Times of Oman - March 27, 2016

SUNDAY

March 27, 2016 18 Jumada Al Thani 1437 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

To the members of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Al Alam Palace, 1990

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ We have to develop and diversify our economic resources in order to lessen dependence on oil, and to secure for our national economy a solid basis from which to face the unstable international economic conditions and fluctuations in the world oil market.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 29

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

Clear pay structure can boost economy A well defined salary structure laid down in a new labour law for the private sector will help avoid confusion, make the sector more acceptable to youth and raise productivity REJIMON K FAHAD AL GHADANI

Reji@timesofoman.com fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A salary structure scale based on educational qualifications in the private sector will help ensure increased productivity and encourage more job aspirants to embrace the private sector, say experts.

“Having a clear and defined salary structure scale is needed across the private sector. This will encourage job aspirants to join the sector. The new labour law in the pipeline should contain Articles defining the salary structure scale in the private sector. This will ensure clarity and help employees to avoid confusion,” Mohammed Al Khaldi, board member of General Federation of Oman Trade Union (GFOTU), told Times of Oman.

According to data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) in February, there are 209,544 Omanis (insured) and 1,388,277 expatriate workers in the private sector.

However, a top official of the Ministry of Manpower said this is not a decision to be taken by the Ministry of Manpower. “The private sector is an open market and imposing a defined salary structure might interfere in the business of companies,” said Said Salem Al Saadi, advisor to the Minister of Manpower.

He added that such things should remain open for companies to decide upon. >A6

GEARING UP: New terminal will be operational either by the end of 2016 or early 2017. – File picture

Low cost airline to use existing terminal A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Muscat International Airport’s existing terminal will be used for operating low cost airlines once the new terminal building becomes operational, said a senior official of Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC).

The plan is to revive the existing airport, which is called terminal two, for budget airlines, while the newly built terminal one will receive all other airlines.

According to recent reports, the new terminal will be operational either by the end of 2016 or early 2017 since 86 per cent of the new terminal building work has already been completed.

The new state-of-the-art terminal has a capacity to handle 12 million passengers per annum, which can be scaled up to 24 million, 36 million and 48 million in different phases if needed.

Since Oman plans to start its first budget airline – Salam Air – with its base in Muscat within a year, and several other budget

carriers are flying to Muscat, the existing terminal is expected to get enough passengers to keep it busy.

Budget carriers like flydubai, Air Arabia and Air India Express have been operating to Muscat for several years.

The old runway will be demolished to create a new one, which will result in the airport having two runways.

“We have opened the new runway. We are refurbishing the old one and we will have two runways at the Muscat airport,” said

Aimen Ahmed Al Hosni, chief executive officer, Oman Airports Management Company.

Ground handling operators Al Hosni, while making a presentation at the recently concluded Oman Economic Forum, said that his company has floated tenders to select two ground handling operators for Muscat airport, who will compete each other.

This will help to generate better results for both passengers and airlines. >A6

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Time to give foreign investors bigger role Halima’s success story motivating women

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Three decades after the plans were unveiled to let foreign investors take a leading role, very few steps have been taken in that direction. >A2

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Omani citizens and residents travelling in Gulf Cooperation Council countries will now enjoy reduced roaming prices for SMS and mobile data >A3

MORNING MINUTE

S H I FA A L JA Z E E R A

New hospital plans to charge only OMR1 consultation fee A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com

For all specialties Addressing the media to announce the opening of two hospitals and one polyclinic, Dr. K T Rabeeullah, chairman and managing director of Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group, said the offer, if approved by the government, will be available for all specialties at the Shifa Al Jazeera Access Hospital in Ruwi.

“We are not anticipating profit from our Ruwi hospital in

BUSINESS

Roaming rates to fall Dry port licence

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MUSCAT: Shifa Al Jazeera medical group, which plans to open a major hospital accessible to the common man in Ruwi in October, plans to charge a nominal fee of OMR1 for consultation, subject to approval from the Ministry of Health.

This is against the normal average consultation fee of other hospitals ranging anywhere between OMR3 and OMR5.

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We are not anticipating profit from our Ruwi hospital in the first year.

Dr. K T Rabeeullah Chairman and managing director of Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group

the first year. If we can achieve break-even in the first year, we will continue the offer,” he further added. Dr Rabeeullah said his group has to get permission from the government for fixing such a low consultation fees.

He also noted that there would

be resistance from existing hospital chains against the new offer.

He said his hospital chain will try to avoid all unwanted tests and will try to make available all medicines at an affordable cost.

All these will benefit the common people in Oman.

A licence to operate Oman’s first dry port, which is the centre piece of South Al Batinah Logistics Area, will be awarded either in April or May. >B1

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SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

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Our Ruwi hospital (Shifa Al Jazeera Access Hospital) is for common people, while Al Khuwair polyclinic and Al Khoud hospital are for premium customers Dr. K T Rabeeullah, CMD Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group

C O M M E N TA RY

Oman losing its competitive edge on foreign investment SUNDAY BEAT SALEH AL SHAIBANY

T

he Sultanate has not yet used smart thinking to maximise efficiency of its resources and this is one reason why the country has not attracted foreign investments to diversify its oil dependent economy.

Oman needs a whole new perspective to the economy of scales by exploring alternative methods. Three decades after the plans were unveiled to let foreign investors take a leading role, very few steps have been taken in that direction.

The Sultanate will not keep producing oil and gas for a long time. With limited output, crude oil productions have not crossed the million barrels per day threshold. If Saudi Arabia, a super producer with the largest reserves in the word is being forced on its knees, how could Oman bank its economy on such unpredictability?

Rather than tinkering around the edges, the only way forward is to finish what has been started by having more faith on foreign investments.

To start with, the government has to remove all the barriers and leave it open to international manufacturers. The bureaucratic climate must change. Investors are watching and what they see is a maze of business hostility. The few investors who are here are attracted to the fact that Oman is politically stable. But that is never enough. They have one

question in their mind. Why should they invest their money in Oman when they can do the same thing in a more open mindset environment?

They also see legislative unpredictability. For example, they see the ownership system in Oman non-competitive compared to other countries.

The regulative environment is also another factor that hinders foreign cash flow into the country. Foreign investors have no objection of recruiting Omanis but the country does not have enough supply of skilled workers. Yet, the government insists on imposing mandatory recruitment of local manpower to a high level.

But above all, infrastructure is a major obstacle to bring in serious investors. Oman has excellent connectivity in Muscat but not beyond the borders of the capital. The other thing that has been working against business progress in the Sultanate is the technology.

Local companies do not have enough capital to invest in the state of art equipment. At the same time, the government is reluctant to give incentives to technological companies to make the country competitive.

Latest technologies effectively link up local firms with foreign partners to transfer skills and raise productivity.

Not all international companies would come here with bags of cash. Some can bring in the needed knowledge, skills and expertise and transfer them to the local business environment. For this category of investments, easy access of capital is important. At the moment, government funding is wholly reserved to Omani companies. Local banks are not big enough to lend multi-million investments and they are reluctant to do it, anyway.

Foreign companies that pulled out in the past had

concerns on the protectionism of local firms. For example, government owned organizations enjoy unlimited subsidies.

Foreign companies cannot compete in such business environment. Binding tariffs should be equally applied to all trading companies without any exceptions. Government owned companies should not enjoy special privileges or incentives. Business protectionism makes local companies survive but the action does not benefit long-term economic viability of the country. It restricts capital movement, limits business expansion and slows down employment. Besides, Oman cannot anymore dig into its financial reserves to keep supporting state-owned companies now that fiscal deficits are rising. It makes sense to remove that burden by dismantling the protectionism regime.

The Sultanate cannot any more afford to sit and wait. The existing rudimentary investment plans obviously do not work. To learn the lessons from a neighboring country, Oman needs to promote itself to the international markets in a different way to lure in investors. Changing investments rules and tweaking on taxation laws are not enough.

Global promotional campaigns are needed. World class activities planned the whole year like trade exhibitions and investment promotions at a global scale will put Oman in the world map. Such activities turn the heads of investment heavyweights when a country has a full calendar of world class events.

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October date for Shifa Al Jazeera hospital in Ruwi The group’s premium polyclinic will open in Al Khuwair on June 24 and another hospital in Al Khoud in 2017

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Shifa Al Jazeera, a well-established hospital chain the Gulf region, will open its first premium polyclinic in Al Khuwair on June 24 and a hospital in Ruwi in October.

Further, a new premium hospital with 200 beds is planned in Al Khoud, which will open its doors for patients in 2017.

The Saudi-based hospital chain said its Ruwi hospital with 140 beds is aiming at making health-

care accessible to common man, while Al Khuwair Polyclinic is for premium customers.

“Our Ruwi hospital (Shifa Al Jazeera Access Hospital) is for common people, while Al Khuwair polyclinic and Al Khoud hospital are for premium customers,” said Dr. K T Rabeeullah, chairman and managing director of Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group.

Also, the Ruwi hospital will have two ambulances, which will be available 24/7, and two floors are for parking.

Further, the group plans to open ten premium polyclinics called Badar Al Thamam polyclinic, in tie-up with Badar Al Thamam group. These polyclinics, which will be opened on January 1, 2017, are planned in Amerat, Al Bhubra, Mabela, Sur, Ibra, Buraimi, Sohar, Falaj, Saham and Nizwa. Dr. Rabeeullah will be the chairman of these clinics, eminent Muscatbased industrialist Abdulrazak Haji will be the vice-chairman and Aslam backer will be the chief executive officer of this venture. All these healthcare centres will cater to the needs of more than 10,000 patients across the country.

Rabeeullah said his group is investing OMR26 million for building two hospitals and one polyclinic, while the capital expenditure for building ten polyclinics will be around OMR12 million.

The group will conduct healthcare seminars and awareness programmes at the hospital auditorium every month, which will be conducted by eminent doctors from different parts of the world.

Also, plans are afoot to distribute 500,000 special medical cards from Al Khuwair Polyclinic. This card will enable the patients to get a 20 per cent discount on X-Ray fee and lab tests at Ruwi hospital.

Al Khuwair Polyclinic will be opened by South Indian star Mammootty, while Ruwi hospital will be inaugurated by Mammootty, along with his son cine artist Dulkar Salman and singer Shreya Goshal.

Dr. Rabeeullah said that 10 per cent of the revenue generated from Shifa Al Jazeera Access Hospital in Ruwi will be contributed for supporting the needy in the region.

A committee comprising three members will be appointed to select the beneficiaries and ensure transparency in the functioning.

HEALTHCARE: The group plans to open ten premium polyclinics called Badar Al Thamam polyclinic,

in tie-up with Badar Al Thamam group. These polyclinics, which will be opened on January 1, 2017, are planned in Amerat, Al Bhubra, Mabela, Sur, Ibra, Buraimi, Sohar, Falaj, Saham and Nizwa. – OK Mohammed Ali

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TRA ANNOUNCEMENT

Roaming rates for GCC set to go down from April 1 Times News Service MUSCAT: Omani citizens and residents travelling in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will now enjoy reduced roaming prices for SMS and mobile data, in addition to further reductions in voice call prices, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has announced.

The new price caps will be effective starting April 1. Price caps for mobile data while roaming (per Megabyte) as of April 1, will be 500bz.

The reduction in data roaming services prices, when compared with the current charges in Oman ranges from 7 per cent while roaming in Saudi Arabia, to 93 per cent while roaming in Kuwait.

Price caps for SMS sent while roaming (per SMS) will be 0.031bz. The reduction in the prices of SMS services when

compared with current charges in Oman, ranges between 35 per cent while roaming in Saudi Arabia and 87 per cent while roaming in Kuwait.

Price caps for calls received while roaming (per minute) will be 135bz. The reduction in prices of calls received when compared with the current prevailing charges in Oman will be up to 76 per cent for receiving calls while roaming in Kuwait.

Price caps for local calls within the visited country while roaming (per minute) will be 100bz.

At present the rate is 106bz. Calls to other GCC member states, including the home country will cost 246bz.

This reduction comes following an initiative of cooperation signed between the GCC regulators under the umbrella of the GCC General Secretariat to regulate the prices of roaming services within the Gulf countries,

and is aimed at facilitating the availability of roaming services within reasonable and affordable price levels, in view of the expected positive impact on enhancing social ties and economic integration between the GCC counties.

The first roaming regulation, which covered only voice calls made while roaming, was implemented gradually over a two-year period, with full implementation in February 2012.

New price caps for roaming charges were approved by the GCC Ministerial Committee for Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology during its 24th meeting in Doha last year.

Reductions of roaming charges for both inter-operator wholesale level and end user retail level will take place gradually, over a three-year period, for voice calls and SMS services, and over a five-year period for the mobile data service.

OCCI-EMBASSY EVENT

Omani-Indian trade event on March 30 Times News Service MUSCAT: In association with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the Indian Embassy in Muscat, is organising a trade and investment promotion event on March 30.

The focus of the event will be on healthcare, food industry, information technology, mining and minerals and the construction and infrastructure sectors.

The business-to-business (B2B) meeting will be held at the Hotel Crowne Plaza, Muscat on March 30 from 9 am. Omani enterprises dealing in the above mentioned sectors have been invited to attend the B2B meeting with Indian companies.

The purpose is to provide Indian companies from these sectors a platform to explore opportunities for exports, business tie-ups, investments and project work in Oman.

Sixty Indian companies have already indicated their presence. For further information and details they should contact commasst@indemb-oman.org or call at 00968-24684326.

Apex Chambers in India, such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO), the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) and the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) will be organising delegations of Indian companies to showcase their products and services in the afore-mentioned sectors for Omani business enterprises.

Briefing seminar The Embassy will also host a briefing seminar for Indian enterprises at the Embassy’s auditorium to make them aware of the opportunities in Oman for exports, project work and investments. Omani corporates active in the above sectors will make presentations to representatives of the participating Indian companies.

India and Oman, maritime neighbours, enjoy excellent political relations. Under their strategic partnership, cooperation and exchanges between the two countries have been expanding. Bilateral trade, which grew to US$5.77 billion during the 2013 to 2014 period, has since been declining in value. It had amounted to U.S.$4.18 billion during the 2014 to 2015 period.

Mutual investment between Oman and India is estimated at US$7.5 billion. As per the information made available by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Oman, there are over 2,900 Indian enterprises in Oman with an estimated investment of US$4.5 billion. Omani investments in India are pegged at US$3 billion.

There is a huge potential for collaboration between India and Oman in the healthcare, IT, food processing, construction and infrastructure and mineral and mining sectors.

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

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SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

OMAN Turtle reserve readies for nesting time rush

People can help save threatened and endangered sea turtles by giving them enough space and privacy to safely and successfully lay their eggs.

Nasser Zadjali, head Guiding Department, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Centre

Shangri-La Muscat to host wedding fair on April 22 Times News Service

From April through

MUSCAT: An exclusive Wedding Fair event will be hosted by Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa on Friday, April 22 at the Barr Al Jissah ballroom.

As Shangri-La Muscat has become a highly popular destination for weddings, locally and internationally, there’s no other perfect venue to host such an extensive Wedding Fair than the resort.

Showcasing the best the resort has to offer, coupled with the finest offerings of the exhibitors participating, this event should not be missed.

The Wedding Fair itself will follow an exquisite garden theme throughout and will include exhibitors, such as fashion designers, florists, photographers and events management companies.

This will be a truly spectacular event with special surprises

the end of October, around 15,000 sea turtles will land in the Ras Al Hadd sanctuary to lay eggs

Times News Service MUSCAT: It is always thrilling to watch a sea turtle crawl into the Ras Al Hadd sanctuary at night and dig a large hole in the sand to lay eggs.

With the annual nesting season for sea turtles just getting under way (April to August), authorities are taking steps to protect the sandy beaches of the Ras Al Hadd sanctuary. While this is the peak season for turtle nesting, the weather in this area is just perfect, it is not so hot.

The authorities have asked people not to get too close, shine lights on, or take flash photos of the nesting sea turtles. “However, visitors can take photos when they go for turtle watching during the Dawn Tours after sunrise, confirmed Vijay Handa, cluster general manager, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, which is part of the Ras Al Hadd sanctuary.

From April through the end of October, around 15,000 sea turtles will land in the Ras Al Hadd sanctuary to lay eggs.

With the sanctuary hosting one of the largest nesting aggregations in the world, this becomes an opportunity for residents and visitors to play an important role in conserving these long-living reptiles. “Take care when you’re on a beach at night and do not disturb the nesting sea turtles,” said the head of the Guiding Department

EVENT

throughout the day for brides-tobe, an exclusive fashion show, as well as the opportunity to meet over 40 wedding specialists to help plan the perfect wedding.

With various picturesque wedding locations available within the resort, from scenic outdoor venues to the luxurious ballroom that can accommodate up to 800 guests, customised charming wedding decorations to exquisite dining offerings, weddings held at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa are magical events and create memories for a lifetime.

The event will start from 2:00 pm onwards and will be held at the Barr Al Jissah ballroom located in the Al Bandar Hotel. For more information and enquiries, please call the events team at +968 2477 6213 or email slmu. events@shangri-la.com. Further details about the Wedding Fair will be announced during the forthcoming weeks.

ANNUAL SOJOURN: With the sanctuary hosting one of the largest nesting aggregations in the world, this becomes an opportunity for residents and visitors to play an important role in conserving these long-living reptiles. – Supplied photo

Take care when you’re on a beach at night and do not disturb the nesting sea turtles, advises the head of the Guiding Department at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Centre, Nasser Zadjali. – Supplied photo

at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Centre, Nasser Zadjali.

He also said: “People can help save threatened and endangered sea turtles by giving them enough space and privacy to safely and successfully lay their eggs. It’s as simple as keeping the required distance and avoiding bright lights or taking flash photos of the nesting sea turtles.”

Zadjali had previously worked with Bahwan Travels for around 11 years and currently he has been with the Nature’s Reserve for over eight years. “He has been selected as the head eco-guide for the second time. He has the rich experience of leading a team of 22 ecoguides/ assistant guides as he is ready with all the answers regarding turtles,” said Handa.

Watching green turtles nest-

ing on the seafront, with only the roaring waves breaking the eerie silence under the moonlit night sky, is an out-of-world experience at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.

“However, it is advised to book in advance as only a limited number of visitors are allowed on a daily basis,” he added.

Despite travelling for more than 250 kilometres from Muscat, many people return without seeing these turtles as they forget to book in advance with the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve – which is being managed by the National Omani Hospitality Co. (Dhiaffa), a subsidiary of Omran, and is owned by Ministry of Tourism.

For the convenience of the visitors, the reserve also offers 31 accommodations,19 carapace rooms at the centre and 12 luxury ecotents, located on a hilltop nearby.

EXCLUSIVE AFFAIR: Showcasing the best the resort has to offer, coupled with the finest offerings of the exhibitors participating, this event should not be missed. — Supplied photo

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

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Halima success story motivating women

AIESEC GLOBAL VILLAGE

Global colours in Muscat event DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com

After participating in a female

I remember before I joined this programme, all I ever did was to sleep, eat and wait for a job, however ever since I took part in the programme, it helped me believe in myself and improve myself

entrepreneurship programme conducted by SAP Mena and Oman Sail Al Shezawi is a changed person

Halima Al Shezawi

DEEBA HASAN

SAP Mena and Oman Sail female entrepreneurship programme participant

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Halima Al Shezawi’s story is an inspiration for many— from being an average university graduate to becoming a source of motivation for many women across the country; Al Shezawi has shown the way.

Graduating with a Bachelors in Management from Sohar University, Al Shezawi was registered with the Ministry of Manpower as an unemployed woman until a couple of months ago.

However, after participating in a female entrepreneurship programme conducted by SAP Mena and Oman Sail, which produced the first group of 80 young graduate, unemployed Omani women in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that will be essential to the digital economy, she

has transformed for the better.

“I remember before I joined this programme, all I ever did was to sleep, eat and wait for a job, however ever since I took part in the programme, it helped me believe in myself and improve myself to the best of my abilities.”

According to Halima, the female entrepreneurs programme taught her to set goals, because of which feels like she is on the way to success.

“We were taught to set goals and to follow them—this is why I set three goals for myself—to find a job, to reduce my weight and to complete my masters’ degree.”

After completing the pro-

gramme, Halima registered with a gym, and called her university to secure a place for a Masters degree. “Only after a week of registering myself with Sohar University, I got a call asking me to teach part-time at the University—so I started realising all my goals and it felt great.”

Al Shezawi said her parents have lent huge support to her, “My family is amazing, they support women’s education and they support women for entering the workforce as well, my father sponsored my education for the Bachelors’ degree, and my mother supported me in all other ways.”

At the three-day programme, Al

D I E TA RY I N TA K E S

Workshop reviews policies, rules regarding food products Times News Service MUSCAT: A training workshop on evidence-based legislative interventions to improve dietary intakes in Oman was organised by the Ministry of Health, represented by the Nutrition Department, recently.

The workshop drew about 15 dieticians from different government institutions in the Sultanate.

The workshop, conducted by Dr Ayoub Al Jawaldeh, the World Health Organisation’s regional advisor on Nutrition in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, was aimed at reviewing the policies, rules, and standards that regulate the intake of salt, sugar, saturated

and unsaturated fats in the highconsumption food in the Sultanate, such as beard, cheese, soft drinks, and juices.

It further reviewed the current situation regarding scarcity

of micronutrients. In addition, it identified gaps in current legislative standards to recommend proper amendments to enhance future procedures for related policies and to accelerate them.

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Shezawi learnt several things, but her favourite was sailing.

“They taught us many activities and they taught us how to work in a group, to build our own business and motivated us, but my favourite part was sailing and we really enjoyed that, because I feel that unless you don’t do what you learn in theory, you can’t really understand it.”

Al Shezawi’s concluded by saying, “I want all women in Oman to do this programme, it is something which will let you discover yourself and explore your inner self and believe in yourself, after all these are the factors that will help you achieve success.”

MUSCAT: AIESEC in Oman recently held its popular Global Village, which is the largest celebration of cultures from around the world, where AIESEC interns and members in Oman showcased their country’s unique cultures, including their food, dance, song, dress, language and music at the Muscat Grand Mall.

“The Global Village encourages social sustainability, world awareness, and cultural understanding.

It revives the general concept of the world being a ‘global village’ and inspires people to understand and appreciate the uniqueness and differences of each other, which further contributes to peace,” said Omar Mohammed, organising Committee Vice President of public relations and marketing.

“It is my first time to learn about Estonia. I just saw a lot of pictures from Estonia and Kazakhstan. I never imagined they look like this,” said one visitor.

Marice from Estonia, who is also a member of AIESEC in Oman, said she was amazed to see the rich cultural diversity displayed by the interns. “People don’t know us very well and we don’t know them very well, so we are havingan exchange

here. This year, 12 or 13 interns took part from 10 different countries. Visitors can get a glimpse of several international cultures at our global village, rather than having to go to the countries physically,” said Marice.

The country with the highest number of participants was Pakistan, having eight interns. “They had an amazing performance and dance, and their food was delicious, too. Apart from Pakistan, we have the Netherlands, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Egypt, Estonia, along with Oman,India and Pakistan,” noted Omar.

Linda de Wit has been an intern with AIESEC Oman for five weeks and she said she was delighted at the curiosity visitors showed while learning about her culture.

“I totally love the weather here, the people and the food. I and two other Dutch participants have a table here and we were representing our country with Dutch souvenirs and food.”

AIESEC is an international non-governmental not-for-profit organization that provides young people with leadership development and cross-cultural global internships and volunteer exchange experiences, with a focus to empower young people so they can make a positive impact on society.

WORLD IS A VILLAGE: The Global Village encourages social sus-

tainability, world awareness and cultural understanding. –Supplied photo

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SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

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However, I do not think that having a scheme in place is a determining factor in encouraging anyone to join a company or not Tonia Gray, General manger at Competence HR

Muscat residents throng to ‘Grand Shopping Village’ Apart from being a great shopping experience, visitors also got the chance to engage in some entertaining activities at the Al Bahja Hall in Qurum

BY STAFF REPORTER

HUGE DEMAND: The event, which was inaugurated by Her Highness Sayyida Basma al Said, saw over 2000 people visiting the venue at different times of the day. — Supplied picture

MUSCAT: Grand Shopping Village proved to be a delight for Muscat residents as they thronged there in large numbers at the Al Bahja Hall in Qurum to grab attractive deals, which were on offer at the event.

Apart from being a great shopping experience, visitors also got the chance to engage in some entertaining activities at the venue.

The event, which was inaugurated by Her Highness Sayyida

Basma al Said, saw over 2000 people visiting the venue at different times of the day. Stalls selling a variety of dresses, jewellery, makeup products and several other unique items were the order of the day.

“We try to bring in entertaining activities for children and adults because there is a huge demand for them all the time, and people like being part of them. Alpha Events is really

happy to get such brilliant feedback from visitors at the event, we promise to bring in more of these for Muscat’s people,” said Fahad Awais Munir, managing director of Alpha Events, the company which organised the Grand Shopping Village.

After the opening, the next big event was the art competition; where over 50 children took part and sketched their creative ideas

on paper. Parents were also happy to leave their tiny tots as they worked their way into the drawing and the parents grabbed the opportunity to take a look at the various stalls displaying a range of items.

“I was overwhelmed with the number of enquiries we received before the event, people were so excited to hear about it, and they wanted to collaborate with us in

different ways. Based on the direct feedback I got at the event, everyone had a great experience there and I think it was the art competition which attracted interest from so many wonderful children, and their parents, we are happy that they took part.” said Masarrat Jahan, manager of the event.

The evening hours saw a much bigger attendance and lots of stage activities. A raffle draw with many exciting prizes was also conducted in the evening. Children were given an opportunity to come and showcase their talent on stage.

The special guests at the event were Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi, Nazliea Ajam, Dr. Weam Dawud, Seeniya Biju and Mariyam al Araimi.

Event partners were Al Noor Medical Specialties Centre, Aster al Raffah Hospital, Sugar Apollo, Al Hashar Travels, Oman Foodstuff Factory, Al Bayan College, Pran foods, National Biscuit Industries, Sweets of Oman and Indaprastha restaurant.

“I have gone to other such events in Muscat before, but this brought together so many elements to the same platform and we had fun, so the event catered to the whole family,” said Mirana, a visitor to the event.

SALARY STRUCTURE

A1 ‘Imposing a clear rule for < FROM

private sector quite hard’

Employees have the freedom to accept it or look for better offers from other companies.

“The government only interfered in the minimum wages for Omani in the private sector only to push citizens to join the private sector,” noted Al Saadi.

He explained that while it is always better to set a clear salary structure for private sector employees, but imposing a clear rule is quite hard. “The ministry come across several cases involving salary structure and the ministry always tries to negotiate with the companies and employees to settle the issue individually,” Al Saadi pointed out.

Ahmed Mohammed Hamdan, a graduate with a few years of work experience, said that lack of salary structure scale in the private sector is disappointing for jobseekers. “When I joined a reputed company in Muscat, I felt that the salary provided by them was not equivalent to my

qualifications and skills. A majority of staff in the office had the same opinion. And there were a lot of noises in the office among the workers. If the labour law includes or chalks out a clear strategy for well defined salary structures in the private sector, then it would be a boon for the job aspirants and employees in private sector,” Ahmed said.

Aadil Al Saadi, a Sloan fellowship holder in Leadership and Strategy from the London Business School, said regulations, compensation, compliance and performance monitoring, and appraisal should be streamlined to be employee-employer centric instead of being conflicting redtape centric one.

“From my personal experience and struggle working in the private sector for six years before moving to the government sector, the salaries are not the determining factors that discourage Omanis. Instead, it is the poor

pension schema, the mounting red-tape associated with PASI compensation procedures and most importantly the incongruence between Ministry of Manpower employment policies, and the oversight of compliance to an outdated labour law that needs to be revamped,” Aadil added.

Meanwhile, Tonia Gray, general manger at Competence HR, said that there are now many companies in the private sector that have a grading/salary structure scheme in place and obviously it is good HR practice to implement such a scheme.

“However, I do not think that having a scheme in place is a determining factor in encouraging anyone to join a company or not.

I have never had anyone in Oman ask me whether a company has a grading structure during any recruitment process except in government sectors, where the candidates will ask what the grade of the job is,” Tonia said.

M U S C AT I N T E R NAT I O NA L A I R P O R T

Passenger A1 traffic rises < FROM

Al Hosni added that plans are also afoot to develop real estate projects using vacant land close to the airport. “Today, airports are like shopping malls. We would like to build a whole city around the airport,” he said, adding; “Our aim is to achieve profitable growth.”

Highlighting the growth in passenger traffic, Al Hosni said Muscat International Airport has achieved an 18 per cent growth in passenger traffic at 10.3 million passengers, while Salalah airport has achieved a 22 per cent growth in number of passengers at 1.02 million last year.

The state-owned Oman Airports Management Company operates and manages five airports – Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport, Sohar Airport, Khasab Airport and Duqm Airport.

Ras Al Hadd, another regional airport, will be completed within two years. Duqm is really picking up due to growing business activities, he noted. Muscat airport aims to be in the league of 20 top airports in the world in terms of passenger numbers and service.

OCCI TRADE TEAM

Delegation to visit Turkey MUSCAT: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) will dispatch a business delegation to the Republic of Turkey on April 12. The delegation will visit the four-day exhibition specialised in confectionary, ice-cream, bakeries and their related equipment and technologies.

The OCCI delegation will be led by Saif bin Said Al Badi, Deputy Chairman of OCCI Branch in A’Dhahirah, Head of Tourism Committee said that the OCCI participation in the exhibition in Turkey comes as part of the OCCI initiatives titled “Join Us to Rise,” with the aim of developing SMEs projects.

Upgrading SMEs level In a statement to ONA, Al Badi added that the OCCI major priorities represented in upgrading the SMEs level and supporting them.

He affirmed the OCCI keenness to encourage those wishing to join the personal business and providing them with means to limit difficulties.

He pointed out that the OCCI visit to such exhibitions comes to enhance ambitions of small enterprises in terms of viewing experiences of the advanced countries in all areas for the benefit of the individual and community. — ONA

P E I E I N I T I AT I V E

Forum focuses on safety and security standards at industrial firms in Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: A seminar entitled, “Safety and Security Standards at Industrial Firms” was organised on Wednesday by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) in cooperation with Capital Market Authority (CMA) under the auspices of Abdullah bin Salim Al Salmi, executive president of CMA. The seminar underlined the importance of providing insurance coverage for industrial concerns and small and medium enterprises, which require the provision of appropriate security and safety standards due to the risks involved, further to establishing the concepts of occupational safety for the employees of such enterprises.

Speaking at the event, Musallam bin Mohammed Al Shehri, assistant chief executive officer, Operations, PEIE, stressed that the seminar aims to bring together specialists and those interested in the field of security and safety to unite efforts made in both the public and private sectors.

The seminar also aspires to highlight the significance of security and safety standards in industrial units and existing projects.

“We also aim to examine the availability of these standards and the commitment and requirements adopted in this area. The event also stresses on the necessity of

EXPERT PANEL: Seminar aimed to bring together specialists and those interested in the field of

security and safety to unite efforts made in both the public and private sectors. - Supplied picture

have insurance coverage for these firms and projects, so they are compatible with a variety of risks, in addition to spreading preventive awareness and instilling the concept of occupational safety among employees in the industrial sector,” he pointed out.

Al Shehri added: “The field of safety and security is a key one for the prevention of accidents or minimisation of their occurrence in addition to the protection of lives and properties. This requires the development of plans, programmes and necessary requirements to achieve the desired objectives. The seminar seeks to disseminate awareness among those in charge of industrial firms about the measures and requirements of safety and security and identify potential risks in the work environment. The event also emphasises the importance of protecting industrial firms be-

ing a vital source for the national economy, in addition to providing a safe work environment, the need to comply with prevention guidelines, and how to cope in the event of any incident and reduce their occurrence probability.”

“PEIE works constantly in various industrial estates to spread prevention awareness, considering the priority of protecting lives, properties and projects through a variety of seminars and lectures organised by PEIE in cooperation with the concerned bodies, including the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance.

Theoretical and practical training is being undertaken to deepen the concept of industrial safety. With regards to the insurance aspect, PEIE, in cooperation with CMA (being the legislative, regulatory and supervisory body for the capital market and insurance sectors in Oman) had invited insurance

companies due to the importance of enhancing an effective partnership between these companies and the industrial firms in safety and security aspects, and the procedures for insurance coverage,” Al Shehri stated.

A number of papers were delivered during the event by public, private and civil society institutions highlighting a variety of topics, including the concept of safety and security in industrial firms; the importance of safety and security requirements; industrial fire and prevention measures; requirements of reinsurance companies; safety of lives and public and private properties; how to face natural disasters; protection of economic wealth, including factories and utilities; practices that help prevent an outbreak of fire; evaluation of risks and their types in terms of chemical and physical hazards; among other topics.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

210,272

OMAN

is the number of active insured persons working for the private sector in the Sultanate

Coveted French award for Omani lecturer Hassan Mohamed Al Ramdhani has become the first Omani to win the French Order of Academic Palms HONOUR: This recognition is well known and has been applicable

Times News Service MUSCAT: Hassan Mohamed Al Ramdhani, a lecturer of French at the Oman Tourism College (OTC), has won the French Order of Academic Palms, awarded by the French Prime Minister to those, who provide significant academic contributions to the French Language.

Al Ramdhani, the first Omani to win this order, was recently honoured during a celebration held at the French Embassy in Muscat for this purpose.

In this regard, Al Ramdhani said: “The nomination for winning the order is made by the French Em-

since 1808 during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte when university professors of the French empire were honoured.. – Supplied photo

bassy that chooses a prominent person for his contributions to the French language. The Embassy submits a report to the concerned entities in Paris. After the report is being reviewed, a shortlist of candidates nominated for winning the French Order of Academic Palms is prepared.

“Finally, the winner receives the coveted award during a recognition ceremony. This year, I was caught by surprise when I was notified that I have been chosen to be the first Omani to be conferred the Honorary Officer of the Order that is granted by the French Prime

Minister, along with an official certificate signed by him.”

“The evaluation process for the would be winner of the order is made on the basis of his contributions to the French Language, his awareness about French culture, and his assistance in conveying it. This recognition is well known and has been applicable since 1808 during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte when university professors of the French empire were honoured. The Order was amended to appear in its current form in 1955 during the rule of the then French president René Coty,” he added.

ECONOMY

Industrial growth policies discussed MUSCAT: A number of comprehensive industrial studies in order to conceptualise industrial policies appropriate to further push industrial development in the Sultanate, have been conducted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry has said.

Top among these were the study of the United Nations Industrial Development OrganizaT W O - D AY C O N F E R E N C E

Oman to host dental forum Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman, represented by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Oman Dental Society, the Medical Services of the Armed Forces and the Oman Royal Police (ROP), will host the 18th Omani International Dental Conference on Thursday week, based on the theme “Towards shaping the future of the Dental Profession.”

The conference will be held under the auspices of Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health at the Grand Hayyat Hotel.

Fifty-four speakers from 16 countries will be presenting at this two-day conference.

tion (UNIDO) entitled Industrial Policy for the Post-oil Age, and the study of the industrial strategy by Irish Development Authority (IDA).

