Times of Oman - September 26, 2016

MONDAY

September 26, 2016 24 Dhul Hijja 1437 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the 3rd National Day, 1973

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Your strong determination and genuine drive for the advancement of your country is the incentive of our blessed march.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 178 | 36 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Three arrested for stabbing incidents

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Three suspects who allegedly stabbed their victims in three separate cases have been arrested by police forces. An Arab expatriate was arrested by the Royal Oman Police just when he was attempting to escape the Sultanate. >A2

‘SEND STRANDED WORKERS HOME’

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Omani designs poster for Saudi movie

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A poster of ‘Barakah Meets Barakah,’Saudi Arabia’s movie entry at the 2017 Academy Awards for best foreign language film, has been designed by an Omani. Mohammed Al Kindi, also known as Chndy, made the vibrant poster. >A4

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A proposal for a separate bourse for small and medium industries is getting delayed due to the economic crisis and sluggish trend in the secondary market.

The MSM came up with a plan to develop an exchange for small and medium firms. >B1

MUSCAT: Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, Chairman of the Civil Service Council yesterday issued a decision on the holiday of the Holy Prophet’s Hijra Anniversary (PBUH) and the advent of the New Hijri year 1438 AH. The decision said: “On the occasion of the Holy Prophet’s Hijra Anniversary (PBUH) and the new Hijri year 1438 AH, it was decided that the first day of Muharram, 1438 AH will be an official holiday for the employees

of the ministries, public authorities and other departments of the State’s administrative apparatus, as Muharram moon sighting will be declared by the concerned authority.

“On this great occasion, the Minister of Diwan of Royal Court extended his greetings to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, praying to Allah the Almighty to protect His Majesty, grant him good health, happiness and a long life and for the return of this and similar occasions on His Majesty for many years to come. >A4

Videos to tackle child harassment issue HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com

IN DIRE STRAITS Many workers go unpaid as firms that hired them

Hundreds of expatriate workers have been left in the lurch without salary for months.

80 50

fail to get

25

new projects

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Companies with no ongoing work or funds to pay salaries should send their expat workers home, a senior official from the Ministry of Manpower said.

“If companies are not having projects and enough money to pay salaries for workers, then they should MORNING MINUTE

Holiday declared on Muharram’s first day

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

MARKET

‘Plan for a new SME exchange delayed’

NEW HIJRI YEAR

Jifnain

Al Khoud

Source: Ministry of Manpower

Sawadi Graphics

send the workers back to their home country. They cannot simply hold back the workers and put them in a dire situation,” the senior official said.

“It’s the responsibility of

the employer to repatriate the workers. And if fines occur due to overstaying, they have to be paid by the employer,” the senior official added.

Due to the oil price crisis, firms are getting fewer contracts and projects and hundreds of workers are left in the lurch without salary – sometimes for months at a time.

Hundreds of expats are in a dire situation without any pay for the past few months.

In Jifnain, around 80 workers, in Al Khoud around 25 workers and in Sawadi 50 workers are stranded without salary and valid labour cards.

According to workers in Jifnain, some have even resigned – but the company has refused to accept the resignations. >A4

MUSCAT: A series of twominute videos aimed at educating parents and children about harassment will be released soon in Oman.

The educational clips will be produced by Children First Association by the end of 2016, Shaker Al Raisi, head of the group’s me-

Warplanes pound Aleppo in Syria

dia department, said. To create a safe environment for our children, they need to be educated about harassment and should understand if they are being victims of such acts.

“While some might consider discussing such topics a taboo, we believe that putting it under the spotlight will help end the crime,” added Al Raisi of Children First Association. >A4

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Saudi ambassador praises relations with Sultanate MUSCAT: Eid bin Mohammed Al Thaqafi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Sultanate affirmed the strong ties and historical relations which are rooted deep in the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman.

The wise policies pursued by the two wise leaders His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud with emphasis on maintaining constant communication and exchange of views on various issues was praised in a speech delivered by the Saudi ambassador in a reception hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Diplomatic Club at the 86th National

Day Anniversary of the Kingdom on Sunday.

The ambassador said, “We see the achievements accomplished in all economic, educational, health, social, cultural sectors, and in transport and communications, water, agriculture, commerce, industry and other fields, and before that the keenness of

the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on achieving more development at the Holy Mosques and holy sites , out of his firm belief of the importance of harnessing all the potentials, providing all the services for pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Shrines and enable them to perform the rituals. -ONA

Three arrested for knife attacks The three arrested were allegedly involved in separate cases of stabbing in the Sultanante TIMELY ACTION: An Arab expatriate was arrested by the Royal

Times News Service

Oman Police just when he was attempting to escape the Sultanate via the Muscat International Airport after he had allegedly assaulted a compatriot with a knife. –File photo

MUSCAT: Three suspects who allegedly stabbed their victims in three separate cases have been arrested by police forces.

An Arab expatriate was arrested by the Royal Oman Police just when he was attempting to escape the Sultanate via the Muscat International Airport after he had allegedly assaulted a compatriot with a knife.

According to police reports, the victim and the assailant got into

an altercation in Al Wadi area in Wilayat Salalah due to some disagreement. The suspect stabbed the victim repeatedly. The victim was rushed to the Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah.

In another case, the Department of Inquiries and Investigations in Dhofar arrested a suspect who had allegedly stabbed a man with a knife following an argument.

Similarly, the Department of

Investigations and Inquiries in Muscat ROP arrested an Asian national who had fled after allegedly stabbing his colleague with a knife.

The suspect was under the influence of alcohol in Al Qouf, Salalah. After inquiries and investigations, the suspect was tracked down in the Muscat Governorate.

The victim is receiving treatment in Salalah hospital.

ITHRAA EVENT

‘Inside Stories’ to focus on logistics sector Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Industry experts in Oman will discuss the challenges and developments in the logistics sector in the country at a session tomorrow, organised by Ithraa as part of the ‘Inside Stories.’

“Oman is positioning itself as a regional logistics hub in the region and the infrastructure is already in place with the new ports and airports. The importance of logistics is that it’s the main driver of the non-oil diversification plan that the country is working on,” said Imad Al Khaduri, General Manager at the Oman Global Logistics Group SAOC. Although the infrastructure is in place, Al Khaduri pointed out to a major shortcoming. He said all such development was happening at a time of global recession, thus directly impacting the trade. “The infrastructure is coming up in the midst of a global recession, so the volumes that are supposed to come to Oman are less. Reflecting the global trend, trade is declining.

So, while it is a very important and tough time for Oman but I think with the infrastructure in place, things will get better from next year,” Al Khaduri added.

Vital component Today, 64 per cent of all travel happens within urban environments and the total amount of urban kilometres travelled is expected to triple by 2050.

Freight transport is responsible for 20 per cent of road traffic, 30 per cent of road occupation and 30 per cent of carbon emissions in the cities.

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OMAN

Plan to curb cigarette sales near institutions

VITAL DISCUSSION: The NCTC meeting reviewed the progress achieved in implementing the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

in the Sultanate. – ONA

A meeting of the National Committee for Tobacco Control (NCTC) on Sunday also discussed a curb on importing and trading of electronic cigarettes and shisha

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman could soon ban the sale of cigarettes near schools and colleges following a proposal to this effect in a tobacco control meeting.

The meeting of the National Committee for Tobacco Control (NCTC) on Sunday also discussed a curb on importing and trading of electronic cigarettes and shisha.

Dr Jawad Al Lawati, senior consultant and rapporteur for the National Tobacco Control Committee at the Ministry of Health (MoH), said the meeting also discussed various aspects of efforts to bring uniformity in norms governing shisha cafes in public places and residential areas.

The meeting also reviewed the approval the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC), on imposing a selective tax on tobac-

co. Such a move will hopefully take effect in October.

The meeting reviewed the progress achieved in implementing the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the Sultanate.

The Convention includes a decision of the Ministry of Information to ban any tobacco advertising across all mass media.

The meeting touched on the visit of the UN delegation to the Sultanate on non-communicable diseases, the developments on issuing the Tobacco Control Act, the latest move to join the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products and updating the standards and specifications applicable in Oman on tobacco products.

Held under the chairmanship of HE Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Hosni, undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, the meeting was attended

Despite the ban in place, some vendors in the city continue to sell loose cigarettes after the prices went up recently

by committee members including representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Royal Oman Police (ROP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Manpower, the Public Authority for Consumer Protection, the

R O YA L H O S P I TA L

Operation performed through live link at Royal Hospital

BREAKING NEW GROUND: A specialised medical team has performed the operation under the super-

vision of Dr Mohammed Al-Riyami, senior consultant in the Center. – Photo supplied

Times News Service MUSCAT: In an unprecedented surgical achievement, surgeons at the Cardiac Catheter Department of the Royal Hospital’s National Heart Centre performed a catheter operation under local anesthesia while working in real time collaboration with doctors in Italy through live conferencing.

Doctors at the Total Occlusion & Bifurcation Interventions (TOBI) Conference in Rome, Italy were interacting with the doctors at the Royal Hospital throughout the surgery.

A specialised medical team performed the operation under the supervision of Dr Mohammed Al Riyami, senior consultant at the Centre.

Dr Al Riyami pointed out that TOBI is an international conference held annually in Rome, the

The operation was done through the interaction between the doctors in the TOBI Conference, Total Occlusion & Bifurcation Interventions from Rome, Italy with the doctors at the Royal Hospital capital of Italy and attended by a group of specialists from different specializations.

In addition, for the first time, the operation was transmitted live from the National Heart Cen-

tre to the TOBI conference in Italy which brought together around 1,500 doctors from Europe, North Africa and Middle East.

He also added that the operation was carried within a time span of 45-minutes and latest technologies were used.

Broadcast it live The Sultanate, represented by the National Heart Centre was nominated to perform this operation and to broadcast it live to the TOBI conference.

This came after the visit of Prof. Rime Raimer. The operation could be conducted because advanced equipment and highly efficient medical professionals were available at the Centre.

Dr. Mohammed said the successful operation was praised by all those participating in the conference.

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Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Information, the Muscat Municipality and the Dhofar Municipality.

Despite the ban in place, some vendors in the city continue to sell loose cigarettes, particularly after the prices went up recently.

Dr Lawati said that it is illegal to sell cigarette sticks individually in Oman. “But some vendors continue to flout the law,” he said.

Many people have stopped buying cigarette packets after prices went up by 20 percent in Oman, following a hike in tax on tobacco products. The government raised the tax on tobacco products from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, a 100 per cent increase aimed at reducing smoking in the Sultanate.

A packet of that used to cost OMR1 now costs OMR1.2.

Prices to rise Lawati also said cigarette prices may be increased even further.

“The first phase of increase in prices has already been effected.

Prices will rise soon even further in two more phases,” he informed.

Members of the National Tobacco Control Committee and Oman Anti-Tobacco Society also called for strict regulations to stop the sale of single cigarettes. “This will also keep children away from tobacco,” they said.

EID AL ADHA

Mwasalat transports 20,000 in one day Times News Service MUSCAT: Twenty thousand passengers were transported on the first day of Eid Al Adha, the highest number in the history of ‘Mwasalat,’ Oman’s national transport company.

During the full holiday period, more than 48,000 commuters travelled by the most popular Ruwi-Maabelah route, according to data with Mwasalat. Ruwi-Wadi Kabir followed with more than 21,000 passengers while RuwiAl Amerat witnessed more than 20,000 travellers. More than 16,000 passengers opted for a bus journey between Ruwi and Muscat, followed by the Khoud-SQUAl Sahwa Tower route that more than 8,000 passengers took.

The Ruwi-WadiAdayroute registered over 7,000 passengers.

During the nine-day holiday, Mwasalat transported 123,000 passengers in total.

Similarly, during Eid Al Fitr, Mwasalat transported over 18,000 passengers on the first day. During the five-day holiday, more than 72,000 people registered to travel on their buses.

“The company urges everyone, particularly the citizens, to use the means of public transportation as these were economically cheaper, environmental-friendly and have a certain social significance,” said Mwasalat.

“The public transportation means encourage a sense of social integration and make it feasible to disseminate social awareness among various age groups and categories, such as the elderly, students and those with special needs,” Mwasalat added.

MEETING

‘Focus on science maths education’ MUSCAT: To meet the needs of the labour market and keep abreast of the global developments, Ministry of Education has focused on science and mathematics in classrooms, said Dr Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education.

The Main Committee for the implementation of science and math series held a meeting yesterday under the chair of Dr Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education.

She said that the Ministry’s implementation of this project is out of it keenness to develop these two subjects in consistence with the global regulations in this aspect, adding that due to the sincere efforts being made by the teachers of science and mathematics in raising levels of

achievement for students, and to take advantage enjoyed by these teachers of a rich and wide experience in the teaching of these subjects, the methods of implementation of this project will be done in participation of these teachers primarily, according to studied plans and clear procedures determined in accordance with specific time plan.

The ministry implemented the series of mathematics for grades third, fourth and fifth in 2007 for a period of time, and that implementation received significant feedback from the educational community, so the ministry’s plan at the moment is based on the implementation of this project in a systematic and more inclusive in science and mathematics. -ONA

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I designed three posters and they loved it so much, eventually deciding to use two of them Mohammed Al Kindi, Omani graphic designer

Programme to improve competitiveness starts

ART

The purpose of the initiative is to make Oman more competitive and thus help achieve the LEADERSHIP BOOST: The National Leadership and Competitiveness programme complements the

national priorities

National CEO Programme targeted at Omani private sector leaders. – ONA

Times News Service

Omani graphic designer creates poster for Oscar entry from Saudi HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: A poster of the movie ‘Barakah Meets Barakah,’ Saudi Arabia’s entry at the 2017 Academy Awards for best foreign language film, has been designed by an Omani.

Mohammed Al Kindi, also known as Chndy, made the vibrant poster and also promoted the motion picture after he was hired by the movie crew back in January.

‘Barakah Meets Barakah’ is a drama-comedy film, directed and written by Mahmoud Sabbagh, an independent Saudi filmmaker.

Once he watched the movie, the 24-year-old artist said he fell in love with it and did all the photographic shoots.

He is the only Omani national to have participated in the making of the 90 minutes movie.

“I designed three posters and they loved it so much, eventually deciding to use two of them,” Chndy said.

However, the success came after months of hard work.

“For the past three years, I have been flying around the gulf, working on a lot of projects,” said the

MUSCAT: Diwan of Royal Court has launched the National Leadership and Competitiveness Programme (NLCP) in partnership with Oxford University, IMD and the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The initiative is being undertaken with the blessings of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.

The first session for the Undersecretaries’ Stream of the National Leadership and Competitiveness Programme (NLCP), launched yesterday at the Al Wahat Club, witnessed participation by a number of Undersecretaries in ministries and other government entities connected with improving the business environ-

ment in Oman. Dr. Ali Qassim Al Lawati, Advisor for Studies and Research at the Diwan of Royal Court and Chairman of the Programme, explained that the NLCP, an initiative of the PublicPrivate Partnership Taskforce, complements the National CEO Programme targeted at Omani private sector leaders. It also strengthens the National Human Resources Development pillar of the PPP Taskforce.

The NLCP was designed jointly with leading global institutions in the fields of leadership and competitiveness to focus on collaborative mechanisms between the government and private sector, as well as on the role of the government sector in improving the business and investment environment in the Sultanate.

The ultimate purpose of the initiative is to make Oman more competitive and thus help achieve the national priorities.

The programme design has two streams, one targeting the Undersecretaries and the other the Executive Directors. In the undersecretaries’ stream, a number of knowledge sessions will be delivered over a period of six months by the programme’s three renowned international partners— Oxford University, the Institute of Management Development (IMD Switzerland) and the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

All partners were selected through a meticulous process that took into account each partner’s field of specialisation and degree of experience and expertise.

The programme’s sessions

ROHM

D A R A L AT TA’A

‘Shakespeare through Omani Eyes’ expo from tomorrow graphic designer,born and raised in Oman.

Thanks to his skills in designing, photography and movie direction, Mohammed is now being sought after by big production companies.

“Things changed last yearever since I decided to push my ideas first, before the client’s,” he said, adding that he always wanted people to hire him for his taste.

Starring Hisham Fageeh and Fatina Al Bnawi, the story is about a middle class guy who meets a girl from a wealthy family, and they start a romance in a country that frowns upon it, according to IMDB. VOX Oman’s review says that ‘Barakah Meets Barakah’ tells the story of two lovers who are united in an environment hostile to dating of any kind.

V I D E O - B A S E D C A M PA I G N

Times News Service MUSCAT: An exhibition featuring 28 paintings by 14 Omani artists, all inspired by Shakespeare’s life and works, will be held from September 27 to October 1.

Coinciding with worldwide celebrations of 400 years since the death of celebrated playwright William Shakespeare, the Royal Opera House Muscat will host an exhibition titled “Shakespeare through Omani Eyes.”

It will coincide with the ROHM’s inaugural event as it opens the season with Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet.

Dr Nasser Al Taee, advisor to the Board of Directors, explained that the exhibition stems from the ROHM’s deep interest in education and outreach initiatives and reflects its keen involvement

of Omani artists in the season’s programme.

“Preparations have been on for months and schools and local art organisations have been roped in to ensure optimum participation and involvement in the exhibition,” Dr Al Taee said.

Dr Al Taee also noted that the exhibition will be free of charge and open to the public. It will offer Opera Galleria’s visitors an enriching cultural opportunity to experience the imaginative creativity of Omani artists and their engagement with world events.

“There are over 27 operas based on the tragedy, the most famous of which were the Singspiel Romeo und Julie (1776) by Georg Benda and Bellini’s take on the story, I Capuleti e i Montecchi (1830).

Additionally, there were several symphonic treatments of the sto-

ry, including Berlioz’s dramatic symphony (1839), Tchaikovsky’s overture-fantasia (1880), Prokofiev’s ballet (1938) and Leonard Bernstein’s musical adaptation, West Side Story (1957).”

The ROHM will commence its season on September 29 with Charles Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet, which, according to Dr. AlTaee, has been the inspiration for many composers since the eighteenth century.

The exhibition will take place at the Opera Galleria from 27 September to 1 October, 2016. It is being organised in collaboration with The British Council and the Omani Society for Fine Arts.

The exhibition will conclude with a workshop and readings of Shakespearian plays by 100 students from public and private schools.

A1 Child harassment < FROM

rising in Oman He also said child harassment, already very common in Oman, is on the rise. “While a child can be a soft target for predators anywhere, we will focus more on educating them to protect themselves in schools,” he explained.

The video-based campaign will be conducted on different social media platforms in a bid to reach across to maximum people, according to Al Raisi.

Supported by a number of psychiatrists and children behaviour specialists, the Children First Association will come up with a title for its campaign on Monday.

Al Raisi also announced that the first conference by Children First, slated to kick off on November 1 in

the Sultan Qaboos University, will have the theme, “Efforts, challenges and future vision.”

Children First was established in 2009 by the Ministry of Social Development.

Recently, the group has been intensifying its digital presence and launching electronic educational campaigns. The association has around 150 members at the moment. It also provides free child car seats to families in Oman.

Recently, it called upon individuals and private companies to donate money for car seats to help save lives. In coordination with the Royal Oman Police, Children First allocated OMR2,000 to buy car seats in Oman.

will address a number of issues relevant to Oman, such as global mega-trends in the 21st century that will offer opportunities and pose challenges to governments around the globe; creating an enabling environment for publicprivate partnerships; addressing success factors for public-private partnerships and what can be learnt from other countries’ experiences; enhancing government sector performance through scenario planning and the identification of leadership roles in the development process; and enhancing the most important factors affecting competitiveness in the Sultanate, which were identified through a specialised survey conducted among private sector leaders representing the Sultanate’s different economic sectors.

NEW SEASON: The ROHM will commence its season on September 29 with Charles Gounod’s ‘Ro-

meo and Juliet, which, according to Dr Nasser Al Taee, advisor to the Board of Directors, has been the inspiration for many composers since the eighteenth century. – Supplied photo

S T R A N D E D E X PAT S

Big Book Sale now on first Saturdays Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Come first Saturday of every month, and book lovers can avail of a bounty.

Beginning October 1, bibliophiles will be able to buy used books at 50 per cent less price at the Dar al Atta’a ‘Big Book Sale’ at the Al Qurum Complex.

The sale, which will now be held on the first Saturday of every month instead of the last Saturday, will remain open from 10am to 10pm. With hundreds of great titles for adults and children, ranging from 500 baizas to one rial, everyone can expect to find something of interest.

Sales proceeds are used to support Maktabati, Oman’s first mobile library which travels around the country, visiting schools and festivals. Dar Al Atta’a Let’s Read Campaign has been promoting the love of reading among children in Oman since 2007.

The campaign’s committee achieves its aims in a variety of ways, by setting up play rooms, libraries and reading areas in hospitals, schools and nurseries.

They also organise book clubs for teenagers and children.

Volunteering Clearly, such a bookshop cannot run without enough donors and volunteers, so it seeks donations in the form of books, whenever possible. If members of the public are interested in donating books or volunteering at the bookshop or at any of its activities, information can be obtained at the shop at the Al Qurum Complex.

The Let’s Read campaign opened its first bookshop in the country last year at the Al Qurum Complex.

1438 AH

A1 An overstaying expat has to pay fines A1 Oman announces new year holiday < FROM

“We are not getting our salaries for the last few months. Our visas have also expired, but the company is not sending us back. Because our visas have expired we are effectively living in Oman illegally,” one of the workers said.

Article 51 of the Oman Labour Law says employees who receive their salaries monthly shall be paid once a month at least.

Deepa Sudhir, a legal advisor in Muscat, said that it’s the responsibility of the employer to repatriate the workers if the company does not have any projects and is struggling to pay salaries.

“If a worker is overstaying, then while leaving the country a

< FROM

fine has to be paid. It is the company’s responsibility to clear the fines. So, workers overstaying will turn into a huge financial burden for the employer,” the legal advisor added.

According to the legal advisor, an overstaying expat will have to pay OMR30 at the immigration counter at the airport and OMR18 at the Ministry of Manpower counter for every month they remain in Oman.

A trade union leader in Muscat who frequently visits the stranded workers said that companies should not hold back workers if they don’t have money to pay salaries.

“I visit stranded workers in Oman. The condition of an overstaying worker is beyond imagination.

“Even when he faces a health issue, he won’t be able to approach a hospital as he doesn’t possess a valid labour card. It is inhumane to hold back workers and put them in a dire situation,” Mohammed Al Farji, the trade union leader, said.

In June, work camp bosses and mid-level officials of construction companies in Oman confirmed that due to lack of projects, hundreds of workers are being sent back daily to their home countries.

This year up to June, at least 5,000 workers were sent back to their home countries by a company which had a good number of projects in Muscat, officials confirmed.

The boss of the company whose workers in Jifnain have yet to be paid said that economic conditions led to the crisis.

“Due to conditions, we are struggling to get funds released on time from our clients. This is affecting the payments for workers. We won’t betray the workers.

Conditions are bad, but we are hopeful that we can overcome the crisis,” the senior official told Times of Oman.

Sayyid Khalid also greeted Omani people and dear country with further progress and welfare under His Majesty’s wise leadership and all Muslims with blessings and welfare.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri, Minister of Manpower also issued a decision on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1438 AH, declaring that the first day of Muharram, 1438 AH will be an official holiday for employees at the private sector’s companies and establishments, as Muharram moon sighting will be declared by the

concerned authority. The decision allowed employers and employees to agree on compensating this holiday if necessity arises.

All employees in the private sector seize this blessed occasion to extend their heartfelt greetings and best wishes to His Majesty the Sultan, praying to Allah the Almighty to protect His Majesty, grant him good health, happiness and a long life and for the return of this and similar occasions on His Majesty and the Omani people and Muslims all over the world with wellbeing and blessings.-ONA

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86,286 babies born last year in Oman Firms in Dhofar raise MUSCAT: There was a rise in the number of live births in the Sultanate in 2015 compared to 2014.

While 86,286 births occurred in 2015, including 79,926 of Omanis and of 6,360 expatriates, compared to 82,981 in 2014.

Omanis comprised 92.6 per cent of the total births, with an average of 10 live babies every hour while the number of death cases in 2015 stood at 8,167 according to latest figures issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The statistics showed that there were 44,301 male births, including 3,259 expat, comprising 51.2 per cent of the total expat births.

The number of Omani births

increased by 32 per cent during 2010 until 2015, comprising 19,225 births.

The highest fertility percentage was recorded in the age category between 25 years and 29 years, comprising 33.2 per cent in 2014 and 32.7 per cent in 2015.

The birth rate of high risk pregnancy age (more than 35 years) rose to 20.4 per cent in 2015 compared to 1.2 per cent in 2014.

At the governorates level, Governorate of Muscat and Governorate of North Al Batinah registered the highest number of births, comprising 42.6 per cent of the total births while Governorate of Musandam and Governorate of Al Wusta recorded the lowest of 1.8 per cent.

Births among expatriates were the highest in Governorate of Muscat, comprising 54.6 per cent while Governorates of Al Wusta and Musandam were the lowest by 1.4 per cent compared to the other governorates.

The number of mortalities among the Omanis comprised 83.7 per cent of the total deaths in the Sultanate, including 4,061 males, comprising 59.4 per cent while the expatriates’ mortalities comprised 16.3 per cent of the total deaths in the Sultanate. Male expatriates comprised 82.3 per cent of the total expatriate deaths in the Sultanate to stand at 101 deaths.

The monthly mortality rate in 2015 stood at 681 while the daily

Beware of fake hiring agencies, Indians warned The warning was issued by Non Resident Keralites Affairs, a department of the Kerala government

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: India’s government recruitment agency has warned jobseekers to beware of fake recruitment agencies.

The warning was issued by Non Resident Keralites Affairs, a

department of the Kerala government, in the wake of reports that a Bengaluru-based private firm is recruiting nurses for a Kuwait oil company and charging hefty sums.

“Don’t waste your money or give documents (Passports/Certificates) to any private agency for getting recruited through NORKA. NORKA do not authorise any middlemen to contact jobseekers in any means or collect money for their selection,” the agency has said in a notice.

“Anybody trying to influence, misbehave or act in any manner so as to affect the fair conduct of selection, shall be liable for penal action and will be referred for vigilance enquiry. Only the Indian government approved service charge, maximum INR20,000, (approx OMR115) will be applicable to selected candidates and has to be remitted only in the form of demand draft taken in favor of CEO

NORKA ROOTS,” the notice says.

The notice also calls on the public to inform the NORKA CEO about any type of canvassing or misbehaviour if they come across.

Even after having strict recruitment practices in place, workers, especially women from Kerala, are duped and flown abroad illegally.

Recently, the Indian embassy in Oman had said that recruitment of Indian nurses to work abroad can now only be done through three state government agencies and two private agencies recognised by the Indian government.

“The Indian government has authorized NORKA Roots in Kerala, Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Consultants in Kerala and Overseas Manpower Corporation Ltd in Chennai for recruitment of Indian nurses for overseas employment,” the embassy said in the statement.

UNESCO’S CONVENTION

Report on cultural diversity complete MUSCAT: Oman’s 2nd regular report for the years 2012-2016 on UNESCO’s Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Culture has been completed.

The report is part of the efforts made by the Sultanate to

activate its membership at the Convention.

The report included a number of themes the most important of which are the policies and measures for the Convention implementation, the cultural policies and measures of the Sultanate

and integrating culture in sustainable development policies.

The parties of the convention submit their national reports every four years.

The reports highlight the efforts made to implement the articles of the Convention. -ONA

rate stood at 22 death cases, comprising an increase when compared to 2014, which stood at 652 death cases monthly and about 21.4 death cases daily.

The Governorate of North Al Batinah recorded the highest number of the death cases, comprising 23.3 of the total death cases, followed by the Governorate of Muscat by 17.2 per cent while the Governorates of Musandam and Al Wusta witnessed the lowest in the number of death cases, comprising 2.2 per cent of the total death cases. The Governorate of Muscat witnessed 43.6 per cent of the total expat deaths while the Governorate of Musandam comprised 1 per cent. -ONA

wages of Omani staff

Times News Service DHOFAR: Five tourism companies in the Dhofar Governorate have increased the wages of their Omani employees.

The Directorate General of Manpower, affiliated with the Ministry of Manpower, signed an agreement with five companies in the tourism industry to raise the minimum wage of Omani employees to OMR400 per month, effective September 2016.

The Sifah Tourism Development Company, the Salah Beach Tourism Development Company, the Ateen Hotel Management

Company (Al Fanar Hotel), the Muriya Hotel Management Company and the Souly Hotel Management Company (Juweira Hotel) signed the agreement.

Khalid Al Rawahi, Director General of Manpower in the Dhofar Governorate, signed the pacts on behalf of the ministry.

Al Rawahi said, “Such agreements were proof of the efforts that the Ministry of Manpower undertakes to improve the working conditions in the private sector. These are based on the partnership between the ministry and the private sector establishments.”

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M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

OMAN F R I E N D LY T I E S

MEETING IN VIENNA

Omani envoy seeks nuclear tech in health, farm, industry

COOPERATION: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers yesterday received Hussam Diab, Ambassador of Lebanon to the Sultanate. – ONA

Fahd receives message from Lebanon prime minister MUSCAT: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers yesterday received Hussam Diab, Ambassador of Lebanon to the Sultanate.

The ambassador handed over a written message to Sayyid Fahd from Tammam Salam, Prime Min-

ister of Lebanon related to cooperation between the two countries.

Greetings The ambassador conveyed the greetings of Lebanon leaders along with best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, hailing the Sultanate’s balanced

policies, thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty, as well as the rapid progress made on the domestic front.

They reviewed the strong bilateral relations and means of enhancing them, in addition to reviewing current issues in the regional arena. -ONA

VIENNA: Sheikh Dr. Badr bin Mohammed bin Zahir Al Hinai, Sultanate’s ambassador to Austria and its Permanent Delegate to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna met yesterday with Yukiya Amano, IAEA Director General.

The two sides discussed fields of cooperation between the Sultanate and the IAEA and means of enhancing them to meet the Sultanate’s needs of nuclear technology in the fields of health, agriculture, industry, and water and environmental resources management.

The two sides also touched on the progress achieved in implementing the existing and future projects with the IAEA. -ONA

SEEKS HELP: Sheikh Dr. Badr bin Mohammed bin Zahir Al Hinai,

Sultanate’s ambassador to Austria met with Yukiya Amano, IAEA Director General, in Vienna, yesterday. -ONA

FA E R C

Stress on cutting expenditure, increasing non-oil revenues

‘A L H A L A N I YAT ’

Oman launches ferry service to Bandar Abbas port in Iran MUSCAT: National Ferries Company (NFC) yesterday launched from Khasab Port in the Governorate of Musandam its second regional destination to Bandar Abbas city of Iran through a twohour journey using the Ferry ‘Al Halaniyat’ The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Ali bin Masud Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Omani/Iranian Joint Committee and Jassem Jadri, Governor of Hormozgan Governorate.

NFC will operate four weekly journeys on the new route which will attract transit good from the countries using the international axis for transport and exit. The route will facilitate access to world markets and ensure secure travel at journeys that abide by international standards related to safety transport of goods and passengers,

REVIEW: The third meeting for 2016 was held under the chairmanship of Darwish bin Ismaeel Al

Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs and FAERC Deputy Chairman.

MUSCAT: In a meeting held yesterday the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council (FAERC) reviewed the circular on the implementation of the state’s budget for the fiscal year 2016 and the expected outcomes up to the end of the year.

INAUGURATED: The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr.

Ali bin Masud Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry. -ONA

as well as environment protection.

Dr. Ali bin Masud Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry said that the launching of the marine route (Khasab-Bandar Abbas) aims to transport goods between the two countries in two

hours . He added that goods, fresh and chilled foods may be then transported to Shinas, Diba and then to Muscat.

