spread rapidly and a large crowd gathered at the Civil Lines police station where Shafiq was detained and protested there.

Later in the evening, the suspect was released on personal surety apparently due to the pressure from political circles.

At the moment, the police officials had pledged that an inquiry would be launched into the incident and the guilty party would be held accountable. However, the inquiry led to a shift in the story as CCTV footage showed that Shafiq hit a policeman soon after the latter asked him not to park his bike near a building.

The fight escalated as the suspect attacked other policemen who came to their colleague’s rescue. After the video evidence surfaced, the suspect was taken into custody again and subsequently remanded into custody.

— Express Tribune

PEDCT machine can immediately diagnose cancers including those of lungs, head, neck, intestine and breast.

He said that stereotactic technology is instrumental in treating cancer patients using safe rays.

Main cause of fits He said that in the treatment, at first the part of the brain, which has become inactive or less active and is the main cause of epilepsy fits, is identified with the PEDCT machine.

It is then treated with the gamma knife machine to stop further fits.

Dr Jabbar and Dr Azimi appreciated the services of the team of the institute, which is led by Dr Hashim. — Express Tribune

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

Raheel’s tenure extension refusal premature: Zardari At this critical juncture, continuation of the army leadership is necessary to stem the tide of terrorism.

And when the time comes, the political leadership must make a decision taking into account national interest and security situation, said the former president

DUBAI: Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari has said that the attempt by ‘certain quarters’ to seek the army’s role in accountability and other national affairs is inappropriate.

“Expecting the army’s role in political matters, accountability and other national issues is not fitting. Eternal sacrifices of the army should not be wasted due to political differences and opportunism,” Zardari said in a statement on Tuesday.

Terming army chief General Raheel Sharif’s decision to re-

SUPPORT: A Pakistani civil society worker carries a photograph of Pakistan’s army chief General Raheel Sharif during a peace rally in

Islamabad on February 24, 2015. Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari said on Tuesday that the attempt by ‘certain quarters’ to seek the army’s role in accountability and other national affairs is inappropriate. - AFP file photo

fuse an extension in service as ‘premature’, he said the decision could turn Pakistanis’ hopes into despair and jeopardise the fight against terrorism.

“At this critical juncture, continuation of the army leadership is necessary to stem the tide of terrorism. And when the time comes, the political leadership must make

a decision taking into account national interest and security situation,” he added.

Evil of terrorism The PPP co-chairperson stressed that the nation should uproot the evil of terrorism with close collaboration between political and military forces. “The

nation and political forces must unite and stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces to root out the menace of terrorism from the country.”

Zardari said his party stood with Pakistan Army. Pakistan is facing myriad of challenges as criminal gangs and separatists are hatching conspiracies to destabilise the

country with the help of their foreign handlers, he said.

He said the security situation had worsened in the aftermath of the December 16, 2014 Taliban rampage at Peshawar’s Army Public School, “but due to the military operation, we have made significant gains in the fight against terror”. — Express Tribune

WA R N I N G

‘Generators fumes pose health risk to domestic users’ KARACHI: With summer fast approaching, the residents of Karachi are likely to suffer hours of load-shedding in coming months.

While many will painstakingly wait for power supply to resume, others will turn on their generators and continue with their life.

The convenience that comes with having a generator makes it easier to ignore how running them even for a few hours makes the air we breathe harmful. Emitting toxic gases such as oxides of nitrogen and sulphur among other dangerous compounds, generators are a threat to the health of everyone around them.

“Running a generator regularly in a house is not only harmful to the family but anyone who is nearby including the neighbours because fumes travel freely,” says Dr Zafar Fatmi, associate professor at Aga Khan University.

Fatmi, who heads the research group for environmental health at the university, says people who stay at home such as housewives and young children are mainly at risk.

“There are chances of having lung and cardiovascular diseases,” he states.

The threat to health, Fatmi says, depends on the level of exposure. “The placement of the generator is very important; putting it in an enclosed space leads to high level of exposure and increases the risk,” he says.

The Aga Khan professor says running generators for four to six hours every day results in a high level of exposure.

Syed Kamran Haider Naqvi, an urban specialist at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), says the level of pollution is directly linked to the

The placement of the generator is very important; putting it in an enclosed space leads to high level of exposure and increases the risk Dr Zafar Fatmi

Associate professor at Aga Khan University

type of generator – petrol, diesel or gas, brand and country of origin. “The emission can be reduced by proper maintenance plus gas powered generators perform better environmentally as compared

to petrol or diesel-powered ones,” he says.

The specialist also recommended using smaller generators to reduce air and noise pollution.

“Maximum 5KVA generators

are advisable for domestic use,” Naqvi says.

The IUCN expert points out that generators used at home are also a source of noise pollution as their sound exceeds permissible level for residential areas.

Indoor air quality Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) directorgeneral Naeem Ahmed Mughal says though he hasn’t received any complaint against generators run inside houses or apartments, his team is gathering data on generators used in commercial areas.

“This falls under the domain of indoor air quality and whatever we learn and plan during this exercise can be applied to regulate use of generators in residential areas in the future,” Mughal says.

The Sepa official says Karachi has seen a rapid rise in the use

of generators due to shortfall in electricity. “We cannot stop people from using generators because they will use alternatives to meet their energy demands but what we can do is study the problem, strategise and inform the public,” Mughal states.

“We can set criteria for how and where the generators should be placed to reduce the threat,” he added.

Solar energy Referring to certain houses that run on solar energy in Defence Phase VIII locality, Mughal says all possible ways of fulfilling energy needs will have to be considered before a strategy is drafted to tackle the issue. “In future, we can also work with the building authorities and ask them to only approve plans that are energy-efficient,” he suggests. — Express Tribune

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

A1 5

WORLD 23 killed as plane crashes in Nepal mountainous region Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police personnel were also mobilised.

“We have dispatched three helicopters on a search and rescue mission,” the airline had said in a statement on its website.

“The weather at both origin and destination airports was favourable and the airport cleared for departure by the control tower at Pokhara,” said the statement.

The plane belonging to Tara Air had gone missing minutes after it took off from the airport in the resort town of Pokhara on its way to Jomsom, the starting point of trekking

KATHMANDU: All 23 people, including two children and two foreigners, on board a small plane were on Wednesday killed in Nepal after their aircraft crashed in a remote mountainous region amid poor visibility, in the country’s latest aviation tragedy.

The Twin-Otter turboprop aircraft belonging to Tara Air had gone missing minutes after it took off from the airport in the resort town of Pokhara on its way to Jomsom, the starting point of people trekking the Himalayas. Its burnt-out wreckage was found in the western district of Myagdi and bodies could be seen scattered

INCONSOLABLE: A family member cries as he waits at the airport after a Twin Otter plane, operated by private Tara Air, crashed in bad weather, in Pokhara, Nepal, on Wednesday. - Reuters

around it. Ananda Pokharel, minister for culture, tourism and civil aviation, said the wreckage was found in Solighopte forest.

All aboard the N9-AHH aircraft, including two foreigners, were killed in the incident, he told PTI over phone.

The 23 people on board included 18 Nepalese citizens, including two children, and two foreigners, apart from three crew members.

One of the foreigners has been confirmed to be a Chinese and another a Kuwaiti national. The aircraft caught fire after it crashed, according to a search and rescue team present at the site of the accident. Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal officials said that the reason of crash is yet to be probed.

Residents in the area said they saw a huge explosion and fire in the remote area. A preliminary

investigation has suggested that low visibility due to a cloud of dust shrouding the area following dry landslides in Mount Annapurna might have caused the crash.

According to Home Ministry officials, there were dust particles in seven villages around the site in the district.

Earlier, three helicopters were dispatched from Kathmandu to locate the aircraft while Nepal

Hugely popular In Nepal, air travel is hugely popular as there is only a limited road network. Many communities, particularly in the mountains and hills, are accessible only on foot or by air.

Since 1949 - the year the first aircraft landed in Nepal - there have been more than 70 different crashes involving planes and helicopters, in which more than 700 people have been killed.

In 2012, child actor Taruni Sachdev and mother Geeta Sachdev were among 15 people killed when a dornier aircraft crashed close to the Jomson airport.

Taruni died in the Agni Air Flight CHT plane crash on her 14th birthday on May 14.

In 2013, the European Union banned all Nepalese airlines from flying there.

And in 2014, a Nepal Airlines plane crashed into the side of a snow-clad mountain in the country’s west, killing 18 people. — PTI

INTERNET GIANT

France seeks $1.76b in back taxes from Google PARIS: France is seeking 1.6 billion euros ($1.76 billion) in back taxes from US Internet giant Google, criticised for its use of aggressive tax optimisation techniques, a source at the finance ministry said on Wednesday.

“As far as our country is concerned, back taxes concerning this company amount to 1.6 billion euros,” the official, who declined to be named, said.

A spokeswoman for Google France declined to comment.

Denial An unsourced 2012 media report mentioned a claim for 1 billion euros by French authorities, which Google denied at the time.

The tax authority usually issues at least one preliminary assessment before its final assessment, which can be challenged in court if not accepted, tax advisers say.

Earlier this month, Finance Minister Michel Sapin ruled out striking a deal with the San Francsco-based search engine company as the British government recently did, saying the sums at stake in France were “far greater” than those in Britain.

Google reached a 130 million pound ($181.18 million)settlement with British tax authorities for the period since 2005, which British lawmakers criticised on Tuesday as “disproportionately small”.

— Reuters

REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES

Rivals clueless as rampant Trump wins Nevada contest WASHINGTON: Businessman Donald Trump inched closer to the US Republican presidential nomination after easily outdistancing his rivals in the Nevada caucuses on Tuesday, giving him his third win in four early nominating contests.

Trump won Nevada by a margin of 22 percentage points, garnering 45.9 per cent of the vote, the state Republican Party said after 100 per cent of all precincts reported results.

That gave him at least 12 of the 30 delegates at stake, which would bring his total to at least 79 before February ends, according to the Associated Press.

While more than 1,200 are needed to secure the Republican presidential nomination, Trump has built a formidable head start over his main rivals, US Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida.

Rubio eked out another secondplace showing with 23.9 per cent of the vote, and Cruz again came in a close third with 21.4 per cent.

Each gained at least five delegates, the AP reported.

Finishing at the bottom of the heap were retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson with 4.8 per cent of the vote and Ohio Governor John Kasich with 3.6 per cent.

Trump has tallied wins in New Hampshire, South Carolina and now Nevada, with a suite of southern states ahead on March 1, so-called Super Tuesday ON A HIGH: Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump

gives a thumbs up as he addresses supporters after being declared by the television networks as the winner in the Nevada Republican caucuses at his caucus night rally in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday. — Reuters

Broadcast networks called Nevada for Trump almost immediately after voting ended, with the state Republican Party confirming the victory soon afterward.

Trump’s decisive win is likely to further frustrate Republican establishment figures who, less than a month ago, were hoping that the outspoken billionaire’s insurgent candidacy was stalled

after he lost the opening nominating contest in Iowa to Cruz.

But since then, Trump has tallied wins in New Hampshire, South Carolina and now Nevada, with a suite of southern states ahead on March 1, so-called Super Tuesday.

“If you listen to the pundits, we weren’t expected to win too much, and now we’re winning, winning,

SOCIAL MEDIA REBOOT

Facebook launches ‘Reactions’ worldwide as ‘Like’ tweaked SAN FRANSCISCO: Facebook users around the globe can now be more expressive.

The social network rolled out “Reactions” - an extension of the “Like” button - worldwide on Wednesday, to allow users to express emotions such as sadness, anger and love.

In a video accompanying a blog post, the five new buttons appear as animated emoticons that pop up when the “Like” button is held down on mobile devices.

The buttons appear on desktops when users hover over the “Like” button.

Facebook launched a pilot of “Reactions” - which allowed users to select from seven emotions including “Angry”, “Sad”, “Wow” and “Like” - in Ireland and Spain in October.

The “Yay” emoticon, which was present in the pilot launch, was not seen in Wednesday’s video. (http://on.fb.me/1LBnXIG) The company will also use “Reactions” to track user behavior and for ad delivery.

Facebook said ‘Reactions’ would have the same impact on ad delivery as ‘likes’ “We will initially use any Reaction similar to a Like to infer that you want to see more of that type of content,” Facebook said in separate blog post.(http://bit. ly/1TFzfOC) Facebook said that over time it hoped to learn how different “Reactions” should be weighted differently by the Facebook News Feed to customize it for individual users.

The feature received mixed

reviews from users on social networking sites. Many complained that they could not see the new emoticons, while some were unhappy that Facebook did not launch a “dislike” button.

Marina Cupo wrote on Facebook: “Do not have it available yet on my Facebook!? I would rather have had a DISLIKE button and then attach an emotion instead if I want!”

Others expressed concern that the feature would lead to diminished use of language and less interaction.

“Great, now you don’t even have to offer actual words, just a freaking emoji. What’s the point in learning a language at all then?,” Candice Johnson wrote on the social network.

Comments by Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg in September that many took to mean that the social network was working on a “dislike” button set off a debate over whether it would cause cyberbullying and negativity.— Reuters

winning the country,” Trump said at a victory rally in Las Vegas.

Polls suggest Trump will do well in many of those Super Tuesday states, placing further pressure on Cruz and Rubio, as well as Carson and Kasich, who were not factors in Nevada.

“These guys have to figure out how to turn their fire on Trump,” said Ford O’Connell, a Republican strategist in Washington. Absent that, he said: “Which one is going to get out of this field?”

In the run-up to Nevada, most of Trump’s rivals left him alone, preferring to tussle with each other to try to be the last surviving chal-

lenger to the front-runner.

Not long after Trump’s win was certified in Nevada, Cruz’s campaign released a statement criticising Rubio for not winning the state.

It did not mention Trump at all.

Rubio, who has emerged as the Republican establishment’s favourite to derail Trump’s progress, can take some solace in finishing second.

But that also has to be viewed as somewhat of a setback considering that he had frequently campaigned in Nevada, having lived there for years as a child.

Latino population A Cuban-American, he had attempted to rally the support of the state’s large Latino population.

Rubio had also benefited from Saturday’s departure of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush from the race. That brought an influx of new funds, a bevy of endorsements and a wealth of media attention.

But none of it was enough to overtake Trump.

Meanwhile, Cruz has been facing mounting questions about the viability of his campaign since he won in Iowa.

Trump has made serious inroads among his core base of conservative supporters, drain-

ing anti-government hardliners and evangelicals. Cruz targeted Nevada’s fierce libertarian wing, appealing directly to those who supported local rancher Cliven Bundy’s armed protest against the federal government in 2014 and a more recent one that Bundy’s sons staged at a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon.

But that, too, was not enough.

The upcoming March 1 primary in Cruz’s home state of Texas is looming as a make-or-break moment for him.

Aiding his cause, Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott endorsed Cruz in a video that appeared on Wednesday, CNN reported.

Despite early reports on social media of procedural irregularities at many Nevada caucus sites, the Republican National Committee and the party’s state chapter said voting ran smoothly. Higher-thannormal turnout was reported, although historically, few of the state’s citizens take part.

Nevada’s contest had been viewed as a test of whether Trump had organisational might to match his star power.

Unlike in primaries, caucus results depend more on a campaign’s success in motivating supporters to participate. — Reuters

A16

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

WORLD

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY ADD IN GOOGLE+

Tablet lovers add dd us on Google +

Hungary to hold referendum on EU’s migrant quota plan The plebiscite, the first of its kind in Europe, would be a major test of European democracy, Prime Minister Viktor Orban TOUGH STAND: Migrants rest as a policeman watches them near

BUDAPEST: Hungary will hold a referendum on European Union plans for a system of mandatory quotas, an initiative that Hungary’s government has rejected, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday.

Orban has used harsh antimigrant rhetoric since the migrant crisis escalated last year and gained notoriety for erecting a steel fence along Hungary’s southern border to keep out migrants - a policy now adopted by other Balkan countries.

He said the plebiscite, the first of its kind in Europe, would be a

Hungary’s border fence on the Serbian side of the border near Morahalom, Hungary, on Tuesday. – Reuters

major test of European democracy.

Orban has said the migrant quotas would redraw the ethnic, cultural and religious map of Hungary and Europe. “Nobody has asked the European people so far whether they support, accept, or reject the mandatory migrant quotas,” he said at a news conference.

“The government is responding to public sentiment now: we Hungarians think introducing resettlement quotas for migrants without the backing of the people

equals an abuse of power.”

Wider ramifications Orban did not say when the referendum would be held. He said he was aware of potential wider ramifications of such a referendum, especially if Hungarians say “No” to quotas. “We had to think about the potential impact on European politics of such a proposal, but that was a secondary consideration,” he said.

“To us this is a fundamental,

unavoidable, essential question of Hungarian politics: can anyone else decide for Hungarians who we Hungarians should or should not live with?” Political Capital Institute analyst, Peter Kreko, said: “All in all, we can see that Orban is in a winning position as long as he speaks about the migration issues, as it allows him to play the role of the defender of the nation.”

“It is his interest to keep this issue on the agenda even until (elections in) 2018,” Kreko said, noting that the referendum would eclipse problem issues such as in education and healthcare and pre-empt a potential political defeat for Orban if the European court rejects Hungary’s suit against the quotas.

Meanwhile, migrants cradling young children blocked a motorway in central Greece demanding onward passage to Macedonia on Wednesday, part of a growing bottleneck of refugees stranded by

new border restrictions and closures across Europe.

Families chanted “We want to go” after police stopped their convoy at Tempe and authorities stepped up measures to control the flow of people passing through the country on their way to more prosperous nations further north.

Reuters journalists saw hundreds of others gathered at petrol stations and motels along the 530-km route from Athens to Macedonia, where guards periodically opened the border on Wednesday morning, letting 100 people through at a time. Greece has protested against restrictions imposed by countries further north along the main land migration route into Europe. Migrant Minister Yannis Mouzalas singled out controls brought in by Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Macedonia after a meeting of their police chiefs last week. — Reuters

ASSETS

Manila still seeks $1b in Marcos wealth MANILA: The Philippines is still seeking to recover about $1 billion worth of assets accumulated by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos through 100 court cases at home and overseas, a government official said on Wednesday.

“The task is not easy,” said Richard Amurao, head of an agency created in 1986 to recover funds from Marcos. “The people holding these assets have been slowing us down. They have been using all sorts of delaying tactics to thwart our efforts.” Marcos, who ruled the Southeast Asian country for about two decades, fled to Hawaii 30 years ago this week after a near bloodless popular revolt.

He died in exile three years later. Reuters’ efforts on Wednesday to contact his wife, Imelda, and son Ferdinand Junior, to seek a response to the comments were unsuccessful.

Amurao said that since the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) was created, it has recovered and given the treasury about $4 billion.

In line with Philippine law, funds have been used mostly for land reform. Based on a Hawaii court ruling, 10 billion pesos ($210.04 million) was used to compensate about 10,000 victims of human rights abuses. — Reuters

SURVEY

Dubai ranked best city for expatriates in Middle East and Africa region DUBAI: For the fourth time in a row, Dubai has emerged as the best place to live for expatriates in Middle East and Africa, according to an annual global survey on quality living.

Dubai, which is ranked 75th globally, has emerged as the top city in Middle East and Africa region, followed by Abu Dhabi, said the ‘Mercer’s 2016 Quality of Living Survey’.

“Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain extremely popular destinations among expatriates around the world, to the point that less and less multinationals are actually paying hardship premiums to motivate their employees to move here,” said Rob Thissen, Consultant on Global Mobility at Mercer.

“Rankings in many regions were affected by recent world events, including economic and political upheavals, which resulted in currency fluctuations, cost inflation for goods and services, and volatility in accommodation prices,” Thissen said.

The survey takes into account factors such as a city’s political and social environment, medical care and health considerations, public services, recreation facilities and natural environment, amongst others.

“After a few years of sharp increase, Dubai’s residential market is showing signs of slowing down. The delivery of a significant number of new units added pressure to the residential market. Prices are expected to continue falling as the additional residential units will be ready for occupancy this year,” Thissen added. Dubai and Abu Dhabi rank at the top of the list for quality of life in the GCC, (Gulf Cooperation Council) while Muscat and Oman were listed at 107th position, followed by Doha, Qatar at 110th place.

Kuwait City came in at 124th, closely followed by Saudi cities like Riyadh and Jeddah ranking at 164th and 165th place, respectively. — PTI

CYCLONE-HIT

Remote Fiji islands begin to receive aid, toll rises to 42 SYDNEY: The Fijian government and international aid agencies began delivering much needed aid on Wednesday to the Pacific nation’s remote islands and coastal villages devastated by a powerful cyclone that killed 42 people. The death toll has crept up in the days since Cyclone Winston struck Fiji late on Saturday as communication has gradually been restored with the outer reaches of the archipelago that is home to some 900,000 people.

Thousands of people are still sheltering in evacuation centres, their homes destroyed by winds or flooded by the most powerful storm to ever strike a Pacific nation. An emergency response team from the International Red Cross reached the outer island of Koro, the seventh-largest of Fiji’s 300 islands and one of the worst hit, by ship on Tuesday evening.

“We don’t know how many jetties are destroyed on the outer islands and whether ships carrying aid can land,” said Dylan Quinnell, a spokesman for Care Australia in Fiji’s capital Suva.

Australia and New Zealand

DEVASTATED: A Fijian family

sits amid the debris of their home in RakiRaki, Fiji, on Wednesday. – AP/PTI

said they were ready to deploy helicopters to reach other areas that remained cut off.

“We have also sent two P3 Orion surveillance aircraft and they will be carrying out daily assessment of the damage particularly in those outlying islands,” Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told parliament. The Fijian agriculture ministry told local media the cyclone has completely destroyed crops across the island, while charity Save The Children said scores of schools have been destroyed or badly damaged. — Reuters

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THUR SDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

MARKE

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

Muscat 5,403.95 - 26.46 - 0.49%

Dubai 3,171.38 - 20.43 - 0.64%

Abu Dhabi 4,294.16 - 19.41 - 0.45%

Kuwait 5,174.69 + 8.50 + 0.16%

Saudi Arabia

5,952.46 - 70.62 - 1.17%

Qatar 9,920.10 - 82.70 - 0.83%

Bahrain 1,189.15 + 12.98 + 1.10%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.33 Pound ...........................................1.84 Indian Rs ..............................177.46 Pakistan Rs ........................267.45 Bangla Taka.......................201.09

Indian Rs .................................. 178.00 Pakistan Rs ............................. 271.50 Sri Lanka Rs ............................ 371.75 Bangla Taka........................... 203.50 Phil Peso ................................... 123.50

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) ....... 15.75

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$28.53 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$28.03 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$30.58 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) .........$27.48 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) .........$32.51

* Rates are as of Feb. 24 Source: Bank Muscat

West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$30.92

* Rates as of Feb. 24 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Iran makes strong pitch to woo Omani investors Bank Muscat plans to open branch in Tehran

At a roadshow in Muscat, the ambassador of Iran said that the nation is

A. E. JAMES businesseditor@timesofoman.com

ready for investment and that there are plans to develop infrastructure projects, hotels and modern technology

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Iran offers ample investment opportunities for Omani entrepreneurs as the country is gearing up to execute several projects in a wide range of sectors.

“Iran is ready for investment and the country plans to develop infrastructure projects, hotels and modern technology. We invite Oman to invest in Iran’s capital market (as well),” said Ali Akbar Sibeveih, Iran’s ambassador to the Sultanate.

He was addressing a roadshow in Muscat to discuss opportunities created by the re-opening of the Iranian economy to foreign participation, as well as an in-depth discussion of Iran’s capital markets.

He said Oman and Iran have strong bilateral relations and the lifting of sanctions offers ample opportunities.

“Iran is blessed with oil and gas, minerals, gold and many other minerals,” he added.

Sibeveih said that the external debt of Iran is low, which shows

ROADSHOW: Ali Akbar Sibeveih, Iran’s ambassador to the Sultanate, said that the external debt of Iran is low. The country has abundanent oil and gas resources. – O. K. MOHAMMED ALI/Times of Oman

the health of its economy. The external debt stands at less than two per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

A high-level delegation from Oman, including Yusef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, minister responsible for foreign affairs; Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, minister of commerce and industry; and Hamoud Sangour Al Zadjali, executive president of the Central Bank of Oman, has recently visited Tehran to strengthen bilateral relations.

Iran, which holds the world’s fourth largest oil reserves and the second largest stocks of natural gas, has successfully privatised several state-owned companies and investors can either directly discuss with the government or acquire shares from the stock market. As many as five hundred companies are listed on Iran’s stock markets.

Iran protects foreign investors from political risks. Further, Iran is party to sixty bilateral treaties, which helps to protect the interest of foreign investors.

Freeing assets In fact, Iran has received $50 billion of its frozen assets and the country will receive another $50 billion soon. “The pre-reserves, which are now freely available, are more than $100 billion. It is in different shapes and forms…. some of these are committed, others are free and some are yet to be liquid.

All these were frozen money due to sanctions,” noted Dr Ahmad Azizi, advisor to the president of the Central Bank of Iran, while addressing a panel discussion.

Dr Azizi also noted that the inflation rate in Iran has been coming down from 45 per cent in 201314 to less than 10 per cent now.

Crude oil production Iran plans to ramp up its crude oil production to 4 million barrels a day within few years. However, the current market price is not helpful for any oil producing country to raise output. “Before taking any decision (on raising output), Iran has to consider global market condition,” said the ambassador.