The studies came up with a set of policies to achieve the objectives of industrial development to conform to the orientations of the Omani Economy Vision 2040.

These studies have been collected in a standard document

that was discussed through an expanded committee involving fourteen ministries and interested parties in order to draw a long-term future industrial strategy to the Sultanate’s industrial development.

These discussions created a Future Industrial Strategy of the Sultanate, which was approved by the Council of Ministers and put into effect. -ONA

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“This Order and recognition place a great responsibility on my shoulders on the academic level, and I am proud of it as an Omani and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries national. It is an achievement that goes to the credit of the Sultanate and Oman Tourism College, particularly in light of the fact that such an order is the top of its kind in the academic field,” Al Ramdhani stated.

It is worth noting that OTC has two sections that teach the French and German languages. The college pays great attention to making students specialise in French or German, along with the English.

In this context, a student is trained to communicate with tourists, so that he or she is able to provide them with all the information in French, and reply to their inquiries. In addition, all that is related to tourism is taught in French.

Al Ramdhani began his path with learning French at the beginning of the 19th century as a language student. He has made many trips to France to study French there.

Furthermore, he has taken many courses in French. Al Ramdhani was also appointed as a French teacher and an Arabic teacher for non-native speakers at the French Embassy in Muscat.

D ATA

More than 15,000 establishments insured: PASI MUSCAT: Active establishments covered by social insurance system stood at 15,791 and the number of active insured workers in the private sector (inside the Sultanate) stood at 210,272, according to the latest statistics issued by the Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI).

The total number of registration cases as of the end of February 2016 stood at 11,195 mostly of the age category 26-30 years - or 24.6 per cent of the total number of active insured personnel. The average salary for active insured workers is OMR645.

The number of those whose service was ended due to termination, resignation, transfer to other sponsor, death, disability or other reasons stood at 10,268 as of the end of end of February 2016.

The number of active insured workers at the insurance system on Omanis working abroad and their equivalent stood at 38.

The number of active insured workers at the insurance protection extension system for the GCC stood at 1,591 as of the end of May 2015.

The number of Omanis having their own business and their equivalent, registered with the system, has grown to hit a high figure of 7,410

This reflects the awareness of the Omani worker to the importance of the pension systems and contribution to the social insurance system, which provides him and his family with the feeling of security and assurance about the future.

The number of Omanis having their own business and their equivalent, who are registered with the system, has grown to hit 7,410; thanks to the growth of entrepreneurship trend among youths. — ONA

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SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

SPECIAL

To me, this is a consecration. I’ve waited my whole life for this. The Stones are the greatest, said Juan Carlos Leon

Rolling Stones herald changing times in Cuba with debut concert

REVOLUTION OF SORTS: Fans wait for the free outdoor concert by the Rolling Stones at Ciudad Deportiva de la Habana sports complex in Havana, Cuba on Friday. — Reuters

Show started with ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’,

We know that years back it was hard to hear our music in Cuba, but here we are playing.

I also think the times are changing

a song recorded in 1968, when Cuban rock fans were secretly sharing pirated vinyl records and risked being sent to rural work brigades

Mick Jagger

to cure ‘ideological

Lead singer of Rolling Stones

deviation’

HAVANA: The Rolling Stones rocked a massive crowd at a free, outdoor concert in Havana on Friday, capping a week of engagement with the West for the Communistled country that once censored the veteran British band’s music.

The Stones started their firstever show in Cuba with Jumpin’ Jack Flash, a song recorded in 1968, when Cuban rock fans were secretly sharing pirated vinyl records and risked being sent to rural work brigades to cure “ideological deviation.”

“We know that years back it was hard to hear our music in Cuba, but here we are playing. I also think the times are changing,” lead singer Mick Jagger said in Spanish to a roar from the crowd.

The singer spoke in Spanish throughout of the 18-song show of hits that lasted more than two hours.

Yellow moon The band played Sympathy for the Devil as a yellow moon rose through clouds, and they finished a two-song encore with “Satisfaction.”

Fans started gathering 18 hours ahead of time at Havana’s Sports City football and baseball fields, including Cubans who travelled from across the Caribbean’s largest island and foreigners who flew in for the occasion.

While no official estimate was immediately available for the crowd size, Cuban state media estimated half a million people could

stripes of the US flag, whether in the mistaken belief that the British rock stars were American or in the spirit of this week’s historic visit

by US President Barack Obama.

The Stones formed in London in 1962, three years after Fidel Castro’s bearded rebels toppled a proAmerican government.

ICONS: The Rolling Stones perform during a free outdoor concert at the Ciudad Deportiva de la Habana sports complex in Havana, Cuba on Friday. — Reuters

DIE-HARD FAN: A fan gestures while standing on a pole before a free outdoor concert by the Rolling Stones at the Ciudad Deportiva de la Habana sports complex in Havana, Cuba on Friday. — Reuters

WAITING FOR A LIFE TIME: An elderly couple stands among fans before a free concert by the Rolling Stones at the Ciudad Deportiva de la Habana sports complex in Havana, Cuba on Friday. — Reuters

fit in the venue, which was nearly full. The audience ranged from teenagers to pensioners and reserved some of the biggest cheers for Jagger’s snakey dance moves.

hospital. Security was low key and there was a noticeable absence of would-be entrepreneurs selling Tshirts or memorabilia.

People were dressed in all

“I love Mick Jagger so much. I’ve always dreamed about this.

I couldn’t sleep knowing he would be here,” said Angela Menendez, who cleans floors in a

manner of jeans, T-shirts and boots with the Stones’ tongue and lips logo.

Cubans have taken to colouring the tongue with the stars and

Counterculture bands Castro’s revolutionary government came to see counterculture bands like the Stones and the Beatles as dangerously subversive and prohibited their music on TV and radio.

Half a century later, both the Rolling Stones and Cuba’s leadership share a longevity, performing well beyond what most people would consider retirement age.

The band’s advancing years did not stop the youngsters in the audience enjoying the show, however. “Don’t let anybody tell you different, this is the best concert in the history of Cuba,” said Cristian, 18, a reggaeton fan who this month saw electronic music act Major Lazer in another free gig.

For Juan Carlos Leon, 57, the event was more than special.

“To me, this is a consecration,” Leon said.”I’ve waited my whole life for this. The Stones are the greatest.” — Reuters

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TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Doctors urge PM for new pictorial warnings NEW DELHI: Nearly 653 doctors and office bearers of medical societies across the country have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement the new set of pictorial warning on tobacco product packages from April 1, to save millions of lives.

Doctors, cutting across specialities, in a letter, requested the prime minister to step in to prevent “powerful tobacco lobby” from subverting the anti-tobacco measures of the government.

The country is 136th in the qualitative ranking of the pictorial warning on tobacco products. Large pictorial warning on tobacco packets is the most cost effective strategy to prevent youngsters from initiating use and provokes current users to quit the habit. Tobacco not only affects those consuming it but also people around. - PTI

INDIA

PROVIDE LOANS

‘Government’s big push to create entrepreneurs from SC/ST’ NEW DELHI: Asking party workers to reach out to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday said government will soon launch ‘Stand Up India’ scheme to provide loans of up to Rs10 million to help members of these communities become big entrepreneurs.

“In the next few days under Stand Up India scheme, every bank branch will provide loans of up to Rs10 million to one SC/ST and one woman, to enable them to set up big industries and turn into big entrepreneurs,” he said addressing partymen at the executive committee meeting of BJP’s Delhi unit.

Reaching out He said though BJP lost Assembly election in Delhi, the party should try and strengthen its base by reaching out more to different sections like SCs/STs and women due to the disillusionment caused by both Congress and AAP. “There is need to reach out more to SCs/STs and women and take

SPELLING OUT: Senior BJP leader and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addresses Delhi BJP’s State Executive Meeting in Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

the schemes of the government forward. Mudra Bank is benefiting lakhs and crores of minorities, SCs/STs and women and there is need for you to reach out to them and strengthen your base among them,” he said, asking BJP’s Delhi unit to gain more political space by strengthening base among weaker sections.

Jaitley said it was their duty to bring together people who were benefited by various schemes launched by the NDA government, be it Mudra bank, Jan Dhan Yojna and other such social security measures.

“We lost election, but not our vigour. In Delhi, the ground is open as Congress has lost its vigour. It is

losing its political space,” he said, adding that there is disillusionment with AAP government too “as the politics of theatrics can be done only in limits”.

He said the Delhi unit has a responsibility to carry forward the national debates on key issues like nationalism by forming a group of 30 to 40 people. The finance min-

Mehbooba stakes claim to form government in J&K Senior PDP leaders and party MPs Muzaffar Hussain Beigh and Tariq Hamid Karra accompanied Mehbooba to the governor’s residence in Jammu in a sign that the party stood behind her decision to realign with BJP

JAMMU: Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday staked claim to power in Indian-administered-Kashmir after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) informed the governor that it was ready to support the PDP chief as the first woman chief minister of the state.

However, the date for the swearing-in ceremony has not been decided as yet because the two coalition partners are still discussing ministerial portfolios a last-minute hitch in forming the state government - which leaders of the two parties said would be resolved soon.

“We have to discuss it with our coalition partners,” Mehbooba Mufti told reporters after she met

PARLEYS: Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra in a meeting with PDP President Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu on Saturday. - PTI

Governor N. N. Vohra along with Nirmal Singh, BJP’s nominee for the post of deputy chief minister.

Vocal opponents Senior Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) leaders and party MPs Muzaffar Hussain Beigh and Tariq Hamid Karra accompanied Mehbooba to the governor’s residence in Jammu in a sign that the party stood behind her decision to realign with the BJP after a nearly three-month-long break.

Karra and Beigh were vocal opponents of their party forming

a ruling coalition with the ideologically opposed BJP when Mehbooba’s father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed formed the government last year.

The alliance was on the brink of a collapse after Sayeed died in a Delhi hospital on January 7. A day later, Jammu and Kashmir came under Governor’s Rule when a bereaved Mehbooba refused to take the oath as chief minister. She continued dragging her feet over the government formation and wanted the BJP-led central government to redraw the terms of

STRIFE-TORN

Keralite nurse, toddler killed in Libya bomb blast: Family KOCHI: A Keralite nurse working in Libya and her one-andhalf-year-old son have been killed in a bomb blast in the ongoing civil strife in that country, her family said on Saturday.

Sunu Sathyan and the toddler were sleeping in their house when it was rocked by an explosion, killing them on Friday, her father Sathyan Nair, hailing from Kondadu in Kottayam district in south Indian state of Kerala, said.

The victim was working as a nurse in Zawia Medical centre AZ Zawiya, Libya. Her husband Vipin Kumar, who is a male nurse in Libya, was away on duty.

Nair has sought government help to bring back the bodies.

“Yesterday I got information through phone that my daughter and her one-and-a-half-year-old baby died in a bomb blast at her residence while they were sleeping,” he said in his letter to the government. He said he got only this much information from her fellow employees and relatives.

A9

The victim was working as a nurse in Zawia Medical centre AZ Zawiya, Libya.

Her husband who is a male nurse in Libya, was away on duty

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she has sought details from Indian embassy in the violence-hit country.

“I have asked for a report reg (regarding) the death of an Indian nurse and her child from our Ambassador in Libya,” Swaraj tweeted.

Nair, in his letter through Kaduthuruthy MLA Mons Joseph, sought help to bring back the bodies of his daughter and grandson.

“I came to know that the blast occurred due to regular fights between the rival groups in Libya. So I humbly request your good self to make available the detailed information about the incident and help us bring back the dead body of my beloved daughter and her son, whom we have never seen.”

“I also request you to extend all help and protection to her husband, who is in a state of shock after the blast,” Nair said.

Meanwhile, state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said eight to nine people are stranded in Libya and efforts are on to bring them back.

“Kerala government is alert on this issue. We are in touch with the External Affairs Ministry and the Embassy in Libya.

We are trying to evacuate all the people who are stranded there,” Chennithala said. - PTI

alliance her father had authored.

Rapprochement However, the BJP refused to give fresh concessions to Mehbooba and the rapprochement was reached only when she met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi earlier this week. The two partners are now ready to govern the state again even as the portfolio issue still hung fire. Mehbooba, however, denied the issue was causing the delay in holding the swearing-in ceremony.

“Portfolios are not important.

That is something we can sit together and sort out. It is a coalition government. The BJP’s portfolios are ours and ours portfolios are of the BJP,” she said, smilingly though.

Mehbooba heaped praises on Prime Minister Modi and said he has assured “all help to my government”. “We will stick to the Agenda of Alliance formed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.”

She said her father’s vision of peace and development will be fulfilled with “a renewed vigour”.

Mehbooba presently represents south Kashmir’s Anantnag constituency in the Lok Sabha. To be the chief minister, she will have to get elected to either house of the state’s bicameral legislature and also resign her parliament seat.

The PDP at present has 27 elected members in the 87-member Kashmir assembly. The BJP has 25 and it also enjoys the support of the Sajad Lone-led Peoples Conference’s two MLAs and an independent from Udhampur.

Drew flak In Delhi, the PDP drew flak for aligning with the BJP. The Congress put a poser wanting to know what will be the new government’s stance on parliament attack convict, Afzal Guru as the PDP believes that hanging the Kashmiri militant was a miscarriage of justice.

“J&K deserves an elected government and we welcome celebration of democracy. But will (the) BJP tell what is the stance of PDPBJP on Afzal Guru now,” Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala asked in a tweet. - IANS

ister said this will also help bring in new leaders and connect with various sections of society.

“Take the schemes of Narendra Modi government forward among the people in Delhi. Reach out to every section of society in Delhi.

“Your ability to throw up leaders, you have a natural forum and use it fully. There is no section in society which has less support for BJP. If there is less support base among minorities, try and increase it by reaching out more to them.

“Try and bring in new leaders from among the minorities. This will help bring in new leadership, in civic polls and assembly polls like we have many women,” he said.

Attacking the Aam Aadmi Party government, he said, “When questions are raised, then only to say that we fought so many battles but could not do any work.

All sections start dissociating one after the other and it is difficult to regain their support. Congress is not in a position to gain and that is why that space is available to BJP in Delhi.” - PTI WA R - T O R N

Father Tom Uzhunnallil

India trying to secure release of priest in Yemen: Sushma NEW DELHI: India is making all efforts to secure the release of a priest from south Indian state of Kerala who was abducted by a terror group in Yemen last month, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Saturday.

The minister’s remarks came in the backdrop of reports claiming that the terror group planned to execute the priest. However, there is no report of any harm having come to him so far.

“Father Tom Uzhunnallil - an Indian national from Kerala was abducted by a terror group in Yemen. We are making all efforts to secure his release,” Swaraj said.

Uzhunnalil had gone missing in Yemen after the IS group attacked a care home run by Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.

“Yemen is a conflict zone. We do not have Embassy there. But we will spare no efforts to rescue Father Tom Uzhunnalil,” Swaraj had tweeted earlier.

Gunmen had stormed the refuge for the elderly earlier this month and killed a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting 15 other employees. Four foreign nuns, including an Indian, working as nurses were among those killed. - PTI

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SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016 Congress will not be cowed down by such tactics, conspiracies and threats. Even today, the Uttarakhand government enjoys majority. We will abide by constitutional directions and will prove our majority on the floor of the House Randeep Surjewala, Congress spokesperson

INDIA U T TA R A K H A N D P O L I T I C A L C R I S I S

Rebels accuse Rawat of horse-trading; Congress denies charge NEW DELHI/DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand’s rebel Congress MLAs on Saturday alleged that they were offered bribe by Chief Minister Harish Rawat for support during the floor test in the Assembly on March 28 and released a video of a “sting” operation purportedly showing the chief minister, who called it “fake”.

Congress alleged that the “dirty tricks department” of BJP president Amit Shah is at work, while the saffron outfit demanded “immediate dismissal” of the Rawat government.

Releasing the alleged ‘sting video’ in Delhi, former Uttarakhand chief minister Vijay Bahuguna, who is leading the rebel MLAs, said, “The very content of that CD proves that you (Rawat) are using undue influence and bribe to attract the nine MLAs... He should resign on moral grounds.”

“The sting CD being shown on news channels is fake. The reputation of the man behind it who is associated with a private news channel is not hidden from anyone.

His antecedents must be probed,” Rawat said at a hurriedly-called press conference at his residence in Dehradun.

BRIEFING: Chief Minister Harish Rawat addresses a press conference in Dehradun on Saturday. - PTI

Even though he called the CD “false”, Rawat said if at all it indicates something, it is that the rebel MLAs have aligned with BJP for money. In a statement, AICC’s chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said, “Congress will not be cowed down by such tactics,

conspiracies and threats. Even today, the Uttarakhand government enjoys majority. We will abide by constitutional directions and will prove our majority on the floor of the House.”

Reacting to the ‘sting video’, BJP General Secretary Kailash

Vijayvargiya said Rawat has “no right to remain in power” even for a moment and said a party delegation will meet President Pranab Mukherjee to demand his intervention.

“We had told the Governor that the state government will indulge

in horse trading. We could not understand as to why he gave so many days to it to prove its majority in the Assembly. Our fears have come true. It has been clearly exposed today that he Harish Rawat is busy buying over his own MLAs,” he said.

Bahuguna said the chief minister should order an inquiry into the sting operation, carried out by a private news channel.

The Rawat government does not have majority in assembly, he said, demanding that President’s rule be imposed in the state.

At the AICC briefing, Uttarakhand Congress president Kishore Upadhyay launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, accusing them of hatching a conspiracy to destabilise the Uttarakhand government which, he claimed, “enjoys majority”.

“It is all the job of the externed Amit Shah and his dirty tricks department,” he said, alleging that after destabilising Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand has come on the radar of the ruling party at the Centre.

He claimed that the Congress rebels and BJP were behind the

“conspiracy of the fake CD” after they failed to get any relief from either the court or the Governor ahead of the crucial trust vote on Monday.

Upadhyay claimed he was in touch with six of the nine rebel MLAs but refused to divulge the names.

Asked whether the Congress is ready to “forgive and forget” if the rebels express willingness to return, he said, “In a family, if someone parts ways by resorting to some wrong steps, he could be taken back on merit.”

Singling out former Chief Minister Bahuguna and former CLP leader Harak Singh Rawat, he said that they have “backstabbed the party which had given them everything”.

He said the two leaders instead of defending the Congress and its government with all their might, are seeking to create trouble.

Chief Minister Rawat blamed Modi, Shah and the rebel MLAs for the political crisis in Uttarakhand and said it was an unholy alliance to destabilise a democratically-elected government and derail the process of development in the state. - PTI

I am not fighting Gogoi but poverty and corruption: PM

Research shows cancer can be cured by Yoga, says Naik

is produced in Assam. Do the poor get gas in their homes here? We have decided to provide 5 crore poor gas to replace their smoky cooking stoves”, he said.

Highlighting a number of developmental schemes of the Centre, Modi projected his government as one “for the poor” as he spoke about the decision to allow small shops to remain open seven days a week. Modi said his government had electrified over 1000 of the 2000 Assam villages, where power had not reached yet.

Citing a CAG report, he said the Gogoi government did not provide answers to its queries on whereabouts of money and asked people to give their answer on April 4 through EVM machines.

“Even a prime minister can inaugurate one, two or three project by pressing a button. You can start a new era of development by pressing the EVM button. Your power is more than that of a prime minister,” he told the rally. The state is going to the polls on April 4 and 11.

“I ask you to give (chief ministerial candidate) only five years to correct the misrule of Congress for 60 years. Vote for BJP and our alliance partners to usher in a new era of development for Assam”, the prime minister appealed.

“With you I want to bring development to Assam, provide job opportunities to the youth, electricity to villages. We have given funds for development of Assam’s infrastructure, railway. To fulfil the dreams of the youth I ask for your blessings”, he said.

He claimed the state government had been able to spend only one-fourth of the funds provided to it by the Centre.

“Please mark my words. Children will be taught ‘A for Assam’ after this election.... Assam is going to get a young chief minister after the polls,” he said, while urging people to vote for BJP. -PTI

PANAJI: Union Minister Shripad Naik on Saturday said research has proved that yoga can cure diseases like cancer and propagated the use of AYUSH as alternative medical practices.

“A Bengaluru-based institute has proved with research that diseases like cancer can be cured by yoga. They have proved it,” Naik said during the inauguration of National Arogya fair in Goa on Saturday.

The minister, however, did not mention the name of the institute and appealed the people to practice Ayurveda, Yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) as alternative medicines.

Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar also made a similar claim during his speech while launching ‘Common Yoga Protocol’, a guide to the upcoming World Yoga Day on June 21.

“It is said that diseases like AIDS and cancer can be cured by Ayurveda. We should conduct necessary research on this aspect so that India can revolutionise the health sector of the world,” Parsekar said.

Earlier in his speech, the Union minister said the proponents of AYUSH are not against allopathy.

“All the forms of medicines should have health of patient at its focus point,” Naik said.

He said there should be integration of medicines so that ailments like cancer, high sugar, obesity and others are uprooted.

The minister also announced the proposed tie up with the US in the field of AYUSH to treat cancer.

“During the last one and half year, (the knowledge of ) AYUSH has travelled places including the US. We will soon be signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with America in the field of research on curing cancer

by AYUSH medicinal practice,” Naik said. - PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said my fight is not against Gogoi but against poverty, corruption and destruction of Assam. I am not fighting against any individual ON CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being felicitated by Asom Gana Parishad(AGP)

TINSUKIA: Wooing voters in northeastern state of Assam with a promise of “fast, all-round development”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his fight was not against Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi but against “poverty, corruption and destruction” of the state under Congress rule.

“I have three agendas. Development, fast development and all round development,” he said at an election rally here as he hit the campaign trail and claimed his government had allocated many times more funds for state’s infrastructure than the previous governments.

The prime minister also took a swipe at 79-year-old Gogoi who had called the Assembly election as a direct fight between him and Modi, saying he can only pay his respects to the elderly leader.

Heaped praise He heaped praise on BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal, describing him as one of

candidate for Bokakhat constituency Atul Bora as senior AGP leader Praful Kumar Mahanta looks on during an election rally at Bokakhat in Golaghat district of Assam on Saturday. - PTI

his best ministers.

The leader of Congress who will turn 90 in a few years says his fight is with Modi. Respected chief minister, you are an elder and I am young. I pay my respects to you. In our culture, the young do not fight their elders and the elders give their blessings to them.

“My fight is not against Gogoi but against poverty, corruption and destruction of Assam. I am not fighting against any individual,” he said.

The prime minister said if Sonowal becomes the chief minister, it will be his government’s and his personal loss because Sonowal is one of his best ministers and “a bright, capable and simple person”.

“There is only one ‘anand’ (joy) in Assam, it is Sarbananda,” he said. Modi, however, made no mention of the contentious issue of infiltration, a major poll plank of the BJP-led NDA, and chose to

stick to his development theme and lack of progress in Assam.

Congress misrule He said the state was among the five most prosperous states after Independence but is among the five least developed states now and blamed successive Congress governments for this.

“You give me five years, you give Sarbananda five years and BJP and its allies will pull Assam out of its difficulty,” he said.

Trying to connect with the crowd, he touched on his early days as a tea-seller, saying he sold their tea to energise others and due to this he shares a special bond with the people of Assam, a large tea-producing state.

Modi appealed to Assam voters to give BJP and its allies five years to correct 60 years of Congress “misrule” in the state.

“Today after 60 years under

Congress rule, Assam has become the fifth poorest state in the country. No development, youth are unemployed today, no electricity and drinking water. Who brought about this condition of Assam?”

“Every village should get electricity for bringing in development, good education, to run mills and see TV. But even after 60 years of Independence even electricity poles have not reached 1000 villages in Assam,” Modi said.

Noting that Assam has immense water resources, the mighty Brahmaputra and heavy rainfall, he said, “yet what can be more painful than seeing people here do not have drinking water. The Congress government is responsible.”

“Money was given from Delhi for building houses for the poor here. But that money has not been spent and is lying unused in the bank. If this continues there will be no development in Assam. Gas

N AT I O N A L A R O G YA FA I R

R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S

Uncertainty on ticket rate hikes to enter Agra monuments AGRA: Uncertainty continues to baffle tour operators on the hiking of entrance ticket rates for various Mughal monuments in Agra.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has so far not clarified whether the rates would be revised upwards from April 1, as announced earlier.

The new rates were announced last November but due to protests by travel and tour operators, including the Indian Association of Tour Operators, as also the local tourism industry, a decision was postponed till April 1 this year.

The present rate for domestic tourists at the Taj Mahal is Rs20 and this is proposed to be raised to Rs50.

Foreign tourists have to currently shell out Rs750 and this will be raised to Rs1,250.

Rates for other monuments have also been upped.

However, the ASI has not yet announced when the new rates will come into force.

According to the local ASI officials, the decision has to be announced by the culture ministry in New Delhi.

Sunil Gupta of Travel Bureau said the ASI should immediately clarify the issue and clear the mist.

“They do not have any clear policy. The rates have to be rationalised, but the hike should be reasonable. We are already concerned at the falling number of foreign tourists. The ASI obviously wants to reduce the number of tourists from the conservation angle, while the tourism bodies want the number of tourists to go up,” Rajiv Tiwari, president of the Federation of

Travel Agents Association of India and senior industry leader, said.

“The minister concerned (Mahesh Sharma) heads both the tourism and culture departments.

To increase the revenue we have given several suggestions. If the ASI hikes the ticket rates, the Agra Development Authority (ADA) too will increase its share and raise its ticket rates. :Presently the ADA collects Rs500 and Rs250 goes to the ASI from the Rs750 ticket for foreign tourists,” he added.

ASI officials said there was no directive from the ministry so far, which means the present rate structure may continue.

The ASI has been chiefly concerned with somehow reducing the crowds at the Taj Mahal.

“The human pollution is creat-

ing problems and the increasing number has to be somehow rationalised in line with the NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) recommendations,” Surendra Sharma, president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society, said.

“One suggestion is to limit the visiting time to two hours per ticket. The other is a staggered system which means you pay more if you want to go close to the main structure of the monument. Those who see the Taj from a distance pay less, those who go closer pay more,” he added.

One thing is for sure: All stakeholders will be waiting with bated breath till at least March 31.

If there is no announcement by then it will mean the status quo will continue. - IANS

POLLUTION: In this photograph taken on December 4, 2010,

tourists visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. The Archaeological Survey of India has been concerned with somehow reducing the crowds at the Taj Mahal. - AFP file Photo

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

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PAKISTAN

Pakistan, Iran plan to enhance trade to $5b

B R E A K AWAY FA C T I O N

Response to Pak Sarzamin Party far more positive than expected: Kamal

Document of strategic cooperation states in view of decline in bilateral trade over the past several years, it needs to be raised to $5 billion annually in five years and to further higher levels subsequently

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have planned to undertake scores of pragmatic steps under the fiveyear Strategic Trade Cooperation Plan in order to enhance annual trade to $5 billion.

The five-year plan will be signed by the Iranian minister for industry, mines and trade and Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir during the current visit of Iranian President Hasan Rouhani in the wake of lifting of international sanctions from Tehran.

The document of strategic cooperation states in view of decline in bilateral trade over the past several years, it needs to be raised to $5 billion annually in five years and to further higher levels subsequently.

Challenges A large number of challenges have been identified that should be addressed to achieve the trade objective. The two countries will establish a mechanism to cope with issues hampering bilateral trade such as non-tariff barriers, absence of a mutual recognition agreement,

STRENGTHENING TIES: In this photograph released by Pakistan’s Inter Service Public Relations

(ISPR) on Saturday, Pakistan army chief Raheel Sharif, left, talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during a meeting in Rawalpindi. Pakistan and Iran have agreed to enhance economic ties and open two more border crossings to increase trade, the government said. - AFP/ISPR

lack of banking facilities, infrastructure bottlenecks and trade through informal channels.

In addition to strengthening the existing institutional arrangements, a separate mechanism on expert and technical levels will be put in place to deal with such issues and oversee implementation of the plan.

The two sides underline that for giving a fresh boost to bilateral trade and opening up commerce and investment, they need to offer market access under formal agreements.

In this regard, in addition to the preferential trade agreement (PTA), which has been in force since September 2006 and is being reviewed for better performance in line with the changed scenario after the lifting of sanctions, the two countries will enter into negotiations for a free trade

agreement including trade in goods, services and investments.

They agree to move forward at a fast pace to conclude FTA negotiations, effectively implement the PTA, establish appropriate mechanisms for coordination in upcoming rounds of FTA talks and periodically monitor the progress.

Prior to first meeting of the joint working group that has already been established, Pakistan will share a draft framework of the FTA with Iran by the end of April this year and Tehran will give its response by the end of May. The framework agreement will deal with trade in goods, trade facilitation, rules of origin and dispute settlement.

Negotiations will conclude in one and a half years from June 2016 to December 2017 unless the two sides agree on an extension.

They will also try to open two

more crossing points on the border, preferably by the end of 2016, potentially at Gabd and Mand on the Pakistan side and Reemdan and Pishin on the Iranian side.

Five-year plan The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Iranian Trade Promotion Organisation will jointly draw up a comprehensive programme of promotional activities including single-country exhibitions, sharing of commercial intelligence and exchange of business delegations.

Under the five-year plan, the Pak-Iran Joint Business Council will be re-activated and a joint chamber of commerce and industry will be established.

They will consider exempting bona fide businesspersons from seeking visa for commercial visits. - Express Tribune

HYDERABAD: Karachi’s former city nazim (mayor) and head of the newly formed Pak Sarzamin Party (PSP), Mustafa Kamal, has claimed that his April 24 rally in Karachi will remove all stigmas from the people of Karachi and Hyderabad and no one will call them ‘Indian agents’ or enemies of the state now.

“April 24 will usher in a new era and will bury 30 years of Khurafaat futile things),” Kamal said on Friday in a reference to the politics of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) which was launched around 30 years back.

Kamal, a former MQM leader who announced his breakaway faction on March 2, was addressing a press conference in Hyderabad together with other PSP leaders — Anis Qaimkhani, Raza Haroon, Anis Ahmed and Waseem Aftab.

Decades of struggle He said peoples’ response to his new party was far more positive than expected and that nobody would now be able to “sow a seed of discord among us on the basis

of language, ethnicity, sect and provincialism”.

In a reference to the MQM, he said nothing could be achieved even after decades of struggle and loss of 20,000 lives.

He said the MQM could not deny that its chief Altaf Hussain had paid millions of rupees to a con artist just to establish contact with ISI former chief.

He said Altaf was least concerned about the life of his workers and only needed dead bodies to continue his hegemony.

Amnesty He said just like Balochistan where separatists fighting against state were offered amnesty, a political package should also be announced for the MQM workers.

Kamal asked as to why the MQM was silent over allegations levelled against it by Tariq Mir and Sarfraz Merchant.

“Tariq Mir has claimed that the MQM leaders in London had had four meetings with RAW officials.

If this is untrue then why Altaf is silent,” he said. - Express Tribune

BRIEFING: Mustafa Kamal, head of the newly formed Pak Sarzamin

Party addressing a press conference at Latifabad, in Hyderabad, on Friday. - Express Tribune

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Jeffrey Mountevans Expats need to apply for E-visa to go to Dubai According to European officials, other migrants are travelling into the Nordic and Baltic states from Russia and are not fleeing the fighting in Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan, but rather have been living in Russia and are being encouraged by the Russian government to join the tide in Western Europe

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READERS’ FORUM Washington planning to interfere in European affairs This refers to the story, Ex-CIA chief says British EU exit would not impact UK security (March 25). The statement by the American security personality shows the divergent views of European governments and Washington. It seems to me, in the US officials are waiting to detach the ties bonding Britain to the Continent. Such an interference could lead to upheaval and tensions as Russia is expanding its reach over European society. This is possible as many in Europe seem to think, for London protection of American interests come before those of its allies. Those who in Europe Scan this QR code and Britain worry over the so-called Brexit to send letters to the need to understand this point. — Munir Readers’ Forum, Yousufzai, Ruwi containing not more

ACHIM STEINER

The rapid progress that is needed will require major reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, achieved through increased investment in the development and expansion of cleaner and more efficient energy.

At the same time, efforts to conserve and expand carbon “sinks” – that is, the forests, wetlands, and sea grasses that absorb much of the CO2

than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

South Africa bowlers maintain side’s ‘chokers’ nickname This refers to the story, West Indies tame South Africa to enter semifinals (March 25). The Caribbean side’s performance after the dismissal of champion player Chris Gayle shows either the team’s maturity or the Proteas continuing run as chokers. To me it seems the latter as needlessly the excellent bowling line up got nervous and allowed the ineffective West Indian side to achieve the target without much difficulty. — Matt Foxton, Al Hail

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

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AGNES DE MILLE

Oman, UK remain very much aligned A

s a shipbroker with an interest in naval history, I was delighted to find out that my trip to Oman this week will be following in the footsteps of the legendary British Admiral Horatio Nelson, who was said to have visited Muscat when he was a young midshipman in the eighteenth century. In fact, Britain’s relations with Oman go back further even than that. The first formal agreement between the two countries – a treaty that guaranteed trading rights – was signed in 1646.

So an historic relationship, yes, but as Oman’s importance in the Gulf and global economic stage continues to grow, our interests in the twenty-first century remain very much aligned.

Against the backdrop of market volatility and falling oil prices, Oman’s government has set ambitious targets to reduce its reliance on hydrocarbons and invest in a more sustainable future – targets enshrined in Vision 2020. It is an impressive plan to diversify the entire economy, increasing industrialisation and privatisation where appropriate, and it is starting to produce tangible results already. The non-oil sector has produced strong and consistent growth in recent years, and projects such as Oman National Railway and the Batinah Expressway herald exciting times for your country.

Of course, managing the transition to a more diversified economy brings challenges, and when I meet many of Oman’s personalities and business leaders on this visit I will discuss how the UK might help to address these challenges. Infrastructure is one way: just as financial services provide a lever for future growth, so investing money in transport, water and energy infrastructure also brings significant social and economic benefits.

The vast sums of money needed for such projects cannot come from one source. Governments must find increasingly innovative ways to attract capital for infrastructure developments and thereby unlock economic growth. One option is to enter into partnerships with providers of capital and construction companies, using tools like ‘public private partnerships’, or ‘PPP’. The UK has huge experience of funding, building and running large infrastructure projects using PPP and other models. I will discuss this expertise on my visit and explore ways for the UK to contribute to Oman’s grand infrastructure ambitions.

As Oman’s economy diversifies, so its financial

markets are expanding and Oman is developing into a strong regional financial centre, well on its way to becoming an international financial centre.

This offers a further opportunity for partnership with London. We are unique as a financial centre, with deep expertise across many areas of financial services, including a growing range of Sharia-compliant financial products.

London is the European centre for Islamic Finance with $19 billion of reported assets and this market is growing fast. More than 20 banks operating in the UK now offer Islamic financial products, along with 25 law firms that supply legal services relating to Islamic finance for the global and domestic markets. Greater cooperation between Omani and British firms can help us all engage with this expanding market and capitalise on the economic opportunities that financial innovations such as Sharia-compliant products can offer.