The launching ceremony was attended by a number of Omani businessmen and others. -ONA

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Indicators It also reviewed some financial performance indicators for the first seven months of the year including the realised oil prices, realised revenues and expenditure levels due to growing deficit during the period , which is attributed to the drop of actual oil price to about $36 compared to the estimated price at the budget ($45).

The FAERC held its third meeting for 2016 under the chairmanship of Darwish bin Ismaeel Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs and FAERC Deputy Chairman.

Public expenditure The Council stressed the importance of continuing the measures to control public expenditure and increase nonoil revenues.

The Council also discussed the basis and assumptions on which the budget estimates for the fiscal year 2017 were made as the financial condition was affected by the continuing drop in oil prices.

The Council approved a number of measures related to improving revenues and reducing expenditure. After completing their study by the respective organizations, these measures will be re submitted to the Council at its next session for approval.

The council also reviewed a number of issues related to oil and energy sector the most important of which are the study on the national energy strategy and the measures that should be taken to enhance the economic value of the Sultanate’s energy resources.

The Council reviewed a number of other topics and took necessary decisions towards them. -ONA

Oman’s tourism sector growing Tourism sector’s direct contribution to the GDP is expected to reach about 4.2% by the end of the 9th five-year plan GROWTH ENGINE: The tourism sector in the Sultanate witnessed

a significant increase in the growth. – File photo

MUSCAT: Tourism being one of the best performers in non-oil sectors around the world, the Sultanate is seeking to get a good share of this growing industry.

The global indicators show an increasing trend towards travel and tourism among millions of people and Oman is preparing itself to grab the opportunity.

The tourism sector in the Sultanate witnessed a significant increase in the growth of the key indicators rates that measure progress in this sector, particularly the rapid rise in the value-added GDP achieved by the sector, as the number of tourists goes beyond two million and a half million, providing thousands of jobs. In order to increase its contribution to the economy, the government adopts a new strategy to review everything related to attracting tourism investments, overcoming the obstacles and facilitating procedures to such investments.

The direct contribution of the tourism sector in the GDP of the Sultanate is currently 2 per cent.

The rate doubles when calculating the direct and indirect contri-

bution of the together the sector.

Tourism sector’s direct contribution to the GDP is expected to reach about 4.2 per cent by the end of the ninth five-year development plan.

World Tourism Day The Sultanate will celebrate on Tuesday the World Tourism Day (WTD), which falls on September 27, along with the countries of the world. The Sultanate aims to promote awareness on the importance of tourism, and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) decided to celebrate the WTD 2016 in the Thai capital, Bangkok, under the slogan “Tourism for All: Promoting Universal Accessibility .”

The Ministry of Tourism said it will organise a number of events to mark WTD, including an open exhibition on the occasion at the ministry’s theatre with the participation of several parties from the public and private sectors and targeting staff and students of educa-

tional institutions and employees of tourist companies, in addition to organising a tourist trip to the National Museum and the Royal Opera House Muscat to ministry staff on October 5 and a trip to the elderly to the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum and Muttrah Souq on October, and a cruise to Bandar Al Khiran for people with special needs on October 13.

Oman Tourism College (OTC) announced the introduction of a new student project revolves around “Promoting Universal Accessibility to Tourism “ as part of its study plans on the occasion of the WTD , which is celebrated this year under the slogan “Tourism For All : Promoting Universal Accessibility “ which is about creating environments that can cater to the needs of all sections of the society, including the disabled, families with small children, as also the ageing population and others, that need special facilitations and potentials to enjoy various tourist attractions around the world. -ONA

M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

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REGION Jordanian writer killed before trial Nahed Hattar was shot dead by a gunman outside the court where he was to stand trial on charges of contempt of religion AMMAN: A gunman shot dead Jordanian writer Nahed Hattar on Sunday outside the court where he was to stand trial on charges of contempt of religion after sharing on social media a caricature seen as insulting Islam, witnesses and state media said.

The gunman was arrested at the scene, state news agency Petra said. A security source said he was a 39-year-old preacher in a mosque in the capital. Hattar was arrested last month after he shared a caricature.

Many conservatives considCOALITION STRIKES

Air raids kill 9 in Yemen DUBAI: Coalition air strikes killed nine people in Houthicontrolled Ibb city in central Yemen late on Saturday, medical sources and residents in the area told Reuters.

Nine people were also wounded in the attack on several areas of the city and its outskirts, they said, adding the nine dead included three children and their parents. The coalition has repeatedly said it does not target civilians.

UN-sponsored talks to try to end the fighting that collapsed in failure last month and the Houthi movement and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh resumed shelling into Saudi Arabia. — Reuters

ered Hattar’s move offensive. The authorities said he violated the law by sharing the caricature.

The state news agency quoted a security source as saying Hattar was killed by a man who fired three shots at him on the steps of the palace of justice in the Jordanian capital. “The assailant was arrested and investigations are ongoing,” Petra quoted the security source as saying. Two witnesses said the gunman was wearing a traditional Arab dishashada, worn by ultra conservatives.

Some secular and liberal sup-

porters of Hattar said his arrest last month was a breach of freedom of speech but other Jordanians thought the caricature’s publication had crossed a red line.

Hattar was charged with contempt of religion and sowing sectarian tensions. The country’s highest official religious authority criticised Hattar. Hattar had apologised on social media and said he did not mean to insult but had shared the cartoon to mock fundamentalist radicals. He had accused his opponents of using the cartoon to settle scores with him.

Hattar also supported restricting the rights and privileges of Jordanians of Palestinian descent.

The Jordanian government condemned the attack.

“The law will be strictly enforced on the culprit who did this criminal act and will hit with an iron fist anyone who tries to harm state of law,” government spokesman Mohammad Momani said. — Reuters

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

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M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6 Though there are good people in all parties, their number is more in BJP due to its commitment to ideology Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

INDIA

‘Treat Muslims as your own, not as items of vote market’ Addressing the BJP Council meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his government’s mission of ‘sabka sath, sabka vikas’ is not a political slogan but a commitment to ensure welfare of the last man in the society

NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with senior BJP leaders at the BJP National Council Meeting in

Kozhikode, on Sunday. - PTI

KOZHIKODE: Contending that the definition of secularism has been distorted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday invoked Jan Sangh ideologue Deendayal Upadhyay to say that Muslims should be treated as “your own” rather than seeing them as “items of vote market”.

Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Council meeting here, he said his government’s mission of ‘sabka sath, sabka vikas’ is not a political slogan but a commitment to ensure welfare of the last man in the society.

In his speech, Modi spoke at length about secularism, balanced and inclusive growth and need for electoral reforms while paying

tributes to Upadhyay on his 100th birth anniversary.

“These days, the definition has been distorted. Even nationalism is cursed these days,” he said.

While talking about life and contribution of Upadhyay, the prime minister quoted him as saying, “don’t reward nor rebuke Muslims. Empower them. They are not items of vote market nor are they substance of hate. Treat them as your own.”

At the conclusion of the twoday BJP conclave here aimed at making inroads in Kerala, the Prime Minister traced the party’s journey from the days of Jan Sangh and asserted that “we never compromised with our ideology”.

MAJOR EVENT

Development He said his government’s efforts in developing the eastern part of country was driven by the party ideologue’s concept of integral humanism because if the western India develops and the eastern India lags, then “Mother India can

never be healthy”. He stuck to his themes of development and uplift of the poor and marginalised sections, saying his government had been committed to “sabka saath sabka vikas” (With everybody, development for everybody) and that the man at the bottom of society should be at the centre of developmental schemes.

“The only solution to the country’s problems is development.

If the gulf in the society has to be bridged, then those in the bottom can only be helped by development,” he said.

He also asked party leaders to set an example through their good their conduct as he lamented that the image of politicians has dete-

riorated in the eyes of the common man so much since independence that sons often do not disclose their father is in politics.

“If you can do that, it will be an apt tribute to Upadhyay”, he said.

Commitment “Though there are good people in all parties, their number is more in BJP due to its commitment to ideology,” he said and asked them to launch programmes to convert its 11 crore members into cadres.

He recalled that a former prime minister had once said in an interview that occupying the post was like scaling Mount Everest where one does not go to stay. “We are not like that,” Modi said. - PTI

Indian professors held captive

by IS in Libya return home HYDERABAD: Reunited with their families, two Indian professors, who were held captive by IS in Libya for over a year, say it is like a rebirth for them.

T. Gopikrishna from Andhra Pradesh and Ch Balram Kishan from Telangana, who were teaching at Libya’s Sirte University, were abducted by IS militants in July last year. They were released around a week back and returned to Hyderabad on Saturday.

“I am very happy to be with my family after a gap of almost 14 months. I was unable to talk to my family members during this period...it was horrible,” Gopikrishna, an assistant professor of Computer Science at the University of Sirte, said on Sunday.

Thanking the Libyan Army and the Ministry of External Affairs, Gopikrishna said, “The Libyan Army helped us and with help from MEA we safely returned.”

Gopikrishna, who hails from Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh and stays with his family members in Nacharam area here, said, “I will look for a job in Hyderabad itself. As of now I have no plans to go abroad.”

Balram, a professor of English hailing from Telangana, said he has no words to express his gratitude on reuniting with his family, which resides in Trimulgherry area of Secunderabad.

“It is God’s grace. We are very delighted. It is rebirth for me,” Balram said. Balram aid that he has been suffering from back pain and his priority is to first take treatment for his ill-health and then to decide on the future plans. - PTI

COST-EFFECTIVE MODE OF TRANSPORT

ISRO to perform key manoeuvre on Mars Orbiter next year CHENNAI: With the Mars Orbiter Mission completing two years, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday said it will be doing a “major event” of effecting a manoeuvre on the Orbiter next year to reduce the impact of an “eclipse duration” to allow the spacecraft “survive” for more time.

ISRO Chairman A. S. Kiran Kumar said the MOM had completed two years on Saturday, although its original mission life was slated to be six months, and that the space agency had released a lot of first year data beamed by its five payloads. “ Our next major event in the Mars Orbiter will be sometime in the beginning of next year when we will be doing a manoeuvre to reduce the impact of the eclipse duration the satellite is going

He said if the BJP had compromised with the ideology, it could have attained power long back.

Underlining that nobody is a “pariah”, Modi said the whole society should feel pain if one person is hurt like a human whole body feels pain if any part is injured.

“This is the direction of our politics. Nobody can be an outsider for us,” the prime minister said.

END OF ORDEAL

to encounter,” he told reporters here. He said during an eclipse the battery in the satellite has to support its operation and if the eclipse duration is “very long” then the battery may not be able to support it.

“So we intend to do a manoeuvre of the spacecraft so that the impact of eclipse duration will reduce and with that we will be able to survive for many more years because the satellite still has large (amount of ) fuel left in it,” he added.

The MOM, also called Mangalyaan, was successfully launched on November 5, 2013

by ISRO’s PSLV-C25 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

After a 300-day journey in deep space, it was successfully inserted into Martian orbit on September 24, 2014. - PTI

India seeks Korean maritime technology prowess to develop rivers as waterways NEW DELHI: India is in talks with South Korea, known for its maritime technology prowess, for long-term partnership to develop its rivers to drive economic growth.

Earlier this year, Parliament has enacted a legislation to convert 111 rivers across the country into National Waterways, a move that would boost movement of goods and passengers via rivers and reduce transportation cost substantially. “We are in talks with a Korean government company to develop our rivers,” Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said.

“We have offered them to select out of 111 rivers and develop these.

Once we start getting profit, we can return their investment in 1520 years.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had opened a mega Maritime India Summit earlier this year with Korea, a world leader in shipbuilding, as the partner and has promised to

AMBITIOUS: Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said waterways unfortunately had taken a backseat in India, with only 3.5 per cent of trade being done. - PTI

personally handhold investors for a “safe, secure and satisfactory” berthing so as to transform the country’s 7,500-km long coastline an “engine of growth”.

Gadkari said waterways unfortunately had taken a backseat in India, with only 3.5 per cent of trade being done through the mode

here as against 47 per cent in China, 40 per cent in Europe, 44 per cent in Japan and Korea and 35 per cent in Bangladesh.

According to the minister, if developed properly, inland water transport, which is an environment-friendly and cost-effective mode of transport, will reduce the

high logistics cost — currently at 18 per cent — and boost the economy. Gadkari said that if all the 111 rivers are developed as waterways, it will “revolutionise” the Indian economy. Maritime development is high on the priority list of the government as it has the potential of opening a new era of foreign investment in ship-building, repair, ship breaking, inland water transportation, cruise shipping and hinterland connectivity, to name a few.

Maritime logistics is considered as a key component of the Indian economy, accounting for 90 per cent of export-import trade by volume and 72 per cent by value. He said a total of one billion tonne of cargo is being handled by over 200 ports, including 12 major ones, in the country and is expected to grow to 2.5 billion tonnes by 2025.

Talks are also on with Singapore for development of cruise shipping in the country. - PTI

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

Flood alert in Godavari-Krishna basins, 17 NDRF teams deployed NEW DELHI: A flood alert has been issued for districts around the Godavari and Krishna basins in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana even as four persons lost their lives in rainrelated incidents on Sunday.

Telangana’s Medak district reported one flood-related death, taking the toll to eight in the state, while three mechanics were killed when a house collapsed due to rains in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district. In the flood alert issued on Monday, the Water Resources Ministry has advised the respective state and district administrations to take “highest level of precautionary measures...during the next three to seven days”.

The districts which may see low to moderate floods are Nizamabad, Adilabad, Karimnagar in Telangana for next three to four days.

This may further extend to Khammam district in Telangana and East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh in the next four to six days, the Ministry said. Beed, Latur and Nanded in Maharashtra; Bidar in Karnataka; Medak, Rangareddy and Nizamabad in Telangana are also likely to

RESCUE OPERATION: A Chetak helicopter of the Indian Air Force lands in the flood-hit Edupalaya vil-

lage of Medak district to rescue the 23 stranded construction workers on Sunday. - PTI

get affected. Similarly, the districts around Krishna basin which are likely to get affected are —Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Vijayapura, Bagalkote, Raichur of Karnataka, Mahabubnagar of Telangana and Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

Telengana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandra Babu Naidu took stock of the situation in already flood-hit areas of their states.

The Centre has deployed 17

National Disaster Response Force(NDRF) teams comprising over 550 personnel in the flood-hit regions of Telangana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The NDRF said they are in touch with local administration and

monitoring the situation round the clock.

It was a pleasant day in the national capital with the mercury settling at normal level of 34.3 degrees Celsius.

Humidity levels oscillated between 48 and 84 per cent.

In Telangana, three deaths were reported from Medak on Saturday while four persons were killed in Medak on Friday. Four columns of Army had been earlier deployed in Hyderabad and neighbouring Ranga Reddy district.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu conducted an aerial survey for the second consecutive day.

Nine persons have so far died in rain-related incidents in the state — six in Guntur and three in Visakhapatnam.

Train services on Guntur-Secunderabad section, remained disrupted for last four days.

The tracks which were washed away at some places are likely to be restored by Monday.

Standing crops, mostly paddy, chilli and cotton suffered extensive damage in over 41,000 hectares of Guntur alone.

“The state government will give input subsidy to farmers to raise alternative crops,” he said.

Rainfall, accompanied with gusty surface winds, is likely to lash many places in Odisha due to a low pressure area in the neighbourhood with MeT office asking fishermen to be cautious while venturing into the sea.

Saturday’s well marked low pressure area now lies as a low pressure area over Vidarbha and adjoining Telengana and South Chattisgarh, the meteorological centre here said.

The associated upper air cyclonic circulation extends upto 7.6 km above mean sea level.

Under its impact, rain or thunder shower is likely to occur at many places over Odisha during next 24 hours. Districts in subHimalayan West Bengal received heavy precipitation while a few places in the southern parts of the state got moderate rainfall as the Met department forecast more heavy downpour in the north.

Cooch Behar received 59.2 mm rainfall, the state’s highest in 24 hours from last morning, the Met department said. - PTI

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PAKISTAN

Central Bank leaves interest rate unchanged at 5.75% The Central Bank announces a target rate every two months, which serves as the benchmark interest rate for overnight funds in the

TARGET RATE: The Central Bank tries to strike a balance by target-

interbank market

ing the overnight cost of funds at a level that promotes maximum economic growth without causing high inflation.- Bloomberg News file

KARACHI: In line with expectations, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Saturday left the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.75 per cent for the next two months.

The Central Bank announces a target rate every two months, which serves as the benchmark interest rate for overnight funds in the interbank market.

It is one of the tools the bank uses to ensure price stability in the

economy. A reduction in the target rate poses risk of high inflation, but it also stimulates economic growth by making borrowing cheaper. In contrast, an increase in the target rate restricts the level of liquidity, which subdues consumer prices in the economy.

“The current policy rate of 5.75 per cent and discount rate of 6.25 per cent are likely to remain unchanged till the second quarter (October-December) of fiscal year 2016-17. However, the SBP may

move the interest rate upwards in the third quarter,” Summit Capital Research analyst Chander Kumar predicted in a report on Friday.

The Central Bank tries to strike a balance by targeting the overnight cost of funds at a level that promotes maximum economic growth without causing high inflation. In the monetary policy statement, the SBP said year-onyear Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose 3.6 per cent in August 2016 compared to 1.8 per

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cent in August 2015, while average inflation during the first two months of current fiscal year was more than double the same period last year. Similarly, core inflation – excluding the volatile food and energy prices – during this period was also higher than last year.

According to the SBP, the expected pickup in domestic demand is largely going to determine the inflation path in the remaining months of FY17.

This is also reflected in the Institute of Business Administration (IBA)-SBP Consumer Confidence Survey of September 2016, which shows improvements in current and expected economic conditions and a major rise in consumer confidence.

However, uncertain global oil prices continue to remain a major determining risk.

The central bank was of the view that liquidity conditions in the money market remained broadly comfortable mainly due to the retirement of government borrowing from scheduled banks.

Resultantly, volatility in the interbank market was low as the overnight money market repo rate mostly stood close to the policy rate. Thus, it said, the ongoing stability in market interest rates,

with weighted average lending rates already at a 12-year low in July 2016, was going to be instrumental at the start of upcoming credit cycle for working capital and also for fixed investment.

“While the global growth outlook for 2016 is subdued, trend in international oil prices remains uncertain,” the SBP said.

“Similarly, anticipation of the impact of interest rate hike by the US Fed, slowdown in the Chinese economy and aftermath of Brexit on international financial and commodity markets is building up on this prevalent uncertainty.”

It pointed out that Pakistan had fared well so far because of a supporting macroeconomic environment and the record high foreign currency reserves had supported stability in the foreign exchange market. However, “the current account deficit is at the risk of widening further owing to declining exports and rising imports.”

As the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects were gathering pace, the SBP expected the economy to expand further on the back of improving industrial activity, especially pertaining to construction and power generation, and rising demand for allied services. - Express Tribune

I N C O M E TA X O R D I NA N C E

Ground becoming shakier for real estate sector LAHORE: Prices of major housing societies are now decreasing faster than they did before amid increasing investors’ concerns over the future of the real estate market.

The government, through an amendment in the income tax ordinance, moved to increase the rate of capital gains tax for properties sold before two years.

Its aim was to increase tax collection from the real estate sector that has long gone without contributing much to the national kitty. It went about achieving the aim by redefining property valuations, which were being traded in multiples of the old notified rates.

Two months, and several protests, later, the real estate market is feeling more of a pinch.

Prices came down in July and August – after the budget measure was announced – but since investors do not see an end in sight, panic among them is increasing.

Market experts say that both local and overseas investors are not reluctant to pay taxes, but their concern revolves around statements coming from the country’s top tax collecting authority, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), that call for a probe in to the source of money from individuals working in this sector. - Express Tribune

ENERGY SECTOR

Government looking to snatch autonomy of regulators to raise tariffs ISLAMABAD: The government looks set to clip the wings of energy-sector regulators – the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) – and bring them under the control of two relevant ministries, officials say.

It is going to take the step after resistance from the two regulators to pass the impact of power and gas theft on to honest consumers that are paying their bills regularly.

“Now the Cabinet Committee on Energy has given directives for presenting a summary to the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to give control of the regulators to the Ministry of Water and Power and the Ministry of Petroleum,” an official said.

“This will force them (regulators) to implement decisions of the government; in this regard, the federal government wants to take the four provinces on board.”

At present, Nepra and Ogra are working under supervision of the Cabinet Division.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government, during its tenure from 2008 to 2013, had also tried to implement a similar plan but could not succeed.

Water and Power Secretary Younus Dagha, in a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy on August 30, argued that Nepra as a regulator was not performing its

duties according to the mandate, which would have adverse implications for the power sector.

He suggested making amendments to the Nepra Act to make government’s directives binding on the regulatory authority.

A committee, headed by Ashtar Ausaf and constituted in 2015, had also proposed that Nepra and Ogra may be placed under the supervision of relevant ministries.

The Ministry of Water and

Power proposed the removal of all licensing requirements for electricity generation restricted to the grid connectivity.

It called for providing the power market with a multiple buyers’ model and suggested establishing a tribunal.

In an earlier meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on February 22, 2016, Dagha claimed that the power-sector regulator was delaying public-sector pro-

jects and asked the premier to make amendments to the Nepra Act to clearly set out its role and responsibility.

He suggested that the federal government should frame a national electric policy in consultation with the provincial governments and prepare strategic plans to empower itself to issue policy guidelines to Nepra for handling the urgent issues being faced by the government. - Express Tribune

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M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

WORLD RICE-PURCHASE PROGRAMMES

CREATIVE DEPTH

The installation ‘Potato Flake’, created from sacks of potatoes by Russian artist Vasily Slonov, is on display at the Central Park in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, on Sunday. - Reuters

Yingluck should pay $1b fine, says committee BANGKOK: Former Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whose government was ousted in a military coup in 2014, should be fined about $1 billion for overseeing a programme to buy rice from farmers above market rates, a state-appointed committee recommended.

The proposed penalty amounts to about 20 per cent of the 178 billion baht that the rice-purchase programmes in 2012 and 2013 cost the country, Manas Jamveha, director general of the Comptroller General’s Department, told reporters on Saturday.

The committee appointed to look into the issue ruled it was an abuse of power and that Yingluck was negligent in overseeing the programme while she was in power, said Manas, the commitee’s chairman.

A report will be submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance, which are both responsible for claiming damages from Yingluck before the case expires next February,

SET FOR OCTOBER 4-12

Manila to host US war games after Duterte softens stance MANILA: The Philippines and the US have scheduled military drills next month in the Southeast Asian nation, the US embassy in Manila said, days after President Rodrigo Duterte acknowledged that his country did need American troops in the South China Sea. About 1,400 US servicemen based in Okinawa, Japan, and 500 Philippine Armed Forces personnel will conduct an amphibiouslanding exercise and live-fire training in multiple locations on the main island of Luzon and in Palawan, according to a statement by the Us embassy on Saturday.

The drills, aimed at making troops better prepared to operate together during a natural disaster or armed conflict, are set for October 4-12.

Duterte has sent conflicting messages about Philippine foreign policy and the nature of his nation’s tie-ups with overseas partners since he was sworn in late June, sowing confusion at a time of rising concern about China’s claims to most of the South China Sea. The former mayor last week acknowledged that his country needed American troops after earlier calling for the end of joint patrols in the strategic waterway.

The US alliance with the Philippines has for decades been a bedrock of American influence in the region. - Bloomberg

Yingluck Shinawatra

Manas said. The office of National Anti-Corruption Commission or another related agency will decide who is responsible for the remaining damages, he said.

Junta leader and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha said the government has to proceed with the case in accordance to the law and before it expires. Yingluck’s party won elections in 2011 in part by appealing to millions of rice farmers with a plan to buy crops at inflated prices. - Bloomberg

Philippines tells world not to interfere in war on drugs Rodrigo Duterte, had an ‘unprecedented’ mandate and the world should not interfere in his crackdown on crime, Philippines Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay told the UN

NEW YORK: Philippines Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay told the United Nations on Saturday his country’s new president, Rodrigo Duterte, had an “unprecedented” mandate and the world should not interfere in his crackdown on crime.

Addressing the annual UN General Assembly, Yasay said the Duterte government was “determined to free the Philippines from corrupt and other stagnating practices, including the manufacture, distribution and use of illicit drugs.

“Our actions, however, have grabbed both the national head-

MAKING A POINT: Philippines’ Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay addresses the United Nations General Assembly in the Manhattan borough of New York, US, on Friday. - Reuters

lines and international attention for all the wrong reasons,” he said.

“We urge everyone to allow us to deal with our domestic challenges in order to achieve our national goals without undue interference.”

Duterte won a landslide election victory on May 9 after vowing to wipe out drugs and crime.

Police said this week that in the past 11 weeks, nearly 3,000 people had been killed in Duterte’s war on

drugs, a figure adjusted from the 3,800 they cited last week.

International criticism The killings have drawn widespread international criticism, including from the United Nations, drawing angry responses from Duterte.

On Thursday, the Philippine leader hurled insults at UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the European Union, then invited

them to come to investigate his crackdown.

Yasay said Duterte had won “an unprecedented and resounding electoral mandate” and now enjoyed a 92 per cent approval rating. As such, he had to deliver on a “sacred” call for change.

“To him, this trust is sacrosanct,” Yasay said. “It cannot be breached, under no circumstance must it be compromised.”

Duterte’s defiance of high-pro-

file organisations and his insults of anyone from US President Barack Obama to the pope have amused many Filipinos, but worried foreign governments — not the least the United States, which sees Manila as a vital partner in Asia in the face of a rising China.

Some analysts predict Duterte will seek to diversify foreign relations beyond Washington, including by seeking better ties with erstwhile maritime foe China.

Yasay said core values enshrined in the Philippine constitution included the mandate “to pursue an independent foreign policy, to promote the national interest.”

At the same time, he said Manila would remain “a responsible partner of the international community,” committed to the rule of law — including an international court ruling this year in favour of the Philippines and against China over competing claims in the South China Sea. In spite of Duterte’s criticisms of the world body, Yasay said the United Nations had demonstrated “continuing resilience and relevance” and added in apparent reference to the US alliance: “Our domestic concerns compel us to partner with like-minded countries in the areas of maritime security, counter-terrorism, disaster response, and transnational crime.” - Reuters

AC T I V E C O N S I D E R AT I O N

Bangladesh to erect barbed wire fence on border with India JESSORE (Bangladesh): With India looking to completely seal the Indo-Bangla border in Assam soon, a top Bangladeshi security commander has said his country has decided to erect a barbed wire fence along the border with India and Myanmar.

Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh’s border guarding force, Major General Aziz Ahmed told a visiting group of Indian journalists here that his government has already approved a project to have a 282km road along the border it shares with India and Myanmar.

While India borders Bangladesh from three sides (4,096km), it shares a small 271km border with Myamnar on its eastern flank.

“Our government, in principle, has agreed to have barbed wire fencing along the borders with India as well as Myanmar. In principle, it has also been decided to have link roads all along the border like India is having which facilitates BSF activities and those of the Myanmarese border guarding forces,” the BGB chief said while speaking via video-link at the headquarter of BGB’s south-west region here from his office in Peelkhana in Dhaka.

PROJECT APPROVED: Top Bangladeshi security commander has said his country has decided to erect

a barbed wire fence along the border with India and Myanmar.

He said it was “unfortunate” that these “two basic needs” of having a barbed wire fence and roads has not been developed on the Bangladeshi side till now.

Ahmed said these projects are under “active consideration” of his government. Ahmed made the remarks while replying to a question where he was asked what was Bangladesh’s response to the India which had recently said that the

- PTI file

Indo-Bangla border in Assam will be fully sealed by June, 2017 and later all along.

“You would understand that all these things require huge amounts of money...but the government has already approved a project for 282 km where roads along with barbed wire fence will be erected and possibly that will start from the Myanmarese side,” Ahmed said.

He said as India has already

raised fence along 79 per cent of the Indo-Bangla border, it “indirectly helps” his country in checking cross-border crimes.

The DG stated that in a large number of cases where BSF approaches them for construction of fencing along the border, they give a “prompt consent” except in few instances where the construction is very close to the zero line and there are issues involved.

“After all, Indian fencing helps us too,” he reiterated. The top commander said the two border guarding forces are also working to create a database of habitual offenders active along the IndoBangla frontier as he accepted that this was a “weak” point in ensuring effective border security and trans- border movement of terrorists and criminals was a “serious concern” for them.

The BGB chief, who will lead a delegation to New Delhi for the biannual DG-level talks with their counterparts Border Security Force (BSF) beginning October 30, also said he has given “clear instructions” to his men to crackdown on cross-border cattle smuggling incidents after the Indian establishment ordered a complete clampdown on this criminal activity sometime back.

“We don’t want Indian cattle into Bangladesh. I can say we have become self sufficient over the years in food grains that we are exporting it now...a day will come when we will export cattle. Our main concern and priority is to stop killing of Bangladeshi nationals by BSF. “More than 95 per cent of border killing is due to cattle smuggling.

This issue will surely be discussed during the DG level talks that will take place soon,” he said.

The DG expressed his strong disapproval on the killing of Bangladeshi citizens in BSF firing and said such situations can be negated without killing a person.

“Our soldiers are also attacked by smugglers (like BSF) and we use lethal weapons...but we don’t kill them,” he said. A BGB data said while 21 Bangladeshis have been killed till September this year along the Indo-Bangla border, the figures for the previous years stood at 45 (2015) and 40 (2014).

Ahmed denied existence of any camps of Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) on their soil after BSF handed them over various dossiers in this regard in the past saying there has been “no signs of any hideouts or camps” after their forces conducted operations in areas identified by their counterparts.

Talking about Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), Ahmed said his country was “very concerned” about the issue. These notes were being prepared outside Bangladesh and routed through its territory, he said. “It is not only affecting Indian economy but also ours,” he added. - PTI

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NORTH KOREA AIR SHOW

A parachutist releases fireworks for an aerial display during the second day of the Wonsan Friendship Air Festival in Wonsan, North Korea, on Sunday. Just weeks after carrying out its fifth nuclear test, North Korea put on an unprecedented civilian and military air force display on Saturday at the country’s first ever public aviation show. — AFP

Somalia’s election postponed for second time MOGADISHU: Elections in Somalia to choose a new parliament have been postponed for the second time in two months due to a dispute over how to select future members, a lawmaker said on Sunday.

Voting for the 275-seat parliament was scheduled to start this weekend and end on October 10, with new lawmakers set to appoint a president on October 30.

Facing an ongoing threat from the Al Qaeda-linked militant group Al Shabaab, Somalia abandoned plans for a one person one vote election. Instead about 14,000 people representing federal states across the nation will choose members of the legislative assembly.

Although a fraction of Somalia’s 11 million people, it is more than the 135 elders who picked the outgoing parliament in 2012. “No election is going on,” a lawmaker who asked not to be named told Reuters.

“There is inter-clan dispute over selection of clan elders (voters) and parliamentary candidates,” added the lawmaker.

Government officials were not immediately available to comment. The election was originally planned for last month but it was postponed to allow for more time for preparations. — Reuters

TERROR LINKS

Two French teenagers held for ties to militant PARIS: French police arrested two young women from the city of Nice in mid-September for suspected ties to IS militant Rachid Kassim, the Paris prosecutors’ office said on Sunday.

Aged 17 and 19, the teenagers used the Telegram encrypted messaging system to communicate with Kassim, who is suspected of having participated in several attacks or attempted attacks in France, a spokesman said, confirming an earlier report by newspaper Le Parisien.

“They were incited to commit an attack on specific targets in retaliation for the recent death of the IS’ spokesman (Abu Muhammad Al Adnani),” a source close to the investigation told Le Parisien.

The two teenagers admitted considering the attack, before abandoning the idea, the daily reported.