NETWORKING

SIGNING SESSION: Omantel has signed a memorandum of understanding with Cisco for managed

network, data centre solutions and the provision of cloud services. - Supplied picture

Omantel signs deal with Cisco to implement digital strategy Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), the Sultanate’s leading telecommunications operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cisco for managed network and data centre solutions and the provision of cloud services, according to the company’s new transformation strategy.

“The underlying goal of our transformative Omantel 3.0 strategy is to deliver the best customer propositions available and deploy innovative business and eGovernment services that will deliver solutions that go way beyond business as usual,” Talal Al Mamari, chief executive officer of

Omantel said. “The signing of this MoU, and our ongoing strategic partnership with Cisco, will be a key driver of growth and value generation for our customers and signals our accelerated approach towards the effective implementation of our 3.0 strategy in 2016 and beyond,” he added.

Network improvement Under the terms of the MoU, Omantel and Cisco will form joint teams to collaborate on key areas of network improvement, focusing on enhancing managed network, data centre and virtualisation solutions, growing the deployment of cloud services in the Sultanate, as well as mutually evaluating potential areas

for future collaboration.

Highlighting the importance of the agreement, Todd Dick, VP Corporate Business Unit for Omantel said, “Partnering with a world renowned company like Cisco allows us to provide our government, corporate and consumer clients across Oman innovative and integrated solutions that help deliver simplified operations, improved IT productivity and data centre utilisation.”

“This collaboration will also help Omantel drive operational simplicity, business agility and cost reduction; aspects that are essential for cloud computing and realising the full potential of the nation’s IT capabilities to become a truly networked society.” >B2

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the Sultanate’s biggest financial institution, plans to open a branch in Tehran, said a senior official of Central Bank of Iran here on Wednesday.

This is expected to be the first international bank branch, which is going to be opened in Tehran, after the recent lifting of economic sanctions on the country.

The strong bilateral economic relation between Iran and Oman and proximity of both countries are expected to generate better demand for bank funds.

The recent visit of high-

The share of oil sector in Iran’s gross domestic product is around 15 per cent, while service sector constitutes more than 15 per cent in GDP. Inward investment Iran’s leading financial conglomerate and senior members of Iranian government bodies met over 150 international investors in Muscat, on Wednesday to discuss inward investment opportunities across a range of Iran’s sectors and industries.

The roadshow was hosted by Sina Financial & Investing Holding, Iran’s leading financial holding company, and included participants from Iran’s Ministry of Eco-

level delegation from Oman to Iran also raises expectation of better trade and investment flows between the two neighbouring countries.

“There are other applications. Foreign banks have branches in Tehran even during the sanctions. But after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, this is the first (one) to be opened,” said Dr Ahmed Azizi, advisor to the president of Central Bank of Iran. He was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a road show on investment opportunities in Iran.

Dr Azizi said that it takes the due process (for the bank) to submit application. “I hope it will be in due course.”

nomic Affairs & Finance, the Securities and Exchange Organisation, the Tehran Stock Exchange, Iran Fara Bourse, and CSDI. Private sector participants included Sina Bank, Sina Insurance, Sina Leasing, Behgozin Brokerage Company and Magellan Capital. Iran is the most diverse economy in ther Middle East, with a well-established capital market, a developed industrial base, and a large population of just under 80 million.

There is significant and growing demand for corporate and consumer services such as telecommunications and banking. In 2014, Iran’s GDP was approximately $437 billion, making it the world’s eighteenth largest economy.

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) ........15.10 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ........... 148.00 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 138.75 * Rates as of Feb. 24 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

NETWORKING

Oman trade delegation visits Taiwan TAIPEI: A trade delegation from Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), headed by Eng. Ridha bin Juma Al Saleh, deputy chairman of the chamber for Administrative and Financial Affairs, visited Oman Trade Office at Taipei World Trade Centre in Taiwan on Wednesday.

Oman Trade Office The delegation was briefed on the objectives of the Oman Trade Office and the services provided to Omani businessmen and the private sector in general and the investors in the two countries, as well as the facilities and services provided by Oman Trade Office to Omani businessmen, who wish to promote direct commercial, industrial and tourism fields between the Sultanate of Oman and Taiwan, along with the development of economic and investment relations between the two countries.

The role of Oman Trade Office is to strengthen the areas of promotion for the Sultanate in all fields and encouraging Omanis to visit international exhibitions held at Taipei World Trade Centre every year in order to promote trade and direct exports and re-exports between the Omani and Taiwan ports.

Products and services The delegation includes businessmen working in banking, finance and insurance areas.

The delegation will meet officials in the capital market institutions, visit some of the banks, insurance companies and institutes to take advantage of the programmes, products and services offered by these institutions and view their experience in the field of research and studies.

The Oman Trade Office in Taipei managed over the past years since it was established in 1991 to strengthen trade relations between the Omani and Taiwan businessmen in various fields. – ONA

B2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

MARKET MSM index in red zone

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,432.57 .............. 5,403.95 ................... 5,403.95 ................... 5,430.41................-26.46 .................. -0.49 Financial Index .....................................6,742.12 .............. 6,676.20 ................... 6,676.20 ................... 6,745.53................-69.33 .................. -1.03 Industrial Index ................................... 6,634.97 ...............6,621.80 ................... 6,628.78 ...................6,640.24................ -11.46 .................. -0.17 Services Index ...................................... 3,028.56 ............... 3,018.78 ....................3,019.64 ................... 3,015.43....................4.21 ................... 0.14 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................839.09 ..................838.04 .......................838.59 .......................838.19....................0.40 ................... 0.05 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 12,201,022 ................. 9,583,946 .....................607 ...............16,389,454,849 .................. 8 ......................18 .................... 17 .........................43

Renaissance Services was the top gainer, up by 6.34 per cent, while Al Hassan Engineering

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

was the top loser, with a loss of 2.86 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: Barring a special deal of OMR7 million, the MSM 30 remained tepid to close at 5,403.95 points, down 0.49 per cent.

MSM Sharia Index had marginal gain of 0.05 per cent to close at 838.59 points.

Galfar Engineering was the most active in terms of volume while Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) led in terms of turnover. Renaissance Services was the top gainer, up by 6.34 per cent, while Al Hassan Engineering was the top loser, with a loss of 2.86 per cent.

As many as 607 trades were executed on Wednesday, generating turnover of OMR9.58 million with 12.2 million shares changing hands. Out of 43 traded securities, eight advanced, 18 declined and 17 remained unchanged. Omani investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR368,000 worth of shares followed by GCC and Arab investors at OMR171,000. Foreign investors, which remained net sellers, sold shares amounting to OMR539,000.

Financial Index declined by 1.03 per cent to close at 6,676.20 points.

Al Madina Takaful and Ominvest increased by 1.39 per cent and 0.43 per cent, respectively.

Bank Sohar, Al Madina Investment, Gulf Investment Services, Al Anwar Holding and National Bank of Oman declined 4.32 per cent, 3.23 per cent, 3.19 per cent, 2.20 per cent and 1.85 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index ended at 6,628.78 points, down 0.17 per cent.

Al Hassan Engineering and Oman Cement gained by 1.47 per cent and 0.91 per cent, respectively. Galfar Engineering, Al Jazeera Steel, Oman Fisheries and Al Maha Ceramics declined by 3.17 per cent, 2.68 per cent, 1.72 per cent and 0.95 per cent, respectively.

Services Index advanced 0.14 per cent to finish at 3,019.64 points. Port Services, Al Suwadi

Power, Omantel and Al Batinah Power increased by 9.45 per cent, 1.50 per cent, 1.27 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively. Renaissance Services, Sembcorp Salalah, Ooredoo Oman and OIFC declined by 1.99 per cent, 1.61 per cent, 0.57 per cent and 0.50 per cent, respectively.

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

OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 497,772.............69,190......................13 ............0.139 ........... 0.139 ...........0.139 ............0.139 ............. 0.127.............0.012 ............. 9.449 ................0.139 .............. 0.139...................0.000 .................. 13,210,560 .........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 119,434 ............24,229......................13 ........... 0.202...........0.204 ...........0.202 .......... 0.203 .............0.200 ........... 0.003............. 1.500 ................0.204 ............ 0.204...................0.210..................145,024,487........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................... 76,616 ...............5,585........................6 ........... 0.073 ........... 0.073 ...........0.072........... 0.073 .............0.072 ............0.001 ............. 1.389 ................0.072.............. 0.071...................0.072...................12,775,000 .........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 338,296 .........540,109..................... 53 ............1.580 ........... 1.600 ...........1.550 ............1.595 ............. 1.575............ 0.020............. 1.270 ................1.550 .............. 1.550...................1.590................1,196,250,000 ......0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 168,584 ...........34,248......................15 ........... 0.203 ...........0.205 ...........0.201........... 0.203 .............0.201 ........... 0.002............. 0.995 ................0.205..............0.199...................0.205 .................137,002,148 ........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ............................................................ 51,478 ............ 22,856........................2 ........... 0.444 ...........0.444 ...........0.444 .......... 0.444 .............0.440 ........... 0.004.............0.909 ................0.444..............0.444...................0.000 .................146,907,483 ........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ........................................................................ 8,245 ...............3,836........................5 ........... 0.466 ...........0.470 ...........0.464........... 0.466 .............0.464 ........... 0.002............. 0.431 ................0.464..............0.464...................0.500 .................257,633,525 ........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT .......................................................... 2,916 ...............2,799........................1 ........... 0.960 ...........0.960 ...........0.960........... 1.000 .............1.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.960..............0.960...................0.992 ................ 200,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001509............DHOFAR INT.DEV.AND INV. HOLD........................... 600 ..................228........................1 ........... 0.380 ...........0.380 ...........0.380........... 0.380 .............0.380 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.380............. 0.000...................0.380 ..................93,632,000.........0.100

Emerging stocks fall Emerging-market stocks dropped for a second day, dragged lower by energy producers, and Russia’s ruble slid as oil extended losses and concern deepened over the outlook for global growth.

Shares in Hong Kong, Russia, South Africa and Dubai slumped more than 1 per cent, while the rouble tumbled the most in almost two weeks and Malaysia’s ringgit headed for a fourweek low as oil in New York fell through $31. China’s yuan fell for a fourth day as the central bank cut its daily fixing and a report suggested outflows persisted in January. The premium investors demand to own emerging-market debt over United States Treasuries widened the most in more than a week.

Oil’s retreat weighed on emerging markets along with concern that China’s policy makers are struggling to manage a deepening slowdown. Crude slid for a second day on Wednesday after Iran’s oil minister dismissed a plan forged by Saudi Arabia and Russia to lock production at January levels and Iraq’s oil minister called for unity.

“The underlying market concerns are about global growth, whether out of China or the US,” said Simon Quijano-Evans, the chief emerging-markets strategist at Commerzbank in London.

“Oil is a barometer for growth.”

Data due to be released on US new home sales may provide evidence about strength of the economy.

OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ...................................................... 81,577 ...............8,076........................7 ........... 0.099 ...........0.099 ...........0.099........... 0.099 .............0.099 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.099..............0.097...................0.099..................198,030,966........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY........................................ 3,409 ...............5,267........................4 ............1.545 ........... 1.545 ...........1.545 ............1.545 ............. 1.545............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.545 .............. 1.545...................1.600..................138,586,500........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ................6,000 ...............1,803........................3 ........... 0.302 ...........0.302 ...........0.300 .......... 0.300 .............0.300 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.300 .............0.298...................0.300 ...................6,300,000..........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ...................................... 500 .................. 140........................1 ........... 0.280...........0.280 ...........0.280 .......... 0.280 .............0.280 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.280..............0.278...................0.280 ..................82,939,831 .........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ............................................................................530 .....................95........................2 ............0.179 ........... 0.179 ...........0.178 ........... 0.180 .............0.180 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.178 ..............0.169...................0.176 ..................256,506,506 .......0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES .............................................. 1,000 ..................290........................1 ........... 0.290...........0.290 ...........0.290 .......... 0.291 .............0.291............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.290..............0.288...................0.290 .................. 17,810,443 .........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ...................................................... 50,000 ...............6,500........................4 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.130........... 0.130 .............0.130............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.130 .............. 0.125...................0.132...................40,399,442.........0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. ..........4,615 ............... 7,938........................3 ............1.720 ........... 1.720 ...........1.720 ............1.720 ............. 1.720............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.720 .............. 1.700...................1.720 ..................118,680,000........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ........................................................8,710 ...............3,832........................4 ........... 0.440...........0.440 ...........0.440 .......... 0.440 .............0.440 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.440..............0.440...................0.448 ..................26,620,000.........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................3,300 ...............1,069........................2 ........... 0.324 ...........0.324 ...........0.324........... 0.352 .............0.352 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.324.............. 0.318...................0.324 .................. 77,795,520 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE............... 80,000 .............15,820........................8 ............0.196 ........... 0.199 ...........0.196 ........... 0.198 ............. 0.199............-0.001 ........... -0.503 ...............0.199 ..............0.198...................0.199...................39,600,000.........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 213,614 .......... 147,903......................21 ........... 0.696 ........... 0.696 ...........0.688........... 0.692 .............0.696 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.575 ...............0.692..............0.688...................0.696..................450,453,407 .......0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 245,000 ............ 57,531.....................24 ........... 0.235 ........... 0.235 ...........0.234........... 0.235 .............0.237 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.844 ...............0.235..............0.234...................0.235...................23,500,000.........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 200,000........... 23,100........................6 ............0.116 ........... 0.116............ 0.115 ............0.115 ............. 0.116 ............-0.001 ........... -0.862 ...............0.115 ............. 0.000................... 0.115 ...................23,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................ 189,570............ 78,858......................12 ............0.416 ........... 0.416 ...........0.414 ............0.416 .............0.420 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.952 ...............0.416 ..............0.414...................0.416...................21,840,000.........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,553,808 ......669,570..................... 94 ........... 0.436 ...........0.436 ...........0.428........... 0.430 .............0.436 ...........-0.006 ............-1.376................0.430..............0.424...................0.430 .................985,483,717 ........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.............................................. 2,749,509 ... 7,010,736........................5 ........... 2.450 ...........2.550 ...........2.450........... 2.450 .............2.490 ...........-0.040 ........... -1.606 ...............2.450..............2.450...................2.530 .................233,870,128........1.000 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 1,832,349 ...... 486,119..................... 57 ........... 0.266 ...........0.267 ...........0.262........... 0.265 .............0.270 ...........-0.005 ........... -1.852................0.262..............0.261...................0.262 .................355,288,216........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ....................................... 11,200 ............... 1,658........................1 ............0.148 ........... 0.148 ...........0.148........... 0.148 ............. 0.151 ............-0.003 ........... -1.987................0.148 ..............0.149...................0.150................... 43,016,351 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 644,230..........114,817..................... 64 ............0.180 ........... 0.180 ...........0.177 ............0.178 .............0.182............-0.004 ........... -2.198 ...............0.178 .............. 0.177...................0.179 ................... 26,713,350 .........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 100,384 ............14,606.....................20 ............0.147 ........... 0.147 ...........0.145 ............0.145 .............0.149............-0.004 ........... -2.685 ...............0.145 ..............0.144...................0.145................... 18,110,204 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 1,288,200........ 78,837..................... 69 ........... 0.062 ...........0.062 ...........0.060........... 0.061 .............0.063 ...........-0.002 ............-3.175................0.060..............0.060...................0.061................... 17,688,819 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES .......................... 42,380 ...............3,870........................7 ............0.091 ...........0.092 ...........0.091 ............0.091 .............0.094 ...........-0.003 ............-3.191................0.092..............0.092...................0.094 ................... 5,354,733 ..........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................55,000 ...............3,300........................5 ........... 0.060 ...........0.060 ...........0.060........... 0.060 .............0.062 ...........-0.002 ........... -3.226 ...............0.060..............0.059...................0.060 ..................12,429,083 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR..................................................................39,483 ...............6,120........................3 ............0.155 ........... 0.155 ...........0.155 ............0.155 .............0.162............-0.007 ........... -4.321 ...............0.155 .............. 0.155................... 0.161 ................. 223,423,200 .......0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 10,668,309..........9,450,936 .........536 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......34........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................... 15,606 ............... 1,073........................4 ............0.071 ........... 0.071 ...........0.068........... 0.069 .............0.068 ............0.001 ..............1.471.................0.069..............0.067...................0.069.................... 5,189,352 ..........0.100 OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING ...........................................910 .................. 352........................2 ........... 0.390 ...........0.390 ...........0.384........... 0.386 .............0.386 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.384..............0.362...................0.386....................2,316,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ................... 62,000 .............. 2,020........................7 ........... 0.033 ...........0.033 ...........0.032........... 0.033 .............0.033 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.032..............0.032...................0.033....................2,805,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE........................................................ 3,954 ...................514........................2 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.130........... 0.130 .............0.130............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.130 ..............0.128...................0.130................... 32,710,401 .........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ..............................10,000 ...............1,040........................2 ............0.104 ........... 0.104 ...........0.104........... 0.104 .............0.104 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.104..............0.099...................0.104...................10,400,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 441,973 ...........63,202.....................20 ............0.143 ........... 0.143 ...........0.143 ........... 0.143 .............0.143............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.143 ..............0.143...................0.144..................209,152,009........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 592,625 ........... 41,684......................21 ........... 0.070 ........... 0.071 ...........0.069........... 0.070 ............. 0.071............-0.001 ........... -1.408 ...............0.069..............0.069...................0.070................. 105,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 110,505 ...............6,299........................4 ........... 0.058 ...........0.058 ...........0.057........... 0.057 .............0.058 ...........-0.001 ............-1.724................0.057..............0.056...................0.057.................... 7,125,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 295,140 ............16,825........................9 ........... 0.057 ...........0.058 ...........0.057........... 0.057 .............0.058 ...........-0.001 ............-1.724................0.057..............0.057...................0.058...................57,000,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,532,713........133,010......................71 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 9........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

- United Securities/Bloomberg News

OMANTEL

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex drops; rupee steady MUMBAI: Market continued its fall for the second straight day as the benchmark Sensex on Wednesday crashed over 321 points amid foreign funds continuing with their selling spree ahead of the Budget and oil struggling to come out of the woods.

Caution ruled ahead of the derivatives expiry on Thursday. Investors are closely tracking the Railway Budget, which will be presented tomorrow, while the Eco-

nomic Survey is slated for Friday.

The Union Budget for 2016-17 is set to be unveiled on Monday.

Rupee steady The rupee on Wednesday ended almost flat as it gained one paisa to 68.57 against the United States dollar on fag-end selling of American currency by banks and exporters. The domestic unit resumed lower at 68.65 per dollar as against Tuesday’s closing level of 68.58 at

the Interbank Foreign Exchange market and moved down further to 68.66 on initial dollar demand from banks and importers in view of foreign capital outflows amidst fall in equities.

However, it recovered from initial losses to 68.49 before ending at 68.57 per dollar, showing a gain of mere one paise or one per cent.

The domestic currency has gained by four paise or 0.06 per cent in two days. - PTI

< FROM

B1 Focus on cloud computing The MoU paves the way for greater collaboration with Cisco to drive Omantel’s strategy in playing a leading role in the Sultanate’s digitisation.

Thomas Pittschieler, transformation executive officer for Omantel said, “This MoU underlines our strategy to implement the latest IT industry standards in the Sultanate, supported by a partner ecosystem of innovative and trusted industry leaders such as Cisco. Their expertise and technology will provide ideal support for cloud computing environments and data centres, offering real-world benefits for enterprises and consumers alike. It is through partnerships like these, that we can see our vision of being the nation’s digital partner of choice achieved.”

Omantel and Cisco will work on developing value creating opportunities in the domains of next-generation cloud and managed services solutions, cloud and hosting services, and the Internet of Things. The deal also paves the way for both parties to work together in the areas of knowledge

Omantel and Cisco will work on developing value creating opportunities in the domains of nextgeneration cloud and managed services solutions, cloud and hosting services, and Internet of Things

sharing and staff training.

“Cisco is committed to the way service providers can transform their business with innovation to help optimise and accelerate their business model and revenue streams. Oman is transforming itself into a knowledge based economy as specified in its economic vision 2020, in which information and communication will play a leading role,” said Mike Weston, Vice President Middle East of Cisco.

“Omantel is taking this vision forward with the services they provide to their customers and we are excited to be a part of this journey by collaborating with them in strategic areas of their IT

infrastructure,” he added.

Investing in the future of the nation, Omantel connects even the most remote communities of the Sultanate to each other and the rest of the world. Omantel is the Sultanate’s first and leading integrated telecommunications services provider, enabling the digital society to flourish, allowing new ways of doing business and delivering a world of information, news and entertainment.

Today, Omantel boldly innovates to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction, the broadest and most reliable nationwide network, while investing for Oman’s future development.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

B3

MARKET PERFORMANCE

Airbus’ profit grows on demand for A350 model TOULOUSE: Airbus said profit rose 1.6 per cent last year as it ramped up deliveries of the latest A350 model and broke even on the A380 superjumbo. Figures were held back by higher development spending.

Earnings before interest and tax rose to €4.13 billion ($4.6 billion) from €4.07 billion a year earlier, excluding one-time items, as sales gained 6 per cent to €64.5 billion, Airbus said on Wednesday.

Airbus, which gets two-thirds of revenue from its airliner unit, is benefiting from thousands of orders for new fuel-efficient aircraft placed before the recent drop in oil prices. The first A350 was handed over in late 2014, with 14 planes delivered in 2015 and 50 to be produced this year as the company embarks on one of the most testing output increases in its history.

‘Stable’ forecast Chief executive officer Tom Enders called the results “solid” and said that Toulouse, France-based Airbus is “focused on programme execution and managing the challenges we face with the acceleration of the A350.” Both cash flow and Ebit, excluding items, should be “stable” this year, he said.

“That may not be terribly exciting, but the last thing we need is excitement at this critical juncture,” Sandy Morris, an aerospace analyst at Jefferies International in London, said in a note to investors. Airbus shares traded 1.3 per cent higher at €56.12. The stock has fallen 9.5 per cent this year after surging 50 per cent in 2015. - Bloomberg News

Back 2 Business Oman event attracts business community The event brought together business leaders, social media experts, ambassadors, investors, local businesses, and professionals from across the GCC

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman American Business Centre, in collaboration with the British Business Forum, European Business Persons Group, and the Australian Business Group, recently organised the third ‘Back 2 Business Oman’, the largest business networking event in the Sultanate.

Held at the Grand Hyatt Muscat with Bank of Beirut as the main sponsor, the event brought together business leaders, social media experts, ambassadors, investors, local businesses, and professionals from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

“Back to Business Oman presents a valuable platform of information for all professional sectors across the country. As the main

UNITED WE STAND: This year’s Back 2 Business Oman event featured Ted guest speaker Drew Dudley, who delivered his ‘Everyday

Leadership’ talk to more than 500 participants. - Supplied picture

sponsor, it offers us a unique opportunity to meet members of the business community, get acquainted with their point of view and tap into their expertise,” said Ramy Zambarakji, chief executive officer, Bank of Beirut-Oman.

“With products designed to promote the growth of businesses, it enables us to make our financial services more accessible to them and allows us to provide guidance, advice and customised services that businesses and in-

F U L L -Y E A R R E S U LT S

Ahli United Bank’s net profit surges 11% to $537 million Times News Service MUSCAT: Ahli United Bank (AUB) posted a record net profit attributable to its equity shareholders of $537.2 million for the year ended 2015, a growth of 11.3 per cent compared to a net profit of $482.5 million in 2014.

The net profit in the fourth quarter of 2015 was $118 million as compared to $106.2 million for the same period in the previous year.

The positive operating results of AUB were primarily driven by the growth in its core operating earnings across its major lines of business and markets, despite the continuing general weakness in economic trends regionally and globally, witnessed in 2015.

“AUB continued its robust performance in 2015 crossing for the first time $500 million benchmark in terms of operating net profit, in the face of strong economic headwinds. The 2015 result is a testament to AUB’s wellmanaged business model based on diversification, targeting of cross border flows and selective growth initiatives to increase operating income that continue to serve the Bank well,” said Hamad Al Humaidhi, chairman of Ahli United Bank.

“AUB is also proud to have successfully completed a $400 million issue of Additional Tier 1 Perpetual Basel III Compliant Capital Securities in April 2015 at a very competitive pricing under very challenging market conditions.

This represents an important step forward in terms of the evolution and diversification of the Group’s capital structure,” he added.

The surge in operating income

Ahli United Bank continued its robust performance in 2015 crossing for the first time $500 million benchmark in terms of operating net profit, in the face of strong economic headwinds Hamad Al Humaidhi Chairman, Ahli United Bank

was underpinned by a 6.7 per cent rise in net interest income to $814.7 million despite the prevalence of low absolute interest rate levels. The net interest income increase was achieved through a moderated increase in lending volumes as well as by a prudent deployment of liquidity in nontrading high quality investments within a conservative and diversified risk framework.

Improved margins The result was also complemented through focused liability cost management which improved net interest income margins. Total operating income grew by 4.9 per cent to reach $1,091.9 million (2014: $1,041.3 million).The higher operating income and disciplined cost culture across the

ECONOMY

Singapore economy grows 6.2% SINGAPORE: Singapore’s economy grew more than initially estimated last quarter as a gain in services outweighed weaker manufacturing and exports.

Gross domestic product rose an annualised 6.2 per cent in the three months through December from the previous quarter, when it expanded a revised 2.3 per cent, the Trade Ministry said. That compares to a January estimate of a 5.7 per cent gain and the median forecast of 4.5 per cent in a survey.