Finally, the Omani government’s diversification plans have focused on creating more employment opportunities for the rising number of young Omanis entering the work force. There are already a number of training agreements between the Omani government and UK business services, but I hope in the future these will be expanded: an investment in education, training and qualifications (ETQ) can help a country to build a highway from school to employment, which in turn creates an atmosphere in which internationally successful financial services firms can flourish. Investment in ETQ is investment in a country’s youth, which is itself an investment in future prosperity.

With a huge proportion of Oman’s population under 25 years of age, Oman has a golden opportunity to create a dynamic, flexible and innovative workforce which is the envy of the world. Our experience in other markets has shown that by partnering with some of the UK’s internationally-renowned providers of ETQ, countries like Oman give themselves the best possible chance of fulfilling this aspiration. I am delighted to be visiting Oman at this exciting time – I have many personal friends in Oman and know your country to be warm and hospitable. I hope that by the time my visit ends we will have strengthened what is already an extremely productive relationship and, perhaps, brought Vision 2020 a step closer.

- Exclusive to Times of Oman

Jeffrey Mountevans is Lord Mayor of City of London

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES MARCH 2001 Water week celebrations in all regions MUSCAT: Within the context of the Gulf Water Week which commenced here on Thursday under the motto ‘Irrigation system efficiency protect water resources’, the Ministry of Water Resources and its regional departments implemented several activities which centred on the motto of the week. In the water departments in Seeb, Abdullah bin Saif Al Mahrooqi, the wali of Seeb, opened yesterday a water resources exhibition which included photographs of all water resources.

PICTOGRAPH NUMBER OF EXPAT WORKERS IN OMAN, BY EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY December 2015

January 2016

94,461

Total

94,536

77,381

Male

77,444

17,092

Female

17,080

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

1802: The Treaty of Amiens is signed, ending the French Revolutionary War. 1884: The first long-distance telephone call is made from Boston to New York.

0

1933: 55,000 people stage a protest against Hitler in New York.

1976: Washington, D.C. opens its subway system.

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

A1 3

ASIA PESTS

Family in China ‘taken away’ over anti-Xi letter: Activist In an interview in New York where he lives, Wen Yunchao said his parents and younger brother were ‘taken away’ by the authorities on Tuesday and have disappeared

NEW YORK: A New York-based Chinese Internet activist told Reuters on Friday that China’s authorities have detained three members of his family in connection with an open letter calling for the resignation of President Xi Jinping.

In an interview in New York where he lives, Wen Yunchao said his parents and younger brother were “taken away” by the authori-

ALLEGATIONS: An attendant serves tea to China’s President Xi

Jinping during a session of the National People’s Congress in Beijing, China, in this March 9, 2016 file picture. A New York-based Chinese Internet activist told Reuters on Friday that China’s authorities have detained three members of his family in connection with an open letter calling for the resignation of President Xi.— Reuters/Kim Kyung-hoon/Files

ties on Tuesday and have disappeared, days after the government “harassed” his family to investigate his suspected involvement in distributing the letter.

Wen denied writing the online letter, which was signed by “a loyal Communist Party Member” and circulated widely at the

beginning of China’s parliament session this month.

Wen also said he did not help distribute the letter, and had only linked to it on his Twitter account after the letter had been published by a Chinese news website.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm Wen’s account

‘NO NUKES DAY’

A man wears a jumper with a radioactivity hazard symbol resembling the shape of Edvard Munch’s painting ‘The Scream’ during No Nukes Day, a protest calling for a nuclear-free future, in Yoyogi park in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday. — Reuters

SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTE

China, Indonesia to hold naval drills despite spat BEIJING: Chinese ships left the port of Qingdao on Saturday to take part in naval exercises off the coast of Indonesia, China’s Ministry of Defence said, a week after a dispute between the two countries over contested waters in the South China Sea. In a notice posted on its website (www.mod.gov.cn), the ministry said the Chinese navy flotilla will hold joint blue-water training and conduct disaster relief exercises with 16 nations, including Indonesia, the United States and Russia.

The exercises, run by the Indonesian navy, will begin at Padang and nearby islands on April 12.

Last week, Indonesia attempted to detain a Chinese trawler it accused of fishing in its exclusive

Last week, Indonesia attempted to detain a Chinese trawler it accused of fishing in its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, prompting the Chinese coastguard to intervene

economic zone in the South China Sea, prompting the Chinese coastguard to intervene.

Simmering tensions Tensions have been rising in the South China Sea as China continues to reclaim land and stake claims over vast swathes of an

important shipping corridor.

Several Southeast Asian countries have overlapping claims in the area, including Vietnam.

The ministry said in a separate notice that Defence Minister Chang Wanquan was due to visit Vietnam on Saturday to participate in high-level talks. — Reuters

about the disappearance of his relatives or to determine if he had any broader involvement in producing or publicising the letter.

Calls to the Ministry of Public Security in Beijing seeking comment went unanswered.

“There is no reasonable excuse for them to take away my parents and my brother, no matter how you look at it,” Wen said, referring to authorities in China’s southern Guangdong province where his family lives.

“I’ve told them very clearly I’m not the author of the letter, I did not aid anyone in broadcasting the letter, and third, that I did not post the letter on any website,” he said.

Resignation of Xi The online letter had called for the immediate resignation of Xi and blamed him for “unprecedented problems.”

The Chinese government has consistently and strongly denied any complicity in human rights abuses, but says those who break the law must be punished.

Wen said the authorities visited his family after Liu Gang, a former student activist of China’s 1989 pro-democracy Tiananmen Square protest, wrote in a

blog post that Wen had authored the letter.

Liu could not be reached for comment.

On Monday, the lawyer of a well-known Chinese columnist, Jia Jia, said police “took away” the columnist after he had warned former colleagues of the danger of re-publishing the letter.

Manhunt Amnesty International called for China to end its “manhunt” of those it thinks had something to do with the letter.

“The authorities should call off the political hounding of those suspected to be behind the open letter and release all those detained in connection with it,” William Nee, China researcher at Amnesty International, said in a statement on Friday.

Nee did not specifically name Wen or his family, but issued the statement soon after reports of the detentions.

Wen said his parents told him by phone earlier this month that the authorities promised to stop harassing them if Wen disclosed to the governmentwho wrote the letter and how it was published.

— Reuters

Ten thousand rabbits shot in New Zealand Easter hunt SYDNEY: Hunting for chocolate eggs is popular Easter event, but in New Zealand it was bunnies in the firing line at an annual rabbitshooting event in one district where they are regarded as pests.

Ten thousand rabbits were shot by more than 300 hunters in 27 teams during the 24-hour “bunny hunt”, which began on Good Friday. Among the hunters were a few ferrets, according to organiser Eugene Ferreira.

Ferriera, 49, president of the Alexandra Lions Club, said the event had been running annually for 25 years in the Central Otago district, and was organised after rabbits an introduced species - developed immunity to poison. “It’s a big fun event — hunters are out and awake all night,” he said.

Ferreira said the rabbits were a “very, very big problem” for farmers because they cause erosion and eat crops, particularly carrots and cauliflower.

In previous years animal rights activists have protested against the hunt, but Ferriera said none came this year. However, Hans Kriek, executive director of animal rights organisation SAFE, told Reuters his group was “dead opposed” to the hunt. — Reuters

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Egypt holds 4 over slain Italy student CAIRO: Egyptian prosecutors ordered the detention of four relatives of the head of an alleged criminal gang which police said was found with belongings of murdered Italian student Giulio Regeni, judicial sources said on Saturday.

The gang leader’s wife, brother, sister, and brother-in-law were held, accused of concealing a criminal and hiding stolen goods, the sources said. Police have said they found Regeni’s possessions at a house belonging to the sister.

A judicial source told Reuters that local prosecutors dealing with the gang case requested that senior prosecutors handling Regeni’s death add the questioning of the four relatives to their case file.

On Thursday, Egypt’s interior ministry said the gang, whose four members were all killed in a police shootout, had Regeni’s bag and passport in their possession.

The group specialised in impersonating police and kidnapping foreigners, it said.

But the statements of the police and the ministry have failed to satisfy Italian investigators,

BOOK FAIR IN TUNISIA

People look at books at the 32nd International Book Fair in Tunis, Tunisia, on Friday. — Reuters

politicians and Regeni’s family.

Rome’s chief prosecutor, Giuseppe Pignatone, said on Friday that the investigation into Regeni’s murder would continue.

The broken body of the 28-year-old Cambridge University student, who was researching independent labour unions, was found at the side of a motorway on the outskirts of Cairo in February.

Torture marks Human rights groups have said torture marks on Regeni’s body indicated he died at the hands of Egyptian security services, an allegation the government has strongly denied. The case has caused friction between Egypt and Italy, though it is unlikely to lead to a permanent rift because of the two countries’ economic ties and Egypt’s strategic role in Middle East. — Reuters

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Ban prods Iraq on national reconciliation to defeat IS

Algerian forces kill 3 militants near capital ALGIERS: Algeria security forces on Saturday killed three extremist militants close to the town where police shot dead a wouldbe suicide bomber earlier in the week, the ministry of defence said in a statement.

The three were killed in a military ambush after an army sweep of the forests of Sid Ali Bounab in Tizi Ouzou, part of the mountainous region east of the capital Algiers, it said.

Algerian security forces on Wednesday shot dead a militant wearing a suicide bomb belt before he could detonate his explosives near the police station in a small town of Maatkas also near Tizi Ouzou. Violence is rarer now in Algeria since the country ended its 1990s war with extremists that killed 200,000 people.

But Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and small bands of fighters allied to IS have been active in remote parts. — Reuters

Militants have targeted marginalised and exploited division, said the UN secretary-general while visiting Baghdad

BAGHDAD: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon called on the Iraqi government on Saturday to step up efforts to foster reconciliation between the nation’s communities in order to combat IS. “National reconciliation is an important part of the strategy to defeat Daesh (IS), who have ruthlessly exploited divisions and targeted the marginalised and disenfranchised,” he told a joint news conference in Baghdad with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi.

World Bank President Jim Young Kim and president of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Ahmad Mohamed Ali joined Ban in the rare visit to Iraq’s capital and were expected to accompany him to the northern Kurdish city of Erbil later in the day.

The officials also met with Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari and later addressed a closed session of Iraq’s parliament.

Kim told lawmakers that Iraq needed to do more to empower local governments, encourage the private sector and reform the

M I L I TA RY A M B U S H

AIR AMBULANCE

NEED TO FOCUS: Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari, right, meets with visiting United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,

second left, and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, left, at Baghdad International Airport, Iraq on Saturday. — Reuters

state’s economic policies which are hamstrung by waste and corruption.

“Inefficient state owned enterprises that stifle private sector development need to be reformed, so a more vibrant entrepreneurial sector can emerge,” he said, according to a copy of the speech posted on parliament’s website.

Kim added that Iraq would “feature prominently” in the bank’s plans to invest $20 billion in the region by 2021, without provid-

ing details. The World Bank lent Iraq around $2 billion last year for reconstruction, infrastructure, and emergency budget support to help it deal with the economic effects of the fight against IS and the low price of oil, which accounts for around 90 per cent of government revenues. IDB’s Ali said the bank would contribute to the reconstruction of areas destroyed in fighting between IS and USbacked Iraqi forces seeking to recapture them. — Reuters

INSURGENCY: Iraqi security forces inspect aftermath of a suicide

bombing at a soccer field in Iskandariya, Iraq on Saturday. — Reuters

Iran chopper crash kills 7 ANKARA: An air ambulance helicopter crashed on Friday in Iran’s central province of Fars, killing all seven people on board, state television reported.

The helicopter was taking a patient from a remote area to the city of Shiraz when it crashed. The patient, four medics and two crew were killed, the broadcaster said.

An official told state TV the cause of the crash was under investigation. Iran’s official news agency IRNA said the area had experienced stormy weather. — Reuters

CONFLICT

Syrian armed forces push into IS-held Palmyra city BEIRUT: Syrian government forces advanced into Palmyra on several fronts on Saturday with support from air strikes and artillery bombardment, state media and a monitoring group said, and live television showed waves of explosions inside the city.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described it as the heaviest assault yet in a threeweek campaign by the Syrian army and allied militia fighters to recapture the desert city from IS militants.

Observatory director Rami Abdulrahman said Syrian soldiers and allied militias had taken control of one-third of Palmyra, mainly in the west and north, including parts of its ancient Roman-era ruins. Soldiers were also fighting on a southern front, he said.

State-run television also said the army was advancing inside Palmyra, recapturing several neighbourhoods.

Television footage from the slopes of the medieval citadel, which was seized by the army on Friday and overlooks the city, showed tanks and armoured vehicles firing into Palmyra. Waves of explosions hit buildings, and smoke could be seen rising from many locations.

Car bombings Earlier, the Observatory said that IS militants had launched counter-attacks - including car bombings - against advancing soldiers.

The recapture of Palmyra, which the extremist group seized in May 2015, would mark the biggest reversal for IS in Syria since Russia’s

intervention turned the tide of the five-year conflict in President Bashar Al Assad’s favour.

The group, and Al Qaeda’s Syrian branch the Nusra Front, is excluded from a month-long cessation of hostilities agreement that has brought a lull in fighting between the government and rebels battling Assad in western Syria.

The limited truce has allowed peace talks to resume in Geneva.

But progress has been slow, with the government and its opponents disagreeing fundamentally on the terms of such a transition, including whether Assad must leave power.

Russia has reduced its military presence in Syria but has strongly supported the Palmyra offensive, carrying out dozens of air strikes this week and acknowledging that

a Russian special forces officer was killed in combat near the city.

Palmyra had a population of 50,000 according to a census more than 10 years ago. Those numbers were swelled hugely by an influx of people displaced by Syria’s conflict, which has raged since 2011, but most fled when Is took over.

Deir Al Zor, Raqqa Recapturing the city would open up eastern Syria, where IS controls most of the Euphrates Valley provinces of Deir Al Zor and Raqqa, to the army.

“Our heroic forces are continuing to advance until we liberate every inch of this pure land,” a soldier told state-run television in a broadcast from slopes of the citadel, which overlooks the city’s monumental ruins. — Reuters

DETERMINED: Forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar Al Assad flash victory signs and carry a Syrian national flag on the edge of the historic city of Palmyra on Saturday. — Reuters/SANA/Handout via Reuters

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

A1 5

WORLD Foreign diplomats presence at editors trial unnerves Tayyip You (diplomats) can move inside

The consul-generals in Istanbul attended the trial. Who are you?

What business do you have there? Diplomacy has a certain propriety and manners. This is not your country. This is Turkey

the Consulate building and within the boundaries of the Consulate. But elsewhere is subject to permission, said Turkish President

Tayyip Erdogan

Erdogan

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday harshly criticised foreign diplomats in Turkey for attending the trial of two prominent journalists charged with espionage, saying their behaviour was not in line with diplomatic protocol.

The first hearing of Can Dundar, editor-in-chief of Cumhuriyet, and Erdem Gul, 49, head of the

Turkish President

newspaper’s Ankara bureau, took place on Friday in a courtroom packed with journalists, academics, and half a dozen foreign diplomats, mainly European, in a case that drew international criticism.

The two journalists are accused of trying to topple the government with publication last May of a video purporting to show Turkey’s state intelligence agency helping

NO MORE PRINT EDITION

The special wrap-around cover of final print edition of ‘Independent’ newspaper and ‘Independent Magazine’ is shown in London, on Saturday. The final print edition of The Independent newspaper went on sale, ending its 30-year appearance on British newsstands.

A poignant wrap-around front page carried the words “STOP PRESS” in red lettering on a white background, followed by the words ‘Read all about it in this, our final print edition - 1986- 2016’. — AFP

POLITICAL CRISIS

Burundi rebels claim killing of top army officer NAIROBI: A Burundi rebel group led by a former officer who launched an abortive coup claimed responsibility on Saturday for the killing of an army colonel this week in the capital, the group said on a Twitter account.

The claim by FOREBU, which wants to topple the government of President Pierre Nkurunziza, will add to international worries that Burundi’s year-long political crisis is sliding towards a fullblown conflict. More than 400 people have died so far.

Lieutenant Colonel Darius Ikurakure was shot dead on Tuesday by an assassin dressed in a military uniform, the army said.

Soldiers gave similar accounts and also said he was killed inside the ministry compound in the capital Bujumbura.

“We promised the people to defend them. We are at work. We will not stop until the mission is accomplished,” FOREBU announced on a Twitter account.

Journalists confirmed the account had been used for other FOREBU statements.

“Those who took that oath are behind the operation against Lt Col D. Ikurakure. You’ll see them again soon. For, it is just the beginning,” it said.

It was not possible to get independent comment from members of FOREBU, who has said it is led by Godefroid Niyombare, a former intelligence chief and senior army officer behind an attempted coup in May. The government

The claim by FOREBU, which wants to topple the government of President Pierre Nkurunziza, will add to international worries that Burundi’s year-long political crisis is sliding towards a full-blown conflict had said this week it had retrieved the weapon used in the assassination and was pursuing the killer.

Burundi’s crisis was sparked

by Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term in April last year, a move the opposition said violated the constitution and the terms of a peace deal that ended the nation’s 1993-2005 civil war that left 300,000 dead.

The government cited a court ruling saying the president could run again. Nkurunziza won a disputed election in July.

— Reuters

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to ferry weapons into Syria by truck in 2014.

“The consul-generals in Istanbul attended the trial. Who are you? What business do you have there?

Diplomacy has a certain propriety and manners. This is not your country. This is Turkey,” he told a meeting of businessmen in Istanbul.

“You can move inside the Consulate building and within the boundaries of the Consulate. But elsewhere is subject to permission,” he said.

Turkey’s pro-government papers portrayed the attendance of foreign diplomats as an ‘invasion’ of the courtroom.

“Crusader unity in trucks betrayal,” the Star daily said

on its front page while Turkiye newspaper described it as ‘siege of consuls’.

Erdogan, who has cast Cumhuriyet’s coverage as part of an attempt to undermine Turkey’s global standing, has vowed Dundar will “pay a heavy price”. The two journalists could face life in prison if convicted.

On Friday, the court accepted the prosecutor’s request for Erdogan to be one of the complainants and ruled the trial should be heard behind closed doors, decisions that drew anger from journalists’ supporters.

Once-vibrant press The trial comes as Turkey deflects criticism from the European Union and rights groups that say it is bridling a once-vibrant press.

EU enlargement chief Johannes Hahn described the trial on his Twitter account as a “test case for press freedom and rule of law in Turkey”.

Dundar and Gul spent 92 days in jail, almost half of it in solitary confinement, before the constitutional court ruled last month that their pre-trial detention was unfounded since the charges stemmed from their journalist work. — Reuters

REFORMS

Benin’s new leader aims to reduce term of president COTONOU: Newly-elected Benin president Patrice Talon plans to reduce presidential mandates to just one five-year term, he said late on Friday, after the constitutional court confirmed his election victory over prime minister Lionel Zinsou.

Talon took 65.4 per cent of the vote in last Sunday’s run-off poll to decide who would replace President Thomas Boni Yayi, who is stepping down after serving two terms in office, the constitutional court said on Friday.

“I will first and foremost tackle constitutional reform,” Talon told reporters, reinforcing a promise made during campaigning. One term of five years would reduce presidential “complacency”, he said. Benin presidents can currently serve two five-year terms.

The peaceful election was seen as reinforcing the democratic credentials of Benin, a bastion of stability in a region where elections are often marred by violence.

By relinquishing power after serving two terms in office, Boni Yayi stands in contrast to leaders in other African nations, including Burundi and Congo Republic, who have altered their constitutions to extend their rule. — Reuters

A16

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

WORLD

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Belgium charges three men with terrorism after Brussels bombs A total of 31 people were killed, including three attackers, and scores wounded in the Brussels attacks which were claimed

BRIEFING: Belgium’s Vice-Prime Minister and Interior Minister Jan

by IS

Jambon, left, and Brussels City mayor Yvan Mayeur, right, looks on during a press conference in Brussels on Saturday, regarding the attacks of March 22, 2016. - AFP/Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck

BRUSSELS: Belgian prosecutors have charged three men with terrorist offences, including a suspect who local media said appeared on security footage with two suicide bombers at Brussels airport shortly before they

detonated their bombs.

Prosecutors named the third man as Faycal C while media identified him as Faycal Cheffou, and said he was the man wearing a hat and a light-coloured jacket in last Tuesday’s airport picture that

showed three men pushing baggage trolleys bearing luggage.

Prosecutors said he had been charged with taking part in the activities of a terrorist group, and actual and attempted terrorist murder. His home had been searched

though no weapons or explosives had been found.

Two other men, Aboubakar A. and Rabah N., were also charged with terrorist activities and membership of a terrorist group.

Rabah N. was wanted in connection with a related raid in France this week that authorities say foiled an apparent attack plot.

A total of 31 people were killed, including three attackers, and scores wounded in the Brussels attacks which were claimed by IS and, as well as the airport, included a bomb on a metro train in the city centre.

The attacks in Brussels, home to the headquarters of NATO and the European Union, took place four months after IS militants killed 130 people in Paris and sent shockwaves around Europe and across the world.

With increasing signs that the Brussels and Paris attacks were

carried out by members of the same network, police across Europe arrested nine people in raids in Belgium and two in Germany before the weekend.

Three men were arrested in Brussels on Friday, including one suspect shot in the leg at a tram stop in the district of Schaerbeek.

He was subsequently identified as Abderamane A. and Belgian authorities said on Saturday they were holding him for a further 24 hours. Another person, Tawfik A., who was taken in for questioning on Friday, had been released.

Friday’s police operation was linked to the arrest in Paris the previous day of a person convicted in Belgium last year and suspected of plotting a new attack, Belgian prosecutors said.

Cheffou, whom media said was a freelance journalist, was identified by a taxi driver who drove the attackers to the airport on March

22, Le Soir newspaper said.

Earlier, police and government sources said it was highly likely he was the third man seen at the airport. Brussels mayor Yvan Mayeur told Le Soir that Cheffou had been detained a number of times at a park where he sought to encourage asylum seekers camped there to turn to radical extremism.

The self-styled freelance journalist was “dangerous”, the mayor said, and he had been banned from visiting the park.

Police, speaking at a separate briefing in Brussels, said 24 victims from nine different nationalities had been identified so far from the Brussels bombs.

Four people are unidentified.

Two of the three Brussels suicide bombers were brothers, one of whom died at the airport while the other took part in the attack on the metro train near Maelbeek station in Brussels. - Reuters

C A M PA I G N

British EU exit backed by 250 business leaders LONDON: The campaign for Britain to leave the EU has been backed by 250 business leaders including the former chief executive of HSBC, the Vote Leave group said on Saturday, hoping to counter the view that UK businesses back staying in the bloc.

The camps arguing for and against Britain staying in the European Union ahead of a referendum on British membership on June 23 have both made the economic impact of a ‘Brexit’ a cornerstone of their campaigns.

Last month, the bosses at more than a third of Britain’s biggest companies including oil giants Shell and BP , and its largest telecoms group BT said leaving the EU would put jobs and investment at risk.

On Saturday, Vote Leave, one of the groups supporting a British exit, unveiled its own list of backers including Michael Geoghegan, former Chief Executive of HSBC Group, John Caudwell, founder of Phones4U and Tim Martin, the boss of pubs group JD Wetherspoon.

“With our growing list of business supporters, Vote Leave will make that case that whilst the EU might be good for big multinationals, for smaller businesses it acts as a job destruction regulatory machine,” Matthew Elliott, Chief Executive of Vote Leave, said. Vote Leave also said it was forming a Business Council to

argue that EU membership was holding back business.

That group will be headed by John Longworth who quit as director general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) lobbying group after he spoke out in favour of leaving the EU, accusing Prime Minister David Cameron of trying to scare voters into backing his case to stay in the bloc.

Meanwhile the Times newspaper reported that hedge funds were planning to use exit polls to make big profits on the day of the referendum.

Under electoral law, it is illegal to publish the results of such polls while people are still voting but a private poll could allow traders to exploit moves in the currency market, with sterling expected to rise sharply against the dollar on the back of an “In” vote but decline if Britons vote for an exit.

Sterling fell to multi-year lows this week on a perceived rise in the chances of an EU exit, and on companies and fund investors hedging against it, though the currency later steadied.

“There is a lot of interest around Brexit, particularly from the big US funds,” one unnamed broker told the Times.

The odds of a Brexit narrowed on Tuesday as the Brussels bombings were seen boosting the ‘Out’ campaign. - Reuters

ENDANGERED SPECIES

One of Seattle zoo’s twin orangutans dies at 48 SEATTLE : An orangutan that was one of the first set of twins known to be born in captivity died at the Seattle zoo this week at age 48, after living two decades longer than the median life expectancy for the Asian great ape, a zoo spokeswoman said on Friday.

Towan and his sister, Chinta, born at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo in 1968, were hybrid crosses between the two orangutan species indigenous to the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, spokeswoman Gigi Allianic said.

Interbreeding between Sumatran and Bornean orangutans, the only great apes native to Asia, ended after zoologists established that specimens from each island belonged to distinct species, she said.

As a result of her brother’s death, Chinta is now the oldest hybrid in North America, Allianic

said. The median life expectancy of orangutans is 28, although some have lived to be as old as 59, the zoo said.

The highly intelligent, reddish-brown apes tend to live longer in captivity because of the medical care they receive in zoos, Allianic said.

Orangutans, part of the same biological family as Africa’s gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos, are endangered, primarily because of poaching and the rapid destruction of the forest environments required for their survival, according to the Orangutan Conservancy. The conservancy, which supports rehabilitation centres in Borneo and Sumatra and other initiatives, believes only 40,000 orangutans remain in the wild, down from as many as 60,000 a decade ago, it said on its website. - Reuters

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Licence to manage dry port in Sultanate to be awarded soon area spanning 95 square kilometres, Khazaen will be an inspiration for those working in the fields of logistics, urban planning, infrastructure and real estate.

State-owned Oman Logistics has invited bids from prequalified firms to manage Oman’s first dry port, which is part of a logistics city also known as Khazaen

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A licence to operate the Sultanate’s first dry port, which is the centre piece of South Al Batinah Logistics Area, will be awarded either in April or May, said a top-level official of Oman Logistics Company.

The company has invited bids from prequalified firms to manage the dry port, which is part of a world-class logistics city also known as Khazaen in the heart of the Sultanate.

Infrastructure tender The successful bidder will secure a licence for long-term lease and operation of an inland port facility that will form part of the landmark South Al Batinah Logistics Area development.

Making a presentation at the re-

P O R TA L

Membership of OCCI to be linked to ‘Invest Easy’ MUSCAT: Oman’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry confirmed that membership certificate of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) will be merged with the commercial register through one-stop-shop ‘Invest Easy’ portal.

The OCCI will stop giving membership certificates after three months from now and will be merged into the project to be included in the e-services package available at ‘Invest Easy’ portal in order to facilitate the applications of investors and entrepreneurs in Oman.

The merging of OCCI membership certificates and ‘Invest Easily’ portal comes as part of the efforts of the comprehensive development team to services of the portal to improve the availability of data through a comprehensive and integrated internet file for all the parties involved, simplify the registration procedure, activate all applications linked to those who hold a computerised identity card and streamline procedures for obtaining licenses in a manner through which publishing all requirements in a suitable way for investors.

The one-stop station ‘Invest Easy’ is the main gateway for commercial registration in the Sultanate and provide 55 high quality electronic services.

These services shorten the time and effort to accomplish 80 per cent of the services provided through the front desks at the ministry where the investors can complete their commercial applications anywhere and anytime without the need to visit the ministry. - ONA

cently concluded Oman Economic Forum, Eng. Ahmed bin Said Azkawi, acting chief executive officer of the state-owned Oman Logistics Company, said that the company will float a tender for developing the infrastructure as well, which will include roads, for the first phase of the project spread over an area of three square kilometers.

“The tenders will be floated either this month or early next month,” added Azkawi.

The first phase is currently under implementation and several investment opportunities are available for private sector on various fronts. “Several tenders for developing the whole project will be floated in the next few weeks,” added Azkawi.

The South Al Batinah Logistics Area will have a dry port, warehouses of varying sizes, head office, a logistics institute, a corpo-

PROJECT PLAN: The South Al Batinah Logistics Area will have a dry port, warehouses of varying sizes, head office, a logistics institute, a corporate office, hotels and mix-use real estate projects. - File picture

rate office, hotels and mix-use real estate projects. Elaborating on the investment opportunities, he said that the government has adopted four different types of development models for building South Al Batinah Logistics Area.

“We have tenants who are interested in building specific areas, logistics service, utilities or hotels.

We also have businesses in publicprivate partnership in the areas of real estate or logistics,” added Eng. Ahmed bin Said Azkawi.

BOOT model Oman Logistics Company has invited proposals from companies to express their interest in developing projects in public-private partnership and the proposed projects for development include superstructure and hotels. “This opportunity is available for few more weeks. The response so far has been very positive.” This could be build-own-operate and transfer (BOOT) model.

Azkawi also noted that plans are

also afoot to invite private investors to participate in design and build projects, which include hotels. “We are very flexible on certain extend.”

There are also plans to introduce a one-stop-shop for easy registration, which will help foreign firms in starting business at the logistics centre.

The Royal Oman Police will provide state-of-the security and surveillance services.

Planned in phases to develop an

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

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ECONOMY

Sumail Industrial Estate to be ready by first quarter of 2017 Times News Service MUSCAT: Sumail Industrial Estate, which will be developed with an estimated capital expenditure of OMR39 million, will be completed in the first quarter of 2017.

About 15 per cent of the basic infrastructure project work at the Sumail Industrial Estate in Al Dakhiliyah has been completed, said Eng. Nasser Al Mabsali, director of Projects’ Department at Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE).

The project involves development of infrastructure facilities of the estate on an area of 753 hectares. The first phase involves an area of 548 hectares while the second phase involves an area of 205 hectares.

Al Mabsali said that the project also involves implementation of road works along 46.290km in the first phase and 10.21km in the second phase. “Moreover, the project comprises implementation of water network on 47.96km in the first phase and 10.81km in the second phase, as well as irrigation network on a length of 47.96km in the first phase and 10.52km in the second phase.”

“Rainwater drainage network will be implemented as part of the project on a length of 36.16km in the first phase and 13.11 km in the second phase, in addition to sewage network of 41.9km length in the first phase and 10.38km in the second phase, and fibre-optic network in cooperation with Oman Broadband Company of 32.41km length in the first phase

Fully integrated city “We are looking at each phase taking about four to five years and the project execution will depend on the needs of investors and the requirement of facilities.” It will be a fully integrated city, which will contain all required facilities for investors to carry out business.

According to the official, the hub will support related infrastructure projects to turn the Sultanate into a logistics gateway to the wider Gulf and Middle East region.

The logistics centre is proposed to come up at the intersection of the Barka-Nakhl Road and the Muscat-Batinah Expressway route. The South Batinah Logistics Area is not far from Muscat International Airport and two hours by road from Sohar port. It also has advantages due to its proximity to both the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

WORK IN PROGRESS: The project involves development of infrastructure facilities of the estate on

an area of 753 hectares. The first phase involves an area of 548 hectares while 205 hectares will be developed in the second phase. - Supplied picture

and 8.82km in the second phase.

Power cable works are also involved on a length of 50.6km in the first phase and 15.95km in the second phase,” he explained.

Wadi protection works He added that the project also includes implementation of wadi protection works on a length of 17km. “Besides, the project consists of establishment of water tank in the first phase with a capacity of 2500 cubic metres of reinforced concrete with a pumping station with a capacity of 48 litres/sec; water tank in the second phase with a capacity of 2500 cubic metres of reinforced concrete with a pumping station with a capacity of 35 litres/sec; irrigation tank in the first phase with a capacity of 2500 cubic metres of reinforced concrete with a pump-

ing station with a capacity of 41 litres/sec; and irrigation tank in the second phase with a capacity of 800 cubic meters of reinforced concrete with a pumping station with a capacity of 16.5 litres/sec.

Additionally, other works are involved in the project including waste management, fencing, planting, parking, 184 security cameras for both phases, two main gates and three emergency exits,” Al Mabsali added.

Initial expansion It should be noted that during 2015, Sumail Industrial Estate got an initial expansion on an area of 358,682 square metres and was able to localise 42 manufacturing and service projects. The number of projects under construction and mapping stages are amounted to 34, while the number of pro-

jects in the pilot production phase and those set for production are amounted to 17.

Local projects During the same year, the estate met more than 109 investors and urged the localised projects in the estate to commence their projects promptly. The estate also contributed in organising and sponsoring five events as part of its social responsibility initiatives for the wilayat’s population in particular and the governorate in general.

Sumail Industrial Estate seeks to create job opportunities for the nationals either through circular that are distributed on a regular basis or through meeting with the representatives of factories and get acquainted with their future plans in recruiting local people.

GCC inflation increases 1.5% in 2015 MUSCAT: Inflation rate in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states rose 1.5 per cent in 2015 compared to 2014, GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat) said in its report.

This index represents the GCC region and excludes the group of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels from the national indices of the GCC countries.

The GCC-Stat pointed out that Kuwait witnessed the highest GCC inflation rate by 2.2 per cent in 2015 compared to 2014 whereas the Sultanate of Oman recorded a slight decrease by 0.1 per cent during the same period.

The GCC inflation stood at about 1.3 per cent in December 2015 compared to December 2014.

The GCC inflation ranged between 0.3 per cent in the Sultanate of Oman and 2.7 per cent in Qatar.

As for the commodities group in December 2015 compared to December 2014, the education group recorded the highest GCC inflation by 5 per cent whereas prices of transport, restaurants and hotels groups remained unchanged for the same period last year.

The GCC-Stat added that the GCC national inflation index ranged between 0.14 per cent in the Sultanate of Oman and 3.59 per cent in United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December 2015 compared to the corresponding period in 2014.

The UAE witnessed the highest inflation rate compared with other GCC states as it hit 3.59 per cent, followed by Kuwait by 3.03 per cent, Qatar by 2.7 per cent, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by 2.3 per cent and Bahrain by 0.7 per cent while the Sultanate of Oman recorded a decline by 0.14 per cent. - ONA

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SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

MARKET Sultanate’s trade surplus touches OMR2.2b despite fall in exports Value of non-oil exports stood at OMR3,003.9 million compared to OMR4,125.5 million in 2014, a 27.2 per cent decline, said an NCSI report

MUSCAT: Oman’s foreign trade at the end of 2015 registered a surplus of OMR2.20 billion despite fall in exports by 34.7 per cent, primarily driven by decline in total value of oil and gas exports.

The value of chemical industries topped the non-oil exports, according to initial statistics bulletin issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). NCSI said that at the end of 2015, the value of non-oil exports stood at OMR3,003.9 million compared to OMR4,125.5 million

OMAN’S EXPORTS: The total value of the Sultanate’s crude oil exports stood at OMR6,642.6 million while the refined oil export stood at OMR182.3 million and the liquefied natural gas exports stood at OMR954.8 million. - Times file picture

in 2014, a decline by 27.2 per cent.