At least four other teenagers, all suspected of having plotted to kill in the name of the IS, were arrested in about 10 days in early September by the General Directorate for Internal Security, a French intelligence agency, which spotted the suspects on social networks.

All were in contact via Telegram with Kassim, who is currently located in the Syrian-Iraqi region, according to police and judicial sources. — Reuters

Syrian jets pound Aleppo’s camp, residential areas egy” in Syria, “otherwise, Russia and Iran will become accomplices of the war crimes committed in Aleppo”.

The rebels said in their statement they could not accept Russia, a member of the UN Security Council, as a sponsor of a new peace initiative “because it was a partner with the regime in its crimes against our people”.

Rebels said any peace process would be futile unless the ‘scorched earth bombing’ stopped immediately

AMMAN: Warplanes bombed a strategic camp on the northern edge of Aleppo on Sunday as Syrian government forces, backed by Russia, battled rebels for control of the city.

The rebels said any peace process would be futile unless the “scorched earth bombing” stopped immediately.

In the first major advance, the Syrian army seized control of the Handarat Palestinian refugee camp, north of Aleppo. Rebels counter attacked and said on Sunday they had retaken the camp before the bombing started. “We retook the camp, but the regime burnt it with phosphorous bombs,” said Abu Al Hassanien, a commander in a rebel operations room that includes the main brigades

REDUCED TO RUBBLE: A man walks on the rubble of damaged buildings after an air strike on the rebel held Al Qaterji neighbourhood of Aleppo, Syria, on Sunday. – Reuters

fighting to repel the army assault.

The army acknowledged rebels had retaken Handarat. “The Syrian army is targeting the armed groups’ positions in Handarat camp,” a military source was quoted on state media as saying.

Planes also continued to pound residential areas on Sunday, flattening buildings, rebels and residents said. They say air strikes have intensified, with more powerful weapons, since the new offensive began.

“The Assad regime and with di-

OFFICIAL LAUNCH

World’s largest radio telescope begins operating in China BEIJING: China on Sunday commissioned the world’s largest radio telescope, a 4,450-panel reflector as large as 30 football pitches, which can help in better understanding the origin of the universe and boost global hunt for extraterrestrial life.

Hundreds of astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts witnessed the official launch of the 500 meter Aperture Spherical Telescope’s (FAST) mission in a karst valley in Pingtang County in Guizhou Province. Work on the nearly 1.2 billion-yuan ($180 million) project started in 2011, 17 years after it was proposed

by Chinese astronomers. The installation of the telescope’s main structure — a 4,450-panel reflector as large as 30 football pitches was built at unique valley in southwest China where over 8,000 people have been evacuated as it requires quiet atmosphere.

FAST will require radio silence within a 5-kms radius.

Over 600 apartments have

COMMISSIONED: The Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST)

is seen on its first day of operation in Pingtang, in southwestern China’s Guizhou province, on Sunday. – AFP

been built in two new settlements, about 10 kilometres to accommodate the displaced people.

The telescope, which is aimed at observing deep space was stated to be most visible project of China’s plans to transform into high-tech nation focussing on research in advanced science and technology moving away from cheap manufacturing.

The project has the potential to

search for more strange objects to better understand the origin of the universe and boost the global hunt for extraterrestrial life, Zheng Xiaonian, deputy head of the National Astronomical Observation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which built the telescope said.

The radio telescope will be the global leader for the next 10 to 20 years, he said. — PTI

rect participation of its ally Russia and militias has escalated its criminal and vicious attack on our people in Aleppo employing a scorched earth policy to destroy the city and uproot its people,” a statement signed by 30 mainstream rebel groups said on Sunday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said at least 45 people, among them 10 children, were killed in eastern Aleppo on Saturday.

The army says it is targeting only militants.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Russia was guilty of prolonging the war in Syria and may have committed war crimes by targeting an aid convoy. “We should be looking at whether or not that targeting is done in the knowledge that those are wholly innocent civilian targets, that is a war crime,” he said in a BBC interview aired on Sunday.

French Foreign Minister JeanMarc Ayrault called on Russia and Iran to stop the “dead-end strat-

Chemical weapons It said Russian-backed Syrian forces were using napalm and chemical weapons without censure from the international community. UN investigators are looking into the alleged use of the incendiary weapons phosphorus and napalm in several cities.

Outside Aleppo, anti-Assad fighters have been driven mostly into rural areas. Nevertheless, they remain a potent fighting force, which they demonstrated with an advance of their own on Saturday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Saturday rebels, including the militant Jund Al Aqsa group, had seized two villages in northern Hama province, an area that is close to the coastal heartland of Assad’s minority sect.

A Syrian military source said the army was “fighting fierce battles” around the two villages, Maan and Al Kabariya. — Reuters

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WORLD HANI MULKI

TIGER DAY FESTIVITIES

People take part in festive events marking the Tiger Day, dedicated to the protection of the endangered Amur tiger, in the far eastern city of Vladivostok, Russia, on Sunday. — Reuters

Jordan’s king asks PM to form new government AMMAN: Jordan’s prime minister, Hani Mulki, has been asked by the king to form a new government after a parliamentary election, a palace statement said on Sunday.

Mulki, 64, who has held a string of senior diplomatic and ministerial posts, has been given another term to continue to try to rejuvenate a sluggish economy and revive business confidence at a time of regional turmoil.

Muslim Brotherhood Parliament is expected to convene next month with Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood gaining a foothold after ending a decade-long boycott and returning to the fray as the mainstay of a broad civic alliance.

The alliance, which included prominent independent figures and former government officials, won fifteen seats in the 130-member parliament.

New cabinet Mulki, who was appointed last May and charged with conducting the election, was asked by King Abdullah to form a new cabinet, the royal palace said.

A government source told Reuters the new government was expected to be sworn in by the end of this week. — Reuters

HUNGARY

Two hurt as blast rocks Budapest BUDAPEST: An explosion rocked central Budapest late on Saturday, injuring two police officers, Hungarian police said on Sunday.

Police have yet to identify the cause of the blast, they said in a statement.”The local and expert examination of the origins of the explosion and the review of the damage is under way,” the statement said.

The blast was next to an unused store front on a one of the busiest thoroughfares in central Budapest. Images on local news media showed a ruined doorway. Nearby windows and cars were damaged in the blast, witnesses said.

Police said there were no further injuries caused by the explosion, which occurred at 10:36 pm local time (2036 GMT).

A government spokesman declined to comment on whether the blast may have been a deliberate attack.

Security risks Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been a vocal opponent of immigration into Europe and is urging voters to reject EU quotas for resettling migrants in Hungary in a referendum next Sunday, arguing immigration increases security risks. — Reuters

Lot to do before triggering EU divorce: Boris Johnson opposition Labour Party on Saturday, added his voice to calls for the government to involve parliament in the divorce after ministers said it would play a so far undefined role.

Last week, the UK foreign minister said

I think the crucial thing is that obviously we are not going to do it before Christmas and I think we’ve got to do a lot of work to get our ducks in order and that is going on. I think...what everybody wants... is clarity and getting on with it. And not letting the process drag on is the key phrase I would use

Britain would trigger Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty to start its exit from the bloc early next year

LIVERPOOL: Britain has a lot of work to do before triggering the formal divorce procedure with the European Union but once it is done, the country will not let the process drag on, Foreign Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday.

Last week, Johnson said Britain would trigger Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty to start its exit from the bloc early next year.

He was swiftly put in his place

by Prime Minister Theresa May’s aides who said the policy had not changed - Britain would not invoke the procedure this year.

London is under pressure from fellow EU members and millions of Britons who voted to leave the

Boris Johnson

Britain’s Foreign Minister

bloc at a June referendum to start the divorce, and May’s aides have suggested that she hopes the formal procedure will be started early next year.

But some lawmakers and government officials say the government has not had time to form a clear negotiating stance and that, by triggering proceedings too early, Britain may land a poor deal.

“I think the crucial thing is that obviously we are not going to do

it before Christmas and I think we’ve got to do a lot of work to get our ducks in order and that is going on,” Johnson told the BBC’s Andrew Marr programme.

“I think...what everybody wants... is clarity and getting on with it. And not letting the process drag on is the key phrase I would use.”

May has promised to deliver a “unique deal” for Britain - to get trade deals on good terms while

limiting immigration, a combination ruled out by European leaders, who say free trade is only possible with free movement of people.

Running commentary Her aides and ministers have told reporters the government will not offer a “running commentary” on the divorce but they are clear any decisions will be taken by May. Jeremy Corbyn, who was reelected as leader of Britain’s main

Fully informed Asked by the BBC’s Andrew Marr whether that was democratic, Corbyn said: “I don’t think it’s democratic and I don’t think it’s sustainable at all.”

“This is a huge political issue, it’s the most significant economic issue facing Britain in my or your lifetime and I think at the very least parliament should be fully informed.”

Johnson, a former London mayor who was one of the most prominent campaigners to leave the EU, reiterated that Britain must regain control of immigration through the divorce.

“I want skilled and talented people to come to the UK if they want... to fulfill their dreams in our country. Then I have no problem with that provided that we have control,” he said. “I think for 25 years UK business and industry have been mainlining immigration like a kind of drug without actually investing enough, or caring enough frankly, about the skills and the training of young people in our country.” — Reuters

D UA L T U R K I S H - I R A N I A N NAT I O NA L

Erdogan blasts US court in case against gold trader ISTANBUL: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said US federal attorneys took aim at him in their prosecution of a Turkish gold trader accused of helping to violate sanctions against Iran, Turkish media reported on Sunday.

US authorities arrested Reza Zarrab, a dual Turkish-Iranian national who has ties with highranking Turkish officials, in Miami in March on charges he helped Iran process millions of dollars of transactions when it faced US sanctions for its nuclear programme.

The 33-year-old businessman, who lived in Turkey, remains in custody in New York. He has pleaded not guilty.

US Attorney for Manhattan Preet Bharara’s office included in its indictment a corruption investigation in Turkey that targeted Zarrab, cabinet ministers and members of Erdogan’s family in late 2013. That probe had subsequently been dropped and pros-

ecutors and investigators in the case re-assigned or sacked.

Private broadcaster NTV quoted Erdogan as telling a group of reporters he had raised Zarrab’s detention in talks with US Vice President Joe Biden, whom he met in New York last week after speaking at the United Nations general assembly.

Implicate Erdogan Erdogan said US prosecutors were trying to implicate him by including in the indictment Zarrab’s donations to an educational charity called Togem that is linked to the president’s family.

“They are not pursuing the law, but are after a network of relationships. It’s interesting that the indictment refers to my wife setting up Togem and my ties with that association. My wife and I are not among the founders of that association.

“The effort to mention our names in court proves there are

ulterior motives,” he said.

Erdogan also accused US officials involved in the case of travelling to Turkey as guests of a religious movement led by cleric Fethullah Gulen. Turkey now classifies the movement, dubbed FETO, as a terrorist organisation that it blames for a failed military coup in July that killed hundreds.

“The US Department of Justice is being represented by people who were wined and dined by FETO. I told Biden this and he said he was unaware,” Erdogan said.

Zarrab’s lawyers last month filed a motion asking the federal judge, Richard Berman, to recuse himself due to comments he made about Zarrab’s prosecution in Turkey at a 2014 conference they said was sponsored by lawyers charged in connection with the coup attempt Berman’s chambers and a spokesmen for Bharara did not comment. — Reuters

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DAVID RUSSELL

City of London’s fortunes at stake T

he post-Brexit battle for Europe’s capital markets business has already started, even before official exit negotiations have been triggered.

Bloomberg News reported Thursday that London’s biggest investment banks seem resigned to losing the $570 billion market for clearing trades of euro-denominated derivatives.

Some London-based banks want Theresa May’s government to strike an interim deal to protect financial services now.

It’s not clear how that would work, but one thing is clear: Every time the government repeats its desire to curb immigration, it sends a signal to Europe that everything else is up for grabs — including London’s preeminence in financial services. Britain’s spurned partners are already warning loudly that it can’t have single-market membership without the free movement of people. The government seems ready to gamble that the City is sufficiently important to the bloc to guarantee special treatment.

And while Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has promised to protect the City, he’s also a cheerleader for the government line that curbing immigration remains the priority.

The you-need-us-more-than-we-need-you stance could backfire badly.

Figures released by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority this week show almost 5,500 firms in the UK use EU licences to sell services into the bloc; but more than 8,000 firms are trafficking the other way -- that is, based in other EU states but doing business in the UK under the socalled passporting regime that authorises financial firms in one of its member states to do business across the bloc.

The UK’s passport status after it leaves the EU is uncertain, and the numbers are likely to embolden those who believe the EU has enough skin in the game to want to keep London as the financial capital of Europe.

But it would be dangerous to underestimate the appetite of Paris, Dublin, Luxembourg, Frankfurt and other financial centres for stealing business from London.

The UK accounts for 78 per cent of the capi-

tal markets activity in the EU. Given the size of the prize on offer in financial services -- the City contributes about 45 billion pounds ($59 billion) to UK national income and employs more than 400,000 workers -- it’s hard to imagine competing countries won’t play hardball.

“This issue needs to be right at the top of the in-trays of the Chancellor, the Governor of the Bank of England, and the UK’s lead negotiators,” said Andrew Tyrie, a Conservative member of parliament who heads the influential Treasury Select Committee.

It’s not too early to defend the City’s interests now. Despite Prime Minister Theresa May’s assertion that there won’t be a “running commentary,” pre-negotiations are already underway in very public forums even before Article 50 has been triggered. The Czech Republic’s top Brexit negotiator, State Secretary for EU Affairs Tomas Prouza, warned this week that there’s “exactly zero chance of success if the UK wants to create first- and second-class citizens in Europe or if it tries to separate the four basic freedoms of movement” of goods, services, capital and labour.

The Visegrad group of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia is likely to veto any deal that restricts their citizens’ ability to live and work in Britain -- a reminder that any of the 27 EU members can veto whatever agreement is cobbled together.

There are some prominent voices in Europe acknowledging the value of maintaining EU access to British capital and financial expertise.

Clemens Fuest, president of Germany’s influential Ifo economic institute, told Bloomberg Television that the entire region would suffer in a so-called hard Brexit that severed London’s financial access.

That realisation may encourage enlightened self-interest among EU leaders to reach a deal on passporting that serves both sides. Regardless of how the wrangling pans out, Britain’s Conservative administration risks making things worse when, pandering to the right wing of its own party and the xenophobic elements of the electorate, it succumbs to grandstanding about its commitment to curbing immigration. The City is too valuable a bargaining chip to be sacrificed before talks have even started. - Bloomberg View

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES SEPTEMBER 2001 ‘Shabab Oman’ calls at Egypt port PORT SAID (Egypt): The Royal Navy of Oman ship Shabab Oman coming from Denmark on the way to the Sultanate, arrived here yesterday after taking part in the International Friendship Cup Competition for sailing ships for the year 2001. Shabab Oman came first in the competition in which 100 ships from various countries of the world took part.

PICTOGRAPH

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

AGRICULTURE & FISHING (in million Omani Rials) Total end of December 2014

2015

427

406

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

1775: The 12th Amendment is ratified, changing the procedure of choosing the US president and vice-president.

1942: The War Labour Board orders equal pay for women in the United States.

1942: The Red Army retakes Smolensk from the Germans.

1992: NASA launches Mars Observer probe; fails 11 months later.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

A 14

M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

LIFESTYLE GEAR

Story Syed Haitham Hasan

rom the affordable Sport to the powerful Holland & Holland, Range Rover is the benchmark of SUV luxury, setting itself apart from the rest with a total monarchy over every terrain. From slick tarmac to hostile dunes, it conquers all, with comfort.

But, I myself had never had the pleasure to drive one. So, when I had the opportunity to take the iconic Rover for ascent through Jebel Akhdar, the tallest mountain range in Oman, I jumped at the chance.

From the moment I picked up the vehicle from the showroom, I was smitten. From the aggressive xenon head lamps to the sleek body to the striking rear LED lamps, the Range Rover exterior is a picture of chic, sophisticated, sporty, power.

Slipping inside, I found that beauty wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t skin deep, ďŹ lled with a comfortable amalgam of leather seats, tech savvy interior, and user friendly infotainment.

The initial love-sick appeal nearly made me forget that I was given the vehicle in the most testing circumstances. >A15

M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

WEATHER

TEMPERATURE

HUMIDITY

37 - 26 80-41% 0

0

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

12.03pm 3.28pm 6.05pm 7.15pm 4.42am

LIFESTYLE

The Handling Leaving behind Birkat Al Mouz, the area where the astounding climb to Jebel Akhdar begins, I was greeted with steep ascends and steeper corners. Range Rover’s ability to manoeuvre at high speeds, was just brilliant. The receptivity of the steering was tangible — the steering response inch-perfect with zero lag with excellent vehicle dynamic characteristics.

Pictures: Supplied

< A14 Remember the “drum test” during the driving exam? The nightmare of reversing past those strategically placed drums? My test drive began with a similar obstacle course in which I had to reverse my green-plated Range Rover through a path of curving concrete walls to exit the dealership, all the while with a showroom manager witnessing my nervous driving skills for the entire 50 metres.

That nerve-wracking experience that was the first of many that made me see just how awesome the Range Rover actually is.

Even with its sophisticated tech, the car feels human and the driver is in absolute control of the vehicle. The cameras did what they were supposed to, acting as my eyes outside the car.

The sensors beeped only when they had to. The efficiency was such that I didn’t glance at the mirrors even once. A 50m curving pathway reverse in this fullsized SUV was easier than similar courses I have taken in much smaller vehicles.

The Highway Drive Out on the open road, Range Rover Sport drives as comfortably as a German sedan, while packing enough power to rocket past most of the sportier, lighter cars on the road. The exhaust orchestra is a thing of beauty, and the throttle response is admirable, with zero delay and no jerks.

Floor the pedal and the suspensions absorb the inertia in such a way that you know the vehicle is racing, but you feel nothing but cloud-like lightness.

A1 5

driving, I couldn’t help noticing, the vehicle was still perfectly comfortable.

The rain may have made the terrain tougher to climb but the Range Rover showed little strain.

The manoeuvring was in complete control. The steep hills and harsh terrain seemed so easy to take when on the driver’s seat.

Reaching the summit of the hill, the Range Rover growled to a stop. It had exceeded every one of my expectations, on the flat road and off road. All that was left to test was its performance downhill driving.

The Decent With hill descend, downhill drive was effortless. Apart from getting too slow on certain occasions, the downhill mode was smooth and ordinary, even on extreme grades and loose surfaces.

SPECIFICATIONS

3000cc V6 Supercharged Engine 4WD-Terrain Response Max Power: 340bhp @ 6500rpm Max Torque: 450Nm @3500-5500rpm Driver & Passenger Electric Front Seats 8 Speed Auto Transmission with Paddle Shift Five Surround Camera Dual View Touch Screen Blind Spot/ Reverse Traffic Detection 21” Alloy Wheels

Oman Authorised Dealer Mohsin Haider Darwish, Azaiba Automotive Division +968 2452 3200 auto-sales@mhd.co.om

The Off-Road Experience The Range Rover performed exceptionally well on the road,

but it was time for the real challenge, summiting a hill, well off the beaten path.

I was at last able to test out the famous Terrain Response System. I set it into Auto after being unable to determine the Terrain

ROAD SMART

response I needed from the car to counter the jagged, uneven pathway to the top.

Before I could pity the Rover for the atrocities I was putting it through, the testing conditions worsened as a slight, exhilarat-

ing drizzle of rain turned into a full-fledged storm.

As the RPM nicked 6k, the torque kicked into the game and I was through on the most gravelly hill climb ever. Even with a maximum concentration on

Verdict Few questions can be raised on the ability of Range Rover to conquer every terrain with its dextrously engineered vehicles.

With power, comfort, luxury, performance, and, most of all, the intuitive human touch, it is safe to say that the Range Rover Sport is still one of the best allterrain vehicles on the road, with few, able to match it. All hail, the all-terrain champion.

—haitham@timesofoman.com

NEW LAUNCH

Smart Driving Can Help Improve Fuel Economy

Many consumers are looking for effective ways to reduce their spending and curb spiralling costs – without having to radically change their lifestyle. What most people don’t know however, is that ‘Smart Driving’ can help improve fuel economy on your regular commute and help the vehicle perform better.

In line with this, Chevrolet recommends the following tips to save fuel: Take it easy and drive smoothly: Not accelerating smoothly is one of the most common mistakes drivers make on the road. Aggressive driving like jumping on the gas at every light only to then hit the brakes will not get the driver home any faster. According to Chevrolet engineers, by driving smoothly, drivers can improve their mileage by approximately 20 per cent.

Use cruise control: Using cruise control helps maintain a constant speed over time, which is much more efficient than speeding up and slowing

down over and over again.

Roll up the windows: Leaving windows open on the highway increases air pressure in your car, acting like a parachute trying to slow the vehicles down, which consumes much more energy than the air conditioner will, slowing you down and consuming fuel.

Check tyre pressure: Even with tyres just five pounds under the recommended air pressure, it will make the engine work harder to turn the wheels. Chevrolet recommends checking tyres at least once a month, and the Tyre Information Label located on the inside of your vehicle’s doorframe has the recommended cold tyre pressure for your vehicle.

Don’t ignore the “check engine” light: A “check engine” light can be something as simple as a loose gas cap.

But, a more serious engine problem can cut fuel economy by up to 40 per cent.

Avoid excess idling: A car gets 0 kpl when the engine is idling. Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked to save fuel.

Remove the roof carriers and car ornaments: Roof carriers to haul gear and car ornaments like country flags increases aerodynamic drag (wind resistance) and lowers fuel economy. At highway speeds, up to a third of your fuel is used to overcome wind resistance, so even small changes to your vehicle’s aerodynamics will have a big impact in fuel economy.

Cut excess weight: When it comes to saving on gas, it's not just the distance but how a vehicle is loaded and driven that counts. Carrying heavy items in your car makes it work harder and consume more gas. Keep in mind that for every 100kg you carry onboard, your car uses about 0.5L/100km more gas (around 2 per cent extra) – and even more in smaller vehicles.

—Courtesy of General Motors

The sporty and versatile Ferrari GTC4Lusso T revealed The upcoming Paris Motor Show provides the venue for the unveiling of the GTC4Lusso T, the first four-seater in Prancing Horse history to sport a V8 turbo engine, hailing a whole new Ferrari GT concept aimed at owners seeking a car that is sporty and versatile but also perfect for frequent driving.

The new GT effortlessly marries elegance, superb occupant comfort and sportiness with the exhilaratingly dynamic driving delivered by a combination of rear-wheel-only drive, four-wheel steering, lighter overall weight and increased weight bias towards the rear.

The car’s 3.9-litre V8 turbo is the latest evolution to emerge from the engine family named overall “2016 International Engine of the Year”. Its maximum power output is 610cv at 7,500rpm while maximum torque of 760Nm is available at between 3,000 and 5,250rpm.

The V8 turbo’s signature characteristics suit day-to-day driving

in urban contexts: A rich powerful soundtrack at high speeds that becomes more muted at lower speeds, nimbleness and responsiveness courtesy of versatile, modular torque delivery and, last but not least, an excellent range.

The GTC4Lusso T’s dynamic control systems have been specifically calibrated also to further boost responsiveness to commands. In particular, the 4WS (rear-wheel steering), which is integrated with Side Slip Control (SSC3), makes for more rapid response to steering wheel inputs entering and exiting corners, as the rear wheels are steered in the same direction as the front ones.

The feeling of longitudinal performance in this new model has been enhanced at low speeds by Variable Boost Management and underscored by zero turbo lag in its throttle response. Thanks to variable torque curves (VBM) between 3rd and 5th gear, longitudinal ac-

celeration is consistent from gearto-gear, increasing smoothly with engine speed, resulting in a feeling of unique sportiness and progress.

The GTC4Lusso T’s styling remains the same innovative take on the shooting brake coupé, reinterpreting the concept with an extremely streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette. The cabin is an effortless melding of distinctive Ferrari styling and the luxurious elegance of a four-seater GT. The GTC4Lusso T also features Dual Cockpit architecture, designed to enhance the shared driving experience for both driver and passenger. It also incorporates the latest iteration of the infotainment system complete with an impressive 10.25” HD capacitive touchscreen. The tailpipes are specific to this new model which can also be fitted, on request, with dedicated 20” sports wheels.

—lifestyle@timesofoman.com

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M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

LIFESTYLE ‘How to……

Buy a DSLR Camera’

First things first. DSLR stands for digital single lens reflex which are high performance cameras traditionally used by professional photographers but which are increasingly used by photography enthusiasts thanks to enhanced user friendly technology. With so many choices available in the market today, deciding which one to choose can be mind boggling.

With that in mind Canon Middle East, the world’s leading innovator of imaging products and solutions, has put together a guide on what to look for when buying a DSLR. 1. Price: DSLR cameras are more affordable nowadays with brands such as Canon offering great starter DSLRs for the enthusiastic amateur to highly professional camera by the EOS range. Another factor to take into account when purchasing a DSLR is the cost involved for additional equipment such as: ĊŗŗLenses: Can be tailored to your photographic requirements, i.e. if you are interested in landscape photography you will need a wide angle lens while if you are more interested in taking wildlife or sports shots then you may require a telephoto lens. ĊŗŗBatteries: All models will come with one but if you are travelling it’s a good idea to always carry a spare. ĊŗŗMemory Cards: Most serious photographers upgrade their memory cards to at least a 1 gigabyte card which allows you to take more hi resolution images before needing to delete. ĊŗŗFilters: Filters can be used to

manipulate the light that enters the camera. Filters are very useful for creating effects such as soft-lighting or warmer colours.

2. What will you use it for? It is well worth asking yourself this question up front, as it will help you think through the type of features and accessories you’ll need. Whether you’re a beginner, semi professional or a professional photographer Canon’s EOS camera’s range has a wide variety of camera’s to offer with basic features/functions.

3. Resolution: ‘How many megapixels does it have’ is a question that is often one of the first to be asked about a new camera. Megapixels come into play as you consider how you’ll use your images. If you’re looking to print enlargements then more can be good — if you’re just going to print in small sizes or use them for e-mailing friends then it’s not so crucial. Canon’s EOS series offers a wide range of resolution to suit your needs.

4. Added Value Features: DSLRs can offer a wide array of value added features, so it is always worth remembering what you hope to get out of your photography before investing in additional technology features. Ċ Burst Mode: Is the ability to shoot a burst of images by just holding down the shutter release — great for sports and action photography. DSLRs vary both in the number of frames that they can shoot per second as well

as how many images they can shoot in a single burst. ĊŗŗMaximum Shutter Speed: Most DSLRs will have a decent range of speeds available but some will have impressive top speeds which will be very useful if you’re into sports or action photography. ĊŗISO Ratings: A camera's ISO function sets the light sensitivity of the camera's image sensor.

A lower ISO setting is used when capturing overly bright scenes, since it reduces the light sensitivity of the image sensor. This is ideal when shooting at the beach, on a ski slope, or under the midday sun. A higher ISO setting is often used when shooting under dimmer conditions . ĊŗŗLCD Size: This feature can be important when you wish to review your pictures. The larger the LCD, the easier it will be to view your pictures after you take them, and to choose if you wish to keep them. Ċ Dust Protection: The EOS Integrated Cleaning System is Canon´s technology for minimizing the sensor dust characteristic of digital SLR cameras, which also includes software processing — something that will prove invaluable for Gulf photographers. ĊŗŗFlash: Once upon a time all photographers were tied to the light source available to them, but with ongoing flash development, photographers are able to bring a portable light source with them, improving both range and overall photographic results.

— lifestyle@timesofoman.com

TECK NOTE

Panasonic Develops World’s First Video Recording Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera

Panasonic has announced that it has developed a new Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) Camera LUMIX GH5 that is capable of recording smooth, high-precision 4K 60p/50p and faithful 4:2:2 10bit 4K video*3 for the first time in the world*1. It also features ‘6K PHOTO’*2 which extracts approx.18-megapixel still images from ultra high-quality video with approx. 9 times the pixel count of Full-HD. The new LUMIX GH5 is scheduled for commercialisation and introduction to the global market in early 2017.

Panasonic has been committed to the development of innovative digital cameras under the theme “Create a new photo culture in the digital era.” The world’s first Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera DMC-G1 was introduced in 2008*4 and the subsequent DMC-GH1 achieved the world’s first Full HD video recording in 2009*5.

In 2014, Panasonic introduced the DMC-GH4, which realised 4K 30p/25p video recording for the first time in the industry*6. At the same time, Panasonic proposed a new and unique method of photography called ‘4K’ which allows users to capture fleeting photographic moments that even the eyes cannot catch in 4K resolution at 30 fps to save as high-quality photos.

As a result, the DMC-GH4 is highly acclaimed for its exceptional performance in both photography and videography by a wide range of professional users worldwide – not only photographers but also cinematographers in the film production field, as well as emerging photo/videohybrid creators.

By advancing Panasonic technologies, such as digital sig-

nal processing and heat dissipation, and packing them into the compact, lightweight body of a Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera, the LUMIX GH5 enables 4K 60p/50p and 4:2:2 10-bit 4K video recording*3, which has never before been achieved *1. With this unprecedented video recording performance, Panasonic aims to further capitalise on the strength that it has achieved in the film production industry.

In the LUMIX GH5, the conventional ‘4K PHOTO’ function is dramatically advanced to form ‘6K PHOTO’*2 which lets the user cut a still image out of ultra high-quality approx.18-megapixel video with approx. 9 times the pixel count than Full-HD. Taking advantage of its highspeed, long-time burst shooting capability, spur-of-the-moment shots can be saved in beautiful photos with higher resolution that complies with largersized printing by substantially increasing the resolution from approx.8-megapixel (4K Photo) to approx.18-megapixel (6K Photo*2). Furthermore, approx.8-megapixel 4K Photo images can be captured at 60 fps.

The LUMIX GH5 goes on show at Photokina 2016, which will be held at Koelnmesse, Germany, through 20-25 September in 2016, together with the new LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Lens Series. Achieving both high optical performance and a compact size, the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.84.0 Lens Series includes a new 12-60mm standard zoom lens, 8-18mm wide zoom lens and 50200mm telephoto zoom lens that will be showcased as a reference exhibit at the Panasonic booth.

— lifestyle@timesofoman.com

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM MONDAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

OIL MARKET IN ‘CRITICAL’ SHAPE Oil market is in “much more critical” shape than when Opec last met and its members must seek ways to stabilise crude prices, possibly by freezing or cutting output, Algeria’s energy minister said ahead of talks this week in Algiers. — Bloomberg News

MARKE

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

‘Plan for a separate new SME exchange delayed’

D R A F T L AW S

ditions and (wait for) a recovery in oil prices (to proceed with the plan). The current market condition is not conducive (for developing such a bourse),” Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al Salmi, executive president of the Capital Market Authority, told the Times of Oman.

Muscat Securities Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb.

— Times file picture

Market came up with a plan to

Two new key regulations to help attract foreign funds

develop an exchange exclusively for small and medium firms almost two years

Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al Salmi. — Times file picture

A E JAMES

market. The Muscat Securities Market (MSM) came up with a plan to develop an exchange exclusively for small and medium firms almost two years ago in line with successful SME markets in the world.

“The project has slowed down now. We will see the market con-

Times News Service MUSCAT: Two major regulations aimed at strengthening the industrial base, the new foreign direct investment (FDI) and the mining laws, are expected to boost foreign investment into the country.

Both draft laws, much awaited by the business community, are now with the Ministry of Legal Affairs for final vetting before announcement, Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, told journalists on the sidelines of an event.

He said presently, 100 per cent foreign ownership (outside the free zone area) is allowed by the government, subject to an approval of the Cabinet.

In the case of industries within free zones, the approval for investment ceiling is decided by the free zone authorities.