Services have been a support for Singapore’s economy as slow-

ing growth in China, one of its largest export destinations, has hurt demand for its goods. The city-state, among Asia’s most vulnerable to swings in global demand, saw non-oil domestic exports slide the most in almost three years in January as shipments to China slumped.

“Services will be a key growth pillar for 2016, given Singapore’s vulnerability to the global trade recession,” Weiwen Ng, an economist at Australia & New Zealand Banking in Singapore, said before the report. - Bloomberg News

AUB Group further improved the operating cost income ratio to 28.3 per cent (2014: 29.2 per cent).

Group’s total assets increased by 1.6 per cent to touch $34 billion in December 2015 from $33.4 billion in 2014.

The growth in total assets was primarily due to a 4.8 per cent growth in the loans and advances portfolio to reach $19.4 billion (December 2014: $18.5 billion).

Balanced credit growth was supported by a 2.1 per cent growth in customer deposits to reach $23.5 billion (December 2014: $23 billion). The non-performing loan ratio reduced to 1.8 per cent as at December 2015 (December 2014: 2 per cent) with a healthy specific provision coverage ratio of 84.6 per cent (December 2014: 83.8 per cent).

dividuals need in order to prosper and grow. As our sponsorship of this event confirms, at Bank of Beirut-Oman we are always eager to demonstrate our support for the sustainable growth of business enterprises in Oman,” he added.

Economic development “Back to Business continues to live up to its spirit of gathering the most influential business organisations from different sectors under one umbrella to facilitate

economic development in Oman,” said Galina Prokhina, corporate coordinator at Oman American Business Center.

“Our Back to Business committee is looking forward to start planning for next year’s event. We have been inspired by the attendees’ feedback and have great ideas to pursue for the future event in 2017,” Galina added.

This year’s event featured Ted Guest Speaker Drew Dudley, who delivered his ‘Everyday Leader-

ship’ talk to more than 500 participants. It was also sponsored and supported by many of the region’s leading brands and organisations including Sohar Port and Freezone, DHL, Qatar Airways, and Grand Hyatt Muscat.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

B4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

FEATURE

he world’s poorest families are more likely to have mobile phones than toilets or clean water. It has not necessarily made them better off, according to a new report by the World Bank.

The number of Internet users more than tripled in a decade to 3.2 billion at the end of last year, representing more than 40 per cent of the world’s population, the Washington-based development bank said in a report released recently titled “Digital Dividends.”

While the expansion of the Internet and other digital technologies has made communicating easier and fostered a sense of global community, it hasn’t delivered the widespread gains to productivity that many expected, the lender said. It has also fallen short in improving opportunities for the world’s poorest, and helping spread “accountable governance.”

“The full benefits of the information and communications

transformation will not be realised unless countries continue to improve their business climate, invest in people’s education and health, and promote good governance,” the report said. “In countries where these fundamentals are weak, digital technologies have not boosted productivity or reduced inequality.”

The World Bank’s view compares with the optimism of technology entrepreneurs such as Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, who have argued that universal Internet access is essential to eliminating extreme poverty. “When people have access to the tools and knowledge of the Internet, they have access to opportunities that make life better for all of us,” said a declaration last year signed by Zuckerberg, Gates and others including Richard Branson and Bono.

Not sufficient According to the World Bank, connecting the world should be seen as “essential but far from sufficient” to

lifting the poor. The development lender aims to reduce extreme poverty — defined as living on an income of less than $1.90 per day — to three per cent globally by 2030.

In markets without enough competition, digital technologies can give rise to monopolies, curbing innovation, the lender said.

While the Internet allows many tasks to be automated, it can create greater inequality if workers

don’t have the skills to take advantage of technological advances. And when governments aren’t accountable, the spread of the Internet can allow them to exercise greater control.

“Not surprisingly, the better educated, well connected, and more capable have received most of the benefits” of the digital expansion, the report said.

— ANDREW MAYEDA/ Bloomberg News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

ROUND-UP

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

B5

New Renault Dokker Van makes impressive statement in Oman Spacious and impressive, the Renault Dokker Van aims to please, with an innate sense of practicality and versatility

MUSCAT: The Renault Dokker Van from Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is a modern and efficient transportation solution for tradespersons and professional businesses. It is an affordable and

practical commercial vehicle with a new modern design.

Spacious and impressive, the Renault Dokker Van aims to please, with an innate sense of

practicality and versatility. It can take all kinds of loads, assisted by XL sliding side doors (more than 70cm wide) and two asymmetrical rear doors meeting the chal-

P L AT F O R M F O R E N T R E P R E N E U R S

lenges of transport and delivery with ingenuity and panache, says a press release.

The Renault Dokker Van moves with the times: its economic en-

gine, low CO2 emissions and respect for both the environment and your budget make it a truly model employee.

“The Dokker offers functionality and at the same time comfort while demonstrating very clearly that Renault strives for excellence in manufacturing commercial cars just like it does with all other passenger vehicles,” commented a senior SBA spokesperson.

It also boasts of built-in radio and hands-free telephone system in addition to some very practical storage spaces in front for convenience and in the back for better use of the space and boot organisation.

The Dokker perfectly meets the needs of business owners since it can carry up to 750kg payloads and a volume upwards of 3.3m3.

Ready and willing to serve: Foldable and removable, the passenger seat shows its full in-

genuity when the backrest folds down to form a temporary desk.

When fully removed, it frees up extra space, increasing the loading volume to 3.9m3.

A taste for efficiency: Its loading area is equipped with 8 lashing rings on the floor, ensuring that your most fragile items are firmly held in place. For added security, you can choose between three types of partition: tubular, full glazed or pivoting wire-mesh (associated with Easy Seat). The side and rear doors can be either panelled or glazed. And for even greater efficiency, the Dokker Van is available with side panels and a robust, stylish boot carpet.

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

GET-TOGETHER

Startup Oman to feature CEO, founder of Bayt.com MUSCAT: Startup Oman (www. startupoman.om), the Sultanate’s only online platform created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, is bringing the third edition of Startup Grind to the Omani entrepreneurial community, connecting them with the global network.

The event is scheduled to take place on February 28 at 7pm in Bank Muscat hall, says a press release.

Building on the strength of the first two events, Startup Oman team will host yet another internationally established and successful seasoned entrepreneur as guest speaker, Rabea Ataya, the founder and CEO of Bayt.com.

Rabea co-founded Gonabit.com, the region’s first group purchasing site, InfoFort, the Middle East’s first and leading records management company.

He also serves on the board of the Queen Rania Foundation which is focused on empowering youth through education.

Bayt.com is considered the lead-

ing job site in the Middle East that serves over 23,250,000 professionals and 40,000 employers from its 12 regional offices, including one here in Oman.

Rabea will share his journey into entrepreneurism and the challenges that inspired him to become a serial entrepreneur. “My dream was to build a Middle Eastern institution that truly empowered people to lead better lives and in doing so became globally admired and respected,” says Rabea.

I N D U S T RY D AY C E L E B R AT I O N

Behind these numbers is the incredible story of perseverance and tenacity of which every Omani who is an entrepreneur, or interested in entrepreneurship, or ever a person looking for inspiration, should hear.

The event is brought by Startup Oman and hosted by Bank Muscat as an event partner.

Past two Startup Grinds showcased success stories of Mark Evans, the British explorer who just completed an expedition crossing the Empty Quarter, and Loulou Khazen, Dubai based entrepreneur and a founder of the Middle East’s largest freelancing marketplace.

Startup Grind (www.strartupgrind.com) is a global entrepreneurial community made up of 215,000 entrepreneurs in 175 cities and 80 countries around the world.

Founded by Derek Anderson in Silicon Valley, Startup Grind educates, inspires and connects entrepreneurs around the globe.

GOODBYE: Mian Muhammad Munir and A.H. Raja presenting a memento to Ayaz Hussain, the outgo-

ing ambassador of Pakistan, at a farewell dinner. – Supplied picture

PSC hosts farewell for Pak envoy MUSCAT: Pakistan Social Club (PSC) Oman hosted a farewell dinner in the honour of Ayaz Hussain, outgoing ambassador of Pakistan to Oman, at Al Maasa Hall recently.

A number of prominent Pakistanis and embassy officials were present among the guests at the largely attended farewell ceremony, says a press release.

Hafiz Muhammad Naeem Khalid recited verses from the

Holy Quran and Azra Aleem welcomed the guests.

A. H. Raja, PSC vice chairman, commended the efforts made by Ayaz Hussain to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries as well as the betterment of Pakistani community residing in Oman.

The ambassador expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Pakistan Social Club Oman for its contribution, cooperation and

support to the Embassy of Pakistan in Muscat.

He urged PSC Oman to continue promoting the soft image of Pakistan in the Sultanate of Oman and to serve the local Pakistani community.

In the end, Mian Muhammad Munir, PSC chairman and A. H. Raja, along with other office bearers and directors, presented a memento to the outgoing ambassador.

SPECIAL EVENT

Education minister inaugurates 28th annual conference of Gulf Council for CBSE schools

Berger Paints hosts students at ultramodern Sohar plant MUSCAT: Seeking to be well-integrated with the local community in Sohar, global paints manufacturer Berger Paints recently hosted a group of school children on a tour of its state-of-the-art plant in Sohar Industrial Estate.

The visit was conceptualised in the context of Oman Industry Day celebrations organised by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), which operates an array of industrial parks around the Sultanate, says a press release.

Industry Day, an annual event, commemorates the landmark visit of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to Rusayl Industrial Estate, the nation’s first industrial park, in February 1991.

For the pupils of Dhi Qar Girls School in Shinas, the tour was an opportunity to explore one of the region’s most modern paint manufacturing plants.

Formally inaugurated only in last December, Berger Paints’ mega facility at Sohar Industrial Estate is by far the largest paint factory in the Sultanate.

Divided into smaller groups, the children of ages ranging from 10 to 15 years were shown around

the plant’s ultramodern facilities.

Their interest piqued by the highly automated systems and sophisticated technologies employed within the unit, the youngsters eagerly questioned the project’s uniqueness, product range and other capabilities – queries that attested to the success of the visit in igniting their interest and imagination.

The memorable tour ended with refreshments and expressions of thanks from teachers accompanying the students.

For Berger Paints, a relatively new addition to Sohar’s growing industrial base, the visit was an opportunity to showcase its emerging credentials in the community as a responsible corporate citizen.

“We were delighted to play host to the young, bright minds of Dhi Qar Girls Schools, and hope that the visit helped in instilling an element of scientific temper in them.

Given the emphasis that the Omani government is according to the development of the industrial sector, visits of this kind can help enthuse Oman’s young generations towards possible careers in this promising sector,” commented P. K. Raj - general manager, Berger Paints.

MUSCAT: The 28th annual conference for the Council of CBSE affiliated schools in the Gulf was inaugurated by Dr Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibani, Minister of Education, Sultanate of Oman recently at the Hotel Hormuz Grand.

The guest of honour Indra Mani Pandey, ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, attended the occasion. Dignitaries from the Ministry of Education, the Board of Directors, Indian schools in Oman and the Gulf Council were present at the inauguration, says a press release.

The conference was attended by more than 110 principals from Gulf countries - Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Oman. Dr Madiha was accorded a spectacular welcome by the Indian School Wadi Kabir brass band.

A choir comprising students from Indian School Muscat presented a melodious song composed by Avinash, teacher, Indian School Muscat which was based on the theme

of the conference - ‘Digantaram’ (Beyond the Horizon). Vinoba, principal, Indian School Ibri and convener of the Oman Chapter, cordially welcomed all the dignitaries and the delegates.

Pandey paid tribute to the Government of Oman especially the Ministry of Education which has been a great support to the Indian schools. He also lauded the contribution of the principals of all the schools represented by the delegates at the conference.

Dr Syed Hameed, chairman, Gulf Council said it was a proud moment for the Gulf Council as well as the Oman Chapter for the Minister of Education, Sultanate

of Oman as well as the Ambassador of India were present at the opening of this very special conference of the Gulf Council.

Vinoba and Srinivas Naidu, principal, Indian School Muscat were felicitated for receiving the best Mentor Award from CBSE. Kazi Siddique Haseeb, principal, Modern Indian School Saudi Arabia was also felicitated for receiving the National Award. It was a proud moment for the Oman Chapter when it was announced that the student with the highest average mark in the Gulf was Archana C. M. from Indian School Sohar in Oman. Special awards were presented to the toppers in

each stream in each chapter and the principals of those schools were also felicitated.

Tokens of appreciation were presented to all the guests on this occasion by Syed Hameed, chairman, Gulf Council. The Oman Chapter of the Gulf Council paid tribute to the contribution of Leo Lobo, one of the founder principals of the Gulf Council as well as a former chairman by felicitating him. Siddiqa Abdul Majeed Al Lawatia, director, International Schools Office in the Ministry of Education was also presented a token of appreciation for her support to all the Indian schools in the Sultanate of Oman.

PROMOTION

MGM picks winner of ‘Shop, Win, Celebrate’ campaign MUSCAT: Marking the end of its successful Muscat Festival promotion – ‘Shop, Win, Celebrate’, Muscat Grand Mall (MGM) announced the winner of its campaign.

Mohsin Baqir Al Haj was picked the winner of the raffle draw and the key to a brand new Nissan Patrol XE was handed over to him in a ceremony held at the mall.

As a participant sponsor of the Muscat Festival 2016, MGM flagged off a special promotion running from January 14 to February 13, says a press release.

Hassan Jaboub, GM of Tilal Development Complex, commented: “Muscat Grand Mall has always been a proud partner of the highly anticipated Muscat Festival.

This year was no different, so we decided to sweeten the deal for our customers with an opportunity to win a Nissan Patrol XE but just shopping worth OMR20. We congratulate our lucky customer, Mohsin Baqir Al Haj for being the winner and hope to come up with a lot of such exciting opportunities for our loyal customers."

B6

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

ROUND-UP Official inauguration of Panorama Mall today

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The inauguration

Blood donation camp by BHC attracts record volunteers

activities include entertainment shows at an outdoor stage with live band and LED show, in-mall activities of circus parade, kids’ corner

MUSCAT: Allied Real Estate announced the official grand opening of the Panorama Mall today at 6pm. Chairman of Allied Business Corporation Salim Al Siyabi along with CEO of Allied Real Estate briefed the media yesterday about this venture and the inauguration, says a press release.

The inauguration activities include entertainment shows at an outdoor stage with live band and LED show, in-mall activities of circus parade, kids’ corner. Vari-

ous shops have announced discounts, free giveaways, free food and much more.

The total project of Allied Real Estate, which is part of Allied Business Corporation, consists of a four star Copthorne Hotel by Millennium, Somerset Service Residences from Singapore, an office tower and the Panorama Mall.

Allied Real Estate is headed by CEO Tony Ward.

Strategically located at Bausher,

M O B I L E A P P L I C AT I O N

the mall is easily accessible via the three major roads Muscat Expressway, Sultan Qaboos Highway and July 23rd Street.

The mall is spread across three levels with 116 shops and ample parking facilities. Currently 75 per cent of the shops are leased and around 50 per cent of the shops are open. A few major attractions at the Panorama Mall are brands such as Spinney’s supermarket, 5 screen City Cinema, Twenty4,

Awani Housewears, Siyabi International Home Design Center, Electroman and Sports Gallery.

Many brands are unique to Panorama Mall and first time in Oman.

The mall has both large food court and casual dining options catering to wide range of customers visiting the mall. As an initiate to support SME programme, a large traditional Omani souq is also a part of the mall providing space to operate small retail businesses.

MUSCAT: Bahwan Healthcare Centre’s (BHC) fourth annual blood donation camp held recently at the Bahwan Medical Centre in Al Khuwair attracted hundreds of volunteers once again.

The camp is one of the corporate social responsibility initiatives of Bahwan Healthcare Centre, a flagship company of Suhail Bahwan Group.

Volunteers from all walks of life, including working professionals, homemakers, youngsters and employees of Suhail Bahwan Group companies, donated over 120 units of blood in a span of five hours. The camp was organised in association with Central Blood Bank, Department of Blood Services - Ministry of Health, says a press release.

Dr Sabria Al Hashmi, director, Department of Blood Services, who attended the occasion, appreciated the CSR activities

of Bahwan Healthcare Centre.

She also presented a memento to Ahmed Al Kharousi, a wellknown volunteer, who has donated blood more than 100 times, in appreciation of his selfless act.

Volunteers from Bahwan Healthcare Centre and staff members from Central Blood Bank ensured that donors were taken through the process of basic medical check-up and blood collection in a seamless manner.

BHC had also made arrangements to serve light snacks to the donors after blood collection.

G OV E R N M E N T C O M M U N I C AT I O N F O RU M

Value Cars Oman Sharjah Media Centre gears up for 5th IGCF app helps choose a The first of its kind in the Arab region, the IGCF is an quality pre-owned important global event that Mazda and Geely convenes decision-makers, MUSCAT: Towell Auto Centre’s (TAC) state-of-the-art mobile app, Value Cars Oman, is a perfect platform for you to browse through and select top quality preowned Mazda or Geely vehicles across various range and models.

Value Cars is TAC’s pre-owned cars division and its mobile app was launched recently for its customers and dealers to effectively choose from an expansive list of pre-owned cars which include passenger cars, 4WDs, pickups and commercial vehicles, says a press release.

Wide choice to select from A senior spokesperson of TAC explained: “Value Cars Oman mobile app is easy to use, free to download and gives a wide choice to the car aficionados to select from a range of pre-owned Mazda, Geely and other cars according to their budget.

“It can be downloaded on Android and Apple phones from their app stores. Apart from offering a wide-ranging choice, this app is filled with features that will make our customers’ browsing experience enriching and satisfying.

“Both Mazda and Geely are top brands with their respective strengths, well-liked by automobilists in Oman and by selecting pre-owned cars in top condition, our customers get a best deal in terms of value and quality.”

About Value Cars division, the senior spokesperson said: “At Value Cars, we house all the top quality brands. We buy cars for cash which are less than five years old especially Japanese models.

Hassle-free experience “You can visit our Azaiba showroom to avail the best deals along with comprehensive customer service to make the buying / selling process a more convenient and hassle-free experience.

Our certified pre-owned vehicles meet the age and mileage requirements established by the manufacturer and are only put for sale after being put through rigorous inspections and quality checks. You can count on us for reliability, quality and satisfaction and drive away in that perfect car you have always dreamt about.”

SHARJAH: Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), the media arm of Sharjah government and organiser of the annual International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), has announced that preparations are in full swing for the upcoming edition.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, IGCF 2016 will run from March 20-21 at the Expo Centre Sharjah, under the theme ‘Towards More Progressive Societies’, says a press release.

SMC has revealed that dedicated organising committees have been established to oversee specific responsibilities and requirements. The Operations Committee in conjunction with the Protocol Committee will oversee technical and logistical support for the dignitaries, delegates and guests of the forum. The Media Committee will aid the local, Arab and international media institutions and provide them with all required material and up-to-date information on IGCF 2016. This committee will also be responsible for tracking the coverage of the event across different media platforms. As for the advertising and marketing function and all related issues, they are being managed by the Events Committee.

Jawaher Al Naqbi, manager of the International Government Communication Forum 2016, said: “The fifth edition of the forum will be packed with dis-

experts and stakeholders in government communication from around the world cussions on a number of critical issues and topics. The rigorous preparations by the various organising committees will ensure a highly impactful event, in keeping with Sharjah’s long history of successfully hosting Arab, regional and international events, exhibitions and conferences.”

SMC has also announced the participation of a delegation of students from leading GCC universities. Some of the prominent participating universities include King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), the University of the Gulf (Kuwait), the Sultan Qaboos University (Oman), the Qatar University (Qatar), and the University of Bahrain (Kingdom of Bahrain), in addition to select higher education institutions across the United Arab Emirates and the wider region. The student participants will represent their respective universities’ faculties of journalism, media, communication, political science, and international relations.

In a bid to develop students’ interest and hone their capabilities in this important domain, SMC will introduce participating students to best-in-class government communication practices in the region and the world at large.

IGCF 2016 will familiarise the students with a wide range of political, economic, social, cultural, health issues and educate them on effectively addressing these issues using relevant government communication tools. Student participants at IGCF 2016 will also gain the opportunity to interact with officials and experts in the field of government communication – an exposure that will significantly add value to their graduation projects and case studies.

The manager of IGCF 2016 added: “Since the inaugural edition of the forum in 2012, we have paid particular attention to our student participants from universities across the region. In the past editions, they proved highly

valuable at the forum’s sessions and their efforts as part of the organising committees were greatly appreciated. This year too, we are pleased to host a group of students specialising in government communication and provide them with the opportunity to attend several thought sessions and participate proactively with their comments and enquiries.”

The first of its kind in the Arab region, the International Government Communication Forum is an important global event that convenes decision-makers, experts and stakeholders in government communication from around the world. It is a transparent platform for raising important issues and discussing communicationspecific trends in order to develop recommendations and resolutions that can help governments and people involved in the field of government communication to enhance their performance and scope of work.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

ROUND-UP

Bank Muscat wins Best Asset Manager award ty and Asset Management maintains leadership position thanks to its experienced team, researchbased decision making process, financial strength, and strong systems and processes.

Bank Muscat is not only the largest asset manager in Oman but also the most consistent in terms of performance

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat has been awarded the Best Asset Manager in Oman award for the year 2015

by Mena Fund Manager.

Bank Muscat is not only the largest asset manager in Oman but also the most consistent in terms of performance. The asset management business of the bank managed by the Private Equity and Asset Management group put up a stellar performance in 2015 in the face of weak markets in the region,

says a press release.

During the year 2015, the bank concluded Series II of its GCC Property Income Fund that invests in properties offering a regular annual yield of 7 to 8 per cent.

The year also witnessed a successful conclusion of its first closure for Izdihar Fund, a real estate fund registered with the Capital Market Authority in Oman which aims to generate steady and attractive annual income in excess of 7 per cent from investments into income generating properties.

The Bank Muscat Private Equi-

Endorsement Abdullah Al Hinai, general manager - Wholesale Banking, said: “Bank Muscat Private Equity and Asset Management is proud to carve a niche in fund management business in Oman and the region.

Notwithstanding the challenging situation, the endorsement from Mena Fund Manager reaffirms the consistency in performance of our mutual funds and the innovative strategies used to consolidate our reputation in a tough market.

The award is an endorsement of the proven ability of our fund managers in challenging situations.

Going forward, we are optimistic about tackling the prevailing market challenges and further setting a benchmark for the funds under our management.”

As the biggest fund manager

HOME FINANCE

B7

in Oman, Bank Muscat caters to institutional, high net worth and retail customers with multiple offerings for investments into Oman, the Mena region and international markets. The Private Equity and Asset Management division manages over $2.1 billion worth of assets, 42 per cent of which are invested in equity markets, 30 per cent in fixed income and 28 per cent in private equity investments.

Bank muscat also offers discretionary portfolio management services, targeted to suit diverse clients, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, high net worth individuals, corporations and other entities.

The paramount AUM position enjoyed by Bank Muscat Private Equity and Asset Management division corroborates the bank as a safe and reliable partner for financial investment advice. The division is always on the lookout for strategic investment products, enabling its esteemed investors to create, manage and grow their wealth in a sustainable manner.

E A S Y T O N AV I G AT E

Sadolin launches new attractive website MUSCAT: Sadolin, AkzoNobel Oman’s flagship brand of decorative coatings, launched its new website www.sadolinoman.com.

The site is a treasure trove of colour suggestions, tips on interior decoration and the application of the product on various surfaces. The website is attractively laid out and easy to navigate, says a press release.

The four main tabs on the home page reveal inspiration, colours, products and decorating advice.

‘Inspiration’ takes you through a journey of discovering decorating trends, stunning room sets and surprising colours, all with the help of beautiful images and descriptive explanations from our international colour experts.

The ‘colours’ tab reveals an extensive colour palette where you can browse by colour family. The ‘product’ page helps you find the right product by filling in simple choices for colour, location, surface and finish.

The ‘decorating advice’ section is full of amazingly practical tips on how to paint furniture, or how to store paints or simply how to

get colour confident.

The website also has a store locator tab, a tab for saved favourites and a search option.

The store locator is especially useful as you can feed in your location and the website will reveal to you all store options in that location, with their addresses and contact details.

“The Internet is a key source of information worldwide and for our customers in Oman, it is no different.

“Our new website is convenient for choosing the right products and inspiring range of colours. We hope to be of great help to homeowners who desire to decorate or bring elegance to their living spaces,” said N. Balachandran, general manager, AkzoNobel Oman.

The website not only offers tips on decor but also helps you calculate the paint quantity you need for a room, check painting quality, a guide to ‘do it yourself’ painting and most importantly ideas to make sure that the leftover paint is handled in a responsible manner.

G O L D E N PA R T N E R S M E E T

‘Ijarah’ helps alizz customers Al Hashar launches Onida to own a home of their dreams EDGE series ACs in Oman MUSCAT: alizz Islamic bank continues to provide innovative and Sharia compliant home finance products in order to fulfil the dreams and desires of the customers to own a home of their dreams, says a press release.

Under Ijarah home financing, alizz Islamic bank buys the property from the developer/seller based on the customer’s promise to lease and then leases it out to the customer for a certain rent amount and a specific period of time. The bank retains ownership of the property throughout the lease term with a promise to sell the property to the customer at the end of the lease term for a nominal price.