Commodity imports It report said that the merchandise exports registered a decline by 34.7 per cent at OMR13,355.2 million at the end of 2015 compared to OMR20,463.4 million at the end of 2014. The bulletin said that the value of commodity imports at the end of 2015 stood at OMR11,153.3

million compared to OMR11,267.7 million in 2014; a decline by 1 per cent due to the slump in the value of oil and gas exports by 41.9 per cent at the end of 2015 to stand at OMR7,779.7 million compared to OMR13,393.9 million in 2014.

The total value of the Sultanate’s crude oil exports stood at OMR6,642.6 million while the refined oil export stood at OMR182.3

million and the liquefied natural gas exports stood at OMR954.8 million. The chemical industries topped the Sultanate’s non-oil exports at the end of 2015 at OMR7.2 million, compared to OMR9.9 million in 2014, a decline by 26 per cent. The mineral products exports worth OMR572.8 million in 2015 compared to OMR1,256.5 million in 2014, a decline by 54.4 per cent The value of rubber and elastics exports stood at OMR277.7 million, compared to OMR356.3 million in 2014, a decline by 22.1 per cent.

The value of mineral and mineral works exports stood at OMR650.5 million, compared to OMR765.8 million in 2014, a decline of 15.1 per cent. The value of the other non-oil exports stood at OMR802.8 million, compared to OMR801.1 million in 2014; a growth of 0.2 per cent.

The re-export activity declined by 12.7 per cent to stand at OMR2,571.6 million compared to OMR2,944.1 million at the end of 2014. The export of transport equipment declined by 14.4 per cent to hit OMR1,615.5 million compared to OMR1,886.5 million in 2014.

The re-export of mineral products increased by 9.6 per cent to

hit OMR565.5 million, compared to OMR516.1 million in 2014. The value of other activities stood at OMR390.6 million, compared to OMR541.5 in 2014, a decline by 27.9 per cent.

As far as Sultanate’s imported commodities, the mineral products registered the biggest growth by 29.6 per cent at the end of 2015 to hit OMR1,682.7 million, compared to OMR1,297.9 million in 2014.

Transport equipment Meanwhile, the value of transport equipment declined by 30.8 per cent to stand at OMR1.778 billion, compared to OMR2,568.4 million in 2014. The value of equipment, machinery and electrical equipment imports and their parts grew by 15.4 per cent to touch OMR2,240.7 million in 2015 compared to OM1,942.5 million at the end of 2014.

The value of minerals and their products imports stood at OMR1,256.6 million compared to OMR1,320.7 million in 2014; a decline by 4.9 per cent. The live animals and their products’ imports declined by 4.8 per cent to OMR450.1 million at the end of 2015. The value of chemical industries imports declined by 3.8 per cent to hit OMR955.3 million.

ONLINE SHOPPING

The NCSI also said that UAE topped the list of trade partners for the Sultanate as the value of Oman non-oil exports to UAE at the end of 2015 stood at OMR626.2 million compared to OMR776 million in 2014; a decline by 19.3 per cent.

Saudi Arabia came second as the value of Saudi non-oil imports from the Sultanate stood at OMR375 million, followed by India with OMR274.1 million, China with OMR215.6 million and the US with OMR180 million.

As for the re-export, UAE came first with OMR974.8 million, followed by Saudi Arabia with OMR313.3 million. China came third, after UAE and Saudi, with OMR295.6 million, followed by Iraq with OMR132.1 million and South Africa with OMR116.3 million. In terms of the top exporters to Oman in 2015, UAE came first with OMR4,271 million, followed by Japan with OMR663.3 million, India with OMR625.5 million, China with OMR583.8 million and the US with OMR561.5 million. - ONA

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JANUARY 2016

New website sets e-commerce abuzz in Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: A new e-commerce site that Oman can call its own is gaining tremendous traction with online customers just days after its launch.

Since its unveiling last week, maseeb.com has been something of a rage with gadget geeks, gaming maniacs, lifestyle buffs and others from among rapidly Sultanate’s expanding online community. The big attraction for online shoppers is not only the fascinating array of merchandise on offer, but also the unmatched discounts and deals, as well as the distinctive online experience and convenience that await visitors to this hugely promising site.

Drawing traffic to maseeb. com is its amazing offers on a range of the latest models of smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming accessories and other electronic gadgets along with massive discounts on branded perfumes. Hot-selling goods include the Samsung S7, smart watches and gaming merchandise. Given Oman’s craze for mobile phones and devices, it’s no wonder the website is generating a lot of buzz within the online community.

Goods at doorstep Alongside its high standard of design, content and originality is the convenience that comes with shopping online via maseeb.com. Customers can place orders online using a simplified order format and receive their goods delivered at their doorstep within three days against cash payment. Online payment facilities are envisioned in the next stage of the site’s development.

On the immediate horizon is a major ramp-up of maseeb. com’s offerings encompassing highly coveted sunglasses and

Drawing traffic to maseeb.com is its amazing offers on a range of the latest models of smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming accessories and electronic gadgets

lifestyle products among others. Gold and silver jewellery will be added by the end of the month. Branded clothing and sportswear merchandise is in the pipeline as well.

Online shoppers As with all well-established e-commerce sites around the world, maseeb.com is the brainchild of a young and savvy entrepreneur eager to harness the appeal and popularity of e-commerce to offer greater value to online shoppers.

Twenty-two-year old Manish Raju Gangwani, the site’s founder, is a former student of the Indian School Muscat with a vision to position maseeb. com as Oman’s, and potentially the wider region’s platform of choice for e-commerce.

“Unlike other parts of the world, e-commerce is still a green-field opportunity here in Oman. I see the potential for maseeb.com to be a trendsetter in online shopping, offering prices that are rock-bottom yet excellent value,” said Gangwani.

Money supply in Sultanate grows at 6.2% MUSCAT: Narrow money measured on year-on-year basis grew by 6.2 per cent as at the end of January 2016 to OMR5.3 billion.

This rise was a result of increase in currency with the public by 12.1 per cent coupled with increase in Omani rial designated demand deposits by 4.3 per cent, according to the report released by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).

Quasi-money (savings and time deposits in Omani rials, certificates of deposit issued by commercial banks, margin deposits) and foreign currency denominated deposits witnessed a growth of 10.2 per cent during the period.

Broad money supply M2 (that is, M1 plus quasi-money) stood at OMR15.2 billion at end of January 2016, up from OMR13.9 billion a year ago, registering an increase of 8.8 per cent during the period.

Interest rate In respect to domestic interest rate structure of conventional banks, both deposit and lending rates softened during this period The weighted average interest rate on Omani rial deposits declined from 0.953 per cent in January 2015 to 0.948 per cent in January 2016 while the weighted average in Omani rials lending rate decreased from 5.062 per cent to 4.760 percent during the same period.

The overnight Omani rial domestic inter-bank lending rate firmed up to 0.271 per cent in January 2016 from 0.130 per cent a year ago. - ONA

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

B3

MARKET EXHIBITION

Big Show 2016 commences on Monday MUSCAT: An international exhibition of building materials, construction equipment, ceramics and bathroom fittings, wood machinery and interior design - ‘The Big Show 2016’ - will begin on Monday at Oman International Exhibition Centre under the patronage of Dr Rasheed bin Al Safi Al Hraibi, chairman of the Tender Board.

300 participants Organised by Omanexpo, the four-day exhibition is a one-stop exhibition as more than 300 local and international companies will showcase the latest building, construction and interior design products, services and equipment in the Sultanate.

The oil prices slump was positively reflected on the Omani real estate sector as it is a safe shelter for those escaping the fluctuation of money market prices. The real estate sector grew by 29.2 per cent by the end of 2015.

It is expected that the exhibition will witness a large turnout exceeding the previous version, which stood at 14,000 visitors. It is the biggest gathering of architects, consultants, contractors, engineers, importers, interior designers, property developers, real estate agents, retailers, suppliers, homeowners and many more.

Annual event The Big Show is an annual international exhibition that caters to the building, construction and interior design industry in the Sultanate, the Middle East and global markets.

The annual exhibition provides a platform for local and international companies to take advantage of major opportunities in the industry, as well as to learn about the key projects and developments in the Sultanate. In 2009, it was given recognition as a ‘UFI-approved event’ by UFI. - ONA

Bank Muscat’s realty fund acquires project in Azaiba A ceremony was held to mark the formalisation of the transaction between Bank Muscat and Al Habib & Company

Times News Service MUSCAT: Izdihar, Bank Muscat’s real estate fund, has announced its first acquisition of a new mixed-use property at Azaiba. A ceremony was held to mark the formalisation of the transaction between the bank and Al Habib & Company, in the presence of Abdul Razak Ali Issa, chief executive of Bank Muscat, and top management team members from both institutions.

Izdihar Gardens is a modern mixed-use building comprising over 200 residential units with retail outlets on the ground floor.

Equipped with modern amenities, the property enjoys big appeal, said a bank release.

Sulaiman Al Yahyai, chairman of Izdihar’s board of directors, complimented the Bank Muscat and Al Habib teams who worked in closing the transaction amidst challenging market conditions.

“The transaction with Al Habib represents the first investment by Izdihar and fulfils its objective of generating sustainable and attractive long-term returns through investment in income generating real estate assets,” Al Yahyai said.

“Benefits of the investment transaction by Izdihar include superior asset selection, astute

MAGNIFICENT: Izdihar Gardens is a modern mixed-use building comprising over 200 residential units with retail outlets on the ground

floor. Equipped with modern amenities, the property enjoys big appeal– Supplied picture

investment structuring and professional property management.

Long-term property management and assured leasing arrangement with Al Habib ensures that the interests of Izdihar’s investors are protected against market risks,” he added.

Long-term gains “The transaction with Izdihar is a remarkable achievement in challenging times. Al Habib and Izdihar have come together in an arrangement which leverages each other’s strengths and risk-taking capabilities, resulting in healthy and longterm gains for all stakeholders,” Ali Mallalah Habib Lawati, chairman of Al Habib & Company.

“Izdihar, through Bank Muscat’s investment management expertise, provides the much needed professional guidance in the Omani real estate sector. We

thank the Bank Muscat team for their professional approach that resulted in the successful closure of the transaction,” he added.

Izdihar is a closed-ended real estate fund established under the Capital Market Authority, and seeks to generate regular income and long-term capital appreciation through investments in real estate assets. The bank’s private equity and asset management team has been instrumental in launching the innovative product.

Abdullah Al Hinai, general manager (Wholesale Banking), congratulated the teams on the achievement. Al Hinai said: “Izdihar is Oman’s first real estate fund structured on Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) principles.

Bank Muscat takes pride in pioneering unique offerings and the fund demonstrates these credentials by providing an opportunity

to institutional customers to realise regular income with substantially mitigated risks. We thank Al Habib for partnering with Izdihar on this transaction and are hopeful that this partnership will further prosper in the future.”

Capital market “Izdihar reflects the bank’s commitment to promote the development of capital markets in Oman.

The fund approved by the Capital Market Authority, while generating sustainable and attractive long-term returns for investors, also enables development of the REIT market and contributes to strengthening the real estate sector,” added Al Hinai.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) have been in existence since 1960 and are considered a distinct asset class. Modeled after mutual funds, REIT invests in

or finances an income producing real estate asset. REITs provide investors with the benefits of professional management, regular income streams, diversification through investments in multiple income earning properties across segments and long-term capital appreciation.

Izdihar received good response in the initial fund raising round despite the challenging market conditions. With the closure of this transaction, Izdihar will seek additional commitments from existing and new investors to capitalise on attractive investment opportunities.

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R E N E WA B L E S

EXPORT OF MINERALS

India, China led investments in renewable energy in 2015: UN Sohar Port builds on existing infrastructure to boost mining sector Times News Service MUSCAT: As part of plans to further diversify its economy, Oman is fast developing new strategies that will add more value to the mining sector and the Sultanate’s substantial reserves of minerals.

Some of those plans which were unveiled this week include the development of a complete supply chain, or Sohar Dry Bulk Logistics Corridor, that will immediately enable the export of minerals that are mined and processed in Oman to international markets at competitive prices.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sohar Port and Freezone, Vale in Oman’s Distribution Centre, and Oman National Investments Development Company (Tanmia), is the first step. The agreement builds on world-class infrastructure already in place in Sohar, currently operated by Vale in Oman to import and export millions of tonnes of iron ore and pellets.

The facilities allow the largest ships in the world, so-called Very Large Ore Carriers with a capacity of up to 400,000 tonnes each, to be berthed at the port. Vale in Oman recently won the prestigious Best Specialist Dry Bulk Port Award for its Sohar-based terminal, at the ‘International Bulk Journal’ awards in Belgium.

Due to road connectivity in Sohar and the upcoming cargo railway project, the agreement can immediately support the efficient flow of mining cargo to Sohar Port.

From there the minerals can be stockpiled, processed and export-

ed to markets all over the world.

Vale in Oman’s deep-water bulk jetty can provide the required services at globally competitive prices to help fuel further growth in sohar Port. The jetty is the longest in the region and ranks in the world’s top ten on draft. With Vale in Oman’s initial investment of around US$2 billion, there is no need for additional capital investment as the facilities are already operational since 2011.

“Oman is one of the most mineral rich countries in the Mena region and our strategy is to build on this to achieve competitiveness in the industrial minerals market and hence gain sustainable economic growth for the Sultanate,” said Rashid Saif Al Saadi, chief executive officer of TANMIA, one of the promoting entities of Minerals Development Oman, which is currently under formation.

Vale in Oman’s chief executive officer, Sergio Espeschit, added: “Since our operations were inaugurated and began operations four years ago, we committed to the Sultanate to create this Sohar Dry Bulk Logistics Corridor which will directly benefit the mining and minerals sector in Oman .”

Sohar Port chief executive officer Andre Toet summed up the agreement when he said: “Our existing dry bulk infrastructure is world class; this agreement is about utilizing that same investment for exports — and that makes so much sense for all of us; it should lead to more growth, more jobs and a more sustainable economic model for Oman.”

NEW YORK: India and China led developing countries in investments made in renewable energy in 2015, when for the first time commitments in solar, wind and other renewables capacity by emerging economies surpassed those by wealthy nations, a United Nations-backed report has said.

The report ‘Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2016’ by the UN Environment Programme said the developing world including China, India and Brazil committed a total of $156 billion in new renewables capacity last year, up 19 per cent on 2014. Investments by developed countries were down eight per cent in 2015 to $130 billion.

The year 2015 was the first time when investment in renewables in developing countries outweighed that in developed economies, the report said.

A large part of the record-breaking investment in developing countries took place in China, which lifted its investment by 17 per cent to $102.9 billion, more than a third of global commitments. India was also among the top 10 investing countries in renewable energy, with its commitments rising 22 per cent to $10.2 billion.

The US, Japan, UK Brazil, South Africa, Mexico and Chile all made it to the top 10 investing countries in 2015. “The investment (in In-

SOLR POWER: The year 2015 was the first time when investment in renewables in developing

countries outweighed that in developed economies, the UN report said. – Bloomberg News

dia) took place against a backdrop of pro-renewable policies introduced by India’s BJP government.

These include a target to almosttriple wind capacity to 60 GW by 2022,” the report said.

Major players Within the developing-economy category, the ‘Big Three’ of China, India and Brazil saw investment rise 16 per cent to $120.2 billion, while other developing economies enjoyed a 30 per cent bounce to

$36.1 billion.

Among developed countries, investment in Europe was down 21 per cent, from $62 billion in 2014 to $48.8 billion in 2015, the continent’s lowest figure for nine years despite record investments in offshore wind projects.

The US was up 19 per cent to $44.1 billion, and in Japan investment was much the same as the previous year at $36.2 billion.

The report said India enjoyed a second successive year of increas-

ing investment, breaching the $10 billion for the first time since 2011.

It added that the highlight of India’s performance in 2015 was a jump in utility-scale solar financings to $4.6 billion, up 75 per cent on the previous year, although still a little below the 2011 record of $4.9 billion. Among the big projects getting the financial go-ahead were the NTPC Kadiri PV plant phase one, at 250 MW, and the Adani Ramanathapuram PV installation, at 200 MW. - PTI

B4

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

FEATURE

GOLD THE SUPERHERO HOW ‘GOLD THE SUPERHERO’ PROMPTED TOP FORECASTER INTO A RETHINK

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ROUND-UP

8th annual Jeep Jamboree thrills as Sharqiyah desert comes to life The two-day thrilling Jamboree adventure is designed to accommodate every level of expertise that includes an element of fun for everyone, from novices to experienced off-road drivers

MUSCAT: The ‘go anywhere, do anything’ spirit that’s always at the very heart of the Jeep brand came to life in Oman when Dhofar Automotive recently organised its 8th annual Jeep Jamboree Sharqiyah Desert challenge, with over 50 Jeep Wranglers and 120 enthusiastic participants taking part.

Jeep Jamboree is synonymous with thrill and excitement, a concept that has become immensely

popular in the Sultanate. A twoday event, the Jamboree adventure is designed to accommodate every level of expertise that includes an element of fun for everyone, from novices to experienced off-road drivers, says a press release.

The event has evolved over the years, and fuelled every year the enthusiasm and excitement of Jeep owners who participate in the annual event in large numbers. An experienced support team helps the participants navigate a specially planned route in the Sharqiyah desert throughout the event.

“This year we witnessed experienced drivers from across the Sultanate participate who showcased unique driving capabilities with their vehicles,” said Biju Luckose, Marketing manager from Dhofar Automotive, exclusive dealers of the Jeep range in Oman.

“The ever changing terrain

of the Sharqiyah desert, delivers a challenging fun-filled driving weekend for customers. Jeep Jamboree events are the ideal way to help Jeep owners discover the unequalled capability of their vehicles in a safe, controlled way – whilst making new friends along the way. Once again, this year’s event culminated with participants taking back with them some very unique memories and an experience of a life-time.”

Eaborating further, he said: “With expert guides on hand to provide assurance and instruction, our patrons were confident to test their own limits and understand what their vehicle is truly capable of. We want to thank all our customers for making the 2016 Jeep Jamboree a resounding success.”

Day one of the event saw the participants gather at the Dhofar Automotive showroom in Azaiba

for a briefing on the itinerary that lay ahead. First stop was Al Kamil where everyone registered and had dinner prior to the start of the drive, led by the experts from The Guide Oman.

After the official registration and formalities were completed, the Dhofar team technicians were available to give the first time Jeep owners safety instructions and help them check their vehicles and tyres to prepare for the drive. The convoy entered the night driving phase in the desert to arrive at the first base camp, where they wound down for the night.

Every owner felt challenged, yet exhilarated, during each stage of this adventurous journey. Marwan Saud Raisi, a participant said, “This trip made me realise the potential of my vehicle as I had to push it to the limits at Sharqiyah. I am glad I participated in the Jeep

Jamboree and delighted with the performance of my Wrangler. Jeep vehicles in general, and Wranglers in particular, are fit for any off road or on road challenge.”

On day two, the day’s driving began with a thorough desert driving briefing to help educate drivers on what to expect, what to do and reiteration of safety requirements while driving. The actual Jeep expedition began by continuing along the Bedouin highway and moving onto smaller dunes at the periphery of the great Sharqiyah.

After two hours of driving, the Wrangler owners were encouraged to test their limits and drive their vehicles across even tougher sand dunes, allowing for more adrenaline-pumping activity.

Maria Cristina Ferraz Alves, another participant said: “This expedition was a great experience and the support and guidance provided throughout, ensured that everyone enjoyed to the fullest and felt extremely safe. I felt confident driving along with the other Jeep enthusiasts.” She added, “Jeeps are strong, reliable, and very suitable for mountain and desert driving, and also look good while driving in the city.”

Day two’s driving culminated just before sundown, leaving the evening to all participants and

crew to set up their tents and wind down around a bonfire where entertainment, games and dinner followed. The third and final day started with another desert driving briefing session. At this point the drivers had to ramp up their confidence levels and capabilities to manoeuvre across even more challenging sand dunes.

With the guidance of experienced professionals on hand and a team of technicians from Dhofar Automotive, the journey ended on the edge of the desert. All participants headed back home with a brand new set of driving skills to add to their names, thanks to the Jeep Jamboree 8.

Built on over seven decades of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic sport-utility vehicle (SUV) with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys and delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. In particular, the Wrangler has always been appreciated for its extraordinary ability to adapt to any situation, from the city to the most extreme off-road tracks – whether or not there’s a road.

E N V I R O N M E N T C O N S E RVAT I O N

NORTHERN INDIAN CUISINE

Qureshi Bab-Al-Hind launches new spring menu on first anniversary at Hormuz Grand MUSCAT: Qureshi Bab-Al-Hind at the Hormuz Grand Hotel, Muscat celebrates completing a full year of operation at the gastronomy scene of Muscat.

Its anniversary was marked by celebrating the success of having secured ‘The Best North Indian Restaurant’ award at the 2015 Oman Restaurant Awards held in March, a worthy testament to the passion of the kitchen and service team through the year, says a press release.

The restaurant has launched new spring/summer menu crafted by the Qureshi brothers and the hotel team features tastefully balanced and curated dishes such as Shikam-

puri kebab - finely pounded mutton patties, spiced with cinnamon and peppercorns, stuffed with flavoured yogurt; Sunehri Khasta - cigarillos

of roomali roti stuffed with mushrooms, churned cheese and hand ground herbs and Galouti kebab minced tender beef, flavoured with cloves, saffron and kewda. New additions continue to be complemented by a fine selection of highly favoured signature dishes.

For someone not familiar with the Qureshi’s signature cuisine, for small groups, meetings or as an introduction to a first time foray into northern Indian cuisine, BabAl-Qureshi has introduced pre-set menus. These options offer exceptional value for money.

In addition to the new a la carte menu and pre-set menus, unique ‘Feature Nights’ have been added

RECOGNITION

to pot. Saturday nights are a biryani indulgence, on Mondays special focus is on tandoori kebabs, with Wednesdays pandering to curry lovers. All are offered alongside the exquisite a la carte menu.

“Northern Indian cuisine has in general a far more delicate balance of spices with reduced use of hot chilli than many other cuisines of India, allowing all to enjoy the finely crafted flavours,” noted the manager of Qureshi.

Having previously opened for dinner service only, Qureshi is now open for private events for lunch either in the main restaurant or two of beautifully decorated private dining rooms.

KR marks Earth Hour MUSCAT: As part of continuous efforts to spread awareness on environment issues, the Khimji Ramdas Group participated in World Earth Hour held recently.

The company upheld the mandate of the global event to switch off all non-essential lights for one hour by turning out unnecessary electrical lights at KR Corporate, Pizza Hut and The Bollywood Restaurant between 8.30pm and

9.30pm, says a press release.

Commenting on the conglomerate’s participation, Nailesh Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas said“As a company that takes its role as a responsible corporate citizen seriously, we are staunch advocates of environment conservation. Therefore, we are, once again, proud to be part of an initiative that aims to conserve our planet and preserve it for generations to come.”

‘SUMMER SURPRISES’

Co-president of Chopard honoured with GQ Lifetime Achievement award MUSCAT: Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard, was honoured with the ‘GQ Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his outstanding contribution to the watch industry at the GQ’s Baselworld Cocktail Party.

Madhursinh Jesrani, general manager, Khimji’s Watches, exclusive representatives of Chopard in Oman, said: “Heartiest congratulations to Karl-Friedrich Scheufele on this recognition and honour.

Under him and his esteemed family, Chopard has experienced spectacular development. It is a leading name in the high-end watch and jewellery industry and the Scheufele family deserves all the accolades for upholding its tradition of excellence.”

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is known for his love of chronometry and fascination for the history of watchmaking. Born in Pforzheim in 1958, Scheufele was educated in Geneva before joining Chopard, the family company, in 1985. Dur-

Heartiest congratulations to Karl-Friedrich Scheufele on this recognition and honour.

Under him and his esteemed family, Chopard has experienced spectacular development. It is a leading name in the high-end watch and jewellery industry Madhursinh Jesrani

General manager, Khimji’s Watches

Benefits on Toyota Yaris till April 30 ing his tenure as co-president, he has transformed the company’s men’s watchmaking operation into one of the most respected manufacturers in Switzerland, says a press release.

Today, Chopard produces 80,000 watches a year and has over 2,000 employees. Another r.

Scheufele’s outstanding achievements includes rebuilding a watch manufacturer in Fleurier, which produces the L.U.C. collection of Haute Horlogerie. The company celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

MUSCAT: The 2016 Toyota Yaris sedan offers an uncompromising blend of performance and style. The excellent handling and ride quality are one of the best in the class.

“The Yaris sedan impresses with a striking profile that stands out from the crowd. Up front, the bold face of Yaris features sharpeyed headlights and a hexagon lower grille, while a spacious trunk gives the rear a distinctive look,” remarks an enthusiast,

“Premium details abound – from the piano black bumpers, to the chrome grille surround and tailpipe, to the power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors, to the keyless entry offered as standard on all models,” he adds.

For those who have had their eye on the shiny Yaris, the good news is that up until April 30, the 2016 YM & 2015YM Yaris sedan is available with cash gift upto OMR650. (Conditions apply. Benefits applicable for all

purchases except those made by government organisations and ministries. Visit nearest Toyota showroom for further details), says a press release.

With the cash gift it is even more worthwhile to own a Yaris - a car that looks compact but has a surprisingly roomy cabin, equipped with premium amenities.

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

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SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

ROUND-UP Attractive prizes up for grabs at Lulu Food Fiesta

C O R P O R AT E R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y

Along with an array of fun competitions,

OAB celebrates Earth Hour

for every OMR10 spent on food products, shoppers also become eligible for a raffle draw to win a grand Jaguar XF 2.0 and fabulous Scratch & Win prizes

MUSCAT: The latest edition of the Lulu Food Fiesta got to a flying start early this week with a plethora of events that transformed the entire shopping area to a foodie’s paradise.

The festival has been immensely popular over the years and in a short while into this edition has received an overwhelming response. Along with an array of fun competitions, for every OMR10 spent on food products, shoppers also become eligible for a raffle draw to win a grand Jaguar XF 2.0 and fabulous Scratch & Win prizes that includes iPhones, Samsung LED TVs, Philips Air Fryers, Lulu gift vouchers, Al Mudhish, Minara, Nido, Al Noor Basmati Rice and Suntop juice products,

says a press release.

Setting the outlets buzzing with activity will be each food product section that will conjure up an array of different types of foods that can tickle any palate. To top it all, there are also five Suzuki Swift hatchback cars to be won in a raffle. Scratch & Win prizes of Lulu gift vouchers worth OMR2,000 are also to be won on the purchase of OMR3 worth of Sadia products.

This edition of the Food Fiesta will feature the celebrated Masterchef Ripu Dhaman Handa. Ripu will meet and interact with enthusiasts at Lulu Darsait and Bausher on March 31 and April 1, respectively. He will also be involved in a series of cooking demos as well as being the judge in the Al Mudhish Cookery Contest to be held at Bausher on April 2. T he cookery contest has always been the highlight of the Food Fiesta with ambitious chefs, enthusiastic beginners, passionate foodies and anyone with a skill that fits the cookery bill. The most interesting recipes get a chance to prove their talent in front of a panel of judges headed by the chef himself.

With categories for specialists in each segment of cooking, participants can pick their area of expertise, be it in the salads, vegetarian cuisines or bold non-vegetarian concoctions. Known to always introduce the most exciting of campaigns, Lulu also makes sure that the best cooks from the contests are handsomely rewarded. Contestants can easily participate by filling up a registration form available at the customer service counters in Lulu.

In addition to all of this will be the grand biryani treat where different kinds of the favourite dish will be sampled throughout the store. The dish will feature the famous long grained Al Madina Basmati Rice. The food festival and cookery contest each year get shoppers to experience a variety of cuisines as people from different parts of the world get together to prepare and showcase the finest of dishes.

“This time around we have got a few surprises in the Food Fiesta.

While there will be the popular cookery contest which will be a great platform to encourage the art

S AV I N G S S C H E M E

Oman Arab Bank has been observing Earth Hour for many years now and has successfully and proudly adopted a wealth of measures that aim to enhance energy efficiency, minimise waste, and of course, protect our precious planet Mutassim Al Zadjali

Head of Corporate Communications at Oman Arab Bank

H I G H E R E D UC AT I O N

ahlibank announces MyHassad daily winners MUSCAT: ahlibank has announced the names of the MyHassad daily prize draw winners.

Sulaiman Nasser Saif Al Maawali from Seeb branch, Rajab Ali Rajab Al Kathairi from Main branch, Jamila Abdul Rahman Ali Albukhaly from Seeb branch, Sabah Said Ibrahim Al Bulushi from Khuwair branch and Hari Hara Selvan Duramoni from Khuwair branch, were the lucky winners of

of cooking and don the chef’s hat, there will also be cooking demos and wet sampling of various kinds, we have thrown in some fabulous gifts to take the festival itself to a new level,” said Ananth A. V., director, Lulu – Oman and India. “We have put together some of the finest brands and some of the best offers this market currently has in an effort to offer greater value for our customers and we are glad that the efforts behind the promotion are bearing fruits already,” he added.

Lulu’s winning formula of valuefor-money quality shopping has been very well received by consumers all over the world.

An innovator in the retail industry with an impressive presence across the region and an ever expanding footprint, Lulu has always remained a genuine symbol of quality retailing. Today, Lulu is immensely popular among its discerning shoppers as a one-stop shop for all their needs, true to its tagline Lulu, where the world comes to shop”. The innumerable shoppers who patronise Lulu daily are a true testament to the popularity of its brand.

MUSCAT: As part of its steadfast commitment to protecting the environment, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently turned off all non-essential lighting at its head office in Ghubra to mark Earth Hour 2016.

In addition, the bank also encouraged all its employees across its nation-wide footprint to do their part and help save the environment for the hour, says a press release.

OAB’s head office is essentially an environmentally friendly building. It is fully equipped with auto sensors throughout all offices and corridors, which means that lights are only used when necessary and a considerable amount of power is saved on a regular basis.

Mutassim bin Hamoud Al Zadjali, head of Corporate Communications at Oman Arab Bank, commented” “We believe that safeguarding our eco-system and limited natural resources is the responsibility of each and every single person living on this planet.

Oman Arab Bank has been observing Earth Hour for many years now and has successfully and proudly adopted a wealth of measures that aim to enhance energy efficiency, minimise waste, and of course, protect our precious planet.”

OMR1,000 each for the week, says a press release.

MyHassad savings account continues to successfully satisfy the existing customers and attract new ones.

MyHassad Saving Scheme was introduced in July 2008 as an extension of the bank’s tradition of product innovation. Opening MyHassad Saving account is simple and easy.

Customers need only to open their MyHassad account with OMR100 for their chance to win OMR1,000 in the next working day’s draw hence their chance to “open today and win tomorrow” continues. Further enhancements in March 2009 allows customers to participate in the OMR10,000 monthly draw, by maintaining a minimum OMR250 during the month.

OCCI chairman inaugurates Al Ahlam UK Education Expo

MUSCAT: Al Ahlam UK Education Expo 2016 was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim Al Rawas, chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Dhofar Governorate at Hilton Salalah Resort – Al Balid Ballroom recently.

Bridges the gap The inauguration was also attended by several officials and

delegates from various ministries, local universities and colleges and professionals from the education sector. The expo since its inception in 2011, has grown to bridge the gap between UK higher education institutions and students in Oman planning to study in UK, says a press release.

The expo welcomes those interested in pursuing their higher education in the UK to explore the

variety of courses being offered and to meet representatives from universities, higher education institutions and English language course providers.

The expo was organised by Al Nimr Expo in association with Al Ahlam Higher Education Services – Oman’s leading UK student counselling service agency licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education.

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ROUND-UP

New Ferrari 488 Spider launched in Sultanate

OPEN-TOP V8 SPORTS CAR: The Ferrari 488 Spider is the most powerful mid-engined convertible that the company has yet made. – Shabin E./TIMES OF OMAN

The event took place at a remarkable reception held by Alfardan Motors at Al Bustan Palace Hotel

MUSCAT: The stunning new Ferrari 488 Spider was launched in Oman by Alfardan Motors, the official importer of Ferrari in the Sultanate. The event took place at a remarkable reception held at the Al Bustan Palace in Muscat, says a press release.

The Ferrari 488 Spider is the latest chapter in Maranello’s ongoing history of open-top V8 sports cars and is Ferrari’s most powerful ever

mid-rear-engined V8 car to feature the patented retractable hard top (RHT), along with the highest level of technological innovation and with innovative design.

The RHT solution ensures lower weight (-25kg) and better cockpit comfort compared to the classic fabric soft-top. Just like all previous spider versions of Ferrari’s models, this is a car that is aimed squarely at clients seeking open-air motoring pleasure in a high-performance sports car with an unmistakable Ferrari engine sound.

Every area of the car has been designed to set new technological benchmarks for the sector: from the aluminium spaceframe chassis and bodyshell to the new turbo-charged V8, aerodynamics that reconcile the need for greater downforce with reduced drag along with the specific cabin air flow demands of an open-top car, and vehicle dynamics that render it fast, agile and instantly responsive.

Beneath the engine cover throbs the 3902 cc turbo-charged V8 that debuted just a few months ago on the 488 GTB. Its performance levels are nothing short of extraordinary: a maximum power output of 670 CV combined with maximum torque of 760 Nm at 3000 rpm send the 488 Spider sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds flat and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.7 seconds.

This is also the most aerodynamically efficient Ferrari spider ever built, thanks to a series of complex aero solutions designed to guarantee optimal downforce whilst reducing drag, two normally mutually-exclusive objectives.

Maranello’s engineers managed to achieve both goals simultaneously by introducing several innovative devices, including a blown spoiler and an aerodynamic underbody incorporating vortex generators.

Designed around the concept of the retractable hard top, the 488 Spider has a spaceframe chassis

made of 11 different aluminium alloys combined with other noble metals, such as magnesium, each one used in a highly specific way.

Working with aluminium is important not only in functional terms but also because, by tradition, it demands every detail be treated sculpturally to express the technical excellence of the project through its beauty.

The introduction of a sophisticated simulator, similar to the one used by the Formula 1 Scuderia, allowed the human factor to influence the car’s design from the earliest stages by giving the engineers instant feedback from the test-drivers long before the first 488 prototype was physically built.

To make its dynamic behaviour even more engaging, the development team honed the car’s mechanical set-up in tandem with its electronic systems which are now fully integrated with the SSC2 side slip angle control system.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Alargan Towell supports meritorious school students MUSCAT: Complementing efforts towards social responsibility in the local community, Alargan Towell, one of the Sultanate’s leading real estate development companies, has pledged financial support to 70 students of the Thabit bin Qais School for boys and the Al Amal Girls School in the wilayat of Barka.

The company has consistently invested in the betterment of the community surrounding their projects, and this initiative to support the education of children living near the Al Waha integrated residential project – largest in the area so far, follows in the same vision, says a press release.

Alargan Towell has always been committed to the improvement of education across Oman. Recently the company sponsored a ceremony to honour students from the Al Amal Girls School for their exemplary performance in academics. This event was conducted under the auspices of Sulaiman bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, deputy secretary general of the Council of Ministers, in the presence of Dr Waleed bin Said bin Sinan Al Hinai, director-general of Edu-

cational Conservatism of South Batinah, in addition to Abdulraheem Al Hooti, member of the Municipal Council, a number of supervisors from the directorate of South Al Batinah, along with the students’ families.