Al Dheeb, who was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the second investment seminar, said the country is facing challenges when it comes to attracting investments and new programmes have been introduced by the ministry to overcome these challenges.

In fact, the Oman government has identified five sectors, including mining, for attracting investment for a diversification programme in the Ninth Five-Year Plan period at a time when oil prices are declining.

Al Dheeb said the country is facing challenges in attracting investment for industrial development.

Several efforts, Al Dheebsaid, were being undertaken to overcome the challenges and to attract investment into the country. These initiatives include a national programme for economic diversification, called ‘Tandeef.’

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A proposal to develop a separate bourse for small and medium industries is getting delayed due to the ongoing economic slowdown and the consequent sluggish trend in the secondary

Large number of SMEs Oman has over 90,000 small and medium units, which collectively contribute 13-14 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Al Salmi said a Taiwanese agency had conducted a feasibility study for an exchange model for small and medium enterprises in Oman. “It requires certain elements to be in place.”

The market has to take into account certain legal issues for developing a separate market for small and medium industries.

However, he said that the idea has not yet been scrapped.

Al Salmi said an SME ex-

change will not only allow small firms to raise funds from investing public, but also give them recognition when they deal with financial institutions.

“They can say that they are under the umbrella of the Capital Market Authority (CMA), which provides a certain level of credibility.”

Besides, linking with a brokerage house will help these firms to disclose information.

Listing of small and medium industries will also help them to grow from a small business unit into large corporate houses.

The market authorities have undertaken a detailed assessment of various approaches used by stock exchanges for SME bourses.

This also included an assessment of the relative impact and benefits of these approaches on the overall development of SMEs, returns to investors and market participants, and benefits to clients and suppliers of SMEs.

Better access Listing will also help the suppliers and clients with better access to information on the prospect of doing business with SMEs. The CMA chief said several companies, including family businesses, are eligible for listing on the small and medium bourse if the market decides to proceed with the plan.

In case the authorities do that, the bourse will bring down the minimum capital required for listing small businesses on the exchange. On the question of whether it is going to be a separate entity or a part of the Muscat Securities Market, Al Salmi said the issue was being discussed by the authorities.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

OMANI PRODUCTS EXHIBITION

Spotlight on Omani products in major Iran expo for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa), and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), have undertaken significant efforts in cooperation with public and private bodies in Iran to provide facilities and services for the participating firms including logistics matters, hotels and translation services.

Investors from Iran and outside Iran have been invited to attend the B2B meetings, which will be held during the exhibition.

Times News Service MUSCAT: An exhibition of Omani products (Opex) will begin on Monday at Tehran International Exhibition Centre in Iran under the auspices of Eng. Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iranian minister of industry, mines and trade, and in presence of Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Oman’s minister of commerce and industry.

Opex in Tehran, Iran aims at showcasing Omani manufacturing companies to highlight and introduce a variety of high quality products and services to the business community in Iran and the surrounding markets.

Omani companies Omani companies representing various industries will participate in this exhibition including natural resources, minerals, MAJOR ATTRACTION: Opex event, which will continue till September 30, aspires at enhancing busiwood products, manufacturing ness relations between the Sultanate and Iran. — Times file picture products, furniture, food, medical and pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, plastic and metal equipment, perThe event, which will con- Omani products to the visitors, and the neighbouring markets.

The Opex Organising Committinue till September 30, aspires exploring the dynamic market of fume, leather, and logistics.

A number of small and medium at enhancing business relations Iran, and getting acquainted with tee, which comprises the Public enterprises will also take part in between the Sultanate and Iran, the manufacturing, investment Establishment for Industrial Eshighlighting the high quality of and export opportunities in Iran tates (PEIE), Public Authority the event.

Dynamic local markets Iran enjoys dynamic local markets and a significant population touching around 77.45 million people according to 2013 census.

Opex in Iran will provide an apt avenue for Iranian importers, agents, distributors, re-exporters of products with an excellent opportunity to meet, network and sign up with the exporters directly. Building upon the success of the previous Opex held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and also the previous ones held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Doha, Qatar; and in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

MEED’S MENA REPORT

One-fourth of public private partnership projects abandoned in region Times News Service MUSCAT: Nearly one in four public private partnership (PPP) projects launched in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) have been abandoned, according to research by Middle East business intelligence service MEED. MEED’s latest report on the region’s PPP market shows that 23 per cent of the 80 PPP projects brought to market in the Mena region since 1996 failed to conclude in a deal.

The primary reason identified for PPP deals not getting off the ground was seen to be governments failing to offer deal structures that were attractive to investors because they carried too much investment risk, either from

a lack of detail in the project scope, or inadequate guarantees over revenues. The findings come as the governments across the region are turning to PPP contracts to deliver key projects in order to reduce the spending in response to lower oil earnings.

Deal analysis In preparing its latest research report, PPP in the Middle East, MEED analysed more than 100 projects across the Mena region including 80 PPP projects that have reached the prequalification stage in the region since 1996.

The results showed that about 49 per cent of all PPP projects brought to the market in the Mena region since 1996 had reached financial close while 23 per cent

failed to reach financial close.

The remainder of the deals, about 28 per cent, remain at different stages of development ranging from seeking expressions of interest (EoI) from prospective developers, to having signed the PPP contract but still working towards a financial close.

MEED’s analysis of the PPP market highlights the importance of carefully selecting projects, and carrying out proper feasibility and financial studies before projects are brought to market.

MEED says that the most common reason given for the failure of PPP deal to be concluded in the region was poor deal structuring, where investors feel that they have been asked to accept structures that require them to accept high

levels of risk while expected revenues are unclear.

Risk allocation As a result of poorly defined deal structures, investors are forced to increase their contract bid prices in order to mitigate exposure to potential and unforeseen risk. As a consequence, the overall cost of the project rises, making it economically unviable.

In one example highlighted by MEED, Egypt’s October 6 Wastewater Treatment Plant PPP, launched by Cairo in 2009, was abandoned in 2012 after studies showed higher-than-expected levels of industrial wastewater required to be treated. This required more advanced pre-treatment technology than had been antici-

pated, making the project prohibitively expensive. Although PPP has become an established method for delivering government projects around the world, it has had a relatively low level of uptake in the Middle East region.

PPP contracts offer companies long-term concessions to run government services such as operating a hospital, a school or a water treatment plant, in return for making the necessary up-front capital investment.

Efficiency Advocates say the PPP model allows governments to introduce private sector efficiencies andallows them to reduce spending, while giving private companies the security of predictable long-

term revenues. Critics meanwhile say that PPP projects cost the government more over their lifetime than they would under traditional procurement models.

Additionally, PPP deals are notoriously complex and expensive to agree as the investors seek as much certainty as possible on what they are required to provide and what revenues they will earn, while the government wants to ensure that it is getting the best possible service over the lifetime of the deal.

Land transport has the highest failure rate across the sectors, as projects such as the Saudi Landbridge and the Mafraq-Gweifat International Highway in Abu Dhabi proved too expensive to undertake using PPP.

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M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

MARKET SHIPPING

Topaz secures management contract for three vessels

Algeria mulls privatisation of banks as oil revenue slips

Times News Service MUSCAT: Topaz Energy and Marine, a leading offshore support vessel company, has been appointed the technical managers of three vessels by a consortium comprising Blue Water Shipping and Kazmortransflot (KMTF).

This is in connection with the TCO developed Tengiz oil field in Kazakhstan.

Under the terms of the agreement, Topaz will act as the technical managers for three newly designed module carrying vessels (MCVs), according to a disclosure statement.

The vessels will commence work in the second quarter of 2018 for a minimum contract period of a little over two years.

The vessels will be transporting oil and gas modules to the Tengiz oil field from transshipment bases in Kazakhstan.

The Tengiz oilfield is operated

by Tengizchevroil; a Kazakhstani partnership that explores, develops, produces and markets crude oil, LPG, dry gas and sulfur. Current partners are Chevron (50 per cent), KazMunaiGas, (20 per cent), ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Ventures (25 per cent) and LukArco(5 per cent).

The scheme will open the door for foreign investors to acquire controlling stakes in banks, reversing a rule requiring Algerian firms to keep a majority shareholding in any partnership with foreigners

ALGIERS: Algeria plans to allow its dominant state banks to list on the local stock exchange to help develop its financial markets and diversify sources of funding after the oil price slide, a senior financial official said.

The plan will open the door for foreign investors to acquire controlling stakes in banks, reversing a rule requiring Algerian firms to keep a majority shareholding in any partnership with foreigners, the official said.

Algeria’s six government-run banks account for most of the sector’s assets. French companies such as Societe Generale and BNP Paribas have the strongest presence among foreign-owned banks already working in the country.

Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) member Algeria’s economy has been largely based on a state-run and centralised system since its independence from France in 1962 and it remains reliant on an energy sector that still provides 60 percent of its budget.

But the oil price drop since 2014 has put Algeria under financial pressure, forcing the government to trim spending and search for alternative financing sources.

“The era of $100 a barrel is over.

We have no choice but to change our policy,” the official said, asking not to be named because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

“Reforms will move slowly, but

FOREIGN BANKS: French companies such as Societe Generale and BNP Paribas have the strongest presence among foreign-owned banks already working in the country. – Bloomberg News

there will be no step backwards.”

With more than $130 billion in foreign exchange reserves and little foreign debt, Algeria is in better shape than other oil producers such as Venezuela.

However, it has been forced to push up taxes and increase subsidised gasoline and diesel prices, scaling back a vast welfare system that has in the past helped ease social tensions.

Advocates of the 51/49 ownership rule and tight foreign exchange controls say they helps protect Algeria’s strategic sectors

after an experimentation with privatisation in the 1990s.

But critics say such curbs stifle growth and investment.

Past failure Algeria is now far safer following the end of a war it fought with armed Islamists in the 1990s that killed 200,000 people. Its government has been keen to promote the expansion of its agriculture, health, manufacturing and tourist sectors but cumbersome bureaucracy has put off investors.

It is also not the first attempt at

selling off the banks.

The government scrapped previous plans for a bank privatisation in 2007, just two days before the deadline for the submission of bids, citing an international banking crisis at the time.

That plan was to sell a majority state in Credit Populaire d’Algerie (CPA) — two years before the introduction of the new rule limiting ownership for foreign firms to 49 percent in any partnership deal.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have since repeatedly urged Algeria to reform the underdeveloped banking sector and modernise its stock exchange to help attract investment.

However, it is not clear how much appetite there will be for the banks. Plans to float cement producer Societe des Ciments de Ain El Kebira were dropped in June because of a lack of demand for the shares on offer.

The new bank proposal is included in the 2017 budget law draft for debate. - Reuters

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

C O M M E N TA RY

Pros and cons of bank mergers XAVIER VIVES

B

anking business has fallen on hard times.

The combination of persistent low interest rates, increasing regulatory compliance costs, and the rise of new competitors taking advantage of financial technologies (fintech) has produced, in Europe in particular, excess capacity and low profitability – and a strong temptation to merge.

In a difficult market, mergers – by enabling banks to cut costs, share informationtechnology platforms, and increase market power, thereby relieving pressure on margins and rebuilding capital – make sense. And the banks know it. Witness the recent merger talks between Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, both of which have faced huge declines in market capitalisation.

So a wave of mergers may be on the way. The question is whether that approach really can solve banks’ problems and benefit society.

Greece and Spain To be sure, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are not always a matter of escaping trouble. In fact, M&A activity – both the number and size of transactions – was picking up before the 2008 global financial crisis, including across borders within and beyond the eurozone. After peaking in 2007, such activity diminished, as domestic restructuring took precedence, particularly in countries such as Greece and Spain, which had to implement difficult adjustment programmes.

Moreover, the M&A approach does not always work.

In October 2007, a consortium formed by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Fortis, and Banco Santander acquired ABN AMRO – the world’s biggest bank takeover to date.

RBS and Fortis failed soon after and had to be rescued.

Nonetheless, supervisory bodies favour mergers to save banks in trouble. Competition authorities tend to be more reluctant, recognising the danger that large-scale mergers can consolidate an anticompetitive market structure, while creating even more “too big to fail” banks that may cause financial instability in the future. But they are often overruled or compelled to acquiesce. The United States Department of Justice agreed to the merger between Wells Fargo and Wachovia, among others, soon after the 2008 financial crisis, and the UK Office of Fair Trade was overruled in the merging of HBOS and Lloyds.

Domestic mergers Competition is not the only source of merger-related tension among authorities.

There is also friction between national supervisors, who prefer domestic mergers, and supranational supervisors, who prefer cross-border mergers within their jurisdiction (the eurozone, in the European Central Bank’s case). The benefits of cross-border consolidation are that market power is diluted in a large market, and more diversification is obtained, though these gains come at the price of weakened cost synergies.

From the banks’ perspective, cross-border mergers may potentially be the better option, as long as they occur within a single supervisory framework. That way, they can benefit from common supervision and resolution. The eurozone’s new supervisory framework, supervised by the ECB and possessing a common resolution authority, reflects this recognition of the benefits of cross-border mergers.

But Europe lags when it comes to such mergers, owing to a broader lack of financial integration. Indeed, in the European Union, member countries’ own banks tend to

be the dominant players in the domestic market – say, BNP Paribas in France or UniCredit in Italy. In the United States, by contrast, the same large banks – such as Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo – tend to dominate a large number of different states.

United States banks US banks have had more space to diversify. For European banks – which must navigate vast differences in culture, language, and law in pursuing cross-border mergers – this has been much more difficult, especially because many of them also need to cut overcapacity drastically. As a result, in the near term, European banks are more likely to pursue domestic – or, at most, regional – consolidation.

For the United Kingdom, which voted in June to “Brexit” the EU, the situation is particularly complicated.

The UK long benefited from an open policy on acquisitions by foreign banks, which allowed, for example, the Spanish Santander Group to bid for Britain’s Abbey National in 2001.

But Brexit will probably move supervision of UKbased banks out of the EU framework, raising the cost of cross-border deals and implying a loss to British consumers. As the UK banking sector’s competitiveness suffers, the temptation to return to the kind of light-touch regulation that enabled the crisis in the first place could intensify.

As for the rest of Europe’s banks, now might be the time to consider the merger option.

Mergers are no silver bullet, but they could help to alleviate serious problems relatively quickly – though, in the longer term, the banks would still have to tackle the legacy of heavy and rigid structures and rebuild their reputations, with a strong focus on consumer service and fairness. — Project Syndicate

M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

B3

MARKET SURVEY

EY leads in business deals in GCC

Saudi share offerings shrink Only two companies

Times News Service MUSCAT: Ernst & Young is the number one organisation among all major management consultancy firms in the Gulf Cooperation Council for the quality of its business transformation capabilities, according to ‘Perceptions of consulting in the GCC’, a recent report published by Source, which gathers feedback from clients on their perceptions of all consulting organisations operating in the GCC. Gerard Gallagher, Mena Consulting Leader, EY, said: “We are really proud of being number 1 in delivering successful end-to-end business and risk transformational projects at a time when it really matters to our clients. In times of economic change, governments and companies alike look to transform their strategy, people, processes and technology in order to enhance their performance and manage risk. Our legacy of more than 90 years in the region, is built on helping our clients delivering their most pressing challenges.”

Quality service EY was consistently the highest ranked organisation for value and overall quality of services, particularly in financial management.

Source is a provider of research on the management consulting market in Europe and the Middle East, which assesses and compares the reputation of consulting firms as seen by clients.

The assessment is based on over 500 responses from executives, directors, and senior managers across the GCC.

have announced plans for initial public offerings this year, down from six in 2015, putting the Saudi market on track for its slowest lineup since 2004

RIYADH: Add this to the reasons why 2016 isn’t the year for Saudi stocks: the initial public offering (IPO) pipeline is drying up.

Two companies have announced plans for initial public offerings this year, down from six in 2015, putting the Saudi market on track for its slowest lineup since 2004. That compares to nine in Malaysia, another energydependent developing economy whose main stock index is poised for its third straight annual drop following the retreat in oil prices.

The dwindling IPO lineup is a complication for the kingdom as it plans to double the size of its $371 billion stock exchange and boost the number of traded companies by about 50 per cent to 250 in seven years.

The Gulf nation is overhauling its economy to reduce its dependency on energy, and that includes cutting government spending and selling shares in state-owned oil

SUBDUED MARKET: The dwindling IPO lineup is a complication for Saudi Arabia as it plans to double the size of its $371 billion stock exchange and boost the number of traded companies by about 50 per cent to 250 in seven years. – File picture

giant Saudi Arabian Oil Company, or Aramco, in early 2018.

“You can forget about new companies wanting to go public,” said Mohammed Alsuwayed, the Riyadh-based head of capital and money markets at Adeem Capital.

“Reduction in spending, contractionary policy and austerity measures are not good for the market and if it’s not good for the market, then it’s not going to provide any good valuation or sentiment for companies that were considering IPOs.” While the head of the nation’s Capital Market Authority says the equity market is ready for Aramco’s IPO, potentially the world’s

You can forget about new companies wanting to go public Mohammed Alsuwayed

Head, capital and money markets, Adeem Capital

biggest, the Tadawul All Share Index is the worst performer across the Middle East and North Africa this year, even after the kingdom allowed foreigners direct access to its stock market for the first time in 2015, and further relaxed the rules two weeks ago.

Foreign funds Al Yamamah Steel Industries announced its plan to go public at the end of March and L’Azurde for Jewellery followed more than a month later. With the number of deals worldwide almost halving this year to about 1,290 compared to all of 2015, Saudi Arabia’s dwin-

dling IPO pipeline isn’t unique.

But unlike most nations, the kingdom prohibits foreigners from participating in share sales.

That will soon change. As part of its plan to open one of the world’s most closed equity markets, the Tadawul Stock Exchange will allow foreign investors to subscribe to initial public offerings in the kingdom for the first time starting January 1. “A successful attempt in attracting foreign money following the new qualified foreign investor rules would help the IPO market going forward., said said Mohamad Al Hajj strategist at EFG-Hermes UAE. - Bloomberg News

POWER PROJECT

AUTOMOTIVE

Levante SUV drives Maserati’s sales IFC, Canada finance in Middle East; Italy tops in Europe Jordan’s solar project Times News Service MUSCAT: Maserati reported a 38 per cent surge in vehicle sales for August this year in the Middle East, India and Africa region, compared to August 2015, pushed by the arrival of the Levante SUV. The brand’s largest markets in the region, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, grew with 42.5 per cent and 75 per cent, respectively.

Maserati has also achieved a jump in sales of its vehicles for the month of August on all the main European markets.

Italy is once again the company’s biggest European market, with 97 new registrations last month, representing a 273 per cent increase compared to August 2015. This brings the total of Maserati vehicles registered in the first eight months of the current year to an impressive 1,050, a rise of 9 per cent compared to the same period of 2015.

The brand enjoyed continuous growth on all the main European

IN TOP GEAR: The whopping sales clearly reflect the success of the Levante, the first Maserati SUV,

which has already gone on sale on a large number of European markets. - Supplied picture

markets: the United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux, France, Switzerland and Spain all made major contributions to this very strong performance. As many as 4,180 cars have been registered since the start of 2016, with an average rise of 6 per cent compared to the

first eight months of 2015.

Maserati saloons This clearly reflects the success of the Levante, the first Maserati SUV, which has already gone on sale on a large number of European markets. The performance

of the Maserati saloons - Quattroporte and Ghibli - was particularly striking in the United Kingdom, with a 52 per cent increase in sales compared to the same month of 2015; sales of the Maserati SUV are scheduled to start in this market in the last quarter.

LONDON: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Canadian government helped fund a $76 million solar power project in Jordan, which is seeking to curb its reliance on expensive natural gas imports and fuel a growing population.

IFC, a member of World Bank Group, arranged the financing package for a 50-megawatt project in the city of Mafraq, northern Jordan, which also includes support from Dutch development bank FMO, Europe Arab Bank and FinnFund, according to an e-mailed statement from IFC released on Sunday.

Developed by San Franciscobased Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, a unit of Saudi Arabia’s Abdul Latif Jameel Energy & Environmental Services, the plant is due to come online in 2018 and is the first to secure financing of four winning bidders from the government’s latest solar auction round.

Jordan has an ambitious agenda for renewable energy, spurred partly by a massive influx of refugees

from neighboring Syria straining the nation’s infrastructure. An energy-supply crunch caused by disruptions of fuel imports from Egypt has also tested the country.

Jordan is expected to reach 310 megawatts of installed photovoltaic capacity at the end of this year, up from 50 megawatts in 2015 .

Cost cutting With some consumers paying as much as 40 cents per kilowatthour for their energy currently, the solar projects will help cut costs.

All four 50-megawatt projects that won contracts in the second auction round will deliver power at between 6.1 cents a kilowatt hour and 7.7 cents a kilowatt-hour, according to BNEF. As well as $76 million from the IFC and the government of Canada, the Dutch development bank FMO provided $12 million, Europe Arab Bank provided $8 million, FinnFund provided $5 million and the IFC-Canada Climate Change programme contributed $2.4 million in a C-loan. - Bloomberg News

B4

M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

MARKET MSM index ends higher

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................ 5,769.61 ................5,765.71 ................... 5,768.84 ....................5,766.14....................2.70 ................... 0.05 Financial Index ..................................... 7,431.88 ............... 7,410.78 .................... 7,427.77 ....................7,412.01.................. 15.76 ................... 0.21 Industrial Index ....................................7,427.80 ................7,415.41 ....................7,427.80 ................... 7,422.14....................5.66 ...................0.08 Services Index .......................................3,134.15 ...............3,133.27 ................... 3,134.06 ....................3,134.15.................. -0.09 ...................0.00 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 880.17 ...................877.71 .......................880.17 .......................877.86.................... 2.31 ...................0.26 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 15,895,482 .................2,034,472 ..................... 315 ................ 17,327,421,918 ................ 10 ........................4 .................... 14 .........................28

National Detergent, up 4.76 per cent, was the top gainer while the top loser was Port

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Services Corp., down 4.51 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: Shares on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) remained firm on scattered support from institutional investors. The MSM30 Index remained stable at 5,768.84 points, up 0.05 per cent. The MSM Shariah Index advanced 0.26 per cent to close at 880.17 points.

Bank Nizwa was the most active in terms of volume and turnover. National Detergent, up 4.76 per cent was the top gainer while the top loser was Port Services, down 4.51 per cent.

As many as 315 trades were executed on Sunday, generating a turnover of OMR2 million with 15.9 million shares changing hands. Out of 28 traded securities, 10 advanced, 4 declined and 14 remained unchanged.

Omani investors were net buyers to the tune of 228,000 worth of shares followed by foreign investors at OMR8,000. Arab and GCC investors, who were net sellers, sold stocks amounting to OMR238,000.

Financial Index ended positively at 7,427.77 points, up 0.21 per cent. Al Madina Investment, Al Izz Bank, Bank Nizwa, Taageer Finance and United Finance increased 4.29 per cent, 1.56 per cent, 1.32 per cent, 0.88 per cent and 0.63 per cent respectively. Al Anwar Holding, down 0.53 per cent was the only loser.

Industrial Index moved up 0.08 per cent to close at 7,427.80 points. National Detergent, Oman Fisheries, Oman Flour Mills, Oman Cement and Al Maha Ceramics gained 4.76 per cent, 1.59 per cent, 0.63 per cent, 0.44 per cent and 0.41 per cent respectively. DhofarCattlefeed and Galfar Engineering had losses of 2.22 per cent and 1.92 per cent respectively.

Services Index was unchanged at 3,134.06 points. Port Services, down 4.51 per cent was the only sector mover.

Gulf stocks drop Saudi stocks led declines across most Gulf markets following a slump in the price of oil stoked by fading prospects for an output deal between major producers.

Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index declined 1 percent to 5.888,63 in Riyadh, heading for its fourth loss in five sessions as it reopened following a public holiday. Dubai’s DFM General Index slipped 0.8 per cent, the second-biggest loss in the region.

Bloomberg’s GCC 200 Index, a measure of the largest and most liquid companies in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, fell 0.5 per cent.

Oil retreated the most in more than two months on Friday after Saudi Arabia was said to dismiss the prospects for an output agreement to stabilize the market in talks in Algiers on September 28. The GCC is home to about 30 per cent of the world’s proven crude reserves and governments depend on energy income for the bulk of spending.

“Oil volatility is on the rise, reacting to any headline,” said HishamKhairy, the Dubai-based head of institutional trade at Mena Corp. Financial Services, one of the biggest brokerages in the United Arab Emirates. “The selloff during the weekend is affecting GCC markets.”

Chemical and steel manufacturer Saudi Basic Industries Corporation and Jabal Omar Development were the biggest contributors to the Tadawul’s fall, dropping at least 1.5 per cent.

Trading volume on the Saudi gauge was more than 50 per cent below its six-month daily average, with about 50 million stocks changing hands.

In Dubai, the benchmark has been below the 50-day moving average this month and has stayed there almost every day since. – United Securities/Bloomberg News

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

OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................... 14,218 ............... 1,038........................1 ........... 0.073 ........... 0.073 ...........0.073........... 0.073 .............0.070 ........... 0.003.............4.286 ................0.073..............0.070...................0.072...................12,775,000 .........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .......................................................27,260 ...............4,382........................2 ............0.161 ........... 0.161............0.158 ............0.161 .............0.160 ............0.001 ............. 0.625 ................0.158 .............. 0.157...................0.160...................52,534,813 .........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 100,800 ............46,166........................2 ........... 0.458 ........... 0.458 ...........0.458........... 0.458 .............0.456 ........... 0.002............. 0.439 ................0.458..............0.452...................0.466.................. 151,539,701 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ...................................................75,161 ............ 36,478........................5 ........... 0.484 ...........0.486 ...........0.484........... 0.486 .............0.484 ........... 0.002............. 0.413 ................0.486..............0.486...................0.488...................25,515,000 .........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 170,580 ........... 41,350......................12 ........... 0.243 ...........0.244 ...........0.242 .......... 0.242 .............0.242 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.242............. 0.240...................0.242 .................356,897,069........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................85,999 ................5,191........................6 ............0.061 ........... 0.061 ...........0.060........... 0.060 .............0.060 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.060..............0.060...................0.061...................12,429,083 .........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 806,839 ......... 319,507..................... 26 ........... 0.394 ...........0.396 ...........0.394........... 0.396 .............0.396 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.396..............0.394...................0.396..................988,515,102 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ...........................31,755 .............50,134..................... 10 ............1.580 ........... 1.590 ...........1.575 ........... 1.580 .............1.580............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.590 ..............1.580...................1.600................1,185,000,000 ......0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 550,000 ........... 95,660........................6 ............0.174 ........... 0.174 ...........0.173 ............0.174 ............. 0.174............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.174 ..............0.170...................0.174 ..................279,182,885........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 200,000........... 39,800........................3 ............0.199 ........... 0.199 ...........0.199 ........... 0.199 ............. 0.199............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.199 ..............0.194...................0.199..................134,302,599........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ....................................................... 20,000 ...............2,901........................4 ............0.145 ........... 0.146 ...........0.145 ............0.145 ............. 0.145............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.146 ..............0.146...................0.147..................212,077,212 ........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 128,152 ............ 24,251........................6 ............0.190 ........... 0.190 ...........0.189 ........... 0.189 .............0.190 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.526 ...............0.189 ..............0.189...................0.190...................33,075,464 .........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 1,147,965 ....... 291,041..................... 79 ........... 0.276 ........... 0.276 ...........0.248........... 0.254 .............0.266 ...........-0.012 ............-4.511................0.250..............0.249...................0.250 ..................24,140,160 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 3,358,729 ...... 957,899...................162 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......13........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000003265 ...........NATIONAL DETERGENT ...........................................8,500 ...............5,986........................3 ........... 0.700 ........... 0.712............0.700........... 0.704 .............0.672 ............0.032............. 4.762 ................0.712 ..............0.700...................0.712 ...................11,976,800 .........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 1,491,223 ........ 95,972..................... 45 ........... 0.064 ...........0.065 ...........0.064........... 0.064 .............0.063 ............0.001 ............. 1.587 ................0.065..............0.064...................0.065....................8,000,000..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK..................................................6,000 ..................390........................1 ........... 0.065 ...........0.065 ...........0.065........... 0.065 .............0.064 ............0.001 ............. 1.563 ................0.065..............0.064...................0.065...................65,000,000.........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 9,404,711.......724,098..................... 33 ........... 0.076 ........... 0.077 ...........0.076........... 0.077 .............0.076 ............0.001 ..............1.316.................0.077..............0.077...................0.078..................115,500,000........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ...................................................40,825 ...............4,646..................... 10 ............0.114 ........... 0.114............0.113 ............0.114 ............. 0.113 .............0.001 ............. 0.885 ................0.113 .............. 0.112................... 0.116 ...................28,909,260.........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ................................................. 10,100 ...............6,464........................2 ........... 0.636 ...........0.640 ...........0.636........... 0.640 .............0.636 ........... 0.004............. 0.629 ................0.640..............0.636...................0.640 ................ 100,800,000 .......0.100 OM0000001509............DHOFAR INT.DEV.AND INV. HOLD........................... 260 ...................101........................1 ........... 0.390 ...........0.390 ...........0.390........... 0.390 .............0.390 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.390............. 0.000...................0.390 ..................96,096,000.........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ........................................................ 6,283 ..................622........................2 ........... 0.099 ...........0.099 ...........0.099........... 0.099 .............0.099 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.099..............0.099...................0.100..................198,030,966........0.100 OM0000001855 ............MAJAN GLASS .......................................................................88 .....................16........................1 ............0.185 ........... 0.185 ...........0.185 ........... 0.190 .............0.190 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.185 ............. 0.000...................0.185.................... 7,984,427 ..........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 351,600 ........... 82,626........................9 ........... 0.235 ........... 0.235 ...........0.235........... 0.235 .............0.235 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.235..............0.230...................0.235..................399,312,329........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 100,000 ............19,900........................2 ............0.199 ........... 0.199 ...........0.199 ........... 0.199 ............. 0.199............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.199 ..............0.194...................0.199..................142,166,862........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 634,714............ 64,874..................... 35 ............0.102 ........... 0.103 ...........0.102........... 0.102 .............0.104 ...........-0.002 ........... -1.923................0.103 ..............0.102...................0.103...................29,578,025 .........0.100 OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED .......................................... 187,376 ............ 41,223........................4 ........... 0.220...........0.220 ...........0.220 .......... 0.220 .............0.225 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.222 ...............0.220 ............ 0.220...................0.227 .................. 17,787,000 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 12,241,680.....1,046,918 ...............148 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......13........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ......................................... 147,536 .............15,639........................2 ............0.106 ........... 0.106 ...........0.106........... 0.106 .............0.106 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.106..............0.106...................0.000 ..................33,882,124 .........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ................... 147,537 .............14,016........................3 ........... 0.095 ........... 0.095 ...........0.095........... 0.095 .............0.095 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.095..............0.095...................0.100...................30,795,353 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 295,073 ............29,655........................5 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

BANKING

Oman's central bank reviews key issues Times News Service MUSCAT: Various issues like the economic and financial report up to June 30 as well as the activity report of Central Bank of Oman’s (CBO) departments were reviewed at the CBO’s board of governors meeting which was held on Sunday.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Ali bin Mohammed bin Moosa, deputy chairman of CBO’s board of governors.

The board reviewed and endorsed the annual budget of the TRAINING SESSIONS: The initiative targets the members of the Omani Women Association who will participate in a three-day interactive

training programme that cover topics such as SME startups, digital marketing, project management and customer service. – Supplied photo

Duqm Refinery to train female students for improving skills Times News Service MUSCAT: Duqm Refinery will launch the second edition of ‘Wadhah’ initiative this week.

The initiative targets the members of the Omani Women Association who will participate in a three-day interactive training programme that cover topics such as SME startups, digital marketing, project management and customer service.