The bank also provides offers home financing based on the concept of ‘Forward Ijarah’ which is another form of lease used for under construction properties. The property, which does not exist at the time of signing the Forward Ijarah agreement, is acquired by the bank through an ‘Istisna’ Sale Contract signed with the developer or contractor. When the construction is completed, the property is delivered to the customer.

At the end of the lease term and upon meeting all obligations under the Forward Ijarah agreement, the

bank will transfer the ownership of the property to the customer for a token sale price under a separate sale contract.

Mohamoud Dualeh, head of product development at alizz Islamic bank said, “With our alizz Islamic bank Ijarah home finance for completed properties and Forward Ijarah for properties under construction, we can secure the right property for customers and enhance their world with the stability you need.

“At alizz Islamic bank we offer Omani nationals and resident expatriates home financing options at attractive profit rates and fast, easy approval procedures.”

The bank offers Omani nationals and resident expatriates, home financing options of up to 25 years.

Finance is available for up to 80 per cent of the property value,

At alizz Islamic bank we offer Omani nationals and resident expatriates home financing options at attractive profit rates and fast, easy approval procedures Mohamoud Dualeh

Head of product development at alizz whether for fully constructed or under construction properties.

Maximum finance amount available is OMR450,000 and the minimum salary transfer required is only OMR300 for government employees and OMR350 for employees of the private sector.

Home financing is also available to self-employed individuals.

MUSCAT: Al Hashar Electronics, one of the Sultanate’s most trusted household appliances and consumer electronics distributors, has launched the most ecofriendly and trendy Onida EDGE air-conditioners in the Sultanate at the Al Hashar - Onida Golden Partners Meet at the Golden Tulip, Seeb recently.

Sultan Al Kharusi, managing director, Al Hashar Group, officially unveiled the Onida EDGE series at a glittering function in the presence of Rajeev Sharma, general manager at Al Hashar Electronics; Abraham Tony, assisitant general manager (Multi brand unit); and Nagraj Murari Shetty, business head at Onida Middle East, in front of an august gathering of over 30 superachiever dealers of Onida in the Sultanate. Dealers from Muscat and other areas as far away as Sohar and Ibri attended the meet, says a press release.

Six models of Onida EDGE series will be available in Oman: Rotary Compressor Split Airconditioner 1.5 Ton, 2.0 Ton & 2.5 Ton and Recip Compressor Split Air - Conditioner 1.5 Ton, 2.0 Ton & 3.0 Ton. Nagraj said: “The Onida brand

POWERFUL SUV

Toyota FJ Cruiser showcases impressive off-road capabilities MUSCAT: The Toyota FJ Cruiser is big and bold, with an innate sense of adventure.

A mid-sized SUV, it boasts some of the most impressive offroad capabilities in the Toyota line-up. Combining tradition with modern technology and practicality, the FJ Cruiser exhilarates, whether one is headed across town or across the country, says a press release.

Featuring a rugged exterior and a comfortable durable interior complete with lots of cargo space, the FJ Cruiser offers roomy seats, a sleek centre console state-of-the-art stereo system, plus more.

“The Toyota FJ Cruiser takes on challenging terrain with ease.

As a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ Toyota, it offers a gratifying per-

formance - both on the road and off,” felt an enthusiast.

Its advanced design is very noticeable, with its stylishly rounded headlights set either side of a wide, mesh grille; an upright windscreen with three wiper blades, a white roof and wrap-

around rear corner windows.

The rear swing-out door with mounted spare wheel offers ease of cargo storage and entry and exit of occupants.

‘FJ’ branded spare wheel cover and a flip type rear glass provides a sturdy and stylish look.

FJ’s classy touches include a leather steering wheel with silver accents and audio control, Bluetooth switches, water repellent fabric seats, USB + auxiliary port, cruise control, 8-way adjustable driver seat, keyless entry system, 10-speaker JBL audio system with subwoofer.

The FJ is equipped with a powerful and muscular 4 Litre, V6 petrol engine with Dual VVTi that whips up a massive 268 HP. Optimally matched with the drive train is the sporty 5-speed, ECT (Automatic) transmission, designed to deliver excellent performance, smooth gear shifting and lower noise levels.

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

has been in the region for over three decades, and has earned the appreciation of discerning customers for its innovation, style and efficiency.

“The EDGE air-conditioners stand out for their energy efficiency, design brilliance, gold-fin technology and environmentfriendliness. They use the most eco-friendly R410A gas. Further, Oman has a long coastal line where corrosion is an issue.

Onida EDGE’s gold-fin system safeguards ACs from corrosion, and extends the durability of the outdoor unit by giving it an anticorrosion cover.”

To remain competitive in the Omani market, Onida will work out strategic price positioning

with a monthly price review system, he noted, and acknowledged the commendable sales performance of over 150 Onida dealers in the Sultanate.

Rajeev in his speech referred to the long-standing Oman-India trade and cultural ties, and expressed his happiness in associating with Onida, a leading Indian consumer electronics manufacturing brand.

Tony Abraham presented Al Hashar’s rewarding Golden Partner Dealer Scheme — Earn Big with Onida — which will run from March 1 to August 31.

He also introduced the Onida Cool Point retail concept that recognises and rewards sales target achievements at various levels.

C

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THUR SDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

SECTION

SMITH LEADS AUSTRALIA BACK TO TEST SUMMIT

SPOR YOUR GAME

>C2

S

UBUNTU FOR ARTISTS

INSIDE LIFESTYLE

>C5

Happy to be part of the 2016 Gulf Hockey Fiesta in Oman: Sreejesh If Indian hockey team is on a revival path, then fair amount of credit goes to this

Stage is set for the festival

stubborn man from state of Kerala. Most of India’s title triumphs in recent past

MUSCAT: Twelve teams will cross swords for overall honours as the Gulf Hockey Fiesta for the Starcare Cup will begin with the first match scheduled for an 8am start at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Friday.

The event recognised by Asian Hockey Federation is being organised by United Thalaserry Sports Club (UTSC) in association with Oman Hockey Association (OHA).

Seven of the 12 participating teams are from outside the Sultanate.

The five local teams in fray are Oman Veterans, Muscat Foxes, UTSC, Team Coorg and Pak Falcons.

Two Dubai-based teams — Dubai Hockey Club and King Khan Hockey Club — will also be seen in action.

There are also two teams from Saudi Arabia — Al Arab Hockey Academy and Al

has come through penalty shootouts and the hero undoubtedly has been the rocksolid goalkeeper and India vice-captain Sreejesh P Raveendran. In a tête-à-tête with T.K. Mohandoss, Sreejesh called for more tournaments in Oman and expressed his delight to be part of the Gulf event. He also expressed confidence in saying India will do well in Rio Olympics and were targeting a Top 3 finish. Following are excerpts...

Since you became top goalkeeper of India, what in your view is the progress you have witnessed in the national hockey scene?

The Indian team is really performing well in past few years ...

We have beaten all the top ranked teams and gained a lot of confidence. Under the foreign coaches we have changed our style of play, tactics of the game, showing more bonding inside the field. And more importantly we are ready to face any team.

You have played significant roles in India’s recent achievements, which in your view is your best performance so far?

There are a lot to mention ... but the Asian Games gold in 2014 is a great golden moment in my life How do you see the disappointment of losing to Pakistan twice in the recent SAF Games?

At SAF Games — as you know that our core group was busy with

HIL2016, so we didn’t line up our main 35 players. And if our third string team delivered a wonderful performance against Pakistan, though losing and ending runnersup ... I feel proud of them Hockey India League is yet to catch the attention as IPL (cricket) and ISL (football) or even Kabaddi League has...

What could be the reason?

I believe HIL is popular enough and we have a lot of followers. But I think the involvement of the celebrities make the difference in the other league comparatively with HIL. If we can line up some top celebrities then HIL also will gain some more colourful attention Is it because there are no big franchises from south India like other sports?

Yes ... That’s also a reason for the less fan following from south India. I believe that HIL is going to introduce a new team from Bangalore next year.

TRANS HAJAR RACE

it midway and look for something else. (Cheap Association politics makes a big impact in this)

If Rahul Dravid is called ‘the Wall’ in cricket, you are considered ‘the Wall of hockey’...how do you react to this new term?

I feel proud to hear that people call me ‘Wall of India’. It gives more responsibility and always alerts me to stay on my toes.

India has been the victim of conceding late goals and thereby let going victory chances? Is there any special focus now?

I think we have changed and improved in those areas. Now-a-days we started to score in the last minute and learn to win the matches Why is there a dearth of talents from your state Kerala despite being so close to Coorg, which is considered a nursery of hockey?

There are talents in Kerala, but lack of opportunities, tournaments and look out for a secure future is forcing them to quit the game or drop

What are India’s chances in Rio Olympics?

Expecting a Top 6 finish..... But working hard to finish in Top 3.

Is this your first visit to Oman?

Yes this is my first visit to Oman. I am happy to be in Oman to witness a hockey fiesta.

How does it feel to be the chief guest of the grand UTSC Gulf Hockey Fiesta, which has also gained recognition from Asian Hockey Federation?

I’m feel proud of UTSC and the organisers. The passion for hockey makes

Naqi Strikers.

The other three teams from the Gulf region are: Hungry Hamoors of Bahrain, Kuwait Expats Hockey Team from Kuwait and Qatar Wanderers from Qatar.

Indian team vice-captain and star goalkeeper P. R. Sreejesh will be the chief guest, while Indian Ambassador Indramani Pandey, who is the guest of honour, will officially be part of the tournament during special function at 7pm. Oman Hockey Association General Secretary Mohammed Redha Taqi Al Lawati will also be present.

The event is sponsored

by Starcare Hospitals and co-sponsored by Mohammed Riaz & Partners, Majan Distribution Company, Al Jadeed Exchange, Fayeda Travels, FAP Oman, Al Nahla Solutions and Foodlands.

them to take the initiative. Thanks to Javis and team for inviting me.

What do you like to say to Oman hockey fans and your tips for making the game popular in the country?

Firstly, I think more opportunities to watch hockey must be provided to budding talents. Secondly, more tournaments in different categories must be organised. Thirdly, exhibition matches between top teams must be organised to attract interest and finally, popular hockey teams must be approached for invitational tournaments. However, most importantly, proper training of young talents is necessary to build a bright future.

- sportseditor@timesofoman.com

ASIA CUP

Nehra, Rohit help India beat Bangladesh

Danes hog limelight on day of pullouts MUSCAT: With a number of riders, including overnight leader Uwe Hochen Warter, pulling out with injuries, Pronghorn Racing’s Danish teammates Jacob Lykke Grann and Christian Rosvig Hogh dominated the third stage of the TransHajar Mountain Bike Race on Wednesday.

Craft Rocky Mountain Factory’s Austian rider Uwe Hochen Warter, who comfortably won the first two stages, was one of the five riders either failed to finish and pull out of the race due to injuries. The other riders to pull out were Veje Soren Kristensen of Denmark, David Templeman of Great Britain, Anna Christie of the USA and the UAE-based Mikhailo Shelemba.

However, Jacob Lykke Grann and Christian Rosvig Hogh kept their cool to win the first and second places respectively. And so did Royal Army of Oman rider Hatim Al Booshri who finished in third place.

In the 60km stage both Grann clocked seven hours, five minutes and 29 seconds while his compa-

triot also timed 7:05:29. Hatim, meanwhile, finished the race in 7:55:10. Another Omani rider Msharinajeeb Al Kalili finished the race in the fourth place in a time of 7:55:12. Christian Rosvig Hogh described the stage as the most difficult.

“It was a strenuous race and one of the most difficult due to the steep hills and cliffs. But thanks to the right technique, I was able to stay ahead of my competitors,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khalifa Al Saidi, a member of the organising committee, said that the race was ‘exciting’ and tested the skills of the competitors.

“This stage is one of the most difficult ones. It has resulted in five riders getting injured and drop out of the race,” he said.

Al Saidi said that the organising committee has provided the race with all safety facilities, including cars with emergency equipment and ambulances.

The 88.6km fourth and final stage of the 321.6km race concludes on Thursday.

MIRPUR: Favourites India launched their campaign in style as they thrashed Bangladesh by 45 runs riding on a brilliant 83 by Rohit Sharma in the opening encounter of the Asia Cup T20 tournament here on Wednesday.

Put into bat on a pacer-friendly wicket, India scored a challenging 166 for six with Rohit scoring his runs under pressure after they were reduced to 42 for three at one stage.

Hardik Pandya (31 off 18 balls) was the other notable contributor.

In reply, Bangladesh were never in the game being restricted to 121 for seven in the stipulated 20 overs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

Greenish wicket Their decision to prepare a greenish wicket and unleash four pacers boomeranged badly as the home team’s batsmen could neither handle spin or pace and were virtually decimated on the day.

Veteran Ashish Nehra (3/23) was literally unplayable with his variations as well as brisk pace that he generated. He was on a hattrick in his final over.

Jasprit Bumrah (1/23 in 4 overs) also dealt an initial blow while Pandya (1/23 in 4 overs), Ravichhandran Ashwin (1/23 in 4 overs) and Ravindra Jadeja (0/25 in 4 overs) maintained the pressure to indicate the real difference in quality between the two sides.

It was a welcome victory for India and their skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Bangladesh soil after their disastrous ODI series loss, here last year.

Rohit built his innings to perfection amidst top-order collapse, hitting seven fours fours and three sixes as the 25,000 strong partisan Bangladeshi fans were stunned into silence.

He was complemented well by young Hardik Pandya, who

GREAT START: Indian cricketers celebrate after winning the first match against Bangladesh during the

Asia Cup T20 tournament at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. – AFP

smashed a quickfire 18-ball-31, including a huge six off home team’s ‘wonder boy’ Mustafizur Rahaman, and four sweetly-timed boundaries.

The Rohit-Pandya stand yielded 61 runs for the fifth wicket in only 4.3overs. Their 50 run stand came off only 17 balls.

While India got into trouble at 52 for three after first 10 overs, the next 10 saw them score a whopping 114 runs, primarily due to Rohit, who enthralled one and all with his dazzling stroke play.

When he was finally out to brilliant catch in the deep by Soumya sarkar, India had not only recovered but were also on their way to a competitive target.

Skipper Dhoni finished the innings with a pulled six off Al-Amin Hossain (3/37). - PTI

SCOREBOARD

INDIA R. Sharma c S. Sarkar b Al Amin 83 S. Dhawan b Al Amin 2 V. Kohli c Mahmudullah b Mortaza 8 S. Raina b Mahmudullah 13 Y. Singh c S. Sarkar b Shakib 15 H. Pandya c Mahmudullah b Al Amin 31 M.S. Dhoni not out 8 R. Jadeja not out 0 Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-3) 6 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 166 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-22, 3-42, 4-97, 5-158, 6-158 Bowling: Taskin Ahmed 3-0-22-0; Al Amin Hossain 4-0-37-3; Mustafizur Rahman 4-0-40-0; Mashrafe Mortaza 4-0-40-1; Mahmudullah 2-0-9-1; Shakib Al Hasan 3-0-15-1 BANGLADESH S. Sarkar c Dhoni b Bumrah 11 M. Mithun b Nehra 1

S. Rahman c Dhoni b Pandya 44 I. Kayes c Yuvraj b Ashwin 14 Shakib Al Hasan run out 3 M. Rahim not out 16 Mahmudullah c Sharma b Nehra 7 M. Mortaza c Jadeja b Nehra 0 Taskin Ahmed not out 15 Extras (lb-4, w-6) 10 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 121 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-15, 3-50, 4-73, 5-82, 6-100, 7-100 Bowling: Ashish Nehra 4-0-23-3; Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-23-1; Hardik Pandya 4-0-23-1; Ravichandran Ashwin 4-0-23-1; Ravindra Jadeja 4-0-25-0 Toss: Bangladesh chose to field Umpires: Ruchira Palliyaguruge and Shozab Raza TV umpire: Enamul Haque Match referee: Richie Richardson

C2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

SPORTS

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

Smith leads Australia back to summit in Test rankings SCOREBOARD

New Zealand 1st innings: 370 (B. McCullum 145, C. Anderson 72, B. Watling 58) Australia 1st innings: 505 (J. Burns 170, S. Smith 138, A. Voges 60; N. Wagner 6-106) New Zealand 2nd innings: 335 (K. Williamson 97, M. Henry 66; J. Bird 5-59, J. Pattinson 4-77) Australia 2nd innings: J. Burns b Boult 65 D. Warner c Watling b Wagner 22 U. Khawaja c B. McCullum b Southee 45 S. Smith not out 53

After thrashing the hosts New Zealand in the first Test by an innings and 52 runs in Wellington last week, Australia sealed

A. Voges not out 10 Extras (lb-4, nb-2) 6 Total (for 3 wickets, 54 overs) 201 Fall of wickets: 1-49, 2-113, 3-179 Bowling: T. Boult 17-1-60-1, T. Southee 7-230-1, M. Henry 9-1-33-0 (nb-1), N. Wagner 18-4-60-1 (nb-1), C. Anderson 3-0-14-0 Umpires: Richard Kettleborough and Ranmore Martinesz TV umpire: Richard Illingworth Match referee: Chris Broad Result: Australia won by 7 wickets

the second match by seven wickets shortly after lunch on the fifth and final day ALL SMILES: Australian captain Steve Smith holds the Trans Tas-

CHRISTCHURCH: Australia returned to the top of the Test world rankings on Wednesday after Steve Smith and Adam Voges steered the tourists to victory in the second Test against New Zealand to seal a comprehensive 2-0 series win. After thrashing the hosts in the first Test by an innings and 52 runs in Wellington last week, Australia sealed the second match by seven wickets shortly after lunch on the

man trophy with his team after winning the second Test during Day Five of the second cricket Test match against New Zealand at the Hagley Park in Christchurch. – AFP

fifth and final day at Hagley Oval.

It was Australia’s seventh win in 11 games under Smith’s captaincy, while the match was also the 101st and final Test for New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, who now heads into international retirement. Australia were last at the

summit of Test cricket in July 2014 and Smith set course for a return when he assumed the captaincy from Michael Clarke full time after last year’s Ashes loss to England.

“We want to win every series we play. We want to win a lot more away from home and that was a

good start for us,” Smith said. “We had a lot of patience in the way we played and ...all the guys are really confident in their skills.”

McCullum, who will still play on the lucrative Twenty20 circuit, praised his team mates for their achievements during his reign as captain.

“We’ve had some fun over the last few years,” he said. “We’ve achieved some things and hey, we’ve lost some games as well, but we’ve got our soul back and you’re absolutely great men.

“For the rest of my life I’ll remember playing for New Zealand. I firmly believe this team will go to a new level over the next couple of years.”

Magnanimous McCullum also congratulated Australia on their

return to the top of the rankings.

“You guys have proved why you are the Number One Test team in the world,” he added. “When you arrived here we felt we were a chance and you blew us off the park in both Tests and showed why you are such a quality team.”

Smith ended the match on 53 not out, his 16th Test half century and follows up his 138 in the first innings. Voges hit the winning runs, a boundary through the covers to move to 10 and take the visitors to 201 for three.

Joe Burns (65) was bowled

by Trent Boult in the additional four overs offered by the umpires. Usman Khawaja (45) was the only other wicket to fall in the first session. - Reuters

PA K I S TA N S U P E R L E A G U E

Islamabad down Quetta, crowned PSL champs DUBAI: Islamabad United were crowned the inaugural champions of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) after they beat Quetta Gladiators in the final by six wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Misbah opted to bowl first after winning the toss and the Gladiators, riding on the back of half-tons

by Ahmed Shehzad (64) and Kumar Sangakkara (55), scored 1747 in their 20 overs. “Team played professionally,” said Misbah in the post-match interview.

“One hundred seventy-five is a big target in the final under pressure. We didn’t want to lose a lot of wickets inside the first ten overs.

The bowlers also did well to re-

OVER THE MOON: Islamabad United celebrate PSL triumph. – AFP

strict Quetta as they looked to go past 200 at a point.

“We wanted the PSL to happen for the last three years and we knew that it will be a hit. PSL chairman Najam Sethi and the

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) efforts are commendable.”

In their chase, Dwayne Smith (73) and Brad Haddin (unbeaten 61) gelled to put up an 85-run partnership under pressure for the sec-

ond wicket to help their team past the finishing line. With the victory, Islamabad bagged a $500,000 winning purse and the coveted ‘Shooting Star’ trophy. Quetta will take home a winning prize of $200,000 as the runner-ups.

Meanwhile, Quetta captain Sarfraz Ahmed said: “Heartiest congratulations to Islamabad United for the win. We put up a good score on the board but it was their day.”

Moreover, Sethi once again reiterated his promise to bring PSL to Pakistan in the upcoming editions.

“The wishes of the Pakistani fans have come true in the shape of PSL,” said the PSL chairman. “The world is watching that Pakistan is a peaceful country. Pakistan has shown to-

day that they can do anything in the world. I promise you that we will take this PSL to Pakistan with more effort and hardwork.”

The team diretor for Islamabad, legendary left-arm pacer Waism Akram, expressed his happiness in the following words: “I am thrilled; we are all thrilled (to win). The team peaked at the right time. You do need experience but you also need young talent as well in this format.

This is just the start of the (PSL) and it will get better with time.”

Islamabad coach Dean Jones, meanwhile, said: “It was not only about the older guys, it was also about the younger guys who will have learnt a lot from this experience.” — Express Tribune

TEST SERIES

Smith wants Australia to keep enjoying life at the top CHRISTCHURCH: Australia have achieved what Steve Smith set out to do when he assumed the captaincy last year by climbing to the top of the test rankings after beating New Zealand on Wednesday with the batsman admitting the trick now “was to stay there”.

The seven-wicket victory coming just after lunch on the final day at Hagley Oval sealed a 2-0 series win against Brendon McCullum’s side and confirmed Australia’s ascendancy to the pinnacle of test cricket for the first time since July 2014.

“It’s a good start for us. We want to win every series we play and winning away from home is a big goal of mine and the team’s,” Smith told reporters.

“We came here at the start of the series wanting to win 2-0 and we knew if we did that we would be number one in the world.

“I guess the challenge for this group now is to extend that gap and try and play some very good cricket home and away.”

Smith, who first captained the side for three tests against India in Michael Clarke’s absence at the end of 2014, assumed the role in a full time capacity after his predecessor retired following the Ashes series loss to England last year.

Five others joined Clarke in international retirement as a result of that tour and Smith has inherited a side that is rebuilding, though they have won six of their eight matches since with their top-five batsmen all scoring heavily.

“I was confident with the guys coming in that they would do the job,” Smith added. “Big hundreds are what put your team in a good position.

“I’ve been really pleased with the way the guys have been able to get through tough periods and be willing to bat for long periods of time... which is the most pleasing thing.”

Australia’s pace bowling stocks have also been weakened with Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris retiring, while Mitchell Starc remains out with a long-term ankle injury.

Josh Hazlewood has assumed the pace spearhead role, while James Pattinson produced a fiery performance in Christchurch after battling shin soreness and Jackson Bird took his first five-wicket haul after returning from a lengthy absence.

“I thought our bowlers put the ball in the right areas (and) put the New Zealand batters under a lot of pressure,” Smith said.

“I’m pleased with the way the team is gelling.” - Reuters K O U YAT E R E D C A R D

West Ham win appeal LONDON: West Ham United have won an appeal against the red card shown to midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate during Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round win at Blackburn Rovers. The 26-yearold midfielder was adjudged by referee Jonathan Moss to have denied Rovers a clear goalscoring opportunity when he brought down defender Adam Henley during the 5-1 win.

The Football Association overturned the decision and withdrawn suspension. - Reuters

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

C3

SPORTS EFG Bank win Doha-Khasab leg After 48 hours of sailing, reigning champions EFG Bank took the top spot as Almouj came second and Renaissance settled for third

It’s good we have a challenge now; we have to be unbeatable downwind. So we will have the downwind leg before the finish

TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com KHASAB: After a grueling leg from Doha to Khasab, the sailors competing in the Sailing Arabia The Tour (SATT) finally arrived at the shores of the Sultanate with Sidney Gavignet-skippered EFG Bank emerging victorious in the longest off-shore leg of the race.

The leg took over 48 hours to complete as the sailors docked at around 5.30 pm local time on Wednesday.

The apparent downwind leg surprised the sailors as the race committee decided to cut the race short due to the lack of wind.

The teams had to motor their way to Khasab which took the better of them after enduring a tiring leg.

GRUELING LEG: After overcoming difficult conditions and stiff competition, Sidney Gavignet-skippered

EFG Bank emerged victorious in the longest off-shore leg of the race. – TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI/Times of Oman

Reigning champions EFG Bank took the top spot as Almouj came second and Renaissance settled for third.

Commenting on the sudden stoppage of the wind, champion skipper Sidney Gavignet said: “It’s a shame because it was supposed to be a downwind leg. It’s a shame for everyone because we had enough upwind.”

Renaissance, the Omani team, are proving a worthy opponent to the rest of the sailors as they are steadily creeping up the ranks.

Skipper Fahad Al Hasni said that they were chasing Almouj and trying to beat them for second place but at the same time trying to escape Zain team as they were on Renaissance’s tail.

“I think it’s a really good result;

it was a very hard race. I’m happy about the result,” said Al Hasni, whose team are now only 0.25 points behind third placed Almouj.

The sailors had very little time to rest as the fourth leg to Sohar begins on Thursday.