Sharing her thoughts on the students initiative, Abeer bint Khamis Al Balushi, head of Marketing at Alargan Towell, noted: “We have consistently dedicated ourselves to becoming a significant partner with local communities. This not only ensures that we have close ties with society, but also gives us the opportunity to give back in a way that makes a meaningful difference. Our efforts to support the students in the wilayat of Barka stems from this

very belief. We are very pleased to have been able to support the student honouring ceremony, as well as make a financial donation to students – coinciding with the popular Muscat International Book Fair 2016. We are confident that this significant initiative will not only inculcate the love of reading among children from a young age, but also go a long way in building a generation of wellinformed readers who form the future of the Sultanate.”

Abeer also added: “Creating a new benchmark in the design and standards of integrated residential complexes in the Sultanate, our Al Waha project offers a variety of residential components including villas, townhouses and apartments,

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in addition to complete community facilities and amenities to serve the local residents. To accompany these offerings, it is great that the local public understands the Alargan Towell vision and how we play an active and supportive role in the local community.”

Naima bint Masoud Al Yahmadi, principal of Al Amal Girls School for basic education, shared her appreciation for Alargan Towell’s support. She said: “It gives me great pleasure to thank Alargan Towell for their contribution to our students. Their contribution to the event honouring academic excellence was particularly encouraging for the students. Furthermore, the company’s monetary support to the girls for the first semester of the current academic year was a truly unique and enlightening experience for them.”

Salem bin said Al Badri, principal of the Thabit bin Qais School for boys, expressed his sincere gratitude to Alargan Towell and commented, “We thank Alargan Towell for supporting our efforts by aiding excelling students, and hope that other private sector companies will follow their lead.”

AWA R E N E S S O N S A F E D R I V I N G

Bank Sohar takes part in GCC Traffic Week MUSCAT: In line with the government’s focus on road safety and its emphasis given to lowering the death toll on Oman’s roads, Bank Sohar has recently participated in the GCC Traffic Week events in Buraimi and Al Batinah North.

The events, following the theme ‘Your decision determines your destiny’, were organised by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) recently with the aim of raising awareness on the importance of safe driving, says a press release.

The Buraimi event was attended by Hamed Khamis Al Shamkhi, Buraimi branch manager at Bank Sohar. The Al Batinah North event were attended by Rashid Saif Al Maskry, the district manager of Batinah region and Naeema Al Farsi, the branch manager of the Al Batinah North branch.

The week-long events included several traffic safety awareness campaigns and guidance programmes for both children and adults of the local community.

They also included exhibitions, radio programmes, visits from awareness ambassadors and more. Both events also saw extensive participation from several schools, colleges and university students.

Commenting on the bank’s participation in the event, Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, the senior AGM of Branches and Retail Sales at Bank Sohar said: “As a community-oriented organisation, Bank Sohar has always given great importance to the initiative related to road safety.

Promoting the importance of staying safe on the road is a major part of this commitment and we

The events, following the theme ‘Your decision determines your destiny’, were organised by the Royal Oman Police recently with the aim of raising awareness on the importance of safe driving aim to do everything in our power to help change attitudes towards road safety. Our support of events such as these further reinforces this commitment.

“Furthermore, we are proud to participate with the Royal Oman Police and their outstanding efforts in raising awareness towards safe driving. Initiatives such as these go a long way in helping safeguard the lives and health of those who are vulnerable on our roads and highways as well as protecting all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and road-side workers.”

Since its inception, Bank Sohar has consistently made meaningful contributions towards the wellbeing of the local community at different levels and aims to continue to do so through its multi-faceted programme of corporate social responsibility activities. The bank firmly believes that raising general awareness of road safety, especially with the youth, will have a positive impact on society, both mentally and financially.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

ROUND-UP

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All-new 2016 Subaru XV launched The event also marked the introduction of Subaru’s unique brand ambassador programme for Oman and the new Subaru XV was unveiled by Fahad bin Said Al Touqi, Subaru’s brand ambassador from Muscat

MUSCAT: The new 2016 Subaru XV was recently launched at the Subaru flagship showroom in Muscat. The event was attended

by Yasushi Enami, general manager - Subaru Overseas Sales & Marketing Division 2, Sheikh Saad Suhail Bahwan, chairman - OTE Group and Anil Dua, managing director - OTE Group.

The event also marked the introduction of Subaru’s unique brand ambassador programme for Oman and the new Subaru XV was unveiled by Fahad bin Said Al Touqi, Subaru’s brand ambassador from Muscat, says a press release.

Speaking on the occasion, Yasushi remarked, “Brand Subaru is admired not only for its engineering prowess but also for the energy and passion that it evokes. Enjoyment and peace of mind is the value that Subaru offers its customers. The new XV has been well-received across key markets and we believe it will also delight Subaru fans in the Sultanate.”

Delivering the keynote address, Saad Suhail Bahwan said: “For Oman Trading Establishment, Subaru has always held a pride of place right since our early days.

Today is another milestone for OTE as we launch the new Subaru XV in Oman in the presence of the Global Subaru Leadership team.”

Elaborated upon the energy of brand Subaru, Anil said: “Subarists epitomise the spirit of passion, dynamism and loyalty - they are our ambassadors in the marketplace.

It is this set of loyal fans that motivate us to go the extra mile for our valued customers in Oman.”

The new Subaru XV combines excellent design with engaging driving experience to create a vehicle that makes a great companion

for practical daily usage and weekend leisure lifestyle. The stylish new Subaru XV blends functionality and form with élan. At 220mm of ground clearance, the XV offers excellent off-roading capabilities.

The excitement increases as you take the road less taken, or choose to create your own trail with this capable vehicle.

The Subaru XV combines the high ground clearance of an SUV, with low centre of gravity, the balance of a sports sedan while delivering benefits of symmetrical AWD. Mated to the Subaru Boxer engine for a near-perfect symmetrical layout, the symmetrical AWD delivers gratifying power with exceptional traction, providing balance and stability for total control in ever-shifting road conditions.

The horizontally opposed Boxer engine, with a flat profile, lends the vehicle a low centre of gravity and more balanced weight distribution, with significantly reduced vibration. These features further enhance the drive experience of the Subaru XV. The XV’s lively performance is enhanced by its bold new look that includes a stylish new grille, bumper and headlamps. The face of the XV has been rejuvenated with new headlights, wider grill, and bolder trim around the foglights, further accentuate the sporty stance of the XV. The vibrant crossover gets a major facelift on the inside too, with defined interior panels, added soft touch materials, and steering with new switch gear that is

easier to use and houses more practical functions.

The XV features many innovations to put the occupants at utter ease. The seats are ergonomically designed for long-term comfort with supportive, vibration-absorbing cushioning.

The centrally located touchscreen makes listening to your favorite tunes a breeze. Simply connect the smartphone through Bluetooth or the USB systems for added ease, and choose the options right on the touchscreen.

With the ceiling-mounted microphone added, the available Bluetooth hands-free system also automatically connects compatible mobile phones for convenient, handsfree talking. It also enables wireless audio streaming audio

from the compatible Bluetooth devices and reading e-mails.

The high grade multi-function display shows all the needed info including time, temperature, selfcheck maintenance alerts, and safety information such as Vehicle Dynamics Control monitoring.

Featuring more hand-free options than ever before, the XV also has voice recognition and the optional Siri Eyes-Free integration, allowing Apple users to link and make hands-free calls, play music, check emails and search the web.

To bring the entertainment alive, the XV features premium 6-speaker 180 watt audio system, with the speakers specially tuned for the XV’s acoustics, resulting in a rich sound that enraptures the senses. Two additional speakers

are integrated into the instrument panel, further accentuating the mids and highs for a fuller sound.

The XV can carry five passengers and pack five carry-on suitcases at the same time. 60/40 split rear seats mean the Subaru XV has the versatility to hold a rear occupant and a bike at the same time.

With 1,200 litres of cargo volume, a nearly square rear gate and flatfolding rear seats, it’ll take on your latest urban or outdoor excursion with utter ease.

The Subaru XV brings together impressive driving experience with comfort and stunning features making it a fantastic choice for your daily journeys as well as exciting, off-the-beaten-track adventures. Experience the new Subaru XV today.

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

SECTION

INDIA AND AUSTRALIA SHOOTOUT ELEMENTARY FOR WATSON >C3

SPOR

S

YOUR GAME

England survive Angelo assault to reach semis

THRILLING WIN: England’s players celebrate after defeating Sri Lanka in a crucial World T20 match in New Delhi on Saturday. – Reuters

SCOREBOARD

Buttler struck a blistering unbeaten 66 to power England to a commanding 171 for four. For Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews waged a lone battle but failed to give the finishing touches

NEW DELHI: England held their nerve to beat Sri Lanka by 10 runs in a thrilling World Twenty20 Group One match on Saturday, reaching the semifinals and knocking the defending champions out of the tournament.

Jos Buttler struck a blistering CRICKET

‘India-Australia game will be match of the tournament’ KOLKATA: New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor on Saturday said the India versus Australia World Twenty 20 match is going to be “probably the game of the tournament”.

“It’s going to be a great game, probably the game of the tournament. Theoretically, it’s the quarterfinal. We are not leaving Kolkata tomorrow (Sunday).

I will be in my room watching it. Hopefully the best team can win,” Taylor told reporters here.

In their last group game on Saturday, New Zealand overwhelmed Bangladesh by 75 runs.

However, Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman picked up a five-for for just 22 runs.

“This was the first time I played him (Rehman). He bowled outstandingly. I think he’s only 20 years old. He’s a very good selection for Sussex captain Luke Wright. I’m heading off to Sussex after this. He will also play IPL as well as Sussex in county. He’s going to be a very good signing,” Taylor said.

“What makes him tough is that he’s got a unique action as well. He’s quite hard to pick up early on in your innings.

He’s very smart and the way he bowls, some of the best players will have to struggle against him,” he added. - IANS

ENGLAND J. Roy lbw Vandersay 42 A. Hales lbw Herath 0 J. Root c Thirimanne b Vandersay 25 J. Buttler (not out) 66 E. Morgan run out 22 B. Stokes (not out) 6 Extras (b-1, lb-5, w-3, nb-1) 10 Total (4 wkts, 20 overs) 171 Did not bat: M. Ali, C. Jordan, D. Willey, A. Rashid, L. Plunkett Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-65, 3-88, 4-162.

Bowling: A. Mathews 4-0-25-0; H. Herath 4-1-27-1; J. Vandersay 4-0-26-2; M. Siriwardana 1-0-9-0; D. Chameera 4-0-36-0 (nb-1, w-1); T. Perera 2-0-27-0 (w-2); D. Shanaka 1-0-15-0.

SRI LANKA D. Chandimal c Buttler b Jordan 1

unbeaten 66 to power England to a commanding 171 for four after they had made a slow start.

The 2010 winners returned to blow away Sri Lanka’s top order before Angelo Mathews battled a hamstring injury to drag his team back into the match with a brilliant

T. Dilshan c Hales b Willey M. Siriwardana c Morgan b Willey L. Thirimanne run out A. Mathews (not out) C. Kapugedera c Stokes b Plunkett T. Perera c Willey b Jordan D. Shanaka c Root b Jordan R. Herath b Jordan J. Vandersay (not out) Extras (lb-2, w-7) Total (8 wkts; 20 overs) Did not bat: D. Chameera

2 7 3 73 30 20 15 1 0 9 161

Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-4, 3-15, 4-15, 5-95, 6-137, 7-155, 8-157.

Bowling: D. Willey 4-0-26-2; C. Jordan 4-0-28-4 (w-3); L. Plunkett 4-0-23-1 (w-2); B. Stokes 4-0-19-0 (w-2); A. Rashid 2-0-31-0; M. Ali 2-0-32-0.

unbeaten 73. Sri Lanka’s defeat also dashed South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the last four.

Put in to bat, England lost Alex Hales in the second over but Jason Roy (42) and Joe Root (25) added 61 runs in 8.3 overs to steady the innings. Leg-spinner Jeffrey

Vandersay dismissed both batsmen but Buttler capitalised on the foundation, hitting eight fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 37-ball blitz to punish the Sri Lankans.

England skipper Eoin Morgan made 22 before being run out and Ben Stokes faced the final delivery of the innings from Thisara Perera which he hit for six.

Sri Lanka made a dismal start in their pursuit of a victory that would have kept their semifinal hopes alive. Openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Dinesh Chandimal were dismissed inside the first eight deliveries and the top order caved in as Malinda Siriwardene and Lahiru Thirimanne fell off successive deliveries.

Mathews and Kapugedera revived the chase, however, mixing caution with aggression and smashing three sixes off an Adil Rashid over that produced 21 runs.

Perera scored 20 quick runs down the order but Mathews looked tired by the end and could only score four of the 15 runs required from the last over sent down by Stokes. - Reuters

INSIDE LIFESTYLE

TEETH: MISSING IN ACTION >C5

PREVIEW

Unbeaten Windies face Afghanistan NAGPUR: They may have secured a semifinal slot with three straight victories but in-form West Indies would like to continue their winning ways when they face a spirited Afghanistan in their final group game of ICC World Twenty20 cricket tournament here on Sunday.

Afghanistan will hope that the West Indies take it easy after making the knockouts and sign off with a consolation victory at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.

West Indies captain Darren Sammy said his team would have a party after qualifying for the semifinals with a nervy last over victory against South Africa.

They are already eyeing their next week’s last-four match.

The 2012 champions have been in fine form with convincing wins over England and Sri Lanka though they made a heavy weather of a small chase against the Proteas before eventually pulling off a three-wicket last over win, and the Sammy-led Caribbeans would start as overwhelming favourites on Sunday.

The Afghans, on the other hand, have won hearts in India with their spirited showing in the mega-event, giving tough competition to the other teams in their group, especially against England.

They gave South Africa a fright last weekend when they raced to 105 for two in pursuit of the Proteas’ total of 210, although they were ultimately beaten after a flurry of wickets.

Against England, they had a very good chance of registering a victory in their last fixture after

sending half of the Three Lions’ batting lineup back to the pavilion before the end of the 10th over.

England were reduced to 85 for seven at one stage before Moeen Ali bailed them out of the woods and spared his team the blushes.

Afghanistan have yet to beat one of cricket’s big guns but legspinner Rashid Khan said they would become more competitive if they get more game time against top opposition.

“When we play more international matches then the improvement will come,” he said after the England match. “The only thing is, we have to play more matches against these teams.”

A win over the West Indies would consolidate their place in the top 10 of the T20 International rankings and increase their chances of being invited to play more matches against big teams.

Rashid is part of a fourpronged spin attack that should relish a Nagpur pitch that turned alarmingly in India’s opener against New Zealand.

West Indies (from): Darren Sammy (captain), Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Carlos Braithwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Ashley Nurse, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Evin Lewis.

Afghanistan (from): Asghar Stanikzai (captain), Amir Hamza, Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Hamid Hassan, Karim Sadiq, Mohd Nabi, Mohd Shahzad, Najibullah Zadran, Noor Ali Zadran, Rashid Khan, Samiullah Shenwari, Shafiqullah Shafiq, Shapoor Zadran, Usman Ghani. - PTI

SPIRITED SHOW: Afghanistan coach Inzamam-ul Haq, left,

speaks with team captain Asghar Stanikzai during a training session at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Saturday. – AFP

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SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

SPORTS C O M M E N TA RY

Hard to separate Indian and Australian teams

I

n recent times the rivalry between India and Australia has perhaps been greater than the Indo-Pak one simply because Pakistan is not quite the team it used to be earlier.

That cutting edge, head to head, toe to toe, over my dead body, clash is more with the Aussies now and the Mohali match is going to be no different.

Australia have been a world class side since the first ever Test match in 1877 and but for the odd few years where they lost players to rebel tours to South Africa, they have always been a tough team to beat. If India has become better it is in no small measure due to the regular, almost annual contests with Australia from whom there are many

good things to learn. The ‘never say die’ attitude is one such and which was seen in the nail-biting game against Bangladesh.

India will need the same spirit when they take on Australia in what is the quarterfinals.

Whichever team wins gets through to the knockout and so the intensity will be extremely high indeed. Australia have never won the World T20 and so will be keen to have the trophy in the cabinet of Cricket Australia

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while India will be looking to be the first home team to win the trophy, which they won in the inaugural year itself. Both teams have lost to New Zealand but both have bounced back in style.

The Australian batting is looking a lot better than the Indians, who have got starts but not carried on and that will be the key. If one goes by the pitch that was seen in the Australia-Pakistan game, then there won’t be much spin and that could suit the batsmen of both teams. The Aussies have much greater depth in their batting with James Faulkner batting down at No. 7.

It is hard to separate the teams given their current form and as always the team that keeps its cool will emerge victorious. - PMG

India, Australia in do-or-die clash

FAR FROM CONVINCING: India’s M.S. Dhoni and Virat Kohli play football during a training session in

Mohali on Saturday. – PTI

India have been far from convincing in the three games they have played so far.

Australia, on the other hand, have been improving with every game

MOHALI: A scrappy India will have to lift their game by several notches against an improving Australia when the two fierce rivals clash in a virtual quarterfinal match of the ICC World Twenty20 here on Sunday.

India, who were the overwhelming favourites going into the tournament, have been far from convincing in the three games they have played so far.

The inaugural edition champions began their campaign with a 47-run crushing defeat against New Zealand before bouncing back with a six-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan.

But the home side would have found themselves in a precarious situation if it was not for a self destructive Bangladesh and a brilliant sprint stumping from captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the previous game which they won by a mere one run.

Australia, on the other hand, have been improving with every game and a convincing win against Pakistan in a must-win match here on Friday have prepared them well for another knock-out battle.

James Faulkner and Shane Watson think playing India in their own backyard is the ultimate challenge

but the home team also knows they have a daunting task at hand.

India, however, will take confidence from the fact that they blanked Australia in Australia in the three-match series in January even though they played against a different squad then.

In any case, another close contest is expected between the two tough rivals at the I S Bindra Stadium which is expected to be fully packed. India’s star-studded batting have been below par starting with the performance of openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, who are yet to fire in the competition.

Star batsman Virat Kohli will be key to India’s chances again but the others too need to rise to the occasion. Suresh Raina scored a 30 against Bangladesh but he is facing the heat alongside Yuvraj Singh, who will have the added pressure of performing at his home ground.

The bowlers have done a decent job especially the spin combine of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

The nail-biter against Bangladesh was also a good test for youngsters like Jaspreet Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, who did well to bounce back and help India

clinch a thriller. The experienced Ashish Nehra has been tidy in his four overs. The Mohali pitch may not offer a lot of turn but the Indian spinners will play a big role in Sunday’s game.

The batsmen, who fell to spin against New Zealand, will have to negotiate the likes of Adam Zampa. The rookie leg-spinner has provided crucial strikes in the last two games and won the confidence of his skipper Steven Smith.

Fielding is another area where India must improve after an ordinary effort against Bangladesh.

Australia are in good spirits after the win against Pakistan in a high-scoring match. Opener Usman Khawaja has been in top form and Smith and Watson were back amongst the runs on Friday. They have played a game here and have already adjusted to the conditions.

It remains to be seen what opening combination Australia go with. Khawaja and Watson opened in the first two games before Aaron Finch joined Khawaja against Pakistan. The experiment of pushing the dangerous David Warner down the order has not worked for the Australians so far.

Australia (from): Steven Smith (captain), Shane Watson, David Warner, Ashton Agar, James Faulkner, John Hastings, Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, Aaron Finch, Nathan Coulter-Nile.

India (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Pawan Negi, Ashish Nehra, Hardik Pandya, Ajinkya Rahane. - PTI

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

C3

SPORTS

UNBEATEN: New Zealand players celebrate during in their World T20 match against Bangladesh in Kolkata on Saturday. – Reuters

Clinical New Zealanders thrash Bangladesh for a 75-run victory MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN

Mustafizur grabbed

5

a career best five for

wickets for 22 runs

22 but New Zealand still managed a competitive 145 for eight in 20 overs.

However, Bangladesh soon faced the ignominy of being bowled out for their lowest ever total, ending their innings at 70 in 15.4 overs

KOLKATA: New Zealand produced another clinical performance to record a crushing 75-run victory over Bangladesh in their final group game and entered the semifinals of the ICC World Twenty20 as table toppers here on Saturday.

New Zealand’s win meant Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s five-for went in vain at the iconic Eden Gardens.

The left-arm pacer grabbed a career best five for 22, bowling some unplayable cutters, but New Zealand still managed a competitive 145 for eight in the stipulated 20 overs.

However, Bangladesh soon faced the ignominy of being bowled out for their lowest ever

NEW ZEALAND H. Nicholls b Mustafizur Rahman 7 K. Williamson b Mustafizur Rahman 42 C. Munro b Al Amin Hossain 35 R. c M. Mithun b Al Amin Hossain 28 C. Anderson b Mashrafe Mortaza 0 G. Elliott c Shuvagata b Mustafizur 9 L Ronchi (not out) 9 M.J. Santner b Mustafizur Rahman 3 N. McCullum b Mustafizur Rahman 0 M.J. McClenaghan (not out) 6 Extras (b-4, lb-1, w-1) 6 Total (8 wkts, 20 overs) 145 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-57, 3-99, 4-100, 5-122, 6-127, 7-139, 8-139.

Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 3-0-21-1; Shuvagata Hom 3-0-16-0; Shakib Al Hasan 4-0-33-0 ; Mustafizur Rahman 4-0-22-5; Al Amin Hossain 4-0-27-2 (w-1); Mahmudullah 2-0-21-0.

total, ending their innings at 70 in 15.4 overs. This was New Zealand’s fourth straight win in the event, ensuring they remained unbeaten in the Super 10 stage.

Bangladesh batsmen put up a horror show after opener Tamim Iqbal (3) was brilliantly run out by Colin Munro in the second over.

Their previous lowest of 78 all out, incidentally, was against the same team in Hamilton.

BANGLADESH Tamim Iqbal run out 3 Mohammad Mithun b McClenaghan 11 Sabbir Rahman c Santner b McCullum 12 Shakib Al Hasan c McCullum b Santner 2 Soumya Sarkar st Ronchi b Sodhi 6 Mahmudullah b Sodhi 5 Mushfiqur Rahim b Elliott 0 Shuvagata Hom (not out) 16 Mashrafe Mortaza lbw Elliott 3 Mustafizur Rahman c Ronchi b Elliott 6 Al Amin Hossain b Sodhi 0 Extras (lb-5, w-1) 6 Total (all out; 15.4 overs) 70 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-29, 3-31, 4-38, 5-43, 6-44, 7-48, 8-59, 9-65.

Bowling: McCullum 2-0-6-1 (w-1); Anderson 2-0-7-0; Santner 3-016-1; McClenaghan 1-0-3-1; G. Elliott 4-0-12-3; I.S. Sodhi 3.4-0-21-3.

Ish Sodhi (three for 21) and Elliott (three for 12) dented Bangladesh’s chase as their batsmen showed complete lack of application. The match was further delayed for 15 minutes because of power failure in one of the four floodlight towers.

Bangladesh will thus return home winless from the sixth edition of the mega event.

Earlier, Mustafizur dismissed

openers Henry Nicholls (7) and Kane Williamson (42) and was deadly with his variation. He returned to bowl at the death and completed a fine five-four with two wickets in successive balls.

Despite Mustafizur’s incisive bowling, skipper Mashrafe Mortaza opted for a defensive strategy, and that allowed Williamson and Colin Munro (35) to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Ross Taylor also played a fine cameo of 28 from 24 balls (2x4s, 1x6) to take New Zealand to a total which proved enough.

Opting to bat, the Kiwis were surprisingly sluggish with their batting display in the absence of Martin Guptill who was rested.

Mustafizur bowled two deadly overs, shattering the stumps of Nicholls and Williamson, before Mortaza took the pacer off to keep

him for the death. Having bowled Nicholls with a slower cutter to give his team a breakthrough in the fourth over, Mustafizur was brought back in the ninth and the New Zealand skipper attacked him with a boundary.

But the bowler bounced back strongly to frustrate Williamson with his variation in the next two balls before disturbing the timber. - PTI

WORLD T20

India shootout is elementary for Australia’s Watson MOHALI: It will be a virtual quarterfinal when his team take on hosts India in a potential World Twenty20 humdinger on Sunday and retiring Australian all-rounder Shane Watson likes the simplicity of the situation.

A red-hot New Zealand have stormed into the last four with an unbeaten record, leaving India and Australia vying for the second semifinal slot from Group Two.

Both suffered their only defeats against the rampaging Kiwis and are level on points which means it would be a straight-forward situation with the winners of Sunday’s match advancing to the business end of the tournament.

“I’ve played in games where the game is really based on the run rate and I’ve had some bad experiences with that,” Watson, who will quit international cricket after the

tournament, told reporters.

“It’s good that it’s basically come down to us winning. It’s a simple equation. We know we are going to have to be at our absolute best against India.”

Every do-or-die match brings its own tension and the 34-year-old has seen enough in his 14-year-old international career to learn the virtue of calmness.

“It certainly gets you up for the

game. Knockout games certainly you’ve got to be just as calm as you possibly can. I suppose that’s what I’ve learnt over my whole career,” Watson said.

“If you can stay calm and hold your nerve as long as you possibly can — normally there is a little bit of chaos in a knockout game — you’ve just got to try and not build it up any more than it is even though it’s a big game.”

Sunday’s contest could well be his last in an Australian shirt.

“From my personal perspective to have the opportunity to play in what is hopefully not but what could be my last game...this is I suppose as big a dream as you could imagine, playing India at home,” Watson said.

“It’s certainly going to be a huge game and I’m going to be really excited for it.” - Reuters

SIMPLE EQUATION: Australian all-rounder Shane Watson.

C4

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

SPORTS

OMAN CRICKET

Al Nahdha and FAP UTSC record big victories

B DIVISION: Al Nahdha players pose for a group photo after their victory over OCT Seeb. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Al Nahdha recorded a massive 177-run victory over OCT Seeb in an Al Ansari Group of Companies-sponsored B Division match at the Municipality Ground I during the afternoon session on Friday.

Batting first, Al Nahdha put on

226 for eight in 20 overs. Ali Raza and Imran Nadir top scored with 68 and 73 runs respectively. Majid Hussain and Samir Othman were the most effective OCT Seeb bowlers claiming two wickets each. In reply, OCT Seeb were bowled out for

H A L F - M A R AT H O N

Kamworor wins gold as Kenyans sweep up CARDIFF: Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor recovered from falling flat on his face at the start to retain his world half-marathon title in rainswept Cardiff on Saturday.

Kamworor and fellow Kenyan Bedan Karoki Muchiri were shoulder to shoulder approaching the final mile before Kamworor forged ahead through horizontal rain and gusting winds for victory.

Mo Farah gave the sodden home fans something to cheer on a dismal Easter weekend as the Briton kept plenty in the tank to produce a late dash and take the bronze medal.

Kenya’s women completed a

second successive clean sweep of the podium with Peres Jechirchir kicking away from pre-race favourite Cynthia Limo near the finish to take the title. Mary Wacera Ngugi was third.

Kamworor’s race began farcically as he slipped over on the start line and was almost buried under a stampede of athletes before climbing back to his feet and carrying on.

He was quickly up with the leaders though and while the world record of 58:23 minutes was ultimately beyond him in the atrocious conditions his winning time of 59:10 was impressive. - Reuters

49 in 15 overs. Imran Nasir claimed four wickets each for Al Nahdha.

Brief scores: Al Nahdha 226 for 8 in 20 overs (Ali Raza 68, Imran Nasir 73; Majid Hussain 2/30) bt OCT Seeb 49 in 20 overs (Imran Nasir 4/10). Points: Al Nahdha – 3, OCT Seeb – 0.

C DIVISION: FAP UTSC celebrate their victory over Huwaei. – Supplied photo

Huwaei beaten In a Raha Poly Products-sponsored C Division match, FAP UTSC defeated Huwaei by 116 runs at the Municipality Ground I during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, FAP UTSC put

on 200 for five of 20 overs. Mohammed Razeek and Faleel T. top scored with 59 and 52 runs respectively. Lleweeyn Rao claimed two wickets. In reply, Huwaei were bundled out for 84 in 18.1 overs.

Tanseem Zeeshan top scored with

32. Mohammed Shareef claimed four wickets for FAP UTSC. Brief scores: FAP UTSC 200 for 5 in 20 overs (M. Razeek 59; Lleweeyn Rao 2/35) bt Huwaei 84 in 18.1 overs (M. Shareef 32; Mohammed Shareef 4/12).

Points: Huwaei – 0, FAP UTSC – 3).

Sreejesh, Deepika win HI Player of the Year Awards While thanking his coaches, family and friends, Sreejesh said this award will encourage youngsters to play the national game in right earnest ‘GREAT HONOUR’: P.R. Sreejesh

BENGALURU: Late Captain Shankar Laxman won the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award while goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh and Deepika won the Dhruv Batra Player of the Year Award for Men and Women respectively at the Hockey India (HI) Annual Awards here on Saturday.

“It’s a great honour for me to be chosen as the Player of the Year. I dedicate this award to all my coaches, family members and friends who have encouraged me and pushed me to give my best to hockey. I hope this award will encourage youngsters to play the national game in right earnest,” said Sreejesh.

The first set of awards marking important milestones in the careers of players began the proceedings. The Milestone Awards were presented to Dharamvir Singh, Kothajit Singh, Birendra Lakra and Sushila Chanu for mak-

ing 100 appearances for India and were presented with a cheque of 50,000 Indian rupees.

Gurbaj Singh and V.R. Raghunath were awarded for turning out in India colours 200 times and were presented with a cheque of 100,000 rupees.

The second set of awards were given in recognition of individual achievements. The winners of the Individual Achievement Award for goal on debut were Devindar Walmiki, Harjeet Singh, Nilam Xess, Mohammad Umar, Gaganpreet Singh and Preeti Dubey.

Raghuprasad R.V. was also felicitated for making his 100th appearance as an umpire internationally at the 2015 Hockey World League (HWL) semifinal in Belgium. The winners of the Individual Achievement Award received a cash prize of 100,000 rupees each.

To celebrate the historic occasion of the Indian women’s team qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics after a gap of 36 years since the Moscow Games, the entire team and the support staff were felicitated and were given a cash reward of 100,000 rupees each.

Members of the youth men’s team and the support staff that won the Junior Asia Cup were also awarded with 100,000 rupees each. Vikas Dahiya, who was awarded goalkeeper of the tournament, and Harmanpreet Singh, for being awarded the highest scorer of the tournament, earned a cash prize of 100,000 rupees each.

Then the senior Indian men’s team collected their award for winning the bronze at the HWL Final in Raipur in December 2015. Sreejeesh, who played a crucial role under the bar, was also awarded for receiving the Fans’ Choice Award

during the same tournament. Outstanding individual performances in 2015 were also recognised.

The winners of the 11 Annual Awards were: President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement to Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Jaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution to Baldev Singh, Baljit Singh Goalkeeper of the Year Award to Savita, Pargat Singh Defender of the Year Award to Kothajit Singh, Ajit Pal Singh Midfielder of the Year Award to Ritu Rani, Dhanraj Pillay Forward of the Year Award to Rani. Each of these individual awards carried a cash prize of 500,000 rupees.

The Asunta Lakra Upcoming Player of the Year Award (Women Under-21) was presented to Preeti Dubey and the Jugraj Singh Upcoming Player of the Year Award (Men U-21) was presented to Harjeet Singh. Each received 1,000,000 rupees.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of the eagerly awaited Player of the Year Awards for Men and Women and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sreejesh and Deepika walked up to thunderous applause to collect the Dhruv Batra Player of the Year Award for Men and Women respectively. The winners received a glittering trophy and prize cheque of 2,500,000 rupees.

The final award of the day — Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award — carrying a cash prize of 3,000,000 rupees was awarded to late Captain Shankar Laxman in recognition of his accomplishments and contribution to India’s national sport. - IANS

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

Health WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

TEETH D

espite constant improvements in dental care, millions of people suffer tooth loss every year mostly due to gum diseases or an injury. The most obvious effect of missing teeth is aesthetic. But that is probably the least of all effects, it’s not just about unsightly gaps; loss of tooth can affect function, health, and facial aesthetics. Teeth make hundreds of fleeting contacts with each other throughout the day. These small stresses are transmitted through the periodontal ligament that hold each tooth in its socket, prompting the bone to remodel and rebuild continually.

When a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation causes loss of bone. Gum tissue also gradually recedes around the area of tooth loss. Over a period of time, this will impact the ability to chew and to speak. The more, the number of teeth missing in action, the more function is lost.

Missing teeth can lead to drifting of neighbouring teeth, whereby the adjacent teeth lean over into the empty space where the teeth have been lost.

Also it can lead to shifting of opposing

teeth as they drift down into the open space (supra-erupt).

Our teeth have a constant tendency to move both towards the front of our mouths and towards the opposing jaw, unless they are stopped by something in their way, usually the adjacent or opposing teeth. Loss of teeth allows this to proceed.

As teeth drift, they create discrepancies in the height and contours of the gum tissue that make the adjacent teeth prone to periodontal disease and/or dental decay from accumulation of food and plaque and difficulty in cleaning these areas.

Therefore it is very important to restore the missing spaces by any of the following methods: Removable options — Removable tooth replacement include plastic “flippers” (simple, temporary in nature and relatively inexpensive dentures) or the precision made metal based partial dentures, which are more expensive.

Both can replace individual or groups of teeth. Only problem with them is that they may cause periodontal (gum) disease and hasten the loss of bone and

MISSING IN ACTION Story Dr Richa Raj

teeth through pressure transmitted through the gums upon which they rest.

Fixed bridges — They are nonremovable prostheses which are attached to the natural teeth. They act by joining other teeth together with a false tooth or teeth between them thereby “bridging” the gap. They are the most commonly selected option.

They may last for 15 years or more before requiring any replacement.

The limitation of this form of treatment has to do with the irreversible preparation of the adjacent teeth for support. They require lot of maintenance. If not well maintained, the adjoining teeth can act as reservoirs for bacteria and can decay.

Implants A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal. It is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth and an artificial tooth is attached to this titanium root. Implants provide a very strong foundation.

There are many advantages to dental implants, including: They look and feel like your own

teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that the artificial teeth might fall or slip. Implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures. Since the foundations of implants are strong they function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favourite foods with confidence and without pain. Nearby teeth are not touched to support the implant, improving long-term oral health. They are easy to floss and clean, improving oral hygiene.

Implants are very durable and with good care, many implants last a lifetime.

Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

-lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Dr Richa Raj is a practising dental surgeon at Pearly White Dental Centre, Al Khuwair.