Workshops on work life balance will also be delivered. Participants will also have one to one sessions with counselors to help provide solutions to personal challenges that they may be facing. All the workshops and training sessions will be delivered by experienced

Omani women trainers.

A similar programme is also being delivered to a group of 12th-grade female students from Al Wusta Governorate’s schools.

This programme aims to develop important life skills such as problem solving and decision making skills, as well as upskill them with leadership and team working skills. The participants are encouraged to take part in selfdevelopment activities.

In his comment on the initiative, Jasim Hassan Al Ajmi, Duqm Refinery Corporate Communication and CSR nanager said, “Wadhah Initiative reflects our commitment towards corporate social responsibility.

This initiative is in line with

His Majesty’s directives to support and empower women so as to be a key partner in contributing to sustainable development of the Sultanate.”

‘Wadhah’ initiative “We are also keen to build a partnership with the local organisations to design and deliver programms that build capacity of individuals so that they may contribute towards the development of their communities,” he added.

‘Wadhah’ Initiative has a vision to empower and build the capacity of women in Al Wusta Governorate, provide them with skills in project management, marketing and customer service.

In addition, the initiative is

aimed at supporting women’s leadership, decision-making, and team work skills.

This will be achieved through a partnership with Omani women associations and school girls in the wilayats of Al Wusta Governorate, says a press release.

The ‘Wadhah’ initiative, launched last year in partnership with the Omani Women Association, is one of Duqm Refinery’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes that is designed to support all the projects aimed to empower and build the capacity of women in Duqm and Al Wusta region in general.

This year, in collaboration with Youth Vision, it aims to deliver programms that upskills potential women entrepreneurs.

College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS) for 2016-2017. It also reviewed the action taken by the CBO and licensed bank operating in Oman with regard to the financing of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Besides, the board reviewed the CBO’s financial position at the end of August 2016 and the performance of CBO’s external investments during the period under review. The board also reviewed the financial and administrative matters of CBO and has taken necessary decisions.

ECONOMY

India’s GDP growth to top 8 per cent: Official NEW DELHI: A good monsoon, reforms and timely decision making will definitely push India’s growth beyond the 8 per cent mark in subsequent quarters of this fiscal, Niti Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya has said.

“I am confident that it (GDP number) will be over 8 per cent in subsequent quarters (this fiscal),” Panagariya said.

Elaborating, he said, “This will happen because there will be impact of reforms also (besides a good monsoon).

We still have not seen (the impact of reforms). There were serious governance issues earlier. Projects were stuck. The decisions were not taken at the Centre.”

India’s growth rate slipped to a 6-quarter low of 7.1 per cent in April-June due to subdued performance of mining, construction

and farm sectors. The figure was 7.9 per cent in January-March.

Last year, Indian economy expanded by 7.5 per cent in the AprilJune quarter.

Admitting that the 7.1 per cent is a slight dampener in the first quarter, he said, “It was slightly lower than my expectations. First quarter data did not have any impact of the good monsoon this year.”

India’s foodgrain output is estimated to rise by 9 per cent to an all-time high of 135.03 million tonnes in the kharif season (summer sown) of 2016-17 on record output of rice and pulses following bountiful rains.

Foodgrain production stood at 124.01 million tonnes in the kharif season of 2015-16 crop year (JulyJune). Higher output of pulses will also help soften retail prices, which have remained a sticking point. - PTI

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SECTION

END CALL SAVE LIVES

A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

E-

IMES TECH STUFF

APPLE ACQUIRES INDIAN START-UP

Apple has acquired Indian machine-learning start-up Tuplejump Software as it seeks to expand its expertise in artificial intelligence (AI). The iPhone maker bought the Hyderabad, India-based company in June, according to a person familiar with the deal who asked not to be identified. Tuplejump’s software specialises in processing and analysing big sets of data quickly. — Bloomberg News

T E C H U P D AT E S

Snapchat to sell sunglasses with built-in camera for $130 Snapchat said it will release a wearable gadget called Spectacles, which resembles a pair of sunglasses with a built-in camera for shooting video.

A limited supply of the product will be sold this fall for $129.99, a spokeswoman said on Saturday.

Spectacles will come in one size and three colours. The wearer can tap a button near the hinge to record video of up to 10 seconds using the wide-angle lens on the glasses. The product represents the first foray into consumer electronics for the startup behind the popular messaging app. The Los Angeles company, valued at $18 billion by investors this year, said it will change its name to Snap, reflecting its larger ambitions.

Snap said Spectacles captures video in a new circular format that can be viewed full screen whether holding a phone upright or on its side. The device transmits the recordings wirelessly to a smartphone. It is similar in some ways to Google Glass, a widely mocked wearable device from Alphabet Inc. — Bloomberg News

Apple to step up plans for smart-home device Apple is attempting to differentiate itself from Echo and Google Home with more advanced microphone and speaker technology.

Some of the prototypes in testing include facial recognition sensors

MARK GURMAN & IAN KING

APPLE is pressing ahead with the development of an Echo-like smarthome device based on the Siri voice assistant, according to people familiar with the matter.

Started more than two years ago, the project has exited the research and development lab and is now in prototype testing, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing unannounced Apple projects. Like Amazon’s Echo, the device is designed to control appliances, locks, lights and curtains via voice activation, the people said. Apple hasn’t finalised plans for the device and could still scrap the project.

If a product reaches the market, it would be Apple’s most significant piece of new hardware since the company announced the Apple Watch in 2014. Echo has been a surprise hit, even to Apple engineers working on their competing project, and is already being baked into smart-home systems made by a range of companies. Meanwhile,

Alphabet is working on its own device, Google Home. Besides taking on the competition, Apple is looking for a new hot seller to augment the iPhone.

The company is attempting to differentiate itself from Echo and Google Home with more advanced microphone and speaker technology, two people said. Some of the prototypes in testing include facial recognition sensors, another person said. Apple has acquired the facial recognition startups Faceshift and Emotient over the past two years, which may help the device act based on who is in a room or a person’s emotional state.

Besides serving as a controller for other smart-home devices, the speaker would theoretically be able to process many of the Siri commands available on the iPhone. For example, users may be able to ask the device to read e-mails, send text messages and Tweets, and stream content from Apple Music.

Apple has also considered integrating mapping information into the speaker, another person said, potentially allowing the device to notify a user when it’s time to leave the house for an appointment.

An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.

Before setting its sights on a stan-

dalone speaker, Apple attempted to integrate the functionality of an Amazon Echo-like device into the Apple TV, three people said. This would have allowed users to shout commands from the couch to the TV box. Those efforts were abandoned in favor of putting the voicecommand features into a remote control when the latest set-top box shipped in October 2015.

Smart-home field Apple began showing its interest in the smart-home field with the launch of HomeKit in 2014, which allows third-party smart-home accessory makers to integrate with Siri. That same year, Apple began testing early versions of Siri-driven speakers with proprietary surround sound technology.

The company worked on two versions, a larger and a smaller model similar to Amazon’s current lineup, and even set up a small home theater to test prototypes. But those early efforts may not translate into a final product.

The work on the speaker is a collaboration between the Cupertino, California-based company’s hardware division and its Siri team, which last year was re-organised by the division’s vice president, Bill Stasior. The division now consists

of four main development groups: web search, proactive assistance, speech recognition, and the Siri application itself, two people said.

The web search team focuses on Apple’s efforts to circumvent Google search by pushing query suggestions via Apple’s own servers, while the speech recognition group powers how Siri understands its users.

The proactive assistance team develops functionality such as the iPhone feature that alerts users to appointments, while the application team engineers the voice assistant.

Now that the device has entered the prototype stage, Apple engineers have begun secretly testing it in their homes, one of the people said. While not an indicator of the speaker’s launch timeline, Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook has said he tested the iPad at home for roughly six months before its introduction.

By contrast, Apple employees began testing the latest Apple TV with Siri about a year before it went on sale, one of the people said. Following successive year-over-year quarterly drops in sales, Cook is looking for new ways to generate revenue for a company that some analysts have said has reached its peak.

Apple relies heavily on the iPhone, which accounted for about 66 percent of its revenue last year, and an iPhone-connected speaker would be another way for the company to boost its smartphone sales via its ecosystem.

It was earlier reported that Apple is working on an Amazon Echo-like speaker, which CNET said would include cameras.

While Apple’s ability to make high-quality hardware isn’t in question, the Siri voice system has failed to meet expectations. Since launching in 2011 with the iPhone 4S, Siri has frequently stumbled with long load times and by misinterpreting information. If the speaker is to thrive in a marketplace dominated

by Amazon’s advanced Alexa service, Apple needs to improve Siri.

— Bloomberg News

Twitter plans to sell stake to Salesforce, other investors Twitter is holding informal talks with several potential buyers after receiving interest from Salesforce. com, people familiar with the situation said. Twitter’s board met several weeks ago after hearing from Salesforce, said the people, who asked not to be named because the information isn’t public. Twitter then hired Goldman Sachs Group and Allen & Co. to solicit other potential buyers as well as Salesforce, the people said.

Salesforce didn’t make a formal offer, according to the people. While there’s no assurance an acquisition will happen, sale talks could accelerate into a deal in a matter of weeks, one of the people said. Twitter is also working with Goldman on options besides a full sale, like a divestiture of non-core assets, one of the other people said. Twitter’s stock has fallen after several quarters of slowing growth, putting it in play as a potential takeover target. The company is still attractive because of its data, user base and influence in politics, culture and the media. Twitter recently expanded into live video streaming, making it possible for some users to watch NFL games for free, with Tweets related to the game appearing alongside the video. It’s making similar deals for content related to politics, business and entertainment.

Twitter co-founder and board member Ev Williams fueled takeover speculation last month when he said in an interview that the company has “to consider the right options.” — Bloomberg News

Facebook admits on inflated video metrics Facebook’s rapid growth has been tightly linked to convincing advertisers that people are watching more videos on its social network.

Now the company is disclosing it has been giving marketers an inflated number for the average time being spent viewing online clips.

The company, owner of the world’s largest social network, boosted the figure by only counting a video as “viewed” if it had been seen for more than 3 seconds. Not included in the calculation was when a person didn’t watch -- or watched for less than 3 seconds.

Facebook said it was taking steps to fix the problem and that advertisers weren’t overcharged. “As soon as we discovered the discrepancy, we fixed it,” David Fischer, Facebook’s vice president of business and marketing partnerships, said in a statement Friday. “We informed our partners and made sure to put a notice in the product itself so that anyone who went into their dashboard could understand our error.” After reviewing other metrics, Facebook concluded that the error had no impact on video statistics the company has shared in the past, such as time spent watching video or the number of video views, according to the statement. The disclosure may hurt Facebook’s effort to get marketers to augment television campaigns, which carry the largest budgets in advertising, with clips on its social network. The metric Facebook has been giving advertisers doesn’t include the roughly 80 percent of people who don’t watch online videos at all, or quickly browse past them, according to Rob Norman, chief digital officer at GroupM, an advertising company. — Bloomberg News

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Barr Al Jissah posts impressive sales results for cliff-top villas Recent sales figures have defied regional trends, pointing to the clear appetite for the high-quality residential property and integrated lifestyle experiences on offer at Barr Al Jissah

MUSCAT: Barr Al Jissah, one of Oman’s first ITC developments, happily unveiled impressive results for its recent release of luxurious cliff-top villas.

Widely lauded as one of Oman’s best performing residential developments, the latest release of luxury cliff-top villas last year almost completely sold outattracting premium prices for the market sector-with only one villa remaining.

There has been strong demand from the local luxury market and GCC regional based buyers, with keen interest for the remaining villa, and additional homes soon to be released, from other markets

including the UK and Europe, says a press release.

Recent sales figures have defied regional trends, pointing to the clear appetite for the high-quality residential property and integrated lifestyle experiences on offer at Barr Al Jissah. The demand for these homes has exceeded expectations with buyers attracted by not only the high quality residential offering, but also the world class services available made possible through exclusive part-

PROMOTING OMANI BUSINESS

nerships with the likes of quintessentially to provide concierge services; as well as private banking through Oman Arab Bank and luxury amenities provided by resort provider Shangri-La. In addition, there are world-class marina facilities for yacht owners who want to access the destination.

As part of their home purchase, owners also receive a permanent family residents’ visa making travelling in and out of Oman efficient and effortless.

Commenting on the recent sales success, Firas Matraji, CEO of Barr Al Jissah Resort Company said, “I am delighted with our recent sales figures. Even in spite of the wider economic turbulence, our homes are still in high demand.

We offer a great quality lifestyle, in an unrivalled location, for both domestic and international buyers to own a home. With our additional lifestyle experiences we offer more than just a home and this has resonated with our homeowners.”

The sale of the cliff-top villas marks the first phase of the sales programme with additional residential offerings planned, including Bannenberg & Rowell Limited Edition Townhomes and marina apartments.

With only one luxury cliff-top villa remaining, private viewings tailored to each potential buyer’s specific needs are possible by contacting the presentation centre on +968 2477 6844 or visiting the website www.barraljissah.com.

CUSTOMER BASE

Zubair SEC, Ominvest to support Renna Mobile leading the way with half-a-million customers young Omani entrepreneurs MUSCAT: In line with its strategy to support the growth of new Omani entrepreneurs, Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) signed an agreement with Ominvest (Oman International Development and Investment Company SAOG) at The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp) headquarters recently.

While Husam bin Mohammed Al Zubair, director, The Zubair Corporation, signed on behalf of Zubair SEC, Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Balushi, CEO of Ominvest signed on behalf of Ominvest. The signing agreement was attended by management executives from both sides, says a press release.

Ominvest is among the longest established investment companies in the region and is one of the first to be listed both in Oman and the region. Zubair SEC, a social responsibility initiative of Z-Corp, has been facilitating business development opportunities for its members since its establishment.

The signing of the agreement marks a collaboration between the two companies to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas in Oman.

Zubair SEC strongly believes that the support of large organisations to SMEs is of great importance to the development and success of the SME sector. As part of this strategy, the centre has signed similar agreements with a number of leading companies in Oman. As part of the agreement, large companies have mentored high-potential members of Zubair SEC. As per this agreement, Zubair

SEC will select a member for Ominvest based on a competitive valuation process conducted among member entrepreneurs. One seat in ZSEC’s Direct Support Programme will be reserved for Ominvest.

ZSEC’s Direct Support Programme provides support and mentorship to high-potential novice entrepreneurs and young business owners.

One winning member of ZSEC’s Direct Support Programme pursuing investment related projects will be adopted by Ominvest.

Talking about the importance of the agreement, Husam bin Mohammed Al Zubair said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Ominvest as we believe new entrepreneurs need support with every stage of their development. Zubair SEC has become an important platform that links large companies with Omani SMEs and startups. Encouraging and lending a helping to young entrepreneurs is important as they are helping to create a brighter future for all. We thank Ominvest for the support to young entrepreneurs who we believe are the future job creators.”

Stressing the purpose of agreement is to promote entrepre-

neurial spirit in the community, Mohammed Al Hasani, chief communications officer, The Zubair Corporation said, “We recognise entrepreneurship and start-ups as key for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.

That is why we constantly create opportunity for new entrepreneurs and this agreement is an opportunity for them to collaborate and gain experience from Ominvest, one of the oldest investment holding companies in Oman.”

It must be recalled that Ominvest has developed a varied portfolio of subsidiaries across sectors including banking, insurance and real estate, and a devoted investment platform to make all financial investments, including public and private equity.

Hamid Al Harthi, head of Support Services at Ominvest said, “We appreciate the work that Zubair SEC has been doing for young entrepreneurs and also facilitating similar business development opportunities for them.

Ominvest is happy to support Omani start-ups by providing them with opportunities that will help them to grow.”

MUSCAT: With a customer base of more than 560,000 users, Renna Mobile has now become the number one reseller / MVNO in Oman surpassing its competitors, as per the latest official figures published by Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA). Leading reseller Renna Mobile has been leveraging its enduring strategy based on affordability, network coverage, innovation and friendly customer service to stay ahead of the curve.

Khalid Zaman, board director, TeO and Renna Mobile, said, “It’s not too long ago when we made Renna Mobile a part of our TeO family. And on behalf of our board, I must express my joy with this news that Renna Mobile is now number one reseller in the Sultanate. We always knew about the growth potential and here comes the result. We believe Renna Mobile, along with TeO, will fortify position and promises in future. We are delighted by this early sign of success since the acquisition. We remain committed to the future of the brand and are now well positioned to accelerate growth even further.”

He added, “On behalf of the entire TeO – Renna family, we thank TRA and OmanTel for extending all the support to us, this growth would not happen without their continuous support.”

Emphasising that the journey to the top position has been incredible but challenging, Raed Haddadin, CEO, Renna Mobile, said: “Three years ago we had a market share of less than 10 per

cent of the reseller market, but today we are gratified to have achieved the leadership position in the market with more than 50 per cent market share. We have reached the top due to the great effort from the whole Renna team and a direct result of our constant focus on areas that guaranteed customers’ high standard service, products and benefits.”

Crediting Renna Mobile’s success to the values it has embedded in its strategy, Haddadin said, “We seek lasting associations based on the complete understanding of our customers’ needs and on the value we provide through our products and services. We have remained committed to delivering packages that are affordable and the services that are unmatched.

Renna Mobile has some of the best data offers and schemes to fit users’ budgets. As part of our rooted value system, we keep a simple

and direct communication flow with our customers.”

At the beginning of the year, Renna Mobile launched 4G services, the fastest internet access technology. This is helping Renna Mobile customers to enjoy a technology that handles mobile internet and data more capably, allowing faster and more consistent mobile connectivity.

Renna Mobile is always committed to offer ‘value for money’ affordable products and services with the latest technology to its customers. While it offers the lowest entry point for data bundles in Oman, it also provides the best price/data ratio among all the mobile service providers in Oman.

Not only Internet bundles, Renna Mobile also offers Best “International Calling” minute bundles and best national calling tariffs at varied price ranges, to satisfy the needs of our customers.

The affordable offers get supported by superior network coverage across Sultanate of Oman and friendly customer service.

Renna Mobile offers multi-language speaking customer service, which is available between 7am to 1am everyday including weekends and holidays.

Renna Mobile is present in more than 8000 sales outlets and dealers selling SIM and recharge cards across the Sultanate including Lulu hypermarket and Carrefour, Emax, Saraf DG, Oman Oil, Shell gas stations and many more.

Customers also have an option of recharging online and also using bank ATMs.

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ONLINE SHOPPING

Maserati launches Ooredoo eShop offers great new special promotion customers level of convenience Clients who purchase a 2016 model of the Maserati Ghibli or Quattroporte will be able to enjoy an exclusive offer by Maserati in Oman MUSCAT: Alfardan Motors, the official dealer of Maserati in the Sultanate, is offering a a special incentive to showcase its appreciation for its loyal customers.

Clients who purchase a 2016 model of the Maserati Ghibli or Quattroporte, will be able to enjoy an exclusive offer by Maserati in Oman — a five years warranty and five years service package, says a press release.

Commenting on the special offer, Mohamed El Zawawy, assistant general manager of Alfardan Motors, said, “We’ve decided to present this new offer to our clients and the people of Oman.

The offer will be valid until the end of October.”

Maserati was established in Bologna, Italy, in 1914 and has since become renowned for cars that are both sporty and luxurious,

with distinctive Italian design and craftsmanship. Its emblem, the trident, was inspired by the fountain on the Piazza del Nettuno in the centre of Bologna, Italy. The successful GranTurismo and GranCabrio ranges, as well as latest generation of Maserati’s flagship sedan, the Quattroporte, and the new sports executive sedan, the Ghibli, provide the cornerstones of Maserati’s product range.

MUSCAT: Taking service standards to an exciting new level, Ooredoo’s eShop, the first-of-itskind for a telecom company in Oman, gives customers the opportunity to buy the latest smartphones and handsets from the comfort of their own home. Offering the same unbeatable value as in Ooredoo stores and a range of inspiring special offers, the new shopping portal features a secure payment gateway and full product guarantees for complete peace of mind.

Customers can pick up their purchase from their Muscat Grand Mall, Avenues Mall, or Muscat City Centre stores. Ooredoo will also soon be introducing free home delivery across the country, says a press release.

“Part of our commitment to bringing convenience to customers and meeting their evolving needs, the innovative Ooredoo eShop gives even more direct and easier access to all that Ooredoo has to offer,” said Faisal Al Bakry,

RECRUIT QUOTES Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

— Thomas A. Edison The best way to predict the future is to create it.

— Abraham Lincoln I cannot do everything, but I can do something.

I must not fail to do the something that I can do.

— Helen Keller Dreams are extremely important. You can’t do it unless you imagine it.

— George Lucas

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

department head - products and new business at Ooredoo.

Sharing further details of the eShop, he added, “The easy to use Ooredoo online store allows you to browse devices, zoom in and inspect them up close and view

full details on every product. New products will be added regularly and we will constantly be revising our prices and offers to make sure our customers get the best value possible at all times.

And to top it all, this fantastic new e-shop is not just for Ooredoo customers but for anyone who wants to explore and be inspired by the endless opportunities of digital innovation. We even have a secured payment gateway, which makes our eShop a safe way for customers to make their purchases.”

You can visit the Ooredoo eShop and take advantage of the latest offers on www.ooredoo.om/eshop.

Ooredoo’s latest offer is a free Mi band and power bank when purchasing the Mi5. They have several top brands currently available; include Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi. Payment can be made by all major credit or debit cards and for added convenience payment in store on collection will be introduced shortly.

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ENHANCED SECURITY

Bank Muscat customers advised to get new debit cards MUSCAT: Bank Muscat has requested all customers to replace their current debit cards with the new Chip and PIN debit cards featuring advanced security for day-to-day payments and cash withdrawals.

The bank has provided the new Chip and PIN debit cards in all branches across the Sultanate as the current debit cards will be blocked and discontinued soon, says a press release.

To make it convenient for the customers to exchange the old debit card for a new Chip and PIN debit card, some branches will be open from 8am to 6pm on weekdays, and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. These branches are: Falaj Al Qabail, Sur Al Afiyah, Safalat Ibra, Buraimi, Ibri Jubail, Firq, Ruwi, Al Amerat, Opera Galleria, City Center, Seeb, Al Khoudh, Al Khuwair, Sohar main, Barka main, Salalah Industrial, Thumrait, and

Haima. Services centers in Ruwi, Ghala Indistrial, Maabela Industrial, Oman Avenues Mall, Salalah Industrial, Sohar Port will also be open to replace the old debit cards.

Packed with an array of features and benefits, the new Chip and PIN debit card is designed to make everyday purchases and payments easier. Offering greater flexibility and convenience, the card provides access to the bank’s largest network of branches, ATMs and

CDMs across Oman.

The innovative chip-based cards provide additional security for transactions through Personal Identification Number (PIN). The initiative, heralding the future cards in Oman, is in line with the Omani government’s ambitious eGovernment project. The cards are in conformity with international standards and reflect the bank’s commitment to ensure convenience and security for all

card transactions. The attractive features of the debit cards include payment convenience, facilitating shopping at millions of retail outlets across the world. Customers enjoy cash withdrawal from ATMs within and outside Oman. With global acceptance, the card provides easy access to bank account across millions of ATMs and retail outlets all over the world. Using the card, customers can shop on the Internet with confidence as

the card is protected with the additional Verified by Visa (VbV) security. Customers also receive alerts on mobile phones for transactions made using the card.

Cardholders can avail this service by registering their mobile number with the bank.

The services available for cardholders include 24-hour Call Centre support, convenience of phone banking and Internet banking 24x7.

FROM IDEAS TO REALITY

New programme to transform graduation projects into start-ups GREAT WORK: : David Picton, Chief Sustainability Officer, Carillion, presents a copy of the Annual Sustainability Report 2015 to Simon

Buttery (right), Chief Executive Officer, Carillion MENA, as Mike Robertson, IMS Director, Carillion MENA, looks on.

– Supplied picture

Carillion unveils 2015 Sustainability Report The event had a strong line-up of speakers who championed on sustainability

Times News Service MUSCAT: For the first time in the Middle East, Carillion launched its Annual Sustainability Report, choosing its Carillion Alawi business unit in Oman as the launch vehicle for this momentous occasion.

For the first time, the regional MENA summary was launched at the event which saw a diverse mix of dignitaries in attendance from government authorities, NGOs, developers and consultants includ-

ing representatives of Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Oman Green Building Council, Environment Society of Oman, Public Authority of Electricity and Water, Petroleum Development of Oman.

The event had a strong line-up of speakers who championed on sustainability. With climate change no longer being a ‘far-off’ issue, but a reality, the underlying message by all the speakers was the need for setting a benchmark and improving legislation to ensure that sustainability and a better environment was the only way forward.

Addressing the launch ceremony, David Picton, Carillion’s chief sustainability officer, said, “Businesses without visionary engagement, inspiring stories, responsible compliance or public trust are businesses without competitive futures. For Carillion, sustainability is how we shape our competitive future, how we add value and how our people create even more inspiring stories for a better tomorrow.”

Explaining further, he said, “Our

vision is to be the trusted partner for providing services, delivering infrastructure and creating places that bring lasting benefits to our customers and the communities in which we live and work.

Our people and our values are at the heart of everything we do. They drive our commitment to delivering safe, sustainable and effective solutions for our customers, and creating positive legacies wherever we work.”

The event showcased Carillion’s sustainability capabilities across globally, in the Middle East and locally in Oman- highlighting true stories and facts through their sustainability journey of more than a decade while also driving home the point that changing the way we do business and our approach to the environment is the need of the hour.

At the end of the successful event, the attendees left with Carillion Alawi giveaways that included a potted plant and a reusable bag.

“The Annual Sustainability

Report is a testament of how our people combined with a robust sustainability strategy can help shape abetter business, better environment, and a better society. It aligns perfectly with the Carillion’s vision of a better tomorrow. Carillion’s sustainability strategy involves the Six Positive Outcomes of ‘Enabling low carbon economies’, ‘Protect the environment’, ‘Supporting sustainable communities’, ‘Providing better prospects for our people’, ‘Leading the way’ and ‘Building a successful business’. The report highlights the facts and true stories of our people and our commitment towards our sustainability,” said a Carillion official.

Carillion Alawi is celebrating Sustainability Week from September 25 to 30 with the theme of ‘Small things big difference’. Carillion is a leading international integrated support services business employing more than 46,000 people and operates in the UK, Canada and Middle East with annual revenues of more than £4 billion.

MUSCAT: The Research Council (TRC), Oman Telecommunications Company (OmanTel), SAS Incubator of the Information Technology Authority, Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development “Riyadah”, and Ibtikar Development Oman (IDO), signed an agreement to launch a new programme to help graduating students to transform their final year projects into start-ups in the Information and Communication Technology Sector Statistics have shown that there is a rise in the number of graduates in ICT year over year.

Hence, a rise in the number of graduation projects, says a press release.

The new programme (called ‘Upgrade’) aims at capitalizing the hidden potentials and opportunities presented by ICT graduation projects. The vision is to help convert ICT graduation projects to successful ICT startups. ‘Upgrade’ focuses on specific ICT topics such as Smart City solutions, Internet of Things application and Cyber security solutions. It will open the floor for competition between ICT graduation projects from all universities and colleges across the country.

The best projects will be offered privileged incubation and business consultation in addition to a seed fund to help them upgrade into startups.

‘Upgrade’ is a multi-partner initiative bringing together research, industry and government

organizations to help students convert graduation projects to specialized ICT startups with economic and social return.

‘Upgrade’ partners are i) The Research Council (TRC), ii) Omantel, iii) SAS Information Technology Authority (ITA), the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Riyada) and Ibtikar Development Oman (IDO). TRC will lead and manage the programme.

Omantel will provide the seed fund to winning projects, propose graduation projects according to the market demands and fund international training for the winning teams. SAS ITA will provide incubation services. Riyada will provide business consultation, networking and mentoring opportunities. IDO will provide funds for international training.

In this context, a steering committee that is chaired by TRC, with the membership of Omantel, SAS ITA, Riyadah, and IDO, has been established to develop the rules and regulations of the program, in addition to overseeing the process of sorting and selecting the winners.

Registration for the programme will begin in February 2017 and the participating projects will be evaluated by the beginning of May 2017. The winning projects will then be announced

by June 2017. The programme is expected to contribute to advancing the knowledge-based economy, to help create new jobs and establishes a culture of entrepreneurism among students.

RECOGNITION

Bank Sohar’s support recognised by Zubair SEC

DISCOUNT OFFER

Jet Airways unveils special fares on select Gulf routes MUSCAT: Jet Airways is giving guests flying out of the Gulf region the opportunity to avail of attractive savings on base fares on tickets booked on Jetairways.com and the airline’s mobile app.

Under this offer, the airline has announced a special four-day sale for guests from the Gulf to enjoy a flat 15% discount on base fares, applicable on all flights booked on jetairways.com and mobile app, for travel to India and cities like Bangkok, Singapore, Dhaka, Colombo, Kathmandu, and Hong Kong in ASEAN and SAARC regions, says a press release.

Available for premiere and economy travel, guests from Oman, may avail of this special online fare between September

25 to 28, 2016, with travel validity effective September 25, 2016 to December 10, 2016. The offer is valid for travel only on direct flights on the airline’s select international network. Mannu Anand, GM- Oman, Jet Airways, said:“We are overwhelmed by the support and patronage received from guests resulting in Jet Airways establishing itself as the preferred airline, on the highly competitive Indo-Gulf routes. The launch of the ‘Luck-e Ticket’ and web promotion is our way of rewarding loyalty and the faith they have reposed in us. This promotion is just another small step in our unceasing quest to create an ever-more exceptional and rewarding flying experience for our guests.”

MUSCAT: As a testament to its constant endeavours towards the growth and development of the SME sector, and its support of the Sultanate’s vision towards the diversification of the economy, Bank Sohar was presented with a token of appreciation by Zubair Small Enterprises Center (SEC). The token, presented to Bank Sohar at the launch event of the fourth round of the Zubair SEC Direct Support Programme, recognized the bank as a prominent partner that supports Zubair SEC members.

The launch ceremony was held at Bait Al Zubair under the auspices of Khalid Muhammad Al Zubair, managing director of The Zubair Corporation, in the presence of executive management members of The Zubair Corporation and other institutions interested in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector. Representing Bank Sohar at the event was Talal Ali Al Zadjali, senior chief manager and acting head of SME, who was presented with the token of appreciation, says a press release..

Mustafa Ali Mukhtar, DGM and acting head Wholesale Banking said, “We are proud to be recognized as one of the prominent institutions supporting SME and to be honoured at such an event.

We aim, through our partnership with Zubair SEC to continue to provide support to SMEs that need it, helping them grow and strengthen their presence in the market. Bank Sohar has played

a vital role in providing support and consultancy for numerous entrepreneurs, many of whom are members of Zubair SEC, and helped them achieve success. As a matter of fact, Zubair SEC even has the freedom to nominate some of its members for loans from the Bank, thanks to our close relationship to them and mechanisms put in place by the bank to facilitate loans of this nature.”

The fourth round of the programme came as a direct result of the success of the past rounds which included small businesses from various sectors and regions in the Sultanate.

The Direct Support Programme aims at enabling entrepreneurs and supporting them to achieve sustainable success.

In his opening speech, Khalid

Muhammad Al Zubair, managing director of The Zubair Corporation, focused on The Zubair Corporation and Zubair SEC’s focus on developing the SME sector and providing the support required to enable the growth of a new generation of entrepreneurs in the country. He stressed on the importance of collaboration and partnerships to achieve national goals and move closer towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

Zubair SEC’s policy in developing SMEs is based on collaboration and partnership with institutions sharing the same goals and visions of The Zubair Corporation and Zubair SEC aimed at encouraging and supporting the growth of entrepreneurship in Oman.