Eagerly looking forward to the fourth leg, Al Hasni said: “I’m excited for the race because my navigator says it’s going to be down-

SALALAH SURPRISE WINNERS OF ZAWAWI YOUTH HOCKEY LEAGUE TITLE

Salalah Club emerged the winners of the Oman Hockey Association (OHA) Zawawi Youth Hockey League while Al Nasr settled for the second place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex recently. Ahmed Said Al Naufli of Al Nasr Club was the best player of the tournament and best goalkeeper award went to Mulhim Zahir of Salalah Club. Ahli-Sidab’s Rashad Salim was top scorer with nine goals. All the individual award winners received special mementos and OMR. 75 each. Chief guest Reem Al Zawawi handed over the prizes in presence OHA vice-chairman Saif Salim Al Rahbi, General Secretary Mohammed Redha Taqi Al Lawati, Treasurer Zohair Al Ajmi, board member Saeed Al Darmaki, Technical Advisor Mohie Saad Al Zaglool, and Sports Consultant S.A.S. Naqvi. — Supplied photo

FOOTBALL

Al Arouba post win, Fanja suffer narrow defeat in AFC Cup MUSCAT: Reigning Omantel Professional League champions Al Arouba and eight-time title winners Fanja made contrasting starts to their campaign in the AFC Cup on Wednesday.

In a Group C match played in Sur, Al Arouba overcame Syrian outfit Al Wahda for a 2-1 victory while Fanja were handed a 1-0 defeat by Al Jaish, also of Syria, in a Group D match at the Seeb Sports Stadium.

According to news posted on Asian Football Confederation website, Mohammed Taqi’s lastminute strike earned Al Arouba a 2-1 win over Al Wahda after the Syrian side thought they had done enough to secure a point thanks to a late Raja Rafe goal.

Abdulwasea Al Matari had given the Omanis the lead nine minutes into the second half but Rafe looked to have rescued a point for Al Wahda when he struck two minutes from time.

But Taqi’s goal on the stroke of full-time won the tie for Al Arouba.

Al Wahda had shaded a goalless first half but nine minutes after the restart Al Arouba found themselves in front when Moussa Kone

capitalised on an error by the Al Wahda defence, allowing him to send in a cross that Al Matari converted with a first-time finish.

Rafe headed home past goalkeeper Riyadh Sbeit in the 88th minute but second-half substitute Taqi had the final word when he latched on to Al Matari’s pass before scoring with the help of the left upright.

Long-range shot At Seeb Sports Stadium, Yousef Kalfa scored 12 minutes from time to earn Syria’s Al Jaish a 1-0 win over Fanja.

Kalfa struck from long range to beat Fanja goalkeeper Mazin Al Kasbi and give Al Jaish a winning start to their campaign in the continental club championship.

The Syrians had been on top throughout the opening 45 minutes, but despite their dominance Ahmad Al Shaar’s team were unable to create much in the way of goal scoring opportunities.

Fanja improved in the second half and were on top before Kalfa went on a lengthy run that culminated in a strike that gives his side the perfect start to this year’s AFC Cup.

Sidney Gavignet EFG Bank skipper

wind. It will start from Khasab so I think we’ll enjoy it.”

Defending champions EFG Bank skipper Gavignet said that the Khasab-Sohar leg is a challenge since all the teams are up-

beat and feeling positive.

“It’s good we have a challenge now; we have to be unbeatable downwind. So we will have the downwind leg before the finish,” a confident Gavignet said.

C4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

SPORTS America’s Cup World Series action in Oman set to thrill global fans America’s Cup fever is sweeping Muscat as the curtain goes up on the 2016 Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Oman on Saturday marking an historic and momentous first for sport in the Middle East

MUSCAT: The world’s best sailing teams including America’s Cup champions RACLE TEAM USA have landed in the Sultanate and are settling in to their bases at Almouj just outside Oman’s capital city Muscat in preparation for the first showdown of 2016 on February 27 and 28. Oman’s sailing fans are preparing for a festival of sport to remember!

This is the first time America’s Cup racing has come to the Middle East and marks a significant step forward for the region in its drive to host world sport’s ‘Crown Jewel’ events. For the past eight years, Oman Sail has led the way in sailing, helping to put Oman and the region on the map as a sporting and tourism destination.

At the Almouj Race Village on Saturday and Sunday, spectators will get their first glimpse of the spectacular America’s Cup foiling

catamarans, capable of impressive speeds that have revolutionised the sport of sailing.

Some of the fittest and most skilful sailors in the world, who will ‘fly’ the boats around the race course, will also be in easy reach before the action gets underway.

Each day, the six teams from France, Sweden, America, Great Britain, Japan and New Zealand will be presented at a Dock Out Show on the public stage followed by a Parade of Sail as the boats head out to the racetrack. Three races are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, between 1400 and 1530 followed by a prize giving ceremony on Sunday after racing.

The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Oman marks the start of the 2016 season, with other rounds scheduled for New York (USA), Chicago (USA), Portsmouth (UK) and Toulon (FRA).

FOOTBALL

FESTIVAL OF SPORT: This is the first time America’s Cup racing has come to the Middle East and marks

a significant step forward for the region in its drive to host world sport’s ‘Crown Jewel’ events.

Emirates Team New Zealand, skippered by Peter Burling, currently heads the series leaderboard with Jimmy Spithill’s ORACLE TEAM USA in second and Britain’s Land Rover BAR, headed

by Sir Ben Ainslie in third.

Lying just off the podium in fourth, Artemis Racing from Sweden is ‘getting better and better,’ according to skipper Nathan Outteridge, and having won the last event in Bermuda last October,

they are keen to maintain the momentum. “We had a big build up through last year, getting better and better every race, every event, and we just need to keep that progression going,” said Outteridge.

“We haven’t really had much time to do any AC45F sailing since the last event so it’s going to be a case of remembering what we did in Bermuda.

“We have the same crew list heading there and just need to

make the most of the Friday training and be ready for the weekend.”

Groupama Team France will be without their skipper Franck Cammas who is recuperating after suffering a serious leg injury in a training accident in December.

Kiwi Adam Minoprio will take the helm in Oman while Cammas watches from a support boat.

Dean Barker’s SoftBank Team Japan has also been busy since the last event in Bermuda with Japa-

nese sailors Yugo Yoshida and Yuki Kasatani joining the ranks and getting up to speed with some intensive training on their new AC45 Turbo.

The action on the water will make for compelling viewing with some superb vantage points set aside along the Almouj Golf course’s 2.5kms of unspoiled Arabian coastline, for spectators keen to watch every tack and gybe.

For those keen to learn about the crews, the racing and the America’s Cup, expert commentators will be on hand to shed light on the major gains or losses and what they might mean for the America’s Cup Challenger finals in Bermuda 2017.

Their insight will be broadcast across the Fan Zone in the Village via a jumbo screen which will feature live action on Saturday and Sunday as well as event highlights and local entertainment.

A Kids Zone will cater for all interest and activity levels with Henna and face painting, pottery making demonstrations, Sumo wrestling, mini golf, camel riding, model sailing and football trickster shows. Racing will be broadcast live in 140 territories around the world on television and on mobile devices internationally via the AC+ service (subject to territorial restrictions) on the America’s Cup App, which can be downloaded via www.americascup.com and also across all the Oman Sail and America’s Cup social media channels.

TENNIS

15 teams qualify Al Barwani reigns supreme at ISC Open for ‘Neymar Jr’s Five’ Oman final

MUSCAT: Four local qualifiers for the ‘Neymar Jr’s Five’ event were held during the past two consecutive weekends in Bausher, Mabella, Sohar and Nizwa.

The top 16 teams to come out on top at the Red Bull event will go on to compete against the best footballers in the country.

Preparations are now underway in Salalah for the next local qualifiers on Friday, in search of the top teams to participate in the Country Final on March 4.

More than 35 countries from six continents are participating in the global five-a-side football tournament that comes with a twist – it does not include goalkeepers and players have to score a goal and eliminate a player from the opposing team. The game goes on for 10 minutes until the whole team is eliminated.

The national champions will advance to the finals in July in Praia Grande, where Neymar Jr grew up, started his professional

career and lately founded “Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr”.

The world final will be held in July at the Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The institute’s aim is to offer extracurricular educational and sporting activities to the most socially disadvantaged children and families to promote social inclusion and encourage participation in the community.

The Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr was opened in 2014 and is the second ‘FutbolNet’ programme in Brazil in partnership with FC Barcelona Foundation after a first was set up in the favelas in Rio de Janeiro two years earlier.

The winner of the World Final will receive a trip to Barcelona, accompanied by Neymar Jr. to attend one of the team games.

This Red Bull event is held in partnership with Virgin Megastore, Instituto Neymar Jr, Shop and Ship, Hi FM Muscat, Hala FM and Oman Ministry of Tourism.

MUSCAT: Indomitable Abdullah bin Hamdi Al Barwani reigned supreme at the ISC-Muscat Pharmacy Open Junior Tennis Tournament 2016 organised by the Indian Social Club (ISC) claiming a double crown - the boys under-18 singles and the junior doubles titles.

The concluding match of the tournament lived up to its tag of the “grand finale” as Oman’s top players, Abdullah Al Barwani and Younis Al Rawahi provided the large number of tennis enthusiasts at the ISC arena a final of a very high standard with the brilliance of the two players, remarkable strokes and fluctuating fortunes.

In the final of the boys under-18 singles, top seed Abdullah Al Barwani took on second seed Younis Al Rawahi and the result was a thrilling final that went to the wire before the former overcame a one-set deficit and saved five championship points to capture the crown with a narrow 6-3, 3-6, 11-9 verdict.

It was Younis who set the early pace with brilliant serving and power-packed ground strokes.

Younis and Abdullah gave out their best and exchanged breaks.

In a thrilling game, Younis held for a 5-2 lead after saving four break points. Abdullah went on the offensive and held to stay in the set.

Younis faced anxious moments be-

fore serving out the first set.

Abdullah broke Younis twice in the second set and in a brilliant counter-attack, Younis also broke twice. Abdullah showed more purpose in his approach and earned the crucial break in the eighth game and served out the second set.

The third-set super tie-breaker was a cliffhanger as the performance of the country’s top two players reached its peak.

Abdullah earned the mini-break for a 3-0 lead which was shortlived as Younis pounced on every opportunity and reeled off the next

seven points. Abdullah took clawed back gradually taking eveypoint on merit but was running out of luck as Younis was on the threshold of victory with five championship points at 9-5.

Abdullah hung in bravely and leveled at 9-all. A lucky net-chord gave Younis yet another match point which Abdullah saved. Abdullah earned his first match point with a brilliant forehand winner but could not convert.

A brilliant serve gave Abdullah yet another match point which he converted to bring an end to the

high tension drama and the boys under-18 title. Together with Younis as his partner, the duo claimed the junior doubles title.

Prizes were distributed by Salman Al Balushi, Executive Director of Oman Tennis Association, in the presence of ISC vice-chairman C.M. Sardar, Mohan Kannan of Muscat Pharmacy and other officials.

The tournament was sponsored by Muscat Pharmacy & Stores LLC together with brand Pocari Sweat and Horlicks and co-sponsored by Khimji Ramdas Watches Division.

REPUBLIC DAY OF INDIA AL YAM CRICKET CUP TOURNAMENT ON FRIDAY Indian Social Club (ISC) Bhojpuri Wing Muscat will organise Al Yam Cricket Cup tournament to celebrate the 67th Republic Day of India at Ahli Sidab Club on Friday). The day-long tournament, which will begin at 8 a.m., will comprise three trophies. Corporate Cup will be four teams Al-Yam Enterprises C.T. , National Life Insurance , Auditors XI and Bhojpuri Young Stars in action. The Women’s Cup will be played between Muscat Warriors and Six Offenders. The Veterans Cup will see Ambassador’s XI vs ISC Chairman’s XI vying for the honours. Indian Ambassador Indramani Pandey will be the chief guest. — Supplied photo

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

Culture WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Artists in Dhofar region learn the spirit of humanity through the Ubuntu workshop

I Story: T.A. Ameerudheen Photography: Courtesy of Bait Muzna Gallery

WHAT IS UBUNTU? It is ancient African code of ethics that embraces respect, unity, tolerance, forgiveness and compassion – values that are considered as the foundation for living together in harmony.

Learn more, visit: oasisoman.com

UBUNTU TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES Participants were given the opportunities to: Improve the art of communication, co-operation, and consensus-building Develop concentration, reflection, and critical thinking Enhance mutual appreciation, respect, empathy, and trust Empower motivation, commitment, and personal responsibility Increase intuition, and creativity Discover new strategies for conflict prevention, and resolution

t was a huge learning experience for the 24 artists from different parts of Dhofar Region who took part in a personal and professional development workshop at the Omani Society for Fine Arts in Salalah recently.

The one-day event, held under the guidance of life-skills trainer, Helen Sayers, provided this talented group of painters and photographers with creative ways to improve communication, co-operation and consensus building skills. They also learnt how to enhance their concentration, reflection, critical thinking and mutual appreciation.

The workshop was arranged by Bait Muzna Gallery, Salalah, in association with the Omani Society for Fine Arts and Oasis Life Skills Training Services.

“It was an initiative of Her Highness Sayyida Susan Al Said, founder of Bait Muzna Gallery, who is keen to see Omani artists develop their soft skills along with their artistic talents,” Helen Sayers said, and added: “It was a social responsibility activity of the three partner organisations.”

“The workshop gave artists in Salalah with an opportunity to interact with a certified trainer and learn how to express their diverse yet creative ideas confidently. The subjects we covered would help them build up their profile in the local and international art community,” said Molly George, Manager, Bait Muzna Gallery.

Helen has been facilitating creative soft-skills courses and workshops in different parts of the world using the ancient African concept of Ubuntu.

“Ubuntu, which embodies generosity, warmth, inclusiveness and solidarity, is used as a framework to explore the role of universal values and ethics in professional development,” said Helen, who wrote a training manual ‘Ubuntu: the Spirit of Humanity’, which has been translated into Arabic, French, Spanish and Konkani.

After an opening ice-breaker through which the participants got to know each other, Helen introduced Ubuntu through a number of activities illustrated with stories from her own experience of working in the community in Africa and in Oman.

“The artists were guided through a series of exercises to explore innate

personal values, recognise values in others and discover how universal values help in fostering harmonious relationship with others,” she said.

The workshop continued with a group activity where each group was asked to create an art work that would reflect Omani values to tourists arriving in Salalah. “They were given a few simple materials and just 15 minutes to complete the task.”

The participants surprised Helen as they came up with unique ideas.

One group created a traditional palm frond fan from delicately woven strips of coloured paper, which would “greet the arriving tourists with a welcome breeze”. Members of the second group made a model of a traditional Omani dhow “to express the spirit of adventure of Omanis”, while the third group manufactured a miniature frankincense burner, representing the hospitality of Omani people. The strategy was to encourage the artists to work in unity, think creatively, and make quick decisions. Each group was rewarded with a token prize relating to a specific team-work skill that the trainer had observed during the exercise.

Khalid Al Khanbashi, who accompanied Helen as a translator-in-training, said that the workshop focused on values in life. “I feel values are eroding from the society as a result of our fast-paced lifestyle. It is time we brought those values back to our lives, and I can think of no better concept than Ubuntu in this effort.”

“One participant told me she felt empowered,” Khalid continued, “while another told me that he understood the meaning of his life after attending the workshop.”

According to Khalid, artists can spread the important messages through their work. “The more they believe in these values, it will be reflected in their artwork.”

“I hope that this initiative will be taken forward to other parts of the country,” Helen concluded.

—ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

FOR ARTISTS

C6

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

@SUR

@SHATTI

SUR King of Egypt - 3D (Action | Adventure) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 3:00, 9:15, 11:45 PM Action Hero Biju (Mal) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith.

7:15 PM Unnatural (Action | Horror) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn 5:30, 9:55 PM The Faith of Anna Waters (Horror) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice 3:15, 7:15 PM Dead Pool (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 5:15, 11:45 PM

@PANORAMA

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Kings of Egypt – 3D (Adventure) 12+ Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 3:30, 9:00 & 11:30PM Kings of Egypt – 2D (Adventure) 12+ 6:30PM Dead Pool (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) 12+ Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 3:00, 7:30, 9:30 & 11:45PM Colonia (Mystery / Suspense / History) 15+ Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 5:15, 9:30 & 11:45PM Barbie: Spy Squad (Animation | Family) TBC Voice Overs: Erica Lindbeck, Stephanie Sheh 5:45PM Zoolander 2 (Comedy) 12+ Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz 3:45 & 7:15PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Dead Pool – 2D (12+) Action | Sci-Fi | Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 3:35, 4:30, 9:30, 11:45 PM Gold Class – 6:15 PM Kings of Egypt – 2D (12+) Adventure Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 12:00, 6:30, 9:00, 11:30 PM Gold Class –3:30, 8:30, 11:00 PM Zoolander 2 – 2D (12+) Comedy Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz 2:30, 7:30 PM Barbie: Spy Squad – 2D (TBC) Animation Voice Overs: Erica Lindbeck, Stephanie Sheh 2:05 PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip – 2D (PG) Animation | Adventure | Comedy 12:15, 5:40 PM Voice Overs: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg, Josh Green

The Faith of Anna Waters: (Horror) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice, Pamelyn Chee 3:15, 7:15 PM

Kings of Egypt – 3D (Adventure) 12+ Cast: Brenton Thwaites, , Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 3:30, 9:00 & 11:30PM

PANORAMA MALL Kings of Egypt (Adventure, Fantasy) (MX4D) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 3:30, 6:00, 8:30, 11:00 PM Kings of Egypt-3D (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 4:45, 7:00, 9:15, 11:45 PM Kings of Egypt-3D (Adventure, Fantasy) (12+)-VIP LOUNGE 3:30, 6:15, 8:45, 11:15 PM Zoolander 2-2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz 3:00, 5:00, 7:15 PM Unnatural-2D (Action, Horror) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn, Ron Carlson 5:30 PM Colonia-2D (Drama) (15+) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl 3:15, 9:15, 11:30 PM Dead Pool-2D (action, Adventure) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 2:30, 7:15, 9:30, 11:30 PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

Marmul

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

07:00

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

SALALAH Kings of Egypt (3D) (12+) (Action ) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 11:30, 2:15, 8:55, 11:30PM Dead Pool (2D) (12+) (Action | Sci-Fi) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 12:00, 2:25, 6:30, 11:55PM The Faith of Anna Waters (2D) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice 4:15PM The Benefactor (2D) (15+) (Drama) Cast: Richard Gere, Dakota Fanning 4:45PM Colonia (2D) (15+) (Mystery / Suspense) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl 2:00, 6:35, 11:35PM Zoolander 2 (2D) (12+) (Comedy) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz 11:45AM,4:30PM Neerja (2D) (PG12) (Hindi | Biographical) 6:40PM Action Hero Biju (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 9:05PM Kanithan (2D) (TBC) (Tamil) (Action) Cast Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa 8:45PM

11.45 13.30 14.00

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Action Hero Biju (Mal) (Act\Comedy) Cast: Nivin Pauly & Anu Emmanuel 3:00, 6:30 & 10:00 PM Cinema Main Miruthan (Tamil) (Act) (Only Thursday ) Cast: Jayam Ravi & Lakshmi Menon 3:30 & 6:30 PM Cinema -2 Kanithan (Tamil) (Com \ Act) Cast: Atharvaa & Catherine Tresa 9:30 PM Cinema –2 From Friday: 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema -2 Neerja (Hindi) (Act\ Drama) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -4; From Friday : 6:35 PM Cinema-4 Pavaada (Mal) (Com\ Act) Cast: Prithviraj & Miya George 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -3 From Friday : 3:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -4 Aarathu Sinam (Tamil) (Act) (From Friday) Cast: Arulnithi & Aishwarya Rajesh 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -3 Next Change: Puthiya Nitamam (Mal) March 3.

Programmes are subject to change

WITH LOVE

0

LAKSHMI February 25, 2015

Minimum

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

75-30%

DEVIKA. V. PAI February 25, 2006 Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

10:25

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Ruwi

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

07:00

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

27 19

Kings of Egypt: (Adventure / Fantasy) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Gerard Butler 2.00, 5.30, 9.30 & 11.55 PM CP No: 341 (12+) The Faith of Anna Waters (Horror) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice 7.45 & 11.55 PM CP No: 342 (15+) Colonia (Drama / History / Romance) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl 2.00 6.00. & 10.00 PM CP No: 343 (15+) Zoolander 2 (Comedy) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz 4.00 & 8.00 PM CP No: 344 (12+) Barbie Spy Squad (Animation) 4.15 PM CP No: 345 (PG)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

Daily Daily Daily

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

BURAIMI Dead Pool (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Moreno Baccarin 5.15, 9.30, 11.30PM Zoolander 2 (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz.

3.30, 5.00, 7.30PM Unnatural (Action | Horror| Thriller) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn 3.15, 9.50 PM The Faith of Anna Waters (Horror) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice 5.30, 11.45PM Kings of Egypt (3D) (Adventure) (12+) 3.00, 6.45, 9.05, 11.30 PM Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster Action Hero Biju- (Mal) (Action) PG12 Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 7.15PM

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

Screen 3 Fitoor (Romance / Drama) –12 + Cast: Aditya Roy Kapur, , Katrina Kaif, Tabu 3.45, 9.15 PM Sanam Re (Romance / Drama) –12 + Cast: Pulkit Samrat, Yami Gautam, Urvashi Rautela 6.45 PM Neerja (Action / Biography) –PG12 Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Ravjiani 11.45 PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Screen 2 Neerja (Action / Biography) –PG12 Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Ravjiani 3.15, 11.45 PM Tere Bin Laden Dead or Alive –PG12 Cast: Manish Paul, Pradhuman, Mia Uyeda, Ali Zafar 5.30, 7.30, 9.30 PM

SOHAR Dead Pool– 2D (Action/Sc-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 2:45, 6:45, 11:30PM Kings of Egypt-2D (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 2:45, 9:45PM Kings of Egypt– 3D (Adventure) (12+) 3:30, 9:00, 11:30PM Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster The Benefactor – 2D (Drama) (15+) Cast: Richard Gere, Dakota Fanning 5:00PM Zoolander 2– 2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz 3:00, 7:15PM Unnatural – 2D (Action/Horror/Thriller) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn 5:00, 11:55PM Colonia– 2D (Mystery/Suspense) (15+) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl 2:30, 9:30, 11:45PM Trumbo– 2D (Biographical) (PG12) Cast: Bryan Cranston, Helen Mirren 4:45PM Neerja– 2D (Biographical) (PG12) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Sabana Azmi, Shekhar Rajviani 6:45PM Kanithan– 2D (Action/Thriller) (PG) Cast: Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa, 8:45PM Miruthan– 2D (Action/Romance) (15+) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Lakshmi Menon, Kali Venkat

BAHJA CINEMA

7:15PM Action Hero Biju – 2D (Action) (PG12) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 9:15PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

2.30, 11.30 PM Neerja (Action / Biography) –PG12 Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi 5.30, 8.30 PM

RUWI Screen 1 Tere Bin Laden Dead or Alive(Comedy) –PG12 Cast: Manish Paul, Pradhuman, Mia Uyeda, Ali Zafar

AZAIBA Dead Pool (2D) (Action |Sci-Fi) (12+)

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Zoolander 2 - 2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz 3:00, 5:00, 7:15 PM

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 3:30, 6:30, 11:45 PM Fitoor (2D) (Hindi) (Romance| Drama) (12+) Cast: Aditya Roy Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Tabu 3:00, 6:15 PM Kings of Egypt (3D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 3:00, 6:15, 9:00, 11:30 PM Neerja (2D) (Hindi) (Biographical) (PG12) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azami, Shekhar Ravjiani 2:45, 5:15, 7:30, 10:00, 11:30 PM Kanithan (2D) (Tamil) (Action) (TBC) Cast: Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa, K. Bhagyaraj 8:45 PM Action Hero Biju (2D) (Mal) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 9:00 PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.25pm 3.44pm 6.12pm 7.23pm 5.18am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE DO

WEEKEND UPDATE

WATCH

Deadpool

Desert Crossing

(In theatres now)

with The Guide Oman

Scan to buy tickets

Scan for more information

LISTEN

BUY

One Call Away

Seiko GPS

by Charlie Puth

from Bahwan Electronics

Scan to watch the video

Scan for details

Disabled People Do Not Need Our Sympathy

I

was waiting for my family in a busy car park when a posh vehicle pulled up not very far away from me.

It was an admirable car but it was not just its price tag that attracted my attention. It was the decision of the driver to park on a space allotted for cars of disabled drivers that made me stand and watch. I expected him to come out on a wheelchair or on crutches but the man walked quite normal towards the entrance.

It was one of those moments that I wished I was a policeman. I don’t need to tell you that he was a perfectly healthy man. The only problem with him was a deranged attitude that many selfish people are guilty of. A wicked thought did pass my mind, that I can confess to all. However, I resisted the temptation of slashing a couple of his expensive tyres just to send a clear message.

There was nothing I could do but stay calm and wait for my family to turn up. That night, as I recalled the incident, I thought such people don’t care a hoot about disabled people. Thinking about it now casts my thoughts to a relative who lost the use of his limbs after a sudden stroke. It might sound cruel but his own family have given up on him. He still has a lot to give though not in the same way he used to. The worst that could happen to people in his situation is to think that life has suddenly decided to turn its back on them.

Time stands still and every passing day is a carbon copy of the previous one where personal anguish rules all the time. When one becomes invalid, many of the decisions he would have made are tak-

SALEH AL SHAIBANY

SO TO SPEAK en by people who look after them.

Just like that man in that parking lot, disabled people get used to see their feelings trampled. It is not a pleasant feeling but it is the one that they have learned to accept.