For any queries call at +968 9705 2624 or mail at pearlywhitedental@gmail.com

C6

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

@ MGM

@ PANORAMA

Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) (Animation) –PG Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 6.45 PM

@ AZAIBA

SHATTI Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice – 3D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) PG12 Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 2:30, 5:30, 8:30, 9:00 & 11:30PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice – 2D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) PG12 6:30PM The Invitation (Horror | Thriller) 15+ Cast: Michiel Huisman, Logan Marshall-Green 11:55PM My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (Comedy) 15+ Cast: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett 7:00PM Kung Fu Panda 3 – 3D (Animation) PG 2:45 & 5:00PM The Wave (Action | Drama | Thriller) PG12 Cast: Kristoffer Joner, Thomas Bo Larsen 3:00PM Solace (Crime | Drama | Mystery) 12+ Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Colin Farrell 4:30 & 11:30PM Triple 9 (Action | Crime | Drama) 15+ Cast: Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor 9:15PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice – 3D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Fantasy Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 12:00, 2:50, 5:45, 8:45, 11:45 PM Gold Class – 2:30, 5:20, 8:15, 11:15 PM Rocky Handsom – 2D (12+) Action | Thriller Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan 9:00 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 – 3D (PG) Animation Voice Overs: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman 1:00, 5:00, 7:00 PM Zootropolis – 3D (PG12) Animation | Action| 3:00 PM Triple 9 – 2D (15+) Action | Crime | Drama

My Big Greek Wedding 2-2D (15+) Cast: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine 5:45 PM

Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice– 3D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 12:00, 2:50, 5:45, 8:45, 11:45 PM Gold Class – 2:30, 5:20, 8:15, 11:15 PM

Cast: Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor 11:30 PM PANORAMA MALL Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice3D (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 2:45, 6:00, 8:45, 11:30 PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice3D (Action, Adventure)(PG12)-VIP LOUNGE Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3:15, 6:00, 8:45, 11:30 PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (Action, Adventure) (MX4D) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3:00, 5:45, 8:30, 11:15 PM My Big Greek Wedding 2-2D (15+) Cast: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett 5:45 PM Rocky Handsome -2D (Action, Thriller)(12+) Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan 8:45 PM London Has Fallen-2D (Action, Crime) (PG12) Cast: Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman 4:45, 9:45, 11:45 PM Triple 9-2D (Action, Crime)(15+) Cast: Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

Marmul

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

07:00

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

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15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

The Wave (Action / Drama / Thriller) Cast: Kristoffer Joner, Thomas Bo Larsen, Ane Dahl Torp 12.30 PM CP No: 371 (PG12)

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Maheshinte Prathikaram (Mal) (Comedy) Cast: Fahad Faasil, Anusree, Soubin Shahir, Aparna Balamurali 3-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema Main\ 6:30 PM Cinema-2 Action Hero Biju (Mal) (Act\ Comedy) Cast: Nivin Pauly & Anu Emmanuel 3:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema -2\ 6:30 PM Cinema Main Rocky Handsome (Hindi) (Act) Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Nishikant Kamath 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema-3 Kapoor & Sons (Hindi) (Drama\Rom) Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt & Rishi Kapoor 6:45 PM Cinema -4 Kadhalum Kadhandhu Pogum (Tamil) (Com) Cast: Vijay Sethupathi & Modonna Sebastion 3:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema-4 Next Change: Thozha (Tamil); Oopri (Telugu); Vettah (Mal)

WITH LOVE

75-35%

32 21

0

ALISHA March 27, 2015

KABERI BISWAS March 27, 2015

Minimum

0

NAYANITA NITHIN March 27, 2010

SWEEDAL FERNANDES March 27, 2006

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

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TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

The Invitation (Horror / Thriller) Cast: Logan Marshall-Green, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Michiel Huisman 2.30, 10.00 & 11.45 PM CP No: 376 (15+)

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

08:40 11:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Nizwa Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 06:00

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Action / Adventure / Fantasy) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 12.45, 3.30, 4.30, 6.15, 7.15, 9.00 & 11.45 PM CP No: 375 (PG12

Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

10:25

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

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TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Ruwi

SALALAH Batman Vs Superman (3D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 2:45, 5:35, 8:30, 11:30PM Batman Vs Superman (2D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 1:05PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (3D) (PG) (Animation) 1:00, 2:50, 4:45PM Every Secret Thing (2D) (12+) (Crime) Cast: Diane Lane, Dakota Fanning 1:00, 3:55PM The Invitation (2D) (15+) (Horror | Thriller) Cast: Michiel Huisman, Logan Marshall10:00PM My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2D) (15+) Cast: Nia Vardalos, John Corbet (Comedy) 5:45PM Triple 9 (2D) (15+) (Action | Crime | Drama) Cast: Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor 6:35, 11:55PM Rocky Handsome (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan 8:45, 11:15PM Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2D) (PG12) (Mal) (Comedy / Drama) 7:45PM

BAHJA CINEMA

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

07:00

BURAIMI Kung Fu Panda 3 (Animation |Action|) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 5.15, 7.15PM Every Secret Thing (Crime | Drama) (TBA) Cast: Diane lane,Elizabeath Banks 4.30, 9.45PM Rocky Handsome (Action/Thriller) Cast: John Abraham, Nishikant Kamat.

7.30, 11.30PM The Invitation (Horror/Thriller) (15+) Cast: Michiel Huisman, John Carroll Lynch 9.00, 11.30PM Batman VS Superman 3D (Action) PG 12 4.45, 6.15, 9.00, 11.45PM

WITH LOVE

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

SOHAR Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice– 3D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 2:30, 5:30, 8:30, 11:30PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice– 2D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 6:30PM Solace – 2D (Crime | Drama | Mystery) (12+) Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Xander Berkeley, Colin Farrell 2:45PM Kung Fu Panda 3 – 3D (Animation | Action| Adventure) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 2:30, 4:30PM Kung Fu Panda 3 – 2D (Animation) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 7:30PM The Invitation– 2D (Horror, Thriller) (15+) Cast: Michael Huisman, Logan MarshallGreen, John Carroll Lynch 11:45PM Every Secret Thing -2D (Crime, Drama, Mystery) (PG12) Cast: Diane Lane, Elizabeth Banks, Dakota Fanning 3:00, 11:45PM My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 – 2D (Comedy) (15+) Cast: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine 6:30PM Rocky Handsome – 2D (Action, Thriller) Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Nishikant Kamat

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

RUWI Screen 1 Rocky Handsome (Action/ Thriller) –12+ Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan 3:30, 9:30 PM Kapoor & Sons (Drama / Family) –PG12 Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt 6:30 PM Screen 2 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Action/Adventure) –PG12 Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3:45, 6:45, 9:45 PM Screen 3 Kapoor & Sons (Drama / Family) –PG12 Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt 3:45, 9:45 PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) 16:30 18:00 19:30

Cast: JohnAbraham, Nishikant Kamat 2:45, 5:15, 7:45, 10:15, 11:30 PM Kapoor and Sons (2D) (Drama) (PG12) Cast: Alia Bhatt, Siddhart Malhotra 8:45, 11:00 PM Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2D) (Mal) (Drama | Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Soubin Shahir, 6:30, 8:45 PM

AZAIBA Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (2D) (Action |Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 6:00 PM Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (3D) (Action |Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3:00, 8:45, 11:45 PM Triple 9 (2D) (Action |Crime | Drama) (15+) Cast: Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor 3:45 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) (Animation) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 5:00 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (3D) (Animation) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 3:00, 6:45 PM Rocky Handsome (2D) (Hindi) (Action) (TBC)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Rocky Handsome (Action/ Thriller) –12+ Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Nishikant Kamat 2:45, 5:15, 7:45, 10:15, 11:30 PM

3:45, 11:15 PM Kung Fu Panda 3-3D (Animation) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 2:45, 6:45 PM Solace-2D (Crime, Drama) (12+) Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Colin Farrell 7:30 PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Quriyat Sur Jaalan

8:30, 11:30PM London Has Fallen – 2D (Action| Crime | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman 4:45PM Maheshinte Prathikaaram– 2D (Comedy / Drama) (PG12) Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Soubin Shahir, Aparna 9:15PM

SUR Batman Vs Superman 3D ( Action | Adventure | Fantasy ) ( PG12) 3:30, 6:00, 8:45, 11:45 PM The Invitation ( Horror | Thriller ) ( 15+ ) Cast : Michiel Huisman, John Carroll Lynch 8:30 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (3D) ( Action ) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 3:45, 6:30 PM Rocky Handsome (Drama) (TBC) Cast: John Abranam, Shruti Haasan 10:30 PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman

Destination

12.17pm 3.44pm 6.26pm 7.36pm 4.48am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE BRIEFS

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME TO GET FIT R

ania Gamal, a Dubai-based ďŹ tness guru, model, actress, and TV presenter gives ďŹ ve simple tips for women to stay ďŹ t that spells as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: Wake Up 3 (+ Travel Time) Hours Before Your Work Timing If there is one common thing about CEO and successful people, they all wake up early. If your ofďŹ ce timing is 9am, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wake up by 8am and rush to the shower as whatever you do, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll still be late for work and you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a healthy breakfast, not unless, your office is just 2 blocks away or in the next room and it can result to a bad day. Furthermore, it is important to give a grace period of 3 hours before your office timing, aside from the travel time that you have, meaning if your travel time is 1 hour, you need 4 hours in advance. Why? Because you need 1 hour to exercise so you have a stronger body, 30 minutes to prepare a healthy breakfast and not those easy-to-cook frozen, readyto-fry and any food with preservatives, 30 minutes to eat, 30 minutes to shower and get dress and 30 minutes to read or watch some news, it is very important to do all of these â&#x20AC;&#x201D; exercise, eat healthy, read and enrich your knowledge every morning. Remember your work is not your life, it is just a part of it, but your body and mind is all part of your existence.

Open Your Eyes to the Truth Sometimes you should know how to classify truth from advertising, just because you heard that a certain slimming tablet have made your friend slim then it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

Vitamin C rich diet may slow down cataracts Eating a diet rich in vitamin C may slow the progression of cataract â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a condition that may lead to blindness, reveals a study, adding that environmental factors and diet also inďŹ&#x201A;uence cataract more than genetic factors. The ďŹ ndings showed that those participants who had a higher intake of vitamin C were associated with a 33 per cent risk reduction of cataract progression and had â&#x20AC;&#x153;clearerâ&#x20AC;? lenses 10 years after the study than those who had consumed less vitamin C as part of their diet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ďŹ ndings of this study could have signiďŹ cant impact, particularly for the ageing population globally, by suggesting that simple dietary changes such as increased intake of fruit and vegetables as part of a healthier diet could help protect them from cataracts,â&#x20AC;? said lead study author Chris Hammond from the Kings College London. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While we cannot avoid getting older, diabetes and smoking are also risk factors for this type of cataract, and so a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle generally should reduce the risk of needing a cataract operation,â&#x20AC;? Hammond added. Cataract is a common condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy as a result of oxidation over time. It is thought that increased intake of vitamin C has a protective effect on cataract progression by increasing the vitamin C available in the eye ďŹ&#x201A;uid.

mean it could be effective for you, ďŹ rst we have different blood and body type so something that works for others may not work for you and vice versa, also just because you see the package of a tantalising-looking juice drink claims that there is no added sugar doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean it has no sugar, or just because it is under the diet section doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean it will be healthy for you. I believe in natural things such as fruits and vegetables and the right amount of protein and carbohydrates rather than buying â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dietaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; products in the supermarket except from the honest brands that I have studied and I really trust.

Blood test to predict your risk of developing TB

Mind Your Own Business Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be envious with Sarah if she has a slimmer body, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get jealous with Wafa if she has a ďŹ&#x201A;at stomach. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to focus on what otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have and what are they doing, except focus on how would you improve yourself and how would you reach that goal of being ďŹ t and healthy.

Everything Else Matters When it comes to losing weight and being ďŹ t, everything matters, you cannot go to gym regularly and eat buffet everyday or grab fast food after a sweat of just 30 minutes on the treadmill. You also cannot skip lunch and stay at couch every night or every morning. Fitness is the right amount of balance of everything, healthy eating and regular exercise, and the good news is you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to force yourself to do rigorous exercise or not eat carbohydrates on your ďŹ rst few weeks, you can start by little dietary programmes and try to challenge yourself for a

harder exercise and lesser carbohydrates gradually as it is much more effective that way.

self the you are stronger each day than yourself yesterday â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and you keep on going. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Never Stop Never ever stop, that is the main and most important thing that you should learn when you are in the journey of physical ďŹ tness.

You have to be strong emotionally inside to be able to ďŹ ght the battles and challenges that you have outside. You may think it is a clichĂŠ but it is really true that the beginning is the hardest, but it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter, what matters is that you push yourself, you ďŹ ght your demons inside and you show your-

Rania Gamal started modelling when she was 17-years old while living in Germany and was the face of Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Oreal products and the cover of different international magazines. Rania loves travelling the world and she can speak four languages ďŹ&#x201A;uently including Arabic, English, Danish and basic French. Rania is also a ďŹ tness, lifestyle, and health aďŹ cionado, teaching women not only to eat healthy but also about being independent and being empowered.

H E A LT H N O T E

Fatigue? Weakness? Headache?

It Could Be Iron DeďŹ ciency

Iron deďŹ ciency, according to the World Health Organisation, is the number-one nutrition disorder in the world. The most common symptoms of iron deďŹ ciency are fatigue, weakness, headaches, and irritability.

Iron deďŹ ciency is more com-

mon among women (especially those of childbearing age), athletes, vegetarians, and seniors.

Before seeking treatment you should be properly diagnosed by your healthcare professional for an iron deďŹ ciency. However, once diagnosed, there are ways to help

treat and reduce your deďŹ ciency.

Increasing iron intake can be as easy as making adjustments to your diet. There are several foods that contain a large amount of iron and can help restore the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iron level. Some of these foods are: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;' .Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;Ă°-"Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014;*)/&.,3 Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; !!Ĺ&#x2014;3)&% Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ,%Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;& 3Ĺ&#x2014;!, (Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; (-Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;& (.#&-Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; "# %Ĺ&#x2014;* -Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; and soy beans Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ,# Ĺ&#x2014; ,/#.

An iron-friendly diet should, in addition, consist of foods high in vitamin C, such as orange juice and tomatoes.

While maintaining a well-balanced diet can help supply the body with iron, sometimes it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough. In cases such as these, an iron supplement is usually recommended. However, up to 47 per cent of people who take iron

supplements experience one or more side effects, such as nausea or constipation. In some cases, it is bad enough to make them stop their iron treatment altogether.

Often times, people are unaware that there are different forms of iron that may work better for their bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual needs. Someone who tolerates iron supplements well might require a different form of iron than someone who often experiences side effects from their oral iron therapy. For those with a sensitive system, there are alternative supplements that provide the body with iron while minimising common intestinal side effects such as nausea or constipation.

These forms of iron are most closely compared to those found in red meat and spinach, which are more naturally absorbed into the body to minimise stomachrelated side effects. -NewsUSA

An international team of researchers has identiďŹ ed biological markers in the blood that can help doctors predict who is at high risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB). One-third of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population is thought to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, but just a small fraction ever develops symptomatic illness.

If validated through additional clinical trials, a test based on these blood biomarkers that the researchers have now identiďŹ ed would allow doctors to target therapies to at-risk people, thus preventing them from getting sick. -IANS

C8

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

LIFESTYLE Best Raw Foods Here are some of the raw foods that you should add to your diet

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M S U N DAY, M A R C H 2 7, 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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VACANCY

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CARGO

D7

FLATS FOR RENT YĆľÄ&#x201A;ĹŻĹ?Ć&#x161;Ç&#x2021; ĎŽ R Ĺ&#x2021;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ć? Ĺ?Ĺś 'Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ˝Ä?Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A; Ä?ĹŻĹ˝Ć?Ä&#x17E; Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ /ĹśÄ&#x161;Ĺ?Ä&#x201A;Ĺś SÄ?Ĺ&#x161;ŽŽů tĹ?Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161; SĆ&#x2030;ĹŻĹ?Ć&#x161; Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?Ć&#x152; Ä?ŽŜÄ&#x161;Ĺ?Ć&#x;ŽŜÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć? Î&#x2DC; LĹ?Ĺ&#x152; ĨÄ&#x201A;Ä?Ĺ?ĹŻĹ?Ć&#x161;Ç&#x2021; RÍ&#x2DC;OÍ&#x2DC; ϯϳϹ͏Ͳ Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; žŽŜĆ&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Í&#x2DC; FĹ˝Ć&#x152; Ä&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x2039;ĆľĹ?Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć? Ć&#x2030;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć?Ä&#x17E; Ä?ŽŜĆ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ć&#x161; Í&#x2014; 24

702 666,

FaÇ&#x2020;Í&#x2014; 24Ͳ70ĎŻ666Í&#x2DC; EĹľaĹ?ĹŻÍ&#x2014; ĹľaŜŊƾÎ&#x203A;aĹŻĹ&#x161;aÄ?Ĺ?Ä?Í&#x2DC;Žž

*ClassiďŹ ed Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publication. * Subject to space availability

WELL FURNISHED OFFICE SPACE & CAMP ACCOMODATION AVAILABLE FOR RENT IN GHALA INDUSTRIAL AREA Ideal for workers, staff members Catering facility option available

& 4WDs/Pick upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s/Heavy Vehicles are available for sale on as is where is basis.

The vehicles can be inspected at our premises at Ghala.

Contact: 94057473/94369381

Situation Vacancy A reputed construction and real estate development company in Muscat, We require the following: - General Manager - Marketing Manager - Sales Manager - Site Engineer - Project Manager - Foreman - Procurement Manager Ä&#x201E; &&Ĺ&#x2022;-")/& Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;().Ĺ&#x2022;& --Ĺ&#x2022;." (Ĺ&#x2022;ĂšĹ&#x2022;3 ,-Ĺ&#x2022; of experience. Ä&#x201E; ( Ĺ&#x2022;." #,Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;1#."Ĺ&#x2022; & ,Ĺ&#x2022;*").)Ĺ&#x2022;#(Ĺ&#x2022; manaragli@gmail.com

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S U N DAY, M A R C H 2 7, 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

2 BHK flat in Ghobrah.#99792181 1BHK near medical Darsait R.O 180/Muttrah house. Contact : 95076261 Commercial land in Ghala 2500sqm for rent #93506187 / 97684266 For rent flats and shops behind Al jmlah in Al Amerat. #91231380 Rooms for rent in Al Khuwair near Muscat Holiday Hotel. #95724975 3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent. 18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi. Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use.

OMR 295/- month. Call 94477222 Conditioned room with toilets in Al Khuwair. #92620858 /92605500 2B/R with 3 toilets directly from owner, near Dolphin Complex Bausher. Contact 92158031 2 BHK fully furnished flat at Ruwi MBD area. #93211557 / 24814853 Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346 2 BR, 2 bath, a kitchen, a yard , with AC, separate enterance, AlKhuwair near ibis hotel. PDC. RO 250 .. Call 97056443 Readymade office space for rent (240sm) in Bank Melli Iran Building, MBD area, Ruwi, opposite Center point. Contact: 99011352 House for rent, 2 bedrooms, 1 toilet & kitchen. Contact: 96968104

2BHK available in Ghubra near Al Maha Hotel and Mumtaz area Ruwi. Contact: 99269751 1 BHK flat with 1split and 1 window AC, next to Indian School Ghubra for rent at RO 270/-. Contact: 98867658 / between 4pm - 10pm Villa at Azaiba 7 rooms with attach bath on 18th November road.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Amazing flat of 2 BHK in Remal Building. RO 550/- #91776665 Shops / flats available in Honda Road, Ruwi & Mabellah Industrial area. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448 House for rent in Mawallah near City Center, 2 bedroom, (2) toilets, hall & kitchen. Contact : 96968104 Brand new deluxe flats located near Seeb flyover or the right hand side of the main road coming from the Seeb palace roundabout, 2 bedrooms, family hall, kitchen, 3 toilets, balcony with split unit A/cs. #: 97755586 5 floor building for rent in Al Khuwair near Muscat Dunes hotel each floor, 3 flats each flat with 2 BHK. Contact : 93223324

Staff & employees accommodation new building 3 floor Al Wadi Al Kabir - Muscat 15 rooms, Kitchen & dining hall AC, Satellite TV. Contact: 97166111 / 97252028

3 BHK, 1BHK flats for rent new building with A/C, behind Muscat Bakery at Wadi Al Kabir. Contact : 92103604 / 99338133

Flat of 3 BHK in Al Ghobra South opposite Royal Hospital. RO 380/-.

Contact – 91776665

3500 & 2700 sq mtrs industrial land + accommodation & store for sale in Wadi Kabir. #99792181

Luxury flat of 3 BHK in Al Watayah. RO 500/-#91776665 Clean flat of 2 BHK in Al Khuwair 33. RO 330/- Contact – 91776665

Villa in Al-Khuwair 33. Quality Finishing. Consist 5 Bedrooms, 1 Living room, 3 Lounges, All with A/C, Kitchen and storage . Contact: 90665135

2,200 sq mtr factory area & 800 sq mtr store with 8 accommodation rooms and 10 office cabins available for rent in Barka industrial area. Contact 91398381 / 80 / 78, email - agsan2005@gmail.com Flats in Al Khuwair, Al Ghobrah, Al Hail & Seeb. Contact: 92125648 / 95250300 / 24182000

Room for rent available in a flat for Executive bachelor at Azaiba, behind Al Meera Hypermarket with attached bath with cot & AC , rent inclusive of Water & Electricity.

Contact 96404166 / 97433992

Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. #97007934 / 92609232 Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street.

OMR 330 Monthly. #99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

2 BR flats with 2Baths Kitchen Al Amerat Aster Hospital .#99366142 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. Contact: 99342661

Villa in Seeb near the beach and Dreams Resort. Contact: 92125648 / 95250300

Flats for rent in Al Mabela (7) near Industrial roundabout close to the Al Wafa Mosque area 142 (m2) 2 rooms and a large hall, 1 Kitchen and 3 toilets, for inquires please contact : 94359353

Flats in Wadi Kabeer, MBD, Darsait, Hamriya & Sidab. Contact: 92125648 / 95250300/ 24182000

Flats and Labor accommodation for rent in South Al Mabela. Contact : 95230355 / 95331177

2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 33 1 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 5 B/R Fully Furnished villa @ Madinat Al Ilam 5 B/R Fully Furnished villa @ Madinat Al Ilam. For Daily, Weekly, monthly or Yearly contract.

Please Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC 99249069 / 994617563/92888376 / 24834888E mail: info@alshahiintl.com

Villa in Al Khuwair. Contact: 92125648 / 95250300

2 BHK & 1 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241

New flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes, 1 living room, 2 bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets, every rooms with split A/C high quality finishing rent per flat is R.O 340/- .

Interested candidates please Contact : 00968 92225523

2 BHK Flat in Wataya. #99792181

Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580 Flats, shops and basement in MBD area and Honda road.

Contact: 92433127/96291778/ 92589235/97293708 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Al.Khuwair.

Contact - 99792181

2 & 3 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181

2 BHK flat in Ruwi.#99792181 Office Space Available in Al Khuwair & CBD.Contact – 99792181

Staff Accommodation for Rent in Al hail. Contact 99792181 3000 Sqr mtrs Store in Misfah.

Contact 99792181

2 Bedrooms, kitchen, toilet, car park R.O 200/- & 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet R.O 130 in Al Khuwair. Contact: 95154331 2 BHK flats /office & shops available in a new building at Honda road .Contact: 91165807 Water tank for rent Quantity 5000 Gallon with driver. #96449233

Open land + workshop + labour camp in Ghala & Rusayl. #9979218 1 Flat, 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet in AL Khuwair family bachelors R.O 150/-. Contact: 95154331 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair. #95154331

Four bedroom two floors luxurious and spacious residential villa in Al Hail North, near to the sea and Oman oil. Each room has its own bathroom. It has splits A/C’s and shaded car park. OMR 750 monthly.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278

3BHK in Qurum P.D.O high 350/Monthly. Contact: 99342661 Commercial flats of 3 & 2 BHK in Al Ghobra North 18 Nov street RO.650/- & 450/- contact 91776665 2 BHK – modern & spacious flats with split ac for rent in Qurum near PDO gate no. 2. contact 94057023 2 BHK flats with split Ac available for rent at Al Khuwair 33. contact 94057023 2 BHK fully furnished flat for rent in Wadi Kabir.contact 92233322 Furnished office for rent No. 503 at Business Center – Al Khuwair.

Contact: 24488833 For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842 1B/R apartment executive fully furnished at AL Khuwair 33 & 5 B/R villa unfurnished at Madinat Al Ilam & 5 B/R villa furnished at Madinat Al Ilam. Contact: Atlas Real Estate & rent a car LLC -24834888/ 99249069/92888376/94617563 Email: info@alshahiintl.com Luxury villa of 5 BHK in Al Khuwair 33 RO.650/- contact 91776665 600 M2 showroom or office in Bousher in front of Dolphin complex.

RO.3.5 per m2. Contact 91776665 Brand new 4 BHK villa in Al Fai compound Al Khoud. RO.475/Contact – 91776665 Villa of 3 BHK and sitting area in Al Ghobra North. RO.525/Contact – 91776665

Offices & flat in CBD, Ruwi. Contact 95345909 / 92820734

Store with cold store in Wadi kabir. Contact: 99374977

Flat with two rooms with window A/C, with toilets & car parking way No: 1670 north Al Hail near Dosteen restaurant 1KM Inside. #99238334

Luxury and brand new semi furnished 2 BHK flat in Remalbowsher. RO.550/- #91776665

2 BHK Apartment for rent near MSQ area. Contact 92888063

Spacious 1 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with all split A/C’s and parking.

RO.300/-Contact – 91776665

S U N DAY, M A R C H 2 7, 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale#99273774/ 99202278 Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos can be sent 95865457 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2.

OMR 165 Thousand. #99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 A well running pharmacy for sale at prime location. Contact99627621, 93240949

FOR RENT

Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430

OFFICES FOR RENT AT AZAIBA

Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Prime location on service road (previously occupied by A'Saffa Foods) near Al Turky and Mazda showroom.

Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

- 2 BHK flat available directly from the owner, at Azaiba.

Contact: 99229263, 93221054, 95215289

HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278

FOR RENT Store space in Al Wattayah.

Contact 99382489 / 99263443

ACC. AVAILABLE

Flats available for rent 1 BHK & 2 BHK good condition with split AC Al Khuwair near Muscat Holiday.

Contact: 94227178

Single room B/K sharing Mumtaz area. Contact : 95212017

1BHK at Al-Hamriya, B-2397,

Big room with attach bathroom and hall near ISM. Contact: 99419830

Way-5935 near Muscat Pharmacy.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

Small old house for rent in Al Ghoubra. Contact : 97165972

1 BHK fully furnish for Rent short

term or long term in Alkhuwair.

Contact 99792181 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

FOR SALE

Dental chair and mobile dental X Ray for sale. Contact: 92737149 Shop for sale at Ruwi center. Contact: 98787853 Approx. 300 SQM Super market available for sale. Complete with furniture & fixtures, security camera and internet connection. With 2 entrances. #for appointment / viewing at – 93518390 / 99082534 Restaurant for sale (Indian, chinese, Arabic food ). Contact : 91181765 / 95411354

FOR SALE

Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail. #96234708

600 sq mtrs residential land in Maabela Phase 4 Block 4 OMR 65 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen. Near Carrefour al-mawalah. Contact 99336776

Approx. 300 sqm, supermarket available for sale. complete with furniture & fixtures, security Camera & internet connection with 2 entrances.# for appointment/ viewing at 93518390 / 99082534.

Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir. #97167857

Excavators 3 nos (Hitachi 240/350, 2008/2013 model), Tipper 1 no. (Astra 2011 model).

All are in good condition, sell on the maximum offer.#98999503 / 99782930 / 98981112 Zanzibari coffee shop for rent or sale in Barka Souq road, at Prime location. Contact: 99814411 2 storey villa, 5 rooms with attached bath,1 hall & kitchen at Madinat Sultan Qaboos under finishing. Contact 99778773 Good conditioned 5 ton forklift for sale. #99885638 / 94052713

600 sq mtrs residential land in Maabela Phase 4 Block 3 OMR 65 Thousand.#99333479 or 95215360

Wholesale Iranian best carpets quality TOP per sqm 17.5 RO quality normal per sqm 13.5 RO for Masjid per sqm 13.5RO in Oman and all Gulf country’s delivery in Muscat and Iranian Souvenirs paintings and gifts. #91213269 / 99234905

Warehouse at Ghala Industrial area for rent with 16 acs & heavy duty shelves/ warehouse is in 2340 sqm land. #92400008

Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair.CONTACT 92881849 /What`s up No 97290565

Room with kitchen available at Ruwi.# 91214897 / 98049288 Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan village.#93687466 Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. #96202458/96761960 Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 93049849 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested please c#92680041 Mr. Altaf

BUYING Bobcat available for rent. CONTACT 97623299 Buying cars for cash. CONTACT 90202090

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

GOOD NEWS FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

DRIVING

FOR HIRE Grader, roller, bobcat, JCB 3CX, JCB 4CX with breaker & water tanker for rent. CONTACT 93218705 / 24478450

TRANSPORTATION Picking and dropping any time.

Contact: 97403088 Office and private transport available in Muscat area.#94297820

GOOD NEWS

Transportation. #91703829 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

Ruwi, Muttrah, Al Khuwair, Muscat, Qurum, seek transportation. Contact: 91132238 Transportation. Contact 99508282

FOR HIRE Grader GD 705-5, Showel WA 4305, Roller BW 211D-40 JCB. Contact: 99292668

Transportation. contact 92015894 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

D4

S U N DAY, M A R C H 2 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiďŹ eds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT A well reputed International FMCG is looking for a young and dynamic marketer to take on the role of a Marketing Coordinator in Muscat. The role requires 2-3 years of marketing experience with a bachelors degree along with valid Oman driving license, proďŹ ciency in Microsoft Office, & good English skills.

Suitable candidates should forward their CV on the provided Email address : alsaj1@hotmail.com A reputed multinational Trading & Services Co. in Oman requires

Service Sales ENGINEER The candidate should be a Mechanical Engineer / Sr. Technician With min. 3 years experience in related fields : Sales of predictive maintenance tools and condition monitoring technologies Hands on experience in: * Vibration Analysis of rotating machineries * Machinery Balancing & Alignment * Thermography * Troubleshooting of machinery malfunctions

Submit CV to : om1@sosgroup.com ADMIN

ENGINEER/MECHANIC.

Required urgently a Legal Consultant/ Lawyer for reputed law ďŹ rm in Sohar, Muscat. Candidates should have 5-7 years experience as a Legal Consultant/ Lawyer with good knowledge of Computer & should be ďŹ&#x201A;uent in English both written & spoken.

Email C V to shejaanil66@gmail. com or Contact 99153620 between 8am to 1pm & 2pm to 5.30 pm on Sunday to Thursday

A well reputed building material & contracting Company in Oman is looking for staff: Project Manager (more than 10 yrs experience), Engineer (more than 5 years of experience), Purchase Manager (more than 10 yrs of experience). Contact: 99808868 Email: amtcbarka@ gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Required Accounts Officer- ensure accurate processing of revenue data into ERP systems and invoicing module. Posting of invoices to customer SAP portal and delivery to customer offices and interface with country manager/ reporting to regional CEO. QualiďŹ cations: BSc accounting.

Relevant experience & knowledge on online accounting systems especially the customer SAP system. Submit CV to: me-job@interwell.com Accountant with gulf experience in construction ďŹ eld preferred with Oman driving license. Interested candidates send CV to: Email: omanhari@yahoo.com Gsm: 95892831/95197615

DOMESTIC HELP Wanted house boy for an Indian doctor family. Interested may contact 94765020.

Urgently required Kerala house maid. Visa available. contact 94146486 Housemaid required for full-time for Indian family, Hindi/English speaking CBD area Ruwi.

Contact: 96183093 Looking for a part-time cookcum-housemaid in Azaiba.

Call 92450197.

A Leading construction company in Muscat urgently requires experienced Civil Engineer to work as Project Manager / Advisor ( Omani Nationals only) for full time or part time. Send C.V to hr.azatllc@gmail. com Whatsapp 98437450 Civil Engineer with minimum 5/8 years experience with valid Oman driving license. Contact Interested candidates send CV to: Email: omanhari@yahoo.com Gsm: 95892831/95197615

Wanted Nurse for a dental centre in capital area. Interested may contact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 93431024 or send CV to â&#x20AC;&#x201C; drasyanaseem@gmail.com Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq. #95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com Required female Nurse, with MOH license for private dental clinic in Bowshar area, Muscat.#92189807 GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with DataďŹ&#x201A;ow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

DRIVER Wanted driver. Contact : 91025698 Part or full time Driver Required call us 91120552

DRAFTSMAN Required Draftsman for Consultancy office. 3-5 years experience in Architectural Structural Drafting.

Email careerssabla@gmail.com

EDUCATION/TRAINING Medical/Engineering Entrance

coaching: Teachers for Chemistry, Maths & Biology required urgently call 91396893 or email : medengca@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred. Contact 99273774/99202278

MANAGER A well reputed building material & contracting Company in Oman is looking for staff: Project Manager (more than 10 yrs experience), Engineer (more than 5 years of experience), Purchase Manager (more than 10 yrs of experience). Contact: 99808868 Email: amtcbarka@ gmail.com

ENGINEER/MECHANIC. SALES / MARKETING Required Bachelor of Civil Engineering for Supervision for Consultancy office. 5 years experience in Supervision PMC duties in Oman preferred. Email : careerssabla@ gmail.com Decoration Company looking for Interior Design Engineer with experience in 3D and Supervision.

Send your CV with the design which you have done and after the implementation. Email: alrih16@ hotmail.com

WANTED URGENTLY FOR INDIAN SCHOOL IBRI â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teachers to teach English & Chemistry. QualiďŹ ed Candidates with minimum two years of teaching experience may send in their C.V immediately to The Principal, Indian School Ibri, P.O Box: 160, Postal Code: 511, Ibri. or e-mail : ibriindianschool@gmail.comâ&#x20AC;?

NB:- This is a free recruitment with no fee of any kind payable by the candidate to anyone.

An Art Gallery located in Qurum Area is looking for an Art Gallery Manager to temporary run the place during the entire month of June of this year.

- Omani female.

- Respectable, punctual, hard-working and good communications skills.

- Fluent in speaking, reading and writing English.

- To have some experience in the ďŹ eld of Sales - Have basic knowledge in using a computer.

- Having a degree in Fine Arts or History of Arts is an advantage.

- Able to provide own transport

CVs are to be sent to the following e-mail account: roxanesimpao22@yahoo.com For further information, please call 24566130

SALES / MARKETING Urgent required Salesman with minimum 3 years of experience in building materials (tiles & sanitary wares) with valid GCC license. #96917952, swapneelbhatt@ gmail.com Urgent required Salesman with minimum 3 years of experience in printing line with valid GCC license. Contact: 96917952 Email: swapneelbhatt@gmail.com Required Sales and Marketing Manager must possess excellent communication skills. Fluent English speaking, Arabic speaking is preferred. Minimum of 2 years of professional experience. Candidates are requested to send their CVS to polyplas@omantel.net.om

Urgently required a Marketing Executive with 2 years experience and driving license (GCC) for a reputed building material & electrical showroom in Al Khoud. Please send CV to â&#x20AC;&#x201C; startradingmuscat@gmail. com. Contact - 94320909 Urgent required Salesman with minimum 2 years of experience in Sales & marketing for gift articles shop. Contact: 96917952 Email: swapneelbhatt@gmail.com

A leading company in the sale of heavy machines in the Sultanate of Oman looking for job promoter commercial and salesperson to conduction. Send your CV to Email: 184059738@qq.com Contact: +968 96329918 Required urgently for a pastry shop in Muscat Sales lady and Pastry Chef. Filipino National only.