Mustafa Ali Mukhtar added, “Small businesses are a vibrant

and growing sector within the economy. Therefore, Bank Sohar developed a loan providing policy that specifically caters to the sector, while being flexible and competitive at the same time. Through our highly experienced team and other divisions of the bank we are able to provide SMEs with the financial resources and consultancy services they require in order to grow faster with minimal possible risk.”

Bank Sohar’s commitment to the SME sector is clearly evident through the Bank’s set up of a dedicated department responsible for providing SMEs with financial services. The exclusive unit has been set up conveniently in Azaiba near the industrial area in Ghala for easy client accessibility and convenience as well as to better facilitate senior level interaction by the Relationship Managers at the clients’ locations.

The Department plays an essential role in supporting upcoming and newly established businesses in varying fields. In order to further support such companies, the Bank has also implemented a policy that not only facilitates an easy approval system with a high delegation of authority; it also offers attractive interest rates, easy terms and conditions and quick turnaround times. SMEs customers may also benefit from the various SME products and services provided by the Bank by visiting any of its branches across Oman.

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OMAN AIR IN PEAK FORM AT ESS ACT IN MADEIRA Oman Air were in peak form in Marina Funchal and made a clean sweep of podium places to boost their chances of a final day victory at the Extreme Sailing Series Madeira. >C4

BEACH GAMES

Mixed day for Oman at Asian Beach Games in Vietnam

WINNING START: Oman Olympic Committee chief Sheikh Khalid Al Zubair, second, and Secretary-General Taha Al Kishry, left, watch Oman-Sri Lanka handball match at Asian Beach Games in Vietnam. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Oman teams had a mixed day at the fifth Asian Beach Games in the Vietnamese city of Danang on Sunday.

According to information received here, Oman beach soccer team suffered defeat while the

Sultanate’s handball squad started their campaign with a well-deserved victory. In the beach volleyball too Oman experienced mixed results.

In the beach soccer competition, Talib Hilal-coached Oman side were outlasted by Lebanon via

penalty shootout. The teams were locked 3-3 at the end of regulation time in but the Lebanon kept their cool in the ensuing shootout and won the honours with a 2-0 margin.

Oman play their next match against Qatar on Tuesday.

In the beach handball field, Oman were dominant in their Group B match against Sri Lanka and they capped their dominance with a 18-11, 21-10 victory.

For Oman, Nasr Khamis Al Tamtami scored eight goals while

Ashwin rocks Kiwis, India close in on win

Usama Al Kasbi and Asad Al Hasani scored four goals each.

In the beach volleyball competition, both the Oman teams were in action on Sunday but only one managed to record a victory.

Badr Al Subhi and Nooh Al Ja-

loobi were beaten 21-10, 21-18 by the duo of Davaa and Sainaa from Mongolia. However, the Omani duo of Haitham Al Shuraiqi and Ahmed Al Hassani defeated Japan’s Masito and Morno with identical scores of 21-13, 21-13.

FOOTBALL

SCOREBOARD

Needing to pull off the biggest successful chase in the history of Test cricket for an unlikely win, New Zealand wobbled early and were reeling at 93 for four at stumps, still trailing the massive target by 341

KANPUR: India set New Zealand an improbable 434-run victory target and then blew away the visitors’ top order in Sunday’s final session to close in on a resounding win in the first Test.

Resuming day four on 159 for one, India’s positive batting over two sessions yielded 218 runs before home captain Virat Kohli declared on 377 for five at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium.

Needing to pull off the biggest successful chase in the history of Test cricket for an unlikely win, New Zealand wobbled early and were reeling at 93 for four at stumps, still trailing the massive target by 341.

Luke Ronchi (38) and Mitchell Santner (eight) will return on Monday hoping to resist or at least delay India’s victory march in the first match of the three-Test series.

Ravichandran Ashwin (three for 68), who dismissed four frontline

WICKET 200: India’s Ravichandran Ashwin, centre, celebrates after

dismissing New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson during the fourth day of their first Test match in Kanpur on Sunday. – AFP

Kiwi batsmen in the first innings, proved once again why he is considered India’s premier spinner.

The off-spinner had Martin Guptill caught at silly point for a duck with the first ball of his second over and trapped Tom Latham (2) leg before with the fifth.

Ashwin claimed his 200th Test wicket when he dismissed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson (25) leg before. Ross Taylor (17) then ran himself out to compound the tourists’ misery.

“The game’s not over yet,” Ashwin told reporters after becoming the second fastest bowler to take 200 wickets, achieving the feat in his 37th Test. Former Australia spinner Clarrie Grimmett took one test fewer to reach the mark.

“We should have got them five or six down today itself. I’m bit disappointed,” Ashwin added.

Earlier in the morning, Williamson attacked with spin from both ends and his slow bowlers did not let him down.

Sodhi delivery Left-arm spinner Santner trapped Murali Vijay lbw for 76, ending the right-hander’s second century-plus stand of the match with Cheteshwar Pujara (78).

Kohli fell to off-spinner Mark Craig and Ish Sodhi struck the next blow with a beauty of a delivery that spun from outside leg, took the outside edge of Pujara’s bat and nestled into Taylor’s waiting hands at slip.

Ajinkya Rahane (40) missed his fifty but Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja smashed unbeaten halfcenturies and featured in an unbroken century stand to virtually bat New Zealand out of the contest.

Sharma, who made 35 in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 68.

Jadeja, who scored 42 not out in the first innings and claimed five wickets with his left-arm spin, continued to have a good match.

The left-hander clobbered three sixes en route to his second Test fifty before breaking into a

India 1st innings: 318 New Zealand 1st innings: 262 India 2nd innings L. Rahul c Taylor b Sodhi 38 M. Vijay lbw Santner 76 C. Pujara c Taylor b Sodhi 78 V. Kohli c Sodhi b Craig 18 A. Rahane c Taylor b Santner 40 R. Sharma (not out) 68 R. Jadeja (not out) 50 Extras (b-1, lb-8) 9 Total (5 wkts decl, 107.2 overs) 377 Fall of wickets: 1-52, 2-185, 3-214, 4-228, 5-277.

Did not bat: R. Ashwin, W. Saha, M. Shami, U. Yadav Bowling: T. Boult 9-0-34-0; M. Santner 32.2-11-79-2; M. Craig 23-3-80-1; N. Wagner 16-5-52-0; I. Sodhi 20-2-99-2; M. Guptill 4-0-17-0; K. Williamson 3-0-7-0.

New Zealand 2nd innings T. Latham lbw R. Ashwin 2 M. Guptill c Vijay b R. Ashwin 0 K. Williamson lbw R. Ashwin 25 R. Taylor run out 17 L. Ronchi (not out) 38 M. Santner (not out) 8 Extras (lb-2, nb-1) 3 Total (4 wkts, 37 overs) 93 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-3, 3-43, 4-56.

To bat: B. Watling, M. Craig, N. Wagner, I. Sodhi, T. Boult Bowling: M. Shami 4-2-6-0; R. Ashwin 16-1-68-3; R. Jadeja 14-10-8-0 (nb-1); U. Yadav 3-0-9-0.

Umpires: Richard Kettleborough, Rod Tucker TV umpire: Anil Chaudhary Match referee: David Boon

bat-twirling celebration.

“Still six wickets to go,” New Zealand bowling coach Shane Jurgensen said.

“If you get a partnership you can score at a decent rate. More importantly, you can bat for time. That’s our goal, to fight for as long as we can.” - Reuters

THREE-YEAR DEAL: Oman Football Association Chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi, left, and Saif Al Mani, Head of Retail Banking at QNB Oman, exchange documents after signing a three-year sponsorship agreement. – ISMAIL AL FARSI/Times of Oman

OFA rope in QNB Group as official sponsor of His Majesty’s Cup MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) has roped in the QNB Group as the official sponsor of the Sultanate’s most prestigious football tournament — His Majesty’s Cup Football Championship.

The OFA and QNB Group signed an agreement during a ceremony at the association headquarters on Sunday, sealing a three-year deal.

The agreement, making the QNB Group as the official sponsor of His Majesty’s Cup, starts with the 2016-17 season and will run through until the 2018-19 season.

Speaking after inking the deal, OFA Chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi said: “We are pleased to bring such a prestigious company to the association as a sponsor.”

“QNB is involved in supporting football all over the world and we are very proud to have such a big brand associated with His Majesty’s Cup and to join our family at the OFA. This tournament is so important to football and to the people of Oman,” he added.

In his comments, Saif Al Mani, Head of Retail Banking at QNB

The agreement, making the QNB Group as the official sponsor of His Majesty’s Cup, starts with the 2016-17 season and will run through until the 2018-19 season Oman, said: “The OFA is such an important part of the Omani culture, and His Majesty’s Cup is such a well-regarded tournament, we are honoured to be part of this partnership. We will be working hard to drive the tournament forward.”

“This sport initiative is part of the key CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) pillars that QNB Group supports in the societies operates in, through 30 countries, across three continents around the world,” he added.

AFC U-16 CHAMPIONSHIP

Oman square off against North Korea with eye on U-17 World Cup MUSCAT: A confident Oman will be eyeing a berth in the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup when they square off against North Korea in a quarterfinal match of the ongoing AFC U-16 Championship in the Indian city of Goa on Monday.

Two-time champions Oman began their campaign with a 3-0 scoreline over Malaysia before going on to play out successive draws against Korea Republic and Iraq.

But the Sultanate had been on the verge of elimination until forward Arshad Al Alawi popped up at the death to secure a 1-1 draw with the Iraqis and with it top spot on Group C. According to news posted on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) website, Oman coach Ya-

coub Al Sabahi said his wards are confident and ready for the match. “(North) Korea are a good team but we will be ready for this game because we came here wanting to achieve something,” said coach Yaqoub Al Sabahi.

“Our boys are confident and have the mentality that they need to win this game. Just like the last match, we need to prepare them for the moment and I think they will be ready.

“Al Alawi is a good player but he’s not scoring the goals by himself, it’s about teamwork and we have 11 good players.”

Oman won the title back in 1996 and again in 2000, but have fallen upon leaner times in recent years.

“We need to represent our coun-

try well because it has been a long time since we have reached this stage,” added Al Sabahi. “From the beginning we knew we had to be ready for all teams. The chance is there to qualify for the World Cup.” ‘We win, we qualify’ Meanwhile, North Korea coach Yun Jong-Su insists the title holders are fully prepared for their clash with Oman.

The East Asians have won two of the last three continental tournaments at U-16 level but enjoyed mixed fortunes in qualifying for the last eight as Group D runnersup after successive wins over Yemen and Thailand were followed by a 3-1 reversal to Uzbekistan.

And standing in the way of the

WE WILL BE READY: Oman team coach Yacoub Al Sabahi. – AFC

reigning champions is an Oman team that topped Group C ahead of Iraq and 2014 runners-up Korea Republic on route to qualifying for their first quarterfinal since 2004.

“Oman showed that they are a strong team because they won their group,” said Yun, who will welcome back Kim Hwi-Hwang from suspension but has injury

concerns over midfielder Kim Chung-Jin. “But I don’t think there will be any problems physically, tactically or mentally with our players.

I don’t think there is any pressure and we are ready for this game.”

The winner of Monday’s hotly anticipated encounter will also secure their passage to the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India as one of the tournament’s top four teams.

“If we win we qualify for the World Cup next year and this is a dream for all the young players,” added Yun. “One of our main targets from the start of the tournament was to make it to the World Cup so we will be doing our best to ensure that happens.”

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O TA E L E C T I O N S

Ahmed and Adel enter race, ex-player Al Nabhabni eyes vice-chairman post MUSCAT: Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Yahmadi, along serving sports official at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, and Masirah Club’s Adil bin Khadim Al Zarei entered the chairmanship race for the Oman Tennis Association (OTA) on Sunday.

Ahmed bin Mohammed, who previously served in various sports bodies including Oman Hockey Association and Oman Tennis Association, and Adil Al Zarei have filed their nomination papers for the OTA headquarters on Sunday. The number of candidates who have so far officially declared their intention to run for the chairmanship has reached three with the other being Quriyat Club’s Khalid bin Ali Al A’adi.

With the current chairman

ENTERING FRAY: Ahmed Al Yahmadi, left in left picture, Masirah Club’s Adil bin Khadim Al Zarei,

centre in centre piture file their nomination papers at the Oman Tennis Association headquarters on Sunday. Former star Khalid Al Nabhani, right, will contest for the vice-chairmanshi. – Supplied photos

Mutassim Al Zadjali, though yet to file his nomination papers, too expressing his desire to seek another term, the race may lead to a four-way contest when the OTA conducts board elections for

2016-2020 term on November 17.

Meanwhile, former Omani star and Davis Cup player Khalid Al Nabhani has announced his candidature for the post of vicechairmanship. The current vice-

chairman Salim Abubacker of Al Nasr Club has already filed his nomination.

Another current OTA board member Abdullah bin Ali will also be contesting for the same post.

TA B L E T E N N I S

Austine, Sanskar bag titles at ISC Open MUSCAT: Austine Mondigo and Sanskar cornered glory at the Villeroy & Boch + Hansgrohe Open Table Tennis Tournament organised by the Indian Social Club.

Austine Mondigo of the Philippines bagged the girls singles titles and Sanskar Dubey claimed the boys under-13 singles title.

Austine, who had dominated the league phase of the girls event, was on top of her game and played a brilliant all-round game to defeat Arundhati Ramesh 11-6, 11-6, 11-8, 11-2. Arundhati looked offcolour but made here presence felt in the third game. But Austine showed consistency on both

GIRLS SINGLES FINALISTS:

GIRLS SINGLES FINALISTS:

Austine Mondi and Arundhati Ramesh. – Supplied photo

Austine Mondi and Arundhati Ramesh. – Supplied photo

flanks and used forehand topspin effectively to emerge winner.

Sanskar Dubey claimed the boys under-13 singles crown after scoring an impressive 12-10, 11-9, 11-8,

11-8 victory over challenger Allan Thiyagaseelan. Allan put Sanskar under pressure and held a slender advantage before the second seed rallied to win the first game.

Sanskar showed no signs of nerves and inspite of Allan maintaining the pressure, Sanskar held his game together to win the title.

Austine Mondigo advanced to the final of the women’s singles after defeating Arundhati for the second time. In the semifinal, though, Mondigo had to fight hard for victory as Arundhati posed a serious challenge and came close to achieving her aim. Austine kept her composure and held her nerves to edge past a valiant Arundhati 12-10, 1210, 11-64-11, 10-12, 9-11, 11-9. In the final, Austine will take on Manavi Sarawanan who outplayed Pallavi Singh 11-5, 11-7, 11-8, 17-15.

M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

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SPORTS CRICKET

South Africa thrash Ireland

D DIVISION: GME after their victory over MARH.

E DIVISION: Ibrahim Al Kishri celebrate their victory.

Raha defeat Passage to India sari scored 136 for nine in just 20 overs. Haris Alam claimed three scalps to enable the bonus point win for Ahli Bank.

Batting first, Passage

Brief scores: Ahli Bank 281 for 2 in 20 overs (Syed Imran 103, Issa Al Balushi 86) bt Al Ansari 136 for 9 in 20 overs. (Haris Alam 3/21). Points: Ahli Bank – 3, Al Ansari – 0.

to India put on 218 for the loss of nine wickets in 50 overs.

ARABIAN SEA BRIDGE HEROES: Jeason Jacob and Praveen K.

In reply, Raha scored 222 for the loss of five wickets in 44.4 overs with Zeeshan Siddique scoring with 68 runs

MUSCAT: Zeeshan Siddique scored 68 runs as Raha recorded a five-wicket victory over Passage to India in a Muscat Pharmacysponsored Premier Division cricket match at the Ministry of Sports Affairs Ground I on Sunday.

Batting first, Passage to India put on 218 for the loss of nine wickets in 50 overs. Tanveer Khan and Syed Amir Ali scored with 39 runs each. Abdur Rahman claimed three wickets for Raha.

In reply, Raha scored 222 for the loss of five wickets in 44.4 overs to seal a comfortable win.

Zeeshan Siddique top scored with 68. Jaymin Tailor claimed two scalps for Passage to India.

Brief scores: Passage to India 218 for 9 in 50 overs (Tanveer Khan 39, Syed Amir Ali 39; Abdur Rahman 3/27) lost to Raha 222 for 5 in 42.4 overs (Zeeshan Siddique 68; Jaymin Tailor 2/55).

Points: Raha – 2, Passage to India – 0.

E&Y defeat Al Mardhuf In a C Division match, E&Y eased to a 10-wicket victory over Al Mardhuf. Batting first, Al Mardhuf scored a paltry 151 for seven in 18 overs.

Rahul Navin top scored with 39.

Haroon Al Balushi claimed three wickets each for E&Y. In reply, E&Y scored 161 for eight after 18 overs.

Mohammed Nayaz top scored with 35 runs. Jakir Hussen claimed three wickets for Al Mardhuf.

Brief scores: Mardhuf 151 for 7 in 18 overs (Rahul Navin 39; Haroon Al Balushi 3/33) lost to E&Y 161 for 8 in

18 overs (Mohammed Nayaz 35; Jakir Hussen 3/25). Points: E&Y – 2, Al Mardhuf – 0.

Arabian Sea Bridge win In a D Division match, Arabian Sea Bridge defeated Bab Al Rayan by two wickets. Batting first, Bab Al Rayan were bowled out for 152 in 18.4 overs. Baksh Karim top scored with 26. Flourry George and Akbar Sheikh and Jeason George claimed two wickets.

In reply, Arabian Sea Bridge scored 155 for eight in 19.3 overs with Praveen K. top scoring with 51. Shine was the pick of the Bab Al Rayan bowlers with two scalps.

Brief scores: Bab Al Rayan 152 in 18.4 overs (Baksh Karim 26; Flurry George 2/21) lost to Arabian Sea 155 for 8 in 19.3 overs (Praveen K. 51; Shine 2/26). Points: Bab Al Rayan – 0, Arabian Sea Bridge – 2.

GME defeat MARH In a D Division match, Global Money Exchange (GME) defeated MARH. Batting first, GME scored 147 for eight in 20 overs with Rahul Rajeev top scoring with 61.

For MARH, Irfan took three wickets for 22 runs.

In reply, MARH scored 141 for eight in 20 overs with Mohammed Rizwan top scoring with 46.

Mohammed Haneefa claimed two scalps for Global Money Exchange.

Brief scores: GME 147 for 8 in 20 overs (Rahul Rajeev 61; Irfan 3/22) bt MARH 141 for 8 in 20 overs (Mohammed Rizwan 46; Mohammed Haneefa 2/19). Points: Global Money Exchange – 2, MARH – 0.

Big win Ibrahim Al Kishri In an E Division match, Ibrahim Al Kishri defeated Waves Engineering by 34 runs. Batting first, Ibrahim Kishri scored 193 for four in 20 overs. Irfan Haider and Abrar Javed score 58 and 56 not out respectively.

Mohammed Umer claimed two wickets for

I DIVISION: Mehul Enterprises pose for a group photo after their win.

Wave Engineering. In reply, Waves scored 159 for eight in 20 overs. Mohammed Bilal top scored with an unbeaten 77. Asif Balushi was top wicket-taker with three scalps for Ibrahim Kishri.

Brief scores: Ibrahim Al Kishri 193 for 4 in 20 overs (Irfan Haider 58; Mohammed Umer 2/22) bt Waves Engineering 159 for 8 in 20 overs (Mohammed Bilal 77 n.o.; Asif Balushi 3/25 ). Points: Ibrahim Kishri - 2, Waves Engineering– 0.

Beatrice beat Aptus Infotech In an F Division match, Beatrice defeated Aptus Infotech. Batting first, Beatrice scored 223 for four in 20 overs. Jibin and Feroz scored with 61 and 67 respectively.

In reply, Aptus were bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs. Sooraj Raj top scored with 51. Mohammed Adnan claimed four wickets for Beatrice.

Brief scores: Beatrice 223/4 in 20 overs (Jibin 61, Feroz 67) bt Aptus 162 in 19.3 overs (Sooraj Raj 51; Mohammed Adnan 4/28). Points: Beatrice – 3 (BP); Aptus Infotech – 0.

Bank Muscat win In a G Division match, Bank Muscat defeated Al Rehwan by seven wickets. Batting first, Al Rehwan scored 172 for seven in 20 overs.

Salih top scored with 34. Prathik Dalal claimed three wickets for Bank Muscat. In reply, Bank Muscat scored 175 for three in just 16.3 overs. Yousuf Rahim top scored with an unbeaten 43.

Brief scores: Al Rehwan 172 for 7 in 20 overs (Prathik Dalal 3/30) lost to Bank Muscat 175 for 3 in 16.3 overs (Yousuf Rahim 43 n.o). Points: Bank Muscat - 2, Al Rehwan – 0.

Ahli Bank rout Al Ansari In an H Division match, Ahli Bank routed Al Ansari by 145 runs. Batting first, Ahli Bank scored 281 for two in 20 overs. Syed Imran and Issa Al Balushi scored 103 and 86 respectively. In reply, Al An-

Victory for Mani’s Azad In an I Division match, HPF defeated Mani’s Azan International by 78 runs. Batting first, Mani’s Azad scored 185 for seven in 20 overs. Adeel Anwar and Aqeel Haroon score 56 and 53 not out respectively. Manoj CG claimed two scalps for HFP. In reply, HFP were bowled out for 107 in 16.3 overs.

Malcolm Robert claimed three wickets for Mani’s Azad.

Brief scores: Mani’s Azad 185 for 7 in 20 overs (Adeel Anwar 56; Manoj CG 2/29) bt HFP 107 in 16.2 overs (Malcolm Robert 3/24). Points: Mani’s Azad – 3; HFP – 0.

Khalsa down Douglas OHI In a H Division tie, Khalsa United defeated Douglas OHI by 18 runs.

Batting first, Khalsa United scored 140 for seven in 20 overs. Sushil Kadam top scored with 59. In reply, Douglas OHI were bowled out for 122 in 17.3 overs. Eshwar Sudharshan top scored with 36. Mohammed Parvez claimed four scalps.

Brief scores: Khalsa United 140 for 7 in 20 overs (Sushil Kadam 59) bt Douglas OHI 122 in 17.3 overs (Eshwar Sudharshan 36; Mohammed Parvez 4/12). Points: Douglas OHI - 0, Khalsa United – 2.

Mehul edge Mecamac In an I Division match, Mehul Enterprises defeated Mecamac Challengers by four runs. Batting first, Mehul Enterprises put on 179 for eight in 20 overs with Mohammed Javed top scoring with 39. Predwiraj claimed four scalps for Mecamac.

In reply, Mecamac Challengers scored 175 for nine in 20 overs.

Saji Puthiyakunnath top scored with 62. Imran Khan claimed four scalps for Mehul Enterprises.

Brief scores: Mehul Enterprises 179 for 8 in 20 overs (Mohammed Javed 39; Predwiraj PC 4/28) bt Mecamac Challengers 175 for 9 in 20 overs (Saji 62; Imran Khan 4/28).

Points: Mecamac Challengers– 0, Mehul Enterprises – 2.

KHALSA STARS: Sushil, Mohammed Parvez, Mohammed Al Raisi.

BENONI: A century on his Oneday International debut from Temba Bavuma and four wickets from part-time spinner JP Duminy helped South Africa secure a onesided 206-run victory over Ireland at Willowmore Park on Sunday.

Bavuma, dropped on one, scored 113 as South Africa reached 354 for five with Farhaan Behardien hitting 50 off 22 deliveries and

Quinton de Kock (82) and Duminy (52 not out) also contributing runs.

Ireland lost captain William Porterfield to the second ball of their innings, lbw to Kagiso Rabada, and were always up against it chasing a run rate of over seven an over. Kevin O’Brien (41) and Paul Stirling (40) provided some resistance as Ireland reached 148 before being bowled out with 19 overs to spare. - Retuers

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SPORTS TENNIS

Clubs and hotels not happy with OTA fee system GAUTAM VISWANATHAN

gautam@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Tennis enthusiasts in Oman are finding it increasingly difficult to compete in tournaments because of a lack of competitions across the nation.

The reason for the dwindling number of tournaments is because the Oman Tennis Association (OTA) charge high fees from tournament hosts, making it very difficult for them to cover their own costs.

While hotels are charged as much as OMR. 500 from the OTA every time they host a tournament, recreational clubs in the country are being asked to fork out upwards of OMR. 300 per tournament. The fee was first introduced in 2006, following which hotels and clubs had little option but to cancel plans for any future tennis tournaments.

“When we asked them for justification for charging, they (the OTA) said ‘we will provide you with umpires and any technical assistance that you might need to organise the tournament’,” revealed a high-ranking source at a local sports club in Muscat.

But the OTA did not send any umpires to oversee the tournament, because the club had their own manpower. This was also confirmed by a senior tennis coach at one of Oman’s upscale hotels.

“There is no return, nothing” reveals the coach. “It especially made it hard for people who used to play in tournaments. We didn’t pay them (the OTA), and since that time we have stopped open tournaments.”

However, another hotel manager said they did receive umpires in exchange for payment. “We stopped having tennis tournaments in 2010. For us, we used to get the referees,” he said.

According to rules laid out by the International Tennis Federation, the global governing body for the sport, in exchange for fees paid to local federations, they will need to cover pre-agreed costs of investments such as tennis courts, tennis balls, prize monies, umpires, referees and ball boys, as well as expenses towards trophies and advertising.

Consequentially, this has seen Oman’s youth unable to display their talents locally, potentially sharply reducing the number of tennis players who could represent Oman in the future.

“Locally, unfortunately, the tournaments are not there. If you have the talent, they should be given a platform to perform and prove the talent,” said the club source.

“With no tennis, we won’t get players,” adds the coach. “Nobody will be interested to play seriously, or grow in Oman.”

The club source reveals that he

The clubs and hotels that have been patronising tennis over the years are blaming the OTA’s system of collecting fee for the drastic decline in number of tournaments. But OTA is defending the decision stating that fee is collected as per the rules and that too when the organisers require the technical assistance from the association didn’t have to pay the fee again. “I remember (saying), ‘in our continued efforts to promote the sport at junior level among Omani players and communities in Oman, we would like to organise the open junior tournament this year as well,” he confirms.

Paucity of competitions Until last year, the OTA were conducting monthly junior tournaments, but this has since been discontinued because their courts are undergoing renovation. “People have to pay a five Rial membership fee and if you are a member of the OTA, then you get information about the junior monthly tournaments.

Based on the results of the monthly tournament, they have a ranking system,” says the club source.

“For some reason, it’s gone for more than a year that the courts

have been dug up. They could’ve hired alternate courts somewhere or the other,” he adds.

However, the number of players registered with the OTA is very small, a fact that is clearly visible when one looks at the events organised by the source’s club.

“Our tournaments, the numbers have been growing from year to year and a lot of Omanis have been coming forward,” he explained.

“One reason is because of the paucity of other tournaments in town.”

In response to the interest people previously showed for tournaments, however, the coach says there is plenty the OTA can do to boost tennis in the nation.

“We didn’t get any support from the federation to make tennis grow in Oman.How can you make tennis grow in Oman, without tennis courts and without clubs?” asks the

coach. Despite the opposition to the practices carried out by the OTA, a senior official at one of Muscat’s tennis academies said otherwise.

“Usually, if there is a tournament at local or national level, then yes, that should be registered with the Oman Tennis Association,” revealed the source. “In our case, the events are organised with our customers. These are kids who compete in our academy so we have nothing to do with them.”

“There are more and more young Omani kids who are picking up this sport,” added the source, “The associations which are in charge of tennis, they have to have a tax or fee for such events. The Oman Tennis Association is right to charge for these events. They are the entity that secures tennis in this country.

“The reason there are no tournaments in Oman these days is because of a lack of facilities. We don’t have enough tennis courts because the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex is under renovation.”

However, Salman Al Balushi, the Executive Manager for the Oman Tennis Association, was quick to shed light on the issue.

“We have rules for the clubs and the hotels,” he explained. “The clubs, the fee is 250 rials. The last year, the Indian Social Club, we didn’t take fee from them. There is

Oman Air boost chances of victory at Extreme Sailing Series Madeira Oman Air sit four points ahead of Red Bull Sailing Team in the rankings and six above SAP Extreme Sailing Team, who have 119 points

MUSCAT: Oman Air were in peak form in Marina Funchal and made a clean sweep of podium places to boost their chances of a final day victory at the Extreme Sailing Series Madeira.

A fresher breeze on the third day gave the GC32 fleet a chance to give the spectators lining the shores on the south coast of the island an invigorating show of speed and action and it was Oman Air that led the way with seven podium places – including two outright wins – in seven races.

From lying in third place overnight, they worked their way up to second but an incident between event leaders Alinghi and Red Bull Sailing Team, which resulted in the loss of Alinghi’s mast and an enforced retirement from racing,

IN PEAK FORM: Oman Air that led the way with seven podium places – including two outright wins – in seven races at the Extreme Sail-

ing Series Act 6 in Madeira, Portugal. – Supplied photo

means that overnight, Oman Air were still five points adrift of Alinghi’s provisional total after redress.

“Red Bull had a bit of a bump with Alinghi which took the Swiss out of the picture but had they still been racing, it could have been a very different day,” explained Pete Greenhalgh, Oman Air’s mainsail trimmer and tactician.

“It gave us the chance to put

points on the board and chip away at their lead but they will be back in the fray tomorrow so we still have everything to do.

“It wasn’t a bad day but there were a few things we could have done better.

“It would have been a better day had we won every race but we know where we can improve so hopefully tomorrow, we will keep things tight,

get a good number of races in and turn the tables.”

Oman Air sit four points ahead of Red Bull Sailing Team in the rankings and six above SAP Extreme Sailing Team, who have 119 points but Nasser Al Mashari, Oman Air bowman said a final day of action could see the leaderboard turned upside down.

“We have seen some very good

sailing from SAP and Red Bull and if they carry on like that tomorrow, especially with the double points final race, they will definitely be in the mix and we will have to make sure we are on top of our game to stay ahead.

“But we are feeling positive because this is a top crew, we are sailing well and we really want to win this first event in Madeira.”

a chance for Oman’s tennis players (to develop) in the tournament, so we did not take the fees.”

Al Balushi was also quick to refute the claims of the hotels. “We sent letters to the hotels who do the tournaments, (stating) that we at the OTA would help them,” he added. “We don’t take the fees if we see our players playing there.”

“The hotels do not agree to do tournaments because they say they don’t get marketing, don’t get business,” he continued. “This 250 rial fee is if they say they need the help of the OTA. These are the rules of OTA. If the hotel comes to us, we will not tell them, ‘please bring 250 rials and then you do the tournament”.

Al Balushi also expanded on the interest in tennis tournaments across the nation, addressing the state of the tennis courts at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. “If you have a car without tyres, how can you drive the car?” he quipped.

“The maintenance is not finished.

We think in December of this year, we’ll get the courts. Next year, we will push local tournaments.”

“We have seven clubs across Oman. We started with the juniors from six to 10 years, and three months ago, we had a big tournament at Bashayer club. All seven clubs came there to play.”

“We need to move tennis forward,” he concluded.

HOCKEY

India thrash Oman 11-0 at AHF U-18 Asia Cup DHAKA: India registered a thumping 11-0 victory over Oman in the AFH U-18 Asia Cup, boosting their chances to make the knockout round here on Sunday.

With three players scoring hat-tricks, the result in the Pool A match never looked in doubt, as India looked to boost their goal difference and confidence after the shock loss to hosts Bangladesh.

The goals started early with the captain Nilam Sanjeep Xess scoring off a penalty corner in the eighth minute. In the 15th minute Xess doubled the tally via another penalty corner conversion, before Abhishek’s field goal in the next minute gave India a 3-0 lead.