It is very sad to see a once able person imprisoned in a shell of self-pity. It is not a physical prison but a mental one when the mind shuts out everything. We all grow up to taste just one freedom, the one we learned by taking that first step that would lead us to full independence. I don’t want to contradict myself but disabled people are never invalid. They may not be able to do most physical activities but they are never incompetent.

This is the first thing that comes to our mind when we see a person on a wheelchair. The expression in our faces says it all. We think, “poor fellow, I hope this does not happen to me”.

The message is often transmitted and decoded by the disabled person. They start to retreat inward and feel useless. An unseen and imagined world is the only place where they can have their own rules and in their terms. They lose the will to survive on their own. Why? Simply because we choose to treat them as useless.

That way, we banish them from the physical world.

Disabled people don’t need our sympathy but our understanding.

If they don’t get that then they become difficult and may never come to terms with their disability.

We hold the key of the long road towards their independence.

We owe them that much because most decisions that matter now are taken by people who look after them. That hurts and hurts a lot because the future is uncertain and the road to recovery is nowhere near.

C8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

LIFESTYLE

WATCH DIRWAZA EXHIBITION AT GALLERY SARAH It is a treat to watch renowned Omani artist Juma Al Harthy’s works at Gallery Sarah. Titled Dirwaza, the exhibition showcases colourful arrays of mixed media paintings that include wood work, carving, painting, and calligraphy.

O

mani artist Juma Al Harthy finds his inspiration from the doors and windows found in traditional Omani architecture and historical motifs in the Sultanate. A pioneer in Omani art, Juma has exhibited his works in many international shows in Europe, US, and China.

His beautiful recreations of doors and windows reflect his artistic visual language and his constant research into Omani pattern, language and symbolism.

The exhibition, which began on February 24, will continue till March 17 from 9.30am to 6pm, Saturday to Thursday. Contact: +968 2208 4747. E-mail: laila.alnajjar@baitalzubair.com. Website: gallerysarah.com

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T H U R S DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

D2

T H U R S D AY, F E B R UA RY 2 5, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

Luxury flat for rent in Bareeq Al Shatti building Spacious 2 BHK with sea view, split A/Cs, fixed wardrobes, kitchen appliance.

Near Opera Gallery.

Rent RO.900/- negotiable.

Contact - 94084335 / 96920789

FLATS FOR RENT 1 BHK and 2BHK Flats with Split ACs Opp. to MOD Near Lulu Darsait 2 BHK flat for rent Darsait near Muscat Pharmacy, ISM. Contact: 95158570 One / two B/R , RES / Comm flat near Bank Muscat Bausher directly from owner. Contact: 92158031 3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent.

18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi. Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use. OMR 295/- month.

Call 94477222 Flat for rent at Al Khoudh behind the Souq for families.

Contact: 95819528 Sharing room partner required for executive bachelor in Ruwi sharing toilets, including (E& W) WIFI is available in Ruwi, OPP Karama hypermarket rent 60/- R.O. Contact: 92205097 Shop for rent Honda road, Ruwi.

Contact: 99481931 Flats for rent 2BHK sitting room, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, big balcony split A/C Wadi AL Kabir 300/R.O. Contact: 99324402 Single bedroom flats behind German embassy nearer to Al Nahdha hospital. Contact: 99203954

CONTACT :

93202733 2 BHK fully furnished flat at Ruwi MBD area. Contact – 93211557 / 24814853

We have 1BHK, 2 BHK Flats in Mabela 7 new building. Contact: 93782735 /99208033

We have 2BHK office, flats for rent in Ghobrah, Azaiba, Ghala Al Khuwair prime location. Contact: 93782735/99208033

2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. Contact: 99342661

One bedroom flat with two toilets required near Al Falaj Rex road area.

Contact: 98411825/96245923

2BHK split A/C 320/- monthly & 1 BHK split A/C 250/- Ghobrah south near Grand mosque.

Contact: 99342661

Flats in Darsait. 9405178997201688 Flats in Wadi Kabir. 9405178997201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35). 94051789-97201688 New building office for rent Muttrah 2nd floor. Contact: 99364735/24714791/95729711 Single room with A/C & WIFI having separate entrance for non –cooking Indian executive, near Rawasco, AL Khuwair rent 130/- (W& E). Contact 92888691/95397442/97201100

WAREHOUSE AVAILABLE

FOR RENT IN BALADIA SANAYAH AMIRAT (Floor area 600sqmtrs and mezzanine of 500sqmtrs) 1100sqmts fully cover warehouse Θ ƐƚĂī ĂĐĐŽŵŵŽĚĂƟ ŽŶƐ Please contact: G.S.M

99417229/92621039

3BHK in Qurum P.D.O high 350/Monthly. Contact: 99342661 Flats in Muttrah. 9405178997201688

Flat in Wadi Al Kabir 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 family hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms. Contact: 99277787

Offices in Ghala. 9405178997201688

Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

94051789-97201688

Spacious well maintained 2BHK in Rex Road from 1st May. Contact 92227165

Duplex villa in Qurum 29.

94051789-97201688

2 Bedroom ground floor apartment with sitting & 2 baths + big kitchen close to Indian School near to Maya supermarket Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 98011224

We have staff accommodation for rent in Bousher 30 to 40 people can stay commercial building. Contact: 93782735 /99208033

Modern and spacious 4 bedroom twin villa for rent in Azaiba north behind Nov 18st with detached maids room. Contact 99317349

Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

94051789-97201688

2BHK Darsait R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045/7799175

For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842

1BHK Wadi Kabeer R.O 210/-.

Contact: 92144045/97799175

2 bedrooms flat for rent in Azaiba with split ac. 300/ monthly.

Contact- 92447365

1.2 BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/- , 300/-.

Contact: 92144045 /97799175 2BHK AL Khuwair R.O 350/-.

Contact 92144045/97799175

Full furniture room for rent for family monthly 200/- .

Contact: 99251975

2BHK Ghobrah R.O 325/-.

Contact: 92144045/97799175

Flats in Qurum. Contact 94051789-97201688

5 BHK villa Qurum R.O 700/-.

Contact 92144045/97799175

Wadi Kabir new building 2 bedrooms rent. Contact: 99313274

Office space 350 Sqm, C.B.D. Contact: 99024730

For rent in Misfah near Oman cement 600sqm shed.

Contact: 96177220

1BHK Darsait I.S.D R.O 225/-.

Contact: 92144045/97799175

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.94051789-97201688

2 BHK flat behind Nesto hypermarket with split A/C R.O 220/.

Contact 91642157/97653524

1 BHK flat with split A.C, balcony near Wadi Adai signal.

Contact: 95042855

Flats, 3 Rooms & AC, kitchen, hall, in Al Mabela South, rent RO. 250/Contact - 99377290

Flat, 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet in AL Khuwair family bachelors R.O 160/-. Contact: 95154331 One flat with split unit A/CS, two bedroom, sitting room and kitchen Al-Ghobrah south, stadium side, RO.315/- Contact - 99310551 (Said)

T H U R S DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALE Running shop with paint machine for sale in kadra Ͳ

WƌŝŵĞ ůŽĐĂƟ ŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ŐŽŽĚ ĚĂŝůLJ ƐĂůĞƐ 260 Square meters Warehouse facility ^ƚĂī ĂĐĐŽŵŵŽĚĂƟ ŽŶ /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ƉĂƌƟ ĞƐ ŵĂLJ ĐĂůů 9322 3382 or mail to cs@mpesllc.com

Concrete Batching Plant

for sale A good running condition, UK Pemat Mixer, 50CBM Per hour production capacity Plant for sale.

Interested parties may please call

Mr Mateen - 92892209 Sreejith - 99478263

FOR SALE 1 No. Prado VX 8 SPL A/T (model 2008) KM: 350694 Colour: white pearl (petrol)

1 No. Corolla 1.8 XLI PWR A/T (model 2008) KM: 245071) Colour: super white WůĞĂƐĞ ƐĞŶĚ Žī Ğƌ ƚŽ ͗Ͳ

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/COMPUTER/WEBSITE

desbyrne@omantel.net.om

IELTS PREPARATION FOR RENT Ghobrah. Big bedroom, bathroom, huge terrace. Non-cooking Indian female/male - Manager/Sr. Exec.

Vegetarian non-drinkers only.

Contact 99283938 1BHK Flat with spilt A/C near star cinema 210/-. Contact: 99358589/95570288 /97079146 Flat for rent south Al Mabela.

Contact: 95331177/95230355 Shop (rent 250/ 400) commercial / Residential building 1& 2 bed flat (flat rent 350+ 250) available in Wadi Kabir (Near Lulu) one bed flat 200/- Wadi Al Kabir (near Toyota.

Contact: 92325212 /99451168 2 Bedrooms, kitchen, toilet, car park R.O 200/- & 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet R.O 140 in Al Khuwair. Contact: 95154331 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair. # 95154331 Luxury villa of 5 BHK in Al Khuwair 33 RO.650/- Contact – 91776665 House in Amerat near to Makah hypermarket with 3 room+ 5 toilet+ hall+ living room+ kitchen. Contact 98885055/ 92744168 Villa 2bedroom, 1 sitting room, small hall, Kitchen & 2 bathroom behind Sultan center south Mawalah 300/- O.R. Contact: 92757673 /99388138 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 Flats for rent at Mawaleh near Omantel main office opposite Lulu bandar comprises 3 rooms, 2 toilets and one kitchen OMR 250/- Per month. Contact: 93131497 or 99203435 Shop for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital. #97380548 / 99680499 1/2/3 bedrooms flats at Al Hail including utilities bills 92817777 1B/R apartment executive fully furnished at AL Khuwair 33 & 5 B/R villa unfurnished at Madinat Al Ilam & 5 B/R villa furnished at Madinat Al Ilam. Contact: Atlas Real Estate & rent a car LLC 24834 888/99249069/92888376/94617 563 Email: info@alshahiintl.com

Flats for rent in Ruwi Mumtaz area 2 bedroom. Contact: 91409667/24291500 Flat for rent in Al Hail south 2 bedroom. Contact: 91409667/24291500 2 BHK Flats for rent, Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Villa is composed of 5 bedrooms and sitting toilets and 5 living room, kitchen and Seeb (North Al Hail). Contact: 91130875 Commercial flats of 3 & 2 BHK in Al Ghobra North 18 Nov street RO.650/- & 450/Contact 91776665 600 M2 showroom or office in Bousher in front of Dolphin complex. RO.3.5 per m2.

Contact 91776665 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Flats in WadiKabir.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) #- 94051789-97201688 Brand new 4 BHK villa in Al Fai compound Al Khoud. RO.475/Contact – 91776665

FOR SALE Land for sale in a very excellent location on the first line of a common area of November 18 1892 adjacent to the company’s life required 300 meters of the RO. Contact: 96262686 Shop for sale in Al Khoudh.

Contact: 92820541 Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

A well Established Indian restaurant with all necessary equipments well qualified staff furnished party hall (capacity 150) is up for immediate sale at MBD area.

Contact: 92978956

An optical outlet for sunglasses and frames in a big hypermarket in Ruwi with goods and scratch less furniture with (or without) stock.

Contact: 98010203 Small business for sale in reputable shopping center.

Contact 97207440 Very good furnished space for sale in a busy hypermarket in Ruwi.

Contact: 98010203 Marble factory for sale location Misfah. Contact: 99489453/99838439

Luxury and brand new semi furnished 2 BHK flat in Remalbowsher. RO.550/- Contact – 91776665

Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos can be sent 95865457

Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum.# 94051789-97201688

Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. Contact 92881849 / What`s up No 97290565 Dental clinic for sale in Seeb.

Contact: 92882209/96373097

Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789-97201688

HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278

Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact 9405178997201688

Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430

Duplex villa in Qurum 29.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Villas in Al Khoud. 9505680897201688

Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

GSM- 97486716

Tailoring shop for sale Al Khuwair.

Contact: 96500940 Well established coffee shop / restaurant prime location at AL Khoud.

Contact: 92188777/98700760

Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE

Please contact: Drake & Scull International LLC

Fire rated portacabins and steel caravans. ContacT: 94058574

Luxury Apartments in Bousher (35). 95056808-97201688

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud. Contact 9405178997201688

1. Steel/ G.I/ Aluminum 2. Copper/ P.V.C 3. Cables/ Wire

Porta cabin for sale in Misfah.

Contact: 99442438 / 96578789

Villa of 3 BHK and sitting area in Al Ghobra North. RO.525/Contact – 91776665

Spacious 1 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with all split A/C’s and parking.

RO.300/-Contact – 91776665

SCRAPS FOR SALE

Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278

ACC. AVAILABLE Execute bachelor room available behind Kamat restaurant AL Khuwair for nesses. Contact 94271085 /92261906 Furnished bedroom with attached bath and kitchen separate entrance available for executive bachelor for R.O 150/- All inclusive in a villa opp star cinema.

Contact: 99314807 Spacious room semi furnished with attached bath neat Ruwi roundabout. Contact: 96612979 Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage.

Contact 93687466 Single rooms with kitchen available at Ruwi. Contact: 91214897/98049288 Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi.

Call: 92273779 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir 9304 9849 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom.

Interested please Contact: 92680041 Mr. Altaf

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

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 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

CHANGE OF NAME Remal Rowdat Al Sayah Const.

Associates company which is recorded under the commercial register in directorate general for trade industry number 1021066 Is going to change its name to Remal Rowdat Al Sayah & Sons Const. This is to inform anybody who concerns about that.

D4

T H U R S D AY, F E B R UA RY 2 5, 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 Wanted female GP, female Gynecologist, female Staff Nurse, female X- Ray Technician With MOH license for Al Saadi Specialized Medical Centre in Musanna.

Contact -91262604 Email: chillapalli76@gmail.com

ADMIN

URGENTLY REQUIRED Muscat based Modular Kitchen Company is looking for

Sales & MĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ EdžĞĐƵƟ ǀĞƐ Factory In charge >ŝŐŚƚ ĚƵƚLJ ĚƌŝǀĞƌƐ ĂƌƉĞŶƚĞƌƐ ; ůƵŵŝŶƵŵ ĐƵƩ ĞƌͿ Must have minimum 2 years experience, valid Omani D/ L and NOC

Mob: 98989162, Email: omansales2016@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED

REQUIRED PROJECT MANAGER FŽƌ ĂŶ /ŶĨƌĂͬ ůĚŐ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŝŶ Duqm/Oman 'ƌĂĚƵĂƚĞ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ 20+ years experience preferably in Oman/ GCC with valid D/L and transferable visa, computer literate.

Send CV to Email :

omanproject2011@gmail.com

Required urgently a Legal Consultant/ Lawyer for reputed law firm in Sohar, Muscat. Candidates should have 5-7 years experience as a Legal Consultant/ Lawyer with good knowledge of Computer & should be fluent in English both written & spoken.

Email C V to shejaanil66@gmail. com or Contact 99153620 between 8am to 1pm & 2pm to 5.30 pm on Sunday to Thursday

Looking for Indian or Bangladeshi cook and Porata, Chapatti, maker for restaurant at Misfah.

Contact: 95212017

DRAUGHTSMAN Required Civil Draftsman full time / part time. Contact: 99334706 MEP DRAFTMEN Required with 4 to 5 Years Oman Experience. Mail your CV @ trustllc@yahoo.com

DOMESTIC HELP Looking for a part-time cookcum-housemaid in Azaiba.

Call 92450197.

Looking for full-time Housemaid - please call 99385119.

Required Cleaners & office boys.

Contact 24707833

DRIVER Wanted driver. Contact: 91025698 Part or full time Driver Required call us 91120552 Required a driver (light driver).

Contact: 92392979

ENGINEER Civil Engineer with minimum 5/8 years experience with valid Oman driving license. Contact Interested candidates send CV to: Email: omanhari@yahoo.com Gsm: 95892831/95197615 MEP Engineer minimum Diploma 5 years experience in building construction and with driving license. Contact- Fax- 24478522 / Email – gh1.careers@gmail.com Décor Company looking for an Engineer or Technician decorated with experience. Contact: 95342240 & send CV to Email: venice.decoration@gmail.com

MANAGER/SUPERVI. Required Construction Forman Oman Driving License required, 2+ years’ Experience 93246786 Urgently wanted the following staff for reputed Aluminium Company in Ghala Sales Manager & Factory Foreman. Please contact – 96404166 / mail CV to – mansoormohd2011@gmail.com

A Female Postgraduate with over 5 years of working experience in HR/ Business Development/Banking/ Admin/Coordinative/Secretarial duties seeks a suitable placement.

Contact 99357522/92800281

Experienced Accountant seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 96902860

Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization as per IFRS, Audit Preparation, Project Report, Training for Accountants, Internal Audit, Accounting System for New Companies, Contact: 96975454, email:ibfc.gcc@gmail.com

Indian male 40 years MBA with 11 years experience in Admin & HR as HR & Admin manager with valid Oman license seeking suitable placement release/ NOC available .

Contact: 97782843 Email: vinodhpkd@yahoo.com

Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687 Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa.

Immediately available. #92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com

26/Pakistani Male/MBA-HR having 2 years of experience in HR with MN Insurance Company and banking industry is currently in OMAN on VISIT VISA & looking for a suitable job in HR, ADMIN or FINANCE. Email ahmadraja010@gmail.com GSM 91716268/93228785

Chief Accountant 25 years experienced looking for part/full time accountant job.

Contact: 95598477/98803439 Sri Lankan Male, Holder of Diploma in Management Accounting and Student of Chartered institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Have 3years accounting experience I am available at Muscat on VISIT VISA GSM: 90660764 Email:insafali92@gmail.com

Account & finance exp 7 years experience must have experience of service industry in billing department with full knowledge of accounts , valid Omani driving license. Send your CV to email address: info@albatnapp.com

CATERING

MBA Finance Indian lady 23 yrs currently on visit visa family resident Oman seeking opportunity for career enhancement in suitable firms ready to join immediately.

Contact: 99872664 /92651331

Indian male, 22 yrs B.SC graduate having computer knowledge and valid Oman driving license presently in Oman seeks suitable placements in accounting field or office. Contact: 92508069

Accountant with gulf experience in construction field preferred with Oman driving license. Interested candidates send CV to: Email: omanhari@yahoo.com Gsm: 95892831/95197615

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

GP doctor needed for reputed clinic.

Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass.

Contact 95388934

Software company is recruiting minimum 2-3 years experienced Female Tele Sales Executive.

Interested candidates are requested to send their resume toomanerpsales@gmail.com

Urgently required Midwifery female Nurse 5 years experience with 60%prometric first preference to local release or local visit please Bring complete CV. Contact: 99376848 /99648532 Wanted orthodontist and female nurses for dental clinic muscat.

PH: 93756082. email:dentmax25@gmail.com Wanted Nurse for a dental centre in capital area. Interested may contact – 93431024 or send CV to – drasyanaseem@gmail.com Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Reputed company in Muscat invites application for the following vacancies Admin Omani, good communication skill in English & Sales graduate, valid Oman driving license. Kindly send CV at Email: infooman@orchidinternational.ae Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Required Part- time Executive Secretary with Driving License, capable of self-drafting letters with financial & legal back ground.

Contact: 95634747

SALES / MARKETING Urgently required female person to work at the retail shop for immediate appointment.

Housemaid with release may apply. For enquirers please Whatsapp: 95907300 Required Salesman, Tailor and Barber. Contact: 96964767 Building material company looking for a Marketer with experience. Contact: 95342240 & send CV to Email: venice.decoration@gmail.com Required Smart, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience in building materials for Omani branded product. Omani Driving License and NOC is must. Apply with photograph to E-mail: jobdsint@gmail.com.

Wanted Marketing Personnel for Construction Company, visa available. Contact: 95286741

Experienced Graduates/MBAs with pleasing personality, excellent communication skills and own car for sales & marketing with leading media enterprise. jobs@interacoman.com Marketing Managers (girls for Arabic restaurant) with minimum 5/6 years gulf experience with valid Oman driving license.

Preferred GCC people. Interested candidates send CV to: Email: omanhari@yahoo.com Gsm: 95892831/95197615 Looking for Sales & Marketing Executive to represent one of India’s leading builder, Real Estate Experience - 2 Years Driving License (Optional) please send CV to Xpatindian.oman@gmail.com Urgently Required Steel Fabricated Products Salesman with an experience in steel fabrication, MUST have Oman driving license, and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Required male / female Marketing person for man power Supply Company with minimum 3 years experience with valid GCC / Oman driving license.

Contact: 97158893 / 94148972.

Kindly send CV at Email: rastllcmuscat@gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Required experienced Plumber with knowledge in copper, G. I pipe and U.P.V.C Drainage work & Electrician knowledge in cable tray, trunking, cable termination works. Contact: 24505708 / 92830203 Email: excelgrd123@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED

Indian male 40 yrs knows M.S Office excel & Tally 2 yrs experience in account & 2 yrs experience in marketing valid D/L seeks suitable placement in marketing.

Contact: 92409891 Email: danoman@yahoo.co.in MBA finance with total experience of 4 years in finance operations (management information system) sales / Marketing and retail currently 3 month on visit visa. Contact: +968 99739330 / +968 91966020 Email: faiz.faisal3@gmail.com M.com (finance) post graduate having 3 years experience in processing, accounting customer care with multinational companies seeking suitable placement in Oman. Contact: 92794845 Email: sowas.peer@gmail.com Egyptian Sr. Accountant / chief accountant / accounts manager with more than 10 years experience in construction have Oman valid driver license on transfer visa. Contact: 96131088 Finance Manager with 20 years of experience in EPC contractors looking for a suitable position NOC/ visa transferable.

Contact: 93245973 Chartered Accountant - Indian with 8 yrs + Exp in Finance/Accounts/Auditing in Oman & UAE. Seeking suitable position in Muscat/Dubai and available immediately for joining. NOC Available, urgent available till 29th Feb in Oman. Contact #: 98707434 Email: casmart007@gmail.com Indian Male 28, M. Com with 3 yr Oman exp in Accounts with valid D/L on visit Visa available to join immediately. GSM: 94744575.

Email:sidharth673@gmail.com Account Assistant, experienced, BBA, M.COM, logistics diploma, can work in current visa ph: 98269281 MBA in finance having 3 years experience in India looking for job as accountant. Cashier or store keeping living in Oman in visit visa. Contact: 99181193 Internal Auditor Presently in Oman & having 2 years of Gulf experience and 7+ experience in accounts & Auditing with valid GCC driving license looking for an opportunity in Oman, Qatar, UAE. Contact +968 99356707

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

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com

Young 24, ACCA affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business, seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or audit With valid driving license.

Contact - 92430152, Email - rau_dey@yahoo.com

Indian male 7 years Oman exp, Tally ERP 9, Accounting, Inventory Controller/Asset Supervisor & IT Supports seeking suitable job. NOC available. B.Com, PGDCA, location Sohar, having Oman D/L, #98317698.

Email: sukuanilkumar@gmail.com

Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization, on Monthly basis finalization and consulting works.

Contact: 96247295

Indian male, B.Com with 6 years experience as an Accountant, looking for suitable placement.

Mob: 93903458 , Email : Akkandyrijesh@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ADMIN

24 Male/Indian/MBA finance fresher /B.com seeking opportunities in corporate finance/Banking .Immediately available.

Contact: 93990638 Email: sachu0318@gmail.com

MBA male 7 Years GCC exp accounts & admin. Valid Omani driving license. Quick books n tally software.

Contact - 96763275

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

QHSSE ADVISOR - International Oilfield Services Company requires a NEBOSH qualified QHSSE Advisor (Omani National) to ensure continual improvement in our Muscat base. Main duties to include Journey Management, supporting implementation of policies and procedures, mentoring staff, training coordination, reporting, audit & inspection and risk assessment.

Submit CV to me-job@interwell.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Indian female (25) M.com Finance, 3 yrs, exp in accounts / finance seeks suitable position in corporate finance / Banking / consulting purchase coordination / Admin now in family visa. Contact: 96953705 Email: prapullasuvarna@gamil.com 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement. #90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Indian male 25 B.Com (graduate) 2 years experience as accountant in country club India with ERP oracle r12, tally knowledge. On visit visa immediately available.

Email: shabi.hyd@gmail.com Contact- 9042-1161 Indian male accountant B.com, M.com with 7 years experience including gulf on tourist visa.

Contact: 91651695 Email: danishpa2005@gmail.com Accounting Services for small/ medium Businesses. Accounting from Data Entry to preparation of P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash flow and complete reports for auditing Contact: 99679247 Part time up to finalization.

Contact: 91126314 Indian female accountant 8 years exp in Oman. Contact: 93726921 Accounts finance Indian male 35 years B.com MBA (F) 7 years experience tally ERP9 valid Oman D/L family visa.

Contact: 93257426/95230114 Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com

Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position.Contact: 90196235 Indian male MBA 33yrs having 10 yrs of exp seeking full time suitable placement in Administration/ HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics.

Holding valid D/L. Contact 99054786 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position. Contact - 99897280 8 years of intensive Oman experience in procurement & supply chain management looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97755488 15 years of working experience in Business development in Oman & UAE & UK , marketing plans and strategies & importing firewoks for festivals & preparing government tenders , Operations and logistics , importing and international business trading , CNC engineering & industrial areas , I have dual nationality (I can travel abroad easily without needing visa, for finalizing business trading NOC available.

Contact: 94123939 Egyptian woman resident in Muscat bachelor in business administration has an experience in the executive secretarial, HR and all the administration tasks very good in computer skills, looking for a job in a company.