Contact : 96962297 We are a professional visa consultant in Oman, looking for a STUDENT COUNSELOR AND IMMIGRATION COUNSELOR for our company. Interested candidates can email their CV at consultancyvisa82@gmail.com Looking for a country Sales Executive with valid driving license and good communication skills. Interested candidates please send in the CVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to salesjobinoman@gmail.com Required Sales staff 2 NOS Having experience in Cosmetics Sales.

Send your updated CV to james_kunju@yahoo.com GSM 92683688 Urgently Required Steel Fabricated Products Salesman with an experience in steel fabrication, MUST have Oman driving license, and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com

SKILLED LABOUR Electrician cum Plumber, Maintenance Supervisor with D/L, Building Material Salesman, C.C.T.V Technician. #9938304. E mail: helplinellc123@yahoo.com

TECHNICIAN We, the storm shield in the talented candidates for the below positions (Indian only): Maintenance Technician (male -1) should have knowledge of new mobile devices & 3 years Oman experience # 94441111 Send CV to email: gshield9@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687

REQUIRED FOR AN OMANI FAMILY 1. COOKS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; experienced in Indian/Arabic/Continental 2. HOUSE KEEPING SUPERVISOR 3. WAITERS/HOUSE BOYS - English speaking - Experienced in good hotels Attractive salary & terms offered

Pl. reply â&#x20AC;&#x201C; muscatprojects@gmail.com P.O. Box 200, P.C.100, Muscat, Fax: 24614144 Required Temporary

Instructor for summer camp

Requirements for the jobs:

MEDICAL Required for a reputed Medical Center in Al Khuwair, Medical Marketing Executive with experience.

Please send CV : absmc2013@ gmail.com FAX: 24488660

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED

LABOR WANTED! Wanted experienced masons for a reputed construction company, handsome package is offered. VISA AVAILABLE IMMIDIATELY. Contact number:-

95739143 Email :admin@omanihome.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ ďŹ nance ďŹ eld. On visit visa. Immediately available. CONTACT 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com 28/male/MBA - ďŹ nance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement. #90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Dynamic Indian Male Accountant with 9 Years Experience seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 96902860 An experienced Chartered Accountant with over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change. #96491030 Indian male, 24 yrs, Graduated with specialization in Accounting 2 years experienced C.A.CPT completed. #94628086 / 97315091 Accounting ďŹ xed asset inventory reconciliation software installation support service. Contact: 97703143 Data entry, MS Word, Excel, Accounting Installing software and windows, also know repairing system 1 year and 6 months work in sports in Pakistan language, Urdu, English, Spanish, bachelor of arts BA. Contact 94879732 25 yrs, MBA (ďŹ nance) 1.2 years experience seeking for Accounts job. Contact : 94819575 10 yrs of Oman experience capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable placement in senior sales / business development position. Contact : 98987654 Indian female 24 B.Com M.Com having 1 year experience as Customer Relation Executive seeks for suitable placement. #95128242 Email: naiji143@gmail.com Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman. Ready to join immediately. Contact : 98263394 Indian male 24 yrs B. Com, Tally ERP with one year exp seeking for suitable placement. Now on visit visa. Contact: 94469269 Indian male 7 yrs Oman exp, Tally ERP 9, Accounting, inventory controller / asset supervisor & IT support, marketing seeking suitable job. NOC available B.Com ,PGDCA , location Sohar having Oman D/L. Contact 98317698, Email: sukuanilkumar@gmail.com Indian female BA, 2 yrs exp looking for suitable position in HR & Administration. #94656009

Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2022; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;

Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022;

For further details kindly contact Mr.babu 99380374 or fax 24593277

Wanted A Sales person with valid GCC D/L, experienced in project selling of Ceramic tiles & sanitary ware. Contact with contractors & consultants would be an added advantage.

Email CV to â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sanitarymuscat@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED SIT.WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ADMIN

Female seeking suitable placement in reputed Company, 5 yrs experience in Oman. Skills : Tally, EKP9, Sage ACC, PAC, ITIL, MS OfďŹ ce. Contact 95483804, sararowshan344@gmail.com

Indian male, rich working experience in oman as â&#x20AC;&#x153; Personal Assistant / Office Manager (Executive Office) / senior administrator / business development asst.â&#x20AC;? holding Omani driving license. Local release available â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 99168054 mbk1961@hotmail.com

Male Accountant M.Com Accounts & ďŹ nance, 3 yrs exp in accounts looking for suitable job on visit visa.

Contact: 94648575 Indian CA ďŹ nalist, 7 yrs exp having driving license with visa looking for ďŹ nance / accounts position Email: rameesnm@gmail.com, 98097009 B.Com Graduate, Indian male 24 yrs, 3 yrs exp in Oman looking for Accounting, Sales, suitable jobs.

NOC Available. Contact:90615814.

Mail : adhilrahman.a@gmail.com

10 yrs experienced Omani PRO looking for suitable position. Good knowledge in HR Admin ROP, all Ministries related affairs. Contact: 99588154 / 93387833 MBA professional with 5 yrs exp in the ďŹ eld of HR , Administration, Sales (Business Development) and accounts, holding valid UAE driving license on visit visa until end of March. Contact: 91731542/ shanoj120@gmail.com

Fresher 24, ACCA Affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or Audit with Oman driving license.#- 92430152 Email - raju.rd619@gmail.com

B.Com 3 years business process outsourcing. Contact: 94657273

ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in ďŹ nance. #99284193

Female MBA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HR professional, 5 yrs experience in teaching & administration, have ďŹ&#x201A;air in areas of management, on visit visa. #95905163, Email : manhan17@gmail.com

Indian male, 32 yrs, B.Com having 8 yrs Accounts experience in Oman, looking for suitable placement (local release + Oman D/L available). Contact 97494322 / 98093515 Indian male 28 yrs MBA ďŹ nance/ marketing and graduate in computer experience 3 yrs seeking suitable job, now family visit visa.

Contact: 93195378 Email: faisalme.beg677@gmail.com Indian Male Accountant 10yrs Exp. in OMAN Retail & Furniture Co. (Release Available)#92564955 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, ďŹ nance, banking, L/C, import, export & ďŹ nalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com MBA, Finance, 1 yr experience in Accounting now on visit visa, looking for suitable job. #92901121, Email : lijojoy456@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to ďŹ nalization. Currently employed in Oman.

Having D/L & NOC. #94122464, Email: cammk13@gmail.com Chief Accountant 25 years experienced looking for part/full time accountant job. #95598477/98803439 Indian male 25 B.Com (graduate) 2 years experience as accountant in country club India with ERP oracle r12, tally knowledge. On visit visa immediately available.

Email: shabi.hyd@gmail.com Contact- 9042-1161 Indian female 25 yrs, MBA HR & Marketing, with one and half years experience as accountant and 6 months experience in teaching, now on a visit visa, seeking suitable position. Contact: 99624044, mail: np.neethu1@gmail.com.

Indian male 26 yrs MCA, 2 yrs experienced in System Admin & data base controller. Contact: 92835125

Indian Male â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MBA (HR) & Engineering graduation with total 9 years of experience in HR & Admin ( 3 yrs of Oman Exp.) along with hands on experience in technical bid submission for all Government & PDO tenders ready to join immediately with NOC. #@ 91240251/ Email; kvaradhan@hotmail.com Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235 Indian male MBA 33yrs having 10 yrs of exp seeking full time suitable placement in Administration/ HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics. Holding valid D/L. Contact 99054786 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position. Contact - 99897280 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 Filipino male with 13 years HR and Administration managerial experience. MBA & CIPD holder. Currently looking for job in Oman. Interested employer Contact - 97728418.

Indian, 26 yrs , female , 5 yrs exp in HR/ Admin with valid Oman D/L seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98236033 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

S U N DAY, M A R C H 2 7, 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ARCHITECTURE

Indian male, MCA

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Indian History graduate with diploma in Safety with valid Oman Driving licence seeks suitable placement.

experience in Design and Supervisor in Oman. Contact : 97915193

seeking suitable placement anywhere in Oman, now on visit visa.

Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres), holding valid Oman D/L.

Female Architecture with 3 years

Contact 92319677, Email : ismabsc@gmail.com

Contact - 92789995

Contact-93361624, Email-

Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

dheerachpadikkala@gmail.com

(Post Graduate) fresher

Syrian Architect with 3 years of

experience seeking for a job knows (AutoCAD2D, Photoshop, 3D Max sketch up modeling). Contact: 95582641 / 99632745

DOMESTIC HELP Housemaid (overseas) Indian family looking for job. #99531802

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN 3D & Multimedia Designer looking for job, currently using family visa. Contact : 95844940 Email: chrisrimas@yahoo.com Revit, autocad, 3d max , diploma civil engg, certificate attested, salary exp : 250 OMR. #92279784

CAD Technician Looking for Job Diploma holder. experience: 5.5 oman+Total12 years. #96534071 Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Senior CAD Designer Indian male with 10 years of experience (8 years of experience in GCC) good knowledge of architectural, civil using AutoCAD, MS Office seeking suitable position. Contact: 90518123 Email: mpmudasir@yahoo.com Indian Female, Bsc Fashion Designer with Oman driving Lisence, looking for any good job.

Contact 98757582 Interior Designer Seeking suitable job. On visit visa in Oman.

Contact - 92166130 AutoCAD draftsman experience 2 years. Contact: 93738335 /95809393 Email: mammoosing@gmail.com

DRIVER Pakistani male light vehicle driver with 5 years experience looking for job. Contact: 92171166 Looking for light driver. Contact : 99753474 Light duty driver, 3 years driving experience of Oman, staying in Oman from last 8 years. Contact: 96731603

Light car driving. #99578213 Looking for light driving job 2 years exp. Contact: 91625977

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 Civil Engineer 11 yrs exp in construction field having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact – 94194399 / shiblyrock@gmail.com Engineer has 10 years local & international experience in ready mix concrete also in Oil & Gas field also in marketing & sales field , has Omani driving license. #92534098 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available. #96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement, Mob:97061817, Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, 7 years exp, NOC, GCC driving license looking for suitable jobs in MEP services, O & M of high voltage systems, FMS. Contact: 96137008 Civil Engineer 6 years experience, 4 years in Oman, with driving license available. Contact 92553263

Pakistani male, 2.5 yrs experience in AutoCAD Electrical design, estimation, installation commissioning, operation maintenance of switchgear panels MV, LT, MCC, HVAC, Gen Set, fire alarm panels, available on visit visa before 2nd April 2016 looking for suitable placement.

Contact 92012760, Email : ahmed. abdullah29@yahoo.com B.E Electronics & Instrumentation Engg, certification in Industrial Automation having 2 yrs G.C.C exp in power plant (termination & commissioning) having Omani driving license. Contact: 95862110 Email: mubeensid@gmail.com Civil Engineer with 9 years experience seeks suitable placement, NOC available. Contact : 91195257 Email: mjanoyon@gmail.com Indian Engineer 2 years experience B.Tech (IT) CCNA & MCP certified visit visa seeks challenging positions. Contact: 968 93184847, Email : rizaalrahim@hotmail.com Indian Merchandise, 7 years experience Dubai seeks challenging positions D/L in Dubai. Contact : 90390323 Email: nvshameem123@ gmail.com Indian male, 27 yrs, Electronics Engineer (B.Tech) & MBA, Project Management with 5 years experience in electronic security system, optical fiber, project planning installation. Contact 94819139, usamahaq@gmail.com B.E Mechanical Engineer, 24, one year experience as Production Shift Engineer, Trained on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP. On a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact:95065955 Email: mjs.jazeb@ gmail.com Indian male 26 yrs, Diploma in Electrical Engg residing in Oman seeking job in supervisor. Contact : 92182283 / 95767146, Email : safeerptuvvur@gmail.com Indian Civil Engineer (BE) with 16 years of industry experience in design, quantity surveying, looking for suitable job. #90302823 Email: prince.n@engineer.com Diploma in Civil Engineer having 8 years experience in Oman with driving license. Release available seek replacement urgently. Contact: 95387537 / 97232020

Male, NDT, QA/QC Supervision Mechanical 10 yrs experience seeks suitable placement.

Contact 96954202, Email : nasirarain86@yahoo.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 yrs, Electronics & Telecom, Graduate, Mumbai University (2015 batch) looking for entry level job in Engg.com having good knowledge at telecom, networking ,fiber optic, OraclellgSQL, PLSQL, now in Muscat on 3 months visit visa. Contact : 91868936 / 93101922. Email: siddiquiajmal42@gmail.com Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com Network Engineer CCNA-MCSA exp computer science with NOC. Contact : 92346191 Structural Engineer, 8 yrs experienced in flat slab, post tensioned & slab-beam multi story building design & supervision with driving license. Contact: 98256860 Indian Mechanical Engineer having 8.5 years of experience in mechanical maintenance of steel plant sintering division looking for a suitable job Oman. Knowledge of maintenance in belt conveyors, mixers, circle cooler, ID fans, vibratory screen, two and four roll crushers, weigh feeders, ESP, rotary valves, apron feeder,dragconveyor and vibrofeeder.

Please #0091-8805022155 Indian Civil Engineer in UAE seeking suitable placement in MuscatContact 00968 99142171 Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com Electrical & Electronics Engineer with 3 years GCC exp in sales, GCC driving license. Seeking suitable placement. Contact - 90301410 Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518

Driver. Contact : 94087276 Pakistani male light Vehicle Driver with car looking for job. Contact: 99630504

2 years exp driver seeks placement. Contact: 92055093

Omani male, 37 yrs, with 18 yrs experience in heavy & medium vehicles driving looking for driver job for reputed higher officials (PDO light vehicle license & heavy vehicle license). #99808035

Pakistani, 3 yrs experience in Oman seeks driver job. Knows Hindi, Urdu, English & Arabic. Contact 92142648

Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job. Contact: 99521033

Light driver looking for job Oman exp. Contact :95292621 Indian light driver cum house cleaner. contact 96255558 /99415443

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact : 99739415 / 92091528 Indian female 29 yrs MSc, MED science on family visa 2 yrs experience in teaching field looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 93717403 Email: sharipanidcer08@gmail.com Indian Female, MSc Maths from a Central University, B.ED qualified with over 6 yrs into teaching.

Distinction holder and passion for teaching, currently on family Visa.

Contact: 91360147. iffi_ftm@yahoo. co.in.

with 16 yrs experience in Oman in MNC retails telecom lubes construction related industry handled various projects, holding valid Oman driving license, release available.

Contact 96960991

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Pakistani looking for driver job, 6 years experience with own car.

Contact : 95365879

Sales & Marketing specialist

B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, on visit visa looking for job, who has done certification courses in quality control, basic pipeline engineering, ASNT NDT level II, also good knowledge in HVAC. Contact: 94743373 email:akasharavind1@gmail.com BE CS, 23 yrs male, Indian looking for suitable job. Contact 90658834 Indian male M.SC in Structural Engineering (U.K) B.Tech in Civil Engineering (India), currently in Oman on visit looking for a suitable job. Contact : 93699710 Email: faisal0814@gmail.com Indian male, 29 yrs, B.Tech (EEE) with 5+ yrs of experience from reputed firms in the field of Electrical Site Execution & Project Coordination in HL, LT for various EPC Projects, now on visit, seeks suitable placement in related industries.#92310762, email : write2man@gmail.com B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, on visit visa looking for job, who has done certification courses in quality control, basic pipeline engineering, ASNT NDT level II, also good knowledge in HVAC.Contact:94743373 email:akasharavind1@gmail.com Engineer with 5 years technical sales experience among leading brands in Oman construction market D/L. Contact : 93985140

HSE OFFICER - 7yrs GCC experience, (Indian, 29 yrs) transferable VISA, Diploma, NEBOSH IGC, OSHA, IIRSM. Mob :96647486 Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer (B.E) residing in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact: 98530806 / 99362006 B.Sc in Civil Engineer having 10 yrs experience in structural designer in RCC structure & steel structure in Dubai having Municipality approval & Dubai driving license looking for suitable position. Email : engr.masud.civil@gmail.com BE Mechanical & Diploma with 4 yrs experience in India looking for suitable job. Contact 90542737 Male Dip.Civil Engineer, having 20 yrs exp (building & road) looking for suitable job. Contact: 94720782 Indian male 35yrs BE - Engg 15 yrs exp in UAE Site Manager looking for job. Contact 95802614, Email : vinoj_1979@yahoo.co.in Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. contact:98921022

Male QC Inspector Mechanical, NDT 20 years experience valid Oman D/L, NOC available. Contact: 91001104

Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com

B.Sc Civil Engineer 27 yrs Oman exp as project manager, structural engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC/local transfer available. Contact: 99349578.

Email:farooqatm@hotmail.com

Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com

Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 acmfaslan123@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement #95345591 Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available#94450270 Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598 Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com Indian Electrical Engineer Btech, female 24 seeking job, presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact 968 97436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com

Sudanese Telecom Engineer, 5 years experience, 3 years in Oman PMP certificate. contact 93391008 Email: momen.awadallam@gmail.com Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656

IT Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867 Male, 31 years, M.I.T, CCNA, 9 years exp in Qatar as assistant IT manager, network administrator, server management and knowledge of developing website. Qatar D/L and available in Oman on visit visa. Contact:00968-98179462.

0097477237607, Email: mohsin2022@gmail.com Indian female B.Tech IT having 2 years experience in Oman in Admin Insurance & IT support looking for suitable position. #98679397 Indian male 27 yrs master in computer applications currently in Muscat with Oman driving license seeking suitable placement. #93191800 Email: vijilraj60@ gmail.com 5 yrs experienced Network Administrator seeks suitable job,1 year Gulf experience, Indian Nationality, Indian (Keralite), male, fluent in English, Hindi. Contact 91 9747520792 (India), 94022497 / 98078068 (Oman), email : shariqlsh@gmail.com INDIAN FEMALE COMPLETED M.C.A seeking for suitable jobs. Contact: 91409481 / 97308719 ASP.NET WEB DEVELOPER , 3 YR EXP, PH : 97947921 INDIAN male, pursued bachelor’s of computer science having experience in desktop Engineer, looking for IT job, on visit visa, seeking suitable placement. #98784174 ,email : abdulmoyeed@outlook.com Indian female, B.Tech graduate, with one and half years experience as ‘web developer’ interested in web development and has experience working in HTML,CSS,Bootstrap, JavaScript and Photoshop. contact 9592 7075 e-mail id: mariarosejacob90@gmail.com Indian female, B.Tech graduate, with one and half years experience as ‘web developer’ interested in web development and has experience working in HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript and Photoshop.

Contact : 9592 7075, e-mail id: mariarosejacob90@gmail.com

MANAGER Purchase/Planning & Logistics Manager MBA (Finance), 14yrs.

Oman Exp. with D/L, OC available, looking for suitable position.#93826090, jskanchan01@ gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate.

Contact 92385033 Building Site Supervisor with Oman D/L working in Oman since 2010 looking for suitable placement. Contact: 91507828 15 years Oman experienced procurement manager with good knowledge of material and market.

Contact 96549399 Operations & Accounts Manager Indian 18 years experience in Oman finance, purchase, sales, HR, Admin looking for Senior position.

Contact : 99044724

MANAGER Production Manager 9 years experience in Oman manufacture and development factories .GRB. GRC. GRG rubber molds and false ceilings, fiberglass and executive at site emadadly2000@yahoo.com 96149081 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments & transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact: :- 92385033 Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job. #91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com

MEDICAL Indian female (MSC – Microbiologist) seeking suitable job. Contact: 96791162 / 90618567 Indian female dentist with MOH license having 3 years experience seeking immediate placement.NOC available Contact: 96678476/90343750, Email: jayakrishnak8@gmail.com Indian Bsc Female Nurse with 6.5 years exp, 4 years in KSA. Passed Oman Pro Metric with 69%, completed data flow. Presently in Muscat in visit visa looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 94744900, 94742834, jincyalphonese@gmail.com Male GP Doctor with NOC 6 yrs experience in Oman for perm/locum job. Contact : 97746074 An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. #96436517 /97396088

MISCELLANEOUS 12 yrs exp with store incharge purchasing having valid Omani driving license. #99004638 Indian male 37 yrs X-Ray welder 7 yrs exp (ARC, TIG, ARGON, Welding) seeking suitable job.

Contact: 91360190/98223683 Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 98805474 Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com A lady entrepreneur with BF Tech 1st Class (Fashion Technology) since 2006 in Kerala like to make change for better. Specialized in designing, Production Management, Fashion Art, Grading, Surface ornamentation, Garment Construction.

Email: prettyjinu08@gmail.com Mobile: +919539397097.

Bangladeshi male, University M.Com, Working as an Accountant & Administrator in Oman; searching better job. Phone: 94864966 Email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761

HOSPITALITY Indian male with 1 year experience in food and beverage service as Steward / Guest Associate looking for suitable job in hospitality / hotel organization, presently on visit visa. Contact: 94130103 Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) #96059470

D6

S U N DAY, M A R C H 2 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED SALES / MARKETING Indian MBA Graduate having 4 years in Sales & Marketing in Oman having Oman driving license. NOC also available seeks suitable placement. #94193313 Email: nvshameem123@gmail.com

Indian Male 28 MBA Marketing with 4 years of experience in sales with good communication skills now available in Muscat on visit visa. GSM 95840153 / Mail akbarshareef786@gmail.com

10 yrs exp in procurement, tenders, importing, marketing and sales, organizing events. Have car NOC available. #94123939

Indian male with 6 yrs of GCC exp in sales and service & 1 year of exp in gym fitness instructor.

Seeking job presently in Muscat in family visit visa. Contact: 90694335/ 99438360 or email:sahildgreat99@yahoo.com

Indian male 23 yeas BBM & Diploma in logistic. Looking for Indore/ Outdoor sales & marketing suitable placement, currently in one month visit visa. Contact: 93180270/ faizanmck@gmail.com Indian male Graduated in Business Management having 4 yrs exp in marketing & trading, dealt with international companies and product also having good knowledge in logistic & Admin looking forward to join immediately, having GCC driving license and car NOC available. Contact : 93639385 Email: faizenqidwai@gmail.com Indian male Graduated in business management having 4 yrs exp in marketing & trading dealt with international companies and product, also having good knowledge in logistic and admin, looking forward to join immediately. having GCC driving license and car, NOC available. Contact : 93639385 email; faizenqidwai@gmail.com Indian male 30 years, Gulf exp. GCC license looking for job sales Administration. Contact : 94423288 Email: ferozhussain70007@gmail.com B.Com, specialized in marketing, SAP - FICO, Tally ERP 9 2 yrs exp in sales and accounting ph : 90226336 Pakistani male, fresh Graduate & Diploma in hotel management & tourism, computer literate, interested in Sales & Marketing, Accounts, available on permanent visa, seeks placement with visa.

NOC available. Contact 91439870, Email : waqaxmooxa@gmail.com

Indian sales marketing professional highly experienced in business development in ME India and Africa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97897611 B.Com male 2 yrs experience in sales Computer knowledge, seeking suitable placement. #98371144 email: nabilnazar22@gmail.com Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com Male 38 yrs Graduate 07 years experience indoor / outdoor electronic field with D/License & NOC available (as per new rule). #92453375

TOURS & TRAVEL Indian , presently on visit visa Graduate and IATA certified seeking a job in travel and tourism.

Contact: 97066058 Indian female BA IATA, 7 yrs exp in travel industry knows SABRE AMADEUS GALILEO on family visa seeks opportunity in Oman. Contact 93531170. E mail: claudiatresa17@gmail.com Filipinas lady having exp in ticketing and preservation, call center, secretarial and real estate is now looking for job please call.94054080

MISCELLANEOUS Warehouse Manager of 4 years experience in South Africa (retail, sales & marketing) and teaching in Maldives, on visiting visa looking for suitable placement in Muscat.

Contact : 94745292 Email: sabusoniairiffy@gmail.com Computer Sales and Service man (Indian) with Diploma in Electronics and Communication with more than 2 years experience available in Oman. #97017866 / 95141354 Indian male MBA having 12 years of Sales experience in Oman seeking suitable position, good in Arabic and having valid D/L. NOC can be obtained (as per new rule).

Contact : 98908634 MBA, Executive Post, Omani Driving License, 14 years experience in Multinational Groups in Sales & Marketing. M.Z. 91685048 MBA Marketing sales & business development, digital marketing 10 years experience telemarketing online marketing.#98613324 Manager with 12 years experience in sales & property management, MBA in sales & marketing with Omani D/L looking for a suitable position NOC Available. #98125226 Indian male having 10 years of exp in sales & customer service also worked as IT Technician CCNA Certified. Graduate seeks suitable placement. contact 92490127 NDT candidate QC job visit visa. #93857977 / 96085401 Email: sibinkjacob@gmail.com 23 yrs, Indian male, B.Com, Graduate looking for suitable positions as Assistant Accountant, Marketing Executive, Sales Executive or in Administration, currently on free visa with valid Oman driving license. Contact 98093949 An experienced sales & marketing person having several years experience in GCC with valid D/L. Looking for a suitable position.

Contact – 92124669 MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement. #: 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com Sudanese B.Sc in business administration, exp 8yrs in sales, marketing & accounting. #96112453

Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 ,5 year experience in HR .Contact : +968 91467576.

Filipino Male, 24 Years Old..looking for job, have experience in Cargo & Logistics/ Rent a Car/ Real Estate/ Finance & Accounts/customer service and as Travel Agent.

Hard working and with good computer and communication skills.

GSM: 95370052 Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 and half year experience in HR .Contact : +968 91467576 .

Indian Female, 24 MA Eng. Litr with 2 yrs experience in teaching & 14 months in Administration cum Secretary, Currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92613704/99260702, Email:rohinis2010@gmail.com Sri Lankan Male 34 BSc. (Physics) 5 years experience as a site manager and administration supervisor in Oman with valid D/L looking for a suitable position. Contact 99153061 or v.chandramohan@ yahoo.co.uk Female Junior Architect Graduated from School of Planning & Architecture, Vijayawada. Excellence in Autocad, Sketching & Modelling. Internship - KHAM Designs, Bangalore. Presently with Atulya Architects & Associates. Email saatvika.frozenmusic@gmail.com Contact 00968-94057427.

2 years experienced male seeking job related to safety. M. Tech in HSE, MSc in Environmental Science and IOSH certified. Contact : 94653264 Indian male 37 YEARS, BSC COMPUTER SCIENCE having More than 8yrs of experience with well exposure in PDO, DALEEL & OXY as IT SUPPORT / DESKTOP SUPPORT ENGINEER. Seeking suitable placement. Contact rangaraj_vck@ yahoo.co.in / 968-99758320 Indian Female Electronics System Eng. UK Graduate. Programmer Micro Controller Robot, Eng. Analysis, Instrumentation & Control, Eng. Projects, Integrated Circuit Eng., Electrical and Fluid Drives, Analogue Electronics, Wireless Systems. Seeking suitable post. Contact: 97848075, s.dinesh1508@ gmail.com

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/COMPUTER/WEBSITE MISCELLANEOUS 6 YEARS EXPERIENCE HR/Finance Indian female[29Years] MBA. On family visa, Seeking suitable placement-93908191, email:aswathi.wnd@gmail.com Experienced B.Com graduate + IATA Diploma holder looking for Accounts/Admin/Travels related job. Mob. 91142997. NOC available.

Electrical Engineer Indian male 23 yrs, 2 yrs experience HV/LV Design experience in Oman based projects experience in HV testing (220/110/11kv) presently on visit visa. Contact : 99729860 Email: vivekcet888@gmail.com Indian female B.C.A, B.E.D, IELTS experience in Oman teaching primary & secondary looking for job. Contact : 97384206 Email: rani_sweet786@live.com Indian female, having 10 years experience in logistics and sales coordination, exp in SAP, MS Office valid D/L currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 95251911 Accountant 31 years Indian male, 6 years experience in Dubai & Bahrain with driving license good computer skills seeking for suitable position. Contact : 92791218 Email: vmp2485@gmail.com MCA, Indian female, experience in IT & Administration. Contact : 94133849 Email: abpraveena16@ gmail.com Sudanese male, 5 years experience in warehouse management and logistics services CONTACT 90644186 Sr Material controller, having 13 years experience in material controlling in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). CONTACT 00968-92944026, Email charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in Indian/male (25)/ MBA/2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 96914068, E mail: mailanasap@gmail.com Indian, BE Mechanical Engineering with 1 yr exp as service Engineer, looking for suitable positions. Contact-90637918, E mail: aquasharath@gmail.com Senior Accountant, 5 yrs Oman, 10 yrs UAE experience in manufacturing & construction valid D/L immediately available. Email: irfan_syed2000@hotmail.com, call: 95389018 32year Indian Male MSC,MBAHR having 8yrs Exp(HR / Payroll / Admin) with Oman valid DL. Seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact:00968-99322978 Indian Male ,MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with oman D/L & NOC, Hospital ,Pharma ,Herbal ,FMCG, F&B Markeing ,construction A/c & sales , 93379044

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

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

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

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED MISCELLANEOUS B.Com Graduate with 4 year experience as an Accountant in Oman.

Also have Oman Driving License.

Best fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi& Malayalam. Looking for Job. Currently in Oman. Cont: +968 93943448, murshid4u@gmail.com Physiotherapist on visit visa searching for a job. CONTACT 99767528 / 91317863 SOFTWARE DEVELOPER, Indian Male, 24 years, B.Tech in computer science.3Years of experience in technical support, software development, troubleshooting and managing, seek suitable placement. Contact GSM- 98184170 Commercial or Operation Manager 18 yrs in Oman – finance, purchase, sales, HR & Admin exp.

Contact: 99044724. E mail: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com

HSE Engineer, Indian male, 4 plus years experience in oil & gas, working in shclumberger Nebosh, ISOH & NDT certified, M. Tech in HSE. contact-krish.569@gmail. com mobile- +91 9867016808

Indian Male,B.Com & Diploma Logistics & supply chain management 2years experience looking for job in Accounts/ logistics field. Presently on Visit Visa. Software knows MS office & Tally7.2 .MOBILE:93884951Email:mehreenraiz@gmail.com

BE Mechanical Engineering with one year experience now on visit visa, looking for suitable positions. CONTACT 90637918 / 99335742,email: aquasharath@ gmail.com

Indian male BE Mechanical Engineer having 6 yrs exp in piping and structural construction work, looking suitable position, release available. #96115463-email: jijoraju085@yahoo.com

Indian/male (25)/ MBA /2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 96914068, email: mailanasap@gmail.com

Indian male at a Managerial position having 12 yrs exp in sales & marketing, Property Management looking for a suitable position, MBA qualified with Oman driving license. NOC available. #98125226

Indian male, 8.5 yrs experience, B.Com Graduate with GCC exp & valid driving license looking for better job opening in Muscat. Contact: 92609935 / 94771365

Indian male 31 yrs with over 10 yrs sales & marketing exp seeking suitable placement NOC & Oman D/L available in audition have proficiency in Arabic language.

Contact:95760969

Indian male with 1 yr exp looking for job in I.T as Web developer, presently in Muscat on visit visa.

Contact: 92312978 Indian male network cabling technician (19 years Gulf experience), seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian male, Kerala B.Com & B.PE, looking for suitable Job in Sales, Accounts, Admin etc. #93301023 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com

Export Manager/DM Indian Male 38 Yrs B.Sc /CIPET 13 Yrs Experience in Business Development &Production with Oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact : 97221058 / 92058065, E-mail : ckabdulmajeed@gmail.com Electronics service Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items.

Looking for suitable placement. #99105043

Any time available transportation solution for house office shifting, TV fixing, carpenter all type of maintenance.#Indian person : 95194801 / 96594592 Whatsapp

LOST Mohamed Ohidul has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AG 0128001.

Finder please handover to ROP Abu Bakar Siddque has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AE 8770697.

Finder please handover to ROP Ayaz Zafar Mohammed has lost Indian Passport No. G 8658283.

Finder please handover to ROP

MV SALE GMC Acadia No 1 SLT June 2014 Blue Metallic Color 95366777 Toyota Corolla, 1.6 Ltr, 2009 Model, Automatic, 110,000Kms RO.3,200/-. Contact: 92769735 Doctor used Nissan Sunny 2012 new model for sale Indians preferred. Contact : 95991809

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED MISCELLANEOUS B.A. in Accounting, Experience: 5years of Business/Accounts tutoring and 2 years of Accounting License: 70914186. #96389047, Email: sharanizareen@gmail.com B.Com Graduate with 4 year experience as an Accountant in Oman.

Also have Oman Driving License.

Best fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi & Malayalam, looking for Job. Currently in Oman. Cont: +968 93943448, murshid4u@gmail.com HSE Engineer: 3.8 years experience in Oil & Gas. NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE,B Tech in Mechanical Engg.

CONTACT-krish.569@gmail.com, Mobile- +91 9867016808 Looking for QHSE – Manager / Asst. Manager job, Indian Male – 39.Yrs, With 17.Yrs Experience & NOC, NEBOSH – UK, MR – ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001, HSE Trainings, Audits, Pls Contact – haree. krishnan9944@gmail.com MBA Indian male 2 years experience in firefighting & security systems sales & marketing. Seeking suitable job. Contact – 90634050 INDIAN MALE, 26 years, BBA graduate, seeks suitable position in automotive spare parts, Have 3 year experience. Phone no:96026400, Bineeshpn@gmail.com

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price. Contact: http//webviewoman

MATRIMONIAL Mumbai settled Hindu Ezhava parents invite proposals for their son MBA 29 years 5.9 Star Bharani working with a reputed company in Muscat 9123 5911.

Mumbai settled Muscat based Christian born again Keralite girl, 28 yrs, working school in Muscat looking for suitable alliance. Contact: 99074180 / 97671730 Nair boy 31 /175 cms working in Muscat Pooram star wants suitable bride. Contact : 95501263 Ezhava Divorcee, 37 yrs, 5.3”, Pharmacist in Muscat.

Email :suryakv2010@gmail. com,+919961176066 Keralite, Kollam Marthoma male (27) yrs diploma in Civil (Muscat) seeking alliances form suitable families. Contact: 95253640 Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman.

CONTACT 968 98267338, 0091 9287215726 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single. CONTACT 96059801.

NRI 1650 Sq ft plot with gate for sale Erettai Vaikkal, Vayalur Road, Trichy 95366777 Housing in a well developed area for sale in Mangalore 100 meters from Main road at: Malaraya Temple Road, Chilimbi Near Urva stores, Mangalore -Karnataka, India Land: 181.60 Sq.mts, House built in the year 1986 consisting of ground floor and first floor. Total build up area around 2000 Sq.ft with car parking. Separate water and electricity connections. Contact: Anil Kumar: +91 97418 85128 (between 12 noon till 10 pm).

Flats villas land for sale in Pune Contact: 95272138/918139098275

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

S U N DAY, M A R C H 2 7, 2 0 1 6

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

TOURS

TOURS

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS ONE STOP SHOP BUSINESS SERVICES Public relation services (PRO), Formation new companies, LLC companies, investor visa, business setup, prepare business & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company.