India scored three more goals before half-time via Shivam Anand (26th), Ibungo Singh Konjengbam (30th) and Dilpreet Singh (34th).

Dilpreet would be named the man of the match for an all-round performance which also saw him register a hat-trick with two goals in the second half (53th, 68th).

Hat-tricks were also scored by Xess who completed his in the 52nd minute and Ibungo Singh Konjengbam (40th, 62th).

After a day’s rest Oman will play hosts Bangladesh in the final match of Pool A.

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M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6 , 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

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

FOR RENT Villa for Rent behind mazoon mousqe 7 bedroom, living room, dining room . contuct 95150809 for 750 R.O nogotiable

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

Contact: 91155779 hrm_gh@live.com

Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Kuwaiti Mosque in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

FOR RENT OFFICE & ACCOMMODATION FACILITY Ready to Occupy Office Facility ( 275 Sq. Mtr) & 8 No. Studio Flats at Ghala (Opp. Riyam Signs) Furnished rooms for rent for family 200 RO per month include water & electricity, Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99251975

Contact : 95697401 / 95496379

2 bedroom flat – luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair, 1 bedroom flat – luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair for short or long term contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact 99436312 / 92888376 / 94617563, tel : 24833848 / 24833848

1BHK near medical Darsait R.O 180/-.

Contact: 95076261

Ready to move in 142 Sq. met office for sale/rent in Al Khuwair.

Contact 93826336 Office space for rent (240sq. mtr, with partition) for rent in Bank in Melli Iran Building, MBD area, near Center point. Contact: 99011352 Two villas at Hay Assim near China mall R.O 200/-, P.M. Contact: 99348943 New deluxe flat at Azaiba near Al Sahwa tower, 2 BHK with balcony and basement parking.

Contact: 98294753 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122

2BHK available in Mumtaz area Ruwi. Contact: 99269751 3BHK flat, Ghubra, Close to ISG, Indian Family. Contact 99319880 3BHK Flat Azaiba, opp Sultan centre. Contact: 99261522/99857332 2BHK flats at Wadi Kabir behind pioneer hotel apartment. Contact: 99261522/ 99857332 1 and 2 BHK flat for rent at MBD, Hallat Sad, opp. Al Nahda Hospital, Al Khoudh and Mabella. Shop at Al Khoudh . Contact: 93994401 / 24834644 Flat for rent in Al Mawaleh South 3, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, hall, kitchen & store with air condition.

Contact 98575157 2 workshops in Al Maabela Industrial for rent.

Contact 94758394

Flat for rent in Al Ghubrah, 2 rooms & hall. Contact: 91153933 For rent villa in Bowsher 5 rooms & hall. Contact : 91153933 1BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686 Warehouse with office, water and electricity. Container can enter the warehouse. Located at Ghala Industrial Area, Near Hotel Al Madinah.

400, 800 & 2500 sqms approx.

Immediate access to road and highways. Contact 94583320 Furnished apartment for rent in Bowsher, 1 bedroom & living room.

Contact: 91153933 One room with bathroom in Bowsher for rent. Contact: 91153933 1+2 BHK Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99024730

Flat for rent near I.S.M- 2BH-1BH. Contact: 95158570

Room at Al Khuwair R.O 130/-.

Contact: 92144045

30 New Deluxe Flats & Shops in Al Khoud. Contact 99738881

Room in Azaiba. Contact: 99555843

2 BHK flat near Indian school, Wadi Kabir. Contact: 24714625 / 91173997

Villa for rent in Al Khoud , 6 rooms & hall. Contact: 91153933

1,2,3 BHK flats. Contact: 92144045

2 Bedroom centrally air conditioned flat in CBD near Central Bank. Contact:24714625 / 94460790

2 BR apartments available for rent, close to Muscat Grand Mall, next to Diwan’s Office, South Ghubra. Contact: 2456256 / 99833747

3 BHK Al Khuwair RO 350/-.

Contact: 92144045

3 bedroom flats in Wadi Kabeer, 2 bed room villa in Sidab.

Contact : 95735953 / 95555162

2 BHK Ghubra. Contact: 92144045

FOR SALE Carpentry and Aluminium running workshop for sale in Barka Industrial area. Contact: 98084356 / 98076019 2 BHK Al Khuwair.

Contact: 92144045 2 BHK Darsait. Contact: 95311488 Flats available in Ruwi at 150/- & 100/- including electricity & water.

Contact: 99441798 2 flats single bedroom available in Wadi Kabir 100/- including electricity & Water. Contact: 99441798

Running shop for sale Ground and 1st floor Ruwi opp. Police Station 700 sqm. #95797970 / 91163645 Shop for sale or investment Building materials, sanitary &electrical showroom including stocks. Prime location at Almusanna.

Invested working partners also invited. Contact 00968 93797900, 96347070.

Arabian style house located in North Al Hail in the second line behind the commercial buildings of the SQ main street 1003 m2 land size and there’s permitted well & palm trees suitable to use for storage facility & accommodation for company workers, 2 streets across the house from front and back side.

Contact: 93366421

Building Materials Shop (running for 16 years) for sale at Falaj Al Qabail. Interested persons may contact : 99462870 or Email: alfalajram@ rediffmail.com

1 bedroom attached kitchen, toilet for family in Al Khuwair RO 130/-.

Contact: 95154331

Building material shop for sale with visa serious buyers. #93606790

3bed room flat, Majlis, TV hall, kitchen , 4 toilets, 2 master bedrooms, 6AC split units, 2car park in Azaiba R.O 380/-. Contact : 99316944 Flat in Al-Khoudh, Flats and shops in Fanja near the main road. Mobile: 99058646 Flat for rent 2BHK with split A/c near Oman house in Muttrah .

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 2 BHK flat available at a prime location in Amerat. For more details please Contact: 98294361, 93496979 2 BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686

Clinic (running for 26 years) for sale at Falaj Al Qabail. Interested persons may contact: 99462870 or Email: alfalajram@rediffmail.com

ACC. AVAILABLE A big room available near Hamriya round about for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 125/- per month including W+E. Contact: 99495131 Independent rooms Qurum (PDO) side. Contact: 95529970 Sharing accommodation available at Hamriya. Contact: 92910874 Semi furnished big room with attached bath room separate entrance rear 1SG Al Ghubra for non- cooking Indian Executive bachelor. Contact: 95146361 / 92657598 Apartment for rent two bed room, living room, big kitchen, two toilet/ bath in Madinat Al Qaboos Area.

Contact :96100333 Furnished room available for Executive bachelor in Ruwi area.

Contact: 99054542 Fully furnished sharing Executive bachelor at Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 90654349 Big room, dining area, bathroom and kitchen for rent in Wadi Kabir behind Sana, separate entrance, including Water, electricity R.O 160/-.

Contact: 96676596 / 99219155

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

Sharing accommodation available for an executive bachelor at Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque.

Contact: 92144412 / 95247578

Good Condition Sanyo washing machine, semi automatic, RO 40 for sale in MBD Contact; 99737812

Furnished rooms available at Ruwi. Contact: 91214897

Land for sale in the village of Bimmah on the coastal road Qurayat/Sur with a space of 604 square meters for an attractive price. Contact 92905222 BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALEWell-furnished running building material-electrical shop (4 shutter / 200sqm) in Al- Khoudh- 6, for immediate saleshop with stock or stock only.

Serious buyers may please Contact: 94320909

Separate room with attached bathroom & A/C Available near W/A single. Contact: 92148188 Furnished room in ruwi and azaiba for rent for executive bachelors. Gsm 99058344 Single room with A/C and attached bathroom, sharing kitchen for executive bachelor/couple near Saud Bahwan Hill view Tower accommodation and Opp: Shell filling station. Contact 99024362, 93166353

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Company for SALE at Wadi Al Kabir Manufacturing of Steel & Stainless Steel, & cast Aluminium products. Running company for sale. with all the machines and equipments also with 15 nos. of skilled workers.

Serious buyers can contact at 93132208 / 79065540

LOOKING FOR SUB CONTRACTING JOBS An SME’S excellent grade construction company is looking for civil subcontracting jobs.

We are specialized in interlocking, block work, plaster work etc.

Contact 91433508, Email : business@aljammaza.com

AYURVEDA RESORT SONNHOF IN AUSTRIA. Improve your wellbeing with Ayurvedic treatments during a stay in one of the most stunning locations of the Alps. Our aim is to consolidate good health and gently remedy disorders.

For more information call us: 8 Porta cabins, 2 Ablution units each units have 10 WC and 10 Showers and 2 Ashok Leyland Buses and One Mitsubishi Rosa Bus as well Located in Our Barka Camp. All are in excellent condition to use.

0043 5376 5502 or send us an email:

sales@sonnhof-ayurveda.at

MANPOWER

FOR RENT ͻ KĸĐĞ ^ƉĂĐĞ Ăƚ Ă ƉƌŝŵĞ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ ;'ƌŽƵŶĚ н ŵĞnjnjĂŶŝŶĞͿ ʹ ;ϲϱϬ ƐƋŵͿ ;Z͘K ϳ͘ϱ ƉĞƌ ƐƋŵͿ ͻ KĸĐĞ ƐƉĂĐĞ Ăƚ ů YƵƌƵŵ Ͳ ϱϬϬͲϰϬϬϬ ƐƋŵ ŽƉƉŽƐŝƚĞ ŽĨ YƵƌƵŵ ŝƚLJ ĞŶƚĞƌ ;Z͘K ϳͲ ϵ ƉĞƌ ƐƋŵͿ ͻ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĐŽŵƉŽƐĞĚ ŽĨ ϰϭ ŇĂƚƐ ĨŽƌ ƌĞŶƚ EĞĂƌ ƵďĂŝƌ Ͳ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ŽŶĞ WĂƌƚLJ͘ ͻ ϭ ,< Ăƚ 'ŚĂůĂ ;EĞǁ ůŐͿ ;Z͘Ž ϮϳϱͿ ʹ ϱϲ ŇĂƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ͻ ϭ ,< Ăƚ ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ ;Z͘Ž ϮϱϬͿ ͻ ϭ ,< WĞŶƚŚŽƵƐĞ EĞĂƌ dĞĐŚŶŝĐĂů ŽůůĞŐĞ ;Z͘Ž ϮϱϬͿ ͻ Ϯ ,< ƐƉĂĐŝŽƵƐ ŇĂƚ Ăƚ ĂƌĞĞƋ ů ^ŚĂƫ Ăƚ ^ŚĂƫ ů YƵƌƵŵ ;ĨƌŽŵ Z͘K͘ ϲϬϬͿ ͻ Ϯ ,< &ůĂƚ &Žƌ KĸĐĞ hƐĞ Ăƚ ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ ŽƉƉŽƐŝƚĞ ^ĂĨĞĞƌ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ,ŽƚĞů ;Z͘K ϯϲϱͲϰϬϬͿ ͻ Ϯ ,< Ăƚ 'ŚƵďƌĂ ;Z͘Ž ϯϬϬͿ ŶĞĂƌ <Śŝŵũŝ ^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵ ͻ Ϯ ,< Ăƚ ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ EĞĂƌ dĞĐŚŶŝĐĂů ĐŽůůĞŐĞ ;Z͘Ž ϯϬϬͿ ͻ Ϯ ,< Ăƚ 'ŚƵďƌĂ EĞĂƌ /ŶĚŝĂŶ ƐĐŚŽŽů ;Z͘K ϯϭϱͿ ͻ Ϯ ,< Ăƚ tĂĚŝ <ĂďĞĞƌ Ͳ EĞĂƌ ĂŶŬ DƵƐĐĂƚ ;Z͘K ϮϳϱͿ ͻ Ϯ ,< Ăƚ ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ EĞĂƌ <ĂďĂď &ĂĐƚŽƌLJ ǁŝƚŚ ͬĐ ;Z͘K ϯϯϬͿ ͻ ϯ ,< Ăƚ ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ ϯϯ ;Z͘K ϯϲϬͿ ͻ ϲ ,< dǁŝŶ ǀŝůůĂƐ Ăƚ ƵnjĂŝďĂ ǁŝƚŚ ͬĐ ;Z͘K ϭϬϬϬͿ ͻ ^ƚŽƌĞ Ăƚ DŝƐĨĂ ;ϯϬϬϬͿ ƐƋŵ EĞĂƌ KŵĂŶ Žŝů ;Z͘K Ϯ͘ϱ ƉĞƌ ƐƋŵͿ͘ ͻ ^ŚŽƉƐ Ăƚ ŵĞƌĂƚ ĨŽƌ ƌĞŶƚ ; Z͘K ϭϱϬͲϲϬϬͿ

SITUATION WANTED TOURS

For Inquiry Dial 99441516 ͻ Ϯ ,< EĞǁ ƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ KĸĐĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ ^Ɖůŝƚ ͬ Ăƚ ϭϴ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ EĞĂƌ ŚĞĚŝ ;Z͘K ϯϱϬͿ ͻ Ϯ ,< EĞǁ ZĞƐŝĚĞŶƟĂů ƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ ǁŝƚŚ ^Ɖůŝƚ ͛Ɛ Ăƚ ϭϴ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ EĞĂƌ ŚĞĚŝ ;Z͘K ϯϯϬͿ ͻ ϱ ,< dǁŝŶ sŝůůĂ Λ DĂǁĂůĞŚ ^ŽƵƚŚ ŶĞĂƌ DĐĚŽŶĂůĚƐ ;Z͘K ϲϱϬͿ

For Inquiry Dial 98082138

CONTACT PERSON:MR. PRAKASHGSM NO:- 94048497

SITUATION WANTFOR LADIES

DRIVING

GOOD NEWS

MATRIMONIAL

AVAILABLE Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

MV SALE Dihatsu Terrios Trend 4WD, 2012 Registration, dealer service registration up to August 2017.

Contact No: 92812144 Mercedes C230, 2006, 2.5kKM, R.O 2400/-. Contact: 97312774

NRI Two houses first line from the beach Kibqeni Zanzibar with concrete boundary wall. Contact: 99348943 Price R.O 78000/2BHK Flat in Chinchwad, Pune for sale. For more details, please contact 92207208.

WANTED Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each.

Contact 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778

TRANSPORTATION

Toyota corolla model 2000 one year insurance bone for sale 800/-.

Contact: 92765203

Transportation 24 Hrs service, VIP only. Contact: 92108447 / 96781899

Nissan Sunny 2013 KM 1.20000, Automatic. Contact: 99781671

Transportation.

Contact: 94087276

Toyota Yaris 2012 KM 95000, automatic. Contact: 99434610

No need to wait for Taxi please call from anywhere in Muscat.

Contact: 96009655

BUYING Buying cars for cash.

Contact 90202090

ACC. AVAILABLE Fully furnished 2BHK sharing flat for Indian Executive near Sheraton CBD. Contact 99219337 Rooms for rent in Ghubra North.

Contact 96420432

Transportation. Contact 92126933 / 98518979 Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation. Contact 94510847

All Pooja items- idols – fresh flowers – marigold – roses – jasmine – lotus – rose petals- garlands & all decoration items. Sweets &modak.

HaridasNensy& Co. Ruwi Contact 24750784 / 23291825 Car care, care for your car stop worrying about your car. Enjoy your vacation peacefully. Here is a solution for safe parking and cleaning your car when your car when you are away on vacation.

Taking very good care of your car, trust us. Contact: 96964767 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, Spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Ghubra.

Contact: 99639695 /97397320 Ayurvedic massage, backache, joint, neck pain etc.

Contact: 98254909 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact: 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

Kerala Christian boy 43 Y, 170 H, working as Salesman in Muscat seeks suitable alliance.

Contact 92066764 Ezhavaboy age 28 height 174cm Star anizhamBTech working in Oman Seeks suitable alliance.

Contact 99430227 Alliance invited for a Hindu Ezhava girl 26 years, fair, slim, B. Tech, MBA (Star Markayerium, one and half dosham) , currently working with a MNC at Kerala, reputed family of Thrissur Dt currently settled in Muscat , from parents of well educated & employed Ezhava boys preferably from Thrissur, Ekn, Palakkad.

Contact: 99329606

LOST Manoj Kumar has lost Indian Passport No. H 7768168. Finder please handover to ROP Zeynah Ally Juma has lost Tanzania Passport No. AB 668358. Finder please handover to ROP

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

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

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS

INVESTOR PARTNER REQUIRED For a successfully Catering Restaurant Investor cum Partner is required.

Investor with fixed returns also welcome.

Please contact – 95213273

Email: muscatcoffeeshop@gmail.com

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SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION VACANT

Sales Executive

Required for trading company immediately minimum 5 years’ experience in Tools and hardware, pipes & fittings, valves and safety & lifting items.

Should have Oman driving license, release or NOC contact

1)Procurement Engineer:

Email: svacancy137@gmail.com

Send Your CV to surcivilmep@surunited.com

Civil/Mechanical Eng. Degree, Good communication skills, 8 yrs GCC Exp in the same field.

REQUIRED Omani Lawyers Trainee to work at an Omani Law Office info@alalawico.com URGENTLY REQUIRED CIVIL ENGINEER

WANTED Female Gynaecologist, Female GP- Two Female Staff Nurse (From India or Pilipino)and One Female Dental Assist and Female Lab Technician.

BE civil engineer with minimum 5years Oman experience with driving license required.

With MOH Licence and Data Flow for Al Saadi Specilised Medical Centre, Musanna.

Contact # 92025033, Email : dr.srininvas76@gmail.com

Should be capable to manage the project and able to provide quote and tender submission.

ACCOUNTANT

Local release is Must and willing to join immediately.

Mail CV gunasekar@quipx.net.

Urgently required Accountant , Minimum experience – One year.

Cashier – Smart , Honest Philipino lady Contact 91067751, email: georgyjacob7@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ADMIN

BEAUTY Experienced lady beautician,

Egyptian woman resident, considerable experience in the Administration and Secretarial Executive for company. Contact : 97221126

expert in hairstyle and Mehandi artist. Proficiency in English and Arabic language preferred. Location Salalah. Contact 97494937 Urgently required a Gulf experienced professional Hair Dresser cum Beautician (Lady) for a reputed Beauty salon. Immediate appointment Contact : 99816262 / 98557585,fax : 24796211, email: skin. hair.makeup@gmail.com

CATERING Continental, Chinese, Arabic cooks. Contact: 95529970

DRIVER Looking for an experienced driver with valid Omani driving for Omani family personal services including transportation to school, grocery, laundry etc .Will provide car, good salary, visa, accommodation at Omani family villa and annual passage to home country. Contact: 99205900 Wanted Driver for heavy (sewage vehicle) and light vehicle with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 97991654 / 97991652 Kindly send CV at Email: construction@remasalseeb.com / remaschandran2020@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELP Wanted fulltime/part time housemaid, preferably Malayalee for Malayalee family at Al Khuwair.

Contact 97332392.

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

Wanted a nurse with MOH license for a clinic at Falaj AL Qabail.

Interested persons may send documents with photograph to PO 128; Falaj Al Qabail, PC 327, Sultanate of Oman or Email us at : alfalajram@rediffmail.com

A reputed MNC is looking for a candidate with space selling experience, interested parties may send resume to omanresume02@gmail.com

Require orthodontist / Gynecologist/Pedodontist /Endodontist / Pharmacist /Lab technician /male/ female Staff Nurse for a medical Centre in Mabela Muscat.

Contact 96391831 / 24452070.

Urgently required Internist, General Practitioner, male Nurse, Orthodontist for a reputed medical center in Salalah.

Email: hrmdimc2010@gmail.com Fusion Medicare Polyclinic, Muscat wants GP, staff Nurse holding MOH license & Receptionist (Omani) Contact 97698004 email: medicare@fusionlogicoman.com Required Staff Nurse for a reputed clinic in Ruwi. Send CV to: farayil@hotmail.com contact 92520054 Wanted female & Male Nurse with or without license (good salary, food & accommodation with other benefits. Contact 92989109, medicoport@gmail.com

EDUCATION SALES / MARKETING Private School seeks to employ experienced teachers in the following specializations: Class Teacher, AS & IGCSE Teachers (Biology - Chemistry- Physics Math) minimum 10 years experience, minimum middle management experience 4 years.

Contact: umfajer@hotmail.com

ENG./TECHNICIAN Required Electrical Engineer bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering. Should have 5- 10 years in Oman experience in primary substations. Interested candidates send resume to hr@aljood-oman.com Required Civil Diploma Engineer with 5 plus years experience in Oman preferably with D/L as Site Engineer for ministry projects.

Send CV at alrkhadev@hotmail. com Contact: 94148220

MEDICAL Kurians opticals required for their upcoming showroom in Muscat, position Optometrist, Qualification BS Optometry, experience minimum 3 years in reputed firm (MOH preferred first) Gender male or female. Interested candidates may apply immediately with updated resume to kurianshrdepartment@ gmail.com Wanted female & Male Nurse with or without license (good salary, food & accommodation with other benefits. Contact 97700963, medicoport@gmail.com

Medical Equipment trading company looking for Sales Representative, Maintenance Engineer and Technician to work in Muscat.

Contact : 968 79055971 Email: medioman3@gmail.com Well known press utility would like to recruit Marketing Officer with 5 years of experience.

Contact: 94512636 Required sales and marketing executive for a 4-star hotel in muscat. candidate with excellent communication skills and having 3+ years experience need apply. driving license will be an advantage. email: hoteljobsmuscat@gmail.com Urgently required a GCC experienced electrical or building material marketing executive with valid driving license. Candidates may send their resume at ho@ddtoman.com Dynamic Outdoor Sales Executive required for a building materials company in Ghubrah. Candidates with release preferred.

Mail your resume to buildingmaterialsales007@gmail.com

Indian Salesman indoor, knowledge in English & Arabic. #93326636

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED ADMIN Indian (F) MBA HR & Finance 3yrs Exp. in HR/Admin/Purchase, NOC available for immediate placement.

M: 99791008 / 93888576 GCC/ oil field experienced Indian Graduate, operations, administrations / sales and business development experiences. Fluent in Arabic and English, with Oman D/L, looking immediate placement.

Contact: 96608383 8 yrs exp. in Admin & Accounts (3 yrs in Oman), MBA, exp. in Tally ERP 9, Indian (F) seeks placement.

Contact 97243806 B.Tech female 5 yrs experience in administration looking for suitable placement visit visa.

Contact: 98277037 Male25 BBA, Admin officer 6 years experience in administration, accounts, Procurement, HR, release available.

Contact 91329571 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have vocational M.B.A diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time.

Contact: 95933288

Indian male 25yrs, B.Com, MBA, SAP (level 1) certified, 1yr exp in Office Administration, on visit visa looking for placement in Accounts, Sales & Marketing, Storekeeper, Logistics. Contact: 97914014 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 Male 24 y, B.Com, MBA (Marketing & HR) fresher looking for administrative, logistics, operation role or any similar post. id-josinjosecl350@gmail.com ph:-95762511

Indian male 27 years, Masters in Hospital Administration with 3 years experience in quality assurance and JCI Implementation currently working with Aster group as Asst Manager in Quality Assurance. Contact : 98431213 vishnuvijjay14@gmail.com

ACCOUNTS 12 yrs Oman experienced Chief/ Senior Accountant seeks job, immediately available with release /NOC and D/L. Contact: 97385562 Accountant 13 years experience looking for suitable job full time/ part time. Contact: 95571165 CPA 13 years experience (10 years in Oman) as Finance Manager, Chief Accountant, Senior Accountant, Cost Accountant & Internal Auditor, local transfer available.

Contact: 97220505 Indian male,25 years, born and brought up in Oman,B. COM(Finance),MBA(Pursuing),with valid Omani driving License, presently on visit visa. Contact 92141645,arosh1991@gmail.com 24 years , Indian Lady -Married, Educational Qualification ;ICWA (FOUNDATION), M.COM (COSTING), MBA (FINANCE), PGD IN TAXATION AND LAW, India and looking for a job in Oman to gain experience in the field suitable to my profile. Contact rakhipatil509@gmail.com or +968-94288177 Credit officer Indian, 34 years, 7 years experience in Oman, NOC & driving license available ready to join immediately.

Contact: 93436328 Email: sujithsdev@gmail.com 12 Yrs Exp Accountant worked in Construction, Cont & Trad Cos. with Valid D/L – (NOC/Release available).

Contact 92194086 Services in finance / accounts department, experience of 5 years & driving license also.

Contact 98124903 Email: bilalattariacca@gmail.com CPA (UK), MBA Acct & Finance (PAK), CA Inter (PAK), CFA, (PAK) , 9 years Gulf experience valid Omani D/L looking for accounts, finance, Audit job, NOC Available.

Contact: 96437154 Finance Audit professional 20 yrs experience can work independent, looking for opening.

Contact: 92168401

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED ACCOUNTS Indian female, senior Accountant /ast.Finance manager having 15 years oman experience with d/l and noc looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 94838231 Indian male, B.Com, MBA in Finance, 4 yrs in Larsen & Tourbo, 26 yrs in Oman, English/ Arabic speaking with driving license. NOC available. Contact 95588565 Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.

Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Indian/MBA/male Chief Accountant 18Yrs Experience, MIS, C.Flow, Budgeting, ERP, Cost accounting &Liasing with auditors. NOC available.

Contact: 92254691/97826674 email: khader2305@gmail.com Indian female M. Com/CA lnter yrs experience. Contact: 94863876, E mail: jinumanickath@yahoo.com Indian male B.Com currently on visit looking for a suitable job in accounts, storekeeper or supervisors ready to join as early as possible. Contact: 96048035 Email: syedshahaabuddin7786@gmail. com Indian male 28 years B.COM, PGDM (Banking & Insurance) with 3 years experience in banking as Assistant Manager on visit visa looking for suitable jobs.

Contact: 93418265 Email: arjunnair19@yahoo.in Indian male 33 yrs B.com having 8 years accounts experience in Oman looking for suitable placement local release, NOC & valid Oman D/L are available. Contact: 98093515 / 97494322 Indian (M) MBA (F) more than 6 years of experience in accounts proficiency in various A/C software , SAP(F1/CO) seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 95920740 Email ID: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com

Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job.

Contact 93953613, Emailallen.mathew83@gmail.com Finance Manager 16 years experienced chartered accountant (Sri Lankan) looking for a suitable post. NOC available. #92194926 Email: manomuscat@gmail.com Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.Contact: 96976240 Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin.

Contact :94743790 ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. Contact: 99284193 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com

Indian female, MBA (Finance & HR) 4+ experience in MNCS as a research analyst, looking for good job.#95299271 / 95124289

Certified Public Accountant (Filipino, Male, 27-yrs-old) with four years experience, seeking suitable placement in accounting/ audit, currently on visit.

Contact;94959606, email: czesar.42@gmail.com

Sri Lankan Accountant B.Sc degree and CASL intermediate seeks suitable job vacancy. NOC available. Contact: 99649013

Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394

Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization on monthly basis and finalization works.

Contact: 96247295

Accountant B.com Indian male 12 yrs exp seeks suitable job.NOC available . Contact : 91212471 Email: rennyj6@gmail.com

Part time accountant, accounting auditing available after 4 pm.

Contact: 91126314

Indian female 26 yrs, MBA finance 2 yrs exp with MNC. Email: rilooozmali@gmail.com.

Contact : 90551366.

B.Com Graduate Keralite looking for a suitable job in Muscat having 1 year experience in both Admin & operations. Contact (968) 90931930 Email: shijin.p450@gmail.com

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT/Ast. Finance Manager-MCom FinanceIndian with 8 years experience in Finance & Accounts Dpt and Banking & Facilitation. Having D/L & NOC. Mob:94122464, cammk13@gmail.com

Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc. Ready to join as early as possible.

Contact 96988923 email:sajith3969@gmail.com

Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

Accountant 10 years experienced Indian male with D/L and also doing computerization of accounts with Tally ERP 9 or focus.

Contact: 99622639

21, Indian female B.com graduate on family visa looking for immediate and suitable placement. Holds valid Omani Driver’s license.

Contact: 97208869

Omani male fluent in English looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 94700691

Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com

28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Accountant 8 Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 7 Years experience as Financial Analyst, MBA in finance. Responsibilities- research contributor, financial statement analysis, generating MIS & efficiency report, managing TAT, business & clients.

On visit visa in Muscat.

Contact 90191628 / 96175780

M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED PROJECT MANAGER,

ACCOUNTS Indian (M), 31 yrs, M Com 9 yrs experience in Oman, looking for Manager or Executive position in Fin & Accounts, NOC Available. # 968 96166178/+919768537435: mohammednajeem@yahoo.com

ARCH./ INTERIOR DEC. Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com

DRIVER Light duty driver seeks placement. Contact: 91209086 2 years experience in Oman, knows all the roads in Muscat looking for job. Contact: 98353735 Looking for driver job, with Oman Driving license and 5 years experience in Oman. Contact: 92208294 Light duty driver looking for driving job. Contact: 98525261 Light driver 5 yrs exp in Oman familiar with all areas in Muscat.

Contact: 97834892 2.5 yrs exp driver looking for job.

Contact: 96502016 Driver available with car.

Contact: 93822195 Looking for job 4 years experience Bangladeshi. #98136019 / 94657332 Driver with car 4 years experience full and part time looking for job.

Contact: 92041902 Bangladeshi male, 36 yrs, B.Sc. Contact : 97763469 Light driver exp 4 years knows English, Arabic and Hindi. Education B.A. Contact: 985522914 Experience driver Pakistani 10 years in Doha seeks suitable placement as household Driver.

Contact: 97213618 Indian male looking for job driving 8 years experience in Oman license (All Oman) language Arabic, Hindi. No need (NOC). Contact: 93426858 / 90915942 Looking for job exp having driving license. Contact: 97363138 Looking for driving job.

Contact: 98219182 Driver 2 yrs experience D/L , seeking suitable placement. #95938663 Looking for job with car.

Contact: 99154473 Driver available for job.#96381406 Light vehicle driver 8 years experienced. Contact: 94566432 Light driver. Contact: 99141481 Driver light 4 years exp, seeks job, English, Arabic, Urdu & Hindi.

Contact: 94356465

Graphic Designer with NOC (B-Tech) Hands on Experience in Designing, Media, Publication and Advertising available for interview in Oman (94743460/92300246) tafstafs@gmail.com Web designer, developer, Graphic designer, 3 yrs Indian female D/L. Contact: 92725547

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN Free lance / part time autocad works / make boq 2d /3d arch , structural, shop drawings interior drawings. Contact 97103168 Draftsman, 10 yrs experience Indian male, D/L NOC & local release.

Contact: 95737491 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

Architecture draftsman Diploma in Construction technology with 2 years experience in drafting and detailing looking for a suitable opportunity, ready to join as early as possible. Contact: 71166130 Email: syedfairoz864@yahoo.com Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR. PH : 92279784

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

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

96491030

Contact 92032632, haseebmursaleen@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release.

Contact 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com

Civil Engineer 8 yrs exp in contracting & consulting field with Auto cad & D/L. Contact 93060770

Indian male Civil Engineer 1.6 yrs exp, having Omani D/L, looking for suitable position. NOC available.

Contact – 92157694 / mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Diploma in Mechanical Engg, 10 years exp in steel fabrication site work with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 94696192 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrs exp seeks suitable position in a reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 Mechanical Engineer Indian male 21 yrs with six months experience with SKF India on visit seeks suitable job. Contact: 97945161 Email: iancardoz11@gmail.com Graduate Civil Engineer with overall 17 yrs. & 9 yrs. GCC Exp. seeking suitable Job in Middle level/Senior level or Project Management; Having Valid GCC License.

NOC is available.

Contact 99165185 BE Civil PGDBM 29 year’s experience 7 years in Oman in construction project management & consultancy looking for suitable senior level opening, Oman driving license and NOC Available.