Contact: 97221126

Sri Lankan male 5yrs experienced in Sales & Accounts, seeking suitable position with NOC & DL.Contact:93369940

Indian male 32 yrs with 9 yrs experience in MIS & Administration good knowledge of MS .Office currently on visit visa looking for suitable position.

Contact 99815835 Email: rinumohan.842@gmail.com

Indian male MBA (F) with 6 years of experience as accountant proficiency in A/C software like tally, focus, Sap (FICO) seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98665219 Email: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com

Indian Male, B.Com, MBA with 3 years GCC experience seeks Administration job in Muscat. Valid Oman & UAE D/L available. Visit visa & can join immediately. Contact: 00968 98896847 mail: tssavad@gmail.com

Indian Male Accountant 10yrs Exp. in OMAN Retail & Furniture Co. (Release Available) GSM.92564955 Jordanian, Senior accountant, 15 yrs experience in Oman finance & accountant. Contact: 92881223

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DOMESTIC HELP

Accounting Assistant, BBA M.Com, tally, peach tree, can work on current visa ph: 98269281

Looking for job as office boy.

Contact: 94640906 Email: angelchowdhury515@gamil.com

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, Email: cammk13@gmail.com

Indian House maid looking for part time full time job perfect in baby care, mother care, cooking, cleaning etc.

Contact 93675855

Indian female 25 yrs, MBA HR & Marketing, with one and half years experience as accountant and 6 months experience in teaching, now on a visit visa, seeking suitable position. Contact: 99624044, mail: np.neethu1@gmail.com.

ADMIN Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O , Clerk helper supervisor Admin supervisor , H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license looking for H.R position or P.R.O license . Looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288

Housemaid (overseas) Indian family looking for job.

Contact 99531802

DRIVER L/V driving license experience 4 years in Oman 27 years old.

Contact: 99454890 Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job.

Contact: 97690766 Bangladeshi male light vehicle driver looking for job.

Contact: 95601163 Light driver with car.

Contact: 96379697 Driver with car 2015 model, speak British English.

Contact: 94039796 Looking for job car driver.

Contact: 98388947

T H U R S DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED DRIVER Light driver for job experience K.S.A & Oman 9 years.

Contact: 94297563 Looking for job driver K.S.A 7 years & Oman 5 years education H.S.C. Contact: 93940319

AutoCAD draftsman experience 2 years. Contact: 93738335 /95809393 Email: mammoosing@gmail.com Autocad D/MAN, experienced, 2D & 3D, ARCH, Structural, Revit, Interior Dwg PH: 93837973 Interior Designer 3 years experience, AutoCAD 2D & 3D Max & Photoshop.

Contact number: 99025312

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian male, 22 Chemical Engineer residing in Oman looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92379181 Indian Male, 24, B.Tech with electrical & electronics & PG Diploma in Automation & Scada with 2 years KSEB experience is looking for a suitable position. Contact 95340253 HSE Engineer (BE Mech + Dip in Safety+ NEBOSH + OSHA), 10 yrs exp, NOC Available, seeking suitable placement: Mob: 97061817; email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com Indian male senior electrical engineer 10yrs experience in all kinds of LV, HV works residential commercial infrastructure looking for a suitable position. Contact: 93676607 Indian male Electrical Engineer, 7 years experience, valid GCC driving license, NOC available looking for suitable job. Contact: 96137008 Email: joshuaruarkfernandez@gmail. com B.SC civil Engineer, road construction field with 13 years experience in Oman. Contact: 92200485 Electrical diploma Engineer with 1.5 years experience in AutoCAD designing for LV constructions and diesel generator maintenance looking actively for job in Oman.

Contact: 92171858/90595609 Email: nelsondas213@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with QA / QC piping Engineering (ASNT) level 2 (UT, RT, MPT, LRT) with experience QC Inspector in a expansion project of a refinery. Currently on visiting working for suitable job.

Contact: 00968 97697944 Email: arskpo7@gmail.com Indian male, 36 years, BE (electrical), MBA 12 years exp (maintenance of electrical equipment, transformer, grid & sail, RSP exp in India, looking for suitable job in Oman, please Contact: 00919437648101 Mail Id: kushikkumarsahoo@rediffmail. com B.SC Civil Engineer 27 yrs Oman experience as project manager, structural Engineer looking for suitable placement NOC/ LOCAL transfer available.

Contact: 99349578 Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com BE Mechanics and robotics Engg and computers and CNC operations multilingual skills age 23 for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92552789 Email: ashwinreghu3@gmail.com BE – EEE Engineer looking for suitable job experience in plant electrical utility maintenance transformers Plc drive panel control wiring on crane A/R Compressor ETC now on visit visa.

Contact: 90628814/93872441 Sudanese civil Engineer three years experience with NOC. Contact: 96297316 Email: abdallakoty22@gmail.com Diploma in Mechanical 75% B. E mechanical 75% 5 years Sresenthil Engineer Company production planning designing.

Contact: +919003112305 Email: prabugn28@gmail.com Mechtronics Engineer, Indian male 2 yrs exp in industrial automation & maintenance, seeking suitable job. Presently on visiting visa. Contact – 97315735 / jithinm717@gmail.com

FŽƌ LJŽƵƌ WZ͕ ŐƵŝĚĞ Į ŶĂŶĐĞ Θ HR Θ ZD͕ ĂĚǀŝƐĞ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚ ŵĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ & CRM, appraise IT system for ƌĞƉŽƌƟ ŶŐ Θ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟ ŽŶ͘

YƵĂůŝĮ ĐĂƟ ŽŶƐ ͗ D ͕ WDW͕ ^ŝdž ^ŝŐŵĂ Country Exposure Canada & DŝĚĚůĞ ĂƐƚ͕ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌLJ ŶLJ EĂƟ ŽŶĂůŝƚLJ Canadian, In Person Interview on Sundays

Contact: Tel - 96500729 Ŭ͘ƉƌŽĮ ƚŽŵĂŶΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

Contact No: 97203531, +923352855176

IT

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Autocad Drafting, part time/ full time, 2D & 3D, Architectural, Structural, MEP, Shop drawing , experienced. Ph: 90189070

EXPERT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Finance / Project/ Program Manager Professional

Project Engineer (Civil) Indian Male 11 years in Building Construction.

Visa release & D/L available.

Contact: 93836362/94605415, mathan.civil04@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with 2 and half years experience Indian male 24 years in visit visa. Contact: 96620482 / + 919605423272 Email: bijumonps@gmail.com Indian male Electrical Engineer with MBA (Mktg) having 4 and half years experience in technical commercial and marketing fields with valid GCC D/L, NOC available seeking placement. Contact: + 968 96547828 Email: deva0234@gmail.com Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711 Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com Aeronautical Engineer 1 year experience aviation industry/ experience in quality assuring and technical service in air India express looking for suitable position in aviation industry / fluent in English . Contact: 9474563 /95128200 Email: fhcpaero@gmail.com B. SC Building & architectural Engineer male 26 having 2 years of experience in architectural designing & construction supervision of building projects currently on visit visa seeking suitable position in Muscat. Contact: 95626378 Email: waqasbashir65@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer (male) with 2 years experience in project & production field seeking suitable jobs now on visit visa.

Contact: 94823009/94223483 Email: jisso.joseph@outlook.com Structural Engineer, 8 yrs experienced in flat slab, post tensioned & slab-beam multi story building design & supervision with driving license. Contact: 98256860 Civil Engineer having 7 years experience in construction field, looking job in suite international company with Oman driving license. Contact: 91800277 Young Electrical and Electronics Engineer Indian B.Tech male 24 seeking job presently in Oman having one year experience in design and estimation of Ht and Lt Projects. Contact: 968 94851525 Email: rabeehbinrahman@gmail.com Electrical Engineer B.Tech with 4 years experience in India available in visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94741401/97239852 Email: sobinthomask05@gmail.com Electrical Engineer 4.5 years experience oil & gas water projects & subseries. Contact: 99525856 Mechanical Engineer 7 years experience 4 years in pipe line projects NOC is available.

Contact: 91117089 Indian male 23 years B.E in mechanical fresher and have CSWIP certification on visit visa seeking employment foe mechanical jobs as entry level. Contact 98422072 Email Id: j-joel92@yahoo.com Omani HSE supervisor. Email: jeebal3000@gmail.com Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95345591 Sudanese Civil Engineer - 4 years experience – 98093544 Mechanical quantity surveyor (India male 25 years ) having 3 years experience in India I Can do any sort of works looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 94864680 Email: m.mohamedazik@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: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com Electrical Testing Engineer (B.Tech) having 7 yrs Gulf experience expertise in testing precommissioning commissioning of electrical systems, currently on visit visa seeks suitable job in Muscat.

Contact: 90188231 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Indian male 25 yrs, B.E in Electrical & Electronics,4 and half years experience in Procurement/ Electrical purchase. Looking for suitable placement in oman. contact:vvselvambe@gmail.com, +91 9894049078.

Electronics and Communication Engineer (B.E) - Indian malelooking for full time job. Corporate experience (2 years) GSM 92916894; Email: salu.mn555@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B-Tech) 2 year Indian experience Contact 90493674 emailinayathhussainshaik@gmail.com Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Indian Electrical Engineer Btech, female 24 seeking job, presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact 968 97436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518 Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656 Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270

Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com

LOGISTICS

Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113

Indian Male, 36 years, over 16 years’ Stores, Logistics and Import Export, experience with US based MNC, seeks suitable placement.

Mob: 9822 6568

Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com MEP Engineer 5 years exp in Gulf driving license NOC. Contact 97838220 Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470 Indian male hotel management graduate above 12 yrs experience in hospitality looking placement GCC driving license and release available. Contact: 94525463

IT IT Administrator B.Tech C.C.N.A, M.C.S.A, 5 years experience looking suitable placement. Contact: 92339064 (+919633836307) B.S.C, MSC (IT) 7.4, 1 year Al Eassa Al Dayssi L.L.C in Bahrain, 4 years Asma computers system engineer, Chennai 32 age. Content: +918608247116 Email: samad3301@gmail.com IT 8 yrs + GCC experience DW/ Business intelligence Sap oracle data analyst informatica Qlik view immediately available D/L. Contact: 94504554 Email: shijasj@gmail.com Indian male 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator and 1 year experience in Amazon EC2 cloud at Wipro technologies looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com Indian male 25 years BSC (C.S) with basic hardware and software knowledge seeks suitable placement now on visit visa.

Contact: 92319677 Email: ismabsc@gmail.com Indian female, B.Tech graduate, with one and half years experience as ‘web developer’ interested in web development and has experience working in HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript and Photoshop.

Contact : 9592 7075, e-mail id: mariarosejacob90@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 5 Years exp 2 years in Oman as QS. Seeking for part time job as QS. Contact- 91507508

Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867

Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im

SAP / ABAP certified, Indian female (30 yrs), BCA, MCA, ASP.Net certified having 1.5 yrs of experience seeking placement. # 99109121 Email: ashamaryphilp@gmail.com

7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598

Indian female 28 years, MCA, B.com, 3 years experience in the field of computer hardware, ERP software and windows networking where planning, implementing and troubleshooting with multiple platform of OS Microsoft XP /7/8 on visit visa. Contact: 95089170 Email: anjuretnakar@gmail.com

Sudanese Telecom Engineer, 5 years experience, 3 years in Oman PMP certificate.

Contact: 93391008 Email: momen.awadallam@gmail.com

Male 24 from, India B.SC Computer science with 2 years of networking and IT help desk support experience and a Cisco certified, came to Oman on visit seeking a suitable placement. Contact: 96910605

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Indian female 29 yrs LLB, 6 yrs experience in Litigation Legal Counsel.

Looking for full time jobs.

Contact 96079342 Indian female, Law Degree, with 3 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact 91467937.

Email sajithapp@yahoo.com Indian male 40 yrs degree and diploma in logistics , having 16 yrs experience 6 yrs GCC , including Oman in storekeeping and material management seeking suitable placement NOC available.

Contact 98966849 A lady entrepreneur with BF Tech 1st Class (Fashion Technology) since 2006 in Kerala like to make change for better. Specialized in designing, Production Management, Fashion Art, Grading, Surface ornamentation, Garment Construction.

Email: prettyjinu08@gmail.com Mobile: +919539397097.

Bangladeshi male, University M.Com, Working as an Accountant & Administrator in Oman; searching better job. Phone: 94864966 Email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com A Filipina lady having experience in call center, airline booking and reservations, secretarial and real estate is now looking for a job in any fields. Contact: 93839304 Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement.

Gsm 98805474

MEDICAL Indian female MBA in health care service, BSN with MOH license looking for a job in hospital.

Contact: 94876041 Doctor couple MOH license holders 25 years experience required job in clinic. Contact: 92893243 1Year exp, orthodontist, looking for job, prefers Barka, ready to give exam. Contact -94369280 Indian male Orthodontist & female BDS Prometric dataflow completed looking suitable post.

Contact 90377433 Male GP Doctor with NOC 6 yrs experience in Oman for perm/locum job. Contact : 97746074 Indian Bsc Female Nurse with 6.5 years exp, 4 years in KSA. Passed Oman Pro Metric with 69%, completed data flow. Presently in Muscat in visit visa looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 94744900, 94742834, jincyalphonese@gmail.com An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact 96436517 /97396088

MANAGER MBA with 18 years of experience in Procurement, 2 years in Sohar, Oman driving license with vehicle, looking for suitable position.M:94047501, ahmed16071974@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. Contact 92385033 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments & transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact: :- 92385033 Operations & Accounts Manager Indian male , 18 years experience in Oman finance, purchase, transport, sales Admin & H.R looking for Sr. Position. Contact: 99889396 Email: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com Egyptian male finance manager 7 years experience release available. Contact: 95539923

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE A dynamic professional, female, MBA, 8 yrs MNC exp in purchase,secretary,sales coordination, office assistant, logistics, petty cash, stock, dispatch, project management, documentation, residing in oman with valid NOC from current company, looking for suitable job, ready to join immediately. Contact- phone:-94157662 Email: shiji4123@gmail.com, Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Call: 95244761

SALES / MARKETING Indian male 31 years with over 10 years sales & marketing experience seeking suitable placement NOC & Oman D/L available in addition have proficiency in Arabic language.

Contact: 95760969 Indian male (31 yrs) sales supervisor, total 9 yrs gulf exp, 4 yrs in Oman with valid GCC D/L with NOC, release & transferable visa.

Contact: 94014327 Email: praveenkotian188@gmail.com MBA / UGC, NET / Male /25 .2 years experience in channel sales / relationship management with a leading Indian telecom company schooling form Oman Now on visit visa.

Contact: 96914068 Email: mailanasap@gmail.com Indian female, MBA Marketing with 4 years experience with NOC & D/L seeks employment with visa.

Contact: 92460623 Indian male 3 years as sales representative looking for suitable placements. Contact: 94420033 Email: ssildisking@gmail.com Indian male with 27 years of rich experience in sales/ marketing in Oman with driving license and proficiency in Arabic language, seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 96725458 Email: ranisadhu@yahoo.com Indian male experience six years Oman sales & merchandise and marketing qualification ply two.

Contact: 98656301 Email: shafeckmk.mk3@gmail.com Indian male 35 yrs MBA having 11 yrs experience in G.C.C including Oman in sales and marketing of industrial products, heavy EQPT, & construction machinery. Having valid Oman driving license NOC available.

Contact: 97296248 /91483978

D6

T H U R S D AY, F E B R UA RY 2 5, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SALES / MARKETING Indian Male 28 MBA Marketing with 4 years of experience in sales with good communication skills now available in Muscat on visit visa.

GSM 95840153 Mail akbarshareef786@gmail.com.

Indian male MBA marketing 3 yrs exp with D/L available.

Contact: 98904200 Email: haris.hameedali@gmail.com Indian Male 34 yrs, having 5 yrs FMCG experience as sales executive and sales supervisor with valid GCC driving License Contact- 92536979 Male 38 yrs Graduate 07 years experience indoor / outdoor electronic field with D/License & NOC available (as per new rule).

Contact: 92453375 Sri Lankan lady experienced in key accounts, Market Demand planning & Communications, Brand/Sales in multinationals seeks placement in Muscat.

Contact 98250829 Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com B.Com male 2 yrs experience in sales Computer knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98371144 email: nabilnazar22@gmail.com Indian male, Graduate, experienced Sales person (FMCG) with valid UAE driving license, on visit seeks suitable position. Contact 92419491 / 94881950, Email : pranilpp76@gmail.com

Indian sales marketing professional highly experienced in business development in ME India and Africa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97897611 Sales Engineer (M.Eng) Canada five + years Oman market experience with leading brands with D/L. Contact: 93985140 Email: jbom628@gmail.com MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement. Contact : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com Sudanese B.S.C Business administration experience 8 years sales management purchases H.R marketing. Contact: 96112453 Indian male with Oman driving license & NOC looking for Sales & marketing / purchase job fluent English. Contact: 94742666

MISCELLANEOUS Male Locum Pharmacist with MOH & Driving License. Available on request from March to April 2016; Contact #: +968 9188 5485/+968 9943 8058.

Indian Female, 35years, Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) with 6months experience and BSc & MA seeking position as Insurance Coordinator or suitable positions in pharmacy, pharmacy stores, hospital, polyclinic & pharmaceutical companies or in front office/administration office preferably in hospital. Please contact on 90236481.

MISCELLANEOUS 18 years experienced in Shipping, ShipChandling& Marine services.

Valied GCC D/L. Languages Known as English, Arabic, Hindi & Malayalam.Now in Visit Visa.

GSM : 9053 5565 Indian male 28 years exp as sales executive & asst accountant. With valid Oman driving license .languages known Hindi and English.

Looking for any good job#96175176 IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/server support/Indoor sales, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/ Server support/Retail sales.

Contact 92607532.

Iraqi Civil Engineer with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C.) is available. Contact No. 96561306 iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Indian Female, 24 MA Eng. Litr with 2 yrs experience in teaching & 14 months in Administration cum Secretary, Currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92613704/99260702 Email:rohinis2010@gmail.com Indian male AUTO CAD Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience, seeking for part time job.#- 99070584 / email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 years, with 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in Dubai, looking for suitable placement. Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494/ manojmallya999@gmail.com

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

AVAILABLE

WANTED

NRI

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

Required Sub –Contractors, we have projects. Contact - 92926630

Kovai properties by shakthe builders premium villas at vellalore, 39 lakhs onwards. Luxury villas at Pattanam, 60 lakhs onwards garden villas surrounded by natural beauty at pollachi Contact: - CBE Shakthe Builders LLP Mariappan +91 9363216709 rajesh +91 9447783839 email - cbesbllb@gmail.com

BUYING Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Buying cars for cash.Contact: 90202090

SIT.WANTED

Local man power required for one year for construction.

Contact 99340205 IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area.

Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up.

Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

ACC.WANTED Accommodation required with food for 1 month, bachelor for March month. Preferably Al Ghobrah area. Contact: 99335742

GOOD NEWS

Female Interior Designer 15 months experience design and management skills ( 3D Max, AutoCAD , Photoshop, Illustrator, Coral Draw (Basic) and Sketch up (Basic) and well versed with M.S Office).

Email: - sasd_shirur@yahoo.com, 24789883

Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320

Mechanical Engineer (Indian Male, 24 Years) with three years experience, looking for suitable job. Currently on visit visa, ready to join immediately. # 92175441, Email: ihabeeb24@gmail.com

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

Male Indian 27, working as finance Officer having three years Oman experience with Driving license looking for Finance/Audit/ Accounts position. Mob:98097009, rameesnm@gmail.com Indian male with three years of experience in IT as system administrator seeking for IT administration job placements. Presently in Muscat on visit visa. #90664136

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at AL Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131

New 3 BHK villas in Coimbatore Tamil Nadu for immediate sale.

Contact: 95264562 Various small / medium sized business units for sale in Kerala serious buyers. Contact: 9447739495/9037780820 Email: sunilpg72@gmail.com Flat for sale Kerala Thiruvananthapuram 3 bed room Flat in cyber Palm (SFS) Area 1860sqf Flat in cyber gate way, Area 1159.

Cont no +91 99-95-674657, 00968 92967614.

MATRIMONIAL Hindu Boy -30 Yrs MBA Finance Graduate working in Muscat seeking alliance of Hindu girl only.

Contact: 98278401 Kerala Kottayam RC male 28 years Civil Engineer is seeking alliance from suitable family, preference for BDS, Eng & bank employees.

Contact – 95035953 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact: 96059801.

55 years widower looking life partner Mangalore widows only.

Contact: 99014325

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ Marble polishing monthly/ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

SERVICES tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ General cleaning etc. ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020 LEGAL SERVICE Ŷ /ŶĚŝĂŶ ůĂǁLJĞƌ WƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ăůů ůĞŐĂů ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ŝŶ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŵĂƩ ĞƌƐ͘ LĂďŽƵƌ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ͕ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ ĂŐƌĞĞŵĞŶƚƐ͕ >> ĨŽƌŵĂƟ ŽŶ͕ ůĞŐĂů ŚĞůƉ ĨŽƌ ƐƚĂƌƟ ŶŐ new business in Oman, Civil, criminal cases,.service issues.

Ibrahim Al Massalhi.legal consultancy Sarafudheen, >> ͕ D , LĞŐĂů dvisor Muscat. GSM: 97351649

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 All maintenance works such as plumbing painting masonry interlock fixing etc. Contact: 91278819 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

DĂƌďůĞ Ɵ ůĞƐ ŐƌŝŶĚŝŶŐ Θ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ͕ DŽƐĂŝĐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ŐƌŝŶĚŝŶŐ Θ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ͕ ĐĂƌƉĞƚ ƐŚĂŵƉŽŽŝŶŐ͕ ƐŽĨĂ ƐŚĂŵƉŽŽŝŶŐ͕ ƉĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ Θ ŐĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽĨ ǀŝůůĂ Θ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ džƉƌĞƐƐ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͘

FURNITURE SHIFTING Maintenance, Dismantling, Packing, Shifting & Fixing furniture with expert technicians.

Contact: 99041337 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Marble Crystallization & Grinding, Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact: 99344723 A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. # 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Contact 98480070 / 94134784

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

House shifting. Contact: 99708138 Pest Control Treatments Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact 99344723 Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact 99344723 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064 Split A/C servicing R.O 10 only.

Contact: 94217681 / 99210141 Building maintenance.

Contact: 96173326

MV SALE MD Musa Hajee Ruhu lamin has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. B 0857506. Finder please handover to ROP Original Qualifying examination certificate of main of all India secondary examination of the years 2007, roll no 623610 issued by the CBSE has teen lost name of the candidate shaimoon haque.

Contact: +968 93952538

T H U R S DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED ED

DRIVING

RENT A CAR

ONE STOP SHOP BUSINESS SERVICES Public relation services (PRO), Formation new companies, LLC companies, investor visa, business setup, prepare business & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company.

Contact Saleh: 96723485

TRANSPORTATION Ruwi, Muttrah, Al Khuwair, Muscat, Qurum, seek transportation. Contact: 91132238 Transportation. Contact 99508282 /93113534

MANPOWER

Transportation.

Contact 99508282

MV SALE 2008 Nissan Mini Bus. Contact: 91203039

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Cars for Sale - Mercedes c230 2006 R.O 3600/- Geely Gx2 2015 AT 12400 km R.O 2300/Contact: 97312774 2008 2ltr VW Passat, good condition, 115k km, 99659946, RO 2800

From Mabela to Mawaleh for school student.

Contact: 92757673 Transportation in Muscat.

Contact: 96004045 Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation.

Contact: 99078967

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

D8

T H U R S D AY, F E B R UA RY 2 5, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiямБeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS

T H U R S D AY, F E B R UA R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

INSIDE

2

Financial institutions feel cautiously optimistic about growth in auto loans

Hassle-free auto finance makes the bargain easy Financing is becoming increasingly available to car buyers in Oman, but customers must learn how to find the best terms, as well as to be careful with their increased personal debt

A E JAMES businesseditor@timesofoman.com

B

4

Time for rethinking personal insurance with OQIC Insured

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

uying a car in Oman with financing from a bank or leasing company is easy, as long as a customer has a permanent job or is a selfemployed businessman.

Flexible down payments, attractive interest rates, quick and hasslefree financing and relationships with auto dealers are making it increasingly convenient for those who look to purchase their dream car.

Now, conventional banks, Islamic banks and leasing and hire purchase companies are all in the fray to earn a higher share of this market by providing attractive offers.

HIGHLIGHTS • Increasingly available loans allow customers to purchase their dream car • Customers must not allow an auto loan to reduce the funds they save for emergencies or life goals • Trading in a vehicle might cover the down payment on a new vehicle • Banks generally offer loans of up to 7 years, while finance companies can offer 8-year loans • Average interest rates at banks vary from 3.5 to 4.5 per cent

For today, auto financing is available for new vehicles, used vehicles and refinancing of privately owned vehicles.

However, a customer has to carefully look into the many options when selecting the right vehicle loan, which includes weighing interest rates, hidden charges and whether the financial institution follows interest calculations using reducing balance methods. Also, before a customer makes a final decision on an auto loan, financial institutions need to again review the customer’s financial situation to make sure he has enough income to cover his monthly living expenses.

Further, the total equated monthly installment payment will depend on several factors, largely the price of the vehicle and the tenor of the loan.

Additionally, the increased debt load should not result in reducing the funds the customer has committed to saving for emergencies and other priorities or life goals.

Saving for a down payment or trading in a vehicle can reduce the amount customers need to finance and reduce financing costs. In some cases, the value of the trade-in vehicle will cover the down payment on a new vehicle.