Investment Required Minimum OMR 500,000 for highly profitable running Excavation projects. Assured income 36 %.

Contact

98867530 / 99120532

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR 25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898 Driver available with car.#96728056

Email :

engrfaheem@hotmail.com

MANPOWER

Electrical Contracting Company with DCRP- D Grade license, Muscat started in 2013, having running projects available for sale or partnership. #00968 9604 5659

ACC.WANTED

Contact Saleh: 96723485

Looking for experienced person to run a fully arranged Coffee shop in Khuwair (behind Rawasco) with 7 visa available 99441122

ACC WANTED looking for a villa in Amirat area Contact : 95405033

Looking for a villa in Amerat area.

Contact : 95405033 Required single room for an executive lady (non cooking) in Darsait, Ruwi, Wadi Kabir.

Contact - 98591132 Accommodation required with food for 1 month, bachelor for March month. Preferably Al Ghobrah area. Contact: 99335742

RENT A CAR Best Rates for Saloon Contact: 97869042 / 95730550 sales@modernreem.com

D8

S U N DAY, M A R C H 2 7, 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 SERVICES Fixed asset verification inventory control software installation support services. Contact: 97703143 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC .#99344723

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476 Split & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance.contact 93769089 / 95323517 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. #93769089 / 95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

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Age 27years, 6 years Experiance in Maintenance, troubleshooting and managing and Technical in substation as a Electrical Engineer.Seek suitable placement. Contact GSM92995899,(a.abbas31@gmail.com)

A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. #99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 A/C Technician, cold store, freezer, chiller all kinds of A/C & refrigeration installation & service.

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Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Bangladeshi male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job. Phone: 91997605, email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com

Building maintenance. #96173326

25 years, male B.Com and insurance Graduate with 6 year experience looking for an opening in accounts, finance or operations related only. Driving license and NOC available. #lilommca@gmail. com and 95236312.

Admin Assistant, Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available).

GSM. 00968-98404122, Email panduru.jeevankumar@gmail.com Master’s in Petroleum Geology looking for relevant job ready to join ASAP, valid drivers license.

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BANGLADESH INDEPENDENCE & NATIONAL DAY 2016

TIMES OF OMAN SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT I N S I D E PAG E S

Bangladesh happy to be Oman’s partner in progress PAGE 2 >

Bangladesh offers plenty of opportunities for investment PAGE 3 >

Cultural, heritage sites hold immense tourism potential PAGE 4 >

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016

Government committed to making Bangladesh developed country by 2041

O

n the eve of our great Independence and National Day 2016, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to my fellow countrymen living at home and abroad.

The great Independence Day is a glorious occasion in our national life. On this historic day, I recall with profound respect Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who proclaimed country’s independence on March 26, 1971 after inspiring the whole nation with Bangalee nationalism and preparing them for independence for over two decades. Under his charismatic leadership, we achieved our much awaited independence through a nine-month long armed struggle. I pay my deep gratitude to the heroic martyrs who made supreme sacrifices in the war of liberation. I also recall with deep reverence our four National Leaders, valiant freedom fighters, organizers, supporters and people from all walks of life for their

unmatched contributions and courageous role that accelerated the process of our victory.

One of the prime objectives of our hard-earned independence was to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. Keeping that in mind, the government has been making untiring efforts in materializing the objectives of independence. In the meantime, we have achieved notable progress in every sphere of our national life. The country has attained food sufficiency due to huge development in agriculture. Food grains are being exported at a small scale. Empowerment of women is continuing.

Maternal and child mortality rate has been reduced and life expectancy rate has simultaneously been raised.

The mega project of constructing the Padma Bridge is underway by our own fund. At the same time we have also attained remarkable development in private sector. The country’s financial sector along with banks and insurances has been expanded.

Bangladesh is now being branded

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Md. Abdul Hamid

as a role model of development throughout the world.

Our achievements in the international arena are also commendable. The longstanding land and maritime boundary dispute with India and Myanmar has been resolved for our successful foreign policy based on “Friendship to all and malice towards none”. The mutual relations with the friendly

countries around the globe have been expanded and strengthened. The contribution of Bangladesh in mitigating the negative impact of globe climate change along with protecting environment is being acclaimed by the world community. Bangladeshi peacekeepers, under the auspices of the United Nations, have upheld the country’s image abroad presenting their professionalism and competence. Our expatriate Bangladeshis have also been making significant contributions to our national economy through sending their hard- earned remittances. Nevertheless, we have to go a long way for achieving the desired goals of independence. I believed that sincere and concerted efforts from all strata irrespective of party affiliation are imperative to reach the goals.

Communal harmony is our tradition. The people of our country do not support violence including militancy and terrorism. They always

uphold peace and believe in coexistence. Exercising democratic norms and values, maintaining tolerance and fortitude and showing mutual respect are the preconditions for flourishing democracy. Therefore, we have to maintain patience, selfrestraint, and forbearance along with showing respect to others, opinion in a democratic pluralism.

We have to arouse our indomitable spirit of war of liberation and noncommunal values. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman cherished a dream of transforming Bangladesh into ‘sonar Bangla’. The present government has set ‘Vision 2021’ and ‘Vision 2041’ to make Bangladesh into a middle-income and a developed country respectively.

On this historic day of independence, I urge all to make united efforts to accelerate overall development and democratic advancement of the country.

Khoda Hafez, May Bangladesh Live Forever. — Md. Abdul Hamid

Let’s build a prosperous Bangladesh Let’s ensure a better world I CONVEY my heartiest greetings to my countrymen as well as to all expatriate Bangalees on the occasion of the great Independence and National Day of Bangladesh.

The 26th March is the day of earning self-identity of our nation. It’s the day of breaking the shackles of subjugation. On the eve of the Independence Day, I recall with deep gratitude the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose dynamic leadership we earned our great independence.

I pay my deep homage to the three million martyrs and 200 thousand women who lost their innocence in the War of Liberation. I also pay my tributes to four national leaders who led the War of Liberation. My homage goes to the valiant freedom fighters, including the wounded ones. I extend my sympathies to those who had lost their near and dear ones,

PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE

Sheikh Hasina

and were subjected to brutal torture during the war. I recall with gratitude our foreign friends who had extended their whole-hearted support and cooperation for the cause of our liberation.

The occupation forces launched sudden attack and started killing in-

nocent and unarmed Bangalees on the black night of March 25, 1971.

The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed the independence of Bangladesh at the first hour of March 26, 1971. Bangabandhu’s proclamation was spread all over the country through telegrams, tele-printers and EPR wireless. The international media also had circulated Bangabandhu’s proclamation of independence.

Earlier, Bangabandhu in his historic address at the Suhrawardy Udayn on March 7 made a fervent call of independence. He said, “The struggle of this time is for freedom, the struggle for this time for our independence.” He instructed the Bangalee nation to resist the enemies. Under the brave and dauntless leadership of Bangabandhu, we earned the ultimate victory on December 16, 1971 after a 9-month bloody war.

Continue to Page 2 >

for our future generations

TODAY is March 26, the great Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. Forty-five years back, our great leader, the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence on this very day. The Bengali heroes started the Liberation War at his clarion call.

On this auspicious Day, I pay deep reverence to the great hero of the War of Independence, the greatest Bengali of all times Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led his people from the front in various movements and struggles from 1952 Language Movement to the 1971 Liberation War to the greatest achievement of Bengali nationhoodindependent Bangladesh. With unfathomable love and respect, I recall the supreme sacrifices made by our war heroes, the 3 million martyrs and the wounded freedom fighters.

FOREIGN MINISTER’S MESSAGE

Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, M.P

My sympathy goes to those families who lost their near and dear ones during the Liberation War. I also pay my gratitude to people from all walks of life and especially Continue to Page 2 >

2

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016

BAN

Bangladesh quite happy to be Oman’s partner in progress

O

n the occasion of the 45th Anniversary of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh on March 26, 2016, I extend my heartiest greetings and felicitations to all fellow citizens of Bangladesh living in the Sultanate of Oman.

On this historic day, we pay our deepest tributes to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who proclaimed the country’s independence on March 26, 1971. After inspiring the whole nation and preparing them for independence over the decades, Bangladesh achieved independence after nine months’ long war. I pay my deep homage to the heroic martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the independence of the country. This is an occasion for all of us not only to rejoice but to remind ourselves of the supreme sacrifices made by our valiant freedom fighters and martyrs and also an occasion to renew our solemn resolve to live by the ideals and values of the War of Liberation. On this glorious day we fondly remember the contribution and support of the global community and our friendly countries in the independence of Bangladesh.

After the independence on December 16, 1971, Bangladesh has achieved notable progress in every sphere of national life. We have achieved food sufficiency. There is a steady growth of 6.5 percent, foreign currency reserve, progress in infrastructure development, substantial progress has also been made in human resource development, women empowerment, electricity production, education, health and use of technology. After successful implementation of Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations, Bangladesh has been acclaimed as a role model and she is now committed to the objectives and realization of the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The democratic

government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working to transform the country into a middle income country by 2021 and develop country by 2041. Bangladesh has also received high appreciation from the world community for its commendable successes in achieving MDGs, poverty reduction, women empowerment, transformation of its economy and other sectors.

The present democratic government has pledged to implement ‘Vision 2021’ which aims to make the country, by then in its 50 years of independence, a self-reliant, poverty-free and prosperous nation having the status of a middle income country. The government is committed to improving relations with the global community with special focus towards the neighbours and the Arab world. We are engaged with renewed interest and zeal to strengthen the partnership between the Sultanate and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and Oman, two brotherly Muslim countries, over the years have forged excellent relations based on mutual interests and enduring values and ideals. Bangladesh deeply values its relations with the Sultanate of Oman. In the pursuit of boosting our bilateral relations with Oman, the most significant progress has been made in the recent years. There were a number of high level ministerial visits from Bangladesh to Oman and similarly there were visits of Omani delegations to Bangladesh. Oman has set up their full fledged embassy in Dhaka in 2013.

Md. Shahriar Alam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, paid an official visit to the Sultanate in April 2015. The visit marks a new phase in bilateral relations between the two countries through signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultation.

Bangladesh and Oman have finalized an agreement on the promotion and reciprocal protection of investment after successful consultation

AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE

Sheikh Sekander Ali

and visits by both the sides which is expected to be signed by the end of this year.

A 23-member National Defence College (NDC) delegation visited Oman in September 2015 as a part of NDC’s study tour. The National Defense College of Oman hosted the visit.

A seven-member Bangladesh business delegation visited Oman in November 2015 to participate in the third edition of Business Opportunities Forum upon invitation from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI).

Bangladesh is happy to be one of the partners in terms of expatriate workforce in the Sultanate.

We are grateful to the government of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for generously laying its trust in the abilities of the nationals of the brotherly nation, Bangladesh, which paved the way for our professionals and workers to contribute to the sustained development of the Sultanate in friendship, peace and harmony for the mutual benefits of both countries. The contribution of Bangladeshis in the agriculture sector in Oman has won special recognition.

Both Bangladesh and Oman can benefit by strengthening the relations particularly in the fields of trade, commerce, investment and

agriculture. Regular exchange of visits between the trade bodies, chambers, business groups of two countries and participation in each other’s trade fairs would be immensely beneficial in that regard.

Bangladesh can offer a basket of products competitive both in terms of price and quality such as garments and knitwear, medicines, tea, leather and leather products, plastics, ceramics etc. On the other hand, Oman can consider Bangladesh as a potential destination to export petroleum products, chemical products and the like. Also, investments or joint ventures may be eyed in the areas of oil and gas, power, sea port development, infrastructure, telecommunications, textile, light engineering, agro-based industries, refinery and shipping etc.

Bangladesh offers attractive investment opportunities for foreign companies and maintains perhaps the most investor-friendly regulatory regime in South Asia. The key factors for foreign investors include i. Trainable, enthusiastic, hardworking and low-cost (even by regional standards) labour force with great resilience in a largely homogeneous society. ii. Potentially significant market, especially with prospective access to South Asia. iii. Electricity, telecommunica-

tion, gas and water facilities. iv. Infrastructure, including upgraded ports, railways and airports facilities.

Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) is entrusted with the development, and management of special demarcated areas in the public sector known as EPZs for establishing industries for foreign investors. The facilities and incentive package offered by BEPZA are highly competitive. These facilities are offered under certain flexible terms and conditions and, mainly include: Land and factory buildings are available for rent, one-stop service for all necessities, export and import permits issued in one day, work permits for foreign nationals, Recreational facilities for foreign nationals, tax holiday, exemption of income tax, avoidance of double taxation, complete exemption from dividend tax, duty free import and export facilities, project expansion and product diversification, local and international banking facilities, equal rights with Bangladeshi nationals for foreign employees etc.

On this occasion I would also like to avail the opportunity to convey my sincere greetings and good wishes to the brotherly people of Oman in their endeavour of continued progress under the blessed Renais-

sance of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, may Allah protect him. Under his wise and present leadership the Sultanate has reached a dignified position in the world community. His Majesty’s policies of peace and development have helped the world in general and the neighboring countries in particular, in bringing about settlement of long standing disputes and leave together with peace and harmony. We pray to almighty Allah for His Majesty’s good health, personal well-being and long life so that His Majesty can lead his beloved nation for many more years to come.

I would like to convey my deep gratitude to the brotherly people of the Sultanate, different ministries of the government for extending to me all courtesies, cooperation and support in carrying out my assignment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Home Affairs, particularly Royal Oman Police and the Immigration, are extending all possible support to our Mission and our community.

I also urge upon our compatriot Bangladeshis in Oman to follow and respect the rules, regulations, values and traditions of Oman and try their best to live up to the expectations of their employers with fullest sincerity. I am also grateful to our fellow Bangladeshis for their understanding and cooperation with me and my mission while endeavoring to improve the bilateral relations and enhance the image of Bangladesh in Oman.

I am certain that relations between Bangladesh and the Sultanate of Oman would further strengthen in future for the mutual benefit and continued success of both the nations.

Finally, I would like to convey my best wishes to His Majesty the Sultan, the people of the Sultanate and Bangladesh peace, progress and prosperity. May Almighty Allah bless us all. — Sheikh Sekander Ali

Prime Minister’s Message The independence earned through supreme sacrifices of millions of people is the greatest achievement of Bangalee nation.

To ensure that this achievement remains meaningful, all should know the history of our great liberation war and retain the spirit of independence. The history should be passed on from generation to generations.

Whenever Bangladesh Awami League formed government, it remained committed to developing the country and the nation upholding the spirit of our great independence and freedom struggle. During the last seven years, we have implemented vast development programmes in all sectors, including agriculture, education, health, law and order, information technology, energy and power, communica-

tions, sports, foreign relations urban and rural development, human development, social safety-net and women development. As a result, our purchasing capacity, per capita income, foreign currency reserve, export, investment and employment have multiplied manifold.

Bangladesh has emerged as a role model of development. Various countries and organizations, including the UN, have lauded Bangladesh and honoured.

We have implemented the verdict of the killing case of Bangabandhu and most of his family members.

The verdicts of cases against those who committed crimes against humanity are also being implemented. The defeated anti-liberation, communal forces are still engaged in undoing the democratic and development process of the country.

On this auspicious day, I urge the countrymen to foil any plot of the

evil-forces together.

We are committed to reaching the fruits of the independence to every nook and cranny. Our target is to turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021, and a developed and prosperous one by 2041. We have been striving to accomplish the target.

I hope that all citizens of our country would engage themselves with their utmost sincerity, honesty and dedication to build Bangladesh as a peaceful, non-communal, developed and prosperous country and help place it on a prestigious position in the comity of nations.

Let us take a fresh vow to build a Golden Bangla as dreamt by the Father of the Nation being imbued with the spirit of the war of liberation.

Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu.

May Bangladesh Live Forever.

— Sheikh Hasina

TIMES OF OMAN SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

NGLADESH INDEPENDENCE & NATIONAL DAY 2016 Bangladesh has become a role model to the world

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n the occasion of 26th March, the great Independence and National Day of Bangladesh, my sincere greetings to all Bengalis living at home and abroad.

On this very day, I recall with deep reverence our great leader and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by whose clarion call the Bengalis started the War of Liberation. I pay my homage to our 3 million martyrs and 2 hundred thousand mothers and sisters whose supreme sacrifice and dishonor ushered us an independent and sovereign Bangladesh colored in red and green. My respectful salute goes to all freedom fighters including the wounded war heroes on this auspicious moment of Independence Day. I express profound gratitude to all foreign friends, expatiate Bangladeshis, members of diplomatic front who accelerated our victory by extending all possible support during Liberation War of Bangladesh.

March 26 is the day of breaking the shackles of subjugation. On this day, the Bengalis protested against the misrule, exploitation and oppression. Our war heroes took up arms at the call of the Father of the Nation.

Before that, on March 7, 1971, Bangabandhu in his historic speech at the then Race-Course Maidan (present Sohrawardy uddyan) declared, “The struggle this time is the struggle for our emancipation; the struggle this time is the struggle for liberation.” Being started on March 26, the bloody war ended fruitfully through the emergence of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh.

March 26 is a day to remember the great leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, war heroes and their contributions as well as to take oath to realise the spirit of our Liberation War which motivated the Bengali Nation to make supreme sacrifices. This is also an occasion to introduce our new generation to the true history of our Liberation War. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working tirelessly to materialise the dream of the Father of the Nation for a

MESSAGE OF STATE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Bangladesh offers plenty of opportunities for investment

S

Md. Shahriar Alam, MP

secular as well as hunger and poverty-free prosperous Bangladesh.

As a result, Bangladesh is marching forward with $1,316 per capita income, more than 6.5% growth rate and $28 billion of foreign currency reserves. Progress in infrastructure development, electricity production, education and health sectors, women empowerment, use of technology, human resource development, expansion of social safety net, successful implementation of the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations, new dimension in foreign relations — all are bringing change in Bangladesh. Today, Bangladesh is a role model to the outer world. These changes in Bangladesh are towards prosperity and welfare, and you, my expatiate brothers and sisters, are a part of this onward movement.

Today $13 billion of remittances is the outcome of your love for the motherland as well as your families.

These remittances are contributing significantly to the development process of Bangladesh.

To keep up with this pace of development we all will be working unitedly under “Vision 2021” declared by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to transform Bangladesh into a middle income country by 2021 and follow the path of development to take Bangladesh to the level of a developed country by 2041. We pledge this on our 46th Independence and National Day. Joy bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.

— Md. Shahriar Alam, MP

ince its birth, Bengal has harboured the free spirit of entrepreneurs.

The muslin, spices and other premium products have their exclusive market all over the globe. Before colonisation by the British, Bengal was considered the fourth largest exporting country in the world.

The balance of trade has always tilted towards Bengal since colonisation. Things changed as the economic instruments were destroyed.

In the recent years, the economy of Bangladesh has made a fair turn.

The growth of economy is persistent for the last decade, registering 6 per cent growth and promising to reach 7 per cent in the years to come.

Bangladesh is now trying to establish itself as the next rising star in South Asia for foreign investment. The government has implemented a number of policy reforms designed to create a more open and competitive climate for private investment, both foreign and local.

The country has been quick to undertake major restructuring for establishing a market economy, a key role played by the private sector. Its current development strategy is based on the creation and distribution of wealth through the acceleration of growth driven by competitive market forces, with the government facilitating growth.

The government has moved speedily to translate its vision of becoming a MIC (Middle Income Country) by 2021 through policy plans, such the ‘7th Five-Year Plan,’ ‘Perspective Plan,’ the ‘National Social Security Strategy (NSSS),’ and appropriate Sustainable Development Goals, etc.

Bangladesh has consistently pursued an open-door investment policy and playing a catalytic role in augmenting private investment.

Foreign Minister’s Message the members of the diplomatic front who, during and after our Liberation War, put in a very courageous role that created the ground for obtaining moral, financial and military support from global community in favour of the Liberation War. Enormous contributions from our foreign friends have been written in golden letters in the history of the emergence of Bangladesh.

We are privileged to recognize their contribution and bestow honour.

Bangabandhu’s daughter and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared ‘Vision-2021’ in line with the spirit of Liberation War and the dream of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to build a ‘Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bengal) to achieve people’s socio-economic emancipation and to build a poverty and hunger-free

prosperous country. In its second consecutive term, the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is now working to transform the country into a middle income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041. Bangladesh has already attained the status of a lower middle income country in the World Bank index and is on track to become middle income country well before 2021.

After successful completion of the ‘Millennium Development Goals’ (MDGs) in which Bangladesh has been acclaimed as a ‘role model’, we are now committed to the objectives and realization of the ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. With Prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the helm of affairs as an acclaimed ‘Global Leader’, Bangladesh is ready to take up the challenges of achieving the sustainable development goals.

On this day, I thank all the members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our Missions abroad who have been working with sustained dedication and commitment in achieving our foreign policy objectives and promoting national interest of Bangladesh on the world stage. I also congratulate Bangladesh Diaspora in every corner of the world which is immensely contributing to the strengthening of the image of Bangladesh — they are our true ‘Ambassadors’. Their contribution to the economy is also gratefully acknowledged.

On this historic day, Let us make a renewed pledge to devote ourselves to work form our respective positions imbued with the spirit of Liberation War to build a ‘Sonar Bangla’ and also a better world for our future generations.

Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.

— Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, M.P

For that regulatory controls and constrains have been reduced to a minimum. The government has steadily liberalised its trade regime.

Significant progress has been achieved in reducing non-tariff restrictions on trade, rationalising tariff rates and improving export incentives.

On the legal and administrative front, the government has initiated measures to impart greater autonomy and independence to the judiciary—a pre-requisite for investors, which is needed for the restoration of confidence in the judicial system.

Relevant commercial laws, such as the Company Law, securities laws has been updated and modernised. The financial reporting act has been passed to ensure transparency in financial reporting. The Industrial Relations Act has been amended to enhance the labour market’s efficiency. Various proinvestor measures are being undertaken to match the global pace.

Why Bangladesh?

A winning combination: Bangladesh is a winning combination for the competitive market, given its business-friendly environment and competitive cost structure that can give you the best returns.

Strong growth prospects: The value of the economy of Bangladesh is currently pegged at $170 billion, which according to the International Monetary Fund will rise to $322 billion, creating enormous economic opportunities.

Considerable population of educated and motivated youth • 57 per cent of the population is under 25 years old • High literacy rate (72 per cent)

among youth aged 15 to 24 years • Inspired young, hungry for work and growth • 2 million youth entering the job market each year Strategic location, regional connectivity and worldwide access Bangladesh is strategically located next to India, China and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) markets. As the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) comes into force, investors in Bangladesh will enjoy dutyfree access to India, along with EU (European Union), Japan and other developed countries.

Strong local market and growth Bangladesh has proved to be an attractive investment location with its 170 million-strong population and consistent economic growth for a decade leading to strong and growing domestic demand.

Low cost of energy: Energy prices in Bangladesh are the most competitive in the region Proven export competitiveness: Bangladesh enjoys tariff-free access to the European Union, Canada and Japan. In Europe, Bangladesh enjoys 60 per cent of the RMG market share and is one of the top manufacturing exporters.

Competitive incentives: Bangladesh offers the most liberal FDI (foreign direct investment) regimes in South Asia, allowing 100 per cent foreign equity with unrestricted exit policy, remittance of royalty and repatriation of equity and dividend.

Export and economic zones: Bangladesh offers export oriented industrial enclaves, with infrastructural facilities and logistical support for foreign investors. Building an economic

zone is currently in process. The country is also developing its core infrastructure, roads, highways, surface transport and port facilities for a better business environment.

Positive environment: It has a largely homogenous society with people living in harmony, irrespective of race and religion.

Bangladesh is a democratic country enjoying broad bi-partisan political support for private investment. A legal and policy framework for business is conducive for foreign investment.

Increasing trade integration Labour cost advantage (less than half the average of other Asian economies) Already the second largest garments exporter globally, with other sectors coming up, such as IT outsourcing, ceramics, light engineering, etc.

Progress on SAFTA, BIMSTEC talks Increasing urbanisation: The urbanisation rate is fast; and it will double over the next four decades.

With the help of rapid industrialisation, infrastructure development and demographic shifts, Dhaka will become the world’s fifth largest city, with a population of 19 million by 2019. (U.N. forecast) Why invest in Bangladesh?

Policies and reforms • Continued reforms taking place that embrace the best global practices • A positive attitude among policy makers towards undertaking reforms for business growth • A special high-level committee working for policy and regulatory improvement Continue to Page 4 >

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SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016

TIMES OF OMAN SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

BANGLADESH INDEPENDENCE & NATIONAL DAY 2016

Cultural, heritage sites hold immense tourism potential ZIAUL HAQUE HOWLADER

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istory has revealed that Bangladesh has been the cradle of civilisation, a centre of cultural diffusion, since the dawn of the history of mankind.

It was the meeting ground for various peoples in different states of civilization, the most primitive, as well as the most advanced. The cultural history of Bangladesh is one of the greatest and glorious heritages, which every Bangladeshi is legitimately proud of. Each phase of the history of Bangladesh has its distinct characteristics and every race of people, who came and settled here, left its individual, racial, religious or cultural impact in the form of temples, stupas, monasteries and mosques, along with their associated objects.

Bangladesh is a country of diverse attractions, bountiful nature and friendly millions, with more than a millennium of cultural heritage. The landscape of Bangladesh looks like a magical tapestry in green woven intricately by nature and crisscrossed by a network of several major rivers and their numerous tributaries and canals. In fact, Bangladesh is the largest riverine delta in the world.

The extensive river systems are, thus, fundamental to the country’s economy and the people’s way of life.

In Bangladesh, the cultural landmarks of antiquity range from the 3rd century B.C. to the 19th century A.D. At the time of independence, the total number of monuments and sites protected in the then East Pakistan under the Ancient Monument Preservation Act was 80, whereas, the number has now increased to 345. The Department of Archaeology in Bangladesh, the government agency responsible for the preservation and conservation of cultural property in the country, has not only protected these monuments, but has also taken the responsibility to conserve them

through specialised methods so that these are preserved in their original features for the posterity.

Basically an agricultural country, Bangladesh is also steadily marching towards industrialisation with investment from home and abroad.

Bangladesh is literally a multi-faceted cultural collage. Its deep-rooted heritage is amply reflected in its architecture, literature, dance, drama, music and painting. Influenced by great religion—Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity—Bangladesh has been a melting pot of diverse races and a confluence of civilisations.

Sculpture, tapestry, and engravings have developed along the main stream of contemporary art, drama, mainly of an indigenous origin, which has distinct features. Pantomime, puppet, theatre, caricature, acrobatics and circuses have their own novelties. The music of Bangladesh has developed through centuries, along the three mainstreams— folk, modern and classical. Folk, tribal and classical are the promi-

nent forms of dance.

Fairs and festivals, both religious and social, always play a significant role in the life of the people of Bangladesh. The Bengali New Year’s Day, Independence Day, National Martyr’s Day, the International Mother Language Day, Eid-ul-fitr, Eid-ul Azha, Durga Puja, Christmas Day, and Buddha Purnima are a few such occasions worth mentioning. Beside these, various fairs and exhibitions are held throughout the country around the year.

The cultural resources of Bangladesh for tourism, such as the visual and performing arts, crafts, traditional dress, ceremonies, architecture and lifestyle is being technologically developed, interpreted and managed. These are also significant aspects of the cultural heritage of a particular area of Bangladesh, which is being preserved for the benefit of residents. In many places, cultural traditions are being lost because of the influence of modern development in general. Cultural tourism can be an important vehicle for

revitalising and conserving, often on a selective basis, these cultural traditions, because they are attractions for tourists.

Bangladesh, at present, is applying new technologies in the presentation and interpretation of historic and cultural sites to draw more tourists. For a country like Bangladesh, where culture and tradition are unique, variant and having long historical background and significance, installation of adoptable technology is necessary. Hence, Bangladesh is trying its level best to apply more modern technologies in the presentation and interpretation of historic and cultural sites to visit.

Visual arts and crafts are important attractions for tourists and can be a source of income for residence in the tourist areas, including people living in village and rural areas. For the authenticity of local arts and craft, these arts reflect local designs, materials and craft skills.

The whole of Bangladesh is fa-

mous for arts and craft. Bangladesh has developed some special art centres, such as Dhamrai, Comilla, Sonargaon, Rajshahi, which are famous for their local art and craft.

Government has taken some institutional measures for developing and marketing different sorts of visual arts and crafts.

Cultural tourism can also provide a market for the contemporary art of paintings and sculpture that are well developed in many places, often through university educational programmes of Bangladesh. Contemporary art is being sold to tourists at art galleries located independently or in hotels and at special exhibits.

Various art and craft exhibitions are regularly held in different galleries, hotels, and motels of Bangladesh.

A common and often successful approach for presentation and sales of arts and craft is the development of integrated craft centres or “villages.” The government of Bangladesh has plans to set up such type of centres or villages, especially at Sonargaon in the near future. These centres will be designed in the local traditional architectural style and will contain a large number of shops, demonstrations of arts and crafts production, snacks bars, restaurants and other tourist facilities.

Traditional dance, music and drama performances of Bangladesh are also of much interest to many tourists. There are also institutional training programmes in Bangladesh that ensure high quality levels of performances. Bangladesh, being a newly tourism-developed country, puts forth the best effort to find out the techniques for the management and marketing of its tourism at historic and cultural sites, with particular reference to mass destinations.

The traditional music in Bangladesh shares the perspectives of that of the Indian sub-continent. Music in Bangladesh can be divided into three distinct categories—classical, folk and modern. The classical music, both vocal and instrumental, is rooted in the past of the sub-con-

tinent. Ustad Alauddin Khan and Ustad Ayet Ali Khan are two names in classical instrumental music, who are internationally known. The store of folk songs abounds in the spiritual lyrics of Lalan Shah, Hasan Raja, Romesh Shill and many anonymous lyricists. The Bangla music arena is enriched with Jari, Shari, Bhatiali, Murshidi and other types of folk songs. Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Sangeet are Bengalis’ precious heritage. Modern music is also practiced widely. Contemporary patterns have more of an inclination for the west. Pop song and band groups are also coming up mainly in Dhaka City.

Bangladesh also has a rich tradition for art. Specimens of ancient terracotta and pottery show remarkable artistry. Modern painting was pioneered by artists, such as Zainul Abedin, Qamrul Hasan and S.M. Sultan. Zainul Abedin and S.M. Sultan earned worldwide fame for their stunning sketches of the Bengal Famine in 1943. Other famous artists of Bangladesh are Abdur Razzak, Qayyum Chowdhury, Murtaza Baseer, Aminul Islam, Debdas Chakraborty, Kazi Abdul Baset, Syed Jahangir, and Mohammad Kibria.

The earliest available specimen of Bengali literature is about 1000 years old. During the mediaeval period, Bengali Literature developed considerably with the patronage of Muslim rulers. Chandi Das, Daulat Kazi and Alaol are some of the famous poets of the period. The era of modern Bengali Literature began in the late 19th century with Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Laureate, being a vital part of Bengali culture. Kazi Nazrul Islam, Michael Madhusudan Datta, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhaya, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhaya, Mir Mosharraf Hossain and Kazi Ahdul Wadud are the pioneers of modern Bengali literature.

(Ziaul Haque Howlader is a tourism analyst and senior deputy manager, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation).

Bangladesh offers plenty of opportunities for investment Appealing incentives • Offering a whole range of investment incentives and benefits • All fiscal, financial and other types of incentives are competitive among similar locations Market access • Bangladesh has a large domestic market of more than 160 million • Middle class (with purchasing power) is growing fast • Has access to regional market of about 3 billion people through regional and bilateral integration in South Asia • Bangladesh has preferred market access (global reach) to large developed markets • ASEAN/East Asian investors can utilise Bangladesh as an export springboard for the world Praise for Bangladesh Citi Investment Research and Analysis has termed Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Mongolia, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam as having the most promising (per capita) growth prospects.

Goldman Sachs included Bangladesh in its “Next 11” list after the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) nations.

The IMF has commented on the economy of Bangladesh as resilient export and remittance flows have bolstered growth and external stability.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has dismissed the previous branding of Bangladesh saying, “Basket Case No More”—with a higher growth rate, a lower birth rate, and a more internationally competitive economy.

JPMorganChase said Bangladesh, the country ranks fourth in growth, with an economically active population.

Morgan Stanley is of the view that Bangladesh is in the very early stages of an investment boom.

The New York Times has termed Bangladesh as “an unlikely corner of Asia, with a strong promise of growth.”

An HSBC report (2012), entitled “The World in 2050,” listed Bangladesh as one of the top seven coun-

tries expected to deliver the fastest growth en-route to 2050.

The “World Economic Situation and Prospects 2013” of the United Nations said “…strong growth performances are continuing…” in Bangladesh.

The Global Competitive Report 2013 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) reported that Bangladesh has been elevated by eight stages point this year.

In its latest survey, McKinsey & Co. said „Bangladesh is still No. 1,” as the global sourcing hub for RMG. Deutsche Bank AG, Germany commented that Bangladesh has a robust economic growth pattern, comfortable buffer against external shocks, and a favourable external liquidity profile.

The World Bank July 1, 2015, categorised Bangladesh as a Low Middle Income Country (LMIC), up from being a Low Income Country (LIC).

Investment climate The broad investment climate of Bangladesh is very much conducive for investors. The successive government of Bangladesh has given highest priority to augmenting private investment in Bangladesh. The regime is considered as the most competitive in South Asia.

There is no restriction on the amount of share of investment. Foreign investors are eligible to take advantage of a wide range of generous tax concessions and other fiscal incentives and facilities.

Investment in Bangladesh is secured vis-à-vis nationalisation and expropriation. To facilitate investment, Bangladesh is a signatory of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) of the World Bank Group, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) of the United States and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and also a member of World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and World Trade Organization (WTO).

• Bangladesh is one of the top exporters of readymade garments to the United States and Europe • Risk factors for FDI are a minimum in Bangladesh • Bangladesh never posted negative economic growth during the past 30 years • Bangladesh has ‘never defaulted in its debt repayments, nor asked for its rescheduling’ • Bangladesh has an open, marketbased economy led by a vibrant and innovative private sector, which provides the main stimulus for its growth • Bangladesh is a homogeneous country with no religious, ethnic or other forms of cultural conflicts • Bangladesh makes one of the largest contributors to the United Nations’ peacekeeping forces and missions and the record of Bangladeshi forces have been exemplary and laudable Attractive Incentives Schemes Bangladesh offers the most attractive investment incentives across sectors and locations.

Fiscal and Tax Incentives • Tax holiday: Five to seven years for selected sectors up to 10 years for infrastructure, up to 12 years for economic zones • Accelerated depreciation in lieu of tax holiday • Double tax avoidance under DTTs • Tariff concessions on importing capital machinery and import of raw materials • Bonded warehousing Others: • Fast-track approvals for citizenship • Permanent Residency • Quick Immigration • Skilled Work Permits • NRB Preferences Financial Incentives • Cash incentives • Exporting selected products • Export Development Fund • Equity Entrepreneurship Fund • Access to infra fund facilities (IPFF)