Contact: 96275867 Email: anthurium7777@gmail.com 7+ years GCC experience, Civil Engineer looking for suitable position. Contact: 79095572 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman valid driving license.

Contact: 92476414 Email: anowerjesi@gmail.com Civil Engineer Indian (B.Tech, M.Tech) 8 years experience, having D/L, NOC available.

Contact 94195397 Quantity surveyor & Contract, BE (Civil), Indian with 8+ years Gulf Experience Infrastructure with NOC & DL, #:9417 9365, hafeezbrzone@gmail.com ahafeez1@bechtel.com Civil Engineer experience 6 years search a job. Contact: 97846260

Driver looking for job.#95892363

DESIGNER

Quantity Surveyor, Sri

An experienced Chartered Accountant

Civil Engineer B.E, 25 yrs exp in design & construction of o & g & power plant structures in Gulf 10 yrs exp looking for suitable job.

Contact: 92449496 Civil Engineer with 2 years experience looking for job.

Contact 94771525 Quantity Surveyor, Sri Lankan MSc (CPM, UK) Qualified more than 16 years experience (10 years) in GCC seeking suitable placement. Contact: 93973236 Email: anharqs@gmail.com Indian male with 7+ yrs experience in Civil seeking for suitable placement. Contact 95287339, Email : contactmesaran@gmail. com Indian male 25 yrs (B.Tech) Mechanical Engg, 5 yrs of experience in erection, testing, commissioning and maintenance of rotating and static Equipments in power, petrochemical and Pharmaceutical industry in Oman on visit visa. Contact: 90807760 Email: ramizshk@gmail.com Indian male 21 yrs, 1 yr exp in electronics & telecommunications seeks suitable placement. Contact: 94191684 Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com

Indian Male, MSc Electronics, CCNA, MCITP (Server 2008r2), Hardware and Networking, Accounting Software Tally ERP9 with over 2 years experience in IT support, seeks suitable placement.

Has valid transferrable Saudi license and on visit in Oman.

Contact 94513351 or obinkavumkal@gmail.com B.E electrical 3 yrs Oman experience in construction MEP/ LV & HV lines, HVAC/ fire fight erection commission with NOC. Contact 96335725

Young Indian, Engineering in Bio-technology, Bio-chemical and Chemical, looking for a challenging placement in Oman.

Contact 97607000. Email: sivasankarjayakumar@gmail.com

Mechanical / production engineer ( B.E) with 2 years exp as 3D CAD engineer skills , AutoCAD , solid works , 3D via composer , Pro E , Cad , Solid edge , presently in Muscat seeks placement. Contact: 92012405 / 97041071 Email: vishalpurushotham93@gmail.com

7+years PMP, RMP Certified Civil Engineer looking for suitable position. Contact: 93651835

Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973

Site Engineer (roads) Indian male Diploma working in consultancy 10 years experience in Oman, knows quantity survey having Oman D/L. Release / NOC available. Contact: 92478243 Email: jomonprojects@gmail.com

Structural Engineer Indian female 12 yrs experience in bridges buildings design seeking suitable openings NOC available.

Contact: 98923804

B.Tech ECE, 3 years experience in industrial automation, manufacturing, switchgears, design, estimation, testing, commissioning, on visit visa. Contact: 90827446 / 93890490 Email: infoanishantony@gmail.com Civil Engineer having 23 years experience in construction work, Supervision & Estimating in Gulf 13 years experience, looking for suitable job. Contact: 90247456 Sudanese civil engineer with 3 years experience looking for job.

Contact: 95634888 Mechanical Engineer Indian, 8 yrs Oman exp in maintenance, QA/ QC, projects with D/L. Contact: 968 94252769 Email: rami.mech@gmail.com Engineer B.Tech (EEE) Indian male with Auto CAD, ECADD very hard working quick learner, highly talented currently working in a reputed company in Oman seeking opportunities Ready to join immediately.

Contact 92907983 / 99346546 Email: aflahkalathil@gmail.com Indian, Male, 24 Years, BE Aeronautical Engineer having 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact : 94132255, Email ID : 13manu007@gmail.com Diploma Civil Engineer Indian male, 14 yrs GCC experience, valid Oman D/L, NOC available, seeking suitable placement. contact 99794456 Indian male mechanical engineer having 4.5 yrs experience in oil field jobs (both structure and piping.) Designing, fabrication, quality control and inspection etc. also having cswip 3.1 welding inspection level-2, primavera, and good knowledge in designing software like Stadd pro, tekla, auto spool, AutoCAD. Contact: 96071081, rahulvarikkat@gmail.com Lebanese Civil Engineer with 2 years experience looking for job.

Contact: 79079765

Indian male electrical engineer (MEP) design supervision consultant 12 yrs experience seeking suitable opening NOC available.

Contact: 96798962 Indian male 26 years on express visa seeking suitable position qualification automation system engineer BSC. Physics computer application aircraft maintenance engineering. Contact: 92469429 Email: appulalps@hotmail.com MEP Engineer 49 years Indian male with Omani driving license having 14 years experience in Oman seeking suitable basement, releases available.

Contact: 91268250 Omani seeks HSE position.

Contact 99326700, Email: jeeba23000@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Male, 30yrs. Experienced in Steam turbines and Thermal Power house seek employment.

Contact - +91 8130553668 or mohamedshah7@gmail.com Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization.

Contact 96570891 Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS and Low current systems and has good knowledge about Electronic Security Systems, currently working in Oman, NOC Available.

Contact: 94737033/ mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com

Indian male B.Tech instrumentation Engg with 4 years experience on visit visa. Contact: 95120545

Electrical Engineer, 24 yrs, Indian Male, Fresher, Training Undertaken in Electrical Draughtsman, Fire Alarm, Fire Fighting and Industrial Automation. Contact: 94989767, Email: Junaiz987@gmail.com

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

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

SENIOR JOINERY ESTIMATOR

Contact- 00968-94731728/ josececy25@gmail.com

/ŶĚŝĂŶ ŵĂůĞ͕ ϭϭ LJƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ in Oman looking for suitable ƉůĂĐĞŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ũŽŝŶĞƌLJͬ Į ƚŽƵƚ ĞƐƟ ŵĂƟ ŽŶ Žƌ ŵĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ͘ >ŽĐĂů ƌĞůĞĂƐĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ Contact - 94541830, ŵĂŝů͗ ĞƐƟ ŵĂƚŽƌϲϰϯϭϵΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

IT

Indian male, 30 Yrs, BE (Electronics & Telecom Engineer), MBA, 7 yrs exp in Oman in Sales, Marketing & projects, looking for suitable placement with valid Oman D/L, NOC available. Contact: 98518776

Young Omani IT Engineer looking for any job in IT or Admin have knowledge in IT support creating websites, networking, programming fresh graduate.

Contact 96502352

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912

CFA level 1 cleared (pursuing level 2) MBA operations research, female, 5 yrs experience as Analyst, have a valid Oman driving license, looking for related openings.

Contact 95818892

B.Tech, MBA, PRINCE-2, British Citizen now available with NOC in OMAN. 25 yrs. exp in EPC Project Management of Oil & Gas, Pipelines, Refineries & Power Plants. Seeking job immediately/

Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).Looking for a Suitable position. Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa. Contact: 92157694. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat. #91176187 Email: syam036@gmail.com Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961 Indian female seeking Software Engineer job, having 2 yrs exp in . NET staying in Oman at resident visa. Contact: 95473758 Mechanical/ Piping Engineer (B.Tech.) on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 94703350 mail: nadeembcoolboy@gmail.com

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact 99739415 / 92091528

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

LOGISTICS Indian female 24 years B.com & MIB supply chain & logistics, 2.5 years experience U.S.A Air force, U.S.A Embassy’s procurement, supply chain on visit visa.

Contact: 92417260 Email: seiramthomas@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge. Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill.

GSM: 97761075 Filipino Graphic Designer / I.T. looking for a suitable job with 10 years experience. Very good in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Photography, Knowledge in CCTV & Access Controls. Call 79042628.

BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com 9 year experienced industrial painter and sand blaster with Oman driving licence. NOC available. Seeks suitable placement.

Contact ZakeerHussain 96681934.

Indian, Keralite female M.A Economics, B.Ed, PGDCA, 2 yrs exp seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97302167

27 years Indian B.Tech/ BE holder, 2 years experience in teaching & 2 years experience in Networking field now on visit, seeking opportunities in both fields. Fluent in English. Contact: 94540639 Email: rajeeshchandran88@gmail.com

Mathematics Lecturer , Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University, B.Ed qualified, distinction holder with 6 yrs teaching experience in colleges.

Contact: 91360147.

B.Com,IICL Certified Container Inspector(No.150850),Visit Visa, Six months experience, need placement. Phone 90880935,99023279, Email solexyesudas@gmail.com.

Experienced Maths teacher bilingual AS, A, IB Thanwia Aamaa. Contact: 98016336.

Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable lacements. NOC available.

Contact 92066 523

IT Oracle / SAP Developers with 6 yrs exp in IT, banking, and Administration domain skill: SQL, PLSQL, SAP BO / BI, SQL server, JBOSS currently in Muscat seeks placement. Contact: 92012405 / 97041071 Sandhya.p4@gmail.com

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

Over 9 years experienced IT support professional looking for suitable opportunities (NOC available).

Contact: 97689128, Email: dd_mcp@hotmail.com

Business Development Head, MBA Marketing & HR Indian Male available in Dubai with Qatar D/L over 16 Years of Diversified, Multiple Location GCC & Africa Work Exposure, Handled Multi Brand Division in Electronics & Home Appliances, FMCG domain at profit center Head Level, Admin, Retail, Seeking job in Trading , Manufacturing Organizations. Kindly Call: +971 544545136, chandraqatar@gmail.com

Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available.

Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com Indian / Female (27) married.

MCA, 2+years of experience in software development in leading MNC – Accenture, Bangalore. IT skills include Dot Net, SQL server 2008, ASP.Net, HTML, CSS, excellent communication skills looking for a suitable job. With Oman Driving License. Mobile: 94057790; Email: geetika.pesit08@gmail.com

MANAGER

Male -MBA , qualified ,10 years Managerial experience in GCC / OMAN in FMCG looking for Divisional Manager /BDM position .

NOC and driving license available.

Contact -92405181

MEDICAL

IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact 94672759

Iraqi Dentist female, MOH license seeks suitable job in clinic in Muscat. Contact 97891219

Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact 98660672

Veterinary Doctor: Indian Female looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 96906534 /99014885, Email: monishmajeed@gmail.com

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M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED HOSPITALITY Immediately available with NOC Indian male with 29 years of experience in hospitality industry.

Contact : 92459737 Email: edrich31@gmail.com

MEDICAL Filipino male Medical / Sales representative with 3 yrs experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: 92610394 Indian Female, General Dentist (MDS) with MOH License & NOC, Looking for Job in Muscat. 10.5 Yrs Experience, Contact: 95797173, Email: drnupursatija@gmail.com Nurse with MOH license more than 10 yrs of experience looking for job in Muscat. Contact: 90554377 / 92104033 Indian female Dentist looking for suitable placement, dataflow completed. Contact: 96410448 / 99606013

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Purchase Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and sales with good computer skills. Holding Oman Driving license, looking for suitable placement.Contact 99709336 Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Contact 95244761

SKILLED LABOUR Indian male experienced mobile phone technician, 8 years experience looking for job, NOC available. Contact: 90343737 Email: qamaru007@gmail.com Indian male 31 yrs, 5 yrs experience in store keeping & machine operating currently on visit visa looking suitable position. Contact: 94682740 Email: lachul31@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Indian male with 6 years experience in sales in oman. NOC available, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95364128 Indian male 35 years, B.com and 9 years GCC experience in Sales & Marketing (Transport & Logistic).

Having GCC driving license, looking for suitable placement.#92634281 email: shinojkk1224@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Resident in Oman 18 years, 10 years experience in setup marketing plans and strategies, sales, import & logistics, procurement, Omani government tenders, organizing projects & events, import fireworks for festivals, NOC available, have car. Contact 94123939.

Email: 002015r@gmail.com BE Mechanical Engineer, male, 4+ years sales experience in India and Australia, seeking suitable placement. Immediately available/ salin.sahadevan87@gmail.com, mobile: +968 9426 5550 Pakistani male M. Phil economics (in Prog.) distinction holder, 2 years experience in Pubic University (Pak) having Oman driving license wants suitable replacement.

Contact: 968 91243132 Email: aamirkhan_7860@yahoo.com Indian male 25, having 3 years experience in Sales & Marketing looking for suitable placement, hold valid Omani driving license.

Contact: 98983247 Looking for job in sales/ marketing driving license, have 2 yrs exp in Dubai sales experience, 1yr exp in Oman Language Hindi, English, Malayalam and Arabic. Contact: 91219442 Indian male 1 yr exp in sales automotive (TBL) looking for best opportunity , NOC available.

Contact: 97793879 Email: shyampkn@gmail.com Immediately available (Indian male) Sales Executive with 7 years experience valid Oman driving license, release / NOC available, presently working in bullding material firm.

Contact: 99253159 / 92903099, shinethomas1230@gmail.com Graduate degree 4 years experience as marketing and merchandising in Oman with D/L & NOC available looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 98281478 Email: omerali1478@gmail.com Indian Male,25 years, born and brought up in Oman,B.COM (Finance),MBA(Pursuing),with valid Omani driving License, presently on visit visa, fluent in English, Arabic(spoken),seeking suitable placement.Contact 92141645, arosh1991@yahoo.com Immediately available with NOC Indian MBA Graduate (male) with 4 years experience in sales & marketing looking for suitable position.

Oman D/L available. #97436706 Email: ansam0691@gmail.com BBA Bachelor of business administration exp in custom clearance procedure, also done international logistics management & Nimb National Institute business management (US) certification all documentation work related logistics. contact – 91949050 / akram. chaush001@gmail.com

Multinational FMGC experienced, qualified Sri Lankan lady seeking employment in Muscat. Marketing, Brands, Strategy, Communication.

Oman exp & DL available. 98250829

Indian male 26 years of experience of sales & marketing in surgical and laboratory equipments.

Looking for good replacement.

Contact – 92015894 /95774854

Well experienced Marketing Executive looking for a suitable placement tiles, sanitary ware, building materials etc. Contact: 95177063

Indian Keralite, male, 30 yrs, 5 years experience as office assistance, out door sales in Saudi Arabia with GCC license Can speak Arabic, English any suitable job currently on visit visa. Contact 99625202 Email: sknr6165@gmail.com

Indian male, 18 years Oman experience in purchase, sales & stores with valid D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 95273552 FMCG Professional with 18 yrs Oman experience in heading the business looking for opening.

Contact: 92787747

B.Com Graduate Indian male having 1 years experience in Oman looking for job in purchase department or in sales deportment with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 98093949

Indian male age 24, B.Com. having 2 year experience and currently in visit visa. Looking for suitable placement in Sales, Marketing & finance. Contact: 90766307 Email: shhaazz.007@gmail.com Indian male 26, MBA in marketing with 4 years experience in marketing and sales looking for suitable opportunities now in visiting visa, having valid GCC D/L. Contact: 98666324 / 98340790 Email: ajithvjames@gmail.com Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position.

Conatct 95792820 Oil & gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license. contact 96143430 / 99875919 Indian male Engineering Graduate 6 years experience in Sales & Marketing in Oman with D/L & NOC seeking suitable openings.

Contact: 94386894 Email: tonykuravackal@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India.: -+918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity.

NOC available. Contact: 96001877 Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity. contact 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail. com Indian female 29 years Post Graduate with computer Knowledge 2 years of Oman experience in coordinator & 5 years of experience in customer service, client relation officer with excellent communication skill seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95337665

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 22 years B. Com, holding a valid Oman driving license. Contact 96799287.

Female, M.Sc and B.Ed in Chemistry, Indian, having two years teaching experience, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 96300240, Email: nselvin@gmail.com Indian male 22 years B.Com, holding a valid Oman driving license.

Contact 98112738 Indian female, MBA - HR, diploma in aviation & hospitality IATA, 5 yrs exp. looking for job in teaching, administration, HR & airport, now on family visa, seeking for suitable position. Contact: 99104529, e-mail- sivavedha@gmail.com CIVIL DIPLOMA HOLDER. India male. 8 years experience in building construction field, Valid oman driving license holder, seeking suitable jobs. N.O.C available.

Contact 95306762, Email: sandeeep88joseph@gmail.com Indian male 23 years completed BE in electrical engineering Looking for suitable placement. alamalsuhail@gmail.com, Contact +968 9968 2689

MISCELLANEOUS B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact # 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com

Indian male 23 undergraduate having experience in restaurant field and having computer and internet skills searching for suitable position in sales, data entry operator etc. Contact: 90801420 Gmail:anwaar223969@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer (DEE), Having 17 year Experience (14 year in Gulf), Experts in Estimation, Design, Planning and construction activities of MEP work, seek Similar Placement with D/L & NOC Available. Contact: 97007489

Indian female, P G, 7 yrs exp in a leading financial institution With Office coordination, administration, Audit, Training, Secretarial, Document control, Business dev, Customer service, Training, Team Management skills.

Contact 94065112.

Indian male Accountant.

Completed MBA with 1 year experience, good working knowledge in Tally & Excel. Searching for suitable job. Email: jovin8910@gmail. com, Contact : 919715874548 , 918015907437

Indian, bachelor of Commerce, experience in India & Oman as Sales & Management looking for a good position any kind of field. languages English, Arabic & Hindi.

Contact 98718428

BSC Female Nurse having 9 years of experience ( 3 years in gulf).

Prometric passed - 86%. Currently in Oman. Contact : 95117123 B.E Mechanical Engineer, 22 years old, Indian, currently on Family Visit. Knowledge of auto cad 2D & 3D, solid works. Looking for job in Manufacturing, Production, oil & gas etc.

Contact: 92113987/ 94034731 Indian male diploma electrician (EEE) and fire and safety officer course. six months good experience searching for suitable job.

Email:benatvinith@gmail.com, # 8098221471 / 7639675548 Indian male network cabling technician (19 years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement mobile no: 0091-8089909265 (India), email: mohithavp@gmail.com B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job. Available to join respective firm. Contact 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail. com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job. Contact : 0096899070584, email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian male 27 MBA Graduate with experience looking for job in finance, Logistics or new field in Oman. Contact: 90884252, Email: tamjeedruk@gmail.com Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Experience: 8 years (Road) with Oman driving license.

Contact: 91134675, Email: sohailzafar8@gmail.com Indian male 2 years experience Hardware technician. Computer , Laptop & Net working seeks suitable placement. Contact 99883019 Indian Male Wood Designer & Wood works 7 Years good working experience searching for suitable job. Contact Cell : +919698637279 / GSM : +96890649462, Mail: msahayaanish@gmail.com B.S.C in electrical, Experience:6 years in factory installation and maintenance and road lighting design and installation. #99817032, Email:engmmg24@yahoo.com B.Com, 2 yrs experience in Oman, Indian Male, 25 yrs with Driving License. Handling day today accounts activities upto finalization.

Proficient in Tally. Looking for suitable placement. Ph. 91470665 Indian Male, Over 9 years of experience in IT support and Accounting with Gulf experience. Now in Oman on visit visa.

Contact 92097096.

B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm. #94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com 7 years experience in banking sector in leasing department, having NOC, can work in leasing, HR, Admin , Accounts, storekeeper, logistic, operations. contact 94971640,nawab khan from Pakistan Indian Male Cook, have more than 10 years experience in Bakery and hotel field searching for suitable job. Gsm : +968 91894487, Phone : +919894424197 , contactanand31@gmail.com Diploma(Electrical Engineering) From Government polytechnic.

27years, 6 years Experience in Maintenance, troubleshooting and managing and Technical in substation as a Electrical Engineer seek suitable placement.

Contact 92995899, a.abbas31@gmail.com

33 years, Indian Male MSC, MBAHR having 8 yrs exp. (HR / Payroll / Admin) with Oman valid DL seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact:00968- 99322978 Indian male, 23 yrs. looking for suitable job my qualification is Diploma in Electronics, having 3 years of experience in the hardware and networking field.

Contact : - +96897017866.

Bangladeshi Electrical Engineer searching job in Oman. Contact 91997605, e-mail: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com Indian male AutoCAD Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job.

Contact no: 0096899070584, email: remluvp@gmail.com India, education is bachelor of commerce, experience in India & Oman as Sales & management. looking for a good position any kind of field. languages English, Arabic, Hindi. #968 98718428 26 yrs old, male, Filipino, single, bachelor of science in information technology, looking for a job in any position around Muscat.

Contact 90672737 / 95721841.

Email : cianchay@yahoo.com 7 yrs hotel experience in customer service and sales. 2 years in call center customer service and sales looking out for job in retail for counter sales. Contact 71121806, e-mail:- joe.pet17@gmail.com Indian male Network Cabling technician (19-years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement. Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India),mail: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian male BBA Graduate, looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 97691779 Electronic Systems Engineer (UK Graduate) with skills in Robotics, Programming Languages, IC, PCB Design seeking suitable position, Indian female on Visit Visa.

Contact: 97848075 s.dinesh1508@gmail.com Indian male, MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with oman D/L & NOC, Hospital ,Pharma, Herbal ,FMCG, F&B Marketing ,construction A/c & sales.

Contact 93379044 Indian male looking for job with driving license any field as driver also. Contact :90559292 10 years’ experience Lady Secretary, Worked in Oman leading companies seeks immediate employment. Call: 93095425 or 24791145 Looking for part time accounting, reconciliation, internal audit, capable of handling any accounts work up to finalization in most of the software independently, 4 yrs experience,contact:97654769 Indian male 26, Having 4 years of experience in Store Supervision & Store In charge looking for a suitable placement having N.O.C ready to join immediately.

Contact : 96671102, E-mail : parvez.mohammed16@gmail.com Indian male, 28years, B.techmechanical engineering with 6 years experience as project executive. holds valid UAE driving license. GSM: 93952127 Indian Male, 23 yrs, looking for any professional job vacancy my qualification is Diploma in Electronics an i am having 3 years of experience in the hardware and networking field an you can contact me on : - 97017866.

Indian male Accountant. Completed MBA with 1 year experience, good working knowledge in Tally & Excel. Searching for suitable job. Email: jovin8910@gmail. com, Contact : 919715874548 , 918015907437

Indian male 21 bachelor’s of commerce (B.com) having 1 year experience as a salesmen in denhillz international and looking for job as a salesman in Oman.

Contact: 94562777 Email: hammadakrami61@gmail.com Bangladeshi male 22 years, education: Pre - sea marine Engineer searching job in Oman.

Cell: +8801715600971, e-mail:saifur6264@gmail.com Experience in managing and supervising a restaurant having computer, commercial, and marketing Skills looking for job in Oman. Contact :90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com Mechanical Engineering, Indian Male, 23, 6 months experience, done piping engineering course, on visit visa, seeks suitable job. Contact: 95427632, email:kausthubnarayan@gmail.com Indian male 23 years completed BE in electrical engineering, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: alamalsuhail@gmail.com, Contact:+968 9968 2689 Egyptian dentist search about job 13years experience MOH No:10957.

Contact 91146961 Male, 23 years with M.Sc degree looking for office job.

Contact 99757425 Indian male 23 undergraduate having experience in restaurant field and having computer and internet skills searching for suitable position in sales, data entry operator etc. Contact:90801420 Gmail:anwaar223969@gmail.com 33 years, Indian Male MSC, MBAHR having 8 yrs exp. (HR / Payroll / Admin) with Oman valid DL seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact:00968- 99322978 Indian male, age 23, B.E in Mechanical Engineering looking for suitable job.

Contact : 91504101 mail: nickfaiz93@gmail.com An Indian senior mechanical engineer capable to start business or enhance existing business locally and internationally is interested to associate. Contact financially sound and decision makers only : 00968 9109 6940. kpopragmatic@gmail.com Indian, 22 yrs, looking for a job in Sales. NOC Available.

Contact 90463953, Email: sayyan44@hotmail.com Indian male, 26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures, Aware of int. Standards, B tech in Mech engg. Contact-0091 7350860889 rahulkunnath23@gmail.com, Indian male 21 (B.Com 2Years) having experience in Sales looking for suitable entry-level position.

Contact: 94562777, E-mail: hammadakrami61@gmail.com Mechanical/Production Engineer, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified.

Contact 0091 9895233155, arn9895@gmail.com Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. exp. in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures. Contact 00974 66772193 Mail;snu057@gmail.com.

B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.E), Indian, 21 yrs, Fresher, Looking for suitable job in the field, Contact- 92291955 / vishusav@hotmail.com

M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

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

Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Electronics Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement. GSM- 99105043 BS in Civil Engineering, experience: 8 Year (Road Projects), Omani license: 9 Years.

Contact: 97427701, Email: hassanrvc1989@gmail.com Indian male 33 yrs, MBA-HR with 10.6 yrs.exp. in Recruitment, Training, PMS, OD, Sites-HR and Omani nationals development,seeking a job, NOC avl. Contact 94179499 Email: saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Looking for a job as Sales man or any suitable job. Contact 94401228.

Indian male looking for part time job. Preferred time from 8 am to 12.30 pm. Contact: 79062787

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED Indian male 23 undergraduate having experience in restaurant field and having computer and internet skills searching for suitable position in same field.

Contact:90801420 Gmail:anwaar223969@gmail.com 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact arn9895@gmail. com. Mob 00919895233155 Indian Male,26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int. Stds,B tech in Mech engg.

Contact-Mob-00917350860889 rahulkunnath23@gmail.com

Indian male, 23 yrs, BE in Mechanical Engineering looking for suitable job. Contact : 91504101 mail: nickfaiz93@gmail.com Indian female 10 years as cook in Muscat, Oman . South Indian, Gujarati special food ,Looking for part time. Contact 95795971 Indian male: 24 years, diploma in computer science and B.E (CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeking for the suitable job. Contact: 91170912, Email id: sales2@witoman.com Pakistani male looking for House boy and cleaning work.

GSM:96710189

D7

D8

M O N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDU./CLASSES

Indian Male, Accountant, 10 years Oman experienced having release letter presently in oman seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact : 99334770/ 99743709 Fire & Safety Officer, 22 Years old, Indian expatriate seeking for a suitable placement. 2 years of experience. Ready for immediate joining.

Contact : +968-97682273, Email: maniavbah555@gmail.com Economics Specialist: Female , MA & M.Phil/PhD_ in ECONOMICS . 10 years experience Banking/ Lecturer/Customer Service/Trainer currently Looking for job contact cell:97457248

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

in Azaiba and Ruwi

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

earn in two months

tion guaranteed

MECHANICAL ENGINEER ( B.E.,)Indian male, 7 Years of experience in thermal power plant, Pump station and utilities piping Erection & commissioning. Contact: madhavansakthi@gmail.com, Cell No: +968 98208500 Indian male BBA Graduate, looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 97691779

Tel: 95244310

6 years experience in Admin, Accounts & Marketing B.com Qualification NOC & D.L is available. 98895739

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Indian/male (26) / MBA/2 years experience in Procurement, Coordination and distribution management, with valid Oman license available for immediate joining.

Contact: 92536194 email:suhailbs@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.E), Indian, 21 yrs, Fresher, Looking for suitable job in the field, #92291955 / vishusav@hotmail.com

SERVICES

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ MĂƌďůĞ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJͬ Yearly contracts available. ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ϵϴϴϭϰϳϯϯ ͬϵϴϴϭϰϳϰ0 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

Indian male, 11 years exp. in accounting, knowledge in tally also. looking for a part time job.

Contact . 98983122

We Provide Cleaners, Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ General cleaning etc. ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020

Internal Auditor/Accountant : BCOM /CA INTER having 7 years experience under Chartered Accountant in India and 10 years as internal auditor/ Accounts manager in Oman , well versed with Tally and MS office , seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 93214484/91358384 1.5 years experienced, 6 months in Oman, electrical engineer/project engineer, experience in sub-station, MV, LV systems. power and oil & gas projects. NOC available.

Contact : 94669679 mail:prsabarish@gmail.com Electrical Engineer (DEE), Having 17 year Experience (14 year in Gulf), Experts in Estimation, Design, Planning and construction activities of MEP work seek Similar Placement with D/L & NOC Available. Contact: 97007489 4 years experience in IT Executive .i come on a visit visa seeking placement contact 94948622.

Email Jarar.haider@yahoo.com whatapp 00923142195074

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

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

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. # 24793614/ 99314807

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

For building maintenance plumbing, painting and electric works contact Midawa trading & cont, EST. Contact: 98937266 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean Center LLC. Marble polishing & crystallizaContact: 99344723 tion, building cleaning floor, floor polishing, carpet, sofa shampooing, Affordable rates all types of pest control, anti termite, shifting curtain blind. Contact 99539521/ maintenance.contact 99504275 95615642

House shifting packing. Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampoo. Ocean center LLC. Contact: 99344723

Indian Female, 28 Yrs, M.Sc Comp Science having 3 years experience as a Lecturer/Teacher/IT Support with excellent computer skills, on family visa looking for suitable position. Pls Contact 92857417.

SITUATION WANTSERVICES We undertake new construction & maintenance & gypsum works.

Contact 92711506, ammarayyub@gmail.com We do building maintenance all kind of works. Contact 99247663 Pest Control treatments. Ocean center LLC. Contact: 99344723

Indian male 25, Graduate in Civil Engineering (B.E) having 3 years of experience in Site Execution & Quantity Surveyor looking for a suitable placement having Visa Release & Valid Driving License Contact : 96240153 / 97490311, E-mail : mdmosin33@gmail.com BE Electronic & Telecom Eng. 2yrs Exp in telecom copper and fibre cables, able to do project sales & support. Project installation & Commissioning, Exp in telecom related civil job. Contact 97423932, mail: mzeeshanshaikh89@gmail.com Indian male 23 diploma in automobile engineering have experience in handling accounts and good marketing skill searching for new suitable job. #90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com B.Com Pakistani, 6 years experience of marketing NOC and D.L is available 0096898895739 Petrochemicals specialist , MBA 18 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN OIL FIELDS COM/plastics /Automobile/ construction/Polymer/Packaging, e-procurement /COMMERCIAL/ PURCHASE / LOGISTICS / SCM NOC available .Contact: 97813849 vved76@gmail.com Indian male diploma electrician (EEE) and fire and safety officer course. six months good experience searching for suitable job.

Gmail:benatvinith@gmail.com, number:8098221471 / 7639675548 Indian male B.Tech, DCE Civil Engineer 14 years Gulf experience.

Contact 97045409 B.Com Graduate, Keralite with 4 years Gulf experience in Basic accounts and Office Administration is looking for a suitable job in Stores / Office Administration / Indoor Sales or as Accounts Asst. Presently working as Office Administratorcum-Accounts Asst. in Oman. NOC available. Contact: 97375439.

Chief Accountant , 7 years experienced ( 25 years experience in accounts) worked with reputed group companies , handling accounts, auditing, tax work, budgeting & banking facilities , seeks openings Contact 98803439 / 97413784 4 years experience in IT Executive and also ticketing staff, seeking placement Contact 94948622.

Email Jarar.haider@yahoo.com Indian male Post graduate Dentist with 18 plus years experience with MOH Oman. Fluent in Arabic too. #96689064/ amal_sam48@hotmail.com B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm. # 94618504,Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com Senior sales/marketing executive.

Experience in trading industries and thorough knowledge of Oman market. Driving license and NOC available, seeks senior position.

Contact: 98487311 Indian male 37years Btech civil engineer,13years oman experiense in buildings and infrastructure(steel) having d/l and noc is now in oman on visit visa,ready to join immediately.

Contact : 93641216 , EMAIL: shalabha02@yahoo.com Indian male, 25 years, diploma in computer science and B.E(CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeking for the suitable job. Contact: 93879828, Email id: santoshannathurai@gmail.com