Also, while banks ask for a 20 per cent down payment from auto loan customers, finance companies have the flexibility to offer more loans by reducing down payment portions.

In other words, for banks there are fewer options, while leasing firms have slightly more flexibility.

Banks generally offer loans of up

to 7 years, while finance companies can offer 8-year loans. Average interest rates at banks, using a diminishing balance method, vary from 3.5 to 4.5 per cent, which is attractive, compared to other countries.

While banks cannot finance more than 50 per cent of the debt burden of customers, which was introduced by the Central Bank of Oman a number of years ago, finance companies do not have to follow this stipulation.

Financial institutions generally ask customers seeking a loan for a copy of their national identity card, resident card or passport, a salary transfer letter, declaration of other liabilities, proof of address and quotation of the purchase price of the car beforeapproving a loan.

Islamic banks and window oper-

ations of conventional banks offer financing on the basis of Murabaha, which is a form of Sharia-compliant financing based upon the sale of the auto. Islamic institutions, instead of issuing a loan to a customer, purchase the car as per the customers’ request, and sell it to them at a cost plus an agreed profit.

In other words, the Islamic institution buys the car according to the customer’s specification and sells the same to the customer against deferred repayments by concluding a Murabaha sale contract. Here, the agreement is for the car and not money against money. Of late, Islamic auto financing has been increasingly becoming popular as Islamic banks have strengthened their operations across the country.

2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

Tips on how to keep your car in perfect shape

TIMES OF OMAN

3

Financial institutions feel cautiously optimistic about growth in auto loans

W

hen you are living in the Gulf, away from your family, your car is your best companion. While it keeps you mobile and takes you places, you must also keep it nice and clean, up and running with a bit of love and care.

Since you made a big investment in buying your favourite car, you can, and should, do a little more by keeping it in a good shape so you can get as many miles out of it as you possibly can.

We will help you with some important maintenance tips so you can prolong your companionship with your car.

Time for rethinking personal insurance with OQIC Insured

Know your car Knowing your car is important to enjoy the fun it offers on or off the road. Take the car manual out of the glove compartment once in a while and go through the details it offers, specially the information related to the maintenance in order the keep the car in good shape.

Basic maintenance is easy Take good care of your car‘s engine by regularly changing its oil and filter. Doing so every 5000 kilometres will help you keep the engine clean, free from the dirt and grime, and function at its optimum level. You must flush the radiator every two year to remove all the dirt and rust particles. This will increase the life of radiator as well as the engine. Like human body, cars run on fluids too, and they need them in plenty. Use the coolant or whatever is needed to keep your car cool in peak summer months. Effective air-conditioning is an absolute must in these countries. Cleaning the car‘s air filters regularly will also increase its fuel mileage. Check the brake pads.

Replace them if they get worn down and thin. Not only does this improve the car’s safety, it also prevents damage to the rotors, which are costly to replace.

Keep an eye on tyres Knowing how well your car‘s tyres are performing is vital to your vehicle running at its best. Rotate the tyres according to your car‘s maunal and keep them properly inflated. Underinflation will reduce the tyres‘ life considerably, adding to the cost of maintenance.

HIGHLIGHTS

Look for shaded parking Sunlight in the Gulf countries is very bright and strong. Park your car in a shade or under a tree to protect it from the extended UV light, which can damage your car‘s paint faster than you can imagine and cause the dashboard to crack or cause further damage to the car‘s interior. Using a sunshield over the windscreen will help a great deal if you don‘t have access to a shaded parking. This will also helping in preventing the car interior from overheating in summer months.

Even as the slump in oil prices hurts the

Eye on economy Do not push the pedal to the floor for unnecessary acceleration.

This will not only save money but cause less stress on the engine.

With the petrol prices in Oman now higher than last year, you will have to pay for any indifference behind the wheels.

in demand, especially for auto loans, which

economy in general, the Omani government has taken certain steps to restore industry confidence, allowing financial institutions to feel cautiously optimistic about growth

has remained steady as Islamic banks also enter the market and raise their share in

— Times News Service

auto financing

A E JAMES businesseditor@timesofoman.com

F

inancial institutions in the country are being cautiously optimistic about the demand for auto loans since the government is taking several steps to restore confidence in the midst of plunging oil prices.

Although there has been a marked fall in demand for vehicles last year, the measures taken by the government to maintain expenditure are being considered a positive step in the right direction to prop up demand for vehicles.

“We are being cautiously opti-

mistic as the government is taking a number of steps to restore confidence in the midst of declining oil prices,” said Bikram S Rishi, chief executive officer (CEO) of Muscat Finance.

However, Robert Pancras, CEO of the National Finance Company, said: “In a year when the economy is not looking that strong, customers are trying to conserve spending and preferring to defer expenditure, which is normal. We expect the car sales to come down to some extent, which will result in a lower demand for auto finance.”

Rishi said the high-end car market should do better than the mid and small-size segment and “we expect the used car segment to grow.”

• Government measures expected to bolster demand for vehicles • High-end, used car market expected to grow • Islamic banks also raising share in auto finance • Non-banking financiers hold combined market share of 70 per cent in auto finance • Banks, finance companies simplifying procedures to attract more customers

The size of the auto finance market is estimated to be anywhere between OMR750 million and OMR800 million per annum. This is based on the fact that the number of new private car registrations was 111,406 in 2014 and this number was reduced to 64,699 by November 2015, according to the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

In fact, auto finance comes under personal or consumer finance, which is about 35 per cent of the total lending done in Oman.

The country’s commercial banks have achieved a robust 8.39 per cent growth in total credit to OMR18.32 billion for 2015, up from OMR16.90 billion in the previous year. A sizable portion of this credit was disbursed to customers for purchasing cars.

Although demand for auto finance is expected to slow down this year, the auto finance market has seen consistent growth in the last five to six years, especially during the period of the oil boom and resultant robust economic growth.

“Islamic banks are definitely increasing their share in auto finance and this will increase going forward,” noted Rishi.

“Over the past five years or so, the share of banks in auto finance has grown steadily, mainly due to the growing preference of the salaried people. However, commercial vehicles (for small and medium enterprises) are mostly financed by non-banking finance companies,” added Pancras.

Pancras also said the conventional and Islamic banks are taking a share of auto finance.

Rishi noted that it is estimated that non-banking finance companies have a combined market share of 70 per cent in the auto finance business in the Sultanate.

The banking regulator stipulated that 20 per cent of the total cost of a vehicle has to be brought in by the customer as down payment, which is considered as a good measure for checking default cases.

“High down payment means that the borrower has a higher stake in the vehicle, which will result in a lesser propensity to default, compared with someone who has a smaller stake,” noted Pancras.

In an apparent move to attract customers, banks and finance companies have simplified the

procedures for providing finance to customers. “It is very easy to get finance from NBFCs and if all documents are complete, we can give approval within 30 minutes to one hour,” said Rishi.

Likewise, Bank Muscat’s Sayyarati auto finance, which is available at low interest rates, starting from 4 per cent, is an opportunity for customers to buy the latest 2016 models. Sayyarati financing is available for up to 8 years for new and used vehicles, along with a lowest monthly payment option, on-thespot approvals and motor insurance with low premiums.

Customers are also not required to furnish post-dated cheques, making Sayyarati the easy, convenient and completely hassle-free way to own a new car.

Payment instalments are automatically debited from a customer’s account on a monthly basis.

Due to strong partnership with leading auto dealers, Sayyarati significantly enhances the value proposition offered to customers, including motor insurance at low premium through the bancassurance channel of Bank Muscat.

The off-road cover extends the comprehensive coverage to the non-paved roads of the Sultanate of Oman.

“With the Roadside Assistance cover we’ll make sure that help is on its way if you run out of gas, have a flat tire, lock yourself out from the car or need the car to be transported to the workshop (even if it’s not due to an accident).”

You can also extend your insurance to cover when you’re traveling to the UAE with our geographical extension cover When repairing your car after an accident, OQIC Insured will always make sure it is being repaired in a capable and competent workshop – during the car’s first registration year this will be done in the workshop of the car brand “After first year, we might choose to have the car repaired in another workshop with a similar quality of the workshop of the car brand and if you want to make sure we’ll always chose you car brand’s workshop, the additional cover agency repair will secure this. As per Omani law, owners of cars that are more than one year old have to pay a certain amount of the new spare parts used for the repair – however, if you have the optional cover agency repair we offer you a chance to waive this with our no depreciation of spare parts cover,” he added.

“If you wish to provide even more security for you and the passengers in case of a bad accident, our personal accident cover will increase the amount that we pay you or your passengers if you’re so unlucky to become permanently disabled – or die. So even if the TPL seems like the obvious choice when considering what insurance type to choose, it’s worth reconsid-

ering as you might end up paying a lot of money repairing your car (or even worse, yourself ) after an accident,” he said.

You can check the prices and see the difference in TPL and Comprehensive insurance for your car on qic-insured.com – you’ll get to know right away – and you can of course buy the insurance online and immediately too “The comprehensive insurance is priced after several factors, including your age and the kind of car you’re driving. You might find different prices for different car makes and models and this is because we want to be able to give you an as low and as fair price as possible. Different cars (and drivers) have different risk profiles and we are taking these profiles into consideration when providing you the final price for your comprehensive car insurance,” he explained.

“Doing so enables us to provide you with very low insurance prices for more standard car makes and models where exotic cars will be priced higher. The higher price for exotic cars and sport cars are based on several factors; these are typically much more expensive to repair and the risk for more extensive – and hence more expensive – damage is greater for sport cars as they tend to be driven at higher speeds with more severe accidents following.”

At OQIC, he said, we believe in ‘stick and carrot’ for improving road safety.

“It’s no secret that safer roads would lead to fewer accidents with fewer claims and personal injuries as a result; safer roads are great for the Sultanate of Oman, great for the citizens and for the communities as a whole.

Nissan Sentra customers get chance to watch ‘2016 ICC World Twenty20’ live

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

The sensational Sentra The Sentra boasts of top of the range options that focuses on class-above design standards inside and out. Loaded with full options, the Sentra 1.6 & 1.8 SV is an edge over competitors in its segment making it an enticing option for patrons. Apart from Nissan Sentra 1.6 and 1.8L engine options, the Sentra 1.6 SV has an engine capacity of 113hp, Dimensions (LxWxH) – 4615 x 1760 x 1495mm and Xtronic CVT Transmission.

Offer highlights The first five lucky winners of the raffle draw scheduled to be held on March 20 will win match tickets, travel vouchers for two to watch the World Twenty20 finals. Alternatively the next four winners selected from the draw will also win match tickets, travel vouchers for two to watch one of the World Twenty20 semi-finals held in India.

watch their respective Twenty20 match. The travel vouchers can be redeemed at BCD travel office only.

The travel vouchers can be used for booking the economy return flight tickets, one night hotel stay, visa, food and logistics expenses only Each winner gets a chance to take along a friend who too will receive match tickets and travel vouchers.

The travel vouchers can be used for booking the economy return flight tickets, one night hotel stay, visa, food and logistics expenses only and can be used for the trip to

Bigger cashback and more benefits Customers can now enjoy cashback of OMR1,000 with the Nissan Sentra. Nissan also assures Sentra customers free registration, six years’ unlimited mileage extended warranty, easy financing options, a loan term up to eight years with attractive interest rates and periodic maintenance service only up to two years/20,000km whichever is earlier (offer includes only on the new service intervals of 10,000km). The offer is applicable on private registrations or personal vehicles only.

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

YOUR BIGGEST ROAD HAZARD IS IN YOUR HAND A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

Tips on how to keep your car in perfect shape

TIMES OF OMAN

3

Financial institutions feel cautiously optimistic about growth in auto loans

W

hen you are living in the Gulf, away from your family, your car is your best companion. While it keeps you mobile and takes you places, you must also keep it nice and clean, up and running with a bit of love and care.

Since you made a big investment in buying your favourite car, you can, and should, do a little more by keeping it in a good shape so you can get as many miles out of it as you possibly can.

We will help you with some important maintenance tips so you can prolong your companionship with your car.

Time for rethinking personal insurance with OQIC Insured

Know your car Knowing your car is important to enjoy the fun it offers on or off the road. Take the car manual out of the glove compartment once in a while and go through the details it offers, specially the information related to the maintenance in order the keep the car in good shape.

Basic maintenance is easy Take good care of your car‘s engine by regularly changing its oil and filter. Doing so every 5000 kilometres will help you keep the engine clean, free from the dirt and grime, and function at its optimum level. You must flush the radiator every two year to remove all the dirt and rust particles. This will increase the life of radiator as well as the engine. Like human body, cars run on fluids too, and they need them in plenty. Use the coolant or whatever is needed to keep your car cool in peak summer months. Effective air-conditioning is an absolute must in these countries. Cleaning the car‘s air filters regularly will also increase its fuel mileage. Check the brake pads.

Replace them if they get worn down and thin. Not only does this improve the car’s safety, it also prevents damage to the rotors, which are costly to replace.

Keep an eye on tyres Knowing how well your car‘s tyres are performing is vital to your vehicle running at its best. Rotate the tyres according to your car‘s maunal and keep them properly inflated. Underinflation will reduce the tyres‘ life considerably, adding to the cost of maintenance.

HIGHLIGHTS

Look for shaded parking Sunlight in the Gulf countries is very bright and strong. Park your car in a shade or under a tree to protect it from the extended UV light, which can damage your car‘s paint faster than you can imagine and cause the dashboard to crack or cause further damage to the car‘s interior. Using a sunshield over the windscreen will help a great deal if you don‘t have access to a shaded parking. This will also helping in preventing the car interior from overheating in summer months.

Even as the slump in oil prices hurts the

Eye on economy Do not push the pedal to the floor for unnecessary acceleration.

This will not only save money but cause less stress on the engine.

With the petrol prices in Oman now higher than last year, you will have to pay for any indifference behind the wheels.

in demand, especially for auto loans, which

economy in general, the Omani government has taken certain steps to restore industry confidence, allowing financial institutions to feel cautiously optimistic about growth

has remained steady as Islamic banks also enter the market and raise their share in

— Times News Service

auto financing

A E JAMES businesseditor@timesofoman.com

F

inancial institutions in the country are being cautiously optimistic about the demand for auto loans since the government is taking several steps to restore confidence in the midst of plunging oil prices.

Although there has been a marked fall in demand for vehicles last year, the measures taken by the government to maintain expenditure are being considered a positive step in the right direction to prop up demand for vehicles.

“We are being cautiously opti-

mistic as the government is taking a number of steps to restore confidence in the midst of declining oil prices,” said Bikram S Rishi, chief executive officer (CEO) of Muscat Finance.

However, Robert Pancras, CEO of the National Finance Company, said: “In a year when the economy is not looking that strong, customers are trying to conserve spending and preferring to defer expenditure, which is normal. We expect the car sales to come down to some extent, which will result in a lower demand for auto finance.”

Rishi said the high-end car market should do better than the mid and small-size segment and “we expect the used car segment to grow.”

• Government measures expected to bolster demand for vehicles • High-end, used car market expected to grow • Islamic banks also raising share in auto finance • Non-banking financiers hold combined market share of 70 per cent in auto finance • Banks, finance companies simplifying procedures to attract more customers

The size of the auto finance market is estimated to be anywhere between OMR750 million and OMR800 million per annum. This is based on the fact that the number of new private car registrations was 111,406 in 2014 and this number was reduced to 64,699 by November 2015, according to the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

In fact, auto finance comes under personal or consumer finance, which is about 35 per cent of the total lending done in Oman.

The country’s commercial banks have achieved a robust 8.39 per cent growth in total credit to OMR18.32 billion for 2015, up from OMR16.90 billion in the previous year. A sizable portion of this credit was disbursed to customers for purchasing cars.

Although demand for auto finance is expected to slow down this year, the auto finance market has seen consistent growth in the last five to six years, especially during the period of the oil boom and resultant robust economic growth.

“Islamic banks are definitely increasing their share in auto finance and this will increase going forward,” noted Rishi.

“Over the past five years or so, the share of banks in auto finance has grown steadily, mainly due to the growing preference of the salaried people. However, commercial vehicles (for small and medium enterprises) are mostly financed by non-banking finance companies,” added Pancras.

Pancras also said the conventional and Islamic banks are taking a share of auto finance.

Rishi noted that it is estimated that non-banking finance companies have a combined market share of 70 per cent in the auto finance business in the Sultanate.

The banking regulator stipulated that 20 per cent of the total cost of a vehicle has to be brought in by the customer as down payment, which is considered as a good measure for checking default cases.

“High down payment means that the borrower has a higher stake in the vehicle, which will result in a lesser propensity to default, compared with someone who has a smaller stake,” noted Pancras.

In an apparent move to attract customers, banks and finance companies have simplified the

procedures for providing finance to customers. “It is very easy to get finance from NBFCs and if all documents are complete, we can give approval within 30 minutes to one hour,” said Rishi.

Likewise, Bank Muscat’s Sayyarati auto finance, which is available at low interest rates, starting from 4 per cent, is an opportunity for customers to buy the latest 2016 models. Sayyarati financing is available for up to 8 years for new and used vehicles, along with a lowest monthly payment option, on-thespot approvals and motor insurance with low premiums.

Customers are also not required to furnish post-dated cheques, making Sayyarati the easy, convenient and completely hassle-free way to own a new car.

Payment instalments are automatically debited from a customer’s account on a monthly basis.

Due to strong partnership with leading auto dealers, Sayyarati significantly enhances the value proposition offered to customers, including motor insurance at low premium through the bancassurance channel of Bank Muscat.

The off-road cover extends the comprehensive coverage to the non-paved roads of the Sultanate of Oman.

“With the Roadside Assistance cover we’ll make sure that help is on its way if you run out of gas, have a flat tire, lock yourself out from the car or need the car to be transported to the workshop (even if it’s not due to an accident).”

You can also extend your insurance to cover when you’re traveling to the UAE with our geographical extension cover When repairing your car after an accident, OQIC Insured will always make sure it is being repaired in a capable and competent workshop – during the car’s first registration year this will be done in the workshop of the car brand “After first year, we might choose to have the car repaired in another workshop with a similar quality of the workshop of the car brand and if you want to make sure we’ll always chose you car brand’s workshop, the additional cover agency repair will secure this. As per Omani law, owners of cars that are more than one year old have to pay a certain amount of the new spare parts used for the repair – however, if you have the optional cover agency repair we offer you a chance to waive this with our no depreciation of spare parts cover,” he added.

“If you wish to provide even more security for you and the passengers in case of a bad accident, our personal accident cover will increase the amount that we pay you or your passengers if you’re so unlucky to become permanently disabled – or die. So even if the TPL seems like the obvious choice when considering what insurance type to choose, it’s worth reconsid-

ering as you might end up paying a lot of money repairing your car (or even worse, yourself ) after an accident,” he said.

You can check the prices and see the difference in TPL and Comprehensive insurance for your car on qic-insured.com – you’ll get to know right away – and you can of course buy the insurance online and immediately too “The comprehensive insurance is priced after several factors, including your age and the kind of car you’re driving. You might find different prices for different car makes and models and this is because we want to be able to give you an as low and as fair price as possible. Different cars (and drivers) have different risk profiles and we are taking these profiles into consideration when providing you the final price for your comprehensive car insurance,” he explained.

“Doing so enables us to provide you with very low insurance prices for more standard car makes and models where exotic cars will be priced higher. The higher price for exotic cars and sport cars are based on several factors; these are typically much more expensive to repair and the risk for more extensive – and hence more expensive – damage is greater for sport cars as they tend to be driven at higher speeds with more severe accidents following.”

At OQIC, he said, we believe in ‘stick and carrot’ for improving road safety.

“It’s no secret that safer roads would lead to fewer accidents with fewer claims and personal injuries as a result; safer roads are great for the Sultanate of Oman, great for the citizens and for the communities as a whole.

Nissan Sentra customers get chance to watch ‘2016 ICC World Twenty20’ live

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

The sensational Sentra The Sentra boasts of top of the range options that focuses on class-above design standards inside and out. Loaded with full options, the Sentra 1.6 & 1.8 SV is an edge over competitors in its segment making it an enticing option for patrons. Apart from Nissan Sentra 1.6 and 1.8L engine options, the Sentra 1.6 SV has an engine capacity of 113hp, Dimensions (LxWxH) – 4615 x 1760 x 1495mm and Xtronic CVT Transmission.

Offer highlights The first five lucky winners of the raffle draw scheduled to be held on March 20 will win match tickets, travel vouchers for two to watch the World Twenty20 finals. Alternatively the next four winners selected from the draw will also win match tickets, travel vouchers for two to watch one of the World Twenty20 semi-finals held in India.

watch their respective Twenty20 match. The travel vouchers can be redeemed at BCD travel office only.

The travel vouchers can be used for booking the economy return flight tickets, one night hotel stay, visa, food and logistics expenses only Each winner gets a chance to take along a friend who too will receive match tickets and travel vouchers.

The travel vouchers can be used for booking the economy return flight tickets, one night hotel stay, visa, food and logistics expenses only and can be used for the trip to

Bigger cashback and more benefits Customers can now enjoy cashback of OMR1,000 with the Nissan Sentra. Nissan also assures Sentra customers free registration, six years’ unlimited mileage extended warranty, easy financing options, a loan term up to eight years with attractive interest rates and periodic maintenance service only up to two years/20,000km whichever is earlier (offer includes only on the new service intervals of 10,000km). The offer is applicable on private registrations or personal vehicles only.

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

YOUR BIGGEST ROAD HAZARD IS IN YOUR HAND A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

Time for rethinking personal insurance with OQIC Insured

O

man Qatar Insurance Company (OQIC Insured) recently launched a new way of buying and managing personal insurances with specific focus on car, travel and home insurance. The company launched this innovation under its new brand OQIC Insured that is chosen to underline that with OQIC Insured, that’s exactly what you are. Insured.

“You’re now able to buy and renew your personal car insurance online without the need to visit a branch for car inspection – all can be done conveniently online and when you have time for it. No need to navigate the traffic, look for parking and wait in line; with OQIC Insured it’s always your turn,” said a company official.

Even if you’re planning to switch your current car insurance from another insurer to us, this is very easy too.

“All you have to do is to enter your car information and your personal information on our portal (qic-insured.com), upload a series of pictures of your car (if your current insurance is no longer valid and this can be easily done with your smartphone) and then you’re ready to enjoy the benefits and services of being OQIC Insured,“ he explaained.

Third Party or Comprehensive car insurance?

Granted, there can be a considerable price difference between what’s called the Third Party Liability (TPL) insurance and the Comprehensive – of “Full” – insurance (also called “OD” for “Own Damage”) and before jumping to conclusion and choosing what is cheapest, it’s worth a second thought for your financial – and personal – safety.

Third Party covers others…

In case of an accident, the TPL insurance will cover the damage that you cause to others’ possessions (cars, buildings, etc.) as well as

bodily injuries you case following the accident.

The TPL insurance will – however – not cover any damage that you cause to your car or your possessions in the car, not even the cover the costs associated with any hospital treatment you might need following the accident If other passengers in your car are hurt due to the accident, the TPL insurance will cover their medical costs to a limited extent Comprehensive insurance covers you and your possessions too.

The Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, will also cover damage done to your car and your possessions following the accident, even if the accident is your fault or the accident only involves you (e.g. reversing into a fence) This type of insurance even covers damage done to your car when you’re away from it (parking dents, etc.)

With the Comprehensive insurance, your car is also covered from damage caused by as various calamities as fire, flood, self-ignition, lightning, storms and cyclones.

You’re furthermore covered by theft, burglary and what’s called malicious acts of others (vandalism) To further add to the security of not having a significant financial loss due to an accident, it’s possible to extent the Comprehensive insurance with several other additional covers: Continue to Page 3 >

TIMES OF OMAN

Nissan Sentra customers get chance to watch ‘2016 ICC World Twenty20’ live

A

s preparations for ‘2016 ICC Cricket World Twenty20’ are in full swing and the countdown to a much awaited tournament begins, Nissan, the official global partner for ‘World Twenty20 2016’ recently announced an interesting line-up of initiatives for cricket fans across the country to celebrate the thrill and action of cricket. As part of the celebration campaign; Nissan will embark on an exciting consumer engagement initiative till March 15, 2016.

As a dynamic automotive brand, Nissan is known to associate globally with diverse sport activities. Here

in Oman, Nissan’s ongoing campaign showcases exclusive benefits on the 2016 Sentra along with an exciting raffle draw. Nine lucky winners will get a chance to win an allexpense paid trip to watch the World Twenty20 semi-finals or final.

Speaking on the campaign, a senior SBA spokesperson said: “We are extremely proud to be the official global partners of this year’s ‘ICC Cricket World Twenty20’. At Nissan we understand the passion of the Asian audience for cricket and want to keep the excitement around the Nissan brand alive by engaging with our customers at every point. In our ongoing cam-

The first five lucky winners of the raffle draw scheduled to be held on March 20 will win match tickets, travel vouchers for two to watch the World Twenty20 finals

paign, all that customers have to do is purchase the 2016 Sentra. Not only will they receive unlimited benefits but also chances to watch a Twenty20 semi-final or final match live in India. It doesn’t stop there; each winner gets to take along a friend who will also receive an allexpense paid trip from our end.”

Explaining further he added: “Nissan has always taken the lead in celebrating new and emerging customer engagement platforms. From cricket to movies to music, the brand has successfully created memorable campaigns and experiences for customers across the region.”

Continue to Page 3